10-Q
Table of Contents


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016
or
o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period                      to                     
Commission file number: 001-36137
 
Sprague Resources LP
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
 
45-2637964
(State of incorporation)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
185 International Drive
Portsmouth, New Hampshire 03801
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (800) 225-1560
 
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  x    No  o
Indicated 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 Regulations S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  o
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 accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer
o
Accelerated filer
x
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  o  No  x
The registrant had 11,232,027 common units and 10,071,970 subordinated units outstanding as of May 2, 2016.



Table of Contents


Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.




Table of Contents


Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1 — Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Sprague Resources LP
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(in thousands except units)
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
 
(Unaudited)
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
8,269

 
$
30,974

Accounts receivable, net
167,752

 
160,848

Inventories
151,956

 
241,320

Fair value of derivative assets
134,087

 
157,714

Other current assets
54,657

 
57,006

Total current assets
516,721

 
647,862

Property, plant and equipment, net
250,342

 
250,909

Intangibles, net
21,073

 
22,113

Other assets, net
31,576

 
16,160

Goodwill
63,288

 
63,288

Total assets
$
883,000

 
$
1,000,332

Liabilities and unitholders’ equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
67,236

 
$
91,387

Accrued liabilities
40,931

 
47,840

Fair value of derivative liabilities
25,784

 
37,178

Due to General Partner
8,416

 
14,021

Current portion of long-term debt
91,632

 
332,914

Current portion of capital leases
1,015

 
1,002

Total current liabilities
235,014

 
524,342

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)

 

Long-term debt
435,882

 
283,561

Long-term capital leases
3,423

 
3,623

Other liabilities
15,694

 
14,995

Due to General Partner
955

 
1,264

Deferred income taxes
14,969

 
15,062

Total liabilities
705,937

 
842,847

Unitholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common unitholders - public (9,197,649 units and 8,977,378 units issued and outstanding, as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively)
198,150

 
189,483

Common unitholders - affiliated (2,034,378 units issued and outstanding)
566

 
(1,370
)
Subordinated unitholders - affiliated (10,071,970 units issued and outstanding)
(9,402
)
 
(18,989
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(12,251
)
 
(11,639
)
Total unitholders’ equity
177,063

 
157,485

Total liabilities and unitholders’ equity
$
883,000

 
$
1,000,332


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

1

Table of Contents


Sprague Resources LP
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(in thousands except unit and per unit amounts)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Net sales
$
722,907

 
$
1,598,358

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
639,620

 
1,490,373

Operating expenses
16,829

 
18,883

Selling, general and administrative
24,130

 
32,381

Depreciation and amortization
5,031

 
4,992

Total operating costs and expenses
685,610

 
1,546,629

Operating income
37,297

 
51,729

Other (expense) income
(95
)
 
514

Interest income
127

 
112

Interest expense
(6,983
)
 
(7,766
)
Income before income taxes
30,346

 
44,589

Income tax provision
(525
)
 
(650
)
Net income
29,821

 
43,939

Incentive distributions declared
(275
)
 

Limited partners’ interest in net income
$
29,546

 
$
43,939

 
 
 
 
Net income per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
Common - basic
$
1.39

 
$
2.10

Common - diluted
$
1.38

 
$
2.06

Subordinated - basic and diluted
$
1.39

 
$
2.10

Units used to compute net income per limited partner unit:
 
 
 
Common - basic
11,109,914

 
10,897,488

Common - diluted
11,249,460

 
11,064,510

Subordinated - basic and diluted
10,071,970

 
10,071,970

 
 
 
 
Distribution declared per common and subordinated units
$
0.5325

 
$
0.4725









The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

2

Table of Contents


Sprague Resources LP
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Net income
$
29,821

 
$
43,939

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
 
 
 
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
 
 
 
Net loss arising in the period
(1,054
)
 
(700
)
Reclassification adjustment related to losses realized in income
396

 
130

Net change in unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
(658
)
 
(570
)
Tax effect
12

 
17


(646
)
 
(553
)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
34

 
(1,349
)
Other comprehensive loss
(612
)
 
(1,902
)
Comprehensive income
$
29,209

 
$
42,037


















The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

3

Table of Contents


Sprague Resources LP
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Unitholders’ Equity (Deficit)
(in thousands)
 
 
Common-
Public
 
Common-
Sprague
Holdings
 
Subordinated-
Sprague
Holdings
 
Incentive Distribution Rights
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
(Loss) Income
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
171,055

 
$
(5,566
)
 
$
(39,762
)
 
$

 
$
(9,833
)
 
$
115,894

Net income
33,218

 
7,558

 
37,418

 
154

 

 
78,348

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(1,806
)
 
(1,806
)
Unit-based compensation
1,284

 
292

 
1,446

 

 

 
3,022

Distributions paid
(17,172
)
 
(3,906
)
 
(19,337
)
 
(154
)
 

 
(40,569
)
Common units issued with annual bonus
2,088

 
479

 
2,372

 

 

 
4,939

Units withheld for employee tax obligation
(990
)
 
(227
)
 
(1,126
)
 

 

 
(2,343
)
Balance at December 31, 2015
189,483

 
(1,370
)
 
(18,989
)
 

 
(11,639
)
 
157,485

Net income
12,706

 
2,848

 
14,100

 
167

 

 
29,821

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 
(612
)
 
(612
)
Unit-based compensation
652

 
146

 
723

 

 

 
1,521

Distributions paid
(4,671
)
 
(1,053
)
 
(5,212
)
 
(167
)
 

 
(11,103
)
Payments for distribution equivalents
(110
)
 
(25
)
 
(123
)
 

 

 
(258
)
Common units issued with annual bonus
1,748

 
392

 
1,939

 

 

 
4,079

Units withheld for employee tax obligation
(1,658
)
 
(372
)
 
(1,840
)
 

 

 
(3,870
)
Balance at March 31, 2016
$
198,150

 
$
566

 
$
(9,402
)
 
$

 
$
(12,251
)
 
$
177,063












The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

4

Table of Contents


Sprague Resources LP
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(in thousands)
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income
$
29,821

 
$
43,939

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization (includes amortization of deferred debt issuance costs)
5,957

 
5,898

Provision for doubtful accounts
122

 
730

Gain on sale of assets and insurance recoveries
79

 
(514
)
Deferred income taxes
(81
)
 
(678
)
Non-cash unit-based compensation
236

 
4,068

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(7,229
)
 
(53,480
)
Inventories
89,708

 
172,643

Prepaid expenses and other assets
5,323

 
7,230

Fair value of commodity derivative instruments
25,363

 
26,531

Due to General Partner and affiliates
(5,356
)
 
(3,510
)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other
(27,509
)
 
(80,439
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
116,434

 
122,418

Cash flows from investing activities
 
 
 
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(3,622
)
 
(3,527
)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(29,065
)
 

Proceeds from property insurance settlement and sale of assets
119

 
336

Net cash used in investing activities
(32,568
)
 
(3,191
)
Cash flows from financing activities
 
 
 
Net payments under credit agreements
(89,008
)
 
(87,042
)
Payments on capital lease liabilities and term debt
(251
)
 
(390
)
Payments on long-term terminal obligations
(78
)
 
(97
)
Debt issue costs
(2,092
)
 
(1,938
)
Distributions to unitholders
(11,103
)
 
(9,589
)
Payments for distribution equivalents
(258
)
 

Foreign exchange on capital lease obligations
64

 
(157
)
Units withheld for employee tax obligation
(3,870
)
 
(2,343
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(106,596
)
 
(101,556
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies
25

 
(142
)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
(22,705
)
 
17,529

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
30,974

 
4,080

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
8,269

 
$
21,609

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
 
 
 
Cash paid for interest
$
5,825

 
$
6,929

Cash paid for taxes
$
153

 
$
773


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

5

Table of Contents


Sprague Resources LP
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(in thousands unless otherwise stated)
1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Partnership Businesses
Sprague Resources LP (the “Partnership”) is a Delaware limited partnership formed on June 23, 2011 to engage in activities for which limited partnerships may be organized under the Delaware Revised Limited Partnership Act including, but not limited to, actions to form a limited liability company and/or acquire assets owned by Sprague Operating Resources LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the Partnership’s operating company. The Partnership is a wholesale and commercial distributor engaged in the purchase, storage, distribution and sale of refined products and natural gas, and also provides storage and handling services for a broad range of materials.
Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Sprague Resources” and the “Partnership” refer to Sprague Resources LP and its subsidiaries. Unless the context otherwise requires, references to “Axel Johnson” or the “Parent” refer to Axel Johnson Inc. and its controlled affiliates, collectively, other than Sprague Resources, its subsidiaries and its general partner. References to “Sprague Holdings” refer to Sprague Resources Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Axel Johnson and the owner of the General Partner. References to the “General Partner” refer to Sprague Resources GP LLC.
The Partnership owns, operates and/or controls a network of 19 refined products and materials handling terminals located in the Northeast United States and in Quebec, Canada. The Partnership also utilizes third-party terminals in the Northeast United States through which it sells or distributes refined products pursuant to rack, exchange and throughput agreements. The Partnership has four business segments: refined products, natural gas, materials handling and other operations. The refined products segment purchases a variety of refined products, such as heating oil, diesel fuel, residual fuel oil, kerosene, jet fuel, gasoline and asphalt (primarily from refining companies, trading organizations and producers), and sells them to wholesale and commercial customers. The natural gas segment purchases, sells and distributes natural gas to commercial and industrial customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. The Partnership purchases the natural gas it sells from natural gas producers and trading companies. The materials handling segment offloads, stores and prepares for delivery a variety of customer-owned products, including asphalt, clay slurry, salt, gypsum, crude oil, residual fuel oil, coal, petroleum coke, caustic soda, tallow, pulp and heavy equipment. The Partnership’s other operations include the purchase and distribution of coal, certain commercial trucking activities and the heating equipment service business.
As of March 31, 2016, the Parent, through its ownership of Sprague Holdings, owns 2,034,378 common units and 10,071,970 subordinated units, representing an aggregate of 57% of the limited partner interest in the Partnership. Sprague Holdings also owns the General Partner, which in turn owns a non-economic interest in the Partnership. Sprague Holdings currently holds incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) that entitle it to receive increasing percentages, up to a maximum of 50%, of the cash the Partnership distributes from distributable cash flow in excess of $0.474375 per unit per quarter. The maximum distribution of 50% does not include any distributions that Sprague Holdings may receive on any limited partnership units that it owns. See Notes 11 and 12.
Basis of Presentation
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Partnership and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions between the Partnership and its subsidiaries have been eliminated. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim financial information. As permitted under those rules, certain notes or other financial information that are normally required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) to be included in annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted from these interim financial statements. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes of the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 as filed with the SEC on March 10, 2016 (the “2015 Annual Report”).
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities in the balance sheet and the reported revenues and expenses in the income statement. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Among the estimates made by management are asset valuations, the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities, environmental, and legal obligations.

6

Table of Contents


The Partnership's significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 “Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” in the Partnership’s audited consolidated financial statements, included in the 2015 Annual Report, and are the same as are used in preparing these unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.
The consolidated financial statements included herein reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the Partnership’s consolidated financial position at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and the consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the three and three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The unaudited results of operations for the interim periods reported are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full year. Demand for some of the Partnership’s refined petroleum products, specifically heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes, and to a lesser extent natural gas, are generally higher during the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year which may result in significant fluctuations in the Partnership’s quarterly operating results.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09 Compensation- Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which addresses areas for simplification involving several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions including, among other things, income tax consequences of excess benefits and deficiencies, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, classification on the statement of cash flows, and the use of forfeiture estimates. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. The Partnership is currently evaluating both the impact of this new standard on the consolidated financial statements and the transition method it will utilize upon adoption.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 Leases (Topic 842), which, among other things, requires lessees to recognize at the commencement date of a lease a liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis, and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The modified retrospective approach would not require any transition accounting for leases that expired before the earliest comparative period presented. Lessees and lessors may not apply a full retrospective transition approach. The Partnership is currently evaluating both the impact of this new standard on the consolidated financial statements and the transition method it will utilize upon adoption.
In October 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments which requires that an acquirer recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The Partnership adopted the application of this ASU in 2016 which resulted in no impact to its consolidated financial statements relating to the Partnership's previous acquisitions.
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires that inventory within the scope of the guidance be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. The Partnership is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years.
In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-6, Earnings Per Share (Topic 260): Effects on Historical Earnings per Unit of Master Limited Partnership Dropdown Transactions (a consensus of the Emerging Issues Task Force). The Partnership adopted the application of this ASU in 2016 which resulted in no changes to the presentation of earnings per unit or related disclosures in connection with the Partnership’s 2014 dropdown transaction.

7

Table of Contents


In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-3, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, ("ASU 2015-3") which requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability, consistent with the presentation of a debt discount. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15 to reflect SEC commentary that given the absence of authoritative guidance within ASU 2015-03 for debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements, the SEC would not object to an entity deferring and presenting debt issuance costs as an asset and subsequently amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. The Partnership has adopted the application of these ASUs by electing to continue its policy of deferring and presenting debt issuance costs related to its revolving credit agreement as an asset and amortizing the deferred debt issuance costs ratably over the term of the arrangement as addressed by the SEC commentary in ASU 2015-15. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Partnership’s unamortized debt issuance costs were $15.3 million and $14.2 million, respectively, and are included in other assets, net.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which revises the principles of revenue recognition from one based on the transfer of risks and rewards to when a customer obtains control of a good or service. In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing and in March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net). Both ASU 2016-10 and ASU 2016-08 were issued to clarify implementation guidance and did not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. These ASUs are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application for public entities is permitted only as of annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim reporting periods within that reporting period. The Partnership continues to evaluate both the impact of these new standards on the consolidated financial statements and the transition method it will utilize for adoption.
2. Business Combinations
Santa Buckley Energy, Inc.
On February 1, 2016, the Partnership purchased the natural gas assets of Santa Buckley Energy, Inc. (“SBE”) for $17.5 million, not including the purchase of natural gas inventory, utility security deposits, and other adjustments. Total consideration at closing was $29.1 million. SBE markets natural gas to commercial, industrial and municipal consumers in the Northeast United States. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and was financed with borrowings under the Partnership’s credit facility. The operations of SBE are included in the Partnership's natural gas segment since the acquisition date.
The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed: 
 
 
Derivative assets
$
22,121

Other current assets and prepaids
2,168

Intangibles and other
22,398

Total assets acquired
46,687

Accrued liabilities
219

Derivative liabilities
15,007

Other liabilities
2,396

Total liabilities assumed
17,622

Net assets acquired
$
29,065

A preliminary allocation of the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was made based on available information and incorporating management’s best estimates. The Partnership expects to finalize the purchase allocation during 2016. The final allocation of the purchase price and resulting effect on income from operations may differ from the amount included above. The Partnership recognized less than $0.1 million of acquisition related costs that were expensed and are included in selling, general and administrative expense.

8

Table of Contents


3. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, consisted of the following:
 
 
March 31, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Fair value of interest rate swaps, net of tax
$
(1,472
)
 
$
(826
)
Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment
(10,779
)
 
(10,813
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax
$
(12,251
)
 
$
(11,639
)
4. Inventories
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31,
2015
Petroleum and related products
$
130,490

 
$
215,048

Asphalt
18,711

 
20,677

Coal
1,946

 
3,713

Natural gas
809

 
1,882

Inventories
$
151,956

 
$
241,320

Due to changing market conditions, the Partnership recorded a provision of $4.3 million and $27.9 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively, to write-down petroleum, natural gas and asphalt inventory to its net realizable value. These charges are included in cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
5. Debt
 
March 31,
2016
 
December 31, 2015
Current debt
 
 
 
Credit agreement
$
91,410

 
$
332,703

Other
222

 
211

Current debt
91,632

 
332,914

Long-term debt
 
 
 
Credit agreement
435,560

 
283,197

Other
322

 
364

Long-term debt
435,882

 
283,561

Total debt
$
527,514

 
$
616,475


Credit Agreement
On March 10, 2016, Sprague Resources LLC, the operating company of the Partnership and Kildair Service ULC ("Kildair") entered into an amendment to its amended and restated revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) that matures on December 9, 2019. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries. The revolving credit facilities under the Credit Agreement contain, among other items, the following:
 
U.S. dollar revolving working capital facility of up to $1.0 billion to be used for working capital loans and letters of credit in the principal amount equal to the lesser of the Partnership’s borrowing base and $1.0 billion;
Multicurrency revolving working capital facility of up to $120.0 million to be used by Kildair for working capital loans and letters of credit in the principal amount equal to the lesser of Kildair’s borrowing base and $120.0 million;
Revolving acquisition facility of up to $550.0 million to be used for loans and letters of credit to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions and other general corporate purposes related to the Partnership’s current businesses; and
Subject to certain conditions, the U.S. dollar or multicurrency revolving working capital facilities may be increased by $200.0 million. Additionally, subject to certain conditions, the revolving acquisition facility may be increased by $200.0 million.

9

Table of Contents


Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement bears interest, at the Partnership’s option, at a rate per annum equal to either the Eurocurrency Base Rate (which is the LIBOR Rate for loans denominated in U.S. dollars and CDOR for loans denominated in Canadian dollars, in each case adjusted for certain regulatory costs) for interest periods of one, two, three or six months plus a specified margin or an alternate rate plus a specified margin.
For the U.S. dollar working capital facility and the acquisition facility, the alternate rate is the Base Rate which is the higher of (a) the U.S. Prime Rate as in effect from time to time, (b) the Federal Funds rate as in effect from time to time plus 0.50% and (c) the one-month Eurocurrency Rate for U.S. dollars as in effect from time to time plus 1.00%.
For the Canadian dollar working capital facility, the alternate rate is the Prime Rate which is the higher of (a) the Canadian Prime Rate as in effect from time to time and (b) the one-month Eurocurrency Rate for U.S. dollars as in effect from time to time plus 1.00%.
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, working capital facilities borrowings were $262.6 million and $332.5 million, respectively, and outstanding letters of credit were $14.4 million and $23.6 million, respectively. The working capital facilities are subject to borrowing base reporting and as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, had a borrowing base of $395.5 million and $542.6 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2016, excess availability under the working capital facility was $118.5 million.
Acquisition line borrowings were $264.4 million at March 31, 2016 and $283.4 million at December 31, 2015. As of March 31, 2016, excess availability under the acquisition facility was $285.6 million.
The weighted average interest rate was 3.1% and 2.9% at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. No amounts are due under the Credit Agreement until the maturity date, however, the current portion of the credit agreement at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 represents the amounts intended to be repaid during the following twelve month period.
The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictions and covenants among which are a minimum level of net working capital, fixed charge coverage and debt leverage ratios and limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness. The Credit Agreement limits the Partnership’s ability to make distributions in the event of a default as defined in the Credit Agreement. As of March 31, 2016, the Partnership is in compliance with these financial covenants.
6. Related Party Transactions
The General Partner charges the Partnership for the reimbursements of employee costs and related employee benefits and other overhead costs supporting the Partnership’s operations which amounted to $25.5 million and $32.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Through the General Partner, the Partnership also participates in the Parent’s pension and other post-retirement benefits. At March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 total amounts due to the General Partner with respect to these benefits and overhead costs were $9.4 million and $14.0 million, respectively.
7. Segment Reporting
The Partnership has four reporting operating segments that comprise the structure used by the chief operating decision makers (CEO and CFO/COO) to make key operating decisions and assess performance. These segments are refined products, natural gas, materials handling and other activities.
The Partnership’s refined products segment purchases a variety of refined products, such as heating oil, diesel fuel, residual fuel oil, asphalt, kerosene, jet fuel and gasoline (primarily from refining companies, trading organizations and producers), and sells them to its customers. The Partnership has wholesale customers who resell the refined products they purchase from the Partnership and commercial customers who consume the refined products they purchase from the Partnership. The Partnership’s wholesale customers consist of home heating oil retailers and diesel fuel and gasoline resellers. The Partnership’s commercial customers include federal and state agencies, municipalities, regional transit authorities, large industrial companies, real estate management companies, hospitals and educational institutions.
The Partnership’s natural gas segment purchases, sells and distributes natural gas to commercial and industrial customers primarily in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. The Partnership purchases natural gas from natural gas producers and trading companies.

10

Table of Contents


The Partnership’s materials handling segment offloads, stores, and/or prepares for delivery a variety of customer-owned products, including asphalt, clay slurry, salt, gypsum, crude oil, residual fuel oil, coal, petroleum coke, caustic soda, tallow, pulp and heavy equipment. These services are fee-based activities which are generally conducted under multi-year agreements.
The Partnership’s other activities include the purchase, sale and distribution of coal, commercial trucking activities unrelated to its refined products segment and the heating equipment service business. Other activities are not reported separately as they represent less than 10% of consolidated net sales and adjusted gross margin.
The Partnership evaluates segment performance based on adjusted gross margin, which is net sales less cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) increased by unrealized hedging losses and decreased by unrealized hedging gains, in each case with respect to refined products and natural gas inventory, prepaid forward contracts and natural gas transportation contracts.
Based on the way the business is managed, it is not reasonably possible for the Partnership to allocate the components of operating costs and expenses among the operating segments. There were no significant intersegment sales for any of the years presented below.
The Partnership had no single customer that accounted for more than 10% of total net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Partnership’s foreign sales, primarily sales of refined products, asphalt and natural gas to its customers in Canada, were $33.6 million and $58.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Summarized financial information for the Partnership’s reportable segments is presented in the table below:
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
Net sales:
 
 
 
Refined products
$
589,944

 
$
1,431,845

Natural gas
115,619

 
146,679

Materials handling
11,391

 
10,184

Other operations
5,953

 
9,650

Net sales
$
722,907

 
$
1,598,358

Adjusted gross margin(1):
 
 
 
Refined products
$
41,642

 
$
66,306

Natural gas
31,122

 
34,817

Materials handling
11,392

 
10,184

Other operations
2,298

 
2,983

Adjusted gross margin
86,454

 
114,290

Reconciliation to operating income(2):
 
 
 
Add: unrealized loss on inventory(3)
(3,304
)
 
(3,534
)
Add: unrealized gain on prepaid forward contracts(4)
481

 
Add: unrealized loss on natural gas transportation contracts(5)
(344
)
 
(2,771
)
Operating costs and expenses not allocated to operating segments:
 
 
 
Operating expenses
(16,829
)
 
(18,883
)
Selling, general and administrative
(24,130
)
 
(32,381
)
Depreciation and amortization
(5,031
)
 
(4,992
)
Operating income
37,297

 
51,729

Other (expense) income
(95
)
 
514

Interest income
127

 
112

Interest expense
(6,983
)
 
(7,766
)
Income tax provision
(525
)
 
(650
)
Net income
$
29,821

 
$
43,939


11

Table of Contents



(1)
Adjusted gross margin is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management and external users of the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements to assess the Partnership’s economic results of operations and its market value reporting to lenders. The Partnership adjusts its segment results for the impact of unrealized hedging gains and losses with regard to refined products and natural gas inventory, prepaid forward contracts and natural gas transportation contracts relating to the underlying commodity derivative hedges, which are not marked to market for the purpose of recording unrealized gains or losses in net income (loss). These adjustments align the unrealized hedging gains and losses to the period in which the revenue from the sale of inventory, prepaid fixed forwards and the utilization of transportation contracts relating to those hedges is realized in net income (loss).
(2)
Reconciliation of adjusted gross margin to operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
(3)
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. The fair value of the derivatives the Partnership uses to economically hedge its inventory declines or appreciates in value as the value of the underlying inventory appreciates or declines, which creates unrealized hedging losses (gains) with respect to the derivatives that are included in net income (loss).
(4)
The unrealized hedging gain (loss) on prepaid forward contracts represents the Partnership’s estimate of the change in fair value of the prepaid forward contracts which are not recorded in net income (loss) until the forward contract is settled in the future (i.e., when the commodity is delivered to the customer). As these contracts are prepaid, they do not qualify as derivatives. The fair value of the derivatives the Partnership uses to economically hedge its prepaid forward contracts declines or appreciates in value as the value of the underlying forward contract appreciates or declines, which creates unrealized hedging gains (losses) with respect to the derivatives that are included in net income (loss).
(5)
The unrealized hedging gain (loss) on natural gas transportation contracts represents the Partnership’s estimate of the change in fair value of the natural gas transportation contracts which are not recorded in net income (loss) until the transportation is utilized in the future (i.e., when natural gas is delivered to the customer), as these contracts do not qualify as derivatives. As the fair value of the natural gas transportation contracts decline or appreciate, the offsetting physical or financial derivative will also appreciate or decline creating unmatched unrealized hedging (losses) gains in net income (loss) as of each period end.
Segment Assets
Due to the commingled nature and uses of the Partnership’s fixed assets, the Partnership does not track its fixed assets between its refined products and materials handling operating segments or its other activities. There are no significant fixed assets attributable to the natural gas reportable segment.
At March 31, 2016, goodwill recorded for the Refined Products, Natural Gas, Materials Handling and Other Operations segments amounted to $36.6 million, $18.6 million, $6.9 million and $1.2 million, respectively.
8. Financial Instruments and Off-Balance Sheet Risk
As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying amounts of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable approximated fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying value of the Partnership’s margin deposits with brokers consists of initial margin with futures transaction brokers, along with variation margin, which is paid or received on a daily basis, and is included in other current assets. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the carrying value of the Partnership’s debt approximated fair value due to the variable interest nature of these instruments.
Derivative Instruments
The Partnership utilizes derivative instruments consisting of futures contracts, forward contracts, swaps, options and other derivatives individually or in combination, to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in prices of refined petroleum products and natural gas. The use of these derivative instruments within the Partnership's risk management policy may generate gains or losses from changes in market prices. The Partnership enters into futures and over-the-counter (“OTC”) transactions either on regulated exchanges or in the OTC market. Futures contracts are exchange-traded contractual commitments to either receive or deliver a standard amount or value of a commodity at a specified future date and price, with some futures contracts based on cash settlement rather than a delivery requirement. Futures exchanges typically require margin deposits as security. OTC contracts, which may or may not require margin deposits as security, involve parties that have agreed either to exchange cash payments or deliver or receive the underlying commodity at a specified future date and price. The Partnership posts initial margin with futures transaction brokers, along with variation margin, which is paid or received on a daily basis, and is included in other current assets. In addition, the Partnership may either pay or receive margin based upon exposure with counterparties. Payments made by the Partnership are included in other current assets, whereas payments received by the Partnership are included in accrued liabilities. Substantially all of the Partnership’s commodity derivative contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2016 will settle prior to September 30, 2017.

12

Table of Contents


The Partnership enters into some master netting arrangements to mitigate credit risk with significant counterparties. Master netting arrangements are standardized contracts that govern all specified transactions with the same counterparty and allow the Partnership to terminate all contracts upon occurrence of certain events, such as a counterparty’s default. The Partnership has elected not to offset the fair value of its derivatives, even where these arrangements provide the right to do so.
The Partnership’s derivative instruments are recorded at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income (loss) each period. The Partnership’s fair value measurements are determined using the market approach and includes non-performance risk and time value of money considerations. Counterparty credit is considered for receivable balances, and the Partnership’s credit is considered for payable balances.
The Partnership determines fair value in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 820, “Fair Value Measurement” which established a hierarchy for the inputs used to measure the fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on the source of the input, which generally range from quoted prices for identical instruments in a principal trading market (Level 1) to estimates determined using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). Multiple inputs may be used to measure fair value; however, the level of fair value is based on the lowest significant input level within this fair value hierarchy.
Details on the methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values are as follows:
Fair value measurements based on Level 1 inputs: Measurements that are most observable and are based on quoted prices of identical instruments obtained from the principal markets in which they are traded. Closing prices are both readily available and representative of fair value. Market transactions occur with sufficient frequency and volume to assure liquidity.
Fair value measurements based on Level 2 inputs: Measurements derived indirectly from observable inputs or from quoted prices from markets that are less liquid are considered Level 2. Measurements based on Level 2 inputs include OTC derivative instruments that are priced on an exchange traded curve, but have contractual terms that are not identical to exchange traded contracts. The Partnership utilizes fair value measurements based on Level 2 inputs for its fixed forward contracts, over-the-counter commodity price swaps, interest rate swaps and forward currency contracts.
Fair value measurements based on Level 3 inputs: Measurements that are least observable are estimated from significant unobservable inputs determined from sources with little or no market activity for comparable contracts or for positions with longer durations.
The Partnership does not offset fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral (a receivable) or the obligation to return cash collateral (a payable) against the fair value of derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the same master netting arrangement. The Partnership had no right to reclaim or obligation to return cash collateral as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
The following table presents financial assets and financial liabilities of the Partnership measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
 
 
As of March 31, 2016
 
Fair Value
Measurement
 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
Level 1
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Level 2
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity exchange contracts
$
13

 
$
13

 
$

 
$

Commodity fixed forwards
133,619

 

 
133,619

 

Commodity swaps and options
340

 

 
340

 

Commodity derivatives
133,972

 
13

 
133,959

 

Interest rate swaps
115

 

 
115

 

Total
$
134,087

 
$
13

 
$
134,074

 
$

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity fixed forwards
$
21,767

 
$

 
$
21,767

 
$

Commodity swaps and options
2,384

 

 
2,384

 

Commodity derivatives
24,151

 

 
24,151

 

Interest rate swaps
1,613

 

 
1,613

 

Other
20

 

 
20

 

Total
$
25,784

 
$

 
$
25,784

 
$


13

Table of Contents


 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Fair Value
Measurement
 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
Level 1
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Level 2
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity fixed forwards
$
157,389

 
$

 
$
157,389

 
$

Commodity swaps and options
51

 

 
51

 

Commodity derivatives
157,440

 

 
157,440

 

Interest rate swaps
274

 

 
274

 

Total
$
157,714

 
$

 
$
157,714

 
$

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity fixed forwards
$
31,801

 
$

 
$
31,801

 
$

Commodity swaps and options
4,250

 

 
4,250

 

Commodity derivatives
36,051

 

 
36,051

 

Interest rate swaps
1,115

 

 
1,115

 

Other
12

 

 
12

 

Total
$
37,178

 
$

 
$
37,178

 
$


The Partnership enters into derivative contracts with counterparties, some of which are subject to master netting arrangements, which allow net settlements under certain conditions. The Partnership presents derivatives at gross fair values in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that the Partnership would incur if its counterparties failed completely to perform according to the terms of the contracts, based on the net fair value of these financial instruments, was $132.4 million at March 31, 2016. Information related to these offsetting arrangements is as follows:
 
As of March 31, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amount Not Offset in
the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of
Recognized
Assets/
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheet
 
Amounts of
Assets/
Liabilities in
Balance Sheet
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Posted
 
Net Amount
Commodity derivative assets
$
133,972

 
$

 
$
133,972

 
$
(1,665
)
 
$
(381
)
 
$
131,926

Currency swap derivative assets
115

 

 
115

 

 

 
115

Fair value of derivative assets
$
134,087

 
$

 
$
134,087

 
$
(1,665
)
 
$
(381
)
 
$
132,041

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivative liabilities
$
(24,151
)
 
$

 
$
(24,151
)
 
$
1,665

 
$

 
$
(22,486
)
Interest rate swap derivative liabilities
(1,613
)
 

 
(1,613
)
 

 

 
(1,613
)
Other liabilities
(20
)
 

 
(20
)
 

 

 
(20
)
Fair value of derivative liabilities
$
(25,784
)
 
$

 
$
(25,784
)
 
$
1,665

 
$

 
$
(24,119
)

 
As of December 31, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Amount Not Offset in
the Balance Sheet
 
 
 
Gross Amounts of
Recognized
Assets/
Liabilities
 
Gross
Amounts
Offset in the
Balance Sheet
 
Amounts of
Assets/
Liabilities in
Balance Sheet
 
Financial
Instruments
 
Cash
Collateral
Posted
 
Net Amount
Commodity derivative assets
$
157,440

 
$

 
$
157,440

 
$
(1,811
)
 
$
(1,798
)
 
$
153,831

Interest rate swap derivative assets
274

 

 
274

 

 

 
274

Fair value of derivative assets
$
157,714

 
$

 
$
157,714

 
$
(1,811
)
 
$
(1,798
)
 
$
154,105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivative liabilities
$
(36,051
)
 
$

 
$
(36,051
)
 
$
1,811

 
$

 
$
(34,240
)
Interest rate swap derivative liabilities
(1,115
)
 

 
(1,115
)
 

 

 
(1,115
)
Other liabilities
(12
)
 

 
(12
)
 

 

 
(12
)
Fair value of derivative liabilities
$
(37,178
)
 
$

 
$
(37,178
)
 
$
1,811

 
$

 
$
(35,367
)


14

Table of Contents


The following table presents total realized and unrealized gains (losses) on derivative instruments utilized for commodity risk management purposes included in cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations:
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Refined products contracts
$
33,033

 
$
61,804

Natural gas contracts
19,032

 
(4,328
)
Total
$
52,065

 
$
57,476

There were no discretionary trading activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015. The following table presents gross volume of commodity derivative instruments outstanding for the periods indicated.
 
 
As of March 31, 2016
 
As of December 31, 2015
 
Refined Products
(Barrels)
 
Natural Gas
(MMBTUs)
 
Refined Products
(Barrels)
 
Natural Gas
(MMBTUs)
Long contracts
6,824

 
140,458

 
12,067

 
123,711

Short contracts
(9,665
)
 
(79,474
)
 
(16,558
)
 
(75,785
)
Interest Rate Derivatives
The Partnership has entered into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates on its Credit Agreement. The Partnership’s interest rate swaps hedge actual and forecasted LIBOR borrowings and have been designated as cash flow hedges. Counterparties to the Partnership’s interest rate swaps are large multinational banks and the Partnership does not believe there is a material risk of counterparty non-performance.
The Partnership's interest rate swap agreements outstanding as of March 31, 2016 were as follows:
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Beginning
 
Ending
 
Notional Amount
January 2016
 
January 2017
 
$
250,000

September 2016
 
April 2017
 
$
25,000

January 2017
 
January 2018
 
$
100,000

There was no material ineffectiveness determined for the cash flow hedges for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
The Partnership records unrealized gains and losses on its interest rate swaps as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, which is reclassified to earnings as interest expense when the payments are made. As of March 31, 2016, the amount of unrealized losses, net of tax, expected to be reclassified to earnings during the following twelve-month period was approximately $1.1 million.
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal, Environmental and Other Proceedings
The Partnership is involved in various lawsuits, other proceedings and environmental matters, all of which arose in the normal course of business. The Partnership believes, based upon its examination of currently available information, its experience to date, and advice from legal counsel, that the individual and aggregate liabilities resulting from the resolution of these contingent matters will not have a material adverse impact on the Partnership’s consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

15

Table of Contents


10. Equity-Based Compensation
The board of directors of the General Partner has approved an annual bonus program which is provided to substantially all employees. Under this program bonuses for the majority of participants will be settled in cash with others receiving a combination of cash and common units. The Partnership records the expected bonus payment as a liability until a grant date has been established and awards finalized, which occurs in the first quarter of the year following the year for which the bonus is earned. Approximately $5.0 million of the annual bonus expense accrual as of December 31, 2015 was subsequently settled by issuing 239,641 common units (market value of $4.1 million) and the Partnership withheld from the recipients 78,623 common units (market value of $1.3 million) to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations. The Partnership estimates that $0.2 million of the annual bonus expense recorded during the three months ended March 31, 2016 will be settled in common units.
The board of directors of the General Partner grants performance-based phantom unit awards to key employees that vest if certain performance criteria are met. Upon vesting, a holder of performance-based phantom units is entitled to receive a number of common units of the Partnership equal to a percentage (between 0 and 200%) of the phantom units granted, based on the Partnership’s achieving pre-determined performance criteria. The Partnership uses authorized but unissued units to satisfy its unit-based obligations.
Phantom unit awards granted during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, include a market condition criteria that considers the Partnership's total unitholder return ("TUR") over the vesting period, compared with the total unitholder return of a peer group of other master limited partnership energy companies over the same period. These awards are equity awards with both service and market-based conditions, which results in compensation cost being recognized over the requisite service period, provided that the requisite service period is fulfilled, regardless of when, if ever, the market based conditions are satisfied. The fair value of the TUR based performance-based phantom units granted was estimated based on a Monte Carlo model that estimated the most likely performance outcome based on the terms of the award. The key inputs in the model include the market price of the Partnership’s common units as of the valuation date, the historical volatility of the market price of the Partnership’s common units, the historical volatility of the market price of the common units or common stock of the peer companies and the correlation between changes in the market price of the Partnership’s common units and those of the peer companies.
The TUR based performance phantom units with a performance period ending as of December 31, 2015 vested at the 200% level and as a result 74,050 common units (vested market value of $1.4 million) were issued during January 2016. In connection with these vested awards, the Partnership withheld from the recipients 24,683 units (vested market value of $0.5 million) to satisfy minimum tax withholding obligations.
Phantom unit awards granted during the three months ended March 31, 2016, vest on December 31, 2018 and include a performance criteria that considers the Partnership's operating cash flow, as defined therein ("OCF"), over the vesting period. The number of common units that may be received in settlement of each phantom unit award can range between 0 and 200% of the number of phantom units granted based on the level of OCF achieved during the vesting period. These awards are equity awards with performance and service conditions which result in compensation cost being recognized over the requisite service period once payment is determined to be probable. Compensation expense related to the OCF based awards is estimated each reporting period by multiplying the number of common units underlying such awards that, based on the Partnership's estimate of OCF, are likely to vest, by the grant-date fair value of the award and is recognized over the requisite service period using the straight-line method. The fair value of the OCF-based phantom units was based on the grant date closing price listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The number of units that the Partnership estimates are likely to vest could change over the vesting period. Any such change in estimate is recognized as a cumulative adjustment calculated as if the new estimate had been in effect from the grant date.
The Partnership's long-term incentive phantom unit awards include a tandem distribution equivalent rights ("DERs") which entitle the participant to a cash payment upon vesting that is equal to any cash distribution paid on a common unit between the grant date and the date the phantom units were settled. Payments made in connection with DERs are recorded as a reduction to unitholders' equity and totaled $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to performance-based phantom unit awards totaled $5.6 million as of March 31, 2016 which is expected to be recognized over a period of 33 months.

16

Table of Contents


A summary of the Partnership’s unit awards subject to vesting during the three months ended March 31, 2016 is set forth below: 
 
Time Based and Restricted Units
 
Phantom Units
(TUR-based)
 
Phantom Units
(OCF-based)
 
Units
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per unit)
 
Units
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per unit)
 
Units
 
Weighted
Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
(per unit)
Nonvested at December 31, 2015
12,141

 
$
19.63

 
215,051

 
$
33.40

 

 
$

Granted

 

 

 
$

 
166,900

 
$
17.52

Forfeited

 

 

 

 

 

Vested
(9,919
)
 
(20.16
)
 

 

 

 

Nonvested at March 31, 2016
2,222

 
$
17.33

 
215,051

 
$
33.40

 
166,900

 
$
17.52

Unit-based compensation recorded in unitholders’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $1.0 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
The following table provides information with respect to changes in the Partnership’s units:
 
 
Common Units
 
 
 
Public
 
Sprague
Holdings
 
Subordinated
Units
Balance as of December 31, 2014
8,777,922

 
2,034,378

 
10,071,970

Units issued in connection with employee bonus
133,634

 

 

Units issued in connection with phantom and performance awards
58,358

 

 

Director vested awards
7,464

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2015
8,977,378

 
2,034,378

 
10,071,970

Units issued in connection with employee bonus
161,018

 

 

Units issued in connection with phantom and performance awards
55,581

 

 

Employee vested awards
3,672

 

 

Balance as of March 31, 2016
9,197,649

 
2,034,378

 
10,071,970

11. Earnings Per Unit
Earnings per unit applicable to limited partners (including subordinated unitholders) is computed by dividing limited partners’ interest in net income (loss), after deducting any incentive distributions, by the weighted-average number of outstanding common and subordinated units. The Partnership’s net income is allocated to the limited partners in accordance with their respective ownership percentages, after giving effect to priority income allocations for incentive distributions, which are declared and paid following the close of each quarter. Earnings in excess of distributions are allocated to the limited partners based on their respective ownership interests. Payments made to the Partnership’s unitholders are determined in relation to actual distributions declared and are not based on the net income (loss) allocations used in the calculation of earnings (loss) per unit.
In addition to the common and subordinated units, the Partnership has also identified the IDRs and unvested unit awards as participating securities and uses the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners, which is based on the weighted-average number of units outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per unit includes the effects of potentially dilutive units on the Partnership’s common units, consisting of unvested unit awards. Basic and diluted earnings per unit applicable to subordinated limited partners are the same because there are no potentially dilutive subordinated units outstanding.

17

Table of Contents


The following table shows the weighted average common units outstanding used to compute net income per common unit for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Weighted average limited partner common units - basic
11,109,914

 
10,897,488

Dilutive effect of unvested restricted and phantom units
139,546

 
167,022

Weighted average limited partner common units - dilutive
11,249,460

 
11,064,510


The following tables provide a reconciliation of net income and the assumed allocation of net income to the limited partners’ interest for purposes of computing net income per unit for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Common
 
Subordinated
 
IDR
 
Total
 
(in thousands, except for per unit amounts)
Net income

 

 
 
 
$
29,821

Distributions declared
$
5,981

 
$
5,363

 
$
275

 
$
11,619

Assumed net income from operations after distributions
9,516

 
8,686

 

 
18,202

Assumed net income to be allocated
$
15,497

 
$
14,049

 
$
275

 
$
29,821

Earnings per unit - basic
$
1.39

 
$
1.39

 
 
 
 
Earnings per unit - diluted
$
1.38

 
$
1.39

 
 
 
 

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
Common
 
Subordinated
 
IDR
 
Total
 
(in thousands, except for per unit amounts)
Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
43,939

Distributions declared
$
5,204

 
$
4,759

 
$

 
$
9,963

Assumed net income from operations after distributions
17,630

 
16,346

 

 
33,976

Assumed net income to be allocated
$
22,834

 
$
21,105

 
$

 
$
43,939

Earnings per unit - basic
$
2.10

 
$
2.10

 
 
 
 
Earnings per unit - diluted
$
2.06

 
$
2.10

 
 
 
 
12. Partnership Distributions
The Partnership agreement sets forth the calculation to be used to determine the amount and priority of cash distributions that the common and subordinated unitholders will receive.
Cash distributions paid to unitholders and for incentive distributions for the periods indicated were as follows:
 
 
 
 
Cash Distributed
For the Quarter Ended
 
Payment Date
 
Per Unit
 
Common
 
Subordinated
 
IDR
 
Total
December 31, 2015
 
February 12, 2016
 
$0.5175
 
$
5,724

 
$
5,212

 
$
167

 
$
11,103

In addition, on April 27, 2016, the Partnership declared a cash distribution for the three months ended March 31, 2016, of $0.5325 per unit, totaling $11.6 million (including a $0.3 million IDR distribution). Such distributions are to be paid on May 13, 2016, to unitholders of record on May 9, 2016.

18

Table of Contents


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Quarterly Report”) and any information incorporated by reference, contains statements that we believe are “forward-looking statements”. Forward looking statements are statements that express our belief, expectations, estimates, or intentions, as well as those statements we make that are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations and contain projections of results of operations, or financial condition, and/or forecasts of future events. Words such as “may”, “assume”, “forecast”, “position”, “seek”, “predict”, “strategy”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “project”, “budget”, “outlook”, “potential”, “will”, “could”, “should”, or “continue”, and similar expressions are used to identify forward-looking statements. They can be affected by assumptions used or by known or unknown risks or uncertainties which could cause our actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: (i) changes in federal, state, local, and foreign laws or regulations including those that permit us to be treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, those that govern environmental protection and those that regulate the sale of our products to our customers; (ii) changes in the marketplace for our products or services resulting from events such as dramatic changes in commodity prices, increased competition, increased energy conservation, increased use of alternative fuels and new technologies, changes in local, domestic or international inventory levels, seasonality, changes in supply, weather and logistics disruptions, or general reductions in demand; (iii) security risks including terrorism and cyber-risk, (iv) adverse weather conditions, particularly warmer winter seasons and cooler summer seasons, climate change, environmental releases and natural disasters; (v) adverse local, regional, national, or international economic conditions, unfavorable capital market conditions, and detrimental political developments such as the inability to move products between foreign locales and the United States; (vi) nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers or suppliers; (vii) shutdowns or interruptions at our terminals and storage assets or at the source points for the products we store or sell, disruptions in our labor force, as well as disruptions in our information technology systems; (viii) unanticipated capital expenditures in connection with the construction, repair, or replacement of our assets; (ix) our ability to integrate acquired assets with our existing assets and to realize anticipated cost savings and other efficiencies and benefits; (x) our ability to successfully complete our organic growth and acquisition projects and to realize the anticipated financial benefits. These are not all of the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements. Other known or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on future results. Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report are qualified by these cautionary statements, and we cannot assure you that actual results or developments that we anticipate will be realized or, even if realized, will have the expected consequences to or effect on us or our business or operations. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this Quarterly Report may not occur.
When considering these forward-looking statements, please note that we provide additional cautionary discussion of risks and uncertainties in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed on March 10, 2016 with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors”, in Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, and in Part II, Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk”.

Forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report (or other date as specified in this Quarterly Report) or as of the date given if provided in another filing with the SEC. We undertake no obligation, and disclaim any obligation, to publicly update, review or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements. All forward looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in our existing and future periodic reports filed with the SEC.
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Partnership’s financial statements and related notes thereto as of and for the three months ended March 31, 2016 contained elsewhere in this Quarterly Report and the audited financial statements and related notes thereto as of and for the year ended December 31, 2015, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, as filed with the Securities Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 10, 2016 (the “2015 Annual Report”).
A reference to a “Note” herein refers to the accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Part I, Item 1. “Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements” of this Quarterly Report.

19

Table of Contents


Overview
We are a Delaware limited partnership formed in June 2011 by Sprague Holdings and our General Partner to engage in the purchase, storage, distribution and sale of refined products and natural gas, and to provide storage and handling services for a broad range of materials.
We are one of the largest independent wholesale distributors of refined products in the Northeast United States based on aggregate terminal capacity. We own, operate and/or control a network of 19 refined products and materials handling terminals strategically located throughout the Northeast United States and in Quebec, Canada that have a combined storage capacity of 14.2 million barrels for refined products and other liquid materials, as well as 2.0 million square feet of materials handling capacity. We also have an aggregate of 2.0 million barrels of additional storage capacity attributable to 45 storage tanks not currently in service. These tanks are not necessary for the operation of our business at current levels. In the event that such additional capacity were desired, additional time and capital would be required to bring any of such storage tanks into service. Furthermore, we have access to more than 50 third-party terminals in the Northeast United States through which we sell or distribute refined products pursuant to rack, exchange and throughput agreements.
We operate under four business segments: refined products, natural gas, materials handling and other operations. We evaluate the performance of our segments using adjusted gross margin which is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management and external users of our Consolidated and Combined Financial Statements to assess the economic results of operations. For a description of how we define adjusted gross margin see “Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA.” For a reconciliation of adjusted gross margin to the GAAP measure most directly comparable thereto see “Results of Operations.” See "Segment Reporting" included under Note 7 to our Unaudited Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements for a presentation of our financial results by reportable segment.
A summary of the adjusted gross margin generated by each of our segments as a percentage of our total adjusted gross margin follows:
 
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Operating Segment:
2016
 
2015
Refined Products
48
%
 
58
%
Natural Gas
36
%
 
30
%
Materials Handling
13
%
 
9
%
Other
3
%
 
3
%
Total
100
%
 
100
%
In our refined products segment we purchase a variety of refined products, such as heating oil, diesel fuel, residual fuel oil, kerosene, jet fuel, gasoline and asphalt (primarily from refining companies, trading organizations and producers), and sell them to our customers. We have wholesale customers who resell the refined products we sell to them and commercial customers who consume the refined products directly. Our wholesale customers consist of more than 1,000 home heating oil retailers and diesel fuel and gasoline resellers. Our commercial customers include federal and state agencies, municipalities, regional transit authorities, large industrial companies, real estate management companies, hospitals, educational institutions and asphalt paving companies. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we sold 477.4 million and 726.4 million gallons of refined products, respectively.
In our natural gas segment we purchase, sell and distribute natural gas to approximately 16,000 commercial and industrial customer locations across 13 states in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic United States. We purchase the natural gas from natural gas producers and trading companies. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we sold 18.8 million Bcf and 20.0 million Bcf of natural gas, respectively.
Our materials handling segment is a fee-based business and is generally conducted under multi-year agreements. We offload, store and/or prepare for delivery a variety of customer-owned products, including asphalt, crude oil, clay slurry, salt, gypsum, coal, petroleum coke, caustic soda, tallow, pulp and heavy equipment. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 we offloaded, stored and/or prepared for delivery 0.6 million short tons of products and 75.4 million gallons of liquid materials. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, we offloaded, stored and/or prepared for delivery 0.6 million short tons of products and 74.8 million gallons of liquid materials.

20

Table of Contents


Our other operations segment includes the marketing and distribution of coal conducted in our Portland, Maine terminal, commercial trucking activity conducted by our Canadian subsidiary and our heating equipment service business.
We take title to the products we sell in our refined products and natural gas segments. We do not take title to any of the products in our materials handling segment. In order to manage our exposure to commodity price fluctuations, we use derivatives and forward contracts to maintain a position that is substantially balanced between product purchases and product sales.
As of March 31, 2016, the Parent, through its ownership of Sprague Holdings, owns 2,034,378 common units and 10,071,970 subordinated units, representing an aggregate of 57% of the limited partner interest in the Partnership. Sprague Holdings also owns the General Partner, which in turn owns a non-economic interest in the Partnership. Sprague Holdings currently holds incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) that entitle it to receive increasing percentages, up to a maximum of 50%, of the cash the Partnership distributes from distributable cash flow in excess of $0.474375 per unit per quarter. The maximum distribution of 50% does not include any distributions that Sprague Holdings may receive on any limited partnership units that it owns.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We present the non-GAAP financial measures EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted gross margin in this Quarterly Report.
For a description of how we define EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and adjusted gross margin see below under “How Management Evaluates Our Results of Operations.” For a reconciliation of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted gross margin to the GAAP measures most directly comparable thereto, see below “Results of Operations”.
How Management Evaluates Our Results of Operations
Our management uses a variety of financial and operational measurements to analyze our performance. These measurements include: (1) adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA, (2) operating expenses, (3) selling, general and administrative (or SG&A) expenses and (4) heating degree days.
EBITDA
We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is used as a supplemental financial measure by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, trade suppliers, research analysts and commercial banks to assess:
 
The financial performance of our assets, operations and return on capital without regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis;
The ability of our assets to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on our indebtedness and make distributions to our equity holders;
Repeatable operating performance that is not distorted by non-recurring items or market volatility; and
The viability of acquisitions and capital expenditure projects.
EBITDA is not prepared in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income (loss), operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income (loss) and operating income (loss).

21

Table of Contents


Adjusted Gross Margin and Adjusted EBITDA
Management utilizes adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA to assist it in reviewing our financial results and managing our business segments. We define adjusted gross margin as net sales less cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) and decreased by total commodity derivative gains and losses included in net income (loss) and increased by realized commodity derivative gains and losses included in net income (loss), in each case with respect to refined products and natural gas inventory, prepaid forward contracts and natural gas transportation contracts. We define adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA increased by unrealized hedging losses and decreased by unrealized hedging gains, in each case with respect to refined products and natural gas inventory, prepaid forward contracts and natural gas transportation contracts, decreased by gains on acquisition of businesses, increased by the write-off of deferred offering costs and adjusted for the net impact of bio-fuel excise tax credits. Management believes that adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA provide information that reflects our market or economic performance. We trade, purchase and sell energy commodities with market values that are constantly changing, which makes it important for management to evaluate our performance, as well as our physical and derivative positions, on a daily basis. Management reviews the daily operational performance of our supply activities, as well as our monthly financial results, on an adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA basis. Adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA have no impact on reported volumes or net sales.
Adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA are used as supplemental financial measures by management to describe our operations and economic performance to investors, trade suppliers, research analysts and commercial banks to assess:
 
The economic results of our operations;
The market value of our inventory and natural gas transportation contracts for financial reporting to our lenders, as well as for borrowing base purposes; and
Repeatable operating performance that is not distorted by non-recurring items or market volatility.
Adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA are not prepared in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss), income from operations, cash flows from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses are costs associated with the operation of the terminals and truck fleet used in our business. Employee wages, pension and 401(k) plan expenses, boiler fuel, repairs and maintenance, utilities, insurance, property taxes, services and lease payments comprise the most significant portions of our operating expenses. Employee wages and related employee expenses included in our operating expenses are incurred on our behalf by our General Partner and reimbursed by us. These expenses remain relatively stable independent of the volumes through our system but can fluctuate depending on the activities performed during a specific period.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") include employee salaries and benefits, discretionary bonus, marketing costs, corporate overhead, professional fees, information technology and office space expenses. Employee wages, related employee expenses and certain rental costs included in our SG&A expenses are incurred on our behalf by our General Partner and reimbursed by us.
Heating Degree Days
A “degree day” is an industry measurement of temperature designed to evaluate energy demand and consumption. Degree days are based on how much the average temperature departs from a human comfort level of 65°F. Each degree of temperature above 65°F is counted as one cooling degree day, and each degree of temperature below 65°F is counted as one heating degree day. Degree days are accumulated over the course of a year and can be compared to a monthly or a long-term average (“normal”) to see if a month or a year was warmer or cooler than usual. Degree days are officially observed by the National Weather Service and archived by the National Climatic Data Center. For purposes of evaluating our results of operations, we use the normal heating degree day amount as reported by the NOAA/National Weather Service for the New England oil home heating region over the period of 1981-2011.

22

Table of Contents


Hedging Activities
We hedge our inventory within the guidelines set in our risk management policy. In a rising commodity price environment, the market value of our inventory will generally be higher than the cost of our inventory. For GAAP purposes, we are required to value our inventory at the lower of cost or market, or LCM. The hedges on this inventory will lose value as the value of the underlying commodity rises, creating hedging losses. Because we do not utilize hedge accounting, GAAP requires us to record those hedging losses in our statement of operations. In contrast, in a declining commodity price market we generally incur hedging gains. GAAP requires us to record those hedging gains in our statement of operations. The refined products inventory market valuation is calculated daily using independent bulk market price assessments from major pricing services (either Platts or Argus). These third-party price assessments are primarily based in New York Harbor, or NYH, with our inventory values determined after adjusting the NYH prices to the various inventory locations by adding expected cost differentials (primarily freight) compared to a NYH supply source. Our natural gas inventory is limited, with the valuation updated monthly based on the volume and prices at the corresponding inventory locations. The prices are based on the most applicable monthly Inside FERC, or IFERC, assessments published by Platts near the beginning of the following month.
Similarly, we can hedge our natural gas transportation assets (i.e., pipeline capacity) within the guidelines set in our risk management policy. Although we do not own any natural gas pipelines, we secure the use of pipeline capacity to support our natural gas requirements by either leasing capacity over a pipeline for a defined time period or by being assigned capacity from a local distribution company for supplying our customers. As the spread between the price of gas between the origin and delivery point widens (assuming the value exceeds the fixed charge of the transportation), the market value of the natural gas transportation contracts assets will typically increase. If the market value of the transportation asset exceeds costs, we may seek to hedge or “lock in” the value of the transportation asset for future periods using available financial instruments. For GAAP purposes, the increase in value of the natural gas transportation assets is not recorded as income in the statement of operations until the transportation is utilized in the future (i.e., when natural gas is delivered to our customer). If the value of the natural gas transportation assets increase, the hedges on the natural gas transportation assets lose value, creating hedging losses in our statement of operations. The natural gas transportation assets market value is calculated daily based on the volume and prices at the corresponding pipeline locations. The daily prices are based on trader assessed quotes which represent observable transactions in the market place, with the end-month valuations primarily based on Platts prices where available or adding a location differential to the price assessment of a more liquid location.
As described above, pursuant to GAAP, we value our commodity derivative hedges at the end of each reporting period based on current commodity prices and record hedging gains or losses, as appropriate. Also as described above, and pursuant to GAAP, our refined products and natural gas inventory and natural gas transportation contract rights, to which the commodity derivative hedges relate, are not marked to market for the purpose of recording gains or losses. In measuring our operating performance, we rely on our GAAP financial results, but we also find it useful to adjust those numbers to show only the impact of hedging gains and losses actually realized in the period being reviewed. By making such adjustments, as reflected in adjusted gross margin and adjusted EBITDA, we believe that we are able to align more closely hedging gains and losses to the period in which the revenue from the sale of inventory and income from transportation contracts relating to those hedges is realized.
Trends and Factors that Impact our Business
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 for a discussion of the trends and factors that impact our business.

23

Table of Contents


Results of Operations
In February 2016, we expanded our natural gas business through our acquisition of the natural gas assets of Santa Buckley Energy, Inc. ("SBE"). Our current and future results of operations may not be comparable to our historical results of operations for the periods presented due to business combinations.
The results of operations of our refined products and natural gas businesses are impacted by seasonality, due primarily to an increase in volumes sold during the peak heating season from October through March. In addition, product price fluctuations can have a significant impact on our revenues. For these and other reasons, our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for future periods or for the full fiscal year ending December 31, 2016.
The following tables present information regarding our volumes, net sales, and adjusted gross margin by segment, as well as our EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, and information on weather conditions for the periods presented.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
Volumes:
 
 
Refined products (gallons)
477,372

 
726,432

Natural gas (MMBtus)
18,831

 
20,013

Materials handling (short tons)
637

 
585

Materials handling (gallons)
75,390

 
74,760

Net Sales:

 

Refined products
$
589,944

 
$
1,431,845

Natural gas
115,619

 
146,679

Materials handling
11,391

 
10,184

Other operations
5,953

 
9,650

Total net sales
$
722,907

 
$
1,598,358

Adjusted Gross Margin:

 

Refined products
$
41,642

 
$
66,306

Natural gas
31,122

 
34,817

Materials handling
11,392

 
10,184

Other operations
2,298

 
2,983

Total adjusted gross margin
$
86,454

 
$
114,290

Reconciliation to Operating Income:

 

Total adjusted gross margin
$
86,454

 
$
114,290

Add: unrealized loss on inventory (1)
(3,304
)
 
(3,534
)
Add: unrealized gain on prepaid forward contracts (2)
481

 

Add: unrealized loss on natural gas transportation contracts (3)
(344
)
 
(2,771
)
Operating expenses
(16,829
)
 
(18,883
)
Selling, general and administrative
(24,130
)
 
(32,381
)
Depreciation and amortization
(5,031
)
 
(4,992
)
Operating income
$
37,297

 
$
51,729

Other (expense) income
(95
)
 
514

Interest income
127

 
112

Interest expense
(6,983
)
 
(7,766
)
Income tax provision
(525
)
 
(650
)
Net income
$
29,821

 
$
43,939


24

Table of Contents


 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
2016
 
2015
 
(in thousands)
Reconciliation of Net income to Adjusted EBITDA
Net income
$
29,821

 
$
43,939

Add/(deduct):

 

Interest expense, net
6,856

 
7,654

Tax expense
525

 
650

Depreciation and amortization
5,031

 
4,992

EBITDA (4):
$
42,233

 
$
57,235

Add: unrealized loss on inventory (1)
3,304

 
3,534

Add: unrealized gain on prepaid forward contracts (2)
(481
)
 

Add: unrealized loss on natural gas transportation contracts (3)
344

 
2,771

Adjusted EBITDA (4):
$
45,400

 
$
63,540

Other Data:
 
 
 
Normal heating degree days(5)
3,310

 
3,274

Actual heating degree days
2,922

 
3,881

Variance from normal heating degree days
(11.7
)%
 
18.5
%
Variance from prior period actual heating degree days
(24.7
)%
 
7.6
%

(1)
Inventory is valued at the lower of cost or market. The fair value of the derivatives we use to economically hedge our inventory declines or appreciates in value as the value of the underlying inventory appreciates or declines, which creates unrealized hedging (losses) gains with respect to the derivatives that are included in net income (loss).
(2)
The unrealized hedging gain (loss) on prepaid forward contracts represents our estimate of the change in fair value of the prepaid forward contracts which are not recorded in net income (loss) until the forward contract is settled in the future (i.e., when the commodity is delivered to the customer). As these contracts are prepaid, they do not qualify as derivatives. The fair value of the derivatives we use to economically hedge our prepaid forward contracts declines or appreciates in value as the value of the underlying forward contract appreciates or declines, which creates unrealized hedging gains (losses) with respect to the derivatives that are included in net income (loss).
(3)
The unrealized (gain) loss on natural gas transportation contracts represents our estimate of the change in fair value of the natural gas transportation contracts which are not recorded in net (loss) income until the transportation is utilized in the future (i.e., when natural gas is delivered to the customer), as these contracts are executory contracts that do not qualify as derivatives. As the fair value of the natural gas transportation contracts decline or appreciate, the offsetting physical or financial derivative will also appreciate or decline creating unmatched unrealized hedging losses (gains) in net (loss) income.
(4)
For a discussion of the non-GAAP financial measures EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted gross margin, see “How Management Evaluates Our Results of Operations.”
(5)
As reported by the NOAA/National Weather Service for the New England oil home heating region over the period of 1981-2011.








25

Table of Contents


Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 reflect:
 
decreasing net sales, sales volumes, adjusted gross margin and adjusted unit gross margin in our refined products segment;
decreasing net sales, sales volumes, adjusted gross margin and adjusted unit gross margin in our natural gas segment; and
increasing net sales and adjusted gross margin in our materials handling segment.
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2016
 
2015
 
$
 
%
 
($ in thousands, except adjusted unit gross margin)
Volumes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refined products (gallons)
477,372

 
726,432

 
(249,060
)
 
(34
)%
Natural gas (MMBtus)
18,831

 
20,013

 
(1,182
)
 
(6
)%
Materials handling (short tons)
637

 
585

 
52

 
9
 %
Materials handling (gallons)
75,390

 
74,760

 
630

 
1
 %
Net Sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refined products
$
589,944

 
$
1,431,845

 
$
(841,901
)
 
(59
)%
Natural gas
115,619

 
146,679

 
(31,060
)
 
(21
)%
Materials handling
11,391

 
10,184

 
1,207

 
12
 %
Other operations
5,953

 
9,650

 
(3,697
)
 
(38
)%
Total net sales
$
722,907

 
$
1,598,358

 
$
(875,451
)
 
(55
)%
Adjusted Gross Margin:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refined products
$
41,642

 
$
66,306

 
$
(24,664
)
 
(37
)%
Natural gas
31,122

 
34,817

 
(3,695
)
 
(11
)%
Materials handling
11,392

 
10,184

 
1,208

 
12
 %
Other operations
2,298

 
2,983

 
(685
)
 
(23
)%
Total adjusted gross margin
$
86,454

 
$
114,290

 
$
(27,836
)
 
(24
)%
Adjusted Unit Gross Margin:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Refined products
$
0.087

 
$
0.091

 
$
(0.004
)
 
(4
)%
Natural gas
$
1.653

 
$
1.740

 
$
(0.087
)
 
(5
)%
Refined Products
Refined products net sales decreased $841.9 million or 59%, compared to the first quarter in 2015, due to a combination of a 37% decline in the average sales price due to a lower energy price environment and a 34% reduction in product volume, as described below.
Refined products adjusted gross margin decreased $24.7 million as compared to the first quarter of 2015 due to a combination of reduced volumes and lower unit margins. The milder weather (25% reduction in heating degree days compared to the same period last year) was the primary factor contributing to the volume decline, with a secondary factor being a highly competitive market for discretionary volumes due to the well-supplied markets. The highly competitive market led to reduced unit margins for discretionary sales. Also contributing to the overall margin decrease were fewer natural gas interruptions and a low natural gas price environment which resulted in fewer sales to interruptible power generators. Gasoline volumes were 27% lower, impacted by refiner-induced highly competitive markets. An improved distillate market structure offset a portion of the margin decline.

26

Table of Contents


Natural Gas
Natural gas net sales decreased $31.1 million as compared to the first quarter of 2015 primarily due to a lower energy price environment, which resulted in a 16% reduction in average selling price, and a 6% decline in volume, as described below.
Natural gas adjusted gross margin declined by $3.7 million compared to the same period last year as gains from the Santa Energy acquisition at the beginning of February were more than offset by lower volumes and unit margins in the majority of Sprague's natural gas business. The primary factor in the lower margins was the decline in demand due to the substantially milder weather conditions, as reflected by the 25% reduction in heating degree days compared to the same period in 2015. Milder temperatures also contributed significantly to fewer optimization opportunities, further contributing to the lower margins realized.
Materials Handling
Materials handling net sales and adjusted gross margin both increased $1.2 million compared to the first quarter of 2015, primarily as a result of higher wind energy component handling activity and increased throughput and storage fees.
Other Operations
Net sales from other operations decreased by $3.7 million compared to the first quarter of 2015 largely as a result of reduced coal demand given milder weather conditions.
Adjusted gross margins from other operations decreased $0.7 million, primarily as a result of the lower coal requirements and to a lesser extent a reduction in heating equipment service and installations.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
Increase/(Decrease)
 
2016
 
2015
 
$
 
%
 
($ in thousands)
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses
$
16,829

 
$
18,883

 
$
(2,054
)
 
(11)%
Selling, general and administrative
$
24,130

 
$
32,381

 
$
(8,251
)
 
(25)%
Depreciation and amortization
$
5,031

 
$
4,992

 
$
39

 
1%
Interest expense, net
$
6,856

 
$
7,654

 
$
(798
)
 
(10)%
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses decreased $2.1 million compared to the first quarter of 2015 primarily as a result of a $1.0 million decrease in employee related costs and a $0.9 million decrease in boiler fuel costs at our terminals as a result of lower commodity prices.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $8.3 million, compared to the first quarter of 2015 reflecting lower employee related expenses of $7.7 million primarily attributable to decreased incentive compensation and $0.7 million of decreased merger and acquisition related expenses.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization remained relatively unchanged compared to the first quarter of 2015.
Interest Expense, net. Interest expense decreased $0.8 million, primarily due to lower working capital requirements as a result of lower commodity prices, partially offset by higher interest rates impacting both the working capital and acquisition facilities as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.


27

Table of Contents


Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Our primary liquidity needs are to fund our working capital requirements, operating expenses, capital expenditures and quarterly distributions. Cash generated from operations, our borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement (as defined below) and potential future issuances of additional partnership interests or debt securities are our primary sources of liquidity. At March 31, 2016, we had working capital of $281.7 million.
As of March 31, 2016, the undrawn borrowing capacity under the working capital facility was $118.5 million and the undrawn borrowing capacity under the acquisition facility was $285.6 million. We enter our seasonal peak period during the fourth quarter of each year, during which inventory, accounts receivable and debt levels increase. As we move out of the winter season at the end of the first quarter of the following year, typically inventory is reduced, accounts receivable are collected and converted into cash and debt is paid down. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the amount drawn under the working capital facility of our Credit Agreement fluctuated from a low of $249.8 million to a high of $332.5 million.
We believe that we have sufficient liquid assets, cash flow from operations and borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement 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 flow would likely have an adverse effect on our ability to meet our financial commitments and debt service obligations.
Credit Agreement
On March 10, 2016, Sprague Operating Resources LLC, the operating company of the Partnership, Sprague Resources ULC and Kildair ULC ("Kildair") entered into an amendment to its amended and restated revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined in this section entitled “Credit Agreement” are used as defined in the Credit Agreement. Obligations under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and its subsidiaries. The Credit Agreement matures on December 9, 2019 and contains, among other items, the following:
 
A U.S. dollar revolving working capital facility of up to $1.0 billion to be used for working capital loans and letters of credit;
A multicurrency revolving working capital facility of up to $120.0 million to be used by Kildair for working capital loans and letters of credit;
A revolving acquisition facility of up to $550.0 million to be used for loans and letters of credit to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions and other general corporate purposes related to the Partnership’s current businesses; and
Subject to certain conditions, the U.S. dollar and multicurrency revolving working capital facilities may be increased by $200.0 million in the aggregate. Additionally, subject to certain conditions, the revolving acquisition facility may be increased by $200.0 million.
Indebtedness under the Credit Agreement will bear interest, at the Partnership’s option, at a rate per annum equal to either the Eurocurrency Rate (which is the LIBOR Rate for loans denominated in U.S. dollars and CDOR for loans denominated in Canadian dollars, in each case adjusted for certain regulatory costs) for interest periods of one, two, three or six months plus a specified margin or an alternate rate plus a specified margin.
For the U.S. dollar working capital facility and the acquisition facility, the alternate rate is the Base Rate which is the higher of (a) the U.S. Prime Rate as in effect from time to time, (b) the Federal Funds rate as in effect from time to time plus 0.50% and (c) the one-month Eurocurrency Rate for U.S. dollars as in effect from time to time plus 1.00%.
For the Canadian dollar working capital facility, the alternate rate is the Prime Rate which is the higher of (a) the Canadian Prime Rate as in effect from time to time and (b) the one-month Eurocurrency Rate for U.S. dollars as in effect from time to time plus 1.00%.

28

Table of Contents


The specified margin for the working capital facilities will range, based upon the percentage utilization of this facility, from 1.00% to 1.50% for loans bearing interest at the alternative Base Rate and from 2.00% to 2.50% for loans bearing interest at the Eurocurrency Rate and for letters of credit issued under the U.S. dollar working capital facility or the multicurrency working capital facility. The specified margin for the acquisition facility will range, based on the Partnership’s consolidated total leverage ratio, from 2.00% to 2.25% for loans bearing interest at the alternate Base Rate and from 3.00% to 3.25% for loans bearing interest at the Eurocurrency Rate and for letters of credit issued under the acquisition facility. In addition, the Partnership will incur a commitment fee on the unused portion of the facilities at a rate ranging from 0.375% to 0.50% per annum.
The Credit Agreement contains various covenants and restrictive provisions that, among other things, prohibit the Partnership from making distributions to unitholders if any event of default occurs or would result from the distribution or if the Partnership would not be in pro forma compliance with its financial covenants after giving effect to the distribution. In addition, the Credit Agreement contains various covenants that are usual and customary for a financing of this type, size and purpose, including, among others: to maintain a minimum consolidated EBITDA-to-fixed charge ratio, a minimum consolidated Net Working Capital amount, a maximum consolidated total leverage-to-EBITDA ratio, a maximum consolidated senior secured leverage-to-EBITDA ratio. The Credit Agreement also limits our ability to incur debt, grant liens, make certain investments or acquisitions, dispose of assets, and incur additional indebtedness. The Partnership was in compliance with the covenants under the Credit Agreement at March 31, 2016.
The Credit Agreement also contains events of default that are usual and customary for a financing of this type, size and purpose including, among others, non-payment of principal, interest or fees, violation of certain covenants, material inaccuracy of representations and warranties, bankruptcy and insolvency events, cross-payment default and cross-accelerations, material judgments and events constituting a change of control. If an event of default exists under the Credit Agreement, the lenders will be able to terminate the lending commitments, accelerate the maturity of the Credit Agreement and exercise other rights and remedies with respect to the collateral.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Capital Expenditures
Our terminals require investments to maintain, expand, upgrade or enhance existing assets and to comply with environmental and operational regulations. Our capital requirements primarily consist of maintenance capital expenditures and expansion capital expenditures. Maintenance capital expenditures represent capital expenditures made to replace assets, or to maintain the long-term operating capacity of our assets or operating income. Examples of maintenance capital expenditures are expenditures required to maintain equipment reliability, terminal integrity and safety and to address environmental laws and regulations. Costs for repairs and minor renewals to maintain facilities in operating condition and that do not extend the useful life of existing assets will be treated as maintenance expenses as we incur them. Expansion capital expenditures are capital expenditures made to increase the long-term operating capacity of our assets or our operating income whether through construction or acquisition of additional assets. Examples of expansion capital expenditures include the acquisition of equipment and the development or acquisition of additional storage capacity, to the extent such capital expenditures are expected to expand our operating capacity or our operating income.
During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we spent a total of $1.4 million for maintenance capital expenditures and $2.2 million for expansion and/or upgrades of our terminals. We anticipate that future maintenance capital expenditures and future expansion capital requirements will be funded with cash generated by operations or provided through long-term borrowings or other debt financings and/or equity offerings.


29

Table of Contents


Cash Flows
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
($ in thousands)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
116,434

 
$
122,418

Net cash used in investing activities
$
(32,568
)
 
$
(3,191
)
Net cash used in financing activities
$
(106,596
)
 
$
(101,556
)
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $116.4 million and was primarily driven by cash inflows as a result of a decrease of $89.7 million in inventories due to lower commodity prices and a seasonal reduction in inventory requirements, a decrease of $25.4 million in derivative instruments relating to the ratable liquidation of our fixed forward contracts as we came out of the peak season and $29.8 million in net income. These inflows were offset by cash outflows as a result of a reduction of $27.5 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities primarily relating to the timing of invoice payments for product purchases.
Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $122.4 million and was primarily driven by a decrease of $172.6 million in inventories as a result of strong sales volumes, $43.9 million in net income and a decrease of $26.5 million in derivative instruments relating to the ratable liquidation of the Partnership's fixed forward contracts as we come out of the peak season. These inflows were partially offset by an increase of $53.5 million in accounts receivable relating to the persistent cold weather and strong sales during the period and additional marketing activities from our 2014 acquisitions, as well as a reduction of $80.4 million in accounts payable and accrued liabilities primarily relating to the timing of invoice payments for product purchases.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $32.6 million of which $29.1 million related to the purchase of the natural gas business of Santa Buckley Energy, Inc. ("SBE"), $2.2 million related to expansion capital expenditures and $1.4 million related to maintenance capital expenditure projects across our terminal system.
Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $3.2 million of which $2.1 million related to expansion capital expenditures and $1.4 million related to maintenance capital expenditure projects across our terminal system. This was partially offset by $0.3 million of proceeds from the sale of assets.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $106.6 million, and primarily resulted from $89.0 million of net payments under our Credit Agreement due to reduced financing requirements from lower commodity prices and accounts receivable levels. Distributions to unitholders were $11.1 million.
Net cash used in financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was $101.6 million and primarily resulted from $87.0 million of net payments under our Credit Agreement due to reduced financing requirements from lower inventory levels and lower commodity prices. Distributions to unitholders were $9.6 million.
Impact of Inflation
Inflation in the United States and Canada has been relatively low in recent years and did not have a material impact on our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
A description and related impact expected from the adoption of certain new accounting pronouncements is provided in Note 1 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.

30

Table of Contents


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
“Part I, Item, 2, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” discusses our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
These estimates are based on our knowledge and understanding of current conditions and actions that we may take in the future. Changes in these estimates will occur as a result of the passage of time and the occurrence of future events. Subsequent changes in these estimates may have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations and are recorded in the period in which they become known. We have identified the following estimates that, in our opinion, are subjective in nature, require the exercise of judgment and involve complex analysis: asset valuations, the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities, environmental and legal obligations.
The significant accounting policies and estimates that have been adopted and followed in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are detailed in Note 1—“Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report. There have been no subsequent changes in these policies and estimates that had a significant impact on the financial condition and results of operations for the periods covered in this Quarterly Report.
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. The principal market risks to which we are exposed are commodity price risk, interest rate risk and market/credit risk. We utilize various derivative instruments to manage exposure to commodity risk and swaps to manage exposure to interest rate risk.
Commodity Price Risk
We use various financial instruments as we seek to hedge our commodity price risk. We sell our refined products and natural gas primarily in the Northeast. We hedge our refined products positions primarily with a combination of futures contracts that trade on the New York Mercantile Exchange, or NYMEX, and fixed-for-floating price swaps in the form of bilateral contracts that are traded “over-the-counter” or "OTC". Although there are some notable differences between futures and the fixed-for-floating price swaps, both can provide a fixed price while a counterparty receives a price that fluctuates as market prices change.
As indicated in the table below, we primarily use futures contracts to hedge light oil transactions and swaps contracts for residual fuel oils futures contracts. There are no residual fuel oil futures contracts that actively trade in the United States. Each of the financial instruments trade by month for many months forward, allowing us the ability to hedge future contractual commitments.
 
Product Group
  
Primary Financial Hedging Instrument
Gasolines
  
NYMEX RBOB futures contract
Distillates
  
NYMEX Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel futures contract
Residual Fuel Oils
  
New York Harbor 1% Sulfur Residual Fuel Oil Swaps
In addition to the financial instruments listed above, we periodically use the ethanol futures contract that trades on the Chicago Board of Trade, or CBOT, to hedge ethanol that is used for blending into our gasoline. This ethanol contract is based on Chicago delivery.

31

Table of Contents


For natural gas, there are no quality differences that need to be considered when hedging. Our primary hedging requirements relate to fixed price and basis (location) exposure. We largely hedge our natural gas fixed price exposure using fixed-for-floating price swaps that trade on the Intercontinental Exchange (or “ICE”) with the prices based on the Henry Hub location near Erath, Louisiana. The Henry Hub is the most active natural gas trading location in the United States. Although we typically use swaps, there is also an actively traded NYMEX Henry Hub natural gas futures contract that we can use. We primarily use ICE basis swaps as the key financial instrument type to hedge our natural gas basis risk. Similar to the natural gas futures and ICE Henry Hub swaps, basis swaps for major locations trade actively for many months. These swaps are financially settled, typically using prices quoted by Platts. We also directly hedge our price exposure in oil and natural gas by using forward purchases or sales that require physical delivery of the product.
The following table sets forth total realized and unrealized gains and (losses) on derivative instruments utilized for commodity risk management purposes. Such amounts are included in cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) for the periods presented.
 
 
Three Months Ended March 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Refined products contracts
$
33,033

 
$
61,804

Natural gas contracts
19,032

 
(4,328
)
Total
$
52,065

 
$
57,476

Substantially all of our commodity derivative contracts outstanding as of March 31, 2016 will settle prior to September 30, 2017.
Interest Rate Risk
We enter into interest rate swaps to manage exposures in changing interest rates. We swap the variable LIBOR interest rate payable under our Credit Agreement for fixed LIBOR interest rates. These interest rate swaps meet the criteria to receive cash flow hedge accounting treatment. Counterparties to our interest rate swaps are large multi-national banks and we do not believe there is a material risk of counterparty nonperformance. Additionally, we may enter into seasonal swaps which are intended to manage our increase in borrowings during the winter, as a result of higher inventory and accounts receivable levels.
Our interest rate swap agreements outstanding as of March 31, 2016 were as follows:
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Beginning
 
Ending
 
Notional Amount
January 2016
 
January 2017
 
$
250,000

September 2016
 
April 2017
 
$
25,000

January 2017
 
January 2018
 
$
100,000

During the two year period ended March 31, 2016 we hedged approximately 27% of our floating rate debt with fixed-for-floating interest rate swaps. We expect to continue to utilize interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to LIBOR interest rates. Based on a sensitivity analysis for the twelve months ended March 31, 2016, we estimate that if short-term interest rates increased 100 basis points or decreased to zero, our interest expense would have increased by approximately $2.1 million and decreased by approximately $0.3 million, respectively. These amounts were estimated by considering the effect of the hypothetical short-term interest rates on variable-rate debt outstanding, adjusted for interest rate hedges.

32

Table of Contents


Derivative Instruments
The following tables present all of our financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2016:
 
As of March 31, 2016
 
Fair Value
Measurement
 
Quoted
Prices in
Active
Markets
Level 1
 
Significant
Other
Observable
Inputs
Level 2
 
Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
Level 3
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity exchange contracts
$
13

 
$
13

 
$

 
$

Commodity fixed forwards
133,619

 

 
133,619

 

Commodity swaps and options
340

 

 
340

 

Commodity derivatives
133,972

 
13

 
133,959

 

Interest rate swaps
115

 

 
115

 

Total
$
134,087

 
$
13

 
$
134,074

 
$

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity fixed forwards
$
21,767

 
$

 
$
21,767

 
$

Commodity swaps and options
2,384

 

 
2,384

 

Commodity derivatives
24,151

 

 
24,151

 

Interest rate swaps
1,613

 

 
1,613

 

Other
20

 

 
20

 

Total
$
25,784

 
$

 
$
25,784

 
$

Market and Credit Risk
The risk management activities for our refined products and natural gas segments involve managing exposures to the impact of market fluctuations in the price and transportation costs for commodities through the use of derivative instruments. The prices for energy commodities can be significantly influenced by market liquidity and changes in seasonal demand, weather conditions, transportation availability, and federal and state regulations. We monitor and manage our exposure to market risk on a daily basis in accordance with approved policies.
We maintain a control environment under the direction of our Chief Risk Officer through our risk management policy, processes and procedures, which our senior management has approved. Control measures include volumetric, value at risk, and stop loss limits, as well as contract term limits. Our Chief Risk Officer and the Risk Management Committee must approve the use of new instruments or new commodities. Risk limits are monitored and reported daily to senior management. Our risk management department also performs independent verifications of sources of fair values. These controls apply to all of our commodity risk management activities.
We use value at risk model to monitor commodity price risk within our risk management activities. The value at risk model uses both linear and simulation methodologies based on historical information, with the results representing the potential loss in fair value over one day at a 95% confidence level. Results may vary from time to time as hedging coverage, market pricing levels and volatility change.
We have a number of financial instruments that are potentially at risk including cash and cash equivalents, receivables and derivative contracts. Our primary exposure is credit risk related to our receivables and counterparty performance risk related to the fair value of derivative assets, which is the loss that may result from a customer’s or counterparty’s non-performance. We use credit policies to control credit risk, including utilizing an established credit approval process, monitoring customer and counterparty limits, employing credit mitigation measures such as analyzing customer financial statements, and accepting personal guarantees and various forms of collateral. We believe that our counterparties will be able to satisfy their contractual obligations. Credit risk is limited by the large number of customers and counterparties comprising our business and their dispersion across different industries.
Cash is held in demand deposit and other short-term investment accounts placed with federally insured financial institutions. Such deposit accounts regularly exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses on such accounts.

33

Table of Contents


Item 4.
Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2016. The term “disclosure controls and procedures,” as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, means controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the company’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Based on the evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of March 31, 2016, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our system of internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended March 31, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.


34

Table of Contents


PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
Although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation and claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business, we are not a party to any litigation or governmental or other proceeding that we believe will have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” included in our 2015 Annual Report, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
 
(c)
None.
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4.
Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5.
Other Information
None.


35

Table of Contents


Item 6.
Exhibits
Exhibits are incorporated by reference or are filed with this report as indicated below (numbered in accordance with Item 601 of Regulation S-K).
Exhibit
No.
 
Description
 
 
2.1***
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 10, 2014, by and among Sprague Operating Resources LLC, Metromedia Gas & Power, Inc., Metromedia Gas LLC, Metromedia Energy, Inc., EnergyEXPRESS, Inc. and Metromedia Power, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 11, 2014 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
2.2***
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 4, 2014, by and among Sprague Operating Resources LLC, Castle Oil Corporation, Castle Port Morris Terminals, Inc., Castle Energy Solutions, LLC, Castle Fuels Corporation, Castle Supply & Marketing, Inc. and Castle Energy Solutions S.B., LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2014 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
2.3
 
Purchase Agreement, dated December 9, 2014, by and among Sprague Resources ULC, Sprague International Properties LLC, Sprague Canadian Properties LLC and Axel Johnson Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2014 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
2.4
 
Consideration Agreement, dated December 9, 2014, between Sprague Resources LP and Sprague Resources ULC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2014 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
3.1
 
First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Sprague Resources LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2013 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
3.2
 
First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Sprague Resources GP LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2013 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
10.1
 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 10, 2016 among Sprague Operating Resources LLC, as U.S. borrower, Kildair Services ULC, as Canadian borrower, the several lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Sprague Resources LP's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2016 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
 
31.1*
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Rule 13a-14(a) /15d-14(a), by Chief Executive Officer.
 
 
31.2*
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Rule 13a-14(a) /15d-14(a), by Chief Financial Officer.
 
 
32.1**
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Executive Officer.
 
 
32.2**
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Financial Officer.
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith in accordance with Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K.
***
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, certain schedules to the Asset Purchase Agreements have been omitted. The registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC, upon its request, any or all omitted schedules.

36

Table of Contents


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
SPRAGUE RESOURCES LP
 
 
 
 
By:
Sprague Resources GP LLC,
 
 
Its General Partner
 
 
 
Date: May 6, 2016
 
/s/ Gary A. Rinaldi
 
 
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer (on behalf of the registrant, and in his capacity as Principal Financial Officer)

37

Table of Contents


EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibits are incorporated by reference or are filed with this report as indicated below.
Exhibit
No.
 
Description
 
 
2.1***
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated September 10, 2014, by and among Sprague Operating Resources LLC, Metromedia Gas & Power, Inc., Metromedia Gas LLC, Metromedia Energy, Inc., EnergyEXPRESS, Inc. and Metromedia Power, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 11, 2014 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
2.2***
 
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 4, 2014, by and among Sprague Operating Resources LLC, Castle Oil Corporation, Castle Port Morris Terminals, Inc., Castle Energy Solutions, LLC, Castle Fuels Corporation, Castle Supply & Marketing, Inc. and Castle Energy Solutions S.B., LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2014 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
2.3
 
Purchase Agreement, dated December 9, 2014, by and among Sprague Resources ULC, Sprague International Properties LLC, Sprague Canadian Properties LLC and Axel Johnson Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2014 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
2.4
 
Consideration Agreement, dated December 9, 2014, between Sprague Resources LP and Sprague Resources ULC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 12, 2014 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
3.1
 
First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Sprague Resources LP (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2013 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
3.2
 
First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Sprague Resources GP LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of Sprague Resources LP’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2013 (File No. 001-36137)).
 
 
10.1
 
Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 10, 2016 among Sprague Operating Resources LLC, as U.S. borrower, Kildair Services ULC, as Canadian borrower, the several lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of Sprague Resources LP's Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 11, 2016 (File No. 001-36137)).
31.1*
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Rule 13a-14(a) /15d-14(a), by Chief Executive Officer.
 
 
31.2*
 
Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, Rule 13a-14(a) /15d-14(a), by Chief Financial Officer.
 
 
32.1**
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Executive Officer.
 
 
32.2**
 
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, by Chief Financial Officer.
 
 
101.INS*
 
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation
 
 
101.DEF*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition
 
 
101.LAB*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase
 
 
101.PRE*
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation
*
Filed herewith.
**
Furnished herewith in accordance with Item 601(b)(32) of Regulation S-K.
***
Pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K, certain schedules to the Asset Purchase Agreements have been omitted. The registrant hereby agrees to furnish supplementally to the SEC, upon its request, any or all omitted schedules.



38