e424b3
The information
in this preliminary prospectus supplement is not complete and
may be changed. This preliminary prospectus supplement and the
accompanying
prospectus are not an offer to sell these securities, and we
are not soliciting an offer to buy these securities, in any
state where the offer or sale is not
permitted.
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Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
Registration No. 333-103710
Subject to Completion, dated August 3, 2005
Prospectus Supplement
(To Prospectus dated March 14, 2003)
1,500,000 Common Units
Representing Limited Partner Interests
We are selling 1,500,000 common units representing limited
partner interests in Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. Our common
units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
SXL. The last reported sales price of our common
units on the New York Stock Exchange on August 2, 2005 was
$40.29 per common unit.
Investing in our common units involves risk. Please read
Risk Factors beginning on page S-11 of this
prospectus supplement and on page 4 of the accompanying
prospectus.
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Public offering price
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Underwriting discount
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Proceeds to Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. (before expenses)
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We have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up
to an additional 225,000 common units from us on the same terms
and conditions as set forth above if the underwriters sell more
than 1,500,000 common units in this offering.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state
securities commission has approved or disapproved of these
securities or determined if this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus are truthful or complete. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
Lehman Brothers, on behalf of the underwriters, expects to
deliver the common units on or about
August , 2005.
Lehman
Brothers
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Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company |
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Incorporated |
August , 2005
This document is in two parts. The first part is this prospectus
supplement, which describes the specific terms of this offering
of common units. The second part is the accompanying prospectus,
which gives more general information, some of which may not
apply to this offering of common units. If the information about
the common unit offering varies between this prospectus
supplement and the accompanying prospectus, you should rely on
the information in this prospectus supplement.
You should rely only on the information contained or
incorporated by reference in this prospectus supplement and the
accompanying prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to
provide you with additional or different information. If anyone
provides you with additional, different or inconsistent
information, you should not rely on it. We are offering to sell
the common units, and seeking offers to buy the common units,
only in jurisdictions where offers and sales are permitted. You
should not assume that the information included in this
prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus is accurate
as of any date other than the dates shown in these documents or
that any information we have incorporated by reference is
accurate as of any date other than the date of the document
incorporated by reference. Our business, financial condition,
results of operations and prospects may have changed since such
dates.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Prospectus Supplement
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S-11 |
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S-12 |
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Prospectus dated March 14, 2003
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SUMMARY
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This summary highlights information contained elsewhere in
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus. It
does not contain all of the information that you should consider
before making an investment decision. You should read the entire
prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus and the
documents incorporated by reference for a more complete
understanding of this offering. Please read Risk
Factors beginning on page S-11 of this prospectus
supplement and page 4 of the accompanying prospectus for
more information about important risks that you should consider
before buying our common units. Unless the context otherwise
indicates, the information included in this prospectus
supplement assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their
option to purchase additional common units. |
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As used in this prospectus supplement, unless the context
otherwise indicates, the terms we, us,
our and similar terms mean Sunoco Logistics Partners
L.P., together with our operating subsidiaries. References to
Sunoco mean Sunoco, Inc., the owner of our general
partner. References to Sunoco R&M mean Sunoco,
Inc. (R&M), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunoco, through
which Sunoco conducts its refining and marketing operations.
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.
We are a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed by
Sunoco, Inc. to own, operate and acquire a geographically
diverse portfolio of complementary pipeline, terminalling, and
crude oil acquisition and marketing assets. We are principally
engaged in the transportation, terminalling and storage of
refined products and crude oil and the purchase and sale of
crude oil.
Our initial public offering was completed in February 2002
at an initial public offering price of $20.25 per common
unit. Since our initial public offering, we have completed eight
acquisitions, and we have increased our quarterly cash
distribution by 44.4% from $0.45 per unit, or
$1.80 per unit on an annualized basis, to $0.65 per
unit, or $2.60 per unit on an annualized basis. On
July 27, 2005, we declared a quarterly cash distribution of
$0.6375 per unit for the second quarter of 2005, or
$2.55 per unit on an annualized basis. We expect to pay the
quarterly distribution for the second quarter of 2005 on
August 12, 2005 to unitholders of record as of
August 8, 2005. None of the common units purchased in this
offering will receive the declared distribution for the second
quarter of 2005 due to the timing of this offering in relation
to the record date for the distribution.
As a result of our acquisition of a $100.0 million crude
oil pipeline system and related storage facilities located in
Texas on August 1, 2005, the board of directors of our
general partner decided to advance the date for action on the
quarterly cash distribution for the third quarter ending
September 30, 2005 and declared a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.65 per unit, or $2.60 per unit on
an annualized basis, payable on November 14, 2005 to
unitholders of record on November 7, 2005. The increased
quarterly cash distribution for the third quarter of 2005
represents a 2.0% increase over the quarterly cash distribution
declared for the second quarter of 2005. When paid, this
distribution will represent the ninth increase in our past ten
quarterly distributions. We intend to continue to grow our
business through strategic acquisitions and expansion projects
that increase per unit cash flow.
Our business is currently comprised of three segments,
consisting of our Eastern Pipeline System, our Terminal
Facilities and our Western Pipeline System.
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Eastern Pipeline System. Our Eastern Pipeline System
includes approximately 1,740 miles of refined product
pipelines, including a two-thirds interest in the 80-mile
refined product Harbor pipeline, 58 miles of inter-refinery
pipelines between two of Sunoco R&Ms refineries, and a
123-mile crude oil pipeline, all of which primarily serve Sunoco
R&Ms refining and marketing operations in the
northeastern and midwestern United States. In addition, our
Eastern Pipeline System includes equity interests in four
refined product pipelines, which primarily serve third-party
shippers. These equity interests include: (i) a 9.4%
interest in Explorer Pipeline Company, a joint venture that owns
a 1,413-mile refined product pipeline; (ii) a 31.5%
interest in Wolverine Pipe Line Company, a joint venture that
owns a 721-mile refined product pipeline; (iii) a 12.3%
interest in West Shore Pipe Line |
S-1
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Company, a joint venture that owns a 652-mile refined product
pipeline; and (iv) a 14.0% interest in Yellowstone Pipe
Line Company, a joint venture that owns a 655-mile refined
product pipeline. |
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Terminal Facilities. Our Terminal Facilities consist of:
(i) 35 inland refined product terminals with an aggregate
storage capacity of approximately 5.9 million barrels,
primarily serving our Eastern Pipeline System; (ii) a
2.0 million-barrel refined product terminal serving Sunoco
R&Ms Marcus Hook refinery near Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; (iii) the Nederland Terminal, a
12.5 million barrel marine crude oil terminal located on
the Texas Gulf Coast; (iv) one inland and two marine crude
oil terminals with a combined capacity of approximately
3.4 million barrels and related pipelines, all of which
serve Sunoco R&Ms Philadelphia refinery; (v) four
ship and barge docks which serve Sunoco R&Ms Eagle
Point refinery; and (vi) a 1.0 million barrel
liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, terminal located near Detroit,
Michigan, which principally serves Sunoco R&Ms
refinery in Toledo, Ohio. |
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Western Pipeline System. Our Western Pipeline System
gathers, purchases, sells, and transports crude oil principally
in Oklahoma and Texas and consists of: (i) approximately
2,120 miles of crude oil trunk pipelines and approximately
520 miles of crude oil gathering lines that supply the
trunk pipelines; (ii) approximately 120 crude oil transport
trucks and approximately 130 crude oil truck unloading
facilities; and (iii) a 43.8% interest in West Texas Gulf
Pipe Line Company, a joint venture that owns a 579-mile crude
oil pipeline. |
In addition, on August 1, 2005, we purchased a crude oil
pipeline system and related crude oil storage facilities located
in Texas from an affiliate of Exxon Mobil Corporation for an
aggregate purchase price of $100.0 million. As a result of
the closing of this transaction, the board of directors of our
general partner decided to advance the date for action on the
quarterly cash distribution for the third quarter ending
September 30, 2005 and declared a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.65 per unit, or $2.60 per unit on
an annualized basis. This pipeline system is included in our
Western Pipeline System. Please read Recent
Developments beginning on page S-4 and Overview
of the Acquisition beginning on page S-15 of this
prospectus supplement for more information about these assets.
We transport, terminal, and store refined products and crude oil
in 19 states and Canada. We generate revenues by charging
tariffs for transporting refined products, crude oil and other
hydrocarbons through our pipelines as well as by charging fees
for storing refined products, crude oil and other hydrocarbons
in, and for providing other services at, our terminals. We also
generate revenues by purchasing domestic crude oil and selling
it to Sunoco R&M and other customers. Generally, as we
purchase crude oil we simultaneously enter into corresponding
sale transactions involving physical deliveries of crude oil,
which enables us to secure a profit on the transaction at the
time of purchase and establish a substantially balanced
position, thereby minimizing our exposure to crude oil price
volatility after the initial purchase. However, the margins we
receive from these transactions may vary from period to period.
We do not enter into futures contracts or other derivative
instruments in connection with these purchases and sales.
For the year ended December 31, 2004, we had revenues of
approximately $3.5 billion, EBITDA of $109.3 million
and net income of $57.0 million. For the six months ended
June 30, 2005, we had revenues of approximately
$2.1 billion, EBITDA of $59.3 million and net income
of $33.1 million. For an explanation of EBITDA and a
reconciliation of EBITDA to operating income, please read
note 7 to Summary Financial and Operating
Data on page S-10 of this prospectus supplement.
Our Business Strategies
Our primary business strategies are to:
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generate stable cash flows; |
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increase our pipeline and terminal throughput; |
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pursue strategic and accretive acquisitions that complement or
supplement our existing asset base; and |
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continue to improve our operating efficiency and to reduce our
costs. |
S-2
Our Competitive Strengths
We believe that we are well-positioned to successfully execute
our business strategies because of the following competitive
strengths:
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We have a unique strategic relationship with Sunoco and its
affiliates. Most of our refined product and crude oil
pipelines and terminals are directly linked to Sunoco
R&Ms refineries and afford Sunoco R&M a
cost-effective means to access crude oil and distribute refined
products. In connection with our initial public offering, we
entered into an agreement with Sunoco R&M under which
Sunoco R&M agreed to use the pipelines and terminals
that we owned as of that time. Sunoco R&Ms
obligations under this agreement expire in 2007 and 2009. In
addition, we and Sunoco and its affiliates can jointly bid on
potential acquisitions, and we are entitled to purchase from
Sunoco and its affiliates any significant crude oil or refined
product pipeline and terminalling assets, which we often refer
to as logistics assets, associated with acquisitions made by
Sunoco and its affiliates. Our acquisition of the ship and barge
docks and truck loading racks serving Sunoco R&Ms
Eagle Point refinery in March 2004 is an example of our
exercising our right to acquire logistics assets from Sunoco and
its affiliates. As part of the Eagle Point acquisition, we
entered into an agreement with Sunoco R&M under which
Sunoco R&M agreed to use those logistics assets until
March 2016. |
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Our refined product pipelines and terminal facilities are
strategically located in areas with high demand. We have a
strong presence in the northeastern and midwestern United
States, and our transportation and distribution assets in these
regions operate at high utilization rates, providing us with a
base of stable cash flows. |
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We have a complementary portfolio of assets that are both
geographically and operationally diverse. Our assets include
refined product pipelines and terminals in the northeastern and
midwestern United States, a crude oil terminal on the Texas Gulf
Coast and crude oil pipelines in Oklahoma and Texas. We also own
equity interests in four refined product pipelines located in
the central and western regions of the United States and one
crude oil pipeline extending across Texas. This geographic and
asset diversity contributes to the stability of our cash flows. |
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Our pipelines and terminal facilities are efficient and
well-maintained. In recent years, we have made significant
investments to upgrade our asset base. All of our refined
product pipelines and terminal facilities and many of our crude
oil pipelines are automated to provide continuous, real-time,
operational data. We continually undertake internal inspection
programs and other procedures to monitor the integrity of our
pipelines. |
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Our executive officers and directors have extensive energy
industry experience. Our executive officers and directors
have broad experience in the energy industry and our management
team has operated our core assets for over ten years. As a
result, we believe that we have the expertise to execute our
business strategies and manage our assets and operations
effectively. Our general partner has adopted incentive
compensation plans to closely align the interests of our
executive officers with the interests of our common unitholders. |
Our Relationship with Sunoco and its Affiliates
We have a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with
Sunoco, one of the leading independent refining and marketing
companies in the United States and the largest refiner in the
northeastern United States. Sunoco operates its businesses
through a number of operating subsidiaries, the primary one
being Sunoco R&M, which operates Sunocos
refineries and markets gasoline and convenience items through
approximately 4,800 retail sites. Sunoco R&M owns and
operates five refineries with an aggregate refining capacity of
approximately 900,000 barrels per day, or bpd.
Substantially all of Sunocos business activities with us
are conducted through Sunoco R&M and the majority of
our operations are strategically located within
Sunoco R&Ms refining and marketing supply chain.
Sunoco R&M relies on us to provide transportation and
terminalling services that support a significant portion of its
refining and marketing operations.
S-3
The success of our operations depends substantially upon the
continued use of our pipelines and terminal facilities by
Sunoco R&M. For the six months ended June 30,
2005, Sunoco R&M accounted for approximately 68% of the
total revenues of our Eastern Pipeline System, approximately 69%
of the total revenues of our Terminal Facilities and
approximately 45% of the total revenues of our Western Pipeline
System. We have entered into agreements with Sunoco R&M
under which Sunoco R&M has agreed to use many of our
logistics assets. The majority of Sunoco R&Ms
minimum revenue obligations under these agreements will expire
in 2007 and 2009. Since our initial public offering, revenues
generated by Sunoco R&M related to these agreements
have exceeded these minimum revenue obligations by an average of
approximately 19% per year. We expect to continue to derive
a substantial portion of our revenues from Sunoco R&M
for the foreseeable future. These agreements and other related
contracts, coupled with the strategic interplay between our
assets and Sunoco R&Ms assets, result in a
mutually beneficial relationship between us and
Sunoco R&M.
After this offering of our common units, Sunoco, through its
ownership of our general partner, will have an aggregate 46.1%
limited partner interest and a 2.0% general partner interest in
us. Because of its significant equity ownership in us and
operational relationship with us, Sunoco will continue to have a
substantial vested interest in the growth and success of our
business. In addition, our general partner and its affiliates,
which are indirectly owned by Sunoco, employ approximately 1,150
people who provide direct support to our operations. We do not
have any employees.
Recent Developments
Acquisition of Crude Oil Pipeline System and Related Storage
Facilities. On August 1, 2005, we purchased a crude oil
pipeline system, related storage facilities and other related
assets located in Texas for an aggregate purchase price of
$100.0 million in cash from an affiliate of Exxon Mobil
Corporation. We funded the acquisition of these assets with
$25.0 million of cash on hand and $75.0 million of
borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We will use the
net proceeds from this offering and our general partners
capital contribution to repay approximately $58.6 million
of these borrowings under our revolving credit facility. As a
result of the closing of this transaction, the board of
directors of our general partner decided to advance the date for
action on the quarterly cash distribution for the third quarter
ending September 30, 2005 and declared a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.65 per unit, or $2.60 per unit on
an annualized basis.
These assets that we purchased consist primarily of:
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a 187-mile, 16-inch crude oil pipeline extending from Corsicana,
Texas to Wichita Falls, Texas with an operating capacity of
approximately 125,000 bpd; |
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crude oil terminals located in Corsicana and Ringgold, Texas
with approximately 2.9 million barrels and 0.5 million
barrels, respectively, of shell capacity for crude oil storage,
which are connected to the crude oil pipeline described
above; and |
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a 104-mile, 12-inch crude oil pipeline extending from Kilgore,
Texas to Corsicana, which is currently idle. |
We have agreed to assume certain environmental liabilities
associated with the assets we purchased. In connection with this
acquisition, we intend to invest approximately
$17.0 million to construct a 20-mile crude oil pipeline,
which we expect to complete during the fourth quarter of 2005.
This pipeline will connect these assets to the 579-mile crude
oil pipeline owned by West Texas Gulf Pipe Line Company, a joint
venture in which we own a 43.8% interest and also serve as the
operator. We expect to fund the construction of the proposed
20-mile pipeline through borrowings under our revolving credit
facility.
Distribution Declared for Second Quarter 2005. On
July 27, 2005, we announced a quarterly cash distribution
of $0.6375 per unit for the period from April 1
through June 30, 2005. The second quarter 2005 distribution
represents an 8.5% increase over the second quarter 2004
distribution of $0.5875 per unit. We will pay the
distribution on August 12, 2005 to unitholders of record at
the close of business on August 8, 2005. None of the common
units purchased in this offering will receive the declared
distribution for the second quarter of 2005 due to the timing of
this offering in relation to the record date for the
distribution.
S-4
Relocation of Tulsa, Oklahoma Operations. On
June 10, 2005, we announced that we would relocate the
headquarters of our Western Pipeline System from Tulsa, Oklahoma
to Houston, Texas. This relocation will affect approximately 109
employees and is expected to be completed by the end of the
first quarter of 2006.
Our Ownership, Structure and Management
Our operations are conducted through, and our operating assets
are owned by, our operating partnership and its subsidiaries.
Our general partner has sole responsibility for conducting our
business and for managing our operations. The senior executives
of our general partner manage our business.
Upon consummation of this offering:
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There will be 13,580,309 publicly held common units outstanding
representing an aggregate 51.9% limited partner interest; |
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Sunoco, through its ownership of our general partner, will own
3,526,005 common units and 8,537,729 subordinated units
representing an aggregate 46.1% limited partner
interest; and |
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Our general partner will continue to own a 2.0% general partner
interest in us and all of the incentive distribution rights. |
The following chart depicts the organization and ownership of us
and our subsidiaries after giving effect to this offering, but
before any exercise of the underwriters option to purchase
additional common units.
S-5
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Percentage | |
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Ownership of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. |
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Public Common Units |
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51.9% |
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Sunoco Partners LLC Common Units |
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13.5% |
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Sunoco Partners LLC Subordinated Units |
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32.6% |
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Sunoco Partners LLC General Partner Interest |
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2.0% |
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Total |
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100.0% |
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Our principal executive offices are located at Mellon Bank
Center, 1735 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
19103, and our phone number is (866) 248-4344.
S-6
The Offering
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Common units offered by us |
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1,500,000 common units. |
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1,725,000 common units if the underwriters exercise their option
to purchase an additional 225,000 common units. |
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Units outstanding before this offering |
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15,606,314 common units and 8,537,729 subordinated units. |
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Units outstanding after this offering |
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17,106,314 common units and 8,537,729 subordinated units. |
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Use of proceeds |
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We will use all of the net proceeds from this common unit
offering and our general partners related capital
contribution to repay approximately $58.6 million of
indebtedness incurred under our revolving credit facility to
finance a portion of the purchase price for the crude oil
pipeline system and related crude oil storage facilities located
in Texas that we acquired from an affiliate of Exxon Mobil
Corporation. Affiliates of certain of the underwriters
participating in this offering are lenders under our revolving
credit facility and will receive greater than 10% of the net
proceeds of this offering through our partial repayment of that
facility. Please read
UnderwritingRelationships. |
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We will use all the net proceeds from any exercise of the
underwriters option to purchase additional common units,
together with our general partners related capital
contribution, for general partnership purposes, including the
repayment of additional indebtedness. |
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Cash distributions |
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Under our partnership agreement, we must distribute all of our
cash on hand as of the end of each quarter, less reserves
established by our general partner in its reasonable discretion
and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to our
general partner. We refer to this cash as available
cash, and we define it in our partnership agreement. |
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On July 27, 2005, we announced a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.6375 per unit for the second quarter of
2005, or $2.55 per unit on an annualized basis. We will pay
the quarterly distribution for the second quarter of 2005 on
August 12, 2005 to unitholders of record as of
August 8, 2005. None of the common units purchased in this
offering will receive the declared distribution for the second
quarter of 2005 due to the timing of this offering in relation
to the record date for the distribution. |
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On August 1, 2005, as a result of our acquisition of the
$100.0 million crude oil pipeline system and storage
facilities located in Texas, the board of directors of our
general partner decided to advance the date for action on the
quarterly cash distribution for the third quarter ending
September 30, 2005 and declared a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.65 per unit, or $2.60 per unit on
an annualized basis, payable on November 14, 2005 to
unitholders of record on November 7, 2005. |
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When our quarterly cash distribution exceeds $0.50 per
limited partner unit in any quarter, our general partner
receives a higher percentage of the cash distributed in excess
of $0.50 per limited partner unit, in increasing
percentages up to 50% if the quarterly cash distribution exceeds
$0.70 per limited partner unit. For a |
S-7
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description of our cash distribution policy, please read
Cash Distributions in the accompanying prospectus. |
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Subordination period |
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The subordination period for the subordinated units will end
once we meet the financial requirements in the partnership
agreement, but it generally cannot end before December 31,
2006. |
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When the subordination period ends, all remaining subordinated
units will convert into common units on a one-for-one basis, and
the common units will no longer be entitled to arrearages. |
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Early conversion of subordinated units |
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We met the financial requirements in our partnership agreement
for the quarter ended on December 31, 2004 for the early
conversion of a portion of our subordinated units. As a result,
on February 15, 2005, 25%, or 2,845,910, of our originally
issued subordinated units converted into common units. If we
meet these requirements for any quarter ending on or after
December 31, 2005, an additional 25% of our originally
issued subordinated units will convert into common units. |
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Estimated ratio of taxable income to distributions |
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We estimate that if you own the common units you purchase in
this offering through the record date for the distribution with
respect to the fourth calendar quarter of 2007, you will be
allocated, on a cumulative basis, an amount of federal taxable
income for the taxable years 2005 through 2007 that will be less
than 25% of the cash distributed to you with respect to that
period. This estimated taxable income amount is largely
comprised of qualified dividends we receive, which are generally
taxable to an individual at a maximum federal income tax rate of
15%. Please read Tax Considerations beginning on
page S-18 of this prospectus supplement for the basis for
this estimate. |
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New York Stock Exchange symbol |
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SXL |
S-8
Summary Financial and Operating Data
On February 8, 2002, we completed our initial public
offering and related transactions whereby we became the
successor to Sunoco Logistics (Predecessor), which consisted of
a substantial portion of the wholly owned logistics operations
of Sunoco and its subsidiaries. The following table sets forth
summary condensed consolidated financial and operating data for
the years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 and for
the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2005. The summary
financial and operating data presented is derived from
(i) the audited financial statements of Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P., which reflect us and the Predecessor for 2002,
and us for 2003 and 2004, and which are included in our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2004, and (ii) the unaudited financial statements included
in our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months
ended June 30, 2005. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 2004 and our Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
2005 and June 30, 2005 are incorporated by reference herein.
The summary financial and operating data should be read together
with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our
historical condensed consolidated financial statements and the
accompanying notes and Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,
which are set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 2004 and in our Quarterly
Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31,
2005 and June 30, 2005.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunoco Logistics |
|
|
|
|
and Predecessor |
|
Sunoco Logistics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002(1) |
|
2003(2) |
|
2004(3) |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
|
|
($ in thousands, except per unit amounts) |
Income Statement Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sales and other operating revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Affiliates
|
|
$ |
1,147,721 |
|
|
$ |
1,383,090 |
|
|
$ |
1,751,612 |
|
|
$ |
780,441 |
|
|
$ |
971,933 |
|
|
Unaffiliated customers
|
|
|
676,307 |
|
|
|
1,274,383 |
|
|
|
1,699,673 |
|
|
|
781,446 |
|
|
|
1,120,361 |
|
Other income(4)
|
|
|
6,904 |
|
|
|
16,730 |
|
|
|
13,932 |
|
|
|
6,877 |
|
|
|
7,716 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues
|
|
|
1,830,932 |
|
|
|
2,674,203 |
|
|
|
3,465,217 |
|
|
|
1,568,764 |
|
|
|
2,100,010 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of products sold and operating expenses
|
|
|
1,690,896 |
|
|
|
2,519,160 |
|
|
|
3,307,480 |
|
|
|
1,488,847 |
|
|
|
2,016,299 |
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
31,334 |
|
|
|
27,157 |
|
|
|
31,933 |
|
|
|
15,308 |
|
|
|
15,615 |
|
|
Selling, general and administrative expenses
|
|
|
43,073 |
|
|
|
48,412 |
|
|
|
48,449 |
|
|
|
24,696 |
|
|
|
24,424 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total costs and expenses
|
|
|
1,765,303 |
|
|
|
2,594,729 |
|
|
|
3,387,862 |
|
|
|
1,528,851 |
|
|
|
2,056,338 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
65,629 |
|
|
|
79,474 |
|
|
|
77,355 |
|
|
|
39,913 |
|
|
|
43,672 |
|
Net interest cost and debt expense
|
|
|
17,299 |
|
|
|
20,040 |
|
|
|
20,324 |
|
|
|
9,928 |
|
|
|
10,580 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before income tax expense
|
|
|
48,330 |
|
|
|
59,434 |
|
|
|
57,031 |
|
|
|
29,985 |
|
|
|
33,092 |
|
Income tax expense
|
|
|
1,555 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$ |
46,775 |
|
|
$ |
59,434 |
|
|
$ |
57,031 |
|
|
$ |
29,985 |
|
|
$ |
33,092 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per limited partner unit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic
|
|
$ |
1.87 |
(5) |
|
$ |
2.55 |
|
|
$ |
2.29 |
|
|
$ |
1.23 |
|
|
$ |
1.29 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Diluted
|
|
$ |
1.86 |
(5) |
|
$ |
2.53 |
|
|
$ |
2.27 |
|
|
$ |
1.22 |
|
|
$ |
1.28 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash distributions per unit to limited partners(6):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid
|
|
$ |
1.16 |
|
|
$ |
1.99 |
|
|
$ |
2.32 |
|
|
$ |
1.12 |
|
|
$ |
1.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Declared
|
|
$ |
1.65 |
|
|
$ |
2.05 |
|
|
$ |
2.40 |
|
|
$ |
1.16 |
|
|
$ |
1.26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data (at period end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net properties, plants and equipment
|
|
$ |
573,514 |
|
|
$ |
583,164 |
|
|
$ |
647,200 |
|
|
$ |
622,128 |
|
|
$ |
649,551 |
|
Total assets
|
|
|
1,093,880 |
|
|
|
1,181,006 |
|
|
|
1,368,786 |
|
|
|
1,311,938 |
|
|
|
1,516,371 |
|
Total debt
|
|
|
317,445 |
|
|
|
313,136 |
|
|
|
313,305 |
|
|
|
313,220 |
|
|
|
313,389 |
|
Total partners capital
|
|
|
383,033 |
|
|
|
403,758 |
|
|
|
460,594 |
|
|
|
452,719 |
|
|
|
461,484 |
|
Other Financial Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
$ |
2,211 |
|
|
$ |
97,212 |
|
|
$ |
106,622 |
|
|
$ |
50,722 |
|
|
$ |
29,877 |
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(85,273 |
) |
|
|
(39,008 |
) |
|
|
(95,583 |
) |
|
|
(52,906 |
) |
|
|
(17,930 |
) |
Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities
|
|
|
116,902 |
|
|
|
(41,963 |
) |
|
|
(8,460 |
) |
|
|
2,507 |
|
|
|
(19,395 |
) |
Capital expenditures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maintenance
|
|
$ |
27,934 |
|
|
$ |
30,850 |
|
|
$ |
30,829 |
|
|
$ |
8,868 |
|
|
$ |
10,904 |
|
|
Expansion
|
|
|
77,439 |
(1) |
|
|
10,226 |
(2) |
|
|
64,754 |
(3) |
|
|
44,038 |
|
|
|
7,026 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capital expenditures
|
|
$ |
105,373 |
(1) |
|
$ |
41,076 |
(2) |
|
$ |
95,583 |
(3) |
|
$ |
52,906 |
|
|
$ |
17,930 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA(7)
|
|
$ |
96,963 |
|
|
$ |
106,631 |
|
|
$ |
109,288 |
|
|
$ |
55,221 |
|
|
$ |
59,287 |
|
Distributable cash flow(7)
|
|
$ |
55,415 |
|
|
$ |
61,055 |
|
|
$ |
65,182 |
|
|
$ |
37,615 |
|
|
$ |
38,698 |
|
S-9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sunoco Logistics |
|
|
|
|
and Predecessor |
|
Sunoco Logistics |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2002(1) |
|
2003(2) |
|
2004(3) |
|
2004 |
|
2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited) |
Operating Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eastern Pipeline System total shipments (in thousands of barrel
miles per day)(8)(9)
|
|
|
56,768 |
|
|
|
55,324 |
|
|
|
59,173 |
|
|
|
56,978 |
|
|
|
55,515 |
|
Terminal Facilities throughput (bpd)
|
|
|
1,182,784 |
|
|
|
1,204,394 |
|
|
|
1,464,254 |
|
|
|
1,491,543 |
|
|
|
1,561,211 |
|
Western Pipeline System throughput (bpd)(8)
|
|
|
286,912 |
|
|
|
304,471 |
|
|
|
298,797 |
|
|
|
299,958 |
|
|
|
319,113 |
|
Crude oil purchases at wellhead (bpd)
|
|
|
189,277 |
|
|
|
193,176 |
|
|
|
186,827 |
|
|
|
188,065 |
|
|
|
193,325 |
|
|
|
(1) |
On November 15, 2002, we acquired a company whose assets
included equity interests in three products pipeline companies,
consisting of a 31.5% interest in Wolverine Pipe Line Company, a
9.2% interest in West Shore Pipe Line Company, and a 14.0%
interest in Yellowstone Pipe Line Company, for
$54.0 million. On November 15, 2002, we also acquired
a 43.8% equity interest in West Texas Gulf Pipe Line Company for
$10.6 million. The aggregate purchase price of these
acquisitions has been included within the 2002 expansion capital
expenditures. The equity income attributable to the equity
interests purchased in these acquisitions has been included in
our statements of income from the dates of their acquisition. |
|
(2) |
On September 30, 2003, we acquired an additional 3.1%
ownership interest in West Shore Pipe Line Company for
$3.7 million, increasing our overall ownership percentage
to 12.3%. The purchase price for this acquisition has been
included within the 2003 expansion capital expenditures, and the
equity income attributable to this additional 3.1% ownership
interest in West Shore Pipe Line Company has been included in
our statements of income from the date of its acquisition. |
|
(3) |
During the year ended December 31, 2004, we completed the
following acquisitions: the Eagle Point logistics assets, which
were purchased for $20.0 million on March 30, 2004;
two refined product terminals located in Baltimore, Maryland and
Manassas, Virginia, which were purchased for $12.0 million
on April 28, 2004; an additional 33.3% undivided interest
in the Harbor pipeline, which was acquired on June 28, 2004
for $7.3 million; and a refined product terminal located in
Columbus, Ohio, which was purchased for $8.0 million on
November 30, 2004. The aggregate purchase price for these
acquisitions has been included within the 2004 expansion capital
expenditures, and their results of operations have been included
in our financial statements from their dates of acquisition. |
|
(4) |
Includes equity income from investments in corporate joint
ventures. |
|
(5) |
Based on the portion of net income for 2002 applicable to the
period from February 8, 2002 (the date of our initial
public offering) through December 31, 2002, after deduction
of our general partners interest in net income. Net income
for the period from January 1, 2002 to February 7,
2002 totaled $3.4 million. |
|
(6) |
Cash distributions paid per unit to limited partners include
payments made per unit during the period stated. Cash
distributions declared per unit to limited partners include
distributions declared per unit related to the quarters within
the period stated. Declared distributions were paid within
45 days following the close of each quarter. The $1.65
aggregate per limited partner unit distribution for 2002
included a $0.26 per limited partner unit distribution for
the first quarter, which represents the pro rata portion of the
$0.45 minimum quarterly distribution for the 52-day period from
the date of the initial public offering, February 8, 2002,
through March 31, 2002. |
|
(7) |
EBITDA and distributable cash flow provide additional
information for evaluating our ability to make distributions to
our unitholders and our general partner. The following table
reconciles the difference between operating income, as
determined under United States generally accepted accounting
principles, and EBITDA and distributable cash flow (in
thousands): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended | |
|
|
Year Ended December 31, | |
|
June 30, | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
2002 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Operating income
|
|
$ |
65,629 |
|
|
$ |
79,474 |
|
|
$ |
77,355 |
|
|
$ |
39,913 |
|
|
$ |
43,672 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
31,334 |
|
|
|
27,157 |
|
|
|
31,933 |
|
|
|
15,308 |
|
|
|
15,615 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
96,963 |
|
|
|
106,631 |
|
|
|
109,288 |
|
|
|
55,221 |
|
|
|
59,287 |
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(17,299 |
) |
|
|
(20,040 |
) |
|
|
(20,324 |
) |
|
|
(9,928 |
) |
|
|
(10,580 |
) |
Maintenance capital expenditures
|
|
|
(27,934 |
) |
|
|
(30,850 |
) |
|
|
(30,829 |
) |
|
|
(8,868 |
) |
|
|
(10,904 |
) |
Sunoco reimbursements
|
|
|
3,685 |
|
|
|
5,314 |
|
|
|
7,047 |
|
|
|
1,190 |
|
|
|
895 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distributable cash flow
|
|
$ |
55,415 |
|
|
$ |
61,055 |
|
|
$ |
65,182 |
|
|
$ |
37,615 |
|
|
$ |
38,698 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Our management believes EBITDA and distributable cash flow
information enhances an investors understanding of a
business ability to generate cash for payment of
distributions and other purposes. In addition, EBITDA is also
used as a measure in our $250 million revolving credit
facility in determining our compliance with certain covenants.
However, there may be contractual, legal, economic or other
reasons that may prevent us from satisfying principal and
interest obligations with respect to indebtedness and may
require us to allocate funds for other purposes. EBITDA and
distributable cash flow do not represent and should not be
considered alternatives to net income, operating income or cash
flows from operating activities as determined under United
States generally accepted accounting principles and may not be
comparable to other similarly titled measures of other
businesses. |
|
|
(8) |
Excludes amounts attributable to our equity ownership interests
in corporate joint ventures. |
|
(9) |
Total shipments represent the total average daily pipeline
throughput multiplied by the number of miles of pipeline through
which each barrel has been shipped. We believe that total
shipments is a better performance indicator for the Eastern
Pipeline System than throughput as certain refined product
pipelines, including inter-refinery and transfer pipelines,
transport large volumes over short distances and generate
minimal revenues. |
S-10
RISK FACTORS
You should read carefully the discussion of the material risks
relating to our business under the caption Risk
Factors beginning on page 4 of the accompanying
prospectus. The assets associated with our acquisition of the
crude oil pipeline system and related storage facilities located
in Texas are generally subject to the same business risks as our
other assets, such as disruptions in refinery production,
changes in market conditions, competing pipelines, reductions in
throughput and adverse changes in the price of crude oil. Please
read Risk Factors Risks Inherent in Our
Business of the accompanying prospectus for a discussion
of these business risks. In addition, please read carefully the
following risks relating to your limited liability and our
general partners discretion in establishing cash reserves.
|
|
|
A unitholder may not have limited liability if a state or
federal court finds that we are not in compliance with the
applicable statutes or that unitholder action constitutes
control of our business. |
The limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner
interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have not
been clearly established in some states. A unitholder could be
held liable in some circumstances for our obligations to the
same extent as a general partner if a state or federal court
determined that:
|
|
|
|
|
we had been conducting business in any state without complying
with the applicable limited partnership statute; or |
|
|
|
the right or the exercise of the right by the unitholders as a
group to remove or replace our general partner, to approve some
amendments to the partnership agreement, or to take other action
under the partnership agreement constituted participation in the
control of our business. |
Under applicable state law, our general partner has unlimited
liability for our obligations, including our debts and
environmental liabilities, if any, except for our contractual
obligations that are expressly made without recourse to the
general partner.
In addition, Section 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform
Limited Partnership Act provides that under some circumstances a
unitholder may be liable to us for the amount of a distribution
for a period of three years from the date of the distribution.
|
|
|
Our general partners discretion in determining the
level of cash reserves may adversely affect our ability to make
cash distributions to our unitholders. |
Our partnership agreement requires our general partner to deduct
from operating surplus cash, reserves that, in the general
partners reasonable discretion, are necessary to fund our
future operating expenditures. In addition, the partnership
agreement permits our general partner to reduce available cash
by establishing cash reserves for the proper conduct of our
business, to comply with applicable law or agreements to which
we are a party or to provide funds for future distributions to
our unitholders. These cash reserves will affect the amount of
cash available for distribution to our unitholders.
S-11
USE OF PROCEEDS
We expect to receive net proceeds of approximately
$57.9 million from the sale of the 1,500,000 common units
we are offering (based on the last reported sales price of our
common units on the New York Stock Exchange on August 2, 2005 of
$40.29 per common unit) after deducting the underwriting
discount but before offering expenses. We will also receive
approximately $1.2 million from our general partners
related capital contribution to maintain its 2.0% general
partner interest in us. We will use all of the net proceeds from
this offering and our general partners capital
contribution to repay approximately $58.6 million of
indebtedness incurred under our revolving credit facility to
finance a portion of the purchase price for the crude oil
pipeline system and related crude oil storage facilities located
in Texas that we acquired from an affiliate of Exxon Mobil
Corporation. Please read Overview of the Acquisition
for more information regarding this acquisition. Affiliates of
certain of the underwriters participating in this offering are
lenders under our revolving credit facility and will receive
greater than 10% of the net proceeds of this offering through
our partial repayment of that facility. Please read
Underwriting Relationships.
We will use all the net proceeds from any exercise of the
underwriters option to purchase additional common units,
together with our general partners related capital
contribution, for general partnership purposes, including the
repayment of additional indebtedness.
As of June 30, 2005, interest on borrowings under our
revolving credit facility had a weighted average interest rate
of 3.8%. The revolving credit facility matures on
November 20, 2009. Debt incurred under our revolving credit
facility within the past year of $75 million was used to
finance a portion of the purchase price for the crude oil
pipeline system and related crude oil storage facilities located
in Texas that we acquired from an affiliate of Exxon Mobil
Corporation.
S-12
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth our capitalization as of
June 30, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
on an actual basis; |
|
|
|
as adjusted to give effect to the acquisition of the crude oil
pipeline system, related storage facilities and other related
assets located in Texas from an affiliate of Exxon Mobil
Corporation and the financing of a portion of the purchase price
with borrowings under our revolving credit facility; and |
|
|
|
as adjusted to give effect to the common units offered by this
prospectus supplement, our general partners related
capital contribution and the application of the net proceeds
therefrom in the manner described under Use of
Proceeds. |
This table should be read together with our historical financial
statements and the accompanying notes incorporated by reference
into this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
As Adjusted | |
|
As Adjusted | |
|
|
|
|
for the | |
|
for the | |
|
|
Actual | |
|
Acquisition | |
|
Offering | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
($ in thousands) | |
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
45,212 |
|
|
$ |
20,212 |
|
|
$ |
20,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revolving credit facility
|
|
$ |
64,500 |
|
|
$ |
139,500 |
|
|
$ |
80,900 |
|
7.25% Senior Notes due 2012
|
|
|
248,889 |
|
|
|
248,889 |
|
|
|
248,889 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total debt
|
|
$ |
313,389 |
|
|
$ |
388,389 |
|
|
$ |
329,789 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners capital
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unitholders
|
|
$ |
453,443 |
|
|
$ |
453,443 |
|
|
$ |
510,810 |
|
|
General partner
|
|
|
8,041 |
|
|
|
8,041 |
|
|
|
9,274 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total partners capital
|
|
$ |
461,484 |
|
|
$ |
461,484 |
|
|
$ |
520,084 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization
|
|
$ |
774,873 |
|
|
$ |
849,873 |
|
|
$ |
849,873 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
This table does not reflect the issuance of up to 225,000 common
units that may be sold to the underwriters upon exercise of
their option to purchase additional common units, the proceeds
of which, together with our general partners related
capital contribution, will be used for general partnership
purposes, including the repayment of additional indebtedness.
S-13
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON UNITS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
At the close of business on August 2, 2005, there were
79 holders of record of our common units. These holders of
record included our general partner with 3,526,005 common units
registered in its name, and Cede & Co. with
11,999,943 common units registered in its name. Our common
units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol
SXL.
As of August 2, 2005, 8,537,729 subordinated units were
outstanding. The subordinated units are held by our general
partner and are not publicly traded.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the
high and low closing sales prices for our common units, as
reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Transactions
Tape, and quarterly cash distributions paid to our unitholders.
The last reported closing sales price of our common units on the
New York Stock Exchange on August 2, 2005 was $40.29 per common
unit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Closing Sales |
|
|
|
|
Price Ranges |
|
Cash |
|
|
|
|
Distributions |
|
|
High |
|
Low |
|
per Unit(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Third Quarter (through August 2, 2005)
|
|
$ |
40.29 |
|
|
$ |
38.05 |
|
|
$ |
0.6500 |
(2) |
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
42.85 |
|
|
|
37.01 |
|
|
|
0.6375 |
(3) |
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
43.85 |
|
|
|
40.30 |
|
|
|
0.6250 |
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
$ |
43.05 |
|
|
$ |
38.75 |
|
|
$ |
0.6250 |
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
39.36 |
|
|
|
36.00 |
|
|
|
0.6125 |
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
39.75 |
|
|
|
31.47 |
|
|
|
0.5875 |
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
42.20 |
|
|
|
34.48 |
|
|
|
0.5700 |
|
2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
$ |
37.11 |
|
|
$ |
30.80 |
|
|
$ |
0.5500 |
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
32.45 |
|
|
|
28.35 |
|
|
|
0.5125 |
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
30.75 |
|
|
|
26.20 |
|
|
|
0.5000 |
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
25.95 |
|
|
|
22.85 |
|
|
|
0.4875 |
|
2002
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fourth Quarter
|
|
$ |
24.07 |
|
|
$ |
21.10 |
|
|
$ |
0.4875 |
|
|
Third Quarter
|
|
|
23.25 |
|
|
|
18.85 |
|
|
|
0.4500 |
|
|
Second Quarter
|
|
|
24.00 |
|
|
|
20.95 |
|
|
|
0.4500 |
|
|
First Quarter
|
|
|
23.44 |
|
|
|
20.49 |
|
|
|
0.2600 |
(4) |
|
|
(1) |
Represents cash distributions attributable to the quarter and
declared and paid or to be paid within 45 days after
quarter end. We declared and, within 45 days of the end of
the period, paid cash distributions to our general partner with
respect to its 2.0% general partner interest that totaled
$1.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005,
$3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004,
$1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003 and
$0.8 million for the period from February 8, 2002
through December 31, 2002. We declared cash distributions
to our general partner with respect to its 2.0% general partner
interest that totaled $1.1 million for the quarter ended
June 30, 2005, which will be paid on August 12, 2005. |
|
(2) |
As a result of our acquisition of a $100.0 million crude
oil pipeline system and related storage facilities located in
Texas on August 1, 2005, the board of directors of our
general partner decided to advance the date for action on the
quarterly cash distribution for the third quarter ending
September 30, 2005 and declared a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.65 per unit, or $2.60 per unit on
an annualized basis, payable on November 14, 2005 to
unitholders of record on November 7, 2005. |
|
(3) |
None of the common units purchased in this offering will receive
the declared distribution for the second quarter of 2005 due to
the timing of this offering in relation to the record date for
the distribution. |
|
(4) |
The distribution for the first quarter of 2002 represents a pro
rated distribution of $0.45 per common and subordinated
unit for the period from February 8, 2002 through
March 31, 2002. |
S-14
OVERVIEW OF THE ACQUISITION
On August 1, 2005, we purchased a crude oil pipeline
system, related storage facilities and other related assets
located in Texas for an aggregate purchase price of
$100.0 million in cash from an affiliate of Exxon Mobil
Corporation. We funded the acquisition of these assets with
$25.0 million of cash on hand and $75.0 million of
borrowings under our revolving credit facility. We will use the
net proceeds from this offering and our general partners
capital contribution to repay approximately $58.6 million
of these borrowing under our revolving credit facility. As a
result of the closing of this transaction, the board of
directors of our general partner decided to advance the date for
action on the quarterly cash distribution for the third quarter
ending September 30, 2005 and declared a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.65 per unit, or $2.60 per unit on
an annualized basis.
The assets that we purchased include:
|
|
|
|
|
a 187-mile, 16-inch crude oil pipeline extending from Corsicana,
Texas to Wichita Falls, Texas with an operating capacity of
approximately 125,000 bpd; |
|
|
|
crude oil terminals located in Corsicana and Ringgold, Texas
with approximately 2.9 million barrels and 0.5 million
barrels, respectively, of shell capacity for crude oil storage,
which are connected to the crude oil pipeline described above; |
|
|
|
a 104-mile, 12-inch crude oil pipeline extending from Kilgore,
Texas to Corsicana, which is currently idle; and |
|
|
|
certain other assets, including approximately 20 miles of
crude oil gathering lines that are currently idle. |
In connection with this acquisition, we have agreed to assume
certain environmental liabilities associated with the assets we
purchased and have executed a throughput and deficiency
agreement pursuant to which a shipper committed to ship a
minimum throughput of feedstock along the newly acquired
pipeline.
In connection with this acquisition, we intend to invest
approximately $17 million to construct a 20-mile crude oil
pipeline that will connect these assets to the 579-mile West
Texas Gulf crude oil pipeline, in which we own a 43.8% interest
and of which we are the operator. The 20-mile pipeline will
extend from Corsicana, Texas to Wortham, Texas and is expected
to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2005. We expect to fund
the construction of this pipeline through borrowings under our
revolving credit facility. This pipeline connection will allow
for the reactivation of the south leg of the West Texas Gulf
pipeline extending from our Nederland, Texas crude oil terminal
to Wortham, Texas. As a result, certain of our refining
customers will be able to source both foreign and Gulf of Mexico
crude oil through our Nederland, Texas terminal. In addition,
the acquisition and related pipeline construction will enhance
the capability and flexibility of our Nederland terminal by
providing connections to key crude oil markets, including
Cushing, Oklahoma.
S-15
MANAGEMENT
The following table shows information with respect to the
directors and executive officers of our general partner, Sunoco
Partners LLC. Executive officers and directors are elected for
one-year terms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name |
|
Age |
|
Position with Our General Partner |
|
|
|
|
|
John G. Drosdick
|
|
|
61 |
|
|
Chairman and Director |
Deborah M. Fretz
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and Director |
Cynthia A. Archer
|
|
|
52 |
|
|
Director |
L. Wilson Berry, Jr.
|
|
|
62 |
|
|
Director |
Stephen L. Cropper
|
|
|
55 |
|
|
Director |
Michael H.R. Dingus
|
|
|
57 |
|
|
Director |
Gary W. Edwards
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
Director |
Bruce G. Fischer
|
|
|
50 |
|
|
Director |
Thomas W. Hofmann
|
|
|
54 |
|
|
Director |
Paul S. Broker
|
|
|
45 |
|
|
Vice President, Western Operations |
Bruce D. Davis, Jr.
|
|
|
48 |
|
|
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary |
David A. Justin
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
Vice President, Eastern Operations |
Christopher W. Keene
|
|
|
40 |
|
|
Vice President, Business Development |
Paul A. Mulholland
|
|
|
53 |
|
|
Treasurer |
Colin A. Oerton
|
|
|
41 |
|
|
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer |
Mr. Drosdick was elected Chairman of the Board of
Directors in October 2001. He has been Chairman of the Board of
Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunoco since
May 2000. Prior to that, he was a director, President and Chief
Operating Officer of Sunoco from December 1996 to May 2000.
Mr. Drosdick is a director of Lincoln National Corp. and
United States Steel Corporation.
Ms. Fretz was elected President, Chief Executive
Officer and a director in October 2001. Prior to assuming her
positions with us, she was Senior Vice President, MidContinent
Refining, Marketing and Logistics of Sunoco since November 2000.
Prior to that, she was Senior Vice President, Logistics of
Sunoco from August 1994 to November 2000 and also held the
position of Senior Vice President, Lubricants of Sunoco from
January 1997 to November 2000. In addition, she has been
President of Sun Pipe Line Company, a subsidiary of Sunoco,
since October 1991. Ms. Fretz is a director of GATX
Corporation.
Ms. Archer was elected to the Board of Directors in
April 2002. Ms. Archer has been Vice President, Marketing
and Development of Sunoco since January 2001. Prior to joining
Sunoco she was Senior Vice President, Operations for
Williams-Sonoma Inc., in charge of its direct-to-customer
business from June 1999 to January 2001. Ms. Archer is a
director of Mercantile Bankshares Corporation.
Mr. Berry was elected to the Board of Directors in
March 2003. He is currently a consultant in the energy field.
From 1998 until his retirement in 2000, Mr. Berry was Chief
Executive Officer and President of Motiva Enterprises LLC, a
refining and marketing joint venture in the eastern United
States, established by Shell Norco Refining Company, Texaco
Refining and Marketing (East) Inc. and Saudi Refining Inc. From
1996 to 1998, he was President of Texaco Refining &
Marketing, Inc., a domestic refining and marketing division of
Texaco, Inc.
Mr. Cropper was elected to the Board of Directors in
May 2002. Mr. Cropper is currently a private investor. From
January 1996 until the time of his retirement in December 1998,
he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Williams
Energy Services, a diversified energy company. Mr. Cropper
served as president of Williams Pipe Line Company from 1986 to
1998. He is a director of Energy Transfer Partners LP, QuikTrip
Corporation, Berry Petroleum, Rental Car Finance Corporation and
NRG Energy, Inc. Mr. Cropper has also been a past chairman
of the Association of Oil Pipelines, and has served on the
National Petroleum Council as well as the Transportation and
Public Policy Committees of the American Petroleum Institute.
S-16
Mr. Dingus was elected to the Board of Directors in
April 2002. He has been a Senior Vice President of Sunoco since
January 2002. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Sunoco
from May 1999 to January 2002, and he has been President of Sun
Coke Company since June 1996.
Mr. Edwards was elected to the Board of Directors in
May 2002. Mr. Edwards is currently a consultant in the
energy field. From November 1999 until the time of his
retirement in December 2001, he was Senior Executive Vice
President, Corporate Strategy & Development of Conoco,
Inc., and had been Executive Vice President, Refining,
Marketing, Supply & Transportation of Conoco, Inc. from
September 1991 until November 1999.
Mr. Fischer was elected to the Board of Directors in
April 2002. He has been Senior Vice President, Sunoco Chemicals
of Sunoco, since January 2002. Prior to that, he was Vice
President of Sunoco Chemicals from November 2000 to January 2002
and Vice President and General Manager of Sunoco MidAmerica
Marketing and Refining from January 1999 to November 2000.
Mr. Hofmann was elected to the Board of Directors in
October 2001. He has been Senior Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of Sunoco since January 2002. Prior to that,
he was Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Sunoco from
July 1998 to January 2002. Mr. Hofmann is a director of
Viasys Healthcare, Inc.
Mr. Broker was elected Vice President, Western
Operations in November 2001. Prior to that, he had been Manager,
Western Area Operations for Sun Pipe Line Company since
September 2000. Prior to that, Mr. Broker served as an Area
Superintendent of Eastern Area Operations for Sun Pipe Line
Company from March 1997 through September 2000.
Mr. Davis was elected Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary in November 2003. From September 2000 to
November 2003, Mr. Davis was Associate General Counsel for
Mirant Corporation. Prior to that, from July 1992 to September
2000, he was Associate General Counsel for Constellation Energy
Group.
Mr. Justin was elected Vice President, Eastern
Operations in November 2001. From September 2000 to November
2001, Mr. Justin served as Manager, Eastern Area Operations
for Sun Pipe Line Company. Prior to that, he had been Manager,
Western Area Operations for Sun Pipe Line Company from 1998
through September 2000.
Mr. Keene was elected Vice President, Business
Development in January 2005. From February 2002 to December
2004, Mr. Keene was the Director, Midstream Development for
Unocal Midstream & Trade (UMT), a division of Unocal
Corporation. Prior to that, he had been the Director, Business
Development, Unocal Global Trade, a division of Unocal
Corporation, and Vice President, Unocal Pipeline Company from
April 1999 to January 2002. From September 1997 to March 1999,
he was Project Manager, New Ventures, Southeast Asia for Unocal
Corporation and Vice President, Unocal Bharat Limited.
Mr. Mulholland was elected Treasurer in January
2002. He has been Treasurer of Sunoco since March 2000. Prior to
that, from May 1996 to April 2000, he was Assistant Treasurer of
Sunoco.
Mr. Oerton was elected Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer in January 2002. From October 2001 to January
2002, he was acting as a consultant in the natural resources
industry. Prior to that, from August 1996 to October 2001, he
was Senior Vice President Natural Resources Group
for Lehman Brothers Holdings, Inc.
S-17
TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The tax consequences to you of an investment in our common units
will depend in part on your own tax circumstances. For a
discussion of the principal federal income tax considerations
associated with our operations and the purchase, ownership and
disposition of common units, please read Material Tax
Considerations beginning on page 47 of the
accompanying prospectus. You are urged to consult your own tax
advisor about the federal, state, foreign and local tax
consequences peculiar to your circumstances.
We estimate that if you purchase a common unit in this offering
and hold the common unit through the record date for the
distribution with respect to the fourth calendar quarter of
2007, you will be allocated, on a cumulative basis, an amount of
federal taxable income for the taxable years 2005 through 2007
that will be less than 25% of the amount of cash distributed to
you with respect to that period. This estimated taxable income
amount is largely comprised of qualified dividends we receive,
which are generally taxable to an individual at a maximum
federal income tax rate of 15%.
This estimate is based upon many assumptions regarding our
business and operations, including assumptions with respect to
capital expenditures, cash flows and anticipated cash
distributions. This estimate and our assumptions are subject to,
among other things, numerous business, economic, regulatory,
competitive and political uncertainties beyond our control.
Further, this estimate is based on current tax law and tax
reporting positions that we have adopted and with which the
Internal Revenue Service might disagree. Accordingly, we cannot
assure you that this estimate will be correct. The actual
percentage of distributions that will constitute taxable income
could be higher or lower, and any differences could materially
affect the value of the common units.
Because of widespread state budget deficits, several states are
evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation
through the imposition of state income, franchise or other forms
of taxation. If any state were to impose a tax upon us as an
entity, the cash available for distribution to you would be
reduced. Our partnership agreement provides that if a law is
enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner
that subjects us to taxation as a corporation or otherwise
subjects us to entity-level taxation for federal, state or local
income tax purposes, provisions of our partnership agreement
will be subject to change. These changes would include a
decrease in the minimum quarterly distribution and the target
distribution levels to reflect the impact of those taxes.
Ownership of common units by tax-exempt entities, regulated
investment companies and foreign investors raises issues unique
to such persons. A regulated investment company or mutual
fund is required to derive 90% or more of its gross income
from certain permitted sources. The American Jobs Creation Act
of 2004 generally treats net income from the ownership of
publicly traded partnerships as derived from such a permitted
source, effective for taxable years of a regulated investment
company beginning after October 22, 2004. For taxable years
of a regulated investment company beginning on or before
October 22, 2004, very little of our income will be treated
as derived from such a permitted source. Please read
Material Tax Considerations Tax-Exempt
Organizations and Other Investors in the accompanying
prospectus.
Under legislation enacted in 2003, the highest effective United
States federal income tax rate for individuals was lowered to
35% and, in general, net capital gains (including qualified
dividend income) of an individual are currently subject to a
maximum 15% federal income tax rate if the asset was held for
more than 12 months at the time of disposition. Under
current law, these rates will sunset for tax years beginning
after December 31, 2010, returning to a maximum rate for
individuals of 39.6% and a maximum rate for capital gains for an
individual of 20%.
S-18
UNDERWRITING
Lehman Brothers Inc. is acting as representative of the
underwriters. Under the terms of an underwriting agreement,
which we will file as an exhibit to our Current Report on
Form 8-K, each of the underwriters named below has
severally agreed to purchase from us the respective number of
common units shown opposite its name below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of | |
Underwriters |
|
Common Units | |
|
|
| |
Lehman Brothers Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
Citigroup Global Markets Inc.
|
|
|
|
|
Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
The underwriting agreement provides that the underwriters
obligation to purchase common units depends on the satisfaction
of the conditions contained in the underwriting agreement
including:
|
|
|
|
|
the obligation to purchase all of the common units offered
hereby, if any of the common units are purchased; |
|
|
|
the representations and warranties made by us to the
underwriters are true; |
|
|
|
there is no material change in the financial markets; and |
|
|
|
we deliver customary closing documents to the underwriters. |
Commissions and Expenses
The following table summarizes the underwriting discounts and
commissions we will pay to the underwriters. These amounts are
shown assuming both no exercise and full exercise of the
underwriters option to purchase additional common units.
The underwriting fee is the difference between the initial price
to the public and the amount the underwriters pay to us for the
common units.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No Exercise | |
|
Full Exercise | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Per unit
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
The representative of the underwriters has advised us that the
underwriters propose to offer the common units directly to the
public at the public offering price on the cover of this
prospectus supplement and to selected dealers, which may include
the underwriters, at such offering price less a selling
concession not in excess of
$ per
unit. The underwriters may allow, and the selected dealers may
re-allow, a discount from the concession not in excess of
$ per
unit to other dealers. After the offering, the representative
may change the offering price and other selling terms.
We estimate that offering expenses will be approximately
$0.5 million (exclusive of underwriting discounts and
commissions).
Option to Purchase Additional Units
We have granted the underwriters an option exercisable for
30 days after the date of this prospectus supplement, to
purchase, from time to time, in whole or in part, up to an
aggregate of 225,000 common units at the public offering price
less underwriting discounts and commissions. This option may be
exercised if the underwriters sell more than 1,500,000 common
units in connection with this offering. To the extent that this
option is exercised, each underwriter will be obligated, subject
to certain conditions, to purchase its pro rata portion of these
additional units based on the underwriters percentage
underwriting commitment in the offering as indicated in the
table at the beginning of this Underwriting section.
S-19
Lock-Up Agreements
We and our general partner and all of the directors and
executive officers of our general partner have agreed that,
without the prior written consent of Lehman Brothers Inc., we
and they will not, directly or indirectly, offer for sale, sell,
pledge or otherwise transfer or dispose of any common units or
any securities which may be converted into or exchanged for any
common units or enter into any swap, derivative transaction or
other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, any of the
economic consequences of ownership of the common units or
securities convertible or exchangeable for common units for a
period of 90 days from the date of this prospectus
supplement, other than permitted transfers.
Lehman Brothers Inc., in its discretion, may release the common
units subject to lock-up agreements in whole or in part at any
time with or without notice. When determining whether or not to
release common units from lock-up agreements, Lehman Brothers
Inc. will consider, among other factors, the unitholders
reasons for requesting the release, the number of common units
for which the release is being requested, and market conditions
at the time.
Indemnification
We and our general partner have agreed to indemnify the
underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act of 1933, and to contribute to payments
that the underwriters may be required to make for these
liabilities.
Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids
The representative may engage in stabilizing transactions, short
sales and purchases to cover positions created by short sales,
and penalty bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging, fixing
or maintaining the price of the common units, in accordance with
Regulation M under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:
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Stabilizing transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying
security so long as the stabilizing bids do not exceed a
specified maximum. |
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A short position involves a sale by the underwriters of common
units in excess of the number of common units the underwriters
are obligated to purchase in the offering, which creates the
syndicate short position. This short position may be either a
covered short position or a naked short position. In a covered
short position, the number of common units involved in the sales
made by the underwriters in excess of the number of common units
they are obligated to purchase is not greater than the number of
common units that they may purchase by exercising their option
to purchase additional common units. In a naked short position,
the number of common units involved is greater than the number
of common units in their option to purchase additional common
units. The underwriters may close out any short position by
either exercising their option to purchase additional common
units and/or purchasing common units in the open market. In
determining the source of common units to close out the short
position, the underwriters will consider, among other things,
the price of common units available for purchase in the open
market as compared to the price at which they may purchase
common units through their option to purchase additional common
units. A naked short position is more likely to be created if
the underwriters are concerned that there could be downward
pressure on the price of the common units in the open market
after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase
in the offering. |
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Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the common
units in the open market after the distribution has been
completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. |
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Penalty bids permit the representatives to reclaim a selling
concession from a syndicate member when the common units
originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a
stabilizing or syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate
short positions. |
S-20
These stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions
and penalty bids may have the effect of raising or maintaining
the market price of our common units or preventing or retarding
a decline in the market price of the common units. As a result,
the price of the common units may be higher than the price that
might otherwise exist in the open market. These transactions may
be effected on the New York Stock Exchange or otherwise and, if
commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation
or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect
that the transactions described above may have on the price of
the common units. In addition, neither we nor any of the
underwriters make any representation that the underwriters will
engage in these stabilizing transactions or that any
transaction, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.
Electronic Distribution
A prospectus in electronic format may be made available on the
Internet sites or through other online services maintained by
one or more of the underwriters and/or selling group members
participating in this offering, or by their affiliates. In those
cases, prospective investors may view offering terms online and,
depending upon the particular underwriter or selling group
member, prospective investors may be allowed to place orders
online. The underwriters may agree with us to allocate a
specific number of common units for sale to online brokerage
account holders. Any such allocation for online distributions
will be made by the representative on the same basis as other
allocations.
Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information
on any underwriters or selling group members web
site and any information contained in any other web site
maintained by an underwriter or selling group member is not part
of the prospectus or the registration statement of which this
prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus forms a
part, has not been approved and/or endorsed by us or any
underwriter or selling group member in its capacity as
underwriter or selling group member and should not be relied
upon by investors.
Relationships
Lehman Brothers Inc. was the lead underwriter in our initial
public offering in February 2002 and our follow-on offerings in
April 2004 and May 2005. In addition, Lehman Brothers Inc. and
the other underwriters and their related entities have engaged
and may in the future engage in commercial banking, investment
banking or financial advisory transactions with us, our
affiliates and Sunoco, in the ordinary course of their business.
Such underwriters and their affiliates have received customary
compensation and expenses for these commercial banking,
investment banking or financial advisory transactions.
Affiliates of each of Lehman Brothers Inc. and Citigroup Global
Markets Inc. are lenders under our revolving credit facility and
will receive greater than 10% of the net proceeds of this
offering through our partial repayment of that facility.
Accordingly, this offering is being made in compliance with the
requirements of Rule 2710(h) of the Conduct Rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Pursuant to
that rule, the appointment of a qualified independent
underwriter is not necessary in connection with this offering as
a bona fide independent market (as defined in the NASD Conduct
Rules) exists in our common units.
Listing
Our common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under
the symbol SXL.
NASD Conduct Rules
Because the NASD views the common units offered hereby as
interests in a direct participation program, the offering is
being made in compliance with Rule 2810 of the NASD Conduct
Rules.
S-21
LEGAL
The validity of the common units offered hereby will be passed
upon for Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. by Vinson &
Elkins LLP, Houston, Texas. Certain legal matters in connection
with the common units offered hereby will be passed upon for the
underwriters by Andrews Kurth LLP, Houston, Texas.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. and
its managements assessment of the effectiveness of
internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2004, and the parent-company-only balance
sheet of Sunoco Partners LLC appearing in Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P.s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 2004 have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public
accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon included
therein and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial
statements and managements assessment, and the
parent-company-only balance sheet are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority
of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
S-22
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information included in this prospectus supplement
and the accompanying prospectus and the documents we incorporate
by reference contain forward-looking statements, as
such term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act
and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and information
relating to us that is based on the beliefs of our management as
well as assumptions made by and information currently available
to management.
Forward-looking statements discuss our expected future results
based on current and pending business operations, and may be
identified by words such as anticipates,
believes, expects, planned,
scheduled or similar expressions. Although our
management believes these forward-looking statements are
reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions, any or
all of which ultimately may prove to be inaccurate. Statements
made regarding future results are subject to numerous
assumptions, uncertainties and risks that may cause future
results to be materially different from the results stated or
implied in this document.
The following are among the important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from any results projected,
forecasted, estimated or budgeted:
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Changes in demand both for crude oil we buy and sell, as well as
for crude oil and refined petroleum products that we store and
distribute; |
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Changes in demand for storage in our petroleum terminals; |
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The loss of Sunoco R&M as a customer or a significant
reduction in its current level of throughput and storage with us; |
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An increase in the competition encountered by our petroleum
products terminals, pipelines and crude oil acquisition and
marketing operations; |
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Changes in the throughput on petroleum pipelines owned and
operated by third parties and connected to our petroleum
products pipelines and terminals; |
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Changes in the financial condition or operating results of joint
ventures and other holdings in which we have an equity ownership
interest; |
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Changes in the general economic conditions in the United States; |
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Changes in laws and regulations to which we are subject,
including federal, state, and local tax, safety, environmental
and employment laws; |
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Phase-outs or restrictions on the use of MTBE; |
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Improvements in energy efficiency and technology resulting in
reduced demand; |
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Our ability to manage rapid growth; |
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Our ability to control costs; |
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The effect of changes in accounting principles and tax laws and
interpretations of both; |
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Global and domestic economic repercussions from terrorist
activities and international hostilities and the
governments response thereto; |
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Changes in the level of operating expenses and hazards related
to operating facilities (including equipment malfunction,
explosions, fires, spills and the effects of severe weather
conditions); |
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The occurrence of operational hazards or unforeseen
interruptions for which we may not be adequately insured; |
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The age of, and changes in the reliability and efficiency of our
operating facilities or those of Sunoco R&M or third parties; |
S-23
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Changes in the expected level of capital, operating, or
remediation spending related to environmental matters; |
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Delays related to construction of, or work on, new or existing
facilities and issuance of applicable permits; |
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Changes in insurance markets resulting in increased costs and
reductions in the level and types of coverage available; |
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Our ability to identify acquisitions under favorable terms,
successfully consummate announced acquisitions or expansions and
integrate them into existing business operations; |
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Risks related to labor relations and workplace safety; |
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Non-performance by major customers, suppliers or other business
partners; |
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Price trends and overall demand for refined petroleum products,
crude oil and natural gas liquids in the United States, economic
activity, weather, alternative energy sources, conservation and
technological advances may affect price trends and demand for
our business activities; |
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Changes in our tariff rates, implemented by federal and/or state
government regulators; |
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The amount of our indebtedness, which could make us vulnerable
to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limit our
ability to borrow additional funds, place us at competitive
disadvantages compared to competitors that have less debt, or
have other adverse consequences; |
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Restrictive covenants in our or Sunocos credit agreements; |
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Changes in our or Sunocos credit ratings, as assigned by
ratings agencies; |
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The condition of the debt capital markets and equity capital
markets in the United States, and our ability to raise capital
in a cost-effective way; |
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Changes in interest rates on our outstanding debt, which could
increase the costs of borrowing; |
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Military conflicts between, or internal instability in, one or
more oil-producing countries, and governmental actions or other
disruptions in the ability to obtain crude oil; |
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Changes in applicable statutes and governmental regulations (or
the interpretations thereof), including those relating to the
environment and global warming; |
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Claims of our non-compliance with regulatory and statutory
requirements; and |
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The costs and effects of legal and administrative claims and
proceedings against us or any entity in which we have an
ownership interest, and changes in the status of, or the
initiation of new litigation, claims or proceedings, to which
we, or any entity in which we have an ownership interest, is a
party. |
These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Other
factors could also have material adverse effects on future
results. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any
forward-looking statement whether as a result of new information
or future events.
S-24
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, or SEC, under the Securities Act that
registers the common units offered by this prospectus
supplement. The registration statement, including the attached
exhibits, contains additional relevant information about us. In
addition, we file annual, quarterly and other reports and other
information with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we
file at the SECs public reference room at 100 F
Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549.
Please call the SEC at 1-800-732-0330 for further information on
their public reference room. Our SEC filings are also available
at the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov. You can also
obtain information about us at the offices of the New York Stock
Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information we have filed with the SEC. This means that we can
disclose important information to you without actually including
the specific information in this prospectus supplement or the
accompanying prospectus by referring you to those documents. The
information incorporated by reference is an important part of
this prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus.
Information that we file later with the SEC and that is deemed
to be filed with the SEC will automatically update
and may replace information in this prospectus supplement and
the accompanying prospectus and information previously filed
with the SEC.
We incorporate the documents listed below and any future filings
made with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d)
of the Exchange Act (excluding any information furnished under
Items 2.02 or 7.01 on any Current Report on Form 8-K)
after the date of this prospectus supplement and until the
termination of this offering. These reports contain important
information about us, our financial condition and results of
operations.
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Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2004 filed March 4, 2005; |
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Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2005 filed May 9, 2005 and for the quarter
ended June 30, 2005 filed August 2, 2005; |
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Current Reports on Form 8-K filed January 21, 2005,
April 28, 2005, May 9, 2005 (with respect to
Item 1.01), May 17, 2005, May 19, 2005,
July 13, 2005 and August 1, 2005; |
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the description of our common units contained in our
registration statement on Form 8-A, filed on
January 28, 2002, as amended by Amendment No. 1 filed
on May 13, 2005, and any subsequent amendment thereto filed
for the purpose of updating such description. |
We make available free of charge on or through our Internet
website, www.sunocologistics.com, our Annual Reports on
Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current
Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed
or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we
electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the
SEC. Information contained on our Internet website is not part
of this prospectus supplement or the accompanying prospectus.
You may request a copy of any document incorporated by reference
in this prospectus, at no cost, by writing or calling us at the
following address:
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Investor Relations Department |
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Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. |
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Mellon Bank Center |
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1735 Market Street |
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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-7583 |
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(866) 248-4344 |
S-25
Prospectus
$500,000,000
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.
Common Units
Representing Limited Partner Interests
Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P.
Debt Securities
Fully and Unconditionally Guaranteed by:
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.
Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P.
Sunoco Pipeline L.P.
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. may, in one or more offerings,
offer and sell common units representing limited partner
interests in Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P. common units are listed for trading on The New
York Stock Exchange under the symbol SXL.
Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P. may, in one or more
offerings, offer and sell its debt securities, which will be
fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P., Sunoco Partners Marketing & Terminals L.P.,
and Sunoco Pipeline L.P.
The aggregate initial offering price of the securities that we
offer by this prospectus will not exceed $500,000,000. We will
offer the securities in amounts, at prices and on terms to be
determined by market conditions at the time of our offerings.
This prospectus describes only the general terms of these
securities and the general manner in which we will offer the
securities. The specific terms of any securities we offer will
be included in a supplement to this prospectus. The prospectus
supplement will describe the specific manner in which we will
offer the securities, and also may add, update or change
information contained in this prospectus.
You should read this prospectus and the prospectus supplement
carefully before you invest in any of our securities. This
prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of our securities
unless it is accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
INVESTING IN OUR SECURITIES INVOLVES RISK. LIMITED
PARTNERSHIPS ARE INHERENTLY DIFFERENT FROM CORPORATIONS. YOU
SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE RISK FACTORS BEGINNING ON
PAGE 4 OF THIS PROSPECTUS BEFORE YOU MAKE ANY INVESTMENT IN
OUR SECURITIES.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE
SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE
SECURITIES OR DETERMINED WHETHER THIS PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR
COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
The date of this prospectus is March 14, 2003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus, any prospectus supplement and the documents we have
incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone else to
give you different information. We are not offering these
securities in any state where the offer is not permitted. You
should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any
prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the
date on the front of those documents. We will disclose any
material changes in our affairs in an amendment to this
prospectus, a prospectus supplement or a future filing with the
Securities Exchange Commission incorporated by reference in this
prospectus.
ii
ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on
Form S-3 that we have filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission using a shelf registration
process. Under this shelf registration process, we may sell, in
one or more offerings, up to $500,000,000 in total aggregate
offering price of the common units of Sunoco Logistics Partners
L.P. or the debt securities of Sunoco Logistics Partners
Operations L.P. described in this prospectus. This prospectus
generally describes us, the common units of Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P., the debt securities of Sunoco Logistics Partners
Operations L.P., and the guarantees of the debt securities. Each
time we sell common units or debt securities with this
prospectus, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will
contain specific information about the terms of that offering
and the securities offered by us in that offering. The
prospectus supplement also may add to, update, or change
information in this prospectus. The information in this
prospectus is accurate as of its date. You should read carefully
both this prospectus, any prospectus supplement, and the
additional information described below under the heading
Where You Can Find More Information.
As used in this prospectus, we, us, and
our and similar terms mean either or both of Sunoco
Logistics Partners L.P. and Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations
L.P., except that those terms, when used in this prospectus in
connection with the common units described herein, shall mean
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P., and when used in connection with
the debt securities described herein, shall mean Sunoco
Logistics Partners Operations L.P., unless the context indicates
otherwise. References to Sunoco R&M shall mean
Sunoco, Inc. (R&M), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunoco,
Inc., through which Sunoco, Inc. conducts its refining and
marketing operations.
ABOUT SUNOCO LOGISTICS PARTNERS L.P. AND SUNOCO LOGISTICS
PARTNERS
OPERATIONS, L.P.
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. is a publicly traded Delaware
limited partnership, formed by Sunoco, Inc., in October 2001 to
acquire, own and operate a substantial portion of Sunoco,
Inc.s logistics business, consisting of refined product
pipelines, terminalling and storage assets, crude oil pipelines,
and crude oil acquisition and marketing assets located in the
Northeast, Midwest and Southwest United States. In this
prospectus, we will refer to this predecessor business as
Sunoco Logistics (Predecessor). On February 8,
2002, Sunoco contributed the Sunoco Logistics (Predecessor) to
us and we concurrently issued 5,750,000 common units,
representing a 24.8% limited partnership interest, in an initial
public offering. Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P., is
the wholly owned operating subsidiary of Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P.
We, and our equity interests, transport, terminal, and store
refined products, and purchase and sell crude oil in
17 states. We generate revenues by charging tariffs for
transporting refined products and crude oil through our
pipelines and by charging fees for terminalling and storing
refined products, crude oil, and other hydrocarbons in, and for
providing services at, our terminals. We also generate revenues
by purchasing domestic crude oil and selling it to Sunoco
R&M and other customers. Generally, as we purchase crude
oil, we simultaneously enter into corresponding sale
transactions involving physical deliveries of crude oil, which
enables us to secure a profit on the transaction at the time of
purchase and to establish a substantially balanced position
thereby minimizing exposure to price volatility after the
initial purchase. The Partnerships practice is not to
enter into commodities futures or other derivatives contracts.
Sunoco Partners LLC, the general partner of Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P., is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Sunoco,
Inc., and holds no assets other than its investment in Sunoco
Logistics Partners L.P., and a note receivable from Sunoco
R&M for approximately $245 million. The financial
information of Sunoco Partners LLC is included in the
consolidated financial statements of Sunoco, Inc.
Our principal executive offices are located at Ten Penn
Center3rd Floor, 1801 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA
19103-1699, and our phone number is (215) 977-3000.
1
THE SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS
As of the date of this prospectus, Sunoco Logistics Partners GP
LLC and Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P. are the only
subsidiaries of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. Sunoco Logistics
Partners GP LLC owns a 0.01% general partner interest and Sunoco
Logistics Partners, L.P. owns a 99.99% limited partner interest
in Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P. Sunoco Logistics
Partners Operations L.P. owns all of the membership interests in
Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations GP LLC and a 99.99% limited
partner interest in each of Sunoco Partners Marketing &
Terminals L.P. and Sunoco Pipeline L.P. Sunoco Logistics
Partners Operations GP LLC owns a 0.01% general partner interest
in both of these partnerships.
Occasionally, in this prospectus, we refer to Sunoco Partners
Marketing & Terminals L.P. and Sunoco Pipeline L.P. as
the Subsidiary Guarantors. The Subsidiary Guarantors
may jointly and severally and unconditionally guarantee our
payment obligations under any series of debt securities offered
by this prospectus, as set forth in a related prospectus
supplement. Occasionally, in this prospectus, we refer to Sunoco
Logistics Partners L.P. as the Guarantor. The
Guarantor may unconditionally guarantee our payment obligations
under any series of debt securities offered by this prospectus,
as set forth in a related prospectus supplement.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed a registration statement with the SEC under the
Securities Act of 1933 that registers the securities offered by
this prospectus. The registration statement, including the
attached exhibits, contains additional relevant information
about us. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit
some information included in the registration statement from
this prospectus.
In addition, Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. files annual,
quarterly and other reports and other information with the SEC.
You may read and copy any document we file at the SECs
public reference room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at
1-800-732-0330 for further information on the operation of the
SECs public reference room. Our SEC filings are available
on the SECs web site at http://www.sec.gov. We also make
available free of charge on our website, at
http://www.sunocologistics.com, all materials that we file
electronically with the SEC, including our annual report on
Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current
reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports as soon
as reasonably practicable after such materials are
electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.
Additionally, you can obtain information about us through the
New York Stock Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New
York 10005, on which our common units are listed.
The SEC allows us to incorporate by reference the
information Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. has filed with the
SEC. This means that we can disclose important information to
you without actually including the specific information in this
prospectus by referring you to other documents filed separately
with the SEC. These other documents contain important
information about us, our financial condition and results of
operations. The information incorporated by reference is an
important part of this prospectus. Information that Sunoco
Logistics Partners L.P. files later with the SEC will
automatically update and may replace information in this
prospectus and information previously filed with the SEC.
We incorporate by reference in this prospectus the documents
listed below, and any future filings made with the SEC under
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, until the termination of each offering
under this prospectus:
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Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (filed
March 7, 2003); and |
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the description of our common units contained in our
registration statement on Form 8-A, filed on
January 28, 2002, and any subsequent amendment thereto
filed for the purpose of updating such description. |
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You may obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in
this prospectus from the SEC through the SECs website at
the address provided above. You also may request a copy of any
document incorporated by reference in this prospectus (excluding
any exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibit is
specifically incorporated by reference in this document), at no
cost, by visiting our internet website at
www.sunocologistics.com, or by writing or calling us at the
following address:
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Investor Relations |
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Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. |
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Ten Penn Center3rd Floor |
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1801 Market Street |
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Philadelphia, PA 198103-1699 |
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Telephone: (215) 977-6350 |
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RISK FACTORS
Limited partner interests are inherently different from the
capital stock of a corporation, although many of the business
risks to which we are subject are similar to those that would be
faced by a corporation engaged in a similar business. Before you
invest in our securities, you should consider carefully the
following risk factors, together with all of the other
information included in this prospectus, any prospectus
supplement and the documents we have incorporated by reference
in evaluating an investment in our securities.
If any of the following risks actually were to occur, our
business, financial condition, or results of operations could be
affected materially and adversely. In that case, we may be
unable to make distributions to our unitholders or pay interest
on, or the principal of, any debt securities, the trading price
of our securities could decline and you could lose all or part
of your investment.
Risks Inherent in Our Business
We may not have sufficient cash from operations to make
the required payments to our debt holders or to pay the minimum
quarterly distribution on our common units every quarter.
We may not be able to pay all the applicable interest and
principal obligations on our debt, or fund the minimum quarterly
distribution on our common units, for each quarter. The amount
of cash we can distribute principally depends upon the amount of
cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate from
quarter to quarter based upon, among other things, the volume of
refined products and crude oil transported in our pipelines or
handled at our terminals; the tariff rates and terminalling fees
we charge; our crude oil acquisition and marketing margins; the
level of our operating costs, including payments to our general
partner; and prevailing economic conditions.
In addition, the actual amount of cash available for
distribution will depend upon other factors, such as the level
of capital expenditures we make; our debt service requirements;
restrictions contained in our debt instruments; issuances of
debt and equity securities; the costs of acquisitions;
fluctuations in our working capital needs; our ability to make
working capital borrowings under our revolving credit facility;
and the amount, if any, of cash reserves established by our
general partner in its discretion.
You also should be aware that the amount of cash available for
distribution to equity holders depends primarily on cash flow,
including cash flow from financial reserves and working capital
borrowings, and not solely on profitability, which will be
affected by non-cash items. As a result, the Partnership may
make cash distributions during periods when losses are recorded
and cash distributions may not be made during periods when we
record net income.
Cost reimbursements, which will be determined in the
general partners sole discretion, and fees due the general
partner and its affiliates will be substantial and will reduce
cash available for distribution to unitholders.
On February 8, 2002, we began paying Sunoco, Inc. an
administrative fee of $8.0 million per year for the
provision by Sunoco, Inc. or its affiliates of various general
and administrative services for our benefit. In the
second year, this administrative fee increased to
$8.2 million, and it may increase in the third year by
up to a maximum of 2.5%. This fee also may increase if we make
an acquisition that requires an increased level of general and
administrative services from Sunoco, Inc. or its affiliates. In
addition, Sunoco Partners LLC will be entitled to reimbursement
for all other expenses it incurs on our behalf, including the
salaries of, and the cost of employee benefits for, Sunoco
Partners LLC employees, including senior executives, who provide
services to us. Sunoco Partners LLC has sole discretion in
determining the amount of these expenses.
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We depend upon Sunoco R&M for a substantial portion of
the crude oil and refined products transported on our pipelines
and handled at our terminals, and any reduction in these
quantities could reduce the ability to make distributions to our
unitholders or service our debt obligations.
For the year ended December 31, 2002, Sunoco R&M
accounted for approximately 71% of our Eastern Pipeline System
total revenues, 64% of our Terminal Facilities total revenues,
and 62% of our Western Pipeline System total revenues. The
balance of our revenues was received from third parties. We will
continue to remain dependent on third parties for additional
revenues. Our pipelines and terminals storage and throughput
agreement with Sunoco R&M does not cover our crude oil
acquisition and marketing business or our Nederland Terminal. In
addition, although the contract makes provision for escalation
of the fees charged to Sunoco R&M, the increased fees may be
inadequate to cover increased costs in the future.
We expect to continue to derive a substantial portion of
revenues from Sunoco R&M for the foreseeable future. If
Sunoco R&M were to decrease the throughput transported on
the pipelines for any reason, revenues would decline and our
ability to make distributions to our unitholders, or payments to
our debt holders, would be affected adversely.
Sunoco R&Ms obligations under the pipelines and
terminals storage and throughput agreement may be reduced or
suspended in some circumstances, which would reduce our ability
to make distributions to our unitholders or service our debt
obligations.
Sunoco R&Ms obligations under the pipelines and
terminals storage and throughput agreement may be permanently
reduced in some circumstances, which would reduce our ability to
make distributions to our unitholders or payments to our debt
holders. These events, some of which are within the exclusive
control of Sunoco R&M, include:
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Governmental action that prohibits Sunoco R&M from using
MTBE in the gasoline it produces if Sunoco R&M reasonably
believes in good faith that this action will jeopardize its
ability to satisfy its minimum revenue or throughput obligations; |
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The inability of Sunoco R&M and us to agree on the amount of
any surcharge required to be paid by Sunoco R&M to cover
substantial and unanticipated costs that may be incurred in
complying with new laws or governmental regulations applicable
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A decision by Sunoco R&M to shut down or reconfigure one or
more of its refineries if Sunoco R&M reasonably believes in
good faith that such event will jeopardize its ability to
satisfy its minimum revenue or throughput obligations. |
Depending on the ultimate cost of complying with existing and
future environmental regulations or proceedings, Sunoco R&M
may determine that it is more economical to reduce production at
a refinery or shut down all or a portion of a refinery rather
than make these capital expenditures. Sunoco R&Ms
obligations under the pipelines and terminals storage and
throughput agreement would be reduced in this event and our
ability to make distributions to unitholders, or payments to
debt holders, also would be reduced.
Furthermore, Sunoco R&Ms obligations would be
temporarily suspended during the occurrence of an event that is
outside the control of the parties, which renders performance
impossible with respect to an asset for at least 30 days.
The occurrence of any of these events could reduce revenues and
cash flow, and the ability to make distributions to unitholders
or payments to debt holders.
Sunoco, Inc. continually considers opportunities presented by
third parties with respect to its refinery assets. These
opportunities may include offers to purchase and joint venture
propositions. Sunoco, Inc. also continually considers changes to
its refineries. Those changes may involve new facilities,
reduction in certain operations or modifications of facilities
or operations. Changes may be considered to meet market demands,
to satisfy
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regulatory requirements or environmental and safety objectives,
to improve operational efficiency or for other reasons. Sunoco,
Inc. is actively managing its assets and operations, and,
therefore, changes of some nature, possibly material to its
business relationship with us, are likely to occur at some point
in the future.
If Sunoco R&M satisfies only its minimum obligations
under, or if we are unable to renew or extend, the pipelines and
terminals storage and throughput agreement, our ability to make
distributions or service our debt obligations would be
reduced.
Sunoco R&M may reduce the volume it transports on the
pipelines or delivers at terminals to the minimum amounts it is
obligated to transport or deliver under the pipelines and
terminals storage and throughput agreement. In addition, the
terms of Sunoco R&Ms obligations under the pipelines
and terminals storage and throughput agreement are of relatively
brief duration, generally ranging from five to seven years
from the date of our initial public offering. If Sunoco R&M
fails to use our facilities after expiration of the agreement
and we are unable to generate additional revenues from third
parties, our results of operations would be adversely affected,
thereby reducing our ability to make cash distributions to
unitholders, or service our debt obligations.
A significant decrease in demand for refined products in
the markets served by our pipelines would reduce our ability to
make distributions to unitholders or service our debt
obligations.
A sustained decrease in demand for refined products in the
markets served by our pipelines would significantly reduce
revenues and ability to make distributions to unitholders or
service our debt obligations. Factors that could lead to a
decrease in market demand include:
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a recession or other adverse economic condition that results in
lower spending by consumers on gasoline, diesel fuel, and travel; |
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an increase in the market price of crude oil that leads to
higher refined product prices; |
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higher fuel taxes or other governmental or regulatory actions
that increase, directly or indirectly, the cost of gasoline or
other refined products; and |
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a shift by consumers to more fuel-efficient or alternative fuel
vehicles or an increase in fuel economy, whether as a result of
technological advances by manufacturers, pending legislation
proposing to mandate higher fuel economy, or otherwise. |
Rate regulation may not allow us to recover the full
amount of increases in our costs, and a successful challenge to
our rates may reduce our ability to make distributions to
unitholders or service our debt obligations.
The primary rate-making methodology of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission, or FERC, is price indexing. We use this
methodology in all of our interstate markets. In an order issued
February 24, 2003, the FERC announced that, effective
July 1, 2003, the index would equal the change in the
producer price index for finished goods (previously, the index
was equal to the change in the producer price index for finished
goods minus 1%). If the index falls, we would be required to
reduce rates that are based on the FERCs price indexing
methodology if they exceed the new maximum allowable rate. In
addition, changes in the index might not be large enough to
fully reflect actual increases in our costs. The FERCs
rate-making methodologies may limit our ability to set rates
based on our true costs or may delay the use of rates that
reflect increased costs. Any of the foregoing could reduce our
revenues and cash flow, and decrease our ability to make
distributions to unitholders or payments to debt holders.
Under the Energy Policy Act adopted in 1992, the interstate
pipeline rates were deemed just and reasonable or
grandfathered. As that Act applies to our rates, a
person challenging a grandfathered rate must, as a threshold
matter, establish a substantial change since the date of
enactment of the Act, in either the economic circumstances or
the nature of the service that formed the basis for the rate. A
complainant might assert that the
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creation of the partnership itself constitutes such a change, an
argument that has not previously been specifically addressed by
the FERC. If the FERC were to find a substantial change in
circumstances, then the existing rates could be subject to
detailed review. There is a risk that some rates could be found
to be in excess of levels justified by our cost of service. In
such event, the FERC would order us to reduce rates. Any such
reduction would result in lower revenues and cash flows and may
reduce our ability to make distributions to unitholders or
payments to debt holders.
In a 1995 decision involving an unrelated oil pipeline limited
partnership, the FERC partially disallowed the inclusion of
income taxes in that partnerships cost of service. In
another FERC proceeding involving a different oil pipeline
limited partnership, the FERC held that the oil pipeline limited
partnership may not claim an income tax allowance for income
attributable to non-corporate limited partners. If our rates
were challenged and the FERC were to disallow the inclusion of
an income tax allowance in our cost of service, it may be more
difficult to justify our rates.
In addition, a state commission could also investigate our
intrastate rates or terms and conditions of service on its own
initiative or at the urging of a shipper or other interested
party. If a state commission found that our rates exceeded
levels justified by our cost of service, the state commission
could order us to reduce our rates.
Sunoco R&M has agreed not to challenge, or to cause others
to challenge or assist others in challenging, our tariff rates
in effect during the term of the pipelines and terminals storage
and throughput agreement. This agreement does not prevent other
current or future shippers from challenging our tariff rates. At
the end of the term of the agreement, Sunoco R&M will be
free to challenge, or to cause other parties to challenge or
assist others in challenging, our tariff rates in effect at that
time. If any party successfully challenges our tariff rates, the
effect would be to reduce our revenues and cash flow and our
ability to make distributions to unitholders or payments to debt
holders.
Potential changes to current rate-making methods and procedures
may impact the federal and state regulations under which we will
operate in the future. In addition, if the FERCs petroleum
pipeline ratemaking methodology changes, the new methodology
could result in tariffs that generate lower revenues and cash
flow and reduce our ability to make cash distributions to our
unitholders or service our debt obligations.
Our operations are subject to federal, state, and local
laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and
operational safety that could require substantial
expenditures.
Our pipelines, gathering systems, and terminal operations are
subject to increasingly strict environmental and safety laws and
regulations. The transportation and storage of refined products
and crude oil result in a risk that refined products, crude oil,
and other hydrocarbons may be suddenly or gradually released
into the environment, potentially causing substantial
expenditures for a response action, significant government
penalties, liability to government agencies for natural
resources damages, personal injury, or property damages to
private parties and significant business interruption. We own or
lease a number of properties that have been used to store or
distribute refined products and crude oil for many years. Many
of these properties have also been operated by third parties
whose handling, disposal, or release of hydrocarbons and other
wastes were not under our control. Management estimates that the
total aggregate cost of performing the currently estimated
assessment, monitoring and remediation activities at these sites
is not material to the Partnership at December 31, 2002.
We estimate that we will spend $7.2 million on storage tank
inspection and repair over the next four years at our
Nederland Terminal. We also expect to spend approximately
$8.0 million in each of the next four years to comply
with the recently adopted pipeline integrity management rule of
the U.S. Department of Transportation, or DOT. Although
Sunoco, Inc. has agreed to indemnify us for costs in excess of
$8.0 million per year, up to a maximum of
$15.0 million until February 2007 with regard to compliance
with this DOT pipeline integrity management rule, the cost to
perform such activities may exceed these estimated amounts and
the amount of any indemnification. If we are not able to recover
the excess costs through increased tariffs and revenues, cash
distributions to unitholders, or payments to our debt holders,
could be reduced.
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If existing or future state or federal government
regulations banning or restricting the use of MTBE in gasoline
take effect, this action could adversely affect our results of
operations, thereby reducing our ability to make distributions
to unitholders or service our debt obligations.
Our Eastern refined product pipeline system transports from
Sunoco R&Ms refineries gasoline containing MTBE, an
oxygenate used extensively to reduce motor vehicle tailpipe
emissions. In response to concerns about MTBEs adverse
impact on ground or surface water, many states, including New
York (commencing in January 2004), and Connecticut (commencing
in October 2003), have banned or restricted the use of MTBE in
gasoline. Other states are considering bans or restrictions on
MTBE or opting out of the EPAs reformulated gasoline
program, either of which events would reduce the use of MTBE.
Any ban or restriction on the use of MTBE may lead to the
greater use of ethanol. Unlike MTBE, which can be blended in
gasoline at the refinery, ethanol is blended at the terminal and
is not transported by pipelines. Any revenues we would receive
for blending ethanol might not offset the loss of revenues we
would suffer from the reduced volumes transported on our Eastern
refined product pipelines. In addition, Congress is currently
considering removing or modifying the oxygenate requirement,
which could reduce the amount of gasoline transported on our
Eastern refined product pipelines, thereby adversely affecting
our results of operations and reducing our ability to make
distributions to unitholders, or service our debt obligations.
When the price of foreign crude oil delivered to the
United States is greater than that of domestic crude oil, or the
price for the future delivery of crude oil falls below current
prices, customers are less likely to store crude oil, thereby
reducing storage revenues at our Nederland Terminal.
Most of the crude oil stored at our Nederland Terminal is
foreign crude oil. When the price of foreign crude oil delivered
to the United States is greater than that of domestic crude oil,
the demand for this storage capacity may decrease. If this
market condition occurs, our storage revenues will be lower,
which would reduce our ability to make distributions to
unitholders, or payments to debt holders.
When the price of crude oil in a given month exceeds the price
of crude oil for delivery in a subsequent month, the market is
backwardated. When the crude oil market is backwardated, the
demand for storage capacity at our Nederland Terminal may
decrease because crude oil producers can capture a premium for
prompt deliveries rather than storing it for sale later. The
market has been in backwardation for much of the last several
years. In a backwardated market, our storage revenues may be
lower, which would reduce our ability to make distributions to
unitholders, or service our debt obligations.
A material decrease in the supply, or increase in the
price, of crude oil available for transport through our Western
Pipeline System could reduce our ability to make distributions
to unitholders or service our debt obligations.
The volume of crude oil transported in our crude oil pipelines
depends on the availability of attractively priced crude oil
produced in the areas accessible to our crude oil pipelines and
received from other common carrier pipelines. If we do not
replace volume lost due to a material temporary or permanent
decrease in supply, the volume of crude oil transported through
our pipelines would decline, reducing revenues and cash flow and
the ability to make distributions to unitholders, or service our
debt obligations. For example, some of the gathering systems
that supply crude oil that we transport on our Western Pipeline
System are experiencing a decline in production. In addition,
sustained low crude oil prices could lead to a decline in
drilling activity and production levels or the shutting-in or
abandonment of marginal wells. Similarly, a temporary or
permanent material increase in the price of crude oil supplied
from any of these sources, as compared to alternative sources of
crude oil available to our customers, could cause the volume of
crude oil transported in our pipelines to decline, thereby
reducing revenues and cash flow and adversely affecting our
ability to make cash distributions to unitholders, or service
our debt obligations.
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Any reduction in the capability of, or the allocations to,
our shippers in interconnecting, third-party pipelines would
cause a reduction of volumes transported in our pipelines and
through our terminals, which would reduce our ability to make
distributions to our unitholders, or service our debt
obligations.
Sunoco R&M and the other users of our pipelines and
terminals are dependent upon connections to third-party
pipelines to receive and deliver crude oil and refined products.
Any reduction of capabilities of these interconnecting pipelines
due to testing, line repair, reduced operating pressures, or
other causes would result in reduced volumes transported in our
pipelines or through our terminals. Similarly, if additional
shippers begin transporting volume over interconnecting
pipelines, the allocations to our existing shippers could be
reduced, which also would reduce volumes transported in our
pipelines or through our terminals. Any reduction in volumes
transported in our pipelines or through our terminals would
adversely affect our revenues and cash flow, and reduce our
ability to make distributions to unitholders, or service our
debt obligations.
Our operations are subject to operational hazards and
unforeseen interruptions for which we may not be adequately
insured.
Our operations are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen
interruptions such as natural disasters, adverse weather,
accidents, fires, explosions, hazardous materials releases, and
other events beyond our control. These events might result in a
loss of equipment or life, injury, or extensive property damage,
as well as an interruption in our operations. We may not be able
to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount desired
at reasonable rates. As a result of market conditions, premiums
and deductibles for certain insurance policies have increased
substantially, and could escalate further. In some instances,
certain insurance could become unavailable or available only for
reduced amounts of coverage. For example, insurance carriers are
now requiring broad exclusions for losses due to war risk and
terrorist acts. If we were to incur a significant liability for
which we were not fully insured, it could have a material
adverse effect on our financial position, thereby reducing our
ability to make distributions to unitholders, or payments to
debt holders.
We are exposed to the credit risk of customers in the
ordinary course of crude oil acquisition and marketing
activities.
When we purchase crude oil at the wellhead, we sometimes pay all
or a portion of the production proceeds to an operator who
distributes these proceeds to the various interest owners, an
arrangement that exposes us to operator credit risk. Therefore,
we must determine whether operators have sufficient financial
resources to make these payments and distributions and to
indemnify and defend us in case of a protest, action, or
complaint. Even if the credit review and analysis mechanisms
work properly, we may experience losses in dealings with
operators and other parties.
Competing pipelines could cause the Partnership to reduce
its rates.
If a competing crude oil or refined product pipeline charged
lower rates than we do, we could be forced to reduce our rates
to remain competitive, which would reduce our revenues and cash
flow. Several companies have completed pipeline expansions or
conversion projects in 2002 that are competing with Explorer
Pipeline Company and portions of our West Texas pipeline system.
Restrictions in our debt agreements, and in Sunoco,
Inc.s debt agreements, may prevent us from engaging in
some beneficial transactions or paying distributions to
unitholders.
As of February 28, 2003, our total outstanding long-term
indebtedness was approximately $317.1 million, consisting
of $248.5 million of senior notes, net of unamortized
discount of $1.5 million, $64.5 million of borrowings
under our credit facility, and approximately $4.1 million
of other indebtedness. Our payment of principal and interest on
the debt will reduce the cash available for distribution on our
units, as will our obligation to repurchase the senior notes
upon the occurrence of specified events involving a change in
control of
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our general partner. In addition, we are prohibited by our
credit facility and the senior notes from making cash
distributions during an event of default, or if the payment of a
distribution would cause an event of default, under any of our
debt agreements. The termination of our pipelines and terminals
storage and throughput agreement prior to its expiration will
constitute an event of default under our credit facility. Our
leverage and various limitations in our credit facility and our
senior notes may reduce our ability to incur additional debt,
engage in some transactions, and capitalize on acquisition or
other business opportunities. Sunoco, Inc.s revolving
credit agreements also limit the aggregate amount of debt
Sunoco, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries, including us,
may borrow. Since Sunoco, Inc. owns and controls our general
partner, we are not be permitted to incur additional debt if the
effect would be to cause an event of default under Sunoco,
Inc.s revolving credit agreements. Any subsequent
re-financing of Sunoco, Inc.s or our current debt or any
new debt could have similar or greater restrictions.
A down-grading in Sunoco, Inc.s credit rating could
result in a down-grading in our credit rating, which could
adversely affect our ability to obtain financing.
Due to our relationship with Sunoco, Inc., our credit rating is
partly dependent on Sunoco, Inc.s credit rating. Any
downgrading in Sunoco, Inc.s credit rating could result in
a down-grading in our credit rating, which could, amongst other
things, limit our ability to obtain additional financing on the
terms currently available to us, if at all.
Terrorist attacks aimed at the Partnerships
facilities could adversely affect the business.
On September 11, 2001, the United States was the target of
terrorist attacks of unprecedented scale. Since the
September 11 attacks, the U.S. government has issued
warnings that energy assets, specifically the nations
pipeline infrastructure, may be the future targets of terrorist
organizations. These developments have subjected our operations
to increased risks. Any future terrorist attack at our
facilities, those of our customers and, in some cases, those of
other pipelines, could have a material adverse effect on our
business.
Risks Inherent in an Investment in Us
Sunoco, Inc. and its affiliates have conflicts of interest
and limited fiduciary responsibilities, which may permit them to
favor their own interests to your detriment.
Sunoco, Inc. indirectly owns the 2% general partner interest and
a 73.3% limited partner interest in us and owns and controls our
general partner. Conflicts of interest may arise between Sunoco,
Inc. and its affiliates, including our general partner, on the
one hand, and us and our unitholders, on the other hand. As a
result of these conflicts, the general partner may favor its own
interests and the interests of its affiliates over the interests
of our unitholders. These conflicts include, among others, the
following situations:
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Sunoco R&M, as a shipper on our pipelines, has an economic
incentive not to cause us to seek higher tariff rates or
terminalling fees, even if such higher rates or terminalling
fees would reflect rates that could be obtained in
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neither our partnership agreement nor any other agreement
requires Sunoco, Inc. to pursue a business strategy that favors
us or utilizes our assets, including whether to increase or
decrease refinery production, whether to shut down or
reconfigure a refinery, or what markets to pursue or grow.
Sunoco, Inc.s directors and officers have a fiduciary duty
to make these decisions in the best interests of the
stockholders of Sunoco, Inc.; |
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our general partner is allowed to take into account the
interests of parties other than us, such as Sunoco, Inc., in
resolving conflicts of interest; |
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our general partner may limit its liability and reduce its
fiduciary duties, while also restricting the remedies available
to our unitholders for actions that, without the limitations,
might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty; |
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our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset
purchases and sales, capital expenditures, borrowings, issuance
of additional partnership securities, and reserves, each of
which can affect the amount of cash that is distributed to our
unitholders; |
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our general partner determines which costs incurred by Sunoco,
Inc. and its affiliates are reimbursable by us; |
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our partnership agreement does not restrict our general partner
from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services
rendered on terms that are fair and reasonable to us or entering
into additional contractual arrangements with any of these
entities on our behalf; |
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our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed
to us by our general partner and its affiliates, including the
pipelines and terminals storage and throughput agreement with
Sunoco R&M; |
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our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel,
accountants, or others to perform services for us; and |
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Sunoco, Inc. may at any time propose that we undertake a project
to develop and construct an asset, and if our general partner
determines in its good faith judgment, with the concurrence of
its conflicts committee, that the project, including the terms
on which Sunoco, Inc. would agree to use such asset, will be
beneficial on the whole to us and that proceeding with the
project will not effectively preclude us from undertaking
another project that will be more beneficial to us, we will be
required to use our commercially reasonable efforts to finance,
develop, and construct or acquire the asset. |
Even if unitholders are dissatisfied, they cannot remove
our general partner without its consent, which could lower the
trading price of the common units.
Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders
have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our
business and, therefore, limited ability to influence
managements decisions regarding our business. Unitholders
did not elect our general partner or its board of directors and
will have no right to elect our general partner or its board of
directors on an annual or other continuing basis. The board of
directors of our general partner is chosen by the members of our
general partner. Furthermore, if the unitholders are
dissatisfied with the performance of our general partner, they
will have little ability to remove our general partner. As a
result of these limitations, the price at which the common units
trade could be diminished because of the absence or reduction of
a takeover premium in the trading price.
The vote of the holders of at least
662/3%
of all outstanding units voting together as a single class is
required to remove the general partner. Unitholders will be
unable to remove the general partner without its consent because
the general partner and its affiliates own sufficient units to
prevent its removal. Also, if the general partner is removed
without cause during the subordination period and units held by
the general partner are not voted in favor of that removal, all
remaining subordinated units will automatically be converted
into common units and any existing arrearages on the common
units will be extinguished. A removal of the general partner
under these circumstances would adversely affect the common
units by prematurely eliminating their distribution and
liquidation preference over the subordinated units, which would
otherwise have continued until we had met certain distribution
and performance tests. Cause is narrowly defined to mean that a
court of competent jurisdiction has entered a final,
non-appealable judgment finding the general partner liable for
actual fraud, gross negligence, or willful or wanton misconduct
in its capacity as our general partner. Cause does not include
most cases of charges of poor management of the business, so the
removal of the general partner because of the unitholders
dissatisfaction with the general partners performance in
managing our partnership will most likely result in the
termination of the subordination period.
Furthermore, unitholders voting rights are further
restricted by the partnership agreement provision providing that
any units held by a person that owns 20% or more of any class of
units then outstanding, other than the general partner, its
affiliates, their transferees, and persons who acquired such
units with the prior approval of the board of directors of the
general partner, cannot vote on any matter.
11
The partnership agreement also contains provisions limiting the
ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire
information about our operations, as well as other provisions
limiting the unitholders ability to influence the manner
or direction of management.
The control of our general partner may be transferred to a
third party without unitholder consent.
The general partner may transfer its general partner interest to
a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or substantially
all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders.
Furthermore, there is no restriction in the partnership
agreement on the ability of the owner of the general partner
from transferring its ownership interest in the general partner
to a third party. The new owner of the general partner would
then be in a position to replace the board of directors and
officers of the general partner with its own choices and to
control the decisions taken by the board of directors and
officers.
We may issue additional common units without your
approval, which would dilute your ownership interests.
During the subordination period, our general partner, without
the approval of our unitholders, may cause us to issue up to
5,691,820 additional common units. Our general partner also may
cause us to issue an unlimited number of additional common units
or other equity securities of equal rank with the common units,
without unitholder approval, in a number of circumstances.
After the end of the subordination period, we may issue an
unlimited number of limited partner interests of any type
without the approval of our unitholders. Our partnership
agreement does not give our unitholders the right to approve our
issuance of equity securities ranking junior to the common units
at any time.
The issuance of additional common units or other equity
securities of equal or senior rank will have the following
effects:
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our unitholders proportionate ownership interest in us
will decrease; |
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the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may
decrease; |
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because a lower percentage of total outstanding units will be
subordinated units, the risk that a shortfall in the payment of
the minimum quarterly distribution will be borne by our common
unitholders will increase; |
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the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit
may be diminished; and |
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the market price of the common units may decline. |
Sunoco, Inc. and its affiliates may engage in limited
competition with us.
Sunoco, Inc. and its affiliates may engage in limited
competition with us. Pursuant to the omnibus agreement, Sunoco,
Inc. and its affiliates will agree not to engage in the business
of purchasing crude oil at the wellhead or operating refined
product or crude oil pipelines or terminals or LPG terminals in
the continental United States. The omnibus agreement, however,
does not apply to:
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any business operated by Sunoco, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries
at the closing of our initial public offering; |
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any logistics asset constructed by Sunoco, Inc. or any of its
subsidiaries within a manufacturing or refining facility in
connection with the operation of that facility; |
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any business that Sunoco, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries
acquires or constructs that has a fair market value of less than
$5.0 million; and |
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any business that Sunoco, Inc. or any of its subsidiaries
acquires or constructs that has a fair market value of
$5.0 million or more if we have been offered the
opportunity to purchase the business for fair market value, and
we decline to do so with the concurrence of our conflicts
committee. |
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Upon a change of control of Sunoco, Inc. or a sale of the
general partner by Sunoco, Inc., the non-competition provisions
of the omnibus agreement may terminate.
Our general partner may cause us to borrow funds in order
to make cash distributions, even where the purpose or effect of
the borrowing benefits the general partner or its
affiliates.
In some instances, our general partner may cause us to borrow
funds from affiliates of Sunoco, Inc. or from third parties in
order to permit the payment of cash distributions. These
borrowings are permitted even if the purpose and effect of the
borrowing is to enable us to make a distribution on the
subordinated units, to make incentive distributions, or to
hasten the expiration of the subordination period.
Our general partner has a limited call right that may
require you to sell your common units at an undesirable time or
price.
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more
than 80% of the common units, our general partner will have the
right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its
affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of
the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not
less than their then-current market price. As a result, you may
be required to sell your common units at an undesirable time or
price and may not receive any return on your investment. You may
also incur a tax liability upon a sale of your units.
Tax Risks to Common Unitholders
Prospective purchasers of our common units are encouraged to
read Material Tax Consequences for a more complete
discussion of the expected and potential material income tax
consequences of owning and disposing of our common units.
The IRS could treat us as a corporation, which would
substantially reduce the cash available for distribution to
unitholders.
The federal income tax benefit of an investment in us depends
largely on our being treated as a partnership for federal income
tax purposes. We have not requested, and do not plan to request,
a ruling from the IRS on this or any other matter affecting us.
If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax
purposes, we would pay tax on our income at corporate rates,
currently 35%, distributions would generally be taxed again to
you as corporate distributions, and no income, gains, losses, or
deductions would flow through to you. Because a tax would be
imposed upon us as an entity, the cash available for
distribution to you would be substantially reduced. Treatment of
us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in the
anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to you and thus would
likely result in a substantial reduction in the value of the
common units.
Current law may change so as to cause us to be treated as a
corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise to be
subject to entity-level taxation. The partnership agreement
provides that, if a law is enacted or existing law is modified
or interpreted in a manner that subjects us to taxation as a
corporation or otherwise subjects us to entity-level taxation
for federal, state, or local income tax purposes, the minimum
quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution
amounts will be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law on us.
A successful IRS contest of the federal income tax
positions we take may adversely impact the market for our common
units, and the costs of any contest will be borne by our
unitholders and our general partner.
We have not requested any ruling from the IRS with respect to
our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes
or any other matter affecting us. The IRS may adopt positions
that differ from our counsels conclusions expressed in
this prospectus. It may be necessary to resort to administrative
or court proceedings to
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sustain some or all of our counsels conclusions or the
positions we take. A court may not agree with all our
counsels conclusions or the positions we take. Any contest
with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for
our common units and the prices at which common units trade. In
addition, our costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne
indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner.
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A unitholder may be required to pay taxes on income from
us even if that unitholder does not receive any cash
distributions from us. |
A unitholder will be required to pay federal income taxes and,
in some cases, state, local, and foreign income taxes on that
unitholders share of our taxable income, whether or not
cash distributions are received from us. A unitholder may not
receive cash distributions equal to that unitholders share
of our taxable income or even the tax liability that results
from that income.
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Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units
could be different than expected. |
If you sell your common units, you will recognize gain or loss
equal to the difference between the amount realized and your tax
basis in those common units. Prior distributions in excess of
the total net taxable income you were allocated for a common
unit, which decreased your tax basis in that common unit, will,
in effect, become taxable income to you if the common unit is
sold at a price greater than your tax basis in that common unit,
even if the price you receive is less than your original cost. A
substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not
representing gain, may be ordinary income to you. Should the IRS
successfully contest some positions we take, you could recognize
more gain on the sale of units than would be the case under
those positions, without the benefit of decreased income in
prior years. In addition, if you sell your units, you may incur
a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash you receive from
the sale.
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Tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies, and
foreign persons face unique tax issues from owning common units
that may result in adverse tax consequences to them. |
Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as
individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs), regulated
investment companies (known as mutual funds), and
non-U.S. persons raises issues unique to them. For example,
virtually all of our income allocated to organizations exempt
from federal income tax, including individual retirement
accounts and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business
income and will be taxable to them. Very little of our income
will be qualifying income to a regulated investment company.
Distributions to non-U.S. persons will be reduced by
withholding taxes at the highest effective rate applicable to
individuals, and non-U.S. persons will be required to file
federal income tax returns and pay tax on their share of our
taxable income.
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We have registered as a tax shelter. This may increase the
risk of an IRS audit of us or a unitholder. |
We have registered as a tax shelter with the
Secretary of the Treasury. The IRS requires that some types of
entities, including some partnerships, register as tax
shelters in response to the perception that they claim tax
benefits that the IRS may believe to be unwarranted. As a
result, we may be audited by the IRS and tax adjustments could
be made. Any unitholder owning less than a 1% profits interest
in us has very limited rights to participate in the income tax
audit process. Further, any adjustments in our tax returns will
lead to adjustments in a unitholders tax returns and may
lead to audits of a unitholders tax returns and
adjustments of items unrelated to us. A unitholder will bear the
cost of any expense incurred in connection with an examination
of that unitholders personal tax return.
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We will treat each purchaser of units as having the same
tax benefits without regard to the units purchased. The IRS may
challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value
of the common units. |
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common
units and because of other reasons, we will take depreciation
and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects
of the Treasury regulations.
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A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely
affect the amount of tax benefits available to unitholders. It
also could affect the timing of these tax benefits or the amount
of gain from the sale of common units and could have a negative
impact on the value of our common units or result in audit
adjustments to a unitholders tax returns.
Unitholders will likely be subject to state, local, and
foreign taxes and return filing requirements as a result of
investing in our common units.
In addition to federal income taxes, unitholders will likely be
subject to other taxes, such as state, local, and foreign income
taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance, or
intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions
in which we do business or own property. Unitholders will likely
be required to file state, local, and foreign income tax returns
and pay state, local, and foreign income taxes in some or all of
the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own
property and may be subject to penalties for failure to comply
with those requirements. We own property and conduct business in
Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico,
New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Ontario,
Canada. Of those states, only Texas does not currently impose a
state income tax. We may do business or own property in other
states or foreign countries in the future. It is the
responsibility of unitholders to file all federal, state, local,
and foreign tax returns. Our counsel has not rendered an opinion
on the state, local, or foreign tax consequences of an
investment in our common units.
Risks relating to the Debt Securities
References in these Risks relating to the Debt
Securities to we, us, and
our means Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to
meet our debt service obligations.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our
indebtedness and to fund planned expenditures will depend on our
ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain
extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive,
legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our
control.
In the future, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash
flow from operations, realize currently anticipated operating
improvements or borrow amounts under our revolving credit
facility sufficient to fund our liquidity needs. We may need to
refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before
maturity. We may not be able to refinance any of our
indebtedness on or before maturity. We may not be able to
refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable
terms or at all.
We are a holding company. We conduct our operations
through our subsidiaries and depend on cash flow from our
subsidiaries to service our debt obligations.
We are a holding company. We conduct our operations through our
subsidiaries. As a result, our cash flow and ability to service
our debt is dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries. In
addition, we are dependent on the distribution of earnings,
loans or other payments from our subsidiaries to us. Any payment
of dividends, distributions, loans or other payments from our
subsidiaries to us could be subject to statutory or contractual
restrictions. Payments to us by our subsidiaries also will be
contingent upon the profitability of our subsidiaries. If we are
unable to obtain funds from our subsidiaries we may not be able
to pay interest or principal on our debt securities when due or
to obtain the necessary funds from other sources.
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We could incur a substantial amount of debt in the future,
which could prevent us from fulfilling our debt
obligations.
We are permitted to incur additional debt, subject to certain
limitations under our revolving credit facility and, in the case
of secured debt, under the indenture governing the notes. If we
incur additional debt in the future, our increased leverage
could, for example:
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make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations under
our debt securities or other indebtedness and, if we fail to
comply with the requirements of the other indebtedness, could
result in an event of default under our debt securities or such
other indebtedness; |
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow
from operations to required payments on indebtedness, thereby
reducing the availability of cash flow from working capital,
capital expenditures and other general corporate activities; |
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limit our ability to obtain additional financing in the future
for working capital, capital expenditures and other general
corporate activities; |
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes
in our business and the industry in which we operate; |
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detract from our ability to successfully withstand a downturn in
our business or the economy generally; and |
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place us at a competitive disadvantage against less leveraged
competitors. |
In the event of our bankruptcy or liquidation, holders of
our debt securities will be paid from any assets remaining after
payments to any holders of secured debt and debt of our
non-guarantor subsidiaries.
The debt securities will be general unsecured obligations of our
Subsidiary Guarantors, and effectively subordinated to any
secured debt that we may have in the future to the extent of the
value of the assets securing that debt. We currently have
approximately $4.1 million of secured indebtedness. We may
also incur additional secured indebtedness provided certain
conditions are met. In the event any of our subsidiaries do not
guarantee our debt securities in the future, those debt
securities will be effectively subordinated to the liabilities
of any of these non-guarantor subsidiaries.
If we are declared bankrupt or insolvent, or are liquidated, the
holders of our secured debt and any debt of our non-guarantor
subsidiaries will be entitled to be paid from our assets before
any payment may be made with respect to our debt securities. If
any of the foregoing events occur, we cannot assure you that we
will have sufficient assets to pay amounts due on our secured
debt and our debt securities.
The subsidiary guarantees could be deemed to be fraudulent
conveyances under certain circumstances, and a court may try to
subordinate or void the subsidiary guarantees.
Under federal bankruptcy laws and comparable provisions of state
fraudulent transfer laws, a guarantee by a subsidiary could be
voided, or claims in respect of a guarantee could be
subordinated to all other debts of that guarantor if, among
other things, the guarantor, at the time it incurred the
indebtedness evidenced by its guarantee received less than
reasonably equivalent fair value or fair consideration for the
incurrence of such guarantee; and
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was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence; |
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was engaged in a business or transaction for which the
guarantors remaining assets constituted unreasonably small
capital; or |
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intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond
its ability to pay such debts as they mature. |
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In addition, any payment by that subsidiary guarantor pursuant
to its guarantee could be voided and required to be returned to
the guarantor, or to a fund for the benefit of the creditors of
the guarantor. The measures of insolvency for purposes of these
fraudulent transfer laws will vary depending upon the law
applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent
transfer has occurred. Generally, however, a guarantor would be
considered insolvent if:
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the sum of its assets, including contingent liabilities were
greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets; |
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the present fair saleable value of its assets were less than the
amount that would be required to pay its procurable liability,
including contingent liabilities, on its existing debts, as they
become absolute or mature; or |
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it could not pay its debts as they become due. |
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Some of the information included in this prospectus, the
accompanying prospectus supplement and the documents we
incorporate by reference contain forward-looking
statements. These statements discuss goals, intentions and
expectations as to future trends, plans, events, results of
operations or financial condition, or state other information
relating to us, based on the current beliefs of our management
as well as assumptions made by, and information currently
available to, management. Words such as may,
will, anticipate, believe,
expect, estimate, intend,
project, and other similar phrases or expressions
identify forward-looking statements. When considering
forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk
factors and other cautionary statements in this prospectus, any
prospectus supplement and the documents we have incorporated by
reference.
Although we believe these forward-looking statements to be
reasonable, they are based upon a number of assumptions, any or
all of which ultimately may prove to be inaccurate. These
statements are subject to numerous assumptions, uncertainties
and risks including, but not limited to, the following:
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Changes in demand for crude oil and refined petroleum products
that we store and distribute; |
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Changes in demand for storage in our petroleum product terminals; |
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The loss of Sunoco, Inc. (R&M) as a customer or a
significant reduction in its current level of throughput and
storage with us; |
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An increase in the competition encountered by our petroleum
products terminals, pipelines and crude oil acquisition and
marketing operations; |
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Changes in the throughput on petroleum product pipelines owned
and operated by third parties and connected to our petroleum
product pipelines and terminals; |
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Changes in the general economic conditions in the United States; |
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Changes in laws and regulations to which we are subject,
including federal, state, and local tax laws, safety,
environmental and employment laws; |
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Changes to existing or future state or federal government
regulations banning or restricting the use of MTBE in gasoline; |
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Improvements in energy efficiency and technology resulting in
reduced demand; |
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Our ability to manage rapid growth; |
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Our ability to control costs; |
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The effect of changes in our accounting principles; |
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Global and domestic economic repercussions to us from terrorist
activities and international hostilities and the
governments response thereto; |
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The occurrence of operational hazards or unforeseen
interruptions for which we may not be adequately insured; |
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Changes in the reliability and efficiency of our operating
facilities or those of Sunoco, Inc. (R&M) or third parties; |
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Changes in our expected level of environmental remediation
spending; |
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Changes in insurance markets resulting in increased costs and
reductions in the level and types of coverage available to us; |
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The ability of our announced acquisitions or expansions to be
cash-flow accretive; |
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Our ability to successfully consummate announced acquisitions or
expansions and integrate them into existing business operations; |
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Risks related to labor relations; |
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Non-performance by a major customer or supplier; |
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Price trends and overall demand for, refined petroleum products,
crude oil and natural gas liquids in the United States; economic
activity, weather, alternative energy sources, conservation and
technological advances may affect price trends and demand; |
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Changes in our tariff rates, implemented by federal and/or state
government regulators; |
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The amount of our indebtedness, which could make us vulnerable
to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limit our
ability to borrow additional funds, place us at competitive
disadvantages compared to our competitors that have less debt or
have other adverse consequences; |
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Restrictive covenants in our, or Sunoco, Inc.s, credit
agreements; |
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Changes in our, or Sunoco, Inc.s, credit ratings, as
assigned by ratings agencies; |
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The condition of the debt capital markets and equity capital
markets in the United States, and our ability to raise capital
in a cost-effective way; |
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Changes in interest rates on our outstanding debt, which could
increase our costs of borrowing; |
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The political and economic stability of the oil producing
nations of the world; and |
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The costs and effects of legal and administrative claims and
proceedings against us or our subsidiaries, and changes in the
status of litigation to which we are a party. |
These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors
that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
expressed in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future
results will depend upon various other risks and uncertainties,
including, but not limited to, those detailed in our other
filings with the SEC. For additional information, please read
our other current filings with the SEC under the Exchange Act
and the Securities Act. Other unknown or unpredictable factors
also could have material adverse effects on our future results.
You should not put undue reliance on any future-looking
statements. When considering forward-looking statements, please
review the risk factors described under Risk Factors
beginning on page 4.
USE OF PROCEEDS
Unless we specify otherwise in any prospectus supplement, we
will use the net proceeds (after the payment of offering
expenses and underwriting discounts and commissions) from the
sale of securities for general partnership purposes, which may
include, among other things:
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paying or refinancing all or a portion of our indebtedness
outstanding at the time; and |
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funding working capital, capital expenditures or acquisitions
(which may consist of acquisitions of discrete assets or
businesses). |
The actual application of proceeds from the sale of any
particular offering of securities using this prospectus will be
described in the applicable prospectus supplement relating to
such offering. The precise amount and timing of the application
of these proceeds will depend upon our funding requirements and
the availability and cost of other funds.
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RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges for each of the periods
indicated is as follows:
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Year Ended December 31, | |
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1998 | |
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
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8.25x |
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7.96x |
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4.35x |
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3.77x |
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3.33x |
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For periods prior to February 8, 2002, the closing date of
our initial public offering, the ratios presented above reflect
the historical cost-basis accounts of Sunoco Logistics
(Predecessor), and include charges from Sunoco, Inc. and its
subsidiaries for direct costs and allocations of indirect
corporate overhead. Our management believes that the allocation
methods are reasonable, and that the allocations are
representative of the costs we would have incurred on a
stand-alone basis. For periods beginning on February 8,
2002, these ratios reflect the financial statements of Sunoco
Logistics Partners L.P. and its subsidiaries.
For purposes of calculating the ratio of earnings to fixed
charges:
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fixed charges represent interest expense
(including amounts capitalized), amortization of debt costs and
the portion of rental expense representing the interest factor;
and |
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earnings represent the aggregate of income
from continuing operations (before adjustment for minority
interest, extraordinary loss and equity earnings), fixed charges
and distributions from equity investments, less capitalized
interest. |
20
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMON UNITS
References in this Description of the Common Units
to we, us and our mean
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.
Number of Units
We currently have 11,388,154 common units outstanding, of which
5,750,000 are held by the public and 5,638,154 are held by our
general partner. We also have outstanding 11,383,639
subordinated units, for which there is no established public
trading market, all of which are held by our general partner.
The common units and the subordinated units represent an
aggregate 98% limited partner interest and the general partner
interests represent an aggregate 2% general partner interest in
Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.
Issuance of Additional Securities
Our partnership agreement authorizes us to issue an unlimited
number of additional partnership securities and rights to buy
partnership securities for the consideration and on the terms
and conditions established by our general partner in its sole
discretion, without the approval of the unitholders. During the
subordination period, however, except as we discuss in the
following paragraph, we may not issue equity securities ranking
senior to the common units or an aggregate of more than
5,691,820 additional common units or units on a parity with the
common units, in each case, without the approval of the holders
of a majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated
units, voting as separate classes.
During or after the subordination period, we may issue an
unlimited number of common units as follows:
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upon conversion of the subordinated units; |
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under employee benefit plans; |
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upon conversion of the general partner interest and incentive
distribution rights as a result of a withdrawal of the general
partner; |
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in the event of a combination or subdivision of common units; |
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in connection with an acquisition or a capital improvement that
increases cash flow from operations per unit on a pro forma
basis; or |
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if the proceeds of the issuance are used exclusively to repay up
to $40.0 million of certain of our indebtedness. |
It is possible that we will fund acquisitions through the
issuance of additional common units or other equity securities.
Holders of any additional common units we issue will be entitled
to share equally with the then-existing holders of common units
in our distributions of available cash. In addition, the
issuance of additional partnership interests may dilute the
value of the interests of the then-existing holders of common
units in our net assets.
In accordance with Delaware law and the provisions of our
partnership agreement, we may also issue additional partnership
securities interests that, in the sole discretion of the general
partner, have special voting rights to which the common units
are not entitled.
Upon issuance of additional partnership securities, our general
partner will be required to make additional capital
contributions to the extent necessary to maintain its 2% general
partner interest in us. Moreover, our general partner will have
the right, which it may from time to time assign in whole or in
part to any of its affiliates, to purchase common units,
subordinated units or other equity securities whenever, and on
the same terms that, we issue those securities to persons other
than the general partner and its affiliates, to the extent
21
necessary to maintain its percentage interest, including its
interest represented by common units and subordinated units,
that existed immediately prior to each issuance. The holders of
common units will not have preemptive rights to acquire
additional common units or other partnership securities.
Voting
Our general partner manages and operates us. Unlike the holders
of common stock in a corporation, the holders of our units have
only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business.
They have no right to elect our general partner, or the
directors of our general partner, on an annual or other
continuing basis. On those matters that are submitted to a vote
of unitholders, each record holder of a unit has a vote
according to his percentage interest in us, although additional
limited partner interests having special voting rights could be
issued. However, if at any time any person or group, other than
the general partner and its affiliates, or a direct or
subsequently approved transferee of the general partner or its
affiliates, acquires, in the aggregate, beneficial ownership of
20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, that person
or group will lose voting rights on all of its units and the
units may not be voted on any matter and will not be considered
to be outstanding when sending notices of a meeting of
unitholders, calculating required votes, determining the
presence of a quorum, or for other similar purposes.
The subordinated units are a separate class of limited partner
interests in our partnership, and the rights of holders to
participate in distributions to partners differ from, and are
subordinate to, the rights of the holders of common units. For
any given quarter, any available cash will first be distributed
to the general partner and to the holders of common units, until
the holders of common units have received the minimum quarterly
distribution plus any arrearages, and then will be distributed
to the holders of subordinated units. The subordination period
will end once we meet the financial tests in the partnership
agreement, but it generally cannot end before December 31,
2006. When the subordination period ends, all subordinated units
will convert into common units on a one-for-one basis, and the
common units will no longer be entitled to arrearages.
Holders of subordinated units sometimes vote as a single class
together with the common units and sometimes vote as a class
separate from the holders of common units. Holders of
subordinated units like holders of common units have very
limited voting rights. During the subordination period, common
units and subordinated units each vote separately as a class on
the following matters:
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a sale or exchange of all or substantially all of our assets; |
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the election of a successor general partner in connection with
the removal of the general partner; |
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dissolution or reconstitution of our partnership; |
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a merger of our partnership; |
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issuance of limited partner interests in some
circumstances; and |
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some amendments to the partnership agreement, including any
amendment that would cause us to be treated as an association
taxable as a corporation. |
The subordinated units are not entitled to vote on approval of
the withdrawal of the general partner or the transfer by the
general partner of its general partner interest or incentive
distribution rights under some circumstances. Removal of our
general partner requires:
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a
662/3%
vote of all outstanding units voting as a single class; and |
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the election of a successor general partner by the holders of a
majority of the outstanding common units and subordinated units
voting as separate classes. |
Under our partnership agreement, our general partner generally
will be permitted to effect amendments to the partnership
agreement that do not materially adversely affect unitholders
without the approval of any unitholders.
22
Limited call right
If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more
than 80% of the outstanding common units, our general partner
has the right, but not the obligation, to purchase all of the
remaining common units at a price not less than the then-current
market price of the common units.
Listing
Our outstanding common units are listed on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol SXL. Any additional common
units we issue also will be listed on the NYSE.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
Our transfer agent and registrar for the common units is
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.
Summary of Partnership Agreement
A summary of the important provisions of our partnership
agreement is included in reports filed with the SEC.
23
CASH DISTRIBUTIONS
Distributions of Available Cash
General. Our partnership agreement provides that we will
distribute all of our available cash to unitholders of record on
the applicable record date within 45 days after the end of
each quarter. We adjusted the minimum quarterly distribution for
the interim period from February 8, 2002, the closing of
our initial public offering, through March 31, 2002, based
on the actual length of this period.
Definition of Available Cash. Available cash generally
means, for each fiscal quarter:
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all cash on hand at the end of the quarter |
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less the amount of cash that the general partner
determines in its reasonable discretion is necessary or
appropriate to: |
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provide for the proper conduct of our business; |
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comply with applicable law, any of our debt instruments, or
other agreements; or |
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provide funds for distributions to our unitholders and to our
general partner for any one or more of the next four quarters; |
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plus all cash on hand on the date of determination of
available cash for the quarter resulting from working capital
borrowings made after the end of the quarter. |
Working capital borrowings are generally borrowings that are
made under our credit facility and in all cases are used solely
for working capital purposes or to pay distributions to partners.
Intent to Distribute the Minimum Quarterly Distribution.
We intend to distribute to the holders of common units and
subordinated units on a quarterly basis at least the minimum
quarterly distribution, to the extent we have sufficient cash
from our operations after establishment of cash reserves and
payment of fees and expenses, including payments to our general
partner. On January 21, 2003, our general partners
board of directors declared an increase in our quarterly
distribution to $0.4875 per unit, or $1.95 per year.
However, there is no guarantee that we will pay the quarterly
distribution in this amount, or the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units in any quarter, and we will be
prohibited from making any distributions to unitholders if it
would cause an event of default, or an event of default is
existing, under our credit facility or the senior notes.
Operating Surplus and Capital Surplus
General. All cash distributed to unitholders will be
characterized as either operating surplus or
capital surplus. We distribute available cash from
operating surplus differently than available cash from capital
surplus.
Definition of Operating Surplus. Operating surplus for
any period generally means:
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our cash balance on the closing date of our initial public
offering; plus |
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$15.0 million (as described below); plus |
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all of our cash receipts after the closing of our initial public
offering, excluding cash from borrowings that are not working
capital borrowings, sales of equity and debt securities and
sales or other dispositions of assets outside the ordinary
course of business; plus |
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working capital borrowings made after the end of a quarter but
before the date of determination of operating surplus for the
quarter; less |
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all of our operating expenditures after the closing of our
initial public offering, including the repayment of working
capital borrowings, but not the repayment of other borrowings,
and including maintenance capital expenditures; less |
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the amount of cash reserves that the general partner deems
necessary or advisable to provide funds for future operating
expenditures. |
Definition of Capital Surplus. Generally, capital surplus
will be generated only by:
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borrowings other than working capital borrowings; |
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sales of debt and equity securities; and |
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sales or other disposition of assets for cash, other than
inventory, accounts receivable and other current assets sold in
the ordinary course of business or as part of normal retirements
or replacements of assets. |
Characterization of Cash Distributions. We will treat all
available cash distributed as coming from operating surplus
until the sum of all available cash distributed since we began
operations equals the operating surplus as of the most recent
date of determination of available cash. We will treat any
amount distributed in excess of operating surplus, regardless of
its source, as capital surplus. As reflected above, operating
surplus includes $15.0 million in addition to our cash
balance on the closing date of our initial public offering, cash
receipts from our operations and cash from working capital
borrowings. This amount does not reflect actual cash on hand
that is available for distribution to our unitholders. Rather,
it is a provision that will enable us, if we choose, to
distribute as operating surplus up to $15.0 million of cash
we receive in the future from non-operating sources, such as
asset sales, issuances of securities, and long-term borrowings,
that would otherwise be distributed as capital surplus. We do
not anticipate that we will make any distributions from capital
surplus.
Subordination Period
General. During the subordination period, which we define
below, the common units will have the right to receive
distributions of available cash from operating surplus in an
amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution, plus any
arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution
on the common units from prior quarters, before any
distributions of available cash from operating surplus may be
made on the subordinated units. The purpose of the subordinated
units is to increase the likelihood that during the
subordination period there will be available cash to be
distributed on the common units.
Definition of Subordination Period. The subordination
period will extend until the first day of any quarter beginning
after December 31, 2006 that each of the following tests
are met:
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distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each
of the outstanding common units and subordinated units equaled
or exceeded the minimum quarterly distribution for each of the
three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date; |
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the adjusted operating surplus (as defined below)
generated during each of the three consecutive, non-overlapping
four-quarter periods immediately preceding that date equaled or
exceeded the sum of the minimum quarterly distributions on all
of the outstanding common units and subordinated units during
those periods on a fully diluted basis and the related
distribution on the 2% general partner interest during those
periods; and |
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there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units. |
Early Conversion of Subordinated Units. Before the end of
the subordination period, 50% of the subordinated units, or up
to 5,691,819 subordinated units, may convert into common units
on a one-for-one basis immediately after the distribution of
available cash to the partners in respect of any quarter ending
on or after:
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December 31, 2004 with respect to 25% of the subordinated
units; and |
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December 31, 2005 with respect to 25% of the subordinated
units. |
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The early conversions will occur if at the end of the applicable
quarter each of the following occurs:
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distributions of available cash from operating surplus on each
of the outstanding common units and subordinated units equaled
or exceeded the minimum quarterly distribution for each of the
three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date; |
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the adjusted operating surplus generated during each of the
three consecutive, non-overlapping four-quarter periods
immediately preceding that date equaled or exceeded the sum of
the minimum quarterly distributions on all of the outstanding
common units and subordinated units during those periods on a
fully diluted basis and the related distribution on the 2%
general partner interest during those periods; and |
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there are no arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units. |
However, the second early conversion of the subordinated units
may not occur until at least one year following the first early
conversion of the subordinated units.
Definition of Adjusted Operating Surplus. Adjusted
operating surplus for any period generally means:
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operating surplus generated with respect to that period; less |
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any net increase in working capital borrowings with respect to
that period; less |
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any net reduction in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period not relating to an operating
expenditure made with respect to that period; plus |
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any net decrease in working capital borrowings with respect to
that period; plus |
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any net increase in cash reserves for operating expenditures
with respect to that period required by any debt instrument for
the repayment of principal, interest or premium. |
Adjusted operating surplus is intended to reflect the cash
generated from operations during a particular period and
therefore excludes net increases in working capital borrowings
and net drawdowns of reserves of cash generated in prior periods.
Effect of Expiration of the Subordination Period. Upon
expiration of the subordination period, each outstanding
subordinated unit will convert into one common unit and will
then participate pro rata with the other common units in
distributions of available cash. In addition, if the unitholders
remove our general partner other than for cause and units held
by the general partner and its affiliates are not voted in favor
of such removal:
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the subordination period will end and each subordinated unit
will immediately convert into one common unit; |
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any existing arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units will be extinguished; and |
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the general partner will have the right to convert its general
partner interest and its incentive distribution rights into
common units or to receive cash in exchange for those interests. |
Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus during
the Subordination Period
We will make distributions of available cash from operating
surplus for any quarter during the subordination period in the
following manner:
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First, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to
the general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding
common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2%
to the general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding
common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the
minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior
quarters during the subordination period; |
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Third, 98% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and
2% to the general partner, until we distribute for each
subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly
distribution for that quarter; and |
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Thereafter, in the manner described in Incentive
Distribution Rights below. |
Distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus after
the Subordination Period
We will make distributions of available cash from operating
surplus for any quarter after the subordination period in the
following manner:
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First, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the
general partner, until we distribute for each outstanding unit
an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that
quarter; and |
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Thereafter, in the manner described in Incentive
Distribution Rights below. |
Incentive Distribution Rights
Incentive distribution rights represent the right to receive an
increasing percentage of quarterly distributions of available
cash from operating surplus after the minimum quarterly
distribution and the target distribution levels have been
achieved. Our general partner currently holds the incentive
distribution rights, but may transfer these rights separately
from its general partner interest, subject to restrictions in
the partnership agreement.
If for any quarter:
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we have distributed available cash from operating surplus to the
common and subordinated unitholders in an amount equal to the
minimum quarterly distribution; and |
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we have distributed available cash from operating surplus on
outstanding common units in an amount necessary to eliminate any
cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution; |
then, we will distribute any additional available cash from
operating surplus for that quarter among the unitholders and the
general partner in the following manner:
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First, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the
general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of
$0.500 per unit for that quarter (the first target
distribution); |
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Second, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to the
general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of
$0.575 per unit for that quarter (the second target
distribution); |
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Third, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to the
general partner, until each unitholder receives a total of
$0.700 per unit for that quarter (the third target
distribution); and |
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Thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50% to
the general partner. |
In each case, the amount of the target distribution set forth
above is exclusive of any distributions to common unitholders to
eliminate any cumulative arrearages in payment of the minimum
quarterly distribution.
Percentage Allocations of Available Cash from Operating
Surplus
The following table illustrates the percentage allocations of
the additional available cash from operating surplus between the
unitholders and our general partner up to the various target
distribution levels.
The amounts set forth under Marginal Percentage Interest
in Distributions are the percentage interests of our
general partner and the unitholders in any available cash from
operating surplus we distribute up to and including the
corresponding amount in the column Total Quarterly
Distribution Target Amount, until available cash from
operating surplus we distribute reaches the next target
distribution level, if any.
The percentage interests shown for the unitholders and the
general partner for the minimum quarterly distribution are also
applicable to quarterly distribution amounts that are less than
the minimum quarterly distribution.
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Total Quarterly |
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Marginal Percentage Interest in Distributions | |
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Distribution Target |
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Amount |
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Unitholders | |
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General Partner | |
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Minimum Quarterly Distribution
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$0.450 |
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98 |
% |
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2 |
% |
First Target Distribution
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up to $0.500 |
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98 |
% |
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2 |
% |
Second Target Distribution
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above $0.500 up to |
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85 |
% |
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15 |
% |
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$0.575 |
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Third Target Distribution
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above $0.575 up to |
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75 |
% |
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25 |
% |
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$0.700 |
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Thereafter
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above $0.700 |
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50 |
% |
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50 |
% |
Distributions from Capital Surplus
We will make distributions of available cash from capital
surplus, if any, in the following manner:
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First, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the
general partner, until we distribute for each common unit, an
amount of available cash from capital surplus equal to the
initial public offering price; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2%
to the general partner, until we distribute for each common
unit, an amount of available cash from capital surplus equal to
any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution on the common units; and |
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Thereafter, we will make all distributions of available
cash from capital surplus as if they were from operating surplus. |
The partnership agreement treats a distribution of capital
surplus as the repayment of the initial unit price from the
initial public offering, which is a return of capital. The
initial public offering price less any distributions of capital
surplus per unit is referred to as the unrecovered initial
unit price. Each time a distribution of capital surplus is
made, the minimum quarterly distribution and the target
distribution levels will be reduced in the same proportion as
the corresponding reduction in the unrecovered initial unit
price. Because distributions of capital surplus will reduce the
minimum quarterly distribution, after any of these distributions
are made, it may be easier for the general partner to receive
incentive distributions and for the subordinated units to
convert into common units. However, any distribution of capital
surplus before the unrecovered initial unit price is reduced to
zero cannot be applied to the payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution or any arrearages.
Once we distribute capital surplus on a unit in an amount equal
to the initial unit price, we will reduce the minimum quarterly
distribution and the target distribution levels to zero. We will
then make all future distributions from operating surplus, with
50% being paid to the holders of units, 48% to the holders of
the incentive distribution rights and 2% to the general partner.
Adjustment to the Minimum Quarterly Distribution and Target
Distribution Levels
In addition to adjusting the minimum quarterly distribution and
target distribution levels to reflect a distribution of capital
surplus, if we combine our units into fewer units or subdivide
our units into a greater number of units, we will
proportionately adjust:
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the minimum quarterly distribution; |
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target distribution levels; |
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unrecovered initial unit price; |
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the number of common units issuable during the subordination
period without a unitholder vote; and |
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the number of common units into which a subordinated unit is
convertible. |
For example, if a two-for-one split of the common units should
occur, the minimum quarterly distribution, the target
distribution levels and the unrecovered initial unit price would
each be reduced to 50% of its initial level. We will not make
any adjustment by reason of the issuance of additional units for
cash or property.
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In addition, if legislation is enacted or if existing law is
modified or interpreted in a manner that causes us to become
taxable as a corporation or otherwise subject to taxation as an
entity for federal, state or local income tax purposes, we will
reduce the minimum quarterly distribution and the target
distribution levels by multiplying the same by one minus the sum
of the highest marginal federal corporate income tax rate that
could apply and any increase in the effective overall state and
local income tax rates. For example, if we became subject to a
maximum marginal federal, and effective state and local income
tax rate of 38%, then the minimum quarterly distribution and the
target distributions levels would each be reduced to 62% of
their previous levels.
Distributions of Cash Upon Liquidation
General. If we dissolve in accordance with the
partnership agreement, we will sell or otherwise dispose of our
assets in a process called liquidation. We will first apply the
proceeds of liquidation to the payment of our creditors. We will
distribute any remaining proceeds to the unitholders and the
general partner, in accordance with their capital account
balances, as adjusted to reflect any gain or loss upon the sale
or other disposition of our assets in liquidation.
The allocations of gain and loss upon liquidation are intended,
to the extent possible, to entitle the holders of outstanding
common units to a preference over the holders of outstanding
subordinated units upon our liquidation, to the extent required
to permit common unitholders to receive their unrecovered
initial unit price plus the minimum quarterly distribution for
the quarter during which liquidation occurs plus any unpaid
arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on
the common units. However, there may not be sufficient gain upon
our liquidation to enable the holders of common units to fully
recover all of these amounts, even though there may be cash
available for distribution to the holders of subordinated units.
Any further net gain recognized upon liquidation will be
allocated in a manner that takes into account the incentive
distribution rights of the general partner.
Manner of Adjustments for Gain. The manner of the
adjustment for gain is set forth in the partnership agreement.
If our liquidation occurs before the end of the subordination
period, we will allocate any gain to the partners in the
following manner:
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First, to the general partner and the holders of units
who have negative balances in their capital accounts to the
extent of and in proportion to those negative balances; |
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Second, 98% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 2%
to the general partner, until the capital account for each
common unit is equal to the sum of: |
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the unrecovered initial unit price; |
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the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter
during which our liquidation occurs; and |
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any unpaid arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly
distribution; |
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Third, 98% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and
2% to the general partner until the capital account for each
subordinated unit is equal to the sum of: |
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the unrecovered initial unit price; and |
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the amount of the minimum quarterly distribution for the quarter
during which our liquidation occurs; |
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Fourth, 98% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the
general partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an
amount per unit equal to: |
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the sum of the excess of the first target distribution per unit
over the minimum quarterly distribution per unit for each
quarter of our existence; less |
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the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available
cash from operating surplus in excess of the minimum quarterly
distribution per unit that we distributed 98% to the
unitholders, pro rata, and 2% to the general partner, for each
quarter of our existence; |
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Fifth, 85% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to the
general partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an
amount per unit equal to: |
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the sum of the excess of the second target distribution per unit
over the first target distribution per unit for each quarter of
our existence; less |
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the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available
cash from operating surplus in excess of the first target
distribution per unit that we distributed 85% to the
unitholders, pro rata, and 15% to the general partner for each
quarter of our existence; |
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Sixth, 75% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to the
general partner, until we allocate under this paragraph an
amount per unit equal to: |
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the sum of the excess of the third target distribution per unit
over the second target distribution per unit for each quarter of
our existence; less |
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the cumulative amount per unit of any distributions of available
cash from operating surplus in excess of the second target
distribution per unit that we distributed 75% to the
unitholders, pro rata, and 25% to the general partner for each
quarter of our existence; and |
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Thereafter, 50% to all unitholders, pro rata, and 50% to
the general partner. |
If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination
period, the distinction between common units and subordinated
units will disappear, so that clause (3) of the second
bullet point above and all of the third bullet point above will
no longer be applicable.
Manner of Adjustments for Losses. Upon our liquidation,
we will generally allocate any loss to the general partner and
the unitholders in the following manner:
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First, 98% to holders of subordinated units in proportion
to the positive balances in their capital accounts and 2% to the
general partner, until the capital accounts of the subordinated
unitholders have been reduced to zero; |
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Second, 98% to the holders of common units in proportion
to the positive balances in their capital accounts and 2% to the
general partner, until the capital accounts of the common
unitholders have been reduced to zero; and |
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Thereafter, 100% to the general partner. |
If the liquidation occurs after the end of the subordination
period, the distinction between common units and subordinated
units will disappear, so that all of the first bullet point
above will no longer be applicable.
Adjustments to Capital Accounts upon the Issuance of
Additional Units. We will make adjustments to capital
accounts upon the issuance of additional units. In doing so, we
will allocate any unrealized and, for tax purposes, unrecognized
gain or loss resulting from the adjustments to the unitholders
and the general partner in the same manner as we allocate gain
or loss upon liquidation. In the event that we make positive
adjustments to the capital accounts upon the issuance of
additional units, we will allocate any later negative
adjustments to the capital accounts resulting from the issuance
of additional units or upon our liquidation in a manner which
results, to the extent possible, in the general partners
capital account balances equaling the amount which they would
have been if no earlier positive adjustments to the capital
accounts had been made.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE DEBT SECURITIES
References in this Description of the Debt
Securities to we, us and
our mean Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P.
References in this prospectus to an Indenture refer
to the particular Indenture under which we issue a series of
debt securities.
The following description sets forth the general terms and
provisions that apply to the debt securities. Each prospectus
supplement will state the particular terms that will apply to
the debt securities included in the supplement.
We will issue our debt securities under an indenture, among us,
as issuer, Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. as Guarantor, the
Subsidiary Guarantors, and a trustee that we will name in the
related prospectus supplement. The term Trustee as
used in this prospectus shall refer to the trustee under the
indenture. The debt securities will be governed by the
provisions of the Indenture and those made part of the Indenture
by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. We, the
Trustee, Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P., and the Subsidiary
Guarantors may enter into supplements to the Indenture from time
to time. The debt securities will be either senior debt
securities or subordinated debt securities of Sunoco Logistics
Partners Operations L.P. If we decide to issue subordinated debt
securities, we will issue them under a separate Indenture
containing subordination provisions.
Neither indenture contains provisions that would afford holders
of debt securities protection in the event of a sudden and
significant decline in our credit quality or a takeover,
recapitalization or highly leveraged or similar transaction.
Accordingly, we could in the future enter into transactions that
could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding at that
time or otherwise adversely affect our capital structure or
credit rating.
This description is a summary of the material provisions of the
debt securities and the Indentures. We urge you to read the
forms of senior indenture and subordinated indenture filed as
exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus
is a part because those Indentures, and not this description,
govern your rights as a holder of debt securities.
General
Any series of debt securities that we issue:
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will be our general obligations; |
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will be general obligations of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.
and the Subsidiary Guarantors, if guaranteed by Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P. and the Subsidiary Guarantors; and |
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may be subordinated to our Senior Indebtedness, that of Sunoco
Logistics Partners L.P, and the Subsidiary Guarantors. |
The Indenture does not limit the total amount of debt securities
that we may issue. We may issue debt securities under the
Indenture from time to time in separate series, up to the
aggregate amount authorized for each such series.
Specific Terms of Each Series of Debt Securities to be
Described in the Prospectus Supplement
We will prepare a prospectus supplement and either a
supplemental indenture, or authorizing resolutions of our
general partners board of directors, accompanied by an
officers certificate, relating to any series of debt
securities that we offer, which will include specific terms
relating to some or all of the following:
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the form and title of the debt securities; |
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the total principal amount of the debt securities; |
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the date or dates on which the debt securities may be issued; |
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whether the debt securities are senior or subordinated debt
securities; |
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the currency or currencies in which principal and interest will
be paid, if not in U.S. dollars; |
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the portion of the principal amount which will be payable if the
maturity of the debt securities is accelerated; |
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any right we may have to defer payments of interest by extending
the dates payments are due and whether interest on those
deferred amounts will be payable; |
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the dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the
debt securities will be payable; |
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the interest rate which the debt securities will bear and the
interest payment dates for the debt securities; |
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any conversion or exchange provisions; |
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any optional redemption provisions; |
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any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to
repurchase or otherwise redeem the debt securities; |
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whether the debt securities are entitled to the benefits of any
guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantors; |
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whether the debt securities may be issued in amounts other than
$1,000 each or multiples thereof; |
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any changes to or additional events of default or covenants; |
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the subordination, if any, of the debt securities and any
changes to the subordination provisions of the Indenture; and |
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any other terms of the debt securities. |
This description of debt securities will be deemed modified,
amended or supplemented by any description of any series of debt
securities set forth in a prospectus supplement related to that
series.
The prospectus supplement also will describe any material
United States federal income tax consequences or other special
considerations regarding the applicable series of debt
securities, including those relating to:
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debt securities with respect to which payments of principal,
premium or interest are determined with reference to an index or
formula, including changes in prices of particular securities,
currencies or commodities; |
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debt securities with respect to which principal, premium or
interest is payable in a foreign or composite currency; |
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debt securities that are issued at a discount below their stated
principal amount, bearing no interest or interest at a rate that
at the time of issuance is below market rates; and |
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variable rate debt securities that are exchangeable for fixed
rate debt securities. |
At our option, we may make interest payments by check mailed to
the registered holders of debt securities or, if so stated in
the applicable prospectus supplement, at the option of a holder
by wire transfer to an account designated by the holder.
Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus
supplement, fully registered securities may be transferred or
exchanged at the office of the Trustee at which its corporate
trust business is principally administered in the United States,
subject to the limitations provided in the Indenture, without
the payment of any service charge, other than any applicable tax
or governmental charge.
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Any funds we pay to a paying agent for the payment of amounts
due on any debt securities that remain unclaimed for two years
will be returned to us, and the holders of the debt securities
must look only to us for payment after that time.
The Parent Guarantee
Our payment obligations under any series of debt securities may
be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P., which will execute a notation of guarantee as
further evidence of its guarantee. The applicable prospectus
supplement will describe the terms of any guarantee by Sunoco
Logistics Partners L.P.
If a series of debt securities is so guaranteed, Sunoco
Logistics Partners L.P.s guarantee of the senior debt
securities will be Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.s
unsecured and unsubordinated general obligation, and will rank
on a parity with all of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.s
other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness. If a series of
subordinated debt securities is guaranteed by Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P., then the guarantee will be subordinated to the
senior debt of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. to substantially
the same extent as the series of subordinated debt securities is
subordinated to our senior debt.
The Subsidiary Guarantees
Our payment obligations under any series of debt securities may
be jointly and severally, fully and unconditionally guaranteed
by the Subsidiary Guarantors. If a series of debt securities are
so guaranteed, the Subsidiary Guarantors will execute a notation
of guarantee as further evidence of their guarantee. The
applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any
guarantee by the Subsidiary Guarantors.
The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its guarantee
of the debt securities will be limited to the maximum amount
that will not result in the obligations of the Subsidiary
Guarantor under the guarantee constituting a fraudulent
conveyance or fraudulent transfer under Federal or state law,
after giving effect to:
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all other contingent and fixed liabilities of the Subsidiary
Guarantor; and |
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any collections from or payments made by or on behalf of any
other Subsidiary Guarantors in respect of the obligations of the
Subsidiary Guarantor under its guarantee. |
The guarantee of any Subsidiary Guarantor may be released under
certain circumstances. If we exercise our legal or covenant
defeasance option with respect to debt securities of a
particular series as described below in Defeasance,
then any subsidiary guarantor will be released with respect to
that series. Further, if no default has occurred and is
continuing under the Indenture, and to the extent not otherwise
prohibited by the Indenture, a Subsidiary Guarantor will be
unconditionally released and discharged from the guarantee:
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automatically upon any sale, exchange or transfer, whether by
way of merger or otherwise, to any person that is not our
affiliate, of all of our direct or indirect limited partnership
or other equity interests in the Subsidiary Guarantor; |
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automatically upon the merger of the Subsidiary Guarantor into
us or any other Subsidiary Guarantor or the liquidation and
dissolution of the Subsidiary Guarantor; or |
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following delivery of a written notice by us to the Trustee,
upon the release of all guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantor
of any debt of ours for borrowed money for a purchase money
obligation or for a guarantee of either, except for any series
of debt securities. |
If a series of debt securities is guaranteed by the Subsidiary
Guarantors and is designated as subordinate to our Senior
Indebtedness, then the guarantees by the Subsidiary Guarantors
will be subordinated to the Senior Indebtedness of the
Subsidiary Guarantors to substantially the same extent as the
series is subordinated to our Senior Indebtedness. See
Subordination.
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Specific Covenants
The prospectus supplement applicable to any particular series of
debt securities will contain a description of the important
financial and other covenants that apply to us and our
subsidiaries, added to the Indenture specifically for the
benefit of holders of a particular series.
The Indenture will contain the following covenant for the
benefit of the holders of all series of debt securities:
So long as any debt securities are outstanding, Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P. will:
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for as long as it is required to file information with the SEC
pursuant to the Exchange Act, file with the Trustee, within
15 days after it is required to file with the SEC, copies
of the annual report and of the information, documents and other
reports which it is required to file with the SEC pursuant to
the Exchange Act; |
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if it is not required to file information with the SEC pursuant
to the Exchange Act, file with the Trustee, within 15 days
after it would have been required to file with the SEC,
financial statements and a Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, both
comparable to what it would have been required to file with the
SEC had it been subject to the reporting requirements of the
Exchange Act, unless the SEC will not accept such a filing; and |
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if it is required to furnish annual or quarterly reports to our
unitholders pursuant to the Exchange Act, file with the Trustee
any annual report or other reports sent to unitholders generally. |
A series of debt securities may contain additional financial and
other covenants. The applicable prospectus supplement will
contain a description of any such covenants that are added to
the Indenture specifically for the benefit of holders of a
particular series.
Events of Default, Remedies and Default
Each of the following events will be an Event of
Default under the Indenture with respect to a series of
debt securities:
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default in any payment of interest on any debt securities of
that series when due that continues for 30 days; |
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default in the payment of principal of or premium, if any, on
any debt securities of that series when due at its stated
maturity, upon redemption, upon required repurchase or otherwise; |
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default in the payment of any sinking fund payment on any debt
securities of that series when due; |
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failure by us or, if the series of debt securities is guaranteed
by the Guarantor or any Subsidiary Guarantors, by such Guarantor
or Subsidiary Guarantor, to comply for 60 days after notice
with the other agreements contained in the Indenture, any
supplement to the Indenture or any board resolution authorizing
the issuance of that series; |
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certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of us
or, if the series of debt securities is guaranteed by the
Guarantor or any Subsidiary Guarantor, of the Guarantor and/or
any such Subsidiary Guarantor; or |
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if the series of debt securities is guaranteed by the Guarantor
and/or any Subsidiary Guarantor: |
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any of the guarantees ceases to be in full force and effect,
except as otherwise provided in the Indenture; |
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any of the guarantees is declared null and void in a judicial
proceeding; or |
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the Guarantor or any Subsidiary Guarantor denies or disaffirms
its obligations under the Indenture or its guarantee. |
If an Event of Default, other than an Event of Default described
in the fifth bullet point above, occurs and is continuing, the
trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of
the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the
entire principal of, premium, if any, and accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, on all the debt securities of that series to
be due and payable immediately.
A default under the fourth bullet point above will not
constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders
of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of
that series notify us and, if the series of debt securities is
guaranteed by the Guarantor and/or any Subsidiary Guarantor, the
Guarantor and any such Subsidiary Guarantor, of the default and
such default is not cured within 60 days after receipt of
notice.
If an Event of Default described in the fifth bullet point above
occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and
accrued and unpaid interest on all outstanding debt securities
of all series will become immediately due and payable without
any declaration of acceleration or other act on the part of the
Trustee or any holders.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of a series may rescind any declaration of
acceleration by the Trustee or the holders with respect to the
debt securities of that series but only if:
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rescinding the declaration of acceleration would not conflict
with any judgment or decree of a court of competent
jurisdiction; and |
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all existing Events of Default have been cured or waived, other
than the nonpayment of principal, premium or interest on the
debt securities of that series that have become due solely by
the declaration of acceleration. |
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee
will be under no obligation, except as otherwise provided in the
Indenture, to exercise any of the rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the holders
unless such holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable
indemnity or security against any costs, liability or expense.
No holder may pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or
the debt securities of any series, except to enforce the right
to receive payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest
when due, unless:
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such holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an
Event of Default with respect to that series is continuing; |
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holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of that series have requested that the Trustee
pursue the remedy; |
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such holders have offered the Trustee reasonable indemnity or
security against any cost, liability or expense; |
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the Trustee has not complied with such request within
60 days after the receipt of the request and the offer of
indemnity or security; and |
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the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of that series have not given the Trustee a
direction that, in the opinion of the Trustee, is inconsistent
with such request within such 60-day period. |
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
debt securities of a series have the right, subject to certain
restrictions, to direct the time, method and place of conducting
any proceeding for any remedy
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available to the Trustee or of exercising any right or power
conferred on the Trustee with respect to that series of debt
securities. The Trustee, however, may refuse to follow any
direction that:
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conflicts with law; |
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is inconsistent with any provision of the Indenture; |
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the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of
any other holder; |
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would involve the Trustee in personal liability. |
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Notice of an Event of Default |
Within 30 days after the occurrence of any default (meaning
an event that is, or after the notice or passage of time would
be, an Event of Default,) or Event of Default, we are required
to give written notice to the Trustee and indicate the status of
the default or Event of Default and what action we are taking or
propose to take to cure it. In addition, we are required to
deliver to the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of
each fiscal year, a compliance certificate indicating that we
have complied with all covenants contained in the Indenture or
whether any default or Event of Default has occurred during the
previous year.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing and is known to
the Trustee, the Trustee must mail to each holder a notice of
the Event of Default by the later of 90 days after the
Event of Default occurs or 30 days after the Trustee knows
of the Event of Default. Except in the case of a default in the
payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest with respect
to any debt securities, the Trustee may withhold such notice,
but only if and so long as the board of directors, the executive
committee or a committee of directors or responsible officers of
the Trustee in good faith determines that withholding such
notice is in the interests of the holders.
Amendments and Waivers
We may amend the Indenture without the consent of any holder of
debt securities to:
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cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency; |
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convey, transfer, assign, mortgage or pledge any property to or
with the Trustee; |
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provide for the assumption by a successor of our obligations
under the Indenture; |
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add the Guarantor and/or any Subsidiary Guarantor with respect
to the debt securities; |
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change or eliminate any restriction on the payment of principal
of, or premium, if any, on, any debt securities; |
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secure the debt securities; |
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add covenants for the benefit of the holders or surrender any
right or power conferred upon us, the Guarantor, or any
Subsidiary Guarantor; |
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make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any
holder; |
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add or appoint a successor or separate Trustee; |
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comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the
qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or |
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establish the form or terms of debt securities of any series to
be issued under the Indenture. |
In addition, we may amend the Indenture if the holders of a
majority in principal amount of all debt securities of each
series that would be affected then outstanding under the
Indenture consent to it. We may not,
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however, without the consent of each holder of outstanding debt
securities of each series that would be affected, amend the
Indenture to:
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reduce the percentage in principal amount of debt securities of
any series whose holders must consent to an amendment; |
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reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on
any debt securities; |
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reduce the principal of or extend the stated maturity of any
debt securities; |
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reduce the premium payable upon the redemption of any debt
securities or change the time at which any debt securities may
or shall be redeemed; |
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make any debt securities payable in other than U.S. dollars; |
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impair the right of any holder to receive payment of premium,
principal or interest with respect to such holders debt
securities on or after the applicable due date; |
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impair the right of any holder to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment with respect to such holders
debt securities; |
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release any security that has been granted in respect of the
debt securities, other than in accordance with the Indenture; |
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make any change in the amendment provisions which require each
holders consent; |
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make any change in the waiver provisions; or |
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release the Guarantor, or any Subsidiary Guarantor, or modify
the guarantee of the Guarantor or any Subsidiary Guarantor in
any manner adverse to the holders. |
The consent of the holders is not necessary under the Indenture
to approve the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is
sufficient if such consent approves the substance of the
proposed amendment. After an amendment under the Indenture
becomes effective, we are required to mail to all holders a
notice briefly describing the amendment. The failure to give, or
any defect in, such notice, however, will not impair or affect
the validity of the amendment.
The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the
outstanding debt securities of each affected series, on behalf
of all such holders, and subject to certain rights of the
Trustee, may waive:
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compliance by us, the Guarantor or a Subsidiary Guarantor with
certain restrictive provisions of the Indenture; and |
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any past default or Event of Default under the Indenture,
subject to certain rights of the Trustee under the Indenture; |
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except that such majority of holders may not waive a default: |
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in the payment of principal, premium or interest; or |
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in respect of a provision that under the Indenture cannot be
amended without the consent of all holders of the series of debt
securities that is affected. |
Defeasance
At any time, we may terminate, with respect to debt securities
of a particular series, all our obligations under such series of
debt securities and the Indenture, which we call a legal
defeasance. If we decide to make a legal defeasance,
however, we may not terminate our obligations:
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relating to the defeasance trust; |
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to register the transfer or exchange of the debt securities; |
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to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen debt
securities; or |
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to maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the debt
securities. |
If we exercise our legal defeasance option, any guarantee will
terminate with respect to that series of debt securities.
At any time we may also effect a covenant
defeasance, which means we have elected to terminate our
obligations under:
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covenants applicable to a series of debt securities, including
any covenant that is added specifically for such series and is
described in a prospectus supplement; |
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the bankruptcy provisions with respect to the Guarantor and any
Subsidiary Guarantors; and |
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the guarantee provision described under Events of
Default, Remedies and Notices Events of Default
above with respect to a series of debt securities, if
applicable, and any Events of Default that is added specifically
for such series and described in a prospectus supplement. |
We may exercise our legal defeasance option notwithstanding our
prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option. If we exercise
our legal defeasance option, payment of the affected series of
debt securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of
Default with respect to that series. If we exercise our covenant
defeasance option, payment of the defeased series of debt
securities may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default
specified in the fourth, fifth (with respect only to a
Subsidiary Guarantor (if any)) or sixth bullet points under
Events of Default above or an Event of Default
that is added specifically for such series and described in a
prospectus supplement.
In order to exercise either defeasance option, we must:
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irrevocably deposit in trust with the Trustee money or certain
U.S. government obligations for the payment of principal,
premium, if any, and interest on the series of debt securities
to redemption or maturity, as the case may be; |
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comply with certain other conditions, including that no default
has occurred and is continuing after the deposit in trust; and |
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deliver to the Trustee of an opinion of counsel to the effect
that holders of the series of debt securities will not recognize
income, gain or loss for Federal income tax purposes as a result
of such defeasance and will be subject to Federal income tax on
the same amount and in the same manner and at the same times as
would have been the case if such deposit and defeasance had not
occurred. In the case of legal defeasance only, such opinion of
counsel must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue
Service or other change in applicable Federal income tax law. |
If we exercise either our legal defeasance option or our
covenant defeasance option, any subsidiary guarantee will
terminate with respect to the defeased series of debt securities.
No Personal Liability of General Partner
Sunoco Logistics Partners GP LLC, our general partner, and its
directors, officers, employees, incorporators and stockholders,
as such, will not be liable for:
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any of our obligations or the obligations of the Subsidiary
Guarantors under the debt securities, the Indentures or the
guarantees; or |
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any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such
obligations or their creation. |
By accepting a debt security, each holder will be deemed to have
waived and released all such liability. This waiver and release
are part of the consideration for our issuance of the debt
securities. This waiver may not be
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effective, however, to waive liabilities under the federal
securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver
is against public policy.
Subordination
Debt securities of a series may be subordinated to our
Senior Indebtedness, which we define generally to
include any obligation created or assumed by us (or, if the
series is guaranteed, the Guarantor and any Subsidiary
Guarantors) for the repayment of borrowed money, purchase money
obligation created or assumed by us, and any guarantee therefor,
whether outstanding or hereafter issued, unless, by the terms of
the instrument creating or evidencing such obligation, it is
provided that such obligation is subordinate or not superior in
right of payment to the debt securities (or, if the series is
guaranteed, the guarantee of the Guarantor or any Subsidiary
Guarantor), or to other obligations which are pari passu
with or subordinated to the debt securities (or, if the
series is guaranteed, the guarantee of the Guarantor or any
Subsidiary Guarantor). Subordinated debt securities will be
subordinate in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner
set forth in the Indenture and the prospectus supplement
relating to such series, to the prior payment of all of our
indebtedness and that of the Guarantor or any Subsidiary
Guarantor that is designated as Senior Indebtedness
with respect to the series.
The holders of Senior Indebtedness of ours or, if applicable,
the Guarantor or a Subsidiary Guarantor, will receive payment in
full of the Senior Indebtedness before holders of subordinated
debt securities will receive any payment of principal, premium
or interest with respect to the subordinated debt securities
upon any payment or distribution of our assets or, if applicable
to any series of outstanding debt securities, the Subsidiary
Guarantors assets, to creditors:
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upon a liquidation or dissolution of us or, if applicable to any
series of outstanding debt securities, the Subsidiary
Guarantors; or |
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in a bankruptcy, receivership or similar proceeding relating to
us or, if applicable to any series of outstanding debt
securities, to the Subsidiary Guarantors. |
Until the Senior Indebtedness is paid in full, any distribution
to which holders of subordinated debt securities would otherwise
be entitled will be made to the holders of Senior Indebtedness,
except that the holders of subordinated debt securities may
receive units representing limited partner interests and any
debt securities that are subordinated to Senior Indebtedness to
at least the same extent as the subordinated debt securities.
If we do not pay any principal, premium or interest with respect
to Senior Indebtedness within any applicable grace period
(including at maturity), or any other default on Senior
Indebtedness occurs and the maturity of the Senior Indebtedness
is accelerated in accordance with its terms, we may not:
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make any payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest
with respect to subordinated debt securities; |
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make any deposit for the purpose of defeasance of the
subordinated debt securities; or |
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repurchase, redeem or otherwise retire any subordinated debt
securities, except that in the case of subordinated debt
securities that provide for a mandatory sinking fund, we may
deliver subordinated debt securities to the Trustee in
satisfaction of our sinking fund obligation, |
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unless, in either case, |
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the default has been cured or waived and any declaration of
acceleration has been rescinded; |
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the Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash; or |
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we and the Trustee receive written notice approving the payment
from the representatives of each issue of Designated
Senior Indebtedness. |
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Generally, Designated Senior Indebtedness will
include:
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any specified issue of Senior Indebtedness of at least
$100 million; and |
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any other Senior Indebtedness that we may designate in respect
of any series of subordinated debt securities. |
During the continuance of any default, other than a default
described in the immediately preceding paragraph, that may cause
the maturity of any Designated Senior Indebtedness to be
accelerated immediately without further notice, other than any
notice required to effect such acceleration, or the expiration
of any applicable grace periods, we may not pay the subordinated
debt securities for a period called the Payment Blockage
Period. A Payment Blockage Period will commence on the
receipt by us and the Trustee of written notice of the default,
called a Blockage Notice, from the representative of
any Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to
effect a Payment Blockage Period and will end 179 days
thereafter.
The Payment Blockage Period may be terminated before its
expiration:
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by written notice from the person or persons who gave the
Blockage Notice; |
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by repayment in full in cash of the Designated Senior
Indebtedness with respect to which the Blockage Notice was
given; or |
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if the default giving rise to the Payment Blockage Period is no
longer continuing. |
Unless the holders of the Designated Senior Indebtedness have
accelerated the maturity of the Designated Senior Indebtedness,
we may resume payments on the subordinated debt securities after
the expiration of the Payment Blockage Period.
Generally, not more than one Blockage Notice may be given in any
period of 360 consecutive days. The total number of days during
which any one or more Payment Blockage Periods are in effect,
however, may not exceed an aggregate of 179 days during any
period of 360 consecutive days.
After all Senior Indebtedness is paid in full and until the
subordinated debt securities are paid in full, holders of the
subordinated debt securities shall be subrogated to the rights
of holders of Senior Indebtedness to receive distributions
applicable to Senior Indebtedness.
As a result of the subordination provisions described above, in
the event of insolvency, the holders of Senior Indebtedness, as
well as certain of our general creditors, may recover more,
ratably, than the holders of the subordinated debt securities.
Book Entry, Delivery and Form
We may issue debt securities of a series in the form of one or
more global certificates deposited with a depositary. We expect
that The Depository Trust Company, New York, New York, or
DTC, will act as depositary. If we issue debt
securities of a series in book-entry form, we will issue one or
more global certificates that will be deposited with or on
behalf of DTC and will not issue physical certificates to each
holder. A global security may not be transferred unless it is
exchanged in whole or in part for a certificated security,
except that DTC, its nominees and their successors may transfer
a global security as a whole to one another. DTC will keep a
computerized record of its participants, such as a broker, whose
clients have purchased the debt securities. The participants
will then keep records of their clients who purchased the debt
securities. Beneficial interests in global securities will be
shown on, and transfers of beneficial interests in global
securities will be made only through, records maintained by DTC
and its participants.
DTC advises us that it is:
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a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York
Banking Law; |
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a banking organization within the meaning of the New
York Banking Law; |
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a member of the United States Federal Reserve System; |
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a clearing corporation within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code; and |
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a clearing agency registered under the provisions of
Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. |
DTC is owned by a number of its participants and by the New York
Stock Exchange, Inc., The American Stock Exchange, Inc. and the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. The rules that
apply to DTC and its participants are on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
DTC holds securities that its participants deposit with DTC. DTC
also records the settlement among participants of securities
transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in deposited
securities through computerized records for participants
accounts. This eliminates the need to exchange certificates.
Participants include securities brokers and dealers, banks,
trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other
organizations.
We will wire principal, premium, if any, and interest payments
due on the global securities to DTCs nominee. We, the
Trustee and any paying agent will treat DTCs nominee as
the owner of the global securities for all purposes.
Accordingly, we, the Trustee and any paying agent will have no
direct responsibility or liability to pay amounts due on the
global securities to owners of beneficial interests in the
global securities.
It is DTCs current practice, upon receipt of any payment
of principal, premium, if any, or interest, to credit
participants accounts on the payment date according to
their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the global
securities as shown on DTCs records. In addition, it is
DTCs current practice to assign any consenting or voting
rights to participants, whose accounts are credited with debt
securities on a record date, by using an omnibus proxy.
Payments by participants to owners of beneficial interests in
the global securities, as well as voting by participants, will
be governed by the customary practices between the participants
and the owners of beneficial interests, as is the case with debt
securities held for the account of customers registered in
street name. Payments to holders of beneficial
interests are the responsibility of the participants and not of
DTC, the Trustee or us.
Beneficial interests in global securities will be exchangeable
for certificated securities with the same terms in authorized
denominations only if:
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DTC notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
depositary or if DTC ceases to be a clearing agency registered
under applicable law and a successor depositary is not appointed
by us within 90 days; or |
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we determine not to require all of the debt securities of a
series to be represented by a global security and notify the
Trustee of our decision. |
The Trustee
We may appoint a separate trustee for any series of debt
securities. We use the term Trustee to refer to the
trustee appointed with respect to any such series of debt
securities. We may maintain banking and other commercial
relationships with the Trustee and its affiliates in the
ordinary course of business, and the Trustee may own debt
securities.
Governing Law
The Indenture and the debt securities will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
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CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND FIDUCIARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Conflicts of Interest
Conflicts of interest exist and may arise in the future as a
result of the relationships between our general partner and its
affiliates, including Sunoco, Inc., on the one hand, and us and
our limited partners, on the other hand. The directors and
officers of our general partner have fiduciary duties to manage
the general partner in a manner beneficial to its owners. At the
same time, our general partner has a fiduciary duty to manage us
in a manner beneficial to us and our unitholders.
Our partnership agreement contains provisions that allow our
general partner to take into account the interests of other
parties in addition to our interests when resolving conflicts of
interest. In effect, these provisions limit our general
partners fiduciary duties to the unitholders. Our
partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available to
unitholders for actions taken that, without those limitations,
might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty. Whenever a conflict
arises between our general partner or its affiliates, on the one
hand, and us or any other partner, on the other, the general
partner will resolve that conflict. At the request of the
general partner, a conflicts committee of the board of directors
of the general partner will review conflicts of interest. Our
general partner will not be in breach of its obligations under
the partnership agreement or its duties to us or the unitholders
if the resolution of the conflict is considered fair and
reasonable to us. Any resolution is considered fair and
reasonable to us if that resolution is:
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approved by the conflicts committee, although no party is
obligated to seek approval and the general partner may adopt a
resolution or course of action that has not received approval; |
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on terms no less favorable to us than those generally being
provided to or available from unrelated third parties; or |
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fair to us, taking into account the totality of the
relationships between the parties involved, including other
transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous
to us. |
Unless the resolution is specifically provided for in our
partnership agreement, when resolving a conflict, our general
partner may consider:
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the relative interests of the parties involved in the conflict
or affected by the action; |
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any customary or accepted industry practices or historical
dealings with a particular person or entity; and |
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generally accepted accounting practices or principles and other
factors it considers relevant, if applicable. |
Conflicts of interest could arise in the situations described
below, among others.
Actions taken by our general partner may affect the amount
of cash available for distribution to unitholders or accelerate
the right to convert subordinated units.
The amount of cash that is available for distribution to
unitholders is affected by decisions of our general partner
regarding such matters as:
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amount and timing of asset purchases and sales; |
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cash expenditures; |
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borrowings; |
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issuance of additional units; and |
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the creation, reduction, or increase of reserves in any quarter. |
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In addition, borrowings by us and our affiliates do not
constitute a breach of any duty owed by the general partner to
our unitholders, including borrowings that have the purpose or
effect of:
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enabling our general partner to receive distributions on any
subordinated units held by it or the incentive distribution
rights; or |
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hastening the expiration of the subordination period. |
For example, in the event we have not generated sufficient cash
from our operations to pay the minimum quarterly distribution on
our common units and our subordinated units, our partnership
agreement permits us to borrow funds, which would enable us to
make this distribution on all outstanding units.
Our partnership agreement provides that we and our subsidiaries
may borrow funds from our general partner and its affiliates.
Our general partner and its affiliates may not borrow funds from
us, the operating partnership, or its operating subsidiaries,
other than in connection with Sunoco, Incs centralized
cash management program.
We do not have any officers or employees and rely solely
on officers and employees of our general partner and its
affiliates.
Affiliates of our general partner conduct businesses and
activities of their own in which we have no economic interest.
If these separate activities are significantly greater than our
activities, there could be material competition for the time and
effort of certain of the officers and employees who provide
services to our general partner. With one exception, the
officers of our general partner spend substantially all of their
time managing our business and affairs. However, our general
partners treasurer currently is required to devote time to
the affairs of Sunoco, Inc. or its affiliates and is compensated
by them for the services rendered to them.
We will reimburse the general partner and its affiliates
for expenses.
We will reimburse the general partner and its affiliates for
costs incurred in managing and operating us, including costs
incurred in rendering corporate staff and support services to
us. Our partnership agreement provides that the general partner
will determine the expenses that are allocable to us in any
reasonable manner determined by the general partner in its sole
discretion.
Our general partner intends to limit its liability
regarding our obligations.
Our general partner intends to limit its liability under
contractual arrangements so that the other party has recourse
only to our assets and not against the general partner or its
assets or any affiliate of the general partner or its assets.
Our partnership agreement provides that any action taken by our
general partner to limit its or our liability is not a breach of
the general partners fiduciary duties, even if we could
have obtained terms that are more favorable without the
limitation on liability.
Common unitholders will have no right to enforce
obligations of our general partner and its affiliates under
agreements with us.
Any agreements between us, on the one hand, and our general
partner and its affiliates, on the other, will not grant to the
unitholders, separate and apart from us, the right to enforce
the obligations of our general partner and its affiliates in our
favor.
Contracts between us, on the one hand, and our general
partner and its affiliates, on the other, will not be the result
of arms-length negotiations.
Our partnership agreement allows our general partner to pay
itself or its affiliates for any services rendered, provided
these services are rendered on terms that are fair and
reasonable to us. Our general partner may also
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enter into additional contractual arrangements with any of its
affiliates on our behalf. Neither our partnership agreement nor
any of the other agreements, contracts, and arrangements between
us and the general partner and its affiliates are or will be the
result of arms-length negotiations.
All of these transactions entered into after the sale of the
common units offered in this offering are to be on terms that
are fair and reasonable to us.
Our general partner and its affiliates will have no obligation
to permit us to use any facilities or assets of the general
partner and its affiliates, except as may be provided in
contracts entered into specifically dealing with that use. There
is no obligation of our general partner and its affiliates to
enter into any contracts of this kind.
Common units are subject to our general partners
limited call right.
Our general partner may exercise its right to call and purchase
common units as provided in the partnership agreement or assign
this right to one of its affiliates or to us. Our general
partner may use its own discretion, free of fiduciary duty
restrictions, in determining whether to exercise this right. As
a result, a common unitholder may have his common units
purchased from him at an undesirable time or price.
We may not choose to retain separate counsel for ourselves
or for the holders of common units.
The attorneys, independent auditors, and others who perform
services for us have been retained by our general partner.
Attorneys, independent auditors, and others who perform services
for us are selected by our general partner or the conflicts
committee and may perform services for our general partner and
its affiliates.
We may retain separate counsel for ourselves or the holders of
common units in the event of a conflict of interest between our
general partner and its affiliates, on the one hand, and us or
the holders of common units, on the other, depending on the
nature and materiality of the conflict. Such conflicts may arise
out of extraordinary transactions between us and Sunoco, Inc. or
its affiliates, such as transfers of material assets or mergers
or material amendments of our agreements with Sunoco, Inc. We do
not intend to retain separate counsel in most cases.
Our general partners affiliates may compete with
us.
Our partnership agreement provides that the general partner will
be restricted from engaging in any business activities other
than those incidental to its ownership of interests in us and
certain services the employees of our general partner are
currently providing to Sunoco, Inc. and its affiliates. Except
as provided in our partnership agreement and the omnibus
agreement, affiliates of our general partner are not prohibited
from engaging in other businesses or activities, including those
that might be in direct competition with us.
Fiduciary Responsibilities
Our general partner is accountable to us and our unitholders as
a fiduciary. Fiduciary duties owed to unitholders by our general
partner are prescribed by law and the partnership agreement. The
Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, which we refer
to in this prospectus as the Delaware Act, provides that
Delaware limited partnerships may, in their partnership
agreements, restrict or expand the fiduciary duties owed by the
general partner to limited partners and the partnership.
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Our partnership agreement contains various provisions
restricting the fiduciary duties that might otherwise be owed by
the general partner. The following is a summary of the material
restrictions of the fiduciary duties owed by our general partner
to the limited partners:
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State law fiduciary duty standards |
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Fiduciary duties are generally considered to include an
obligation to act with due care and loyalty. The duty of care,
in the absence of a provision in a partnership agreement
providing otherwise, would generally require a general partner
to act for the partnership in the same manner as a prudent
person would act on his own behalf. The duty of loyalty, in the
absence of a provision in a partnership agreement providing
otherwise, would generally prohibit a general partner of a
Delaware limited partnership from taking any action or engaging
in any transaction where a conflict of interest is present. |
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The Delaware Act generally provides that a limited partner may
institute legal action on behalf of the partnership to recover
damages from a third party where a general partner has refused
to institute the action or where an effort to cause a general
partner to do so is not likely to succeed. In addition, the
statutory or case law of some jurisdictions may permit a limited
partner to institute legal action on behalf of himself and all
other similarly situated limited partners to recover damages
from a general partner for violations of its fiduciary duties to
the limited partners. |
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Our partnership agreement contains provisions that waive or
consent to conduct by our general partner and its affiliates
that might otherwise raise issues as to compliance with
fiduciary duties or applicable law. For example, our partnership
agreement permits our general partner to make a number of
decisions in its sole discretion. This entitles the
general partner to consider only the interests and factors that
it desires, and it has no duty or obligation to give any
consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, us, our
affiliates or any limited partner. Other provisions of the
partnership agreement provide that the general partners
actions must be made in its reasonable discretion. These
standards reduce the obligations to which the general partner
would otherwise be held. |
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Our partnership agreement generally provides that affiliated
transactions and resolutions of conflicts of interest not
involving a required vote of unitholders must be fair and
reasonable to us under the factors previously set forth.
In determining whether a transaction or resolution is fair
and reasonable, our general partner may consider interests
of all parties involved, including its own. Unless our general
partner has acted in bad faith, the action taken by our general
partner will not constitute a breach of its fiduciary duty.
These standards reduce the obligations to which our general
partner would otherwise be held. |
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In addition to the other more specific provisions limiting the
obligations of our general partner, our partnership agreement
further provides that our general partner and its officers and
directors will not |
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be liable for monetary damages to us, our limited partners, or
assignees for errors of judgment or for any acts or omissions if
the general partner and those other persons acted in good faith. |
In order to become one of our limited partners, a common
unitholder is required to agree to be bound by the provisions in
the partnership agreement, including the provisions discussed
above. This is in accordance with the policy of the Delaware Act
favoring the principle of freedom of contract and the
enforceability of partnership agreements. The failure of a
limited partner or assignee to sign a partnership agreement does
not render the partnership agreement unenforceable against that
person.
We must indemnify our general partner and its officers,
directors, employees, affiliates, members, agents and trustees,
to the fullest extent permitted by law, against liabilities,
costs and expenses incurred by the general partner or these
other persons. We must provide this indemnification if our
general partner or these persons acted in good faith and in a
manner they reasonably believed to be in, or (in the case of a
person other than the general partner) not opposed to, our best
interests. We also must provide this indemnification for
criminal proceedings if our general partner or these other
persons had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was
unlawful. Thus, our general partner could be indemnified for its
negligent acts if it met these requirements concerning good
faith and our best interests.
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MATERIAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS
This section is a summary of the material tax consequences that
may be relevant to prospective unitholders who are individual
citizens or residents of the United States and, unless otherwise
noted in the following discussion, is the opinion of Vinson
& Elkins L.L.P., special counsel to our general partner and
us, insofar as it relates to matters of United States federal
income tax law and legal conclusions with respect to those
matters. This section is based upon current provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code, existing and proposed regulations and
current administrative rulings and court decisions, all of which
are subject to change. Later changes in these authorities may
cause the tax consequences to vary substantially from the
consequences described below. Unless the context otherwise
requires, references in this section to us or
we are references to Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.
and Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P.
No attempt has been made in this section to comment on all
federal income tax matters affecting us or the unitholders.
Moreover, the discussion focuses on unitholders who are
individual citizens or residents of the United States and has
only limited application to corporations, estates, trusts,
nonresident aliens or other unitholders subject to specialized
tax treatment, such as tax-exempt institutions, foreign persons,
individual retirement accounts (IRAs), real estate investment
trusts (REITs) or mutual funds. Accordingly, we recommend that
you consult, and depend on, your own tax advisor in analyzing
the federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences
particular to you of an investment in, or the disposition of,
our securities.
All statements as to matters of law and legal conclusions, but
not as to factual matters, contained in this section, unless
otherwise noted, are the opinion of counsel, and some are based
on the accuracy of the representations we make.
No ruling has been or will be requested from the IRS regarding
any matter affecting us or prospective unitholders. An opinion
of counsel represents only that counsels best legal
judgment and does not bind the IRS or the courts. Accordingly,
the opinions and statements made here may not be sustained by a
court if contested by the IRS. Any contest of this sort with the
IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for the
common units and the prices at which common units trade. In
addition, the costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne
directly or indirectly by the unitholders and the general
partner. Furthermore, the tax treatment of us, or of an
investment in us, may be significantly modified by future
legislative or administrative changes or court decisions. Any
modifications may or may not be retroactively applied.
For the reasons described below, counsel has not rendered an
opinion with respect to the following specific federal income
tax issues:
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(a) the treatment of a unitholder whose common units are
loaned to a short seller to cover a short sale of common units
(please read Tax Consequences of Unit
Ownership Treatment of Short Sales); |
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(b) whether our monthly convention for allocating taxable
income and losses is permitted by existing Treasury regulations
(please read Disposition of Common Units
Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees); and |
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(c) whether our method for depreciating Section 743
adjustments is sustainable (please read Tax
Consequences of Unit Ownership Section 754
Election). |
Partnership Status
A partnership is not a taxable entity and incurs no federal
income tax liability. Instead, each partner of a partnership is
required to take into account his allocable share of items of
income, gain, loss and deduction of the partnership in computing
his federal income tax liability, regardless of whether cash
distributions are made to him by the partnership. Distributions
of cash by a partnership to a partner generally are not taxable
unless the amount of cash distributed is in excess of the
partners adjusted basis in his partnership interest.
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No ruling has been or will be sought from the IRS and the IRS
has made no determination as to the status of Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P. as a partnership for federal income tax purposes
or whether our operations generate qualifying income
under Section 7704 of the Code, or any other matter
affecting our prospective unitholders. Instead, we have relied
on the opinion of Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. that, based upon
the Internal Revenue Code, its regulations, published revenue
rulings and court decisions and the representations described
below, Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. has been, is, and will
continue to be, classified as a partnership for federal income
tax purposes.
In rendering its opinion, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. has relied
on factual representations made by us and our general partner.
The representations made by us and our general partner upon
which counsel has relied are:
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(a) Neither we nor the operating partnership has elected or
will elect to be treated as a corporation; and |
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(b) Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. and Sunoco Logistics
Partners Operations L.P. have been and will be operated in
accordance with applicable partnership statutes, the applicable
partnership agreement and in the manner described in this
prospectus; |
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(c) For each taxable year, more than 90% of our gross
income has been and will be income that our counsel has opined
or will opine is qualifying income within the
meaning of Section 7704(d) of the Internal Revenue Code. |
Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that
publicly-traded partnerships will, as a general rule, be taxed
as corporations. However, an exception, referred to as the
Qualifying Income Exception, exists with respect to
publicly-traded partnerships of which 90% or more of the gross
income for every taxable year consists of qualifying
income. Qualifying income includes income and gains
derived from the transportation, storage and processing of crude
oil, natural gas and products thereof and fertilizer. Other
types of qualifying income include interest other than from a
financial business, dividends, gains from the sale of real
property and gains from the sale or other disposition of assets
held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes
qualifying income. We estimate that approximately five percent
of our current gross income is not qualifying income; however,
this estimate could change from time to time. Based upon and
subject to this estimate, the factual representations made by us
and the general partner and a review of the applicable legal
authorities, Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is of the opinion that
at least 90% of our current gross income constitutes qualifying
income.
If we fail to meet the Qualifying Income Exception, other than a
failure which is determined by the IRS to be inadvertent and
which is cured within a reasonable time after discovery, we will
be treated as if we had transferred all of our assets, subject
to liabilities, to a newly formed corporation, on the first day
of the year in which we fail to meet the Qualifying Income
Exception, in return for stock in that corporation, and then
distributed that stock to the unitholders in liquidation of
their interests in us. This contribution and liquidation should
be tax-free to unitholders and us so long as we, at that time,
do not have liabilities in excess of the tax basis of our
assets. Thereafter, we would be treated as a corporation
for federal income tax purposes.
If Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. and Sunoco Logistics Partners
Operations L.P. were treated as an association taxable as a
corporation in any taxable year, either as a result of a failure
to meet the Qualifying Income Exception or otherwise, our items
of income, gain, loss and deduction would be reflected only on
our separate tax returns rather than being passed through to the
unitholders, and our net income would be taxed to us at
corporate rates. In addition, any distribution made to a
unitholder would be treated as either taxable dividend income,
to the extent of Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.s current
or accumulated earnings and profits, or, in the absence of
earnings and profits, a nontaxable return of capital, to the
extent of the unitholders tax basis in his common units,
or taxable capital gain, after the unitholders tax basis
in his common units is reduced to zero. Accordingly, taxation as
a corporation would result in a material reduction in a
unitholders cash flow and after-tax return and thus would
likely result in a substantial reduction of the value of the
units.
The remainder of this section is based on Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P.s opinion that Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. and
Sunoco Logistics Partners Operations L.P. will be classified as
partnerships for federal income tax purposes.
48
Limited Partner Status
Unitholders who have become limited partners of Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P. will be treated as partners of Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P. for federal income tax purposes. Also:
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(a) assignees who have executed and delivered transfer
applications, and are awaiting admission as limited partners, and |
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(b) unitholders whose common units are held in street name
or by a nominee and who have the right to direct the nominee in
the exercise of all substantive rights attendant to the
ownership of their common units, |
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(c) will be treated as partners of Sunoco Logistics
Partners L.P. for federal income tax purposes. As there is no
direct authority addressing assignees of common units who are
entitled to execute and deliver transfer applications and become
entitled to direct the exercise of attendant rights, but who
fail to execute and deliver transfer applications,
counsels opinion does not extend to these persons.
Furthermore, a purchaser or other transferee of common units who
does not execute and deliver a transfer application may not
receive some federal income tax information or reports furnished
to record holders of common units unless the common units are
held in a nominee or street name account and the nominee or
broker has executed and delivered a transfer application for
those common units. |
A beneficial owner of common units whose units have been
transferred to a short seller to complete a short sale would
appear to lose his status as a partner with respect to those
units for federal income tax purposes. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership Treatment of Short
Sales.
Income, gain, deductions or losses would not appear to be
reportable by a unitholder who is not a partner for federal
income tax purposes, and any cash distributions received by a
unitholder who is not a partner for federal income tax purposes
would therefore be fully taxable as ordinary income. These
holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to
their status as partners in Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P. for
federal income tax purposes.
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Flow-through of Taxable Income. We will not pay any
federal income tax. Instead, each unitholder will be required to
report on his income tax return his allocable share of our
income, gains, losses and deductions without regard to whether
corresponding cash distributions are received by him.
Consequently, we may allocate income to a unitholder even if he
has not received a cash distribution. Each unitholder will be
required to include in income his allocable share of our income,
gains, losses and deductions for our taxable year ending with or
within his taxable year.
Treatment of Distributions. Our distributions to a
unitholder generally will not be taxable to the unitholder for
federal income tax purposes to the extent of his tax basis in
his common units immediately before the distribution. Our cash
distributions in excess of a unitholders tax basis
generally will be considered to be gain from the sale or
exchange of the common units, taxable in accordance with the
rules described under Disposition of Common
Units below. Any reduction in a unitholders share of
our liabilities for which no partner, including the general
partner, bears the economic risk of loss, known as
nonrecourse liabilities, will be treated as a
distribution of cash to that unitholder. To the extent our
distributions cause a unitholders at risk
amount to be less than zero at the end of any taxable year, he
must recapture any losses deducted in previous years that are
equal to the amount of that shortfall. Please read
Limitations on Deductibility of Losses.
A decrease in a unitholders percentage interest in us
because of our issuance of additional common units will decrease
his share of our nonrecourse liabilities, and thus will result
in a corresponding deemed distribution of cash. A non-pro rata
distribution of money or property may result in ordinary income
to a unitholder, regardless of his tax basis in his common
units, if that distribution reduces the unitholders share
of our unrealized receivables, including
depreciation recapture, and/or substantially appreciated
inventory items, both as defined in the Internal
Revenue Code, and collectively, Section 751
Assets.
49
To that extent, he will be treated as having been distributed
his proportionate share of the Section 751 Assets and
having exchanged those assets with us in return for the non-pro
rata portion of the actual distribution made to him. This latter
deemed exchange generally will result in the unitholders
realization of ordinary income. That income will equal the
excess of (1) the non-pro rata portion of that distribution
over (2) the unitholders tax basis for the share of
Section 751 Assets deemed relinquished in the exchange.
Basis of Common Units. A unitholders initial tax
basis for his common units will be the amount he paid for the
common units plus his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That
basis will be increased by his share of our income and by any
increases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities. That
basis will be decreased, but not below zero, by distributions
from us, by the unitholders share of our losses, by any
decreases in his share of our nonrecourse liabilities and by his
share of our expenditures that are not deductible in computing
taxable income and are not required to be capitalized. A limited
partner will have no share of our debt which is recourse to the
general partner, but will have a share, generally based on his
share of profits, of our nonrecourse liabilities. Please read
Disposition of Common Units Recognition of
Gain or Loss.
Limitations on Deductibility of Losses. The deduction by
a unitholder of his share of our losses will be limited to the
tax basis in his units and, in the case of an individual
unitholder or a corporate unitholder that is subject to the
at risk rules (for example, if more than 50% of the
value of the corporate unitholders stock is owned directly
or indirectly by five or fewer individuals or some tax-exempt
organizations), to the amount for which the unitholder is
considered to be at risk with respect to our
activities, if that is less than his tax basis. A unitholder
must recapture losses deducted in previous years to the extent
that distributions cause his at risk amount to be less than zero
at the end of any taxable year. Losses disallowed to a
unitholder or recaptured as a result of these limitations will
carry forward and will be allowable to the extent that his tax
basis or at risk amount, whichever is the limiting factor, is
subsequently increased. Upon the taxable disposition of a common
unit, any gain recognized by a unitholder can be offset by
losses that were previously suspended by the at risk limitation
but may not be offset by losses suspended by the basis
limitation. Any excess loss above that gain previously suspended
by the at risk or basis limitations is no longer utilizable.
In general, a unitholder will be at risk to the extent of the
tax basis of his common units, excluding any portion of that
basis attributable to his share of our nonrecourse liabilities,
reduced by any amount of money he borrows to acquire or hold his
common units, if the lender of those borrowed funds owns an
interest in us, is related to the unitholder or can look only to
the units for repayment. A unitholders at risk amount will
increase or decrease as the tax basis of the unitholders
common units increases or decreases, other than tax basis
increases or decreases attributable to increases or decreases in
his share of our nonrecourse liabilities.
The passive loss limitations generally provide that individuals,
estates, trusts and some closely-held corporations and personal
service corporations can deduct losses from passive activities,
which are generally activities in which the taxpayer does not
materially participate, only to the extent of the
taxpayers income from those passive activities. The
passive loss limitations are applied separately with respect to
each publicly-traded partnership. Consequently, any losses we
generate will only be available to offset our passive income
generated in the future and will not be available to offset
income from other passive activities or investments, including
our investments or investments in other publicly-traded
partnerships, or salary or active business income. Passive
losses that are not deductible because they exceed a
unitholders share of income we generate may be deducted in
full when he disposes of his entire investment in us in a fully
taxable transaction with an unrelated party. The passive
activity loss rules are applied after other applicable
limitations on deductions, including the at risk rules and the
basis limitation.
A unitholders share of our net income may be offset by any
suspended passive losses, but it may not be offset by any other
current or carryover losses from other passive activities,
including those attributable to other publicly-traded
partnerships.
Limitations on Interest Deductions. The deductibility of
a non-corporate taxpayers investment interest
expense is generally limited to the amount of that
taxpayers net investment income. The IRS has
indicated
50
that net passive income from a publicly-traded partnership
constitutes investment income for purposes of the limitations on
the deductibility of investment interest. In addition, the
unitholders share of our portfolio income will be treated
as investment income. Investment interest expense includes:
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(a) interest on indebtedness properly allocable to property
held for investment; |
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(b) our interest expense attributed to portfolio income; and |
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(c) the portion of interest expense incurred to purchase or
carry an interest in a passive activity to the extent
attributable to portfolio income. |
The computation of a unitholders investment interest
expense will take into account interest on any margin account
borrowing or other loan incurred to purchase or carry a unit.
Net investment income includes gross income from property held
for investment and amounts treated as portfolio income under the
passive loss rules, less deductible expenses, other than
interest, directly connected with the production of investment
income, but generally does not include gains attributable to the
disposition of property held for investment.
Entity-Level Collections. If we are required or elect
under applicable law to pay any federal, state or local income
tax on behalf of any unitholder or the general partner or any
former unitholder, we are authorized to pay those taxes from our
funds. That payment, if made, will be treated as a distribution
of cash to the partner on whose behalf the payment was made. If
the payment is made on behalf of a person whose identity cannot
be determined, we are authorized to treat the payment as a
distribution to all current unitholders. We are authorized to
amend the partnership agreement in the manner necessary to
maintain uniformity of intrinsic tax characteristics of units
and to adjust later distributions, so that after giving effect
to these distributions, the priority and characterization of
distributions otherwise applicable under the partnership
agreement is maintained as nearly as is practicable. Payments by
us as described above could give rise to an overpayment of tax
on behalf of an individual partner in which event the partner
would be required to file a claim in order to obtain a credit or
refund.
Allocation of Income, Gain, Loss and Deduction. In
general, if we have a net profit, our items of income, gain,
loss and deduction will be allocated among the general partner
and the unitholders in accordance with their percentage
interests in us. At any time that distributions are made to the
common units in excess of distributions to the subordinated
units, or incentive distributions are made to the general
partner, gross income will be allocated to the recipients to the
extent of these distributions. If we have a net loss for the
entire year, that loss will be allocated first to the general
partner and the unitholders in accordance with their percentage
interests in us to the extent of their positive capital accounts
and, second, to the general partner.
Specified items of our income, gain, loss and deduction will be
allocated to account for the difference between the tax basis
and fair market value of our assets at the time of an offering,
referred to in this discussion as Contributed
Property. The effect of these allocations to a unitholder
purchasing common units in our offering will be essentially the
same as if the tax basis of our assets were equal to their fair
market value at the time of the offering. In addition, items of
recapture income will be allocated to the extent possible to the
partner who was allocated the deduction giving rise to the
treatment of that gain as recapture income in order to minimize
the recognition of ordinary income by some unitholders. Finally,
although we do not expect that our operations will result in the
creation of negative capital accounts, if negative capital
accounts nevertheless result, items of our income and gain will
be allocated in an amount and manner to eliminate the negative
balance as quickly as possible.
An allocation of items of our income, gain, loss or deduction,
other than an allocation required by the Internal Revenue Code
to eliminate the difference between a partners
book capital account, credited with the fair market
value of Contributed Property, and tax capital
account, credited with the tax basis of Contributed Property,
referred to in this discussion as the Book-Tax
Disparity, will generally be given effect for federal
income tax purposes in determining a partners share of an
item of income, gain, loss or deduction only if the allocation
has substantial economic effect. In any other case, a
partners share of an item will be determined on
51
the basis of his interest in us, which will be determined by
taking into account all the facts and circumstances, including
his relative contributions to us, the interests of all the
partners in profits and losses, the interest of all the partners
in cash flow and other nonliquidating distributions and rights
of all the partners to distributions of capital upon liquidation.
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is of the opinion that, with the
exception of the issues described in Tax
Consequences of Unit OwnershipSection 754
Election and Disposition of Common
UnitsAllocations Between Transferors and
Transferees, allocations under our partnership agreement
will be given effect for federal income tax purposes in
determining a partners share of an item of income, gain,
loss or deduction.
Treatment of Short Sales. A unitholder whose units are
loaned to a short seller to cover a short sale of
units may be considered as having disposed of those units. If
so, he would no longer be a partner for those units during the
period of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the
disposition. As a result, during this period:
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(a) any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect
to those units would not be reportable by the unitholder; |
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(b) any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to
those units would be fully taxable; and |
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(c) all of these distributions would appear to be ordinary
income. |
Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. has not rendered an opinion regarding
the treatment of a unitholder where common units are loaned to a
short seller to cover a short sale of common units; therefore,
unitholders desiring to assure their status as partners and
avoid the risk of gain recognition from a loan to a short seller
should modify any applicable brokerage account agreements to
prohibit their brokers from borrowing their units. The IRS has
announced that it is actively studying issues relating to the
tax treatment of short sales of partnership interests. Please
also read Disposition of Common
UnitsRecognition of Gain or Loss.
Alternative Minimum Tax. Each unitholder will be required
to take into account his distributive share of any items of our
income, gain, loss or deduction for purposes of the alternative
minimum tax. The current minimum tax rate for noncorporate
taxpayers is 26% on the first $175,000 of alternative minimum
taxable income in excess of the exemption amount and 28% on any
additional alternative minimum taxable income. Prospective
unitholders should consult with their tax advisors as to the
impact of an investment in units on their liability for the
alternative minimum tax.
Tax Rates. In general, the highest effective United
States federal income tax rate for individuals for 2003 is 38.6%
and the maximum United States federal income tax rate for net
capital gains of an individual for 2003 is 20% if the asset
disposed of was held for more than 12 months at the time of
disposition.
Section 754 Election. We have made the election
permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code. That
election is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS. The
election will generally permit us to adjust a common unit
purchasers tax basis in our assets (inside
basis) under Section 743(b) of the Internal Revenue
Code to reflect his purchase price. This election does not apply
to a person who purchases common units directly from us. The
Section 743(b) adjustment belongs to the purchaser and not to
other partners. For purposes of this discussion, a
partners inside basis in our assets will be considered to
have two components: (1) his share of our tax basis in our
assets (common basis) and (2) his
Section 743(b) adjustment to that basis.
Treasury regulations under Section 743 of the Internal
Revenue Code require, if the remedial allocation method is
adopted (which we have adopted), a portion of the
Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to recovery property
to be depreciated over the remaining cost recovery period for
the Section 704(c) built-in gain. Under Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-l(a)(6), a Section 743(b)
adjustment attributable to property subject to depreciation
under Section 167 of the Internal Revenue Code rather than
cost recovery deductions under Section 168 is generally
required to be depreciated using either the straight-line method
or the 150% declining balance
52
method. Under our partnership agreement, the general partner is
authorized to take a position to preserve the uniformity of
units even if that position is not consistent with these
Treasury regulations. Please read Uniformity of
Units.
Although Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. is unable to opine as
to the validity of this approach because there is no clear
authority on this issue, we intend to depreciate the portion of
a Section 743(b) adjustment attributable to unrealized
appreciation in the value of Contributed Property, to the extent
of any unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, using a rate of
depreciation or amortization derived from the depreciation or
amortization method and useful life applied to the common basis
of the property, or treat that portion as non-amortizable to the
extent attributable to property the common basis of which is not
amortizable. This method is consistent with the regulations
under Section 743 but is arguably inconsistent with
Treasury Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6), which is
not expected to directly apply to a material portion of our
assets. To the extent this Section 743(b) adjustment is
attributable to appreciation in value in excess of the
unamortized Book-Tax Disparity, we will apply the rules
described in the Treasury regulations and legislative history.
If we determine that this position cannot reasonably be taken,
we may take a depreciation or amortization position under which
all purchasers acquiring units in the same month would receive
depreciation or amortization, whether attributable to common
basis or a Section 743(b) adjustment, based upon the same
applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in
our assets. This kind of aggregate approach may result in lower
annual depreciation or amortization deductions than would
otherwise be allowable to some unitholders. Please read
Uniformity of Units.
A Section 754 election is advantageous if the
transferees tax basis in his units is higher than the
units share of the aggregate tax basis of our assets
immediately prior to the transfer. In that case, as a result of
the election, the transferee would have, among other items, a
greater amount of depreciation and depletion deductions and his
share of any gain on a sale of our assets would be less.
Conversely, a Section 754 election is disadvantageous if
the transferees tax basis in his units is lower than those
units share of the aggregate tax basis of our assets
immediately prior to the transfer. Thus, the fair market value
of the units may be affected either favorably or unfavorably by
the election.
The calculations involved in the Section 754 election are
complex and will be made on the basis of assumptions as to the
value of our assets and other matters. For example, the
allocation of the Section 743(b) adjustment among our
assets must be made in accordance with the Internal Revenue
Code. The IRS could seek to reallocate some or all of any
Section 743(b) adjustment we allocated to our tangible
assets to goodwill instead. Goodwill, as an intangible asset, is
generally amortizable over a longer period of time or under a
less accelerated method than our tangible assets. We cannot
assure you that the determinations we make will not be
successfully challenged by the IRS and that the deductions
resulting from them will not be reduced or disallowed
altogether. Should the IRS require a different basis adjustment
to be made, and should, in our opinion, the expense of
compliance exceed the benefit of the election, we may seek
permission from the IRS to revoke our Section 754 election.
If permission is granted, a subsequent purchaser of units may be
allocated more income than he would have been allocated had the
election not been revoked.
Tax Treatment of Operations
Accounting Method and Taxable Year. We use the year
ending December 31 as our taxable year and the accrual
method of accounting for federal income tax purposes. Each
unitholder will be required to include in income his share of
our income, gain, loss and deduction for our taxable year ending
within or with his taxable year. In addition, a unitholder who
has a taxable year ending on a date other than December 31
and who disposes of all of his units following the close of our
taxable year but before the close of his taxable year must
include his share of our income, gain, loss and deduction in
income for his taxable year, with the result that he will be
required to include in income for his taxable year his share of
more than one year of our income, gain, loss and deduction.
Please read Disposition of Common
UnitsAllocations Between Transferors and Transferees.
Tax Basis, Depreciation and Amortization. The tax basis
of our assets will be used for purposes of computing
depreciation and cost recovery deductions and, ultimately, gain
or loss on the disposition of these
53
assets. The federal income tax burden associated with the
difference between the fair market value of our assets and their
tax basis immediately prior to an offering will be borne by the
general partner, its affiliates and our other unitholders as of
that time. Please read Allocation of Income, Gain,
Loss and Deduction.
To the extent allowable, we may elect to use the depreciation
and cost recovery methods that will result in the largest
deductions being taken in the early years after assets are
placed in service. We are not entitled to any amortization
deductions with respect to any goodwill conveyed to us on
formation. Property we subsequently acquire or construct may be
depreciated using accelerated methods permitted by the Internal
Revenue Code.
If we dispose of depreciable property by sale, foreclosure, or
otherwise, all or a portion of any gain, determined by reference
to the amount of depreciation previously deducted and the nature
of the property, may be subject to the recapture rules and taxed
as ordinary income rather than capital gain. Similarly, a
partner who has taken cost recovery or depreciation deductions
with respect to property we own will likely be required to
recapture some or all of those deductions as ordinary income
upon a sale of his interest in us. Please read Tax
Consequences of Unit OwnershipAllocation of Income, Gain,
Loss and Deduction and Disposition of Common
UnitsRecognition of Gain or Loss.
The costs incurred in selling our units (called
syndication expenses) must be capitalized and cannot
be deducted currently, ratably or upon our termination. There
are uncertainties regarding the classification of costs as
organization expenses, which we may amortize, and as syndication
expenses, which we may not amortize. The underwriting discounts
and commissions we incur will be treated as syndication expenses.
Valuation and Tax Basis of Our Properties. The federal
income tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of
units will depend in part on our estimates of the relative fair
market values, and the initial tax bases, of our assets.
Although we may from time to time consult with professional
appraisers regarding valuation matters, we will make many of the
relative fair market value estimates ourselves. These estimates
of basis are subject to challenge and will not be binding on the
IRS or the courts. If the estimates of fair market value or
basis are later found to be incorrect, the character and amount
of items of income, gain, loss or deductions previously reported
by unitholders might change, and unitholders might be required
to adjust their tax liability for prior years and incur interest
and penalties with respect to those adjustments.
Disposition of Common Units
Recognition of Gain or Loss. Gain or loss will be
recognized on a sale of units equal to the difference between
the amount realized and the unitholders tax basis for the
units sold. A unitholders amount realized will be measured
by the sum of the cash or the fair market value of other
property he receives plus his share of our nonrecourse
liabilities. Because the amount realized includes a
unitholders share of our nonrecourse liabilities, the gain
recognized on the sale of units could result in a tax liability
in excess of any cash received from the sale.
Prior distributions from us in excess of cumulative net taxable
income for a common unit that decreased a unitholders tax
basis in that common unit will, in effect, become taxable income
if the common unit is sold at a price greater than the
unitholders tax basis in that common unit, even if the
price received is less than his original cost.
Except as noted below, gain or loss recognized by a unitholder,
other than a dealer in units, on the sale or
exchange of a unit held for more than one year will
generally be taxable as capital gain or loss. Capital gain
recognized by an individual on the sale of units held more than
12 months will generally be taxed at a maximum rate of 20%.
A portion of this gain or loss, which will likely be
substantial, however, will be separately computed and taxed as
ordinary income or loss under Section 751 of the Internal
Revenue Code to the extent attributable to assets giving rise to
depreciation recapture or other unrealized
receivables or to inventory items we own. The
term unrealized receivables includes potential
recapture items, including depreciation recapture. Ordinary
income attributable to unrealized receivables, inventory items
and depreciation recapture may exceed net taxable
54
gain realized upon the sale of a unit and may be recognized even
if there is a net taxable loss realized on the sale of a unit.
Thus, a unitholder may recognize both ordinary income and a
capital loss upon a sale of units. Net capital loss may offset
capital gains and no more than $3,000 of ordinary income, in the
case of individuals, and may only be used to offset capital gain
in the case of corporations.
The IRS has ruled that a partner who acquires interests in a
partnership in separate transactions must combine those
interests and maintain a single adjusted tax basis for all those
interests. Upon a sale or other disposition of less than all of
those interests, a portion of that tax basis must be allocated
to the interests sold using an equitable
apportionment method. Treasury regulations allow a selling
unitholder who can identify common units transferred with an
ascertainable holding period to elect to use the actual holding
period of the common units transferred. Thus, according to the
ruling, a common unitholder will be unable to select high or low
basis common units to sell as would be the case with corporate
stock, but, according to the regulations, may designate specific
common units sold for purposes of determining the holding period
of units transferred. A unitholder electing to use the actual
holding period of common units transferred must consistently use
that identification method for all subsequent sales or exchanges
of common units. A unitholder considering the purchase of
additional units or a sale of common units purchased in separate
transactions should consult his tax advisor as to the possible
consequences of this ruling and application of the Treasury
regulations.
Specific provisions of the Internal Revenue Code affect the
taxation of some financial products and securities, including
partnership interests, by treating a taxpayer as having sold an
appreciated partnership interest, one in which gain
would be recognized if it were sold, assigned or terminated at
its fair market value, if the taxpayer or related persons
enter(s) into:
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(a) a short sale; |
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(b) an offsetting notional principal contract; or |
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(c) a futures or forward contract with respect to the
partnership interest or substantially identical property. |
Moreover, if a taxpayer has previously entered into a short
sale, an offsetting notional principal contract or a futures or
forward contract with respect to the partnership interest, the
taxpayer will be treated as having sold that position if the
taxpayer or a related person then acquires the partnership
interest or substantially identical property. The Secretary of
Treasury is also authorized to issue regulations that treat a
taxpayer that enters into transactions or positions that have
substantially the same effect as the preceding transactions as
having constructively sold the financial position.
Allocations Between Transferors and Transferees. In
general, our taxable income and losses will be determined
annually, will be prorated on a monthly basis and will be
subsequently apportioned among the unitholders in proportion to
the number of units owned by each of them as of the opening of
the applicable exchange on the first business day of the month
(the Allocation Date). However, gain or loss
realized on a sale or other disposition of our assets other than
in the ordinary course of business will be allocated among the
unitholders on the Allocation Date in the month in which that
gain or loss is recognized. As a result, a unitholder
transferring units may be allocated income, gain, loss and
deduction realized after the date of transfer.
The use of this method may not be permitted under existing
Treasury regulations. Accordingly, Vinson & Elkins
L.L.P. is unable to opine on the validity of this method of
allocating income and deductions between unitholders. If this
method is not allowed under the Treasury regulations, or only
applies to transfers of less than all of the unitholders
interest, our taxable income or losses might be reallocated
among the unitholders. We are authorized to revise our method of
allocation between unitholders to conform to a method permitted
under future Treasury regulations.
A unitholder who owns units at any time during a quarter and who
disposes of them prior to the record date set for a cash
distribution for that quarter will be allocated items of our
income, gain, loss and deductions attributable to that quarter
but will not be entitled to receive that cash distribution.
55
Notification Requirements. A purchaser of units from
another unitholder is required to notify us in writing of that
purchase within 30 days after the purchase. We are required
to notify the IRS of that transaction and to furnish specified
information to the transferor and transferee. However, these
reporting requirements do not apply to a sale by an individual
who is a citizen of the United States and who effects the sale
or exchange through a broker. Additionally, a transferor and a
transferee of a unit will be required to furnish statements to
the IRS, filed with their income tax returns for the taxable
year in which the sale or exchange occurred, that describe the
amount of the consideration received for the unit that is
allocated to our goodwill or going concern value.
Constructive Termination. We will be considered to have
been terminated for tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange
of 50% or more of the total interests in our capital and profits
within a 12-month period. A constructive termination results in
the closing of our taxable year for all unitholders. In the case
of a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a fiscal
year ending December 31, the closing of our taxable year
may result in more than 12 months of our taxable income or
loss being includable in his taxable income for the year of
termination. We would be required to make new tax elections
after a termination, including a new election under
Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code, and a termination
would result in a deferral of our deductions for depreciation. A
termination could also result in penalties if we were unable to
determine that the termination had occurred. Moreover, a
termination might either accelerate the application of, or
subject us to, any tax legislation enacted before the
termination.
Uniformity of Units
Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of units, we
must maintain uniformity of the economic and tax characteristics
of the units to a purchaser of these units. In the absence of
uniformity, we may be unable to completely comply with a number
of federal income tax requirements, both statutory and
regulatory. A lack of uniformity can result from a literal
application of Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6). Any
non-uniformity could have a negative impact on the value of the
units. Please read Tax Consequences of Unit
OwnershipSection 754 Election.
We intend to depreciate the portion of a Section 743(b)
adjustment attributable to unrealized appreciation in the value
of Contributed Property, to the extent of any unamortized
Book-Tax Disparity, using a rate of depreciation or amortization
derived from the depreciation or amortization method and useful
life applied to the common basis of that property, or treat that
portion as nonamortizable, to the extent attributable to
property the common basis of which is not amortizable,
consistent with the regulations under Section 743, even
though that position may be inconsistent with Treasury
Regulation Section 1.167(c)-1(a)(6) which is not
expected to directly apply to a material portion of our assets.
Please read Tax Consequences of Unit
OwnershipSection 754 Election. To the extent
that the Section 743(b) adjustment is attributable to
appreciation in value in excess of the unamortized Book-Tax
Disparity, we will apply the rules described in the Treasury
regulations and legislative history. If we determine that this
position cannot reasonably be taken, we may adopt a depreciation
and amortization position under which all purchasers acquiring
units in the same month would receive depreciation and
amortization deductions, whether attributable to a common basis
or Section 743(b) adjustment, based upon the same
applicable rate as if they had purchased a direct interest in
our property. If this position is adopted, it may result in
lower annual depreciation and amortization deductions than would
otherwise be allowable to some unitholders and risk the loss of
depreciation and amortization deductions not taken in the year
that these deductions are otherwise allowable. This position
will not be adopted if we determine that the loss of
depreciation and amortization deductions will have a material
adverse effect on the unitholders. If we choose not to utilize
this aggregate method, we may use any other reasonable
depreciation and amortization method to preserve the uniformity
of the intrinsic tax characteristics of any units that would not
have a material adverse effect on the unitholders. The IRS may
challenge any method of depreciating the Section 743(b)
adjustment described in this paragraph. If this challenge were
sustained, the uniformity of units might be affected, and the
gain from the sale of units might be increased without the
benefit of additional deductions. Please read
Disposition of Common UnitsRecognition of Gain
or Loss.
56
Tax-Exempt Organizations and Other Investors
Ownership of units by employee benefit plans, other tax-exempt
organizations, non-resident aliens, foreign corporations, other
foreign persons and regulated investment companies raises issues
unique to those investors and, as described below, may have
substantially adverse tax consequences to them.
Employee benefit plans and most other organizations exempt from
federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and
other retirement plans, are subject to federal income tax on
unrelated business taxable income. Virtually all of our income
allocated to a unitholder which is a tax-exempt organization
will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to
them.
A regulated investment company or mutual fund is
required to derive 90% or more of its gross income from
interest, dividends and gains from the sale of stocks or
securities or foreign currency or specified related sources. It
is not anticipated that any significant amount of our gross
income will include that type of income.
Non-resident aliens and foreign corporations, trusts or estates
that own units will be considered to be engaged in business in
the United States because of the ownership of units. As a
consequence they will be required to file federal tax returns to
report their share of our income, gain, loss or deduction and
pay federal income tax at regular rates on their share of our
net income or gain. And, under rules applicable to publicly
traded partnerships, we will withhold tax, at the highest
effective rate applicable to individuals, from cash
distributions made quarterly to foreign unitholders. Each
foreign unitholder must obtain a taxpayer identification number
from the IRS and submit that number to our transfer agent on a
Form W-8 or applicable substitute form in order to obtain
credit for these withholding taxes.
In addition, because a foreign corporation that owns units will
be treated as engaged in a United States trade or business, that
corporation may be subject to the United States branch profits
tax at a rate of 30%, in addition to regular federal income tax,
on its share of our income and gain, as adjusted for changes in
the foreign corporations U.S. net equity,
which are effectively connected with the conduct of a United
States trade or business. That tax may be reduced or eliminated
by an income tax treaty between the United States and the
country in which the foreign corporate unitholder is a
qualified resident. In addition, this type of
unitholder is subject to special information reporting
requirements under Section 6038C of the Internal Revenue
Code.
Under a ruling of the IRS, a foreign unitholder who sells or
otherwise disposes of a unit will be subject to federal income
tax on gain realized on the sale or disposition of that unit to
the extent that this gain is effectively connected with a United
States trade or business of the foreign unitholder. Apart from
the ruling, a foreign unitholder will not be taxed or subject to
withholding upon the sale or disposition of a unit if he has
owned less than 5% in value of the units during the five-year
period ending on the date of the disposition and if the units
are regularly traded on an established securities market at the
time of the sale or disposition.
Administrative Matters
Information Returns and Audit Procedures. We intend to
furnish to each unitholder, within 90 days after the close
of each calendar year, specific tax information, including a
Schedule K-1, which describes his share of our income,
gain, loss and deduction for our preceding taxable year. In
preparing this information, which will not be reviewed by
counsel, we will take various accounting and reporting
positions, some of which have been mentioned earlier, to
determine his share of income, gain, loss and deduction. We
cannot assure you that those positions will yield a result that
conforms to the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code,
regulations or administrative interpretations of the IRS.
Neither we nor counsel can assure prospective unitholders that
the IRS will not successfully contend in court that those
positions are impermissible. Any challenge by the IRS could
negatively affect the value of the units.
The IRS may audit our federal income tax information returns.
Adjustments resulting from an IRS audit may require each
unitholder to adjust a prior years tax liability, and
possibly may result in an audit of his own
57
return. Any audit of a unitholders return could result in
adjustments not related to our returns as well as those related
to our returns.
Partnerships generally are treated as separate entities for
purposes of federal tax audits, judicial review of
administrative adjustments by the IRS and tax settlement
proceedings. The tax treatment of partnership items of income,
gain, loss and deduction are determined in a partnership
proceeding rather than in separate proceedings with the
partners. The Internal Revenue Code requires that one partner be
designated as the Tax Matters Partner for these
purposes. The partnership agreement names Sunoco Partners LLC as
our Tax Matters Partner.
The Tax Matters Partner will make some elections on our behalf
and on behalf of unitholders. In addition, the Tax Matters
Partner can extend the statute of limitations for assessment of
tax deficiencies against unitholders for items in our returns.
The Tax Matters Partner may bind a unitholder with less than a
1% profits interest in us to a settlement with the IRS unless
that unitholder elects, by filing a statement with the IRS, not
to give that authority to the Tax Matters Partner. The Tax
Matters Partner may seek judicial review, by which all the
unitholders are bound, of a final partnership administrative
adjustment and, if the Tax Matters Partner fails to seek
judicial review, judicial review may be sought by any unitholder
having at least a 1% interest in profits or by any group of
unitholders having in the aggregate at least a 5% interest in
profits. However, only one action for judicial review will go
forward, and each unitholder with an interest in the outcome may
participate.
A unitholder must file a statement with the IRS identifying the
treatment of any item on his federal income tax return that is
not consistent with the treatment of the item on our return.
Intentional or negligent disregard of this consistency
requirement may subject a unitholder to substantial penalties.
Nominee Reporting. Persons who hold an interest in us as
a nominee for another person are required to furnish to us:
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(a) the name, address and taxpayer identification number of
the beneficial owner and the nominee; |
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(b) whether the beneficial owner is |
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(c) a person that is not a United States person, |
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(d) a foreign government, an international organization or
any wholly owned agency or instrumentality of either of the
foregoing, or |
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(e) a tax-exempt entity; |
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(f) the amount and description of units held, acquired or
transferred for the beneficial owner; and |
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(g) specific information including the dates of
acquisitions and transfers, means of acquisitions and transfers,
and acquisition cost for purchases, as well as the amount of net
proceeds from sales. |
Brokers and financial institutions are required to furnish
additional information, including whether they are United States
persons and specific information on units they acquire, hold or
transfer for their own account. A penalty of $50 per
failure, up to a maximum of $100,000 per calendar year, is
imposed by the Internal Revenue Code for failure to report that
information to us. The nominee is required to supply the
beneficial owner of the units with the information furnished to
us.
58
Registration as a Tax Shelter. The Internal Revenue Code
requires that tax shelters be registered with the
Secretary of the Treasury. The temporary Treasury regulations
interpreting the tax shelter registration provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code are extremely broad. It is arguable that
we are not subject to the registration requirement on the basis
that we will not constitute a tax shelter. However, we have
registered as a tax shelter with the Secretary of Treasury in
the absence of assurance that we will not be subject to tax
shelter registration and in light of the substantial penalties
which might be imposed if registration is required and not
undertaken.
Our tax shelter registration number is 02042000005.
Issuance of this registration number does not indicate that
investment in us or the claimed tax benefits have been reviewed,
examined or approved by the IRS.
A unitholder who sells or otherwise transfers a unit in a later
transaction must furnish the registration number to the
transferee. The penalty for failure of the transferor of a unit
to furnish the registration number to the transferee is $100 for
each failure. The unitholders must disclose our tax shelter
registration number on Form 8271 to be attached to the tax
return on which any deduction, loss or other benefit we generate
is claimed or on which any of our income is included. A
unitholder who fails to disclose the tax shelter registration
number on his return, without reasonable cause for that failure,
will be subject to a $250 penalty for each failure. Any
penalties discussed are not deductible for federal income tax
purposes.
Accuracy-related Penalties. An additional tax equal to
20% of the amount of any portion of an underpayment of tax that
is attributable to one or more specified causes, including
negligence or disregard of rules or regulations, substantial
understatements of income tax and substantial valuation
misstatements, is imposed by the Internal Revenue Code. No
penalty will be imposed, however, for any portion of an
underpayment if it is shown that there was a reasonable cause
for that portion and that the taxpayer acted in good faith
regarding that portion.
A substantial understatement of income tax in any taxable year
exists if the amount of the understatement exceeds the greater
of 10% of the tax required to be shown on the return for the
taxable year or $5,000 ($10,000 for most corporations). The
amount of any understatement subject to penalty generally is
reduced if any portion is attributable to a position adopted on
the return:
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(a) for which there is, or was, substantial
authority, or |
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(b) as to which there is a reasonable basis and the
pertinent facts of that position are disclosed on the return. |
More stringent rules apply to tax shelters, a term
that in this context does not appear to include us. If any item
of income, gain, loss or deduction included in the distributive
shares of unitholders might result in that kind of an
understatement of income for which no
substantial authority exists, we must disclose the
pertinent facts on our return. In addition, we will make a
reasonable effort to furnish sufficient information for
unitholders to make adequate disclosure on their returns to
avoid liability for this penalty.
A substantial valuation misstatement exists if the value of any
property, or the adjusted basis of any property, claimed on a
tax return is 200% or more of the amount determined to be the
correct amount of the valuation or adjusted basis. No penalty is
imposed unless the portion of the underpayment attributable to a
substantial valuation misstatement exceeds $5,000 ($10,000 for
most corporations). If the valuation claimed on a return is 400%
or more than the correct valuation, the penalty imposed
increases to 40%.
59
State, Local and Other Tax Considerations
In addition to federal income taxes, you will be subject to
other taxes, including state and local income taxes,
unincorporated business taxes, and estate, inheritance or
intangible taxes that may be imposed by the various
jurisdictions in which we do business or own property or in
which you are a resident. We currently do business or own
property in 17 states, most of which impose income taxes.
We may also own property or do business in other states in the
future. Although an analysis of those various taxes is not
presented here, each prospective unitholder should consider
their potential impact on his investment in us. You may not be
required to file a return and pay taxes in some states because
your income from that state falls below the filing and payment
requirement. You will be required, however, to file state income
tax returns and to pay state income taxes in many of the states
in which we do business or own property, and you may be subject
to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. In
some states, tax losses may not produce a tax benefit in the
year incurred and also may not be available to offset income in
subsequent taxable years. Some of the states may require us, or
we may elect, to withhold a percentage of income from amounts to
be distributed to a unitholder who is not a resident of the
state. Withholding, the amount of which may be greater or less
than a particular unitholders income tax liability to the
state, generally does not relieve a nonresident unitholder from
the obligation to file an income tax return. Amounts withheld
may be treated as if distributed to unitholders for purposes of
determining the amounts distributed by us. Please read
Tax Consequences of Unit Ownership
Entity-Level Collections. Based on current law and our
estimate of our future operations, the general partner
anticipates that any amounts required to be withheld will not be
material.
It is the responsibility of each unitholder to investigate the
legal and tax consequences, under the laws of pertinent states
and localities, of his investment in us. Accordingly, each
prospective unitholder should consult, and must depend upon, his
own tax counsel or other advisor with regard to those matters.
Further, it is the responsibility of each unitholder to file all
state and local, as well as United States federal tax returns,
that may be required of him. Vinson & Elkins L.L.P. has
not rendered an opinion on the state or local tax consequences
of an investment in us.
Tax Consequences of Ownership of Debt Securities
A description of the material federal income tax consequences of
the acquisition, ownership and disposition of debt securities
will be set forth on the prospectus supplement relating to the
offering of debt securities.
60
INVESTMENT IN US BY EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
An investment in us by an employee benefit plan is subject to
certain additional considerations because the investments of
such plans are subject to the fiduciary responsibility and
prohibited transaction provisions of the Employee Retirement
Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (ERISA), and
restrictions imposed by Section 4975 of the Internal
Revenue Code. As used herein, the term employee benefit
plan includes, but is not limited to, qualified pension,
profit-sharing and stock bonus plans, Keogh plans, simplified
employee pension plans and tax deferred annuities or IRAs
established or maintained by an employer or employee
organization. Among other things, consideration should be given
to (a) whether such investment is prudent under
Section 404(a)(1)(B) of ERISA; (b) whether in making
such investment, such plan will satisfy the diversification
requirement of Section 404(a)(1)(C) of ERISA; and
(c) whether such investment will result in recognition of
unrelated business taxable income by such plan and, if so, the
potential after-tax investment return. Please read Tax
ConsiderationsTax-Exempt Organizations and Other
Investors. The person with investment discretion with
respect to the assets of an employee benefit plan (a
fiduciary) should determine whether an investment in
us is authorized by the appropriate governing instrument and is
a proper investment for such plan.
Section 406 of ERISA and Section 4975 of the Internal
Revenue Code (which also applies to IRAs that are not considered
part of an employee benefit plan) prohibit an employee benefit
plan from engaging in certain transactions involving plan
assets with parties that are parties in
interest under ERISA or disqualified persons
under the Internal Revenue Code with respect to the plan.
In addition to considering whether the purchase of limited
partnership units is a prohibited transaction, a fiduciary of an
employee benefit plan should consider whether such plan will, by
investing in us, be deemed to own an undivided interest in our
assets, with the result that our general partner also would be a
fiduciary of such plan and our operations would be subject to
the regulatory restrictions of ERISA, including its prohibited
transaction rules, as well as the prohibited transaction rules
of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Department of Labor regulations provide guidance with
respect to whether the assets of an entity in which employee
benefit plans acquire equity interests would be deemed
plan assets under certain circumstances. Pursuant to
these regulations, an entitys assets would not be
considered to be plan assets if, among other things,
(a) the equity interest acquired by employee benefit plans
are publicly offered securitiesi.e., the equity
interests are widely held by 100 or more investors independent
of the issuer and each other, freely transferable and registered
pursuant to certain provisions of the federal securities laws,
(b) the entity is an Operating
Partnershipi.e., it is primarily engaged in
the production or sale of a product or service other than the
investment of capital either directly or through a majority
owned subsidiary or subsidiaries, or (c) there is no
significant investment by benefit plan investors, which is
defined to mean that less than 25% of the value of each class of
equity interest (disregarding certain interests held by our
general partner, its affiliates and certain other persons) is
held by the employee benefit plans referred to above, IRAs and
other employee benefit plans not subject to ERISA (such as
governmental plans). Our assets should not be considered
plan assets under these regulations because it is
expected that the investment will satisfy the requirements in
(a) and (b) above and may also satisfy the
requirements in (c).
Plan fiduciaries contemplating a purchase of limited partnership
units should consult with their own counsel regarding the
consequences under ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code in light
of the serious penalties imposed on persons who engage in
prohibited transactions or other violations.
61
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
We may sell the securities being offered hereby directly to
purchasers; through agents; through underwriters; and through
dealers.
We, or agents designated by us, may directly solicit, from time
to time, offers to purchase the securities. Any such agent may
be deemed to be an underwriter as that term is defined in the
Securities Act of 1933. We will name the agents involved in the
offer or sale of the securities and describe any commissions
payable by us to these agents in the prospectus supplement.
Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, these
agents will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of
their appointment. The agents may be entitled under agreements
which may be entered into with us to indemnification by us
against specific civil liabilities, including liabilities under
the Securities Act of 1933. The agents may also be our customers
or may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in
the ordinary course of business.
If we utilize any underwriters in the sale of the securities in
respect of which this prospectus is delivered, we will enter
into an underwriting agreement with those underwriters at the
time of sale to them. We will set forth the names of these
underwriters and the terms of the transaction in the prospectus
supplement, which will be used by the underwriters to make
resales of the securities in respect of which this prospectus is
delivered to the public. We may indemnify the underwriters under
the relevant underwriting agreement to indemnification by us
against specific liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act. The underwriters may also be our customers or
may engage in transactions with or perform services for us in
the ordinary course of business.
If we utilize a dealer in the sale of the securities in respect
of which this prospectus is delivered, we will sell those
securities to the dealer, as principal. The dealer may then
resell those securities to the public at varying prices to be
determined by the dealer at the time of resale. We may indemnify
the dealers against specific liabilities, including liabilities
under the Securities Act. The dealers may also be our customers
or may engage in transactions with, or perform services for us
in the ordinary course of business.
Common units and debt securities may also be sold directly by
us. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved.
We may use electronic media, including the Internet, to sell
offered securities directly.
To the extent required, this prospectus may be amended or
supplemented from time to time to describe a specific plan of
distribution. The place and time of delivery for the securities
in respect of which this prospectus is delivered are set forth
in the accompanying prospectus supplement.
LEGAL
Certain legal matters in connection with the securities will be
passed upon by Vinson & Elkins L.L.P., Houston, Texas,
as our counsel. Any underwriter will be advised about other
issues relating to any offering by its own legal counsel.
EXPERTS
The financial statements of Sunoco Logistics Partners L. P. and
the parent-company-only balance sheet of Sunoco Partners LLC
appearing in Sunoco Logistics Partners L.P.s Annual Report
on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2002
have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent
auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon included therein
and incorporated herein by reference. Such financial statements
and parent-company-only balance sheet are incorporated herein by
reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority
of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
62
1,500,000 Common Units
Representing Limited Partner Interests
Prospectus Supplement
August ,
2005
Lehman
Brothers
Citigroup
Stifel,
Nicolaus & Company
Incorporated