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Magellan Midstream Partners

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www.magellanlp.com | NYSE: MMP

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2017
Annual 
Report

NYSE: MMP

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Magellan owns the longest refi ned 

products pipeline system in the country. 

We can tap into nearly 50% of the nation’s 

refi ning capacity and store more than 100 

million barrels of petroleum products, 

such as gasoline, diesel fuel and crude oil.

Forward-Looking Statements 

This report contains forward-looking statements as defi ned by federal law. Forward-looking statements can be 

identifi ed by words such as: plan, goal, target, guidance, believe, estimate, expect, projected, future, may, will and 

similar references to future periods. Although management of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. believes such 

statements are based on reasonable assumptions, actual outcomes may be materially diff erent. Our future results 

are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including changes in demand for our services and the underlying 

commodities, our ability to complete expansion projects on time and within budget and changes in laws applicable 

to us and our businesses. You are urged to carefully review and consider the cautionary statements and other 

disclosures made in our accompanying 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K, especially under the heading “Risk Factors.”

Letter From  
Michael N. Mears
President and Chief Executive Officer

February 2018
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.  

(NYSE: MMP) generated another year of strong 

financial performance in 2017. We produced record 

Further, our marine terminals are in high demand as the 

industry seeks more infrastructure solutions to meet 

the growing need for storage and export capabilities. 

The year 2017 was not without its challenges, especially in light 

distributable cash flow of more than $1 billion for the 

of Hurricane Harvey which hit the Texas Gulf Coast during the 

first time in our company history. We also increased cash 

third quarter, negatively impacting a number of our facilities. 

distributions to our investors by 8% for the year while 

Overall, we made it through the storm well, with operations 

maintaining a healthy 1.25 times distribution coverage 

affected for a limited period of time due to the hard work of 

ratio, which resulted in more than $200 million of excess 

our dedicated employees, who in many cases were dealing 

cash available to reinvest in Magellan’s business.

with personal hardships of their own. We are very thankful 

Magellan continues to be a strong, stable and resilient 

company with opportunities to grow in 2018 and beyond. 

Strength of Fee-Based 
Business Model

Magellan’s assets are an integral part of our nation’s energy 

infrastructure, and we provide essential services to the 

markets we serve. Our straight-forward business model 

is primarily focused on fee-based transportation and 

terminal services, moving the fuel that moves America. 

Demand for our services remains strong. In fact, we 

for their service and diligence to restore our operations as 

soon and as safely as possible. Although a few tanks are still 

under repair at our Galena Park facility, the remainder of our 

impacted assets are back to full strength following the storm. 

New Projects to Fuel Growth 

During the year, we announced projects that will be 

important to our future, with significant construction 

projects launched for each of our business segments.

Customer demand to utilize our Texas refined products 

pipeline system exceeds our current capacity. In response, 

we are building a new 135-mile pipeline segment from our 

delivered record volumes on our refined products pipeline 

East Houston terminal to Hearne, Texas. This expansion will 

system during the year, with an 8% increase in shipments. 

provide us the ability to deliver nearly 50% more product 

This impressive growth was due to record demand for 

originating from the Houston area to Magellan’s Texas and 

gasoline and diesel fuel in the markets Magellan serves 

Midcontinent markets, beginning in mid-2019. We are pleased 

as well as the full-year benefit of our recently-built Little 

to meet the industry’s need for more pipeline capacity 

Rock pipeline, which began operations in mid-2016. 

serving the Dallas market and other important demand 

Our crude oil pipelines continue to provide important 

take-away capacity to deliver domestic crude oil to strategic 

centers along our refined products pipeline system with an 

attractive investment supported by long-term commitments.

locations in Cushing, Oklahoma and the Texas Gulf 

On the crude oil side, we increased the capacity of 

Coast region. We began operations in 2017 of our newly 

the BridgeTex pipeline during the year from 300,000 

constructed condensate splitter in Corpus Christi, Texas, 

barrels per day (bpd) to 400,000 bpd to deliver more 

which is supported by a long-term customer commitment. 

Permian Basin production to the Houston Gulf Coast. 

continued on next page

Magellan 
Assets 2017

Refined Products Assets

Refined	Products	Pipeline

Refined	Products	Terminal

Ammonia	Pipeline

Ammonia	Terminal

Crude Oil Assets

Crude	Oil	Pipeline

Crude	Oil	Terminal

Marine Storage Assets

Marine	Terminal

* Dotted lines represent joint  

venture ownership

Financial Highlights

$900

$7,500

$1,100

$3.75

5
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6
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Net Income
($ in millions)

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

Total Assets
($ in millions)

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

Distributable  
Cash Flow
($ in millions)

5
1
0
2

6
1
0
2

7
1
0
2

Cash Distributions 
Declared per Unit

	
	
	
	
	
	
	
Due to increased demand for take-away capabilities 

To further expand our marine strategy, we announced 

from this region, we are increasing this pipeline 

plans to join forces with Valero Energy to invest in and 

system further to 440,000 bpd by early 2019.

expand the Pasadena marine terminal that is currently 

Magellan also launched a project to construct a 60-mile  

crude oil and condensate pipeline from the Delaware Basin 

to Crane, Texas, which essentially extends the reach of our 

Longhorn pipeline system and will provide our customers an 

additional outlet to move volume from this rapidly growing 

basin to the Houston Gulf Coast refining region. This project  

is driven by strong customer interest to source volumes 

directly to Longhorn from the Delaware Basin instead of 

routing the volumes through Midland. This new Delaware 

under construction in Texas. The initial phase of this new 

facility is expected to be operational in early 2019, with 

the second phase expected to come online in early 2020. 

Combined, our joint venture with Valero Energy is building 

5 million barrels of storage and two ship docks at this 

facility, with the potential to double its size in the future.

Disciplined Pursuit of 
Future Opportunities

Basin pipeline, which is expected to be operational in 

Magellan also continues to evaluate other potential 

mid-2019, strengthens the supply options to our Longhorn 

expansion opportunities, still totaling well in excess of 

pipeline and serves as a logical next step in a broader  

$500 million. Among many other possibilities, these 

strategy to expand our service offerings in the Permian Basin.

opportunities include further build-out of our Pasadena 

We continue to advance our strategy to grow our marine 

infrastructure investments in West Texas and Corpus Christi 

capabilities along the Gulf Coast for both crude oil and refined 

and significant refined products pipeline expansions.

marine terminal joint venture, additional crude oil 

products. Significant progress has been made to build out 

our Seabrook Logistics joint venture, which provides an 

export solution for crude oil. The first phase of this facility 

became operational during 2017, with the second phase 

on-target for a mid-2018 start-up, including connectivity 

to Magellan’s Houston crude oil distribution system.

We remain active in analyzing acquisitions. As always, price 

and risk profile are key considerations, and Magellan intends 

to maintain its disciplined approach when evaluating not only 

potential acquisitions but construction projects as well. Our 

preference continues to be the pursuit of opportunities that 

expand our asset portfolio with fee-based activities and long-

term committed volumes from credit-worthy counterparties.

continued on next page

Operating Statistics

500

225

16

25

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6
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2

Refined Products 
Pipeline Shipments
(million	barrels)

Crude Oil  
Pipeline Shipments
(million	barrels)

Crude Oil Terminal 
Average Utilization
(million	barrels	per	month)

Marine Terminal  
Average Utilization
(million	barrels	per	month)

Priority: Safety

While company growth is an important goal, safety 

remains Magellan’s top priority on a daily basis. We follow 

previously-stated goal of increasing annual cash distributions 

by 8% for 2018, resulting in approximately 1.2 times the 

amount needed to pay cash distributions for the year.

an extensive system integrity program to guide our daily 

Looking further ahead, we currently expect annual 

operating decisions and ensure compliance in all areas 

distributable cash flow (DCF) growth in the range of 5% to 

of our operations. Magellan commits significant time and 

8% for both 2019 and 2020 based on our internal forecasts. 

financial resources each year to guard the safety of our 

To maintain 1.2 times coverage, we intend to manage 

employees, the environment and the communities where 

distribution growth consistent with our expectations for 

we live and work. Our continued success is tied to building, 

DCF growth for those periods, implying annual distribution 

maintaining and operating our assets safely and efficiently. 

growth potential in the 5% to 8% range for both 2019 and 

Long-Term Value Creation

Magellan remains committed to growth while also 

2020, as well. We believe our distribution policy will provide 

a healthy mix of distribution growth and coverage for our 

investors, while also preserving our strong financial position.

maintaining our conservative approach to our business. 

Magellan remains focused on long-term value creation. We 

We have continued to hear from our long-term investors 

are committed to operating our current assets safely and 

that strong distribution coverage remains important 

efficiently and seeking additional growth opportunities 

to them, especially considering the performance of the 

consistent with our disciplined investment philosophy, all 

energy markets and master limited partnership space 

while maintaining our solid investment-grade financial profile.

over the last few years. As a result, we intend to manage 

our business in a way that maintains a distribution 

coverage ratio of 1.2 times for the foreseeable future. 

We expect to generate record annual distributable 

cash flow again in 2018 and remain committed to our 

On behalf of our dedicated employees, we appreciate 

your continued investment in Magellan.

”We are committed to operating 

our current assets safely and 

efficiently and seeking additional 

growth opportunities consistent 

with our disciplined investment 

philosophy, all while maintaining 

our solid investment-grade 

financial profile.”

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K 

(Mark One)

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 
or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
Commission file number 1-16335

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

Magellan GP, LLC
P.O. Box 22186, Tulsa, Oklahoma
(Address of principal executive offices)

73-1599053
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

74121-2186
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (918) 574-7000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class
Common Units representing limited
partnership interests

Name of Each Exchange on
Which Registered

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 

Act.  Yes  

   No  

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the 

Act.  Yes  

No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes  

  No  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, 
every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) 
during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such 
files).  Yes  

  No  

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405) is not 
contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements 
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 

smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.

Large accelerated filer 

  Accelerated filer 

  Non-accelerated filer 

  Smaller reporting company 

  Emerging growth company 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition 
period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange 
Act.  

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  Yes  

 No  

The aggregate market value of the registrant’s voting and non-voting limited partner units held by non-affiliates computed 

by reference to the price at which the limited partner units were last sold as of June 30, 2017 was $16,213,584,044.

As of February 15, 2018, there were 228,195,160 limited partner units outstanding.

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement prepared for the solicitation of proxies in connection with the 2018 Annual 

Meeting of Limited Partners are to be incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 

ITEM 1.

PART I
Business.......................................................................................................................................

ITEM 1A. Risk Factors.................................................................................................................................

ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments .......................................................................................................

ITEM 2.

Properties.....................................................................................................................................

ITEM 3.

Legal Proceedings .......................................................................................................................

ITEM 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures..............................................................................................................

ITEM 5.

PART II
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases 

of Equity Securities .................................................................................................................

ITEM 6.

Selected Financial Data...............................................................................................................

ITEM 7.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations......

ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ....................................................

ITEM 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data...........................................................................

ITEM 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.....

ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures..............................................................................................................

ITEM 9B. Other Information........................................................................................................................

PART III

ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance..........................................................

ITEM 11.

Executive Compensation.............................................................................................................

ITEM 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters.....................................................................................................................................

ITEM 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence............................

ITEM 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services......................................................................................

ITEM 15.

PART IV
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules...............................................................................

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MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P. 

FORM 10-K 

PART I 

Item 1.   Business

(a) General Development of Business

Unless indicated otherwise, the terms “our,” “we,” “us” and similar language refer to Magellan Midstream 
Partners, L.P. together with its subsidiaries. Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership 
formed in August 2000 and its limited partner units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker 
symbol “MMP.”  Magellan GP, LLC, a wholly-owned Delaware limited liability company, serves as its general 
partner.  

(b) Financial Information About Segments

See Part II—Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 16 – Segment Disclosures.

(c) Narrative Description of Business

We are principally engaged in the transportation, storage and distribution of refined petroleum products and 

crude oil.  As of December 31, 2017, our asset portfolio, including the assets of our joint ventures, consisted of:

• 

• 

• 

our refined products segment, comprised of our 9,700-mile refined products pipeline system with  53 
terminals as well as 26 independent terminals not connected to our pipeline system and our 1,100-mile 
ammonia pipeline system; 

our crude oil segment, comprised of approximately 2,200 miles of crude oil pipelines, our condensate 
splitter and storage facilities with an aggregate storage capacity of approximately 28 million barrels, of 
which approximately 17 million are used for contract storage; and

our marine storage segment, consisting of five marine terminals located along coastal waterways with an 
aggregate storage capacity of approximately 26 million barrels.

Industry Background

The United States (“U.S.”) petroleum products transportation and distribution system links sources of crude oil 

supply with refineries and ultimately with end users of petroleum products.  This system is comprised of a network 
of pipelines, terminals, storage facilities, waterborne vessels, railcars and trucks. For transportation of petroleum 
products, pipelines are generally the most reliable, lowest cost and safest alternative for intermediate and long-haul 
movements between different markets. Throughout the distribution system, terminals play a key role in facilitating 
product movements by providing storage, distribution, blending and other ancillary services. 

Terminology common in our industry includes the following terms, which describe products that we transport, 

store and distribute through our pipelines and terminals:

• 

• 

refined products are the output from refineries and are primarily used as fuels by consumers. Refined 
products include gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, kerosene and heating oil.  Collectively, diesel fuel and 
heating oil are referred to as distillates; 

liquefied petroleum gases or LPGs are produced as by-products of the crude oil refining process and in 
connection with natural gas production. LPGs include butane and propane;

1

• 

• 

• 

• 

blendstocks are blended with refined products to change or enhance their characteristics such as increasing 
a gasoline’s octane or oxygen content. Blendstocks include alkylates, oxygenates and natural gasoline;

heavy oils and feedstocks are used as burner fuels or feedstocks for further processing by refineries and 
petrochemical facilities. Heavy oils and feedstocks include No. 6 fuel oil and vacuum gas oil;

crude oil and condensate are used as feedstocks by refineries and petrochemical facilities;

biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are typically blended with other refined products as required by 
government mandates; and

• 

ammonia is primarily used as a nitrogen fertilizer.

Except for ammonia, we use the term petroleum products to describe any, or a combination, of the above-noted 

products.

Description of Our Businesses

REFINED PRODUCTS

Our refined products segment consists of our refined products pipeline system, independent terminals and 

ammonia pipeline system.  Our refined products pipeline system is the longest common carrier pipeline system for 
refined products and LPGs in the U.S., extending approximately 9,700 miles from the Gulf Coast and covering a 15-
state area across the central U.S.  The system includes approximately 44 million barrels of aggregate usable storage 
capacity at 53 connected terminals.  Our network of independent terminals includes 26 refined products terminals 
with 6 million barrels of storage located primarily in the southeastern U.S. and connected to third-party common 
carrier interstate pipelines, including the Colonial and Plantation pipelines.  Our 1,100-mile common carrier 
ammonia pipeline system extends from production facilities in Texas and Oklahoma to terminals in agricultural 
demand centers in the Midwest.

Our refined products segment accounted for the following percentages of our consolidated revenue, operating 

margin and total assets:

Percent of consolidated revenue ............................................

Percent of consolidated operating margin..............................

Percent of consolidated total assets........................................

Year Ended December 31,

2015

73%

61%

50%

2016

71%

57%

49%

2017

72%

58%

47%

See Note 16—Segment Disclosures in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for a 

description of the non-generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measure of operating margin and 
additional financial information about our refined products segment. 

Operations.  Transportation, Terminalling and Ancillary Services.  During 2017, approximately 70% of the 
refined products segment’s revenue (excluding product sales revenue) was generated from transportation tariffs on 
volumes shipped on our refined products pipeline system. These transportation tariffs vary depending upon where 
the product originates, where ultimate delivery occurs and any applicable discounts. All transportation rates and 
discounts are in published tariffs filed with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) or appropriate 
state agency.  Included as part of these tariffs are charges for terminalling and storage of products at 31 of our 
pipeline system’s 53 connected terminals. Revenue from terminalling and storage at the other 22 terminals on our 
refined products pipeline system is derived from privately negotiated rates. 

2

In 2017, the products transported on our refined products pipeline system were comprised of 60% gasoline, 
33% distillates and 7% aviation fuel and LPGs. The operating statistics below reflect our refined products pipeline 
system’s operations for the periods indicated:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

Shipments (million barrels):

Gasoline....................................................................................

Distillates..................................................................................

Aviation fuel.............................................................................

LPGs.........................................................................................

Total shipments ................................................................

268.1

152.5

21.2

9.7

451.5

275.4

150.2

25.7

10.4

461.7

295.5

166.2

26.5

9.9

498.1

Our refined products pipeline system generates additional revenue from providing pipeline capacity and tank 

storage services, as well as providing services such as terminalling, ethanol and biodiesel unloading and loading, 
additive injection, custom blending, laboratory testing and data services to shippers, which are performed under a 
mix of “as needed,” monthly and long-term agreements. Furthermore, under our tariffs, we are allowed to deduct 
prescribed quantities of the products our shippers transport on our pipelines, which are commonly referred to as 
“tender deductions,” to compensate us for lost product during shipment due to metering inaccuracies, intermingling 
of products between batches (transmix), evaporation or other events that result in volume shortages during the 
shipment process.  In return for these tender deductions, our customers receive a guaranteed delivery of the gross 
volume of products they ship with us, less the amount of our tender deductions, irrespective of the actual amount of 
product shortages we incur during the shipment process. 

Our independent terminals generate revenue primarily by charging fees based on the amount of product 
delivered through our facilities and from ancillary services such as additive injections and ethanol blending.  Our 
ammonia pipeline system generates revenue primarily through transportation tariffs on volumes shipped.

Commodity-Related Activities.  Substantially all of the transportation and throughput services we provide are 
for third parties, and we do not take title to their products. We do take title of products related to tender deductions, 
product overages and our butane blending and fractionation activities on our refined products pipeline system. The 
sales of these products generate product sales revenue.  

Our butane blending activity primarily involves purchasing butane and blending it into gasoline, which creates 

additional gasoline available for us to sell.  This activity is limited by seasonal changes in gasoline vapor pressure 
specification requirements and by the varying quality of the gasoline products delivered to us. We typically hedge 
the economic margin from this blending activity by entering into forward physical or exchange-traded gasoline 
futures contracts at the time we purchase the related butane.  These blending activities accounted for approximately 
81% of the total product margin for the refined products segment during 2017.  When the differential between the 
cost of butane and the price of gasoline narrows, the product margin we earn from these activities is negatively 
impacted.  

We also operate three fractionators along our pipeline system that separate transmix, which is an unusable 

mixture of various refined products, into separated refined products.  In addition to fractionating the transmix that 
results from our pipeline operations, we also purchase and fractionate transmix from third parties and sell the 
resulting separated refined products.    

Product margin from commodity-related activities in our refined products segment was $180.5 million, $101.8 

million and $130.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.  The amount of 
margin we earn from these activities fluctuates with changes in petroleum prices. Product margin is a non-GAAP 
financial measure, but its components are determined in accordance with GAAP.  Product margin, which is 
calculated as product sales revenue less cost of product sales, is used by management to evaluate the profitability of 
our commodity-related activities.  The components of product margin included in operating profit, the nearest 

3

 
 
GAAP measurement, is provided in Note 16—Segment Disclosures to the consolidated financial statements included 
in Item 8 of this report.

Joint Venture Activities.  We own a 50% interest in Powder Springs Logistics, LLC (“Powder Springs”), which 

was formed to construct and develop a butane blending system, including 120,000 barrels of butane storage, near 
Atlanta, Georgia.  Powder Springs began operations in first quarter 2017. 

Markets and Competition.  Shipments originate on our refined products pipeline system from direct 
connections to refineries, through interconnections with other pipelines or at our terminals for transportation and 
ultimate distribution to retail gasoline stations, truck stops, railroads, airports and other end users. Through direct 
refinery connections and interconnections with other interstate pipelines, our refined products system can access 
approximately 49% of U.S. refining capacity, and in particular is well-connected to Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent 
refineries.  Our system is dependent on the ability of refiners and marketers to meet the demand for those products in 
the markets they serve through their shipments on our pipeline system.  According to February 2018 projections 
provided by the Energy Information Administration, the demand for refined products in the market areas served by 
our pipeline system, primarily the West North Central and West South Central census districts, is expected to remain 
relatively stable over the next 10 years. As a result of its extensive connections to multiple refining regions, our 
pipeline system is well positioned to accommodate demand or supply shifts that may occur.  

In 2017, approximately 66% of the products transported on our refined products pipeline system originated 

from 19 direct refinery connections and 34% originated from connections with other pipelines or terminals. 

As set forth in the table below, our system is directly connected to and receives product from the following 

refineries:

Major Origins—Refineries (Listed Alphabetically)

   Refinery Location
Company
  St. Paul, MN
Andeavor......................................................................................................
Andeavor...................................................................................................... El Paso, TX

CHS ............................................................................................................. McPherson, KS

CVR Energy.................................................................................................

  Coffeyville, KS

CVR Energy................................................................................................. Wynnewood, OK

Flint Hills Resources....................................................................................

  Pine Bend, MN

HollyFrontier ...............................................................................................

  El Dorado, KS

HollyFrontier ...............................................................................................

  Tulsa, OK

HollyFrontier ............................................................................................... Cheyenne, WY

Husky Energy .............................................................................................. Superior, WI

Marathon......................................................................................................

  Galveston Bay, TX

Marathon...................................................................................................... Texas City, TX

Phillips 66 ....................................................................................................

  Ponca City, OK

Sinclair......................................................................................................... Evansville, WY

Suncor Energy ............................................................................................. Commerce City, CO

Valero........................................................................................................... Ardmore, OK

Valero........................................................................................................... Houston, TX
Valero...........................................................................................................

  Texas City, TX

Wyoming Refining....................................................................................... Newcastle, WY

4

Our system is also connected to multiple pipelines and terminals, including those shown in the table below:

Major Origins—Pipeline and Terminal Connections (Listed Alphabetically)

Pipeline/Terminal

Connection Location

Source of Product

BP ...................................

  Manhattan, IL...........................................................

  Whiting, IN refinery

CHS ................................
Explorer ..........................

  Fargo, ND.................................................................

  Laurel, MT refinery

Glenpool, OK; Mt. Vernon, MO; Dallas, TX; East

Houston, TX.........................................................

  Various Gulf Coast refineries

Holly Energy Partners .... Duncan, OK; El Paso, TX ........................................ Big Spring, TX refinery, Artesia, NM

refinery

Kinder Morgan ...............

  Galena Park and Pasadena, TX ................................

  Various Gulf Coast refineries and imports

Magellan Terminals

Holdings .....................

  Galena Park, TX.......................................................

  Various Gulf Coast refineries and imports

Mid-America

(Enterprise).................
NuStar Energy ................

  El Dorado, KS ..........................................................
  Denver, CO; El Dorado, KS; Minneapolis, MN ......

  Conway, KS storage

Various OK & KS refineries, Mandan,
ND refinery, McKee, TX refinery

ONEOK ..........................

  Des Moines, IA; Wayne, IL; Plattsburg, MO...........

Bushton, KS storage and Chicago, IL area

refineries

Phillips 66.......................

Denver, CO; Kansas City, KS; Pasadena, TX;
Casper, WY ..............................................................

Borger, TX refinery, various Billings, MT
area refineries, Sweeney, TX refinery

Shell................................

  East Houston, TX .....................................................

  Deer Park, TX refinery

In certain markets, barge, truck or rail provide an alternative source for transporting refined products; however, 
pipelines are generally the most reliable, lowest cost and safest alternative for refined products movements between 
different markets. As a result, our pipeline system’s most significant competitors are other pipelines that serve the 
same markets. 

Competition with other pipeline systems is based primarily on transportation charges, quality of customer 

service, proximity to end users and longstanding customer relationships. However, given the different supply 
sources on each pipeline, pricing at either the origin or terminal point on a pipeline may outweigh transportation 
costs when customers choose which pipeline to use. 

Another form of competition for pipelines is the use of exchange agreements among shippers. Under these 

agreements, a shipper agrees to supply a market near its refinery or terminal in exchange for receiving supply from 
another refinery or terminal in a different market. These agreements allow the two parties to reduce the volumes 
transported and, therefore, the transportation fees paid to us. We compete with these alternatives through price 
incentives and through long-term commercial arrangements with potential exchange partners. 

Government mandates increasingly require the use of renewable fuels, particularly ethanol.  Due to technical 
and operational concerns, pipelines have generally not shipped ethanol, and most ethanol is transported by railroad, 
truck or barge.  The increased use of ethanol has and will continue to compete with shipments on our pipeline 
system.  However, most of our terminals have the necessary infrastructure to blend ethanol with refined products, 
and we earn revenue for these services.  

Our independent terminals receive product primarily from the interstate pipelines to which they are connected 

and serve the retail, industrial and commercial sales markets along those pipelines.  Demand for our services is 
driven primarily by end user demand for refined products in those markets.  Our terminals compete with other 
independent terminal operators as well as integrated oil companies on the basis of terminal location and versatility, 
services provided and price.  

5

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
Our ammonia pipeline system receives product from ammonia production facilities in Texas and Oklahoma 

and delivers to agricultural markets in the Midwest, where the ammonia is used by farmers as a nitrogen fertilizer.  
Our system competes primarily with ammonia shipped by rail carriers and in certain markets with a third-party 
ammonia pipeline. 

Customers and Contracts.  Our refined products pipeline system ships products for several different types of 

customers, including independent refiners and integrated oil companies, wholesalers, retailers, traders, railroads, 
airlines, bio-fuel producers and regional farm cooperatives. End markets for refined products deliveries are primarily 
retail gasoline stations, truck stops, farm cooperatives, railroad fueling depots, military bases and commercial 
airports. LPG shippers include wholesalers and retailers that, in turn, sell to commercial, industrial, agricultural and 
residential heating customers, as well as utilities who use propane as a fuel source.  Published tariffs serve as 
contracts, and shippers nominate the volume to be shipped up to a month in advance. In addition, we enter into 
agreements with shippers that commonly result in payment, volume or term commitments in exchange for reduced 
tariff rates or capital expansion commitments on our part. For 2017, approximately 40% of the shipments on our 
pipeline system were subject to these supplemental agreements.  The average remaining life of these agreements was 
approximately three years as of December 31, 2017.  While many of these supplemental agreements do not represent 
guaranteed volumes, they do reflect a significant level of shipper commitment to our refined products pipeline 
system.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, our refined products pipeline system had approximately 65 

transportation customers. The top 10 shippers included independent refining companies, integrated oil companies, 
farm cooperatives and traders.  Revenue attributable to these top 10 shippers for the year ended December 31, 2017 
represented 35% of total revenue for our refined products segment and 55% of revenue excluding product sales. 

Customers of our independent terminals include independent and integrated oil companies, retailers, 
wholesalers and traders.  Contracts vary in term and commitment and typically renew automatically, at the 
customer’s option, at the end of each contract period.  

Our ammonia pipeline system ships product for three customers who own production facilities connected to 

our system.  We have contracts with these customers that contain minimum volume commitments whereby a 
customer must pay for unused pipeline capacity if the customer fails to ship its committed volume. One of these 
contracts will expire in 2019, and the other two will expire in 2020.  

Product sales are primarily to trading and marketing or other companies active in the markets we serve.  These 

sales agreements are generally short-term in nature.  

CRUDE OIL

Our crude oil segment, including all of the assets of our joint ventures, is comprised of approximately 2,200 

miles of crude oil pipelines with an aggregate storage capacity of approximately 28 million barrels, of which 17 
million are used for contract storage.  The crude oil segment includes: (i) the Longhorn pipeline; (ii) a Cushing, 
Oklahoma storage terminal; (iii) the Houston-area crude oil distribution system; (iv) the crude oil components of 
our East Houston, Texas terminal; (v) the crude oil components of our Corpus Christi, Texas terminal, including 
our condensate splitter; (vi) the Gibson, Louisiana terminal; and (vii) our interests in BridgeTex Pipeline 
Company, LLC (“BridgeTex”), Double Eagle Pipeline LLC (“Double Eagle”), HoustonLink Pipeline Company, 
LLC (“HoustonLink”), Saddlehorn Pipeline Company, LLC (“Saddlehorn”) and Seabrook Logistics, LLC 
(“Seabrook”).

6

 
 
Our crude oil segment accounted for the following percentages of our consolidated revenue, operating margin 

and total assets:

Percent of consolidated revenue ....................................

Percent of consolidated operating margin......................

Percent of consolidated total assets................................

Year Ended December 31,

2015

19%

30%

38%

2016

20%

32%

39%

2017

20%

33%

38%

See Note 16–Segment Disclosures in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for 

additional financial information about our crude oil segment.

Operations.  Our crude oil assets are strategically located to serve crude oil supply, trading and demand 
centers.  Revenue is generated primarily through transportation tariffs paid by shippers on our crude oil pipelines 
and storage fees paid by our crude oil terminal customers. In addition, we earn revenue for ancillary services 
including terminal throughput fees. We generally do not take title to the products we ship or store for our crude oil 
customers.  Our tariffs provide for tender deductions to compensate us for lost product during shipment due to 
metering inaccuracies, evaporation or other events that result in volume losses during the shipment process, and we 
take title to these products. 

The approximately 450-mile Longhorn pipeline has the capacity to transport up to 275,000 barrels per day 
(“bpd”) of crude oil from the Permian Basin in West Texas to Houston, Texas.  Shipments originate on the Longhorn 
pipeline in Crane, Barnhart or Midland, Texas via trucks or interconnections with crude oil gathering systems owned 
by third parties and are delivered to our terminal at East Houston or to various points on the Houston Ship Channel, 
including multiple refineries connected to our Houston-area crude oil distribution system. 

Our East Houston terminal includes approximately eight million barrels of crude oil storage, with 

approximately five million barrels used for contract storage and three million barrels dedicated to the operation of 
the Longhorn and BridgeTex pipelines.  (See discussion of our BridgeTex joint venture under Joint Venture 
Activities below.)  Our East Houston terminal is also connected to our Houston-area crude oil distribution system 
and to third-party pipelines, including the Houston-to-Houma pipeline, and Argus’ West Texas Intermediate (“WTI”) 
Houston price assessment is based on trades at the terminal. 

Our Houston-area crude oil distribution system consists of more than 100 miles of pipeline that connect our 
East Houston terminal through several interchanges to various points, including multiple refineries throughout the 
Houston area and Texas City, Texas and crude oil import and export facilities. In addition, it is directly connected to 
other third-party crude oil pipelines providing us access to crude oil from the Permian and Eagle Ford basins, the 
strategic crude oil trading hub in Cushing, Oklahoma and crude oil imports.  

Our Cushing terminal consists of approximately 12 million barrels of crude oil storage, of which two million 

barrels are reserved for working inventory, leaving 10 million barrels for contract storage.  The facility primarily 
receives and distributes crude oil via the multiple common carrier pipelines that terminate in and originate from the 
Cushing crude oil trading hub, including Saddlehorn, as well as short-haul pipeline connections with neighboring 
crude oil terminals.  

We own approximately 400 miles of pipeline in Kansas and Oklahoma used for crude oil service.  A portion of 

these pipelines are leased to third parties, and we earn revenue from these pipeline segments for capacity reserved 
even if not used by the customers.

Our Corpus Christi terminal includes approximately two million barrels of condensate storage, with a portion 

used for contract storage and a portion used in conjunction with our Double Eagle joint venture discussed below.  
These assets receive product primarily from trucks, barges and pipelines that connect to our terminal for further 
distribution to end users by pipeline or waterborne vessels.  Our 50,000 bpd condensate splitter with approximately 

7

one million barrels of related storage is also located at our terminal in Corpus Christi. 

Joint Venture Activities.  We own a 50% interest in BridgeTex, a joint venture with an affiliate of Plains All 

American Pipeline, L.P. (“Plains”).  BridgeTex owns an approximately 400-mile pipeline currently capable of 
transporting up to 400,000 bpd of Permian Basin crude oil from Midland and Colorado City, Texas to our East 
Houston terminal.  We are currently in the process of expanding the pipeline capacity to 440,000 bpd and expect this 
project to be complete by early 2019.  We receive management fees to operate BridgeTex, which we report as 
affiliate management fee revenue on our consolidated statements of income.  We entered into a long-term lease 
agreement with BridgeTex to provide it with capacity on our Houston-area crude oil distribution system, and we 
receive capacity lease revenue from this agreement, which is included in transportation and terminals revenue on our 
consolidated statements of income.

We own a 50% interest in Double Eagle, a joint venture with an affiliate of Kinder Morgan, Inc. (“Kinder”) 

that transports condensate from the Eagle Ford basin in South Texas via an approximately 200-mile pipeline to our 
terminal in Corpus Christi or to an inter-connecting pipeline that transports product to the Houston area.  An affiliate 
of Kinder serves as the operator of Double Eagle.  We receive throughput revenue from Double Eagle that is 
included in our transportation and terminals revenue on our consolidated statements of income.

We own a 50% interest in HoustonLink, a joint venture with an affiliate of TransCanada Corporation 

(“TransCanada”).  HoustonLink owns a crude oil pipeline connecting TransCanada’s Houston tank terminal, which 
is a termination point for TransCanada’s Marketlink Pipeline, to our nearby East Houston terminal.  We operate the 
HoustonLink pipeline.  

We own a 40% interest in Saddlehorn, a joint venture with an affiliate of Plains (40% interest) and an affiliate 

of Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (20% interest).  Saddlehorn owns an undivided joint interest in an 
approximately 600-mile pipeline, which delivers various grades of crude oil primarily from the DJ Basin region of 
Colorado to storage facilities in Cushing, including our own Cushing terminal.  Saddlehorn has the capacity to 
deliver up to 190,000 bpd of crude oil.  We receive management fees to operate Saddlehorn, which we report as 
affiliate management fee revenue on our consolidated statements of income.  We also receive storage revenue from 
Saddlehorn, which we include in transportation and terminals revenue in our consolidated statements of income.

We own a 50% interest in Seabrook, a joint venture with an affiliate of LBC Tank Terminals, LLC (“LBC”).  
Seabrook owns  approximately 700,000 barrels of crude oil storage located adjacent to LBC’s existing terminal in 
Seabrook, Texas and a pipeline that connects Seabrook’s storage facilities to an existing third-party pipeline that 
began transporting crude oil to a Houston-area refinery in the second quarter of 2017.  Seabrook is in the process of 
constructing an additional 1.7 million barrels of crude oil storage and will construct a new pipeline to connect its 
facility to our Houston-area crude oil distribution system, expected to be operational in mid-2018.  We receive 
management fees for operating the pipeline activities of Seabrook, which we record in affiliate management fee 
revenue on our consolidated statements of income.

8

Markets and Competition.  Market conditions experienced by our crude oil pipelines vary significantly by 
location.  The Longhorn and BridgeTex pipelines deliver Permian Basin production to trading and demand centers in 
the Houston area, and consequently depend on the level of production in the Permian Basin for supply.  Demand for 
shipments to the Houston area is driven primarily by the utilization of West Texas crude oil by Gulf Coast refineries 
and the price for crude oil on the Gulf Coast relative to its price in alternative markets, including export markets.  
Permian Basin production may vary based on numerous factors including overall crude oil prices and changes in 
costs of production, while Gulf Coast demand for Permian Basin production may change based on relative prices for 
competing crude oil or changes by refineries to their crude oil processing slates, as well as by overall domestic and 
international demand for petroleum products.  The Longhorn and BridgeTex pipelines compete with alternative 
outlets for Permian Basin production, including pipelines that transport crude oil to the Cushing crude oil trading 
hub as well as other pipelines that currently transport or new pipelines that may transport Permian Basin crude to the 
Gulf Coast.  These pipelines also compete with truck and rail alternatives for Permian Basin barrels.  Further, these 
pipelines indirectly compete with other alternatives for delivering similar quality crude oil to the Gulf Coast, 
including pipelines from other producing regions such as the Mid-Continent, Bakken, Eagle Ford or Gulf of Mexico, 
as well as waterborne imports.  Competition is based primarily on tariff rates, proximity to both supply sources and 
demand centers, connectivity, service offerings, crude quality and customer relationships. 

Volumes on our Houston-area crude oil distribution system are driven by our customers’ demand for 

distribution of crude oil between our system’s various connections and as a result are affected in part by changes in 
origins and destinations of crude oil processed in or distributed through the Gulf Coast region.  Our HoustonLink 
and Seabrook joint ventures offer our customers additional pipeline connectivity and crude oil storage in the 
Houston area.  Our Houston-area distribution facilities compete with other distribution facilities in the Houston area 
based primarily on tariff rates, connectivity to supply sources and demand centers, customer service and customer 
relationships.   

Our crude oil storage facilities in Cushing serve customers who value Cushing’s location as an interchange 

point for numerous interstate pipelines, including Saddlehorn, and its status as a crude oil trading hub.  Demand for 
crude oil storage in Cushing could be affected by changes in crude oil pipeline flows that change the volume of 
crude oil that flows through or is stored in Cushing, as well as by developments of alternative trading hubs that 
reduce Cushing’s relative importance.  In addition, demand for our storage services in Cushing could be affected by 
crude oil price volatility or price structures or by regulatory or financial conditions that affect the ability of our 
customers to store or trade crude oil.  We compete in Cushing with numerous other storage providers, with 
competition based on a combination of connectivity, storage rates and other terms, customer service and customer 
relationships.     

The Double Eagle pipeline depends on condensate production from the Eagle Ford basin for its supply and 
competes primarily with other pipelines and supply alternatives that are capable of transporting condensate from the 
Eagle Ford production area.  Competition is based primarily on tariff rates, connectivity, customer service and 
customer relationships.  The demand for Double Eagle’s services could be affected by changes in Eagle Ford 
condensate production or changes in demand for different grades of condensate.  Demand for our condensate storage 
at Corpus Christi is subject to similar market conditions and competitive forces.

Our condensate splitter at our Corpus Christi terminal depends on condensate production primarily from the 
Permian and Eagle Ford basins and overall demand for products derived from condensate.  Our splitter competes 
with other facilities in the Gulf Coast region including other splitters and refineries, as well as export alternatives.

The Saddlehorn pipeline depends on crude oil production primarily from the DJ Basin for its supply and 
competes primarily with other pipelines and supply alternatives that are capable of transporting crude oil from the 
DJ Basin production area to Cushing.  Competition is based primarily on  tariff rates, connectivity, customer service 
and customer relationships.  The demand for Saddlehorn’s services could be affected by changes in DJ Basin crude 
oil production and additional investment in competing transportation alternatives out of the basin, as well as the 
status of Cushing as a crude oil trading hub.  DJ Basin production may vary based on numerous factors including 
overall crude oil prices and changes in costs of production.

9

Customers and Contracts.  We ship crude oil as a common carrier for several different types of customers, 

including crude oil producers, end users such as refiners, and marketing and trading companies.  Published 
transportation tariffs filed with the FERC or the appropriate state agency serve as contracts to ship on our crude oil 
pipelines, and shippers nominate volumes to be transported up to a month in advance, with rates varying by origin, 
destination and product grade.  Spot barrel movements on our pipelines generally ship at higher rates than those 
charged to committed shippers.  We typically reserve at least 10% of the shipping capacity of our pipelines for spot 
shippers. Generally, we secure long-term commitments to support our long-haul crude oil pipeline assets. 
Specifically, with regard to our Longhorn pipeline, the vast majority of the volumes shipped on that system are 
supported by take-or-pay customer agreements that expire September 30, 2018.  For 2017, approximately 54% of 
the shipments on our wholly-owned crude oil pipelines were subject to such commitments. The average remaining 
life of these contracts was approximately one year as of December 31, 2017.  As of December 31, 2017, 
approximately 77% of our crude oil storage available for contract was under agreements with terms in excess of one 
year or that renew on an annual basis at our customers’ option.  The average remaining life of our storage contracts 
was approximately two years as of December 31, 2017.  These agreements obligate the customer to pay for storage 
capacity reserved even if not used by the customer.  BridgeTex, Double Eagle, Saddlehorn and Seabrook also have 
long-term contracts which support our capital investments in these joint ventures. Additionally, we have a tolling 
agreement with one customer for the exclusive use of our condensate splitter in Corpus Christi with a remaining life 
of approximately five years.

MARINE STORAGE

We own and operate five marine storage terminals located along coastal waterways with approximately 26 

million barrels of aggregate storage capacity, including approximately one million barrels of storage jointly owned 
through our Texas Frontera, LLC joint venture (“Texas Frontera”).  Our joint venture, MVP Terminalling, LLC 
(“MVP”), is constructing an additional marine storage terminal along the Houston Ship Channel in Pasadena, Texas.  
Our marine terminals provide distribution, storage, blending, inventory management and additive injection services 
for refiners, marketers, traders and other end users of petroleum products. 

Our marine storage segment accounted for the following percentages of our consolidated revenue, operating 

margin and total assets:

Year Ended December 31,

Percent of consolidated revenue...............................

Percent of consolidated operating margin................

2015

8%

9%

Percent of consolidated total assets..........................

11%

2016

9%

10%

12%

2017

8%

8%

12%

See Note 16–Segment Disclosures in the accompanying consolidated financial statements in Item 8 for 

additional financial information about our marine storage segment.    

 Operations.  Our marine storage terminals generate revenue primarily through providing long-term storage 

services for a variety of customers. Refiners and chemical companies typically use our storage terminals due to 
tankage constraints at their facilities or the specialized handling requirements of the stored product. We also provide 
storage services to marketers and traders that require access to significant storage capacity.  Because the rates 
charged at these terminals are unregulated, the marketplace determines the prices we charge for our services. In 
general, we do not take title to the products that are stored in or distributed from our marine terminals. 

Our Galena Park, Texas marine terminal is located along the Houston Ship Channel and is our largest marine 

facility with 13 million barrels of wholly-owned usable storage capacity.  This facility currently stores a mix of 
refined products, blendstocks, heavy oils and crude oil.  This facility receives and distributes products by pipeline, 
truck, rail, barge and ship.  An advantage of our Galena Park facility is that it provides our customers with access to 
multiple common carrier pipelines, including our Houston-area crude oil distribution system, as well as deep-water 

10

 
port facilities that accommodate both ship and barge traffic and loading and unloading facilities for trucks and rail 
cars.  

Our New Haven, Connecticut marine terminal is located on the Long Island Sound near the New York Harbor 

and has approximately four million barrels of usable storage capacity and primarily handles heating oil, refined 
products, asphalt, ethanol and biodiesel.  This facility receives and distributes products by pipeline, ship, barge and 
truck.

Our Marrero, Louisiana marine terminal is located on the Mississippi River and has approximately three 

million barrels of usable storage capacity.  This facility primarily handles heavy oils, distillates and asphalt.  We 
receive products at our Marrero terminal by rail, ship and barge and deliver products from Marrero by rail, ship, 
barge and truck.

Our Wilmington, Delaware marine terminal is located at the Port of Wilmington along the Delaware River.  

The facility includes almost three million barrels of usable storage and primarily handles refined products, ethanol, 
heavy oils and crude oil.  We receive products at our Wilmington terminal by pipeline, ship and barge and deliver 
products from this facility by pipeline, truck, ship and barge.

Our Corpus Christi, Texas marine terminal is located near local refineries and petrochemical plants and 
includes almost two million barrels of usable storage capacity utilized for heavy oils and feedstocks. We receive and 
deliver products at our Corpus Christi facility primarily by ship, barge, truck and pipeline.  

Joint Venture Activities.  We own a 50% interest in Texas Frontera, which owns approximately one million 

barrels of storage at our Galena Park terminal.  This storage is contracted under a long-term agreement with an 
affiliate of Texas Frontera.  We receive a fee for operating the storage tanks of Texas Frontera, which we recognize 
as affiliate management fee revenue on our consolidated statements of income. 

We own a 50% interest in MVP, which was formed in September 2017 to construct and develop a refined 
products marine storage terminal along the Houston Ship Channel in Pasadena, Texas.  The facility will initially 
include five million barrels of storage, truck loading facilities, pipeline connections and two proprietary ship docks.  
We serve as construction manager and will serve as operator of MVP when construction is complete.  We receive 
management fees for our services, which we recognize as affiliate management fee revenue on our consolidated 
statements of income.  A portion of this facility is expected to be operational in early 2019, with the next phase 
expected to be operational in early 2020.  

Markets and Competition.   Our marine storage terminals compete with other terminals with respect to 
location, price, versatility and services provided. The competition primarily comes from integrated petroleum 
companies, refining and marketing companies, independent terminal companies and distribution companies with 
marketing and trading operations.   

We believe the continued strong demand for storage and ancillary services at our marine terminals results from 
our cost-effective distribution services and key transportation links.  The ancillary services we provide at our marine 
terminals, such as product heating, blending, mixing and additive injection, attract additional demand for our storage 
services and result in additional revenue opportunities.  Demand can be influenced by projected changes in and 
volatility of petroleum product prices. 

Customers and Contracts.  We have long-standing relationships with refineries, suppliers and traders at our 

marine terminals. During 2017, approximately 90% of our storage terminal capacity was utilized with the remaining 
10% not utilized primarily due to tank integrity work throughout the year, including integrity work related to tanks 
damaged by Hurricane Harvey.  As of December 31, 2017, approximately 83% of our usable storage capacity was 
under contracts with remaining terms in excess of one year or that renew on an annual basis at our customers’ 
option.   The average remaining life of our storage contracts was approximately two years as of December 31, 2017.  
These contracts obligate the customer to pay for terminal capacity reserved even if not used by the customer.

11

 
GENERAL BUSINESS INFORMATION

Major Customers

No customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues during 2015, 2016 or 2017.  

Commodity Positions and Hedges

Our policy is generally to purchase only those products necessary to conduct our normal business activities. 
We do not acquire physical inventory, futures contracts or other derivative instruments for the purpose of speculating 
on commodity price changes.  Our butane blending and fractionation activities result in our carrying significant 
levels of petroleum product inventories.  In addition, we hold positions related to tender deductions, product 
overages and certain crude oil inventories.  We use derivative instruments to hedge against commodity price changes 
and manage risks associated with our various commodity purchase and sale activities. Our strategies are primarily 
intended to mitigate and manage price risks that are inherent in our commodity positions.  Our risk management 
policies and procedures are designed to monitor our derivative instrument positions, as well as physical volumes, 
grades, locations, delivery schedules and storage capacity to help ensure that our hedging activities address our risks.

Regulation

Tariff Regulation.  Our interstate common carrier petroleum products pipeline operations are subject to rate 

regulation by the FERC under the Interstate Commerce Act, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and rules and orders 
promulgated pursuant thereto. FERC regulation requires that interstate pipeline rates be filed with the FERC, be 
posted publicly and be nondiscriminatory and “just and reasonable.”  Rate changes and the overall level of our rates 
may be subject to challenge by the FERC or shippers.  If the FERC determines that our rates are not just and 
reasonable, we may be required to reduce our rates and pay refunds for up to two years of over-earning.  The rates 
on approximately 40% of the shipments on our refined products pipeline system are regulated by the FERC 
primarily through an index methodology, which for the five-year period beginning July 1, 2016 is set at the annual 
change in the producer price index for finished goods (“PPI-FG”) plus 1.23%.  As an alternative to cost-of-service or 
index-based rates, interstate pipeline companies may establish rates by obtaining authority to charge market-based 
rates in competitive markets or by negotiation with unaffiliated shippers.  Approximately 60% of our refined 
products pipeline system’s markets are either subject to regulations by the states in which we operate or are 
approved for market-based rates by the FERC, and in both cases these rates can generally be adjusted at our 
discretion based on market factors. Most of the tariffs on our crude oil pipelines are established by negotiated rates 
that generally provide for annual adjustments in line with changes in the FERC index, subject to certain 
modifications.

The Surface Transportation Board, a part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has jurisdiction over 

interstate pipeline transportation and rate regulations of ammonia. Transportation rates must be reasonable, and a 
pipeline carrier may not unreasonably discriminate among its shippers. 

In addition, some shipments on our pipeline systems move within a single state and thus are considered to be 

intrastate commerce. The rates, terms and conditions of service offered by our intrastate pipelines are subject to 
certain regulations with respect to such intrastate transportation by state regulatory authorities in the states of 
Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas and Wyoming.  Such state regulatory authorities could limit 
our ability to increase our rates or to set rates based on our costs, or could order us to reduce our rates and require 
the payment of refunds to shippers if our rates are found to have been unjust.

Commodity Market Regulation.  Our conduct in petroleum markets and in hedging our exposure to 

commodity price fluctuations must comply with laws and regulations that prohibit market manipulation.

Wholesale sales of petroleum are subject to provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 
(“EISA”) and regulations by the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”). Under the EISA, the FTC issued a rule that 
prohibits fraudulent or deceptive conduct (including false or misleading statements of material fact) in connection 
with wholesale purchases or sales of crude oil or refined products. The FTC rule also bans intentional failures to 

12

   
 
 
 
state a material fact when the omission makes a statement misleading and distorts, or is likely to distort, market 
conditions for any product covered by the rule. The FTC holds substantial enforcement authority under the EISA, 
including authority to request that a court impose fines of up to approximately $1.2 million per day per violation. 

Under the Commodity Exchange Act, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”) is directed to 

prevent price manipulations for the commodities markets, including the physical energy, futures and swaps markets. 
Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFTC has adopted additional anti-market manipulation regulations that 
prohibit, among other things, fraud and price manipulation in the physical energy, futures and swaps markets. The 
CFTC also has statutory authority to assess fines of up to the greater of approximately $1 million or triple the 
monetary gain for violations of its anti-market manipulation regulations. 

The CFTC has re-proposed rules that would place federal limits on positions in certain futures and equivalent 

swaps contracts for or linked to certain physical commodities, subject to exceptions for certain bona fide hedging 
transactions.  The CFTC has also finalized a companion rule on aggregation of positions among entities under 
common ownership or control, which is currently effective, but subject to certain no-action relief.   If finalized, the 
position limits rule together with the final aggregation rule may have an impact on our ability to hedge our exposure 
to certain enumerated commodities. If we reduce our use of derivatives as a result of these regulations, our results of 
operations may become more volatile and our cash flows may be less predictable.  

Renewable Fuel Standard.  We are an obligated party under the Renewable Fuel Standard (“RFS”) 

promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) and are required to satisfy our Renewable Volume 
Obligation (“RVO”) on an annual basis. To meet the RVO, the gasoline products we produce in our butane blending 
activities must either contain the mandated renewable fuel components, or credits must be purchased to cover any 
shortfall. We met our RVO requirements for 2017 and expect to satisfy the requirements for 2018 mainly through the 
purchase of credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers (“RINs”).  As the RFS program is currently 
structured, the RVO of all obligated parties will increase over time unless adjusted by the EPA. The ability to 
incorporate increasing volumes of renewable fuel components into fuel products may be limited, which could 
increase our costs to comply with the RFS standards or limit our ability to blend.

Income Taxes.  We are a partnership for income tax purposes and, therefore, are not subject to federal or state 
income taxes for most of the states in which we operate. The tax on our net income is borne by our limited partners 
through allocation to them of their share of our taxable income. Net income for financial statement purposes may 
differ significantly from taxable income allocated to unitholders because of differences between the tax basis and 
financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities and the taxable income allocation requirements under our 
partnership agreement. The aggregate difference in the basis of our net assets for financial and tax reporting 
purposes cannot be readily determined because information regarding each partner’s tax attributes is not available to 
us.

As a publicly traded limited partnership, we are subject to a statutory requirement that our “qualifying 

income” (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code, related Treasury Regulations and Internal Revenue Service 
pronouncements) exceed 90% of our total gross income, determined on a calendar year basis. If our qualifying 
income does not meet this statutory requirement, we could be taxed as a corporation for federal and state income tax 
purposes. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, our qualifying income met the statutory 
requirement.

Environmental, Maintenance, Safety & Security

General.  The operation of our pipeline systems, terminals and associated facilities is subject to strict and 
complex laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment and workplace safety.   These bodies of 
laws and regulations govern many aspects of our business including the work environment, the generation and 
disposal of waste, discharge of process and storm water, air emissions, remediation requirements and facility design 
requirements to protect against releases into the environment. We believe our assets are designed, operated and 
maintained in material compliance with these laws and regulations and in accordance with other generally accepted 
industry standards and practices.

13

 
Environmental.  Our estimates for remediation liabilities assume that we will be able to use traditionally 
acceptable remedial and monitoring methods, as well as associated engineering or institutional controls, to comply 
with applicable regulatory requirements. These estimates include the cost of performing environmental assessments, 
remediation and monitoring of the impacted environment such as soils, groundwater and surface water conditions. 
Our recorded remediation liabilities are estimates and total remediation costs may differ from current estimated 
amounts. 

We may experience future releases of regulated materials into the environment or discover historical releases 

that were previously unidentified or not assessed. While an asset integrity and maintenance program designed to 
prevent, promptly detect and address releases is an integral part of our operations, damages and liabilities arising out 
of any environmental release from our assets identified in the future could have a material adverse effect on our 
results of operations, financial position or cash flow.

Liabilities recognized for estimated environmental costs were $24.0 million and $19.3 million at 

December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.  Environmental liabilities have been classified as current or noncurrent 
based on management’s estimates regarding the timing of actual payments.  We have insurance policies that provide 
coverage for remediation costs and liabilities arising from sudden and accidental releases of products applicable to 
all of our assets.  Receivables from insurance carriers related to environmental matters were $4.1 million and $7.2 
million at December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively. 

Hazardous Substances and Wastes.  Our operations are subject to various laws and regulations that relate to 

the release of hazardous substances and solid wastes into water or soils.  For instance, the Comprehensive 
Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended (“CERCLA”), also known as the Superfund 
law, and comparable state laws impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct, on 
certain classes of persons who are considered to be responsible for the release of a hazardous substance into the 
environment. 

Our operations generate wastes, including hazardous wastes that are subject to the requirements of the 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) and comparable state statutes. We are not currently required to 
comply with a substantial portion of the RCRA requirements as our operations routinely generate only small 
quantities of hazardous wastes, and we are not a hazardous waste treatment, storage or disposal facility operator that 
is required to obtain a RCRA hazardous waste permit. While RCRA currently exempts a number of wastes from 
being subject to hazardous waste requirements, including many oil and gas exploration and production wastes, the 
EPA could consider the adoption of stricter disposal standards for non-hazardous wastes. Moreover, it is possible 
that additional wastes, which could include non-hazardous wastes currently generated during operations, may be 
designated as hazardous wastes. Hazardous wastes are subject to more rigorous and costly storage and disposal 
requirements than non-hazardous wastes. Changes in the regulations could materially increase our expenses. 

We own or lease properties where hydrocarbons have been handled for many years. Although we have utilized 

operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hydrocarbons or other wastes may 
have been disposed of or released on, under or from the properties owned or leased by us or on or under other 
locations where these wastes have been taken for disposal. In addition, many of these properties were previously 
operated by third parties whose treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons or other wastes was not under our 
control. These properties and wastes disposed thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws. 
Under these laws, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes, including wastes 
disposed of or released by prior owners or operators, to remediate contaminated property, including groundwater 
contaminated by prior owners or operators, or to make capital improvements to prevent future contamination. 

As part of our assessment of facility operations, we have identified some above-ground tanks at our terminals 
that either are or are suspected of being coated with lead-based paints. The removal and disposal of any paints that 
are found to be lead-based, whenever such activities are conducted in the future as part of our day-to-day 
maintenance activities, will require increased handling. However, we do not expect the costs associated with this 
increased handling to be material. 

14

Water Discharges. Our operations can result in the discharge of pollutants, including crude oil and refined 

products, and are subject to the Oil Pollution Act (“OPA”) and Clean Water Act (“CWA”).  The OPA and CWA 
subject owners of facilities to strict, joint and potentially significant liability for removal costs and certain other 
consequences of a product spill such as natural resource damages, where the product spills into regulated waters, 
along federal shorelines or in the exclusive economic zone of the U.S. In the event of a product spill from one of our 
facilities into regulated waters, substantial liabilities could be imposed. States in which we operate have also enacted 
similar laws. The CWA imposes restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of pollutants into regulated 
waters. This law and comparable state laws require that permits be obtained to discharge pollutants into regulated 
waters and impose substantial potential liability for non-compliance. Compliance with these laws is not expected to 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Air Emissions.  Our operations are subject to the federal Clean Air Act (“CAA”) and comparable state and 
local laws and regulations, which regulate emissions of air pollutants from various industrial sources, including 
certain of our facilities, and impose various monitoring and reporting requirements. Such laws and regulations may 
require that we obtain pre-approval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities expected to 
produce or significantly increase air emissions, obtain and strictly comply with air permits containing various 
emissions and operational limitations and utilize specific emission control technologies to limit emissions. Failure to 
comply with these requirements could subject us to monetary penalties, injunctions, conditions or restrictions on 
operations and, potentially, criminal enforcement actions. We may be required to incur certain capital expenditures 
in the future for air pollution control equipment in connection with obtaining and maintaining operating permits and 
approvals for air emissions. We believe, however, that our operations will not be materially adversely affected by 
such requirements. 

Greenhouse Gas Emissions.  The EPA has adopted regulations under existing provisions of the CAA that 
require certain large stationary sources to obtain pre-construction permits and operating permits for greenhouse gas 
emissions. In addition, in September 2009, the EPA issued a final rule requiring the monitoring and reporting of 
greenhouse gas emissions from certain large greenhouse gas emissions sources. This reporting rule was expanded in 
November 2010 to include petroleum facilities.  

Congress has from time to time considered legislation to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, in 

December 2015, over 190 countries, including the United States, reached an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions (“Paris Agreement”). The Paris Agreement became effective in November 2016 after more than 70 
countries, including the United States, ratified or otherwise indicated their intent to be bound by the agreement.  In 
August 2017, the current administration announced that the United States plans to withdraw from the Paris 
Agreement and to seek negotiations to reenter the Paris Agreement on different terms or establish a new framework.  
The Paris Agreement provides for a four-year exit process beginning in November 2016, which would result in an 
effective exit date of November 2020.  To the extent the United States and other countries impose other climate 
change regulations on the oil industry, it could have an adverse direct or indirect effect on our business. 

Although it is not possible at this time to predict how legislation or new regulations that may be adopted to 
address greenhouse gas emissions would impact our business, any such future laws and regulations that limit or 
regulate emissions of greenhouse gases could adversely affect demand for the products that we transport, store and 
distribute and, depending on the particular program adopted, could increase our costs to operate and maintain our 
facilities by requiring that we measure and report our emissions, install new emission controls on our facilities, 
acquire allowances to authorize our greenhouse gas emissions, pay any taxes related to our greenhouse gas 
emissions and administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program, among other things. We may be unable 
to include some or all of such increased costs in the rates charged to our customers and any such recovery may 
depend on events beyond our control, including the outcome of future rate proceedings before the FERC or state 
regulatory agencies and the provisions of any final legislation or implementing regulations. 

Finally, certain scientific studies conclude that increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s 
atmosphere may affect climate changes, which could result in the increased frequency and severity of storms, floods 

15

and other climatic events.  If any such effects were to occur, there may be an increased potential for adverse effects 
on our assets and operations.

Maintenance.  Our pipeline systems are subject to regulation by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (“PHMSA”) under the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety 
Act of 1979, as amended (“HLPSA”), and comparable state statutes relating to the design, installation, testing, 
construction, operation, replacement and management of our pipeline facilities.  PHMSA develops, prescribes and 
enforces minimum federal safety standards for the transportation of hazardous liquids by pipeline.  Congress also 
enacted the Pipeline Safety Act of 1992, which added the environment to the list of statutory factors that must be 
considered in establishing safety standards for hazardous liquid pipelines and mandated that regulations be issued to 
establish criteria for operators to use in identifying and inspecting pipelines located in “high consequence areas” or 
“HCAs,” defined as those areas that are unusually sensitive to environmental damage, cross a navigable waterway or  
have a high population density.  As an operator of hazardous liquid interstate pipelines, we are required to and have 
developed and follow an integrity management program that provides for assessment of the integrity of all of the 
portions of our pipelines that could affect designated HCAs.  In 1996, Congress enacted the Accountable Pipeline 
Safety and Partnership Act, which limited the operator identification requirement mandate to pipelines that cross a 
waterway where a substantial likelihood of commercial navigation exists, required that certain areas where a 
pipeline release would likely cause permanent or long-term environmental damage be considered in determining 
whether an area is unusually sensitive to environmental damage and mandated that regulations be issued for the 
qualification and testing of certain pipeline personnel.  In the Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement and 
Safety Act of 2006, Congress required mandatory inspections for certain U.S. crude oil transmission pipelines in 
HCAs and mandated that regulations be issued for low-stress hazardous liquid pipelines and pipeline control room 
management.  Our assets are also subject to various federal security regulations, and we believe we are in substantial 
compliance with all applicable federal regulations. 

In addition to regulations applicable to all of our pipelines, we have undertaken additional obligations to 
mitigate potential risks to health, safety and the environment on our Longhorn pipeline.  Our compliance with these 
incremental obligations is subject to the oversight of the U.S. Department of Transportation through PHMSA.

States are largely preempted by federal law from regulating pipeline safety for interstate lines, but most states 

are certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation to assume responsibility for enforcing federal intrastate 
pipeline regulations and inspection of intrastate pipelines.  States may adopt stricter standards for intrastate pipelines 
than those imposed by the federal government for interstate lines;  however, states vary considerably in their 
authority and capacity to address pipeline safety.  State standards may include requirements for facility design and 
management in addition to requirements for pipelines.  We believe we are in substantial compliance with all 
applicable state regulations.

Our marine terminals along coastal waterways are subject to U.S. Coast Guard regulations and comparable 
state statutes relating to the design, installation, construction, testing, operation, replacement and management of 
these assets. 

Breakout Storage Tank Integrity Regulations.  PHMSA defines a breakout tank as one that is used to relieve 
surges in a hazardous liquid pipeline system or to receive and store hazardous liquids transported by a pipeline for 
reinjection and continued transportation by a pipeline.  In January 2015, amended regulations were published by 
PHMSA which require more frequent out-of-service inspections for breakout storage tanks.  These regulations 
would impact approximately 500 of our storage tanks. We remain in active discussions with PHMSA to consider 
alternative, technically-viable inspection intervals.  If we are unable to reach such an agreement with PHMSA, our 
compliance with the amended regulations could negatively impact our future financial results and could result in 
service disruptions to our customers. 

Safety. Our assets are subject to the requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (“OSHA”) 

and comparable state statutes, which, among other things, require us to organize and disclose information about the 
hazardous materials used in our operations. Certain parts of this information must be reported to employees, state 
and local governmental authorities and local citizens upon request. At qualifying facilities, we are subject to OSHA 

16

 
 
Process Safety Management regulations that are designed to prevent or minimize the consequences of catastrophic 
releases of toxic, reactive, flammable or explosive chemicals. Compliance with these laws is not expected to have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 increased penalties for safety 

violations, established additional safety requirements for newly-constructed pipelines and required studies of certain 
safety issues that could result in the adoption of new regulatory requirements for existing pipelines. PHMSA has 
also published notices and advanced notices of proposed rulemaking to solicit comments on the need for changes to 
its safety regulations, including whether to revise the integrity management requirements, and finalized revisions to 
its hazardous liquid pipeline regulations in January 2017. Compliance with such legislative and regulatory changes 
could increase our regulatory compliance costs and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Security.  Our assets can be subject to physical security regulations depending on the nature of the facility.  
Our assets can be regulated by the Department of Transportation, the EPA, the United States Coast Guard and the 
Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”).  Compliance with these regulations is achieved by creating physical 
security plans, minimal physical security standards, marine terminal security drills and annual security audits of both 
marine and DHS regulated facilities.  Compliance with these laws is not expected to have a material adverse effect 
on our business, financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Title to Properties 

Substantially all of our pipelines are constructed on rights-of-way granted by the apparent record owners of 
the property, and in some instances, these rights-of-way have limited terms that may require periodic renegotiation 
or, if such negotiations are unsuccessful, may require us to seek to exercise the power of eminent domain where 
such remedy is available.  Several rights-of-way for our pipelines and other real property assets are shared with other 
pipelines and by third parties. In many instances, lands over which rights-of-way have been obtained are subject to 
prior liens, which have not been subordinated to the rights-of-way grants. We have obtained permits from public 
authorities to cross over or under, or to lay facilities in or along, water courses, county roads, municipal streets and 
state highways, and in some instances, these permits are revocable at the election of the grantor. We have also 
obtained permits from railroad companies to cross over or under lands or rights-of-way, many of which are also 
revocable at the grantor’s election. In some cases, property for pipeline purposes was purchased in fee. In some 
states and under some circumstances, we have the right of eminent domain to acquire rights-of-way and land 
necessary for our pipelines. 

Some of the leases, easements, rights-of-way, permits and licenses that have been transferred to us are only 
transferable with the consent of the grantor of these rights, which in some instances is a governmental entity. We 
believe that we have obtained or will obtain sufficient third-party consents, permits and authorizations to operate our 
business in all material respects.

We believe that we have satisfactory title to all of our assets.  Although title to our properties is subject to 

encumbrances in some cases, such as customary interests generally retained in connection with the acquisition of 
real property, liens that can be imposed in some jurisdictions for government-initiated action to clean up 
environmental contamination, liens for current taxes and other burdens, and easements, restrictions and other 
encumbrances to which the underlying properties were subject at the time of acquisition, we believe that none of 
these burdens should materially detract from the value of our properties or from our interest in them or should 
materially interfere with their use in the operation of our business.

17

Employees

As of December 31, 2017, we had 1,802 employees, 940 of which were assigned to our refined products 
segment and concentrated in the central U.S.  Approximately 24% of the 940 employees are represented by the 
United Steel Workers (“USW”) and covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in January 2019.  At 
December 31, 2017, 151 of our employees were assigned to our crude oil segment and were concentrated in the 
central U.S., and none of these employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  177 employees were 
assigned to our marine storage segment at December 31, 2017, primarily in the Gulf and East Coast regions of the 
U.S.  Approximately 16% of these employees are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers 
(“IUOE”) and covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in October 2020.

(d) Financial Information About Geographical Areas

We have no international activities.  For all periods included in this report, all of our revenue was derived from 

operations conducted in, and all of our assets were located in, the U.S.  See Note 16–Segment Disclosures in the 
notes to consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this report for information regarding our revenue and 
total assets. 

(e) Available Information

We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information electronically with the 
Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  You may read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the 
SEC’s Public Reference Room at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549.  You may obtain information on the 
operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.  The SEC maintains an Internet site 
(www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that 
file electronically with the SEC, including our filings.

Our internet address is www.magellanlp.com.  We make available free of charge on or through our website our 
annual report 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 Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 
“Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, 
the SEC.

Item 1A.   Risk Factors

The nature of our business activities subjects us to a wide variety of hazards and risks. The following is a 

summary of the material risks relating to our business activities that we have identified. In addition to the factors 
discussed elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, you should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties 
described below, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of 
operations. These risks are not the only risks that we face. Our business could be impacted by additional risks and 
uncertainties not currently known or that we currently believe to be immaterial. If any of these risks actually occur, 
they could materially harm our business, financial condition or results of operations and impair our ability to 
implement our business plans or complete development projects as scheduled. 

Risks Related to Our Business

Our cash distributions are not guaranteed. The cash from operations that we generate could decrease or fail to 

meet expectations, either of which could reduce our ability to pay quarterly cash distributions.  

The amount of cash we can distribute to our limited partners principally depends upon the cash we generate 
from our operations, as well as cash reserves established by our general partner. Our distributable cash flow does not 
depend solely on profitability, which is affected by non-cash items. As a result, we could pay cash distributions 
during periods when we record net losses and could be unable to pay cash distributions during periods when we 
record net income. In addition, the amount of cash we generate from operations is affected by numerous factors 

18

 
 
beyond our control, fluctuates from quarter to quarter and may change over time. Significant or sustained reductions 
in the cash generated by our operations would reduce our ability to pay quarterly distributions. Any failure to pay 
distributions at expected levels could result in a loss of investor confidence and a decrease in the value of our unit 
price.

Our financial results depend on the demand for the petroleum products that we transport, store and distribute, 

among other factors. Unfavorable economic conditions, technological changes, regulatory developments or other 
factors could result in lower demand for these products for a sustained period of time. 

Any sustained decrease in demand for petroleum products in the markets served by our pipelines or terminals 

could result in a significant reduction in the volume of products that we transport, store or distribute, and thereby 
reduce our cash flow and our ability to pay cash distributions. Global economic conditions have from time to time 
resulted in reduced demand for the products transported and stored by our pipelines and terminals and consequently 
for the services that we provide. Our financial results may also be affected by uncertain or changing economic 
conditions within certain regions, or by supply or demand shifts between regions. If economic and market conditions 
remain uncertain or adverse conditions persist for an extended period, we could experience material impacts to our 
business, financial condition or results of operations.

Other factors that could lead to a decrease in demand for the petroleum products we transport, store and 

distribute include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

an increase in the use of alternative fuel sources, such as ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, fuel cells, solar, 
electric and battery-powered engines.  Several countries and some automobile manufacturers have 
announced plans to significantly reduce or eliminate the use of fossil-fuel powered vehicles, and significant 
increases in the production of electric vehicles is widely expected.  In addition, current U.S. laws require a 
significant increase in the quantity of ethanol and biodiesel used in transportation fuels each year until 
2022. Increases in the use of such alternative fuels could have a material impact on the volume of 
petroleum-based fuels transported on our pipelines or distributed through our terminals;

an increase in transportation fuel economy, whether as a result of a shift by consumers to more fuel-
efficient vehicles, technological advances by manufacturers or federal or state regulations. For example, the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the EPA finalized standards for passenger cars and 
light trucks manufactured in model years beginning in 2017 that will require significant increases in fuel 
efficiency. These standards are intended to reduce demand for petroleum products, and could reduce 
demand for our services; 

changes in population or changes in consumer preferences, rates of automobile ownership, or driving 
patterns in the markets we serve;

an increase or decrease in the market prices of petroleum products, which may reduce supply or demand. 
Petroleum product prices have been volatile in recent years and that volatility may continue in ways that we 
are unable to predict or control; and

higher fuel taxes or other governmental or regulatory actions that increase the cost of the products we 
handle.

19

A decrease in crude oil production in the basins served by our crude oil pipelines could reduce our 

transportation revenues, which could adversely impact our results of operations and the amount of cash we 
generate. 

Numerous factors can cause reductions in crude oil production in the regions served by our pipelines, 
including, among other factors, lower overall crude oil prices, regional price or quality differences, higher costs of 
crude oil production, weather or other natural causes, adverse regulatory or legal developments, disruptions in 
financial or credit markets that inhibit the ability of our customers to finance the costs of production, or lower 
overall demand for crude oil and the products derived from crude oil. Crude oil prices have historically exhibited 
significant volatility, and are influenced by, among other factors, worldwide and domestic supplies of and demand 
for crude oil, political and economic developments in often-volatile producing regions, actions taken by the 
Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, technological developments, government regulations and taxes, 
policies regarding the importing and exporting of crude oil and conditions in global financial markets. 

We are unable to predict future prices of crude oil or what impact the crude price environment will have on 

future production overall, and specifically on production in the basins we serve. While the transportation revenues 
on our crude oil pipelines are in some cases supported by long-term contracts, lower production in the regions 
served by our pipelines could result in lower shipments of uncommitted volumes, or could cause us to be unable to 
renew our contracts at existing volumes or rates.  Any sustained decrease in the production of crude oil in the 
regions served by our crude oil pipelines could result in a significant reduction in the volume of products that we 
transport or the rates we are able to charge for such transportation services or both, thereby reducing our cash flow 
and our ability to pay cash distributions.

We depend on producers, gatherers, refineries and petroleum pipelines owned and operated by others to 

supply our assets. 

We depend on crude oil production and on connections with gathering systems, refineries and petroleum 
pipelines owned and operated by third parties to supply our assets. We cannot control or predict the amount of crude 
oil that will be delivered to us by the gathering systems and pipelines that supply our crude oil assets, nor can we 
control or predict the output of refineries that supply our refined products pipelines and terminals. Changes in the 
quality or quantity of this crude oil production, outages at these refineries or reduced or interrupted throughput on 
these gathering systems or pipelines due to weather-related or other natural causes, competitive forces, testing, line 
repair, damage, reduced operating pressures or other causes could reduce shipments on our pipelines or result in our 
being unable to receive products at or deliver products from our terminals or receive products for processing at our 
condensate splitter, any of which could materially adversely affect our cash flows and ability to pay cash 
distributions.

The closure of refineries that supply or are supplied by our refined products and crude oil pipelines could 
result in material disruptions or reductions in the volumes we transport and store and in the amount of cash we 
generate. 

Refineries that supply or are supplied by our facilities are subject to regulatory developments, including but 
not limited to regulations regarding fuel specifications, plant emissions and safety and security requirements that 
could significantly increase the cost of their operations and reduce their operating margins. For example, costs to 
comply with renewable fuel standards have negatively impacted the profitability of numerous independent 
refineries, and were cited as the primary cause of a bankruptcy filing of a refining company in January 2018. In 
addition, the profitability of the refineries that supply our facilities is subject to regional and global supply and 
demand dynamics that are difficult to predict. A period of sustained weak demand or increased cost of supply could 
make refining uneconomic for some refineries, including those located along our refined products and crude oil 
pipelines. The closure of a refinery that delivers product to or receives crude from our pipelines could reduce the 
volumes we transport and the amount of cash we generate. Further, the closure of these or other refineries could 
result in our customers electing to store and distribute petroleum products through their proprietary terminals, which 
could result in a reduction of our storage volumes. 

20

A decrease in contract renewals or renewals at substantially lower rates or shorter terms could cause our 

revenue to decline or be more volatile, which could adversely impact our results of operations and the amount of 
cash we generate and our ability to make cash distributions.

A significant portion of the revenue we earn from providing petroleum products transportation and storage 

services is provided for in multi-year contracts negotiated with our customers. Many of those contracts require our 
customers to pay for our services regardless of market conditions during the contract period. Changing market 
conditions, including changes in petroleum product supply or demand patterns, competitive factors, forward-price 
structure, financial market conditions, regulations, accounting rules or other factors could cause our customers to be 
unwilling to renew their storage contracts with us when those contracts terminate, or make them willing to renew 
only at lower rates or for shorter contract periods.  For example, the existing contracts on our Longhorn crude oil 
pipeline expire in late 2018, and we currently expect to receive rates below the existing rates following the 
expiration of the contract term. Failure by our customers to renew any of their contracts with us on terms and at rates 
substantially similar to our existing contracts could result in lower utilization of our assets or cause our revenues to 
decline or be more volatile, any of which could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position and our 
ability to make cash distributions. 

Competition could lead to lower levels of profits and reduce the amount of cash we generate. 

We compete with other existing pipelines and terminals that provide similar services in the same markets as 
our assets. In addition, our competitors could construct new assets or redeploy existing assets in a manner that would 
result in more intense competition in the markets we serve. For example, storage facilities previously used to support 
refineries or other facilities have in some cases been redeployed to provide services that compete with our own 
services.  Similarly, in some cases pipelines previously used to provide services that did not compete with us have 
been repurposed to provide services that directly compete with certain of our services.

We compete with other transportation, storage and distribution alternatives on the basis of many factors, 
including but not limited to rates, service levels and offerings, geographic location, connectivity and reliability. Our 
customers could utilize the assets and services of our competitors instead of our assets and services, or we could be 
required to lower our prices or increase our costs to retain our customers. 

Many of the competitors of our crude oil segment conduct extensive crude oil gathering and marketing 
activities that we do not currently participate in and that could enhance their competitive position.  We filed a 
petition for declaratory order in November 2016 requesting a FERC determination that our proposal to establish a 
crude oil marketing affiliate and engage in certain marketing activities would be in compliance with the Interstate 
Commerce Act.  In late 2017, the FERC denied our request, and we and other industry participants have 
subsequently submitted requests for further clarification or rehearing from the FERC.  We are unable to predict the 
outcome of these proceedings.  If we are ultimately unable to offer services and conduct activities similar to those 
offered and conducted by our competitors, our competitive position could be negatively impacted. 

Any of these or other competitive forces could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial 

position or cash flows, as well as our ability to pay cash distributions. 

Our business is subject to the risk of a capacity overbuild in some of the markets in which we operate. 

We and our joint ventures have made and continue to make significant investments in new energy 

infrastructure to meet market demand, as have several of our competitors. For example, we have invested 
significantly in pipelines to deliver crude oil from the Permian Basin in West Texas to markets along the U.S. Gulf 
Coast and from the DJ Basin in Colorado to Cushing, Oklahoma. We have also constructed a condensate splitter in 
Corpus Christi, Texas, and are in the process of constructing a new marine terminal along the Houston Ship Channel 
in Pasadena, Texas. Similar investments have been made and additional investments may be made in the future by 
our competitors or by new entrants to the markets we serve. The success of these and similar projects largely relies 
on the realization of anticipated market demand, and these projects typically require significant development 
periods, during which time demand for such infrastructure may change, or additional investments by competitors 

21

 
may be made. If infrastructure investments by us or others in the markets we serve result in capacity that exceeds the 
demand in those markets, our facilities could be underutilized and we could be forced to reduce the rates we charge 
for our services, which could materially affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows, as well as 
our ability to pay cash distributions.

Mergers among our customers and competitors could result in lower volumes being shipped on our pipelines 

or products stored in or distributed through our terminals, thereby reducing the amount of cash we generate. 

Mergers among our existing customers and our competitors could provide strong economic incentives for the 
combined entities to utilize their existing systems instead of ours in those markets where our systems compete. As a 
result, we could lose some or all of the volumes and associated revenue from these customers, and we could 
experience difficulty in replacing those lost volumes and revenue. As a significant portion of our operating costs are 
fixed, a reduction in volumes would result not only in less revenue, but also a decline in cash flow of a similar 
magnitude, which could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows, as 
well as our ability to pay cash distributions.

Reduced volatility in energy prices or new government regulations could discourage our storage customers 
from holding positions in petroleum products, which could adversely affect the demand for our storage services. 

We have constructed and continue to build new storage tanks in response to increased customer demand for 

storage. Many of our competitors have also built new storage facilities. The demand for new storage has resulted in 
part from our customers’ desire to have the ability to take advantage of profit opportunities created by volatility in 
the prices of petroleum products. If the prices of petroleum products become relatively stable, or if federal or state 
regulations are passed that discourage our customers from storing these commodities, demand for our storage 
services could decrease, in which case we may be unable to identify customers willing to contract for such services 
or be forced to reduce the rates we charge for our services, either of which could materially reduce the amount of 
cash we generate.

Fluctuations in prices of petroleum products that we purchase and sell could materially affect our results of 

operations. 

We generate product sales revenue from our butane blending and fractionation activities, as well as from the 

sale of product generated by the operations of our pipelines and terminals. We also maintain product inventory 
related to these activities. Prices of petroleum products have historically experienced wide fluctuations. Significant 
fluctuations in market prices of petroleum products could result in losses or lower profits from these activities, 
thereby reducing the amount of cash we generate and our ability to pay cash distributions. Additionally, significant 
fluctuations in market prices of petroleum products could result in significant unrealized gains or losses on 
transactions we enter to hedge our exposure to commodity price changes. To the extent these transactions have not 
been designated as hedges for accounting purposes, the associated unrealized gains and losses directly impact our 
results of operations.

We hedge prices of petroleum products by utilizing physical purchase and sale agreements and exchange-
traded futures contracts. These hedging arrangements do not eliminate all price risks, could result in fluctuations in 
quarterly or annual financial results and could result in material cash obligations that could negatively impact our 
financial position or our ability to pay distributions to our unitholders. Further, any non-compliance with our risk 
management policies could result in significant losses. 

We hedge our exposure to price fluctuations for our petroleum products purchase and sale activities by 

utilizing physical purchase and sale agreements and exchange-traded futures contracts. To the extent these hedges do 
not qualify for hedge accounting treatment or are not designated as hedges under Accounting Standards Codification 
815, Derivatives and Hedging, or if they result in material amounts of ineffectiveness, we could experience material 
fluctuations in our quarterly or annual results of operations. We may be required to post margin in connection with 
these hedges, which could result in material and unpredictable demands on our liquidity. These contracts may be for 
the purchase or sale of product in markets for a time frame different from those in which we are attempting to hedge 

22

our exposure, resulting in hedges that do not eliminate all price risks. In addition, our product sales and hedging 
operations involve the risk of non-compliance with our risk management policies. We cannot assure you that our 
processes and procedures will detect and prevent all violations of our risk management policies, particularly if 
deception or other intentional misconduct is involved. If we incur a material loss related to commodity price risks, 
including non-compliance with our risk management policies, our quarterly or annual results of operations or cash 
flows could be negatively impacted, which could have a negative impact on our unit price. Further, our requirement 
to post material amounts of margin in connection with our hedges could negatively impact our liquidity and our 
ability to pay distributions to our unitholders.

Changes in price levels could negatively impact our revenue, our expenses, or both, which could adversely 

affect our results from operations, our liquidity and our ability to pay cash distributions. 

The operation of our assets and the implementation of our growth strategy require significant expenditures for 
labor, materials, property, equipment and services. Increases in the cost of these items could materially increase our 
expenses or capital costs. We may not be able to pass these increased costs on to our customers in the form of higher 
fees for our services. 

We use the FERC’s PPI-based price indexing methodology to establish tariff rates in certain markets served by 
our pipelines. The FERC’s indexing methodology is subject to review every five years and limits a pipeline’s rates in 
such markets each year to a new ceiling level, which is calculated as the previous year’s ceiling level multiplied by a 
percentage. For the five-year period beginning July 1, 2016, the indexing method provides for annual changes equal 
to the change in the PPI-FG plus 1.23%. This methodology could result in changes in our revenue that do not fully 
reflect changes in the costs we incur to operate and maintain our pipelines. For example, our costs could increase 
more quickly or by a greater amount than the PPI-FG index plus 1.23% used by the current FERC methodology. 
Further, in periods of general price deflation, the ceiling level provided for by the FERC’s index methodology could 
decrease, as it did in 2015, requiring us to reduce our index-based rates, as we did in July 2016, even if the actual 
costs we incur to operate our assets increase. Changes in price levels that lead to decreases in our revenue or 
increases in the prices we pay to operate and maintain our assets could adversely affect our results of operations, 
financial position or cash flows, as well as our ability to pay cash distributions. 

Our business involves many hazards and operational risks, the occurrence of which could materially adversely 

affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows and our ability to pay cash distributions. 

Our operations are subject to many hazards inherent in the transportation and distribution of petroleum 

products and ammonia, including ruptures, leaks and fires.  In addition, our operations are exposed to potential 
natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, storms, floods and earthquakes. For example, in 2017, Hurricane 
Harvey hit the Texas Gulf Coast, disrupting the partnership’s operations located in Houston and Corpus Christi.  
This hurricane negatively impacted our results by approximately $20 million.  These risks could result in substantial 
losses due to personal injury or loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment and 
pollution or other environmental damage, and may result in curtailment or suspension of our related operations. 
Some of our assets are located in or near high consequence areas such as residential and commercial centers or 
sensitive environments, and the potential damages are even greater in these areas. If a significant accident or event 
occurs, it could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows and our ability 
to pay cash distributions.

Many of our storage tanks and significant portions of our pipeline system have been in service for several 

decades. 

Our pipeline and storage assets are generally long-lived assets. As a result, some of our assets have been in 

service for several decades. The age and condition of these assets could result in increased maintenance or 
remediation expenditures and an increased risk of product releases and associated costs and liabilities. Any 
significant increase in these expenditures, costs or liabilities could materially adversely affect our results of 
operations, financial position or cash flows, as well as our ability to pay cash distributions.

23

We do not own all of the property on which our pipelines and facilities are located, and we rely on securing 

and retaining adequate rights-of-way and permits in order to operate our existing assets and complete growth 
projects. 

We do not own all of the land on which our pipelines and facilities are located. As such, we are subject to the 

possibility of increased costs to retain necessary land use. In those instances, in which we do not own the land on 
which our facilities are located, we obtain the rights to construct and operate our pipelines and gathering systems on 
land owned by third parties and governmental agencies for a specific period of time. In addition, some of our 
facilities cross Native American lands pursuant to rights-of-way of limited terms. We may not have the right of 
eminent domain over land owned by Native American tribes or other government entities and our ability to secure 
required permits and rights-of-way or otherwise proceed with construction of our expansion projects could 
encounter opposition or sabotage from activists, who may attempt to delay pipeline construction through protests 
and other means, as recently occurred in North Dakota in relation to the Dakota Access Pipeline (“DAPL”).  The 
loss of these rights, through our inability to acquire or renew right-of-way contracts or otherwise, could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and our ability to make 
cash distributions to unitholders.

Our assets may not be adequately insured and we could experience losses that exceed our insurance coverage. 

We are not fully insured against all hazards or operational risks related to our businesses, and the insurance we 

carry requires that we meet certain deductibles before we can collect for any losses we sustain. If a significant 
accident or event occurs that is not fully insured, it could materially adversely affect our results of operations, 
financial position or cash flows and our ability to pay cash distributions.

We may encounter increased costs related to and decreases in the availability of insurance. 

Premiums and deductibles for our insurance policies could escalate as a result of market conditions or losses 
experienced by us or by other companies. In some instances, insurance could become unavailable or available only 
for reduced amounts of coverage. Increases in the cost of insurance or the inability to obtain insurance at rates that 
we consider commercially reasonable could materially affect our results of operations, financial position or cash 
flows and our ability to pay cash distributions.

Terrorist attacks aimed at our facilities or that impact our customers or the markets we serve could adversely 

affect our business. 

The U.S. government has issued warnings that energy assets in general, and the nation’s pipeline and terminal 

infrastructure in particular, may be targets of terrorist organizations. The threat of terrorist attacks subjects our 
operations to increased risks. Any terrorist attack on our facilities, those of our customers and, in some cases, those 
of other pipelines, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Similarly, any terrorist attacks that severely 
disrupt the markets we serve could materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or cash 
flows, as well as our ability to pay cash distributions.

Cyber-attacks, or other information security breaches, that circumvent security measures taken by us or others 

with whom we conduct business or share information could result in increased costs or other damage to our 
business. 

We rely on our information technology infrastructure to process, transmit, and store electronic information, 

including information we use to safely operate our assets. In addition, we rely on third-party systems, including for 
example the electric grid and cloud-based software services, which could also be subject to security breaches or 
cyber attacks, and the failure of which could have a significant adverse effect on the operation of our assets. We and 
our third-party providers face cybersecurity and other security threats to our information technology infrastructure, 
which could include threats to our control systems and safety systems that operate our pipelines, plants and assets. 
We could face unlawful attempts to gain access to our information technology infrastructure, including coordinated 
attacks from hackers, whether state-sponsored groups, “hacktivists,” or private individuals. The age, operating 

24

systems, or condition of our current information technology infrastructure and software assets and our ability to 
maintain and upgrade such assets could affect our ability to resist cybersecurity threats. We could also face attempts 
to gain access to information related to our assets through attempts to obtain unauthorized access by targeting acts of 
deception against individuals with legitimate access to physical locations or information.

Breaches in our information technology infrastructure or physical facilities, or other disruptions including 

those arising from theft, vandalism, fraud, or unethical conduct, could result in damage to our assets, unnecessary 
waste, safety incidents, damage to people, property and the environment, reputational damage, potential liability, or 
the loss of contracts, and could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows, as well as 
our ability to pay cash distributions.

Failure of critical information technology systems may impact our ability to operate our assets or manage our 

businesses, thereby reducing the amount of cash available for distribution. 

We utilize information technology systems to operate our assets and manage our businesses. Some of these 
systems are proprietary systems that require specialized programming capabilities, while others are based upon or 
reside on technology that has been in service for many years. Failures of these systems could result in a breach of 
critical operational or financial controls and lead to a disruption of our operations, commercial activities or financial 
processes. Such failures could adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flow, as well as 
our ability to pay cash distributions.

Our expansion projects may not immediately produce operating cash flows and may exceed our cost estimates 

or experience delays. 

We have undertaken numerous large expansion projects that have required and will continue to require us to 
make significant capital investments. We intend to finance those projects primarily with new borrowings, and we 
will incur financing costs during the planning and construction phases of these projects; however, the operating cash 
flows we expect these projects to generate will not materialize until sometime after the projects are completed, if at 
all. As a result, our leverage ratio relative to our earnings may increase during the period prior to the generation of 
those operating cash flows. In addition, the amount of time and investment necessary to complete these projects 
could materially exceed the estimates we used when determining whether to undertake them. For example, we must
compete with other companies for the materials and construction services required to complete these projects, and 
competition for these materials or services could result in significant delays or cost overruns.  Similarly, we must 
secure and retain required permits and rights-of-way, including in some cases through the exercise of the power of 
eminent domain, in order to complete and operate these projects, and our inability to do so in a timely manner could 
result in significant delays or cost overruns. Our ability to secure required permits and rights-of-way or otherwise 
proceed with construction of our expansion projects could encounter opposition from political activists, who may 
attempt to delay pipeline construction through protests and other means, as has recently occurred in North Dakota in
relation to DAPL.  Further, in many instances, the operations of our expansion projects are subject to the execution 
by third parties of pipeline connections or other related projects that are beyond our control. Delays or unanticipated 
costs associated with these third parties in the execution of these related projects could result in delays or cost 
overruns in the start-up of our own projects. In addition, we run the risk of failing to meet commitments to our 
customers as a result of project delays, which in some cases could allow our customers to terminate their 
commitments to us or otherwise negatively impact customer relationships and future financial results. Any cost 
overruns or unanticipated delays in the completion or commercial development of our expansion projects could 
reduce the anticipated returns on these projects, which in turn could materially increase our leverage and reduce our 
liquidity and our ability to pay cash distributions.

Potential future acquisitions and expansions may affect our business by substantially increasing the level of 

our indebtedness and liabilities, subjecting us to the risk of being unable to effectively integrate the new operations 
and diluting our limited partner unitholders. 

From time to time we evaluate and acquire assets and businesses. We may issue significant amounts of 

additional equity securities and incur substantial additional indebtedness to finance future acquisitions, and our 

25

capitalization and results of operations may change significantly as a result. Our limited partner unitholders may not 
have an opportunity to review or evaluate the information and assumptions we use to determine whether to pursue 
an acquisition. An acquisition that we expect to be accretive could nevertheless reduce our cash from operations if 
we rely on faulty information, make inaccurate assumptions, assume unidentified liabilities or otherwise improperly 
value the acquired assets. In addition, any equity securities we issue to finance acquisitions would dilute our existing 
limited partner unitholders and could reduce our cash flow available for distribution on a per unit basis.

Acquisitions and business expansions involve numerous risks, including but not limited to difficulties in the 
assimilation of the assets and operations of the acquired businesses, inefficiencies and difficulties that arise due to 
our unfamiliarity with new assets and the businesses associated with them and their markets, challenges in managing 
or retaining new employees and establishing relationships with and retaining new customers and business partners, 
and the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns. Further, unexpected costs and challenges 
may arise whenever businesses with different operations or management are combined, and we may experience 
unanticipated delays in realizing the benefits of an acquisition. Following an acquisition, we may discover 
previously unknown liabilities associated with the acquired business for which we have no recourse from the seller.

We compete for acquisitions and new projects with numerous other established energy companies and many 

other potential investors. Increased competition for acquisitions or growth projects could limit our ability to execute 
our growth strategy or could result in our executing that strategy on substantially less attractive terms than we have 
previously experienced, either of which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or cash 
flows, as well as our ability to pay cash distributions.

Failure to generate or complete additional growth projects or make future acquisitions could reduce our 

ability to increase cash distributions to our unitholders. 

Our ability to increase distributions to our unitholders depends to a significant degree on our ability to 
successfully identify and execute additional growth projects and acquisitions. We face significant uncertainties and 
competition in the pursuit of such opportunities. For example, decisions regarding new growth projects rely on 
numerous estimates, including among other factors, predictions of future demand for our services, future supply 
shifts, crude oil production estimates, commodity price environments, regulatory developments, economic 
conditions and potential changes in the financial condition of our customers. Our predictions of such factors could 
cause us to forego certain investments or to lose opportunities to competitors who make investments based on more 
aggressive predictions or who are generally more tolerant of risk. Valuations of energy infrastructure assets have 
generally been elevated in recent years, which has made it difficult for us to be successful in our attempts to acquire 
new assets, as other bidders for those assets have been willing to pay prices and accept terms that did not meet our 
risk and return criteria. We cannot be certain that our own predictions are more accurate than those of other bidders, 
and our approach to risk could cause us to miss opportunities that could otherwise have created value for our 
unitholders.  If we are unable to acquire new assets or develop additional expansion projects, our ability to increase 
distributions to our unitholders will be reduced.

We do not have the same flexibility as other types of organizations to accumulate cash and retained earnings to 
protect against illiquidity in the future, and we rely on access to capital to fund acquisitions and growth projects and 
to refinance existing debt obligations. Unfavorable developments in capital markets could limit our ability to obtain 
funding or require us to secure funding on terms that could limit our financial flexibility, reduce our liquidity, dilute 
the interests of our existing unitholders and reduce our cash flows and ability to pay distributions. 

Our partnership agreement requires us to make quarterly distributions to our unitholders of all available cash, 

after taking into account reserves for commitments and contingencies, including capital investments, operating costs 
and debt service requirements. As a result, we do not accumulate equity in the form of retained earnings in a manner 
typical of many other forms of organization, including most traditional public corporations. As a result, we are more 
likely than those organizations to require issuances of additional capital to finance our growth plans, meet 
unforeseen cash requirements and service our debt. 

26

We regularly consider and pursue growth projects and acquisitions as part of our efforts to increase cash 
available for distribution to our unitholders. These transactions can be effected quickly, may occur at any time and 
may be significant in size relative to our existing assets and operations. For example, we estimate that we will spend 
approximately $1.3 billion to complete our current slate of organic growth projects. We generally do not retain 
sufficient cash flow to finance such projects and acquisitions, and consequently the execution of our growth strategy 
requires regular access to external sources of capital. Any limitations on our access to capital on satisfactory terms 
will impair our ability to execute this strategy and could reduce our liquidity and our ability to make cash 
distributions. 

Similarly, we generally do not retain sufficient cash flow to repay our indebtedness when it matures, and we 
rely on new capital to refinance these obligations. For example, $250 million of our long-term notes will mature in 
July 2018 and an additional $550 million will mature in 2019. We anticipate refinancing those notes when they 
mature. 

Limitations on our access to capital, including on our ability to issue additional debt and equity, could result 

from events or causes beyond our control, and could include, among other factors, decreases in our creditworthiness 
or profitability, significant increases in interest rates, increases in the risk premium generally required by investors 
or in the premium required specifically for investments in energy-related companies or master limited partnerships, 
and decreases in the availability of credit or the tightening of terms required by lenders. Any limitations on our 
ability to refinance these obligations by securing new capital on satisfactory terms could severely limit our liquidity, 
our financial flexibility or our cash flows, and could result in the dilution of the interests of our existing unitholders.

Increases in interest rates could increase our financing costs, reduce the amount of cash we generate and 

adversely affect the trading price of our units. 

As of December 31, 2017, the face value of our outstanding fixed-rate debt was $4.6 billion. We have a 

commercial paper program under which we may issue commercial paper notes in an amount up to the available 
capacity under our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility, and we expect to make additional floating rate borrowings 
under our commercial paper program or revolving credit facility as needed. As a result, we would have exposure to 
changes in short-term interest rates. We may also use interest rate derivatives to effectively convert some of our 
fixed-rate notes to floating-rate debt, thereby increasing our exposure to changes in short-term interest rates. In 
addition, the execution of our growth strategy and the refinancing of our existing debt could require that we issue 
additional fixed-rate debt, and consequently we also have potential exposure to changes in long-term interest rates. 
Rising interest rates could reduce the amount of cash we generate and materially adversely affect our liquidity and 
our ability to pay cash distributions. Moreover, the trading price of our units is sensitive to changes in interest rates 
and could be materially adversely affected by any increase in interest rates.

Restrictions contained in our debt instruments may limit our financial flexibility. 

We are subject to restrictions with respect to our debt that may limit our flexibility in structuring or refinancing 

existing or future debt and may prevent us from engaging in certain beneficial transactions. These restrictions 
include, among other provisions, the maintenance of certain financial ratios, as well as limitations on our ability to 
incur additional indebtedness, to grant liens or to repay existing debt without prepayment premiums. These 
restrictions could result in higher costs of borrowing and impair our ability to generate additional cash.

The amount and timing of distributions to us from our joint ventures is not within our control, and we may be 
unable to cause our joint ventures to take or refrain from taking certain actions that may be in our best interest. In 
addition, as construction manager and operator of the majority of our joint ventures, we are exposed to additional 
risk and liability in connection with our responsibilities in those capacities. 

As of December 31, 2017, we were engaged in eight joint ventures in which we share control with other 
entities according to the relevant joint venture agreements. Those agreements provide that the respective joint 
venture management committees, including our representatives along with the representatives of the other owners of 
those joint ventures, determine the amount and timing of distributions. Our joint ventures may establish separate 

27

financing arrangements that contain restrictive covenants that may limit or restrict the joint venture’s ability to make 
cash distributions to us under certain circumstances. Any inability to generate cash or restrictions on cash 
distributions we receive from our joint ventures could impair our results of operations, cash flows and our ability to 
pay cash distributions. 

In the case of Double Eagle and Seabrook, an affiliate of our joint venture co-owner serves as operator, and 
consequently we rely on affiliates of our joint venture co-owner for many of the management functions of those 
joint ventures. Without the cooperation of the other owners of those joint ventures, we may not be able to cause our 
joint ventures to take or not to take certain actions, even though those actions or inactions may be in the best interest 
of us or the particular joint venture. With respect to our other joint ventures, we are the construction manager and 
operator, which exposes us to additional risk and liability in connection with our responsibilities in those capacities.

If we are unable to agree with our joint venture co-owners on a significant matter, it could result in delays, 

litigation or operational impasses that could result in a material adverse effect on that joint venture’s financial 
condition, results of operations or cash flows. If the matter is significant to us, it could result in a material adverse 
effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. If we fail to make a required capital contribution, 
we could be deemed to be in default under the applicable joint venture agreement. Our joint venture co-owners may 
be permitted to pursue a variety of remedies, including funding any deficiency resulting from our failure to make 
such capital contribution, which would result in a dilution of our ownership interest, or, in some cases, our joint 
venture co-owners may have the option to purchase all of our existing interest in the subject joint venture. 

Moreover, subject to certain limitations in the respective joint venture agreements, any joint venture owner 
may sell or transfer its ownership interest in a joint venture, whether in a transaction involving third parties or the 
other joint venture owners. Any such transaction could result in our being co-owners with different or additional 
parties with whom we have not had a previous relationship.

We are exposed to counterparty risk. Nonpayment, commitment termination or nonperformance by our 

customers, vendors, joint venture co-owners, lenders or derivative counterparties could materially reduce our 
revenue, increase our expenses, impair our liquidity or otherwise negatively impact our results of operations, 
financial position or cash flows and our ability to pay cash distributions. 

We are subject to risks of loss resulting from nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers to whom we 

extend credit. In addition, we frequently undertake capital expenditures based on commitments from customers from 
which we expect to realize the expected return on those expenditures, including take-or-pay commitments from our 
customers, and nonperformance by our customers of those commitments or termination of those commitments 
resulting from our inability to timely meet our obligations could result in substantial losses to us.  For example, we 
are constructing a new 135-mile pipeline from East Houston to Hearne, Texas at an estimated cost of $425 million 
based on a limited number of customer commitments.  Nonperformance by customers who back our capital projects 
could significantly impact our expected return from those projects. 

We have undertaken numerous projects that require cooperation with and performance by joint venture co-

owners. For example, Seabrook will be operated by our joint venture co-owner, LBC Tank Terminals, LLC, which 
also must make capital contributions to the joint venture. Nonperformance by our joint venture co-owners could 
result in increased costs or delays that could decrease our returns on our joint venture projects. 

We utilize third-party vendors to provide various functions, including, for example, certain construction 
activities, engineering services, facility inspections and operation of certain software systems. Using third parties to 
provide these functions has the effect of reducing our direct control over the services rendered. The failure of one or 
more of our third-party providers to deliver the expected services on a timely basis at the prices we expect and as 
required by contract could result in significant disruptions, costs to our operation, or instances of a contractor’s non-
compliance with applicable laws and regulations, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial 
condition, operating results or cash flows. 

28

We also rely to a significant degree on the banks that lend to us under our revolving credit facility for financial 
liquidity, and any failure of those banks to perform on their obligations to us could significantly impair our liquidity. 
Furthermore, nonpayment by the counterparties to our interest rate and commodity derivatives could expose us to 
additional interest rate or commodity price risk.  Any take-or-pay commitment terminations or substantial increase 
in the nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers, vendors, lenders or derivative counterparties could have a 
material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows and our ability to pay cash 
distributions.

Losses sustained by any money market mutual fund or other investment vehicle in which we invest our cash or 
the failure of any bank or financial institution in which we deposit funds could adversely affect our financial position 
and our ability to pay cash distributions. 

We may maintain material balances of cash and cash equivalents for extended periods of time. We typically 
invest any material amount of cash on hand in cash equivalents such as money market mutual funds. These funds are 
primarily comprised of highly rated short-term instruments. Significant market volatility and financial distress could 
cause such investments to lose value or reduce the liquidity of such investments. We may also maintain deposits at a 
commercial bank in excess of amounts insured by government agencies such as the Federal Deposit Insurance 
Corporation. In addition, certain exchange-traded derivatives transactions we enter into in order to hedge 
commodity-related price exposures frequently require us to make margin deposits with a broker. A failure of our 
commercial bank or our broker could result in our losing any funds we have deposited. Any losses we sustain on the 
investments or deposits of our cash could materially adversely affect our financial position and our ability to pay 
cash distributions.

Rate regulation, challenges by shippers of the rates we charge on our refined products and crude oil pipelines 

or changes in the jurisdictional characterization of our assets or activities by federal, state or local regulatory 
agencies may reduce the amount of cash we generate. 

The FERC regulates the rates we can charge, and the terms and conditions we can offer, for interstate 
transportation service on our refined products and crude oil pipelines. State regulatory authorities regulate the rates 
we can charge, and the terms and conditions we can offer, for intrastate movements on our refined products and 
crude oil pipelines. The determination of the interstate or intrastate character of shipments on our petroleum 
products pipelines may change over time, which may change the rates we are allowed to charge for transportation 
and other related services. Shippers may protest our pipeline tariff filings, and the FERC or state regulatory 
authorities may investigate tariff rates. Further, other than for rates set under market-based rate authority, the FERC 
may order refunds of amounts collected under interstate rates that are determined to be in excess of a just and 
reasonable level when taking into consideration our pipeline system’s cost-of-service. State regulatory authorities 
could take similar measures for intrastate tariffs. In addition, shippers may challenge by complaint the lawfulness of 
tariff rates that have become final and effective. The FERC and state regulatory authorities may also investigate 
tariff rates absent shipper complaint. If existing rates challenged by complaint are determined to be in excess of a 
just and reasonable level when taking into consideration our pipeline systems’ cost-of-service, we could be required 
to pay refunds to shippers, reduce rates and make other concessions.

The FERC’s ratemaking methodologies may limit our ability to set rates based on our actual costs or may 
delay the use of rates that reflect increased costs. The FERC’s primary ratemaking methodology applicable to us is 
price indexing. We use this methodology to establish our rates in approximately 40% of the markets for our refined 
products pipeline. The FERC’s indexing methodology is subject to review every five years and currently allows a 
pipeline to change its rates each year to a new ceiling level, which is calculated as the previous year’s ceiling level 
multiplied by a percentage. For the five-year period beginning July 1, 2016, the indexing method provides for 
annual changes in rates by a percentage equal to the change in the PPI-FG plus 1.23%. When the ceiling level falls, 
as it did in 2015, we are required to reduce our rates that are subject to the FERC’s price indexing methodology. 

The FERC and relevant state regulatory authorities allow us to establish rates based on conditions in 
competitive markets without regard to the FERC’s index level or our cost-of-service. We establish market-based 
rates in approximately 60% of the markets for our refined products pipeline.  The tariffs on most of our crude oil 

29

pipelines are at negotiated rates, but are still ultimately subject to regulation by the FERC or state agencies and 
subject to protest by shippers.  If we were to lose our market-based rate authority, or if our negotiated rates were 
determined to be not just and reasonable, we could be required to establish rates on some other basis, such as our 
cost-of-service, which could reduce our revenues.

In October 2016, the FERC issued an advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (“ANOPR”) seeking comments 

on potential revisions to (1) the Commission’s policies for evaluating oil pipeline indexed rate changes; and (2) the 
reporting requirements for page 700 of FERC Form No. 6, Annual Report of Oil Pipeline Companies. While we are 
unable to predict the ultimate form of rulemaking, if any, that could follow this advanced notice, the potential 
revisions discussed in the ANOPR could affect our ability to establish rates in a manner consistent with our past 
practice, while potentially preventing us from recovering increases in the costs we incur to operate our pipelines and 
increasing our cost of complying with FERC reporting requirements. 

In July 2016, the D.C. Circuit issued a decision in United Airlines Inc. v. FERC that found that FERC had 
acted arbitrarily and capriciously when it permitted an interstate petroleum products pipeline organized as a limited 
partnership to include an income tax allowance in its rates. The court remanded the case to the FERC to allow it to 
have an opportunity to provide a reasoned basis for its decision on income tax allowances for partnership pipelines. 
We are unable to predict how the FERC will respond to the court’s remand. If the FERC were to no longer allow 
limited partnerships to include income tax allowance in their cost of service, our cost of service would be reduced, 
which could ultimately impact our tariff rates if we were ever required to adopt a cost-of-service ratemaking 
methodology.

In November 2017, a shipper protested the rates and terms and conditions of service for expansion capacity on 
the BridgeTex pipeline system, in which we have a 50% interest, in filings with the FERC and Railroad Commission 
of Texas (“RRC”), alleging that the tariffs for the new capacity are discriminatory.  In January 2018, regulators from 
multiple states requested that the FERC reduce allowed rates for pipelines and public utilities in order that tax 
benefits realized by regulated entities from recent tax reform legislation be “passed on” to their customers.  We are 
unable to predict the outcome of these or any similar proceedings before the FERC, RRC or other authorities that 
regulate our tariffs.  Successful protests of our tariffs or any other actions that require that we lower our rates, pay 
rebates to shippers or make other concessions could cause our revenues to decrease and reduce our cash flow from 
operations and our ability to make cash distributions.

Our operations are subject to extensive environmental, health, safety and other laws and regulations that 
impose significant requirements, costs and liabilities on us. These requirements, costs and liabilities could increase 
as a result of new laws or regulations or changes in the interpretation, implementation or enforcement of existing 
laws and regulations. Our customers are also subject to extensive environmental, health, safety and other laws and 
regulations, and any new laws or regulations or changes in the interpretation, implementation or enforcement of 
existing laws and regulations, including laws and regulations related to hydraulic fracturing, could result in 
decreased demand for our services. 

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection or 

preservation of the environment, natural resources and human health and safety, including but not limited to the 
CAA, the RCRA, the Oil Pollution Act, the CWA, the CERCLA, the HLPSA, the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory 
Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 and OSHA. Such laws and regulations affect almost all aspects of our 
operations and generally require us to obtain and comply with various environmental registrations, licenses, permits, 
credits, inspections and other approvals. We incur substantial costs to comply with these laws and regulations, and 
any failure to comply may expose us to civil, criminal and administrative fees, fines, penalties and interruptions in 
our operations that could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial position and 
prospects. For example, if an accidental release or spill of petroleum products, chemicals or other hazardous 
substances occurs at or from our pipelines, storage or other facilities, we may experience significant operational 
disruptions and we may have to pay a significant amount to remediate the release or spill, pay government penalties, 
address natural resource damages, compensate for human exposure and property damage, install costly pollution 
control equipment or undertake a combination of these and other measures. The resulting costs and liabilities could 
materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows. In addition, emission controls 

30

required under the CAA and other similar federal, state and provincial laws could require significant capital 
expenditures at our facilities. 

Liability under such laws and regulations may be incurred without regard to fault. Private parties, including the 

owners of properties through which our pipelines pass, also may have the right to pursue legal actions to enforce 
compliance as well as to seek damages for non-compliance with such laws and regulations or for personal injury or 
property damage. Our insurance may not cover all environmental risks and costs and may not provide sufficient 
coverage in the event an environmental claim is made against us. In addition, our insurance may not cover us for 
fines and penalties levied against us by governmental agencies for releases that result in environmental damages. 

Our assets have been used for many years to transport, store or distribute petroleum products and ammonia. 
Over time our operations, or operations by our predecessors or third parties not under our control, may have resulted 
in the disposal or release of hydrocarbons or solid wastes at or from these terminal properties and along pipeline 
rights-of-way. In addition, some of our terminals and pipelines are located on or near current or former refining and 
terminal sites, and there is a risk that contamination is present on those sites. We may be subject to strict, joint and 
several liability under a number of these environmental laws and regulations for such disposal and releases of 
hydrocarbons or solid wastes or the existence of contamination, even in circumstances where such activities or 
conditions were caused by third parties not under our control or were otherwise lawful at the time they occurred. 

The laws and regulations that affect our operations, and the enforcement thereof, have become increasingly 

stringent over time. We cannot ensure that these laws and regulations will not be further revised or that new laws or 
regulations will not be adopted or become applicable to us. There can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of 
future expenditures to comply with laws and regulations, including expenditures for environmental compliance or 
remediation, and actual future expenditures may be different from the amounts we currently anticipate. We also face 
risks from political activists and protestors, who may attempt to delay pipeline construction through protests, 
sabotage and other means, as has recently occurred in North Dakota in relation to DAPL. In addition to increasing 
our costs or liabilities, legal or regulatory changes or changes in the cost or availability of permits or related credits, 
where applicable, could also impact our ability to develop new projects. For example, changes that affect permitting 
or siting processes or the use of eminent domain could prevent or delay our ability to construct new pipelines or 
storage tanks. Revised or additional regulations that result in increased compliance costs or additional operating 
restrictions or liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations 
and prospects. 

The Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 2011 increased penalties for safety 

violations, established additional safety requirements for newly-constructed pipelines and required studies of certain 
safety issues that could result in the adoption of new regulatory requirements for existing pipelines. PHMSA has 
also published notices and advanced notices of proposed rulemaking to solicit comments on the need for changes to 
its safety regulations, including whether to revise the integrity management requirements, and finalized revisions to 
its hazardous liquid pipeline safety regulations in January 2017. It is possible that new legislation and more stringent 
regulations could be adopted to enhance pipeline safety. Compliance with such legislative and regulatory changes 
could increase our compliance costs and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our customers are also subject to extensive laws and regulations that affect their businesses, and new laws or 

regulations could materially adversely affect their businesses or prospects. For example, several of our most 
significant customers are refineries whose businesses could be significantly impacted by changes in environmental 
or health-related laws or regulations. In addition, we have made and continue to make significant investments in 
crude oil and condensate storage and transportation projects that serve customers who largely depend on production 
techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing, that are currently being scrutinized by some federal and state authorities 
and have encountered political opposition that could result in increased regulatory costs or delays. For example, 
referendums in the state of Colorado, from where most of the volume on our Saddlehorn joint venture originates, 
sought to restrict hydraulic fracking in that state. While these referendums failed to receive sufficient support to get 
on the ballot, we are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of any such political activity in the future. Any changes 
in laws or regulations, or in the interpretation, implementation or enforcement of existing laws and regulations, that 
impose significant costs or liabilities on our customers, or that result in delays or cancellations of their projects, 

31

could reduce their demand for our services and materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial 
position or cash flows and our ability to pay cash distributions.

Climate change legislation or regulations restricting emissions of “greenhouse gases” could result in 

increased operating costs and reduced demand for the products that we transport, store or distribute. 

The EPA has adopted regulations under existing provisions of the CAA that require certain large stationary 

sources to obtain pre-construction permits and operating permits for greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, in 
September 2009, the EPA issued a final rule requiring the monitoring and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions 
from certain large greenhouse gas emissions sources. This reporting rule was expanded in November 2010 to 
include petroleum facilities. 

Congress has from time to time considered legislation to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, in 

December 2015, over 190 countries, including the United States, reached an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions (“Paris Agreement”). The Paris Agreement became effective in November 2016 after more than 70 
countries, including the United States, ratified or otherwise indicated their intent to be bound by the agreement.  In 
August 2017, the current administration announced that the United States plans to withdraw from the Paris 
Agreement and to seek negotiations to reenter the Paris Agreement on different terms or establish a new framework.  
The Paris Agreement provides for a four-year exit process beginning in November 2016, which would result in an 
effective exit date of November 2020.  To the extent the United States and other countries impose other climate 
change regulations on the oil industry, it could have an adverse direct or indirect effect on our business. 

Although it is not possible at this time to predict how legislation or new regulations that may be adopted to 
address greenhouse gas emissions would impact our business, any such future laws and regulations that limit or 
regulate emissions of greenhouse gases could adversely affect demand for the products that we transport, store and 
distribute and, depending on the particular program adopted, could increase our costs to operate and maintain our 
facilities by requiring that we measure and report our emissions, install new emission controls on our facilities, 
acquire allowances to authorize our greenhouse gas emissions, pay any taxes related to our greenhouse gas 
emissions and administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program, among other things. We may be unable 
to include some or all of such increased costs in the rates charged to our customers and any such recovery may 
depend on events beyond our control, including the outcome of future rate proceedings before the FERC or state 
regulatory agencies and the provisions of any final legislation or implementing regulations. 

Finally, increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes 

that have significant physical effects, such as increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic 
events; if any such effects were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on our assets and operations.

Our butane blending activities subject us to federal regulations that govern renewable fuel requirements in the 

United States.

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 expanded the required use of renewable fuels in the United 

States. Each year, the EPA establishes an RVO requirement for refiners and fuel manufacturers based on overall 
quotas established by the federal government. By virtue of our butane blending activity and resulting gasoline 
production, we are an obligated party and receive an annual RVO from the EPA. In lieu of blending renewable fuels 
(such as ethanol and biodiesel), we typically purchase renewable energy credits, called RINs, to meet this obligation. 
RINs are generated when a gallon of biofuel such as ethanol or biodiesel is produced. RINs may be separated when 
the biofuel is blended into gasoline or diesel, at which point the RIN is available for use in compliance or is 
available for sale on the open market. Increases in the cost or decreases in the availability of RINs could have an 
adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flows and cash distributions.

32

Our business is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations that govern the product quality 

specifications of the petroleum products that we store, transport or sell. 

Petroleum products that we store and transport are sold by our customers for consumption into the public 

market. Various federal, state and local agencies have the authority to prescribe specific product quality 
specifications for commodities sold into the public market. Changes in product quality specifications or blending 
requirements could reduce our throughput volume, require us to incur additional handling costs or require capital 
expenditures. For instance, different product specifications for different markets impact the fungibility of the 
products in our system and could require the construction of additional storage. If we are unable to recover these 
costs through increased revenue, our cash flows and ability to pay cash distributions could be materially adversely 
affected.

In addition, changes in the product quality of the products we receive on our refined products pipeline, or 

changes in the product specifications in the markets we serve, could reduce or eliminate our ability to blend 
products, which would result in a reduction of our revenue and operating profit from blending activities. Any such 
reduction of our revenue or operating profit could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, 
financial position, cash flows and ability to pay cash distributions.

Our butane blending activities are the subject of a request for a new rulemaking by the FERC and have been 

challenged in litigation.

In February 2018, two associations representing shippers on interstate liquids pipelines petitioned the FERC 

for a broad new rulemaking with respect to interactions between pipeline companies and their affiliates.  Among 
other claims, petitioners allege that blending activities conducted by pipelines are discriminatory.  In particular, 
petitioners made reference to a pending lawsuit against Colonial Pipeline Company (“Colonial”) and our joint 
venture with Colonial, Powder Springs, in which the plaintiff has claimed that blending of refined products shipped 
on a pipeline by the pipeline company or its affiliate constitutes conversion of the shipper’s property and is barred 
by the Carmack Amendment, which governs claims for damage or loss incurred to goods transported by a carrier in 
interstate commerce.  We have historically generated significant product margins from other blending activities on 
our refined products pipeline system.  If the shipper’s claims are successful or if the FERC adopts new rules or 
regulations that inhibit or prohibit the blending activities of Powder Springs or of the refined products industry more 
broadly, our investment in Powder Springs could be impaired and the product margin we earn from these activities 
could be significantly reduced, which would adversely affect our profitability, our financial position and our ability 
to make distributions.

Our business could be affected adversely by union disputes and strikes or work stoppages by our unionized 

employees. 

As of December 31, 2017, approximately 14% of our workforce was covered by two collective bargaining 
agreements with different terms and dates of expirations. We could experience a work stoppage in the future as a 
result of disagreements with these labor unions. A prolonged work stoppage could have a material adverse effect on 
our business activities, results of operations and cash flows.

Skills and institutional knowledge possessed by our current employees may be difficult to retain, and our 

growth strategy depends in part on our ability to recruit and retain employees with appropriate skills. 

A significant percentage of our employees, including much of our management team, will become eligible for 

retirement over the next several years. Many of those employees have skills and institutional knowledge that have 
been developed over many years of service. As these employees reach retirement age, we may be unable to replace 
them with employees with comparable knowledge and experience, and we may be unable to transfer their 
knowledge successfully to new qualified employees. In addition, our growth strategy requires that we hire additional 
employees with the skills required to develop and operate our assets. For example, our crude oil segment has 
experienced rapid growth in recent years, and we continue to make significant investments in each of our operating 
segments. If we are unable to transfer knowledge successfully to new employees or are otherwise unable to recruit 

33

and retain sufficiently talented personnel, we could experience increased costs, our growth strategy could be slowed 
or we could encounter other difficulties in running our business efficiently.

An impairment of long-lived assets, investments in non-controlled entities, goodwill or other intangibles could 

reduce our earnings and negatively impact the value of our limited partner units.

At December 31, 2017, we had $5.6 billion of net property, plant and equipment, $1.1 billion of investments in 
non-controlled entities, $53.3 million of goodwill, and $52.8 million of other intangibles. U.S. GAAP requires us to 
periodically test long-lived assets, investments in non-controlled entities, goodwill, and other intangibles for 
impairment. If we were to determine that any of our long-lived assets, investments in non-controlled entities, 
goodwill, or other intangibles were impaired, we would be required to take an immediate charge to earnings with a 
corresponding reduction of partners’ equity. Such charges could be material to our results of operations and could 
adversely impact the value of our limited partner units.

Our partnership agreement restricts the voting rights of unitholders owning 20% or more of our common units. 

Unitholders’ voting rights are restricted by a provision in our partnership agreement stating that any units held 

by a person that owns 20% or more of any class of our common units then outstanding, other than our general 
partner and its affiliates, cannot be voted on any matter. In addition, our partnership agreement contains provisions 
limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to acquire information about our operations, as well as other 
provisions limiting our unitholders’ ability to influence our management. As a result of this provision, the trading 
price of our common units may be lower than other forms of equity ownership due to the absence of a takeover 
premium in the trading price.

Your liability may not be limited if a court finds that unitholder action constitutes control of our business. 

A general partner of a partnership generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the partnership, except 

for those contractual obligations of the partnership that are expressly made without recourse to the general partner. 
Our partnership is organized under Delaware law, and we conduct business in a number of other states. 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 of the other states in which we do business. Our unitholders could be liable for any 
and all of our obligations as if they were a general partner if a court or government agency were to determine that: 

•  We were conducting business in a state but had not complied with that particular state’s partnership statute; 

or

•  Our unitholders’ rights to act with other unitholders to remove or replace the general partner, to approve 
some amendments to our partnership agreement or to take other actions under our partnership agreement 
constitute “control” of our business.

Our general partner’s board of directors’ absolute discretion in determining our level of cash reserves may 

adversely affect our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. 

Our partnership agreement requires our general partner’s board of directors to deduct from available cash the 

amount of any cash reserves that in its reasonable discretion are necessary to fund our future operating expenditures. 
In addition, the partnership agreement permits our general partner’s board of directors to reduce available cash by 
establishing cash reserves for the proper conduct of our business, to comply with applicable laws or agreements to 
which we are a party or to provide funds for future distributions to partners. Any such cash reserves will reduce the 
amount of cash currently available for distribution to our unitholders.

34

Our partnership agreement replaces our general partner’s fiduciary duties to holders of our limited partner 

units with contractual standards governing its duties. 

Our partnership agreement contains provisions that eliminate the fiduciary standards to which our general 

partner and its officers and directors would otherwise be held by state fiduciary law and replaces those duties with 
several different contractual standards. For example, our partnership agreement permits our general partner to make 
a number of decisions in its sole discretion, free of any duties to us and holders of our limited partner units other 
than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair dealing. This provision entitles our general partner to 
consider only the interests and factors that it desires and relieves it of any duty or obligation to give any 
consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, us or our limited partners. In addition, our partnership 
agreement grants broad rights of indemnification to our general partner and its officers and directors. By owning a 
limited partner unit, a holder is treated as having consented to the provisions in our partnership agreement.

Our partnership agreement restricts the remedies available to holders of our limited partner units for actions 

taken by our general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.

Our partnership agreement contains provisions that restrict the remedies available to holders of our limited 

partner units for actions taken by our general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty 
under state fiduciary duty law. For example, our partnership agreement:

• 

• 

• 

provides that whenever our general partner is permitted or required to make a decision, in its capacity as 
our general partner, our general partner is permitted or required to make such a decision in good faith and 
will not be subject to any other or different standard imposed by our partnership agreement, Delaware law, 
or any other law, rule or regulation;

provides that our general partner and its officers and directors will not be liable for monetary damages to us 
or our limited partners resulting from any act or omission if our general partner or its officers and directors, 
as the case may be, acted in good faith; and

provides that, in the absence of bad faith, our general partner will not be in breach of its obligations under 
our partnership agreement or its fiduciary duties to us or our limited partners if a transaction with an 
affiliate or the resolution of a conflict of interest is approved in accordance with, or otherwise meets the 
standards set forth in, our partnership agreement.

Limited partner units held by persons who are not citizenship-eligible may be subject to redemption.

Our partnership agreement contains provisions that apply if we determine that the nationality, citizenship or 

other related status of a holder of our limited partnership units creates a substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture 
of any property in which we have an interest. If a holder of our limited partner units is not a person who meets the 
requirements to be a citizenship-eligible holder, which generally includes U.S. entities and individuals who are U.S. 
citizens, and, therefore, creates a risk to the partnership, the holder may have its limited partner units redeemed by 
us. In addition, if a holder of our limited partner units does not meet the requirements to be a citizenship-eligible 
holder, such holder will not be entitled to voting rights and may not receive distributions in kind upon our 
liquidation.

Tax Risks to Limited Partner Unitholders

Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. If the IRS were to 
treat us as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, or otherwise subject us to entity-level taxation, it would 
reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders. 

The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in our limited partner units depends largely on our 

being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. 

35

Despite the fact that we are a limited partnership under Delaware law, it is possible in certain circumstances for 
a partnership such as ours to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. A change in our business or 
a change in current law could cause us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise 
subject us to taxation as an entity. 

If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income tax on our 

taxable income at the corporate tax rate, which is a maximum of 21%, and would likely pay state income tax at 
varying rates. Payments to our unitholders would generally be taxed again as corporate dividends, and no income, 
gains, losses or deductions would flow through to our unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a 
corporation, our cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be substantially reduced over time. 
Therefore, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and 
after-tax return to our unitholders, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our limited partner units.

Our tax treatment or the tax treatment of our unitholders could be subject to potential legislative, judicial or 

administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis. 

Current law may change so as to cause us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or 

otherwise subject us to entity-level taxation. From time to time the U.S. government considers substantive changes 
to the existing federal income tax laws that affect publicly traded partnerships. On December 22, 2017, President 
Trump signed into law H.R. 1 (commonly referred to as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,” or the “TCJA”), a 
comprehensive tax reform bill that significantly reforms the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.  The TCJA 
did not impact our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes; however, the TCJA did provide for 
significant changes to the taxation of our operations and to an investment in our limited partner units, including, 
among other changes, a new individual deduction for our unitholders relating to certain income from partnerships. 
Many of the provisions in the TCJA, including the deduction related to certain income from partnerships, are 
temporary and, without additional legislation, will sunset on December 31, 2025.  We are unable to predict whether 
any such additional legislation or any other tax-related proposals will ultimately be enacted. Moreover, any 
modification to the federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be applied retroactively. Any 
such changes could negatively impact a unitholder’s investment in our limited partner units.

At the state level, changes in current state law may subject us to additional entity-level taxation by individual 

states. States frequently evaluate ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state 
income, franchise and other forms of taxation. Imposition of any such taxes may materially reduce the cash available 
for distribution to our unitholders. 

If the IRS contests the federal income tax positions we take, the market for our limited partner units may be 
adversely impacted and the cost of any IRS contest will reduce our cash available for distribution to our unitholders. 

The IRS has made no determination as to our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The IRS 

may adopt positions that differ from the positions we take. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court 
proceedings to sustain some or all of the positions we take. A court may not agree with some or all of the positions 
we take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for our limited partner units and 
the price at which they trade. In addition, our costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne indirectly by our 
unitholders as the costs will reduce our cash available for distribution.

Our unitholders may be required to pay taxes on their share of our income even if they do not receive any cash 

distributions from us. 

Because our unitholders will be treated as partners to whom we will allocate taxable income which could be 

different in amount than the cash we distribute, our unitholders will be required to pay any federal income taxes and, 
in some cases, state and local income taxes on their share of our taxable income even if they receive no cash 
distributions from us. Our unitholders may not receive cash distributions from us equal to their share of our taxable 
income or even equal to the actual tax liability that results from that income.

36

 
Tax gain or loss on disposition of our limited partner units could be more or less than expected. 

If our unitholders sell their limited partner units, they will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference 
between the amount realized and their tax basis in those limited partner units. Prior distributions to our unitholders 
in excess of the total net taxable income they were allocated for a limited partner unit, which decreased their tax 
basis in that limited partner unit, will, in effect, become taxable income to our unitholders if the limited partner unit 
is sold at a price greater than their tax basis in that limited partner unit, even if the price they receive is less than 
their original cost. A substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not representing gain, may be taxed as 
ordinary income due to potential recapture items, including depreciation recapture. In addition, because the amount 
realized includes a unitholder’s share of nonrecourse liabilities, if our unitholders sell their limited partner units, 
they may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash received from the sale.

Tax-exempt entities and foreign persons face unique tax issues from owning our limited partner units that may 

result in adverse tax consequences to them. 

Investment in limited partner units by tax-exempt entities, such as employee benefit plans, individual 

retirement accounts (known as IRAs) and foreign persons raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of 
our income allocated to organizations that are exempt from federal income tax, including IRAs and other retirement 
plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them. Distributions to foreign persons will be 
reduced by withholding taxes at the highest applicable effective tax rate, and foreign persons will be required to file 
U.S. federal tax returns and pay tax on their share of our taxable income. Tax-exempt entities or foreign persons 
should consult their tax advisor before investing in our limited partner units.

We will treat each purchaser of limited partner units as having the same tax benefits without regard to the 
actual limited partner units purchased. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value 
of our limited partner units. 

Primarily because we cannot match transferors and transferees of limited partner units, we have adopted 

depreciation and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects of existing Treasury Regulations. A 
successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount of tax benefits available to our 
unitholders. It also could affect the timing of these tax benefits or the amount of gain from the sale of limited partner 
units and could have a negative impact on the value of our limited partner units or result in audit adjustments to our 
unitholders’ tax returns.

The IRS may challenge aspects of our proration method, and, if successful, we would be required to change the 

allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders. 

We prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our limited 

partner units each month based upon the ownership of our limited partner units on the first business day of each 
month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred. The U.S. Department of Treasury and the 
IRS issued Treasury Regulations that permit publicly traded partnerships to use a monthly simplifying convention 
that is similar to ours, but they do not specifically authorize all aspects of the proration method we have adopted. If 
the IRS were to successfully challenge this method, we could be required to change the allocation of items of 
income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.

37

A unitholder whose limited partner units are loaned to a “short seller” to cover a short sale of limited partner 
units may be considered to have disposed of those limited partner units. If so, he would no longer be treated for tax 
purposes as a partner with respect to those limited partner units during the period of the loan and may recognize 
gain or loss from the disposition. 

Because a unitholder whose limited partner units are loaned to a “short seller” to cover a short sale of limited 
partner units may be considered to have disposed of the loaned limited partner units, the unitholder may no longer 
be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those limited partner units during the period of the loan to the 
short seller and the unitholder may recognize gain or loss from such disposition. Moreover, during the period of the 
loan to the short seller, any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those limited partner units may not 
be reportable by the unitholder and any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to those limited partner units 
could be fully taxable as ordinary income. Unitholders desiring to assure their status as partners and avoid the risk of 
gain recognition from a loan to a short seller are urged to modify any applicable brokerage account agreements to 
prohibit their brokers from borrowing their limited partner units.

We have adopted certain valuation methodologies in determining a unitholder’s allocations of income, gain, 
loss and deduction. The IRS may challenge these methodologies or the resulting allocations, and such a challenge 
could adversely affect the value of our limited partner units. 

In determining the items of income, gain, loss and deduction allocable to our unitholders, in certain 
circumstances, including when we issue additional units, we must determine the fair market value of our assets. 
Although we may from time to time consult with professional appraisers regarding valuation matters, we make 
many fair market value estimates using a methodology based on the market value of our limited partner units as a 
means to measure the fair market value of our assets. The IRS may challenge these valuation methods and the 
resulting allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction.

A successful IRS challenge to these methods or allocations could adversely affect the amount, character and 

timing of taxable income or loss being allocated to our unitholders. It also could affect the amount of gain from our 
unitholders’ sale of our limited partner units and could have a negative impact on the value of our limited partner 
units or result in audit adjustments to our unitholders’ tax returns without the benefit of additional deductions. 

Our unitholders may be subject to state and local taxes and return filing requirements in states where they do 

not live as a result of investing in our limited partner units.

In addition to federal income taxes, our unitholders may be subject to other taxes, including state and local 

taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various 
jurisdictions in which we conduct business or own property now or in the future, even if they do not live in any of 
those jurisdictions. Our unitholders may be required to file state and local income tax returns and pay state and local 
income taxes in some or all of these various jurisdictions. Further, our unitholders may be subject to penalties for 
failure to comply with those requirements. We currently own assets and conduct business in 25 states, most of which 
impose a personal income tax. As we make acquisitions or expand our business, we may own assets or conduct 
business in additional states that impose a personal income tax.

If the IRS makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, 

it may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) resulting from such audit 
adjustment directly from us, in which case our cash available for distribution to our unitholders might be 
substantially reduced.

Pursuant to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, if the IRS 
makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns, it may assess and collect any taxes (including any applicable 
penalties and interest) resulting from such audit adjustment directly from us. Generally, we expect to elect to have 
our unitholders take such audit adjustment into account in accordance with their interests in us during the tax year 
under audit, but there can be no assurance that such election will be made, or applicable, in all circumstances. If we 
are unable to have our unitholders take such audit adjustment into account in accordance with their interests in us 

38

during the tax year under audit, our current unitholders may bear some or all of the economic burden resulting from 
such audit adjustment, even if such unitholders did not own units in us during the tax year under audit. If, as a result 
of any such audit adjustment, we are required to make payments of taxes, penalties and interest, our cash available 
for distribution to our unitholders might be substantially reduced. 

The current administration has delayed the implementation of certain regulations and signaled through formal 

and informal means that certain other income tax related regulations could be changed. The partnership audit 
regulations could be subject to revision, withdrawal or material adjustment, but the specifics of any such action 
cannot be reasonably predicted at this time.

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments 

None.

Item 2. 

Properties

See Item 1(c) for a description of the locations and general character of our material properties.

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings

Anhydrous Ammonia Event. On October 17, 2016, we experienced a release of anhydrous ammonia on our 
ammonia pipeline system near Tekamah, Nebraska.  The release resulted in a fatality and other possible injuries.  
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the event.  We are currently unable to estimate the full 
impact of this event.  However, we believe the impact on our financial position and results of operations is not likely 
to be material as defined by the SEC.

U.S. Oil Recovery, EPA ID No.: TXN000607093 Superfund Site. We have liability at the U.S. Oil Recovery 

Superfund Site in Pasadena, Texas as a potential responsible party (“PRP”) under Section 107(a) of CERCLA. As a 
result of the EPA’s Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order on Consent for Removal Action, filed August 
25, 2011, EPA Region 6, CERCLA Docket No. 06-10-11, we voluntarily entered into the PRP group responsible for 
the site investigation, stabilization and subsequent site cleanup. We have paid approximately $42,000 associated 
with the assessment phase. Until this assessment phase has been completed, we cannot reasonably estimate our 
proportionate share of the remediation costs associated with this site.  While the results cannot be reasonably 
estimated, we believe the ultimate resolution of this matter will not have a material impact on our results of 
operations, financial position or cash flows.

Lake Calumet Cluster Site, EPA ID No.: ILD000716852 Superfund Site.  We have liability at the Lake 
Calumet Cluster Superfund Site in Chicago, Illinois as a PRP under Sections 107(a) and 113(f)(1) of CERCLA.  As 
a result of the EPA’s Administrative Settlement Agreement and Order for Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study 
of June 2013, we voluntarily entered into the PRP group responsible for the investigation, cleanup and installation of 
an appropriate clay cap over the site.  We have paid $8,000 associated with the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility 
Study and cleanup costs to date.  Our projected portion of the estimated cap installation is $55,000.  While the 
results cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe the ultimate resolution of this matter will not have a material 
impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

We are a party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business. 

While the results cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the ultimate resolution of these claims, 
legal actions and complaints after consideration of amounts accrued, insurance coverage or other indemnification 
arrangements will not have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial position or cash 
flows.  

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

39

  
PART II

Item 5. 

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities

Our limited partner units representing limited partnership interests are listed and traded on the New York 

Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “MMP.” At the close of business on February 14, 2018, we had 
228,195,160 limited partner units outstanding that were owned by approximately 185,000 record holders and 
beneficial owners (held in street name).

For information regarding limited partner units that may be issued pursuant to our long-term incentive plan, 
see Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

The year-end closing sales price of our limited partner units was $75.63 on December 30, 2016 and $70.94 on 

December 29, 2017.  The high and low trading prices for our limited partner units and distribution paid per unit by 
quarter for 2016 and 2017 were as follows:

Quarter
1st................
2nd...............
3rd ...............
4th ...............

$

$

$

$

High

2016
Low

Distribution*

High

72.00

77.45

77.10

75.92

$

$

$

$

55.25

63.40

67.34

64.25

$

$

$

$

0.8025

0.8200

0.8375

0.8550

$

$

$

$

81.77

78.00

72.40

71.46

$

$

$

$

2017
Low

Distribution*

73.33

67.58

63.92

63.55

$

$

$

$

0.8725

0.8900

0.9050

0.9200

*  Represents declared distributions associated with each respective quarter. Distributions were declared and paid within 45 days 

following the close of each quarter.  

We currently pay quarterly cash distributions of $0.92 per limited partner unit. In general, we intend to 
increase our cash distribution; however, we cannot guarantee that future distributions will increase or continue at 
current levels. 

40

 
 
 
Unitholder Return Performance Presentation 

The following graph compares the total unitholder return performance of our limited partner units with the 

performance of (i) the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index (“S&P 500”) and (ii) the Alerian MLP Index, which is a 
composite of the most prominent energy master limited partnerships that provides investors with a comprehensive 
benchmark for this asset class.  The graph assumes that $100 was invested in our limited partner units and each 
comparison index beginning on December 31, 2012 and that all distributions or dividends were reinvested on a 
quarterly basis.

12/31/2012

12/31/2013

12/31/2014

12/31/2015

12/31/2016

12/31/2017

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. .....

Alerian MLP Index..............................

S&P 500...............................................

$100

$100

$100

$152

$128

$132

$205

$134

$151

$175

$90

$153

$205

$107

$171

$202

$100

$208

The information provided in this section is being furnished to and not filed with the SEC.  As such, this 

information is neither subject to Regulation 14A or 14C nor to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. 

41

 
Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data

We have derived the summary selected historical financial data from our current and historical accounting 
records. Information concerning significant trends in our financial condition and results of operations is contained in 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. 

Our operating results incorporate a number of significant estimates and uncertainties. Such matters could cause 
the data included herein not to be indicative of our future financial condition or results of operations. A discussion of 
our critical accounting estimates and how these estimates could impact our future financial condition or results of 
operations is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
under Item 7 of this report. In addition, a discussion of the risk factors that could affect our business and future 
financial condition or results of operations is included under Item 1A. Risk Factors of this report. Additionally, the 
notes to our financial statements under Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report include 
descriptions of areas where estimates and judgments could result in different amounts being recognized in our 
accompanying consolidated financial statements.

We believe that investors benefit from having access to the same financial measures utilized by management.  

In the following tables, we present the financial measure of distributable cash flow (“DCF”), which is not a 
generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) measure.  Our partnership agreement requires that all of our 
available cash, less amounts reserved by our general partner’s board of directors, be distributed to our limited 
partners.  Management uses DCF to determine the amount of cash that our operations generated that is available for 
distribution to our limited partners and as a basis for recommending to our general partner’s board of directors the 
amount of cash distributions to be paid each period.  We also use DCF as the basis for calculating our equity-based 
incentive compensation.  A reconciliation of DCF to net income, the nearest comparable GAAP measure, is included 
in the following tables. 

In addition to DCF, the non-GAAP measures of operating margin (in the aggregate and by segment) and 
Adjusted EBITDA are presented in the following tables. We compute the components of operating margin and 
Adjusted EBITDA using amounts that are determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of operating 
margin to operating profit and net income to Adjusted EBITDA, which are the nearest comparable GAAP financial 
measures, are included in the following tables. See Note 16 – Segment Disclosures under Item 8. Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for a reconciliation of segment operating margin to segment 
operating profit.  Operating margin is an important measure of the economic performance of our core operations, 
and we believe that investors benefit from having access to the same financial measures utilized by management.  
Operating profit, alternatively, includes depreciation and amortization expense and general and administrative 
(“G&A”) expense that management does not consider when evaluating the core profitability of an operation.  
Adjusted EBITDA is an important measure utilized by management and the investment community to assess the 
financial results of an entity.

Since the non-GAAP measures presented here include adjustments specific to us, they may not be comparable 

to similarly-titled measures of other companies.  Prior year numbers have been restated in accordance with 
Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the 
Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (See Note 2 – Summary of 
Significant Accounting Policies – New Accounting Pronouncements under Item 8. Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data of this report).

42

Income Statement Data:
Transportation and terminals revenue .................
Product sales revenue ..........................................
Affiliate management fee revenue ......................
Total revenue..................................................
Operating expenses .............................................
Cost of product sales ...........................................
Subtotal ..........................................................
Earnings of non-controlled entities .....................
Operating margin ...........................................
Depreciation and amortization expense ..............
G&A expense ......................................................
Operating profit..............................................
Interest expense, net ............................................

Gain on sale of asset............................................
Gain on exchange of interest in non-controlled
entity....................................................................
Other (income) expense(a)....................................
Income before provision for income taxes..........
Provision for income taxes..................................
Net income .....................................................

Basic net income per limited partner unit ...........

Diluted net income per limited partner unit ........

Balance Sheets Data:
Working capital (deficit)(b) ..................................
Total assets ..........................................................
Long-term debt, net .............................................
Partners’ capital ...................................................

Year Ended December 31,

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

(in thousands, except per unit amounts)

$ 1,188,452
744,669
14,609
1,947,730
395,254
578,029
974,447
6,275
980,722
142,230
131,920
706,572
118,206

$ 1,459,267
878,974
22,111
2,360,352
499,053
594,585
1,266,714
19,394
1,286,108
161,741
147,203
977,164
121,519

$ 1,544,746
629,836
13,871
2,188,453
523,650
447,273
1,217,530
66,483
1,284,013
166,812
149,948
967,253
143,177

$ 1,591,119
599,602
14,689
2,205,410
528,672
493,338
1,183,400
78,696
1,262,096
178,142
147,165
936,789
165,410

$ 1,731,775
758,206
17,680
2,507,661
577,978
635,617
1,294,066
120,994
1,415,060
196,630
165,717
1,052,713
193,718

—

—

—

—

(18,505)

—
1,516
586,850
4,613
582,237

2.57

2.56

$

$

$

—
11,506
844,139
4,620
839,519

3.69

3.69

$

$

$

—
2,618
821,458
2,336
819,122

3.60

3.59

$

$

$

(28,144)
(6,466)
805,989
3,218
802,771

3.52

3.52

$

$

$

—
4,139
873,361
3,830
869,531

3.81

3.81

$

$

$

$
$ 4,803,307
$ 2,417,811
$ 1,647,442

(241,543) $

(133,488) $

(374,218) $

(111,262) $

$ 5,501,409
$ 2,967,019
$ 1,868,233

$ 6,041,567
$ 3,189,287
$ 2,021,736

$ 6,772,073
$ 4,087,192
$ 2,092,105

(224,671)
$ 7,394,375
$ 4,273,518
$ 2,129,653

Cash Distribution Data:
Cash distributions declared per unit(c) .................
Cash distributions paid per unit(c)........................

$
$

2.18
2.10

$
$

2.62
2.51

$
$

3.01
2.92

$
$

3.32
3.25

$
$

3.59
3.52

43

 
 
 
$

$

$

$

$

$

Other Data:
Operating margin:

Refined products ...........................................
Crude oil........................................................
Marine storage...............................................
Allocated partnership depreciation costs(d) ...
Operating margin ..................................

Adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow:

Net income ....................................................
Interest expense, net......................................
Depreciation and amortization ......................
Equity-based incentive compensation(e)........
Loss on sale and retirement of assets ............
Gain on sale of asset(f) ...................................
Gain on exchange of interest in non-
controlled entity(h) .........................................
Commodity-related adjustments(g) ................
Cash distributions received from non-
controlled entities in excess of (less than)
earnings for the period ..................................
Other(i) ...........................................................
Adjusted EBITDA.......................................

Interest expense, net, excluding debt

issuance cost amortization ........................
Maintenance capital(j)....................................
Distributable cash flow ....................

Operating Statistics:
Refined products:

Transportation revenue per barrel shipped....
Volume shipped (million barrels):

Gasoline ................................................
Distillates ..............................................
Aviation fuel..........................................
Liquefied petroleum gases ....................
Total volume shipped ....................

Crude oil:

Magellan 100%-owned assets:

Transportation revenue per barrel

shipped.................................................
Volume shipped (million barrels) ............
Crude oil terminal average utilization

(million barrels per month)..................

Select joint venture pipelines:

BridgeTex - volume shipped (million 

barrels)(k) ..............................................

Saddlehorn - volume shipped (million 

barrels)(l)...............................................

Marine storage:

Marine terminal average utilization (million
barrels per month) .....................................

Year Ended December 31,

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

(in thousands, except operating statistics)

694,652
176,543
106,348
3,179
980,722

$

871,492
296,132
114,971
3,513
$ 1,286,108

$

778,515
381,819
119,828
3,851
$ 1,284,013

$

723,588
408,327
125,226
4,955
$ 1,262,096

$

825,746
465,386
118,654
5,274
$ 1,415,060

$

$

582,237
118,206
142,230
11,823
7,835
—

839,519
121,519
161,741
12,471
7,223
—

—
(339)

—
(56,288)

$

819,122
143,177
166,812
6,461
7,871
—

—
13,988

$

802,771
165,410
178,142
4,982
11,190
—

(28,144)
64,257

869,531
193,718
196,630
6,766
13,370
(18,505)

—
12,463

(409)
—
861,583

(8,724)
—
1,077,461

14,572
—
1,172,003

9,293
5,341
1,213,242

25,216
3,749
1,302,938

(115,782)
(76,081)
669,720

$

(119,186)
(77,806)
880,469

$

(140,464)
(88,685)
942,854

$

(162,251)
(103,507)
947,484

(190,403)
(91,163)
$ 1,021,372

1.313

$

1.399

$

1.439

$

1.473

$

1.495

239.7
146.5
21.1
7.8
415.1

256.1
163.1
23.0
9.9
452.1

268.1
152.5
21.2
9.7
451.5

275.4
150.2
25.7
10.4
461.7

$

0.880
113.2

12.3

$

1.192
185.5

12.2

$

1.118
209.9

13.1

$

1.321
187.0

15.0

—

—

18.3

—

75.2

—

79.0

5.2

295.5
166.2
26.5
9.9
498.1

1.348
196.4

15.3

98.4

19.0

23.0

22.9

24.0

23.8

23.1

44

 
 
 
(a)  Other (income) expense primarily includes the non-cash impact of the change in the differential between the current spot price and 

forward price on fair value hedges and non-service components of net periodic benefit costs.

(b)  Working capital deficit at December 31, 2013, 2015 and 2017 included the current portion of long-term debt of approximately $250 

million for each period.

(c)  Cash distributions declared were determined based on DCF generated for each calendar year. Distributions were declared and paid 

within 45 days following the close of each quarter. Cash distributions paid represent cash payments for distributions during each of the 
periods presented.

(d)  Certain depreciation expense was allocated to our various business segments, which in turn recognized these allocated costs as 

operating expense, reducing segment operating margin by these amounts.

(e)  Because we intend to satisfy vesting of unit awards under our equity-based incentive compensation plan with the issuance of limited 
partner units, expenses related to this plan generally are deemed non-cash and added back for DCF purposes.  However, equity-based 
compensation expense has been adjusted for cash payments associated with our equity-based incentive compensation plan, which 
primarily include tax withholdings.
In September 2017, we recognized an $18.5 million gain in connection with the sale of an inactive terminal in Chicago, Illinois, which 
has been deducted from the calculation of DCF because it is not related to our ongoing operations.

(f) 

(g)  See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Distributable Cash Flow for a 

(h) 

(i) 

description of items included in our commodity-related adjustments.
In February 2016, we transferred our 50% membership interest in Osage Pipe Line Company, LLC (“Osage”) to an affiliate of 
HollyFrontier Corporation (“HFC”).  In conjunction with this transaction, we entered into several commercial agreements with 
affiliates of HFC, which were recorded as intangible assets and other receivables on our consolidated balance sheets.  We recorded a 
$28.1 million non-cash gain in relation to this transaction.
In conjunction with the February 2016 Osage transaction, HFC agreed to make certain payments to us until HFC completes a 
connection to our El Paso terminal.  We recorded a receivable in relation to this transaction, which was fully collected as of September 
30, 2017. The purpose of these payments was to replace distributions we would have received had the Osage transaction not occurred 
and, therefore, these payments are included in our calculation of DCF.

(j)  Maintenance capital expenditure projects maintain our existing assets and do not generate incremental DCF (i.e. incremental returns to 

our unitholders).  For this reason, we deduct maintenance capital expenditures to determine DCF.

(k)  These volumes reflect the total shipments for the BridgeTex pipeline, which is owned 50% by us and began operations in September 

2014.

(l)  These volumes reflect the total shipments for the Saddlehorn pipeline, which is owned 40% by us and began operations in September 

2016.

45

Item 7. 

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

Introduction 

We are a publicly traded limited partnership principally engaged in the transportation, storage and distribution 
of refined petroleum products and crude oil.  Our three operating segments including the assets of our joint ventures 
include: 

• 

• 

• 

our refined products segment, comprised of our 9,700-mile refined products pipeline system with 53 
terminals as well as 26 independent terminals not connected to our pipeline system and our 1,100-mile 
ammonia pipeline system; 

our crude oil segment, comprised of approximately 2,200 miles of crude oil pipelines, our condensate 
splitter and storage facilities with an aggregate capacity of approximately 28 million barrels, of which 17 
million are used for contract storage; and

our marine storage segment, consisting of five marine terminals located along coastal waterways with an 
aggregate storage capacity of approximately 26 million barrels.

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial 
statements and related notes included in this annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017.

See Item 1. Business for a detailed description of our business.

Overview

Our assets are an integral part of our nation’s energy infrastructure, and we provide essential services to the 
markets we serve. Our straight-forward business model is primarily focused on fee-based transportation and terminal 
services, moving the fuel that moves America.

Demand for our services remains strong. In fact, we delivered record volumes on our refined products pipeline 

system during the year, with an 8% increase in shipments. This impressive growth was due to record demand for 
gasoline and diesel fuel in the markets we serve as well as the full-year benefit of our recently-built Little Rock 
pipeline, which began operations in mid-2016. 

Our crude oil pipelines continue to provide important take-away capacity to deliver domestic crude oil to 
strategic locations in Cushing, Oklahoma and the Texas Gulf Coast region. We began operations in 2017 of our 
newly constructed condensate splitter in Corpus Christi, Texas, which is supported by a long-term customer 
commitment. Further, our marine terminals are in high demand as the industry seeks more infrastructure solutions to 
meet the growing need for storage and export capabilities.   

The year 2017 was not without its challenges, especially in light of Hurricane Harvey which hit the Texas Gulf 

Coast during the third quarter, negatively impacting a number of our facilities. Overall, we made it through the 
storm well, with operations affected for a limited period of time due to the hard work of our dedicated employees, 
who in many cases were dealing with personal hardships of their own. We are very thankful for their service and 
diligence to restore our operations as soon and as safely as possible. Although a few tanks are still under repair at 
our Galena Park facility, the remainder of our impacted assets are back to full strength following the storm.

Growth Projects

Customer demand to utilize our Texas refined products pipeline system exceeds our current capacity. In 
response, we are building a new 135-mile pipeline segment from our East Houston terminal to Hearne, Texas. This 
expansion will provide us the ability to deliver nearly 50% more product originating from the Houston area to our 
Texas and Midcontinent markets, beginning in mid-2019. We are pleased to meet the industry’s need for more 

46

 
 
pipeline capacity serving the Dallas market and other important demand centers along our refined products pipeline 
system with an attractive investment supported by long-term commitments.

We increased the capacity of the BridgeTex pipeline during the year from 300,000 barrels per day (“bpd”) to 

400,000 bpd to deliver more Permian Basin production to the Houston Gulf Coast. Due to increased demand for 
take-away capabilities from this region, we are increasing this pipeline system further to 440,000 bpd by early 2019.

We also launched a project to construct a 60-mile crude oil and condensate pipeline from the Delaware Basin 

to Crane, Texas, which essentially extends the reach of our Longhorn pipeline system and will provide our 
customers an additional outlet to move volume from this rapidly growing basin to the Houston Gulf Coast refining 
region. This project is driven by strong customer interest to source volumes directly to Longhorn from the Delaware 
Basin instead of routing the volumes through Midland. This new Delaware Basin pipeline, which is expected to be 
operational in mid-2019, strengthens the supply options to our Longhorn pipeline and serves as a logical next step in 
a broader strategy to expand our service offerings in the Permian Basin.

Significant progress has been made to build out our Seabrook Logistics joint venture, which provides an export 

solution for crude oil. The first phase of this facility became operational during 2017, with the second phase on-
target for a mid-2018 start-up, including connectivity to our Houston crude oil distribution system.

To further expand our marine strategy, we announced plans to join forces with Valero Energy to invest in and 

expand the Pasadena marine terminal that is currently under construction in Texas. The initial phase of this new 
facility is expected to be operational in early 2019, with the second phase expected to come online in early 2020. 
Combined, our joint venture with Valero Energy is building 5 million barrels of storage and two ship docks at this 
facility, with the potential to double its size in the future.

Recent Developments 

Cash Distribution.  In January 2018, the board of directors of our general partner declared a quarterly cash 
distribution of $0.92 per unit for the period of October 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017.  This quarterly cash 
distribution was paid on February 14, 2018 to unitholders of record on February 6, 2018.  The total distribution paid 
on 228.2 million limited partner units outstanding was $209.9 million.

Results of Operations

We believe that investors benefit from having access to the same financial measures utilized by management. 

Operating margin, which is presented in the following tables, is an important measure used by management to 
evaluate the economic performance of our core operations. Operating margin is a non-generally accepted accounting 
principles (“GAAP”) measure, but the components of operating margin are computed using amounts that are 
determined in accordance with GAAP.  A reconciliation of operating margin to operating profit, which is its nearest 
comparable GAAP financial measure, is included in the following tables. Operating profit includes expense items, 
such as depreciation and amortization expense and general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses, which 
management does not focus on when evaluating the core profitability of our separate operating segments. 
Additionally, product margin, which management primarily uses to evaluate the profitability of our commodity-
related activities, is provided in these tables. Product margin is a non-GAAP measure; however, its components of 
product sales and cost of product sales are determined in accordance with GAAP.  Our butane blending, 
fractionation and other commodity-related activities generate significant revenue.  We believe the product margin 
from these activities, which takes into account the related cost of product sales, better represents its importance to 
our results of operations. 

47

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017 

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

2017

Variance
Favorable (Unfavorable)
$ Change % Change

93.6
50.7
(1.0)
(2.6)
140.7
3.0

(20.0)
(32.3)
0.2
2.8
(49.3)

158.6
(142.3)
16.3
42.3
153.0
(18.6)
(18.5)
115.9
(28.3)
18.5
(28.1)
(10.6)
67.4
(0.7)
66.7

9 %
12 %
(1)%
(325)%
9 %
20 %

(5)%
(36)%
— %
48 %
(9)%

26 %
(29)%
15 %
54 %
12 %
(10)%
(13)%
12 %
(17)%
n/a
(100)%
n/a
8 %
(22)%
8 %

Financial Highlights ($ in millions, except operating statistics)
Transportation and terminals revenue:

Refined products...............................................................................
Crude oil ...........................................................................................
Marine storage ..................................................................................
Intersegment eliminations.................................................................
Total transportation and terminals revenue ..............................
Affiliate management fee revenue............................................................
Operating expenses:

Refined products...............................................................................
Crude oil ...........................................................................................
Marine storage ..................................................................................
Intersegment eliminations.................................................................
Total operating expenses ..........................................................

Product margin:

Product sales .....................................................................................
Cost of product sales.........................................................................
Product margin .........................................................................
Earnings of non-controlled entities...........................................................
Operating margin......................................................................
Depreciation and amortization expense....................................................
G&A expense............................................................................................
Operating profit ........................................................................
Interest expense (net of interest income and interest capitalized) ............
Gain on sale of asset .................................................................................
Gain on exchange of interest in non-controlled entity .............................
Other (income) expense............................................................................
Income before provision for income taxes ...............................................
Provision for income taxes .......................................................................
Net income................................................................................................

Operating Statistics
Refined products:

Transportation revenue per barrel shipped .......................................
Volume shipped (million barrels):

Gasoline.......................................................................................
Distillates.....................................................................................
Aviation fuel................................................................................
Liquefied petroleum gases ..........................................................
Total volume shipped.............................................................

Crude oil:

Magellan 100%-owned assets:

Transportation revenue per barrel shipped..................................
Volumes shipped (million barrels) ..............................................
Crude oil terminal average utilization (million barrels per

month) .....................................................................................

Select joint venture pipelines:

BridgeTex - volume shipped (million barrels)(a) .........................
Saddlehorn - volume shipped (million barrels)(b)........................

Marine storage:

Marine terminal average utilization (million barrels per month) .....

$

$ 1,002.4
407.8
181.7
(0.8)
1,591.1
14.7

$ 1,096.0
458.5
180.7
(3.4)
1,731.8
17.7

380.4
88.6
65.5
(5.8)
528.7

599.6
493.3
106.3
78.7
1,262.1
178.1
147.2
936.8
165.4
—
(28.1)
(6.5)
806.0
3.2
802.8

$

400.4
120.9
65.3
(8.6)
578.0

758.2
635.6
122.6
121.0
1,415.1
196.7
165.7
1,052.7
193.7
(18.5)
—
4.1
873.4
3.9
869.5

$

1.473

$

1.495

$

275.4
150.2
25.7
10.4
461.7

1.321
187.0

15.0

79.0
5.2

23.8

295.5
166.2
26.5
9.9
498.1

1.348
196.4

15.3

98.4
19.0

23.1

$

$

$

(a)  These volumes reflect the total shipments for the BridgeTex pipeline, which is owned 50% by us.
(b)  These volumes reflect the total shipments for the Saddlehorn pipeline, which began operations in September 2016 and is owned 40% by us.

48

 
Transportation and terminals revenue increased by $140.7 million, resulting from:

•  an increase in refined products revenue of $93.6 million.  Shipments increased in the current period 

primarily due to stronger demand for gasoline and distillate in the markets we serve and increased volumes 
from our Little Rock pipeline extension, which commenced commercial operations in July 2016.  The 
average rate per barrel in the current period was favorably impacted by the mid-year 2016 and 2017 tariff 
adjustments but was largely offset by additional short-haul movements within South Texas, which ship at a 
lower rate than our other pipeline segments.  Additionally, the current period benefited from a one-time 
customer payment associated with a contract dispute settlement and higher storage and other ancillary 
service fees along our pipeline system due to increased customer activity;

•  an increase in crude oil revenue of $50.7 million primarily due to contributions from our new condensate 
splitter at Corpus Christi that began commercial operations in June 2017, higher volumes and higher 
average rates on our Longhorn pipeline and higher deficiency revenue for volume committed but not 
moved on our Houston distribution system; and

•  a decrease in marine storage revenue of $1.0 million primarily due to slightly lower utilization due to the 

timing of maintenance work and tanks damaged by Hurricane Harvey that are still under repair.  Otherwise, 
higher storage rates partially offset lower utilization.

Affiliate management fee revenue was $3.0 million higher than the prior year primarily resulting from 

management fees received from recently-formed joint ventures.

Operating expenses increased $49.3 million, resulting from:

•  an increase in refined products expenses of $20.0 million primarily due to higher asset integrity spending 
related to the timing of maintenance work, rental costs for a pipeline segment we began leasing in third 
quarter 2016 in connection with our Little Rock pipeline and higher compensation costs, partially offset by 
more favorable product overages (which reduce operating expenses);

•  an increase in crude oil expenses of $32.3 million primarily due to higher compensation and other costs 

associated with our new condensate splitter that began commercial operations in June 2017, less favorable 
product overages and more asset integrity spending during the current year; and

•  a decrease in marine storage expenses of $0.2 million as higher environmental remediation expense and 

clean-up work related to Hurricane Harvey and higher compensation costs were largely offset by favorable 
product overages.

Product sales revenue resulted primarily from our butane blending activities, transmix fractionation, crude oil 
marketing activities and the sale of tender deductions and product overages from our operations. We utilize futures 
contracts to hedge against changes in the price of petroleum products we expect to sell in future periods, as well as 
to hedge against changes in the price of butane we expect to purchase.  See Note 13 –Derivative Financial 
Instruments in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for a discussion of our hedging strategies and 
how our use of futures contracts impacts our product margin and Other Items – Commodity Derivative Agreements 
below for more information about our futures contracts.  Product margin increased $16.3 million primarily due to 
lower losses recognized in the current year on futures contracts, partially offset by lower margins on product sales 
from our butane blending activities.  See Other Items—Commodity Derivative Agreements—Impact of Commodity 
Derivatives on Results of Operations below for more information about our futures contracts.  

Earnings of non-controlled entities increased $42.3 million primarily due to higher earnings from BridgeTex 

Pipeline Company, LLC (“BridgeTex”) mainly attributable to incremental spot shipments (including spot shipments 
by us; see Note 4 – Investments in Non-Controlled Entities in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 
for information about spot shipments that we made on the BridgeTex pipeline), as well as additional shipments from 

49

BridgeTex’s new Eaglebine origin.  Additionally, we received higher earnings from Saddlehorn Pipeline Company, 
LLC (“Saddlehorn”), which began operating during third quarter 2016.  

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $18.6 million primarily due to commencement of 

depreciation of expansion capital projects recently placed into service. 

G&A expense increased $18.5 million primarily due to higher compensation costs resulting from an increase 

in employee headcount as a result of the growth of our business and higher bonus accruals.

Interest expense, net of interest income and interest capitalized, increased $28.3 million in 2017 primarily due 
to higher outstanding debt and lower capitalized interest in the current period, offset by slightly lower average rates.  
Our average outstanding debt increased from $3.9 billion in 2016 to $4.3 billion in 2017 primarily due to 
borrowings for expansion capital expenditures. Our weighted-average interest rate of 4.8% in 2017 was lower than 
the 4.9% rate incurred in 2016.

In 2017, we recognized an $18.5 million gain in connection with the sale of an inactive terminal in Chicago, 

Illinois.

In 2016, we recognized a $28.1 million gain related to the transfer of our 50% membership interest in Osage 

Pipe Line Company, LLC (“Osage”). See Note 4 – Investments in Non-Controlled Entities in Item 8. Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for more details regarding this transaction.

Other (income) expense was $10.6 million unfavorable in 2017 due to higher pension-related costs in the 

current period, including higher pension settlements, and a less favorable non-cash adjustment in 2017 for the 
change in the differential between the current spot price and forward price on fair value hedges. 

50

Year Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016 

Year Ended
December 31,

2015

2016

Variance
Favorable (Unfavorable)
$ Change % Change

27.9
13.7
5.6
(0.8)
46.4
0.8

(4.1)
0.4
(3.3)
1.9
(5.1)

(30.2)
(46.0)
(76.2)
12.2
(21.9)
(11.3)
2.7
(30.5)
(22.2)
28.1
9.2
(15.4)
(0.9)
(16.3)

3 %
3 %
3 %
n/a
3 %
6 %

(1)%
— %
(5)%
49 %
(1)%

(5)%
(10)%
(42)%
18 %
(2)%
(7)%
2 %
(3)%
(16)%
n/a
n/a
(2)%
(39)%
(2)%

Financial Highlights ($ in millions, except operating statistics)

Transportation and terminals revenue:

Refined products .........................................................................
Crude oil......................................................................................
Marine storage.............................................................................
Intersegment eliminations ...........................................................
Total transportation and terminals revenue .........................
Affiliate management fee revenue ......................................................
Operating expenses:

$

$

974.5
394.1
176.1
—
1,544.7
13.9

$

1,002.4
407.8
181.7
(0.8)
1,591.1
14.7

Refined products .........................................................................
Crude oil......................................................................................
Marine storage.............................................................................
Intersegment eliminations ...........................................................
Total operating expenses .....................................................

Product margin:

Product sales................................................................................
Cost of product sales ...................................................................
Product margin ....................................................................
Earnings of non-controlled entities .....................................................
Operating margin.................................................................
Depreciation and amortization expense ..............................................
G&A expense ......................................................................................
Operating profit ...................................................................
Interest expense (net of interest income and interest capitalized).......
Gain on exchange of interest in non-controlled entity ........................
Other (income) expense ......................................................................
Income before provision for income taxes..........................................
Provision for income taxes..................................................................
Net income ..........................................................................................

Operating Statistics
Refined products:

Transportation revenue per barrel shipped..................................
Volume shipped (million barrels):

Gasoline .................................................................................
Distillates ...............................................................................
Aviation fuel...........................................................................
Liquefied petroleum gases .....................................................
Total volume shipped........................................................

Crude oil:

Magellan 100%-owned assets:

Transportation revenue per barrel shipped.............................
Volumes shipped (million barrels) .........................................
Crude oil terminal average utilization (million barrels per

month) ................................................................................

Select joint venture pipelines:

BridgeTex - volume shipped (million barrels)(a) ....................
Saddlehorn - volume shipped (million barrels)(b) ..................

Marine storage:

$

$

$

376.3
89.0
62.2
(3.9)
523.6

629.8
447.3
182.5
66.5
1,284.0
166.8
149.9
967.3
143.2
—
2.7
821.4
2.3
819.1

$

380.4
88.6
65.5
(5.8)
528.7

599.6
493.3
106.3
78.7
1,262.1
178.1
147.2
936.8
165.4
(28.1)
(6.5)
806.0
3.2
802.8

$

1.439

$

1.473

268.1
152.5
21.2
9.7
451.5

1.118
209.9

13.1

75.2
—

$

275.4
150.2
25.7
10.4
461.7

1.321
187.0

15.0

79.0
5.2

Marine terminal average utilization (million barrels

per month) ...............................................................................

24.0

23.8

(a)  These volumes reflect the total shipments for the BridgeTex pipeline, which is owned 50% by us.
(b)  These volumes reflect the total shipments for the Saddlehorn pipeline, which began operations in September 2016 and is owned 40% by us.
51

 
 
 
 
Transportation and terminals revenue increased by $46.4 million, resulting from:

•  an increase in refined products revenue of $27.9 million.  Transportation revenue was favorably impacted 

by the mid-year 2015 tariff rate increase of 4.6% and the mid-year 2016 increase which averaged 
approximately 2.0% across all of our markets.  Shipments increased 2% in 2016 primarily associated with 
additional volumes from growth projects, including our Little Rock pipeline extension which commenced 
commercial operations in July 2016, and increased demand for gasoline and aviation fuel.  Additionally, 
revenue from storage services along our pipeline system increased due to new customer contracts;

•  an increase in crude oil revenue of $13.7 million primarily due to higher average rates, as well as new  

storage contracts.  Overall crude oil shipments declined and average rate per barrel increased due to fewer 
barrels moving on our lower-priced Houston distribution system tariff structure to their ultimate 
destination.  Instead, customers utilized space available on our capacity lease for shipments from the 
BridgeTex pipeline; and 

•  an increase in marine storage revenue of $5.6 million primarily due to higher average rates from contract 
renewals and escalations.  Total utilization decreased slightly due in part to timing of project work to 
convert tanks to crude oil service at our Galena Park, Texas terminal in 2016.

Affiliate management fee revenue increased $0.8 million primarily resulting from a one-time start-up fee 

received from Saddlehorn, which began operations in September 2016, partially offset by lower construction 
management fees received from our joint ventures and lower fees from Osage due to the transfer of our 50% 
membership interest in 2016.

Operating expenses increased $5.1 million, resulting from:

•  an increase in refined products expenses of $4.1 million primarily resulting from rental costs for a pipeline 
segment we began leasing in third quarter 2016 in connection with our Little Rock pipeline, higher asset 
retirements and higher environmental accruals, partially offset by lower asset integrity spending due to 
timing of tank maintenance work;

•  a decrease in crude oil expenses of $0.4 million as lower power costs and more favorable product overages 

(which reduce operating expenses) were primarily offset by increased personnel costs related to 
incremental headcount to support the crude oil segment; and

•  an increase in marine storage expenses of $3.3 million primarily attributable to higher asset integrity 

spending in 2016.  

Product margin decreased $76.2 million primarily due to lower margins from our butane blending activities as 

a result of lower realized sales prices and higher losses on futures contracts recognized in 2016.  See Other Items—
Commodity Derivative Agreements—Impact of Commodity Derivatives on Results of Operations below for more 
information about our futures contracts.  

Earnings of non-controlled entities increased $12.2 million primarily attributable to increased earnings from 

BridgeTex due to higher shipments in 2016, as well as earnings from Saddlehorn, which began operating during 
third quarter 2016, and higher earnings from Double Eagle Pipeline LLC (“Double Eagle”).

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $11.3 million in 2016 primarily due to expansion capital 

expenditures. 

G&A expense decreased $2.7 million between periods primarily due to lower equity-based incentive 

compensation and lower employee bonus accruals. 

52

Interest expense, net of interest income and interest capitalized, increased $22.2 million in 2016 primarily due 

to higher outstanding debt and higher average interest rates on our debt, partially offset by higher capitalized 
interest.  Our average outstanding debt increased from $3.3 billion in 2015 to $3.9 billion in 2016 primarily due to 
borrowings for expansion capital expenditures.  Our weighted-average interest rate of 4.9% in 2016 was higher than 
the 4.7% rate incurred in 2015.

In 2016, we recognized a $28.1 million gain related to the transfer of our 50% membership interest in Osage. 

See Note 4 – Investments in Non-Controlled Entities in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of 
this report for more details regarding this transaction.

Other (income) expense was $9.2 million favorable due to a more favorable non-cash adjustment in 2016 for 

the change in the differential between the then-current spot price and forward price on fair value hedges.  
Additionally, other (income) expense included a break-up fee in 2016 related to a potential acquisition.

53

Distributable Cash Flow

Distributable cash flow (“DCF”) and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures.  See Item 6. Selected 
Financial Data for a discussion of how management uses these non-GAAP measures.  A reconciliation of DCF and 
Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 to net income, which is the nearest 
comparable GAAP financial measure, is as follows (in millions):

Net income..............................................................................................................
Interest expense, net ................................................................................................

$

Depreciation and amortization ................................................................................
Equity-based incentive compensation(1)..................................................................
Loss on sale and retirement of assets ......................................................................
Gain on sale of asset(2).............................................................................................
Gain on exchange of interest in non-controlled entity(3) .........................................
Commodity-related adjustments:

Derivative (gains) losses recognized in the period associated with future 

product transactions(5) ....................................................................................

Derivative gains (losses) recognized in previous periods associated with 

product sales completed in the period(5).........................................................
Inventory valuation adjustments(6) .....................................................................
Total commodity-related adjustments .............................................................
Cash distributions received from non-controlled entities in excess of earnings(7) ..
Other(4).....................................................................................................................
Adjusted EBITDA .................................................................................................

Interest expense, net, excluding debt issuance cost amortization ...........................
Maintenance capital(8) .............................................................................................
DCF.........................................................................................................................

Year Ended December 31,
2016

2017

2015

$

819.1
143.2

166.8

6.5

7.9

—

—

$

802.8
165.4

178.1

5.0

11.2

—

(28.1)

869.5
193.7

196.6

6.8

13.4

(18.5)

—

(47.8)

21.8

37.6

96.1

(34.3)

14.0

14.5

—

45.2

(2.8)

64.2

9.3

5.3

(25.5)

0.4

12.5

25.2

3.7

1,172.0

1,213.2

1,302.9

(140.5)

(88.7)

(162.2)

(103.5)

(190.4)

(91.1)

$

942.8

$

947.5

$

1,021.4

(1)  Because we intend to satisfy vesting of unit awards under our equity-based incentive compensation plan with the issuance of limited 
partner units, expenses related to this plan generally are deemed non-cash and added back for DCF purposes.  The equity-based 
compensation adjustment for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 was $24.3 million, $19.4 million and $20.6 million, 
respectively.  However, the figures above include adjustments of $17.8 million, $14.4 million and $13.9 million, respectively, for cash 
payments associated with our equity-based incentive compensation plan, which primarily include tax withholdings. 

(2)  In September 2017, we recognized an $18.5 million gain in connection with the sale of an inactive terminal in Chicago, Illinois, which 

has been deducted from the calculation of DCF because it is not related to our ongoing operations.

(3)  In February 2016, we transferred our 50% membership interest in Osage to an affiliate of HollyFrontier Corporation (“HFC”).  In 
conjunction with this transaction, we entered into several commercial agreements with affiliates of HFC, which were recorded as 
intangible assets and other receivables on our consolidated balance sheets.  We recorded a $28.1 million non-cash gain in relation to 
this transaction.

(4)  In conjunction with the February 2016 Osage transaction, HFC agreed to make certain payments to us until HFC completes a 

connection to our El Paso terminal.  We recorded a receivable in relation to this transaction, which was fully collected as of September 
30, 2017. The purpose of these payments was to replace distributions we would have received had the Osage transaction not occurred 
and, therefore, these payments are included in our calculation of DCF.

(5)  Certain derivatives we use as economic hedges have not been designated as hedges for accounting purposes and the mark-to-market 

changes of these derivatives are recognized currently in earnings. In addition, we have designated certain derivatives we use to hedge 
our crude oil tank bottoms as fair value hedges and the change in the differential between the current spot price and forward price on 
these hedges is recognized currently in earnings. We exclude the net impact of both of these adjustments from our determination of 
DCF until the hedged products are physically sold.  In the period in which these hedged products are physically sold, the net impact of 
the associated hedges is included in our determination of DCF.

(6)  We adjust DCF for lower of cost or net realizable value adjustments related to inventory and firm purchase commitments as well as 
market valuations of short positions recognized each period as these are non-cash items. In subsequent periods when we physically 
sell or purchase the related products, we adjust DCF for the valuation adjustments previously recognized.

54

(7)  The cash distributions received from non-controlled entities in excess of earnings only include cash flows from ongoing operations of 
those entities.  See Note 4 – Investments in Non-Controlled Entities in Item 1 of Part I of this report for more detailed information.

(8)  Maintenance capital expenditures maintain our existing assets and do not generate incremental DCF (i.e. incremental returns to our 

unitholders).  For this reason, we deduct maintenance capital expenditures to determine DCF.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flows and Capital Expenditures

Operating Activities.  Net cash provided by operating activities was $1,069.7 million, $964.0 million and 
$1,108.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. The $144.7 million increase 
from 2016 to 2017 was due to higher net income as previously described, adjustments to non-cash items and 
changes in our working capital.  The $105.7 million decrease from 2015 to 2016 was due to changes in our working 
capital, adjustments to non-cash items and lower net income as previously described.

Investing Activities.  Net cash used by investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 

2017 was $810.8 million, $857.4 million and $570.6 million, respectively. During 2017, we incurred $572.7 million 
for capital expenditures, which included $91.2 million for maintenance capital and $481.6 million for expansion 
capital. Also during 2017, we contributed capital of $134.8 million in conjunction with our joint venture capital 
projects, which we account for as investments in non-controlled entities.  During 2016, we incurred $653.5 million 
for capital expenditures, which included $103.5 million for maintenance capital and $550.0 million for expansion 
capital. Also during 2016, we contributed capital of $200.0 million in conjunction with our joint venture capital 
projects.  During 2015, we incurred $623.3 million for capital expenditures, which included $88.7 million for 
maintenance capital and $534.6 million for expansion capital. Also during 2015, we acquired a refined products 
terminal in the Atlanta, Georgia market for $54.7 million and we contributed capital of $152.5 million in 
conjunction with our joint venture capital projects.  

Financing Activities.  Net cash used by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 
2017 was $247.3 million, $120.7 million and $376.7 million, respectively. During 2017, we paid cash distributions 
of $803.2 million to our unitholders. Additionally, we received net proceeds of $496.7 million from borrowings 
under long-term notes, which were used to repay borrowings outstanding under our commercial paper program and 
for general partnership purposes, including expansion capital. Net commercial paper repayments during 2017 totaled 
$50.0 million.  Also, in January 2017, the cumulative amounts of the 2014 equity-based incentive compensation 
awards were settled by issuing 216,679 limited partner units and distributing those units to the long-term incentive 
plan (“LTIP”) participants, resulting in payments primarily associated with tax withholdings of $13.9 million.   
During 2016, we paid cash distributions of $739.2 million to our unitholders. Additionally, we received net proceeds 
of $1.1 billion from borrowings under long-term notes, which were used in part to repay our $250.0 million of 
5.65% notes due 2016, to repay borrowings outstanding under our commercial paper program and for general 
partnership purposes, including expansion capital. Net commercial paper repayments during 2016 totaled $230.0 
million. In connection with certain of the borrowings under long-term notes, we paid $19.3 million in settlement of 
associated interest rate swap agreements. Also, in February 2016, the cumulative amounts of the January 2013 
equity-based incentive compensation awards were settled by issuing 350,552 limited partner units to the LTIP 
participants, resulting in payments of associated tax withholdings of $14.4 million.  During 2015, we paid cash 
distributions of $662.9 million to our unitholders. Additionally, we received net proceeds of $499.6 million from 
borrowings under long-term notes, which were used in part to repay borrowings outstanding under our commercial 
paper program and for general partnership purposes, including expansion capital. In connection with the borrowings 
under long-term notes, we paid $42.9 million in settlement of associated interest rate swap agreements. Also, in 
January 2015, the cumulative amounts of the January 2012 equity-based incentive compensation awards were settled 
by issuing 354,529 limited partner units to the LTIP participants, resulting in payments of associated tax 
withholdings of $17.8 million. 

The quarterly distribution amount related to fourth quarter 2017 earnings was $0.92 per unit, which was paid 

in February 2018. If we are able to meet management’s targeted distribution growth of 8% during 2018 and the 
number of outstanding limited partner units remains at 228.2 million, total cash distributions of approximately $885 

55

million will be paid to our unitholders related to 2018 earnings.  Management believes we will have sufficient DCF 
to fund these distributions.

Capital Requirements

Our business requires continual investment to upgrade or enhance existing operations and to ensure 
compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Capital spending for our business consists primarily of: 

•  Maintenance capital expenditures.  These capital expenditures include costs required to maintain equipment 
reliability and safety and to address environmental or other regulatory requirements rather than to generate 
incremental DCF; and

•  Expansion capital expenditures.  These expenditures are undertaken primarily to generate incremental DCF 
and include costs to acquire additional assets to grow our business and to expand or upgrade our existing 
facilities, which we refer to as organic growth projects.  Organic growth projects include, for example, 
capital expenditures that increase storage or throughput volumes or develop pipeline connections to new 
supply sources.

During 2017, our maintenance capital spending was $91.2 million. For 2018, we expect to spend 

approximately $90 million on maintenance capital. 

During 2017, we spent more than $540 million on organic growth construction projects.  Based on the 
progress of expansion projects already underway, we expect to spend approximately $900 million for expansion 
capital during 2018, with an additional $375 million in 2019 to complete our current projects.  See Growth Projects 
above for additional information.

Liquidity

Cash generated from operations is a key source of liquidity for funding debt service, maintenance capital 
expenditures and quarterly distributions. Additional liquidity for purposes other than quarterly distributions, such as 
expansion capital expenditures and debt repayments, is available through borrowings under our commercial paper 
program and revolving credit facilities, as well as from other borrowings or issuances of debt or limited partner units 
(see Note 12 – Debt in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report for detail of our 
borrowings and debt outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2017). If capital markets do not permit us to issue 
additional debt and equity securities, our business may be adversely affected, and we may not be able to acquire 
additional assets and businesses, fund organic growth projects or continue paying cash distributions at the current 
level. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None.

56

 
  
Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017 (in millions):

Long-term debt obligations(1) ...........................
Interest obligations(1) ........................................

Operating lease obligations ..............................
Pension and postretirement medical 

obligations(2) .................................................

Purchase commitments:

Product purchase commitments(3) ...............

Utility purchase commitments ....................
Derivative instruments(4).............................
Equity-based incentive awards(5) ................

Capital project purchase obligations...........

Maintenance obligations .............................

Other ...........................................................

Total

< 1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

> 5 years

$

4,550.0

$

250.0

$

550.0

$

550.0

$

3,200.0

3,282.4

262.5

111.9

127.5

22.8

—

37.4

147.2

94.1

8.9

217.3

34.5

28.7

100.6

12.2

—

19.9

141.5

94.0

4.6

361.8

58.4

53.7

26.9

9.3

—

17.5

5.7

0.1

2.7

300.5

53.6

20.4

—

1.2

—

—

—

—

1.6

2,402.8

116.0

9.1

—

0.1

—

—

—

—

—

Total..................................................

$

8,644.7

$

903.3

$

1,086.1

$

927.3

$

5,728.0

(1)  At December 31, 2017, we had no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility or commercial paper program.  For 

purposes of this table, we have reflected no assumed borrowings under our revolving credit facility or commercial paper program for 
any periods presented.  We have included interest obligations based on the stated amounts of our fixed-rate obligations.  
(2)  Represents the projected benefit obligation of our pension and postretirement medical plans less the fair value of plan assets.
(3) 

Includes product purchase commitments for which the price provisions are indexed based on the date of delivery.  We have estimated 
the value of these commitments using the related index price curve as of December 31, 2017.  Also, we have excluded certain product 
purchase agreements for which there is no specified or minimum quantity.

(4)  As of December 31, 2017, we had entered into exchange-traded futures contracts representing 4.4 million barrels of petroleum 

products that we expect to sell in the future and 1.5 million barrels of butane we expect to purchase in the future.  At December 31, 
2017, we had recorded a net liability of $26.1 million and made margin deposits of $36.7 million.  We have excluded from this table 
the future net cash outflows, if any, under these futures contracts and the amounts of future margin deposit requirements because those 
amounts are uncertain. 

(5)  Settlements of our equity-based incentive awards will differ from these reported amounts primarily due to differences between actual 

and current estimates of payout percentages and completion of the remaining portion of the requisite service periods.

Environmental

Our operations are subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. We have accrued 

liabilities for estimated costs at our facilities and properties. We record liabilities when environmental costs are 
probable and can be reasonably estimated. The determination of amounts recorded for environmental liabilities 
involves significant judgments and assumptions by management. Due to the inherent uncertainties involved in 
determining environmental liabilities, it is reasonably possible that the actual amounts required to extinguish these 
liabilities could be materially different from those we have recognized.

Other Items

Pipeline Tariff Increase.  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“FERC”) regulates the rates charged 
on interstate common carrier pipeline operations primarily through an indexing methodology, which establishes the 
maximum amount by which index-based tariffs can be adjusted each year.  Approximately 40% of our refined 
products tariffs are subject to this indexing methodology.  The remaining 60% of our refined products tariffs are 
either subject to regulations by the states in which we operate or are approved for market-based rates by the FERC, 
and in both cases these rates can be adjusted at our discretion based on market factors.  The current FERC-approved 
indexing method is the annual change in the producer price index for finished goods (“PPI-FG”) plus 1.23%.  Based 
on the preliminary estimates for this indexing methodology in 2017, we expect to increase virtually all of our refined 
57

 
 
products pipeline rates by approximately 4.4% on July 1, 2018.  Most of the tariffs on our crude oil pipelines are 
established at negotiated rates that generally provide for annual adjustments in line with changes in the FERC index, 
subject to certain modifications.  We also expect to increase the rates of our crude oil pipelines by between 2% and 
3% on average in July 2018.

Longhorn Pipeline Contracts Renewal.  Our current contracts for the Longhorn pipeline expire on September 

30, 2018. We are in active discussions with shippers regarding potential new rates and terms upon re-contracting. 
Although we remain confident that demand for space on the Longhorn pipeline is strong, the pricing environment 
for term commitments on crude oil pipelines originating from the Permian Basin is very competitive. As a result, we 
assume the tariff rates for the Longhorn pipeline will be lower upon re-contracting in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Commodity Derivative Agreements.  Certain of the business activities in which we engage result in our 

owning various commodities, which exposes us to commodity price risk. We use forward physical commodity 
contracts and exchange-based futures contracts to help manage this commodity price risk. We use forward physical 
contracts to purchase butane and sell refined products. We account for these forward physical contracts as normal 
purchase and sale contracts, using traditional accrual accounting.  We use futures contracts to hedge against changes 
in prices of petroleum products that we expect to sell or purchase in future periods. We use and account for those 
futures contracts that qualify for hedge accounting treatment as either cash flow or fair value hedges, and we use and 
account for those futures contracts that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment as economic hedges.  

As of December 31, 2017, our open derivative contracts and the impact of the derivatives we settled during the 

period were comprised of futures contracts used to hedge sales and purchases of refined products, crude oil and 
butane related to our tender deductions, product overages, butane blending, fractionation and certain crude oil 
inventory activities.  These contracts were accounted for as economic hedges, with the change in fair value of 
contracts that hedge future sales recorded to product sales, and the change in fair value of contracts that hedge future 
purchases recorded to cost of product sales or operating expense. 

For further information regarding the quantities of refined products and crude oil hedged at December 31, 

2017 and the fair value of open hedge contracts at that date, please see Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative 
Disclosures about Market Risk.

The following tables provide a summary of the impacts of the mark-to-market gains and losses associated with 

these futures contracts on our results of operations for the respective periods presented (in millions): 

Year Ended December 31, 2015

Product
Sales
Revenue

Cost of
Product
Sales

Operating
Expense

Other
Income

Net Impact on
Results of
Operations

Gains (losses) recorded on open futures contracts

during the period ...................................................... $

41.3

$

(5.2) $

3.1

$

1.0

$

Gains (losses) recognized on settled futures contracts
during the period ......................................................

27.1

(3.8)

8.7

Net impact of futures contracts ..................................... $

68.4

$

(9.0) $

11.8

$

—

1.0

$

40.2

32.0

72.2

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Product
Sales
Revenue

Cost of
Product
Sales

Operating
Expense

Other
Income

Net Impact on
Results of
Operations

Gains (losses) recorded on open futures contracts

during the period ...................................................... $

(30.2) $

6.1

$

(3.6) $

5.2

$

(22.5)

Gains (losses) recognized on settled futures contracts
during the period ......................................................

(8.4)

4.9

(1.4)

Net impact of futures contracts ..................................... $

(38.6) $

11.0

$

(5.0) $

—

5.2

$

(4.9)

(27.4)

58

Year Ended December 31, 2017

Product
Sales
Revenue

Cost of
Product
Sales

Operating
Expense

Other
Income

Net Impact on
Results of
Operations

Gains (losses) recorded on open futures contracts

during the period ...................................................... $

(38.6) $

12.8

$

— $

2.4

$

(23.4)

Gains (losses) recognized on settled futures contracts
during the period ......................................................

(17.7)

12.8

Net impact of futures contracts ..................................... $

(56.3) $

25.6

$

3.0

3.0

$

—

2.4

$

(1.9)

(25.3)

Senior Management Changes in 2017.  Melanie Little was elected by our general partner’s board of directors 
as Senior Vice President, Operations, effective July 1, 2017.  Ms. Little has 16 years of service with us and has held 
Vice President level positions for the last six years in Crude Oil, Commercial and Operations.

Related Party Transactions.  See Note 11 – Related Party Transactions in Item 8. Financial Statements and 

Supplementary Data of this report for detail of our related party transactions. 

Critical Accounting Estimates 

Our management has discussed the development and selection of the following critical accounting estimates 

with the audit committee of our general partner’s board of directors, which has reviewed and approved these 
disclosures. 

Pension and Postretirement Obligations

We sponsor two union pension plans covering certain employees (“USW plan” and “IUOE plan”),  a pension 
plan for all non-union employees (“Salaried plan”) and a postretirement benefit plan for certain employees. Various 
estimates and assumptions directly affect net periodic benefit expense and obligations for these plans. These 
estimates and assumptions include the expected long-term rates of return on plan assets, discount rates, expected rate 
of compensation increase and the assumed health care cost trend rate. Management reviews these assumptions 
annually and makes adjustments as necessary.

The following table presents the estimated increase (decrease) in net periodic benefit expense and obligations 

that would result from a 1% change in the specified assumption (in thousands): 

Benefit Expense

Benefit Obligation

1% Increase

1% Decrease

1% Increase

1% Decrease

Pension benefits:
  Discount rate...........................................................
  Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets ...
  Rate of compensation increase ...............................
Other postretirement benefits:
  Discount rate...........................................................
  Assumed health care cost trend rate .......................

  $
  $
  $

  $
  $

3,893
(892)
3,450  

(134)

67  

  $
  $
  $

  $
  $

4,875  
2,943  
(3,135)

172  
(62)

  $
  $
  $

  $
  $

(31,919)

—  
15,603  

(1,495)

411  

  $
  $
  $

  $
  $

38,221
—
(15,803)

1,942
(382)

The following table sets forth the increase (decrease) in our pension funding based on our current funding 

policy assuming a 1% change in the specified criterion (in thousands):

1% Increase

1% Decrease

Projected return on assets...............

Rate of compensation increase.......

$

$

(1,415) $

3,133

$

2,253

(2,689)

59

 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
The discount rate directly affects the measurement of the benefit obligations of our pension and other 
postretirement benefit plans. The objective of the discount rate is to determine the amount, if invested at the 
December 31st measurement date in a portfolio of high-quality fixed income securities, that would provide the 
necessary cash flows to make benefit payments when due.  Decreases in the discount rate increase the obligation and 
generally increase the related expense, while increases in the discount rate have the opposite effect.  Changes in 
general economic and market conditions that affect interest rates on long-term high-quality fixed income securities 
as well as the duration of our plans’ liabilities affect our estimate of the discount rate.  

We estimate the long-term expected rate of return on plan assets using expectations of capital market results, 

which includes an analysis of historical results as well as forward-looking projections. We base these capital market 
expectations on a long-term period and on our investment strategy and asset allocation. We develop our estimates 
using input from several external sources, including consultation with our third-party independent investment 
consultant. We develop the forward-looking capital market projections using a consensus of expectations by 
economists for inflation and dividend yield, along with expected changes in risk premiums. Because our determined 
rate is an estimate of future results, it could be significantly different from actual results. The expected rates of 
return on plan assets are long-term in nature; therefore, short-term market performance does not significantly affect 
our estimated long-term expected rate of return. 

The expected rate of compensation increase represents average long-term salary increases. An increase in this 

rate causes the pension obligation and expense to increase.  We base the assumed health care cost trend rates on 
national trend rates adjusted for our actual historical claims experience and plan design. An increase in this rate 
causes the other postretirement benefit obligation and expense to increase.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.   

Long-lived assets, including fixed assets, investments in non-controlled entities, goodwill and other 
intangibles, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying 
value may not be recoverable. Such indicators include, among others, the nature of the asset, the projected future 
economic benefit of the asset, changes in regulatory and political environments and historical and future cash flow 
and profitability measurements. If the carrying value of an asset exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows 
expected from the asset, we recognize an impairment charge for the excess of carrying value of the asset over its 
estimated fair value.  

Determination as to whether and how much an asset is impaired involves management estimates on highly

uncertain matters such as future commodity prices, the effects of inflation and technology improvements on
operating expenses and the outlook for national or regional market supply and demand conditions. We base the
impairment reviews and calculations used in our impairment tests on assumptions that are consistent with our
business plans and long-term investment decisions.

The goodwill relating to each of our reporting units is tested for impairment annually as well as when an event 

or change in circumstances indicates an impairment may have occurred.  Under GAAP, we have the option to first 
assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of one of our reporting 
units is greater than its carrying amount. If, after assessing the totality of events or circumstances, we determine it is 
more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, we do not perform any 
further testing. However, if we conclude otherwise, we perform the first step of a two-step impairment test by 
calculating the fair value of the reporting unit and comparing the fair value with the carrying amount of the reporting 
unit. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent 
that the implied fair value of the goodwill of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value.

We have the option to bypass the qualitative assessment for any reporting unit in any period and proceed 

directly to performing the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test.

For purposes of performing the impairment test for goodwill, our reporting units are our reportable segments. 

In 2016, we elected to perform the qualitative assessment described above for purposes of our annual goodwill 

60

 
impairment test. Based on this assessment, we concluded that it was more likely than not that the fair value of each 
of our reporting units was greater than its carrying amount. In 2017, we elected to complete the quantitative 
goodwill impairment test and began with step one of the test as required by ASC 350-20-35-4. Based on this 
assessment, we calculated that the fair value of each of our reporting units was greater than its carrying amount.

An estimate as to the sensitivity to earnings for these periods had we used other assumptions in our impairment 

reviews and calculations is not practicable, given the broad range of our assets and the number of assumptions 
involved in the estimates. Favorable changes to some assumptions might have avoided the need to impair any assets 
in these periods, whereas unfavorable changes might have caused an increase in impairments recognized.

Environmental Liabilities 

We estimate the liabilities associated with environmental expenditures based on site-specific project plans for 
remediation, taking into account prior remediation experience. Remediation project managers evaluate each known 
case of environmental liability to determine what associated costs can be reasonably estimated and to ensure 
compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements. The accounting estimate relative to environmental 
remediation costs is a critical accounting estimate for each of our operating segments because: (i) estimated 
expenditures are subject to cost fluctuations and could change materially, (ii) as remediation work is performed and 
additional information relative to each specific site becomes known, cost estimates for those sites could change 
materially, (iii) unanticipated third-party liabilities may arise, (iv) it is difficult to determine the amounts, if any, of 
penalties that may be levied by governmental agencies with regard to certain environmental events, and (v) when 
changes in federal, state and local environmental regulations occur, these changes could significantly impact the 
amount of our environmental liability accruals.  

A defined process for project review is integrated into our system integrity plan. Each year our remediation 

project managers meet to evaluate, in detail, our known environmental sites. The purpose of the annual project 
review is to assess all aspects of each project, evaluating what actions will be required to achieve regulatory 
compliance and estimating the costs and timing to execute the regulatory phases that can be reasonably estimated. 
During the site-specific evaluations, we utilize all known information in conjunction with professional judgment and 
experience to determine the appropriate approach for remediation and to assess liabilities. The process to achieve 
regulatory compliance consists of site investigation/delineation, site remediation and long-term monitoring. Each of 
these phases can, and often does, include unknown variables that complicate the task of evaluating the estimated 
costs to completion.   At each accounting period-end, we re-evaluate our environmental estimates taking into 
account any new incidents that have occurred since the last annual meeting of the remediation project managers, any 
changes in the site situation remediation, including work to date, additional findings or changes in federal or state 
regulations and changes in cost estimates. Changes in our environmental liabilities since December 31, 2015 were as 
follows (in millions):

Balance

12/31/15

$31.4

2016

Accruals

Expenditures

$8.4

$(15.8)

Balance

12/31/16

$24.0

2017

Accruals

Expenditures

$12.8

$(17.5)

Balance

12/31/17

$19.3

During 2017, we accrued $12.8 million of environmental liabilities.  Of this amount, $9.4 million related to 

product releases that occurred during 2017, and the remaining accrual adjustments of  $3.4 million related to 
historical releases.  At December 31, 2017, we had recognized $7.2 million of receivables from insurance carriers 
associated with environmental claims.

During 2016, we accrued $8.4 million of environmental liabilities.  Of this amount, $8.6 million related to 

product releases that occurred during 2016, and the remaining accrual adjustments of $(0.2) million related to 
historical releases.  At December 31, 2016, we had recognized $4.1 million of receivables from insurance carriers 
associated with environmental claims.

We based our period-end environmental liabilities on estimates that are subject to change, and any changes to 

these estimates would affect our results of operations and financial position. Any increase in our environmental 

61

 
 
liabilities would decrease our operating profit and net income by the same amount, which would negatively impact 
basic and diluted net income per limited partner unit.

 New Accounting Pronouncements 

See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary 

Data of this report for a summary of new accounting pronouncements.

62

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include forward-looking statements within the 

meaning of the federal securities laws that discuss our expected future results based on current and pending business 
operations.  Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” 
“could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “forecasts,” “goal,” “guidance,” “intends,” “may,” “might,” “plans,” “potential,” 
“projected,” “scheduled,” “should,” “will” and other similar expressions. Although we believe our forward-looking 
statements are based on reasonable assumptions, statements made regarding future results are not guarantees of 
future performance and are subject to numerous assumptions, uncertainties and risks that are difficult to predict. 
Therefore, actual outcomes and results may be materially different from the results stated or implied in such 
forward-looking statements included in this report.

The following are among the important factors that could cause future results to differ materially from any 

projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted amounts we have discussed in this report:

• 
• 

• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

overall demand for refined products, crude oil, liquefied petroleum gases and ammonia in the U.S.;
price fluctuations for refined products, crude oil, liquefied petroleum gases and ammonia and expectations 
about future prices for these products;
changes in the production of crude oil in the basins served by our pipelines;
changes in general economic conditions, interest rates and price levels;
changes in the financial condition of our customers, vendors, derivatives counterparties, lenders or joint 
venture co-owners;
our ability to secure financing in the credit and capital markets in amounts and on terms that will allow us 
to execute our growth strategy, refinance our existing obligations when due and maintain adequate 
liquidity;
development of alternative energy sources, including but not limited to natural gas, solar power, wind 
power, electric and battery-powered engines and geothermal energy, increased use of biofuels such as 
ethanol and biodiesel, increased conservation or fuel efficiency, increased use of electric vehicles, as well 
as regulatory developments or other trends that could affect demand for our services;
population decreases in the markets served by our refined products pipeline system and changes in 
consumer preferences, driving patterns or rates of automobile ownership;
changes in the throughput or interruption in service of refined products or crude oil pipelines owned and 
operated by third parties and connected to our assets;
changes in demand for storage in our refined products, crude oil or marine terminals;
changes in supply and demand patterns for our facilities due to geopolitical events, the activities of the 
Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, changes in U.S. trade policies or in laws governing the 
importing and exporting of petroleum products, technological developments or other factors;
our ability to manage interest rate and commodity price exposures;
changes in our tariff rates or other terms of service implemented by the FERC, the U.S. Surface 
Transportation Board or state regulatory agencies;
shut-downs or cutbacks at refineries, oil wells, petrochemical plants, ammonia production facilities or other 
customers or businesses that use or supply our services;
the effect of weather patterns and other natural phenomena, including climate change, on our operations 
and demand for our services;
an increase in the competition our operations encounter;
the occurrence of natural disasters, terrorism, sabotage, protests or activism, operational hazards, equipment 
failures, system failures or unforeseen interruptions;
our ability to obtain adequate levels of insurance at a reasonable cost, and the potential for losses to exceed 
the insurance coverage we do obtain;
the treatment of us as a corporation for federal or state income tax purposes or if we become subject to 
significant forms of other taxation or more aggressive enforcement or increased assessments under existing 
forms of taxation;
our ability to identify expansion projects or to complete identified expansion projects on time and at 
projected costs;

63

 
 
• 

• 
• 
• 
• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

• 
• 

• 

our ability to make and integrate accretive acquisitions and joint ventures and successfully execute our 
business strategy;
uncertainty of estimates, including accruals and costs of environmental remediation;
our ability to cooperate with and rely on our joint venture co-owners;
actions by rating agencies concerning our credit ratings;
our ability to timely obtain and maintain all necessary approvals, consents and permits required to operate 
our existing assets and to construct, acquire and operate any new or modified assets; 
our ability to promptly obtain all necessary services, materials, labor, supplies and rights-of-way required 
for construction of our growth projects, and to complete construction without significant delays, disputes or 
cost overruns;
risks inherent in the use and security of information systems in our business and implementation of new 
software and hardware;
changes in laws and regulations or the interpretations of such laws that govern our butane blending 
activities, including the potential applicability of the Carmack Amendment, which broadly covers claims 
for damage or loss incurred to goods transported by a carrier in interstate commerce, to such activities, or 
changes regarding product quality specifications or renewable fuel obligations that impact our ability to 
produce gasoline volumes through our butane blending activities or that require significant capital outlays 
for compliance;
changes in laws and regulations to which we or our customers are or could become subject, including tax 
withholding requirements, safety, security, employment, hydraulic fracturing, derivatives transactions, trade 
and environmental laws and regulations, including laws and regulations designed to address climate 
change;
the cost and effects of legal and administrative claims and proceedings against us, our subsidiaries or our 
joint ventures;
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;
the effect of changes in accounting policies;
the potential that our internal controls may not be adequate, weaknesses may be discovered or remediation 
of any identified weaknesses may not be successful;
the ability and intent of our customers, vendors, lenders, joint venture co-owners or other third parties to 
perform on their contractual obligations to us;
petroleum product supply disruptions; 
global and domestic repercussions from terrorist activities, including cyber attacks, and the government’s 
response thereto; and
other factors and uncertainties inherent in the transportation, storage and distribution of petroleum products 
and ammonia, and the operation, acquisition and construction of assets related to such activities.

This list of important factors is not exclusive. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any 

forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or 
otherwise.

64

 
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We may be exposed to market risk through changes in commodity prices and interest rates and have 
established policies to monitor and control these market risks. We use derivative agreements to help manage our 
exposure to commodity price and interest rate risks.  

Commodity Price Risk

Our commodity price risk primarily arises from our butane blending and fractionation activities, and from 
managing product overages associated with our refined products and crude oil pipelines.  We use derivatives such as 
forward physical contracts and exchange-traded futures contracts to help us manage commodity price risk.  

Forward physical contracts that qualify for and are elected as normal purchases and sales are accounted for 

using traditional accrual accounting.  As of December 31, 2017, we had commitments under forward purchase and 
sale contracts as follows (in millions):

Forward purchase contracts – notional value ..................... $

127.5

$

100.6

Forward purchase contracts – barrels .................................

2.8

2.1

Total

< 1 Year

1 – 3 Years
26.9
$

Forward sales contracts – notional value............................ $

55.3

$

55.0

$

Forward sales contracts – barrels........................................

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.3

< 0.1

We also use exchange-traded futures contracts to hedge against changes in the price of petroleum products we 
expect to sell or purchase.  Virtually all of our open contracts did not qualify for hedge accounting treatment under 
ASC 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and we accounted for these contracts as economic hedges, with changes in fair 
value recognized currently in earnings.  The fair value of these open futures contracts, representing 4.4 million 
barrels of petroleum products we expect to sell and 1.5 million barrels of butane we expect to purchase, was a net 
liability of $25.9 million.  With respect to these contracts, a $10.00 per barrel increase (decrease) in the prices of 
petroleum products we expect to sell would result in a $44.0 million decrease (increase) in our operating profit, 
while a $10.00 per barrel increase (decrease) in the price of butane we expect to purchase would result in $15.0 
million increase (decrease) in our operating profit.  These increases or decreases in operating profit would be 
substantially offset by higher or lower product sales revenue or cost of product sales when the physical sale or 
purchase of those products occurs. These contracts may be for the purchase or sale of products in markets different 
from those in which we are attempting to hedge our exposure, and the related hedges may not eliminate all price 
risks.

Interest Rate Risk

Our use of variable rate debt and any future issuances of fixed rate debt expose us to interest rate risk. 

We entered into $100.0 million of forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge against the risk of 

variability of future interest payments on a portion of debt we anticipate issuing in 2018.  The fair value of these 
contracts at December 31, 2017 was a net asset of $12.2 million.  We account for these agreements as cash flow 
hedges.  A 0.125% decrease in interest rates would result in a decrease in the fair value of this asset of approximately 
$2.1 million.  A 0.125% increase in interest rates would result in an increase of the fair value of this asset of 
approximately $2.0 million.

65

Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting 
as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Our internal control over financial 
reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and 
the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles. 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect 

misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that 
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the 
policies or procedures may deteriorate. 

Management assessed the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2017. In making this assessment, it used the criteria set forth in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control—Integrated Framework. As a result of this assessment 
management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, its internal control over financial reporting is effective 
based on those criteria. 

Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial 
statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of our 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. The report, which expresses an unqualified 
opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, is included 
herein under the heading “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” relative to internal control 
over financial reporting. 

By:

/S/    MICHAEL N. MEARS        

Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer
and Director of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

By:

/S/    AARON L. MILFORD     
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of
Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

66

  
 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Limited Partners of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and the Board of Directors of Magellan GP, LLC, 
General Partner of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (the 
Partnership) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive 
income, partners’ capital and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the 
related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present 
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Partnership at December 31, 2017 and 2016, 
and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended 
December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on 
criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission (2013 Framework) and our report dated February 16, 2018 expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on the Partnership’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered 
with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. 
federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the 
PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of 
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that 
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and 
disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. 
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

We have served as the Partnership’s auditor since 1999.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 16, 2018 

67

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Limited Partners of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and the Board of Directors of Magellan GP, LLC, 
General Partner of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, Magellan 
Midstream Partners, L.P. (the Partnership) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over 
financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Partnership as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the 
related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, partners’ capital and cash flows for each of the 
three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and our report dated February 16, 2018 
expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Partnership’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and 
for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an 
opinion on the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting 
firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance 
with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and 
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting 
was maintained in all material respects. 

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a 
material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on 
the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We 
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

An entity’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance 
with generally accepted accounting principles. An entity’s internal control over financial reporting includes those 
policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly 
reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the entity; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions 
are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the entity are being made only in accordance with 
authorizations of management and directors of the entity; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention 
or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the entity’s assets that could have a material 
effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.  
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become 

68

inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Tulsa, Oklahoma
February 16, 2018 

69

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

Transportation and terminals revenue ...........................................
Product sales revenue ....................................................................
Affiliate management fee revenue.................................................
Total revenue...................................................................

Costs and expenses:

Operating ................................................................................
Cost of product sales ..............................................................
Depreciation and amortization ...............................................
General and administrative.....................................................
Total costs and expenses .................................................
Earnings of non-controlled entities ...............................................
Operating profit .............................................................................
Interest expense .............................................................................
Interest capitalized.........................................................................
Interest income ..............................................................................
Gain on sale of asset ......................................................................
Gain on exchange of interest in non-controlled entity ..................
Other (income) expense.................................................................
Income before provision for income taxes ....................................
Provision for income taxes ............................................................
Net income.....................................................................................

Basic net income per limited partner unit......................................

Diluted net income per limited partner unit ..................................

2015
$ 1,544,746
629,836
13,871
2,188,453

Year Ended December 31,
2016
$ 1,591,119
599,602
14,689
2,205,410

2017
$ 1,731,775
758,206
17,680
2,507,661

523,650
447,273
166,812
149,948
1,287,683
66,483
967,253
158,895
(14,442)
(1,276)
—
—
2,618
821,458
2,336
819,122

3.60

3.59

$

$

$

528,672
493,338
178,142
147,165
1,347,317
78,696
936,789
194,187
(27,375)
(1,402)
—
(28,144)
(6,466)
805,989
3,218
802,771

3.52

3.52

$

$

$

577,978
635,617
196,630
165,717
1,575,942
120,994
1,052,713
210,698
(15,565)
(1,415)
(18,505)
—
4,139
873,361
3,830
869,531

3.81

3.81

$

$

$

Weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding

used for basic net income per unit calculation...........................

227,550

227,926

228,176

Weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding

used for diluted net income per unit calculation........................

227,888

228,057

228,338

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

70

 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

Net income ......................................................................................... $ 819,122
Other comprehensive loss:

$ 802,771

$ 869,531

Derivative activity:

Net loss on cash flow hedges .................................................
Reclassification of net loss (gain) on cash flow hedges to

income.................................................................................

(14,904)

(6,699)

(1,937)

1,365

2,049

2,958

Changes in employee benefit plan assets and benefit

obligations recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net actuarial loss ....................................................................
Plan amendment .....................................................................
Amortization of prior service credit .......................................
Amortization of actuarial loss ................................................
Settlement cost .......................................................................
—
(14,810)
Total other comprehensive loss .........................................
Comprehensive income ...................................................................... $ 804,312

(8,359)
3,610
(3,713)
7,191

(2,452)
—
(3,516)
5,525

(46,008)
—
(181)
6,371

202
(4,891)
$ 797,880

2,460
(36,337)
$ 833,194

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

71

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)

December 31,

2016

2017

Current assets:

ASSETS

Cash and cash equivalents ........................................................................................................
Trade accounts receivable.........................................................................................................
Other accounts receivable.........................................................................................................
Inventory...................................................................................................................................
Energy commodity derivatives deposits...................................................................................
Other current assets ..................................................................................................................
Total current assets ...................................................................................................
Property, plant and equipment..........................................................................................................
Less: accumulated depreciation................................................................................................
Net property, plant and equipment ...........................................................................
Investments in non-controlled entities..............................................................................................
Long-term receivables ......................................................................................................................
Goodwill ...........................................................................................................................................
Other intangibles (less accumulated amortization of $2,136 and $1,389 at December 31, 2016

and 2017, respectively).................................................................................................................
Other noncurrent assets ....................................................................................................................
Total assets................................................................................................................

$

14,701
105,689
25,761
134,378
49,899
39,966
370,394
6,783,737
1,507,996
5,275,741
931,255
23,870
53,260

$

176,068
138,779
14,561
182,345
36,690
63,396
611,839
7,235,468
1,682,633
5,552,835
1,082,511
27,676
53,260

51,976
65,577
$ 6,772,073

52,764
13,490
$ 7,394,375

Current liabilities:

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

Accounts payable......................................................................................................................
Accrued payroll and benefits....................................................................................................
Accrued interest payable ..........................................................................................................
Accrued taxes other than income..............................................................................................
Environmental liabilities...........................................................................................................
Deferred revenue ......................................................................................................................
Accrued product liabilities........................................................................................................
Energy commodity derivatives contracts, net...........................................................................
Current portion of long-term debt, net......................................................................................
Other current liabilities.............................................................................................................
Total current liabilities..............................................................................................
Long-term debt, net ..........................................................................................................................
Long-term pension and benefits .......................................................................................................
Other noncurrent liabilities...............................................................................................................
Environmental liabilities...................................................................................................................
Commitments and contingencies
Partners’ capital:

$

77,248
45,690
65,643
50,166
10,249
101,891
51,600
30,738
—
48,431
481,656
4,087,192
71,461
25,868
13,791

$

104,852
56,261
70,657
51,343
6,235
117,795
96,159
25,694
250,974
56,540
836,510
4,273,518
111,305
30,350
13,039

Limited partner unitholders (227,784 units and 228,025 units outstanding at December 31,

2016 and 2017, respectively)................................................................................................
Accumulated other comprehensive loss ...................................................................................
Total partners’ capital ...............................................................................................
Total liabilities and partners’ capital.........................................................................

2,193,346
(101,241)
2,092,105
$ 6,772,073

2,267,231
(137,578)
2,129,653
$ 7,394,375

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

72

 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Operating Activities:

Net income...............................................................................................................
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization expense...........................................................
Loss (gain) on sale and retirement of assets ....................................................
Earnings of non-controlled entities..................................................................
Distributions of investments in non-controlled entities...................................
Equity-based incentive compensation expense ...............................................
Settlement cost, amortization of prior service credit and actuarial loss ..........
Gain on exchange of interest in non-controlled entity.....................................
Changes in components of operating assets and liabilities (Note 3) ...............
Net cash provided by operating activities .............................................

Investing Activities:

Additions to property, plant and equipment, net(1)...................................................
Proceeds from sale and disposition of assets...........................................................
Acquisition of business............................................................................................
Investments in non-controlled entities.....................................................................
Distributions in excess of earnings of non-controlled entities.................................
Net cash used by investing activities ....................................................

Financing Activities:

Distributions paid.....................................................................................................
Net commercial paper repayments ..........................................................................
Borrowings under long-term notes ..........................................................................
Payments on notes ...................................................................................................
Debt placement costs ...............................................................................................
Net payment on financial derivatives ......................................................................
Payments associated with settlement of equity-based incentive compensation ......
Net cash used by financing activities....................................................
Change in cash and cash equivalents...............................................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period...........................................................
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period .....................................................................
Supplemental non-cash investing and financing activities:

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

$ 819,122

$ 802,771

$ 869,531

166,812
7,871
(66,483)
66,285
24,245
3,478
—
48,362
1,069,692

(621,151)
3,371
(54,678)
(152,466)
14,155
(810,769)

178,142
11,190
(78,696)
78,723
19,358
2,211
(28,144)
(21,515)
964,040

(674,159)
7,552
—
(200,023)
9,264
(857,366)

(662,948)
(16,981)
499,589

(739,157)
(229,975)
1,142,997
— (250,000)
(10,906)
(19,287)
(14,376)
(120,704)
(14,030)
28,731
$ 14,701

(6,223)
(42,908)
(17,784)
(247,255)
11,668
17,063
$ 28,731

196,630
(5,135)
(120,994)
123,660
20,641
8,650
—
15,695
1,108,678

(558,669)
44,392
—
(134,828)
78,482
(570,623)

(803,216)
(49,986)
496,705
—
(6,316)
—
(13,875)
(376,688)
161,367
14,701
$ 176,068

Contribution of property, plant and equipment to a non-controlled entity..............
Issuance of limited partner units in settlement of equity-based incentive plan

awards ..................................................................................................................

$ 13,252

$

8,045

$

$

— $ 97,638

7,289

$

1,669

(1)     Additions to property, plant and equipment.............................................................
Changes in accounts payable and other current liabilities related to capital

expenditures.........................................................................................................
Additions to property, plant and equipment, net......................................................

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

73

$ (623,289) $ (653,528) $ (572,744)

2,138

14,075
$ (621,151) $ (674,159) $ (558,669)

(20,631)

 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL
(In thousands)

Balance, January 1, 2015.............................................................
Comprehensive income:

Net income ................................................................................
Total other comprehensive loss.................................................
Total comprehensive income (loss)......................................
Distributions...................................................................................
Equity-based incentive compensation expense..............................
Issuance of limited partner units in settlement of equity-based

incentive plan awards .................................................................

Payments associated with settlement of equity-based incentive

compensation..............................................................................
Other ..............................................................................................
Balance, December 31, 2015........................................................
Comprehensive income:

Net income ................................................................................
Total other comprehensive loss.................................................
Total comprehensive income (loss)......................................
Distributions...................................................................................
Equity-based incentive compensation expense..............................
Issuance of limited partner units in settlement of equity-based

incentive plan awards .................................................................

Payments associated with settlement of equity-based incentive

compensation..............................................................................
Other ..............................................................................................
Balance, December 31, 2016........................................................
Comprehensive income:

Net income ................................................................................
Total other comprehensive loss.................................................
Total comprehensive income (loss)......................................
Distributions...................................................................................
Equity-based incentive compensation expense..............................
Issuance of limited partner units in settlement of equity-based

incentive plan awards .................................................................

Payments associated with settlement of equity-based incentive

compensation..............................................................................
Other ..............................................................................................
Balance, December 31, 2017........................................................

Limited
Partners
$ 1,949,773

 Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
$ (81,540)

Total
Partners’
Capital
$ 1,868,233

819,122
—
819,122
(662,948)
22,248

8,045

(17,784)
(370)
2,118,086

802,771
—
802,771
(739,157)
19,358

7,289

(14,376)
(625)
2,193,346

869,531
—
869,531
(803,216)
20,641

1,669

—
(14,810)
(14,810)
—
—

819,122
(14,810)
804,312
(662,948)
22,248

—

8,045

—
—
(96,350)

—
(4,891)
(4,891)
—
—

(17,784)
(370)
2,021,736

802,771
(4,891)
797,880
(739,157)
19,358

—

7,289

—
—
(101,241)

—
(36,337)
(36,337)
—
—

(14,376)
(625)
2,092,105

869,531
(36,337)
833,194
(803,216)
20,641

—

1,669

(13,875)
(865)
$ 2,267,231

—
—
$(137,578)

(13,875)
(865)
$ 2,129,653

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

74

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.      Organization and Description of Business

Organization

Unless indicated otherwise, the terms “our,” “we,” “us” and similar language refer to Magellan Midstream 

Partners, L.P. together with its subsidiaries. Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership and 
its limited partner units trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “MMP.”  Magellan GP, 
LLC, a wholly owned Delaware limited liability company, serves as its general partner. 

Description of Business

We are principally engaged in the transportation, storage and distribution of refined petroleum products and 

crude oil.  As of December 31, 2017, our asset portfolio, including the assets of our joint ventures, consisted of:

•  our refined products segment, comprised of our 9,700-mile refined products pipeline system with 53 

terminals as well as 26 independent terminals not connected to our pipeline system and our 1,100-mile 
ammonia pipeline system;

•  our crude oil segment, comprised of approximately 2,200 miles of crude oil pipelines, our condensate 
splitter and storage facilities with an aggregate capacity of approximately 28 million barrels, of which 
approximately 17 million are used for contract storage; and

•  our marine storage segment, consisting of five marine terminals located along coastal waterways with an 

aggregate storage capacity of approximately 26 million barrels. 

Description of Products

Terminology common in our industry includes the following terms, which describe products that we 

transport, store and distribute through our pipelines and terminals:

•  refined products are the output from refineries and are primarily used as fuels by consumers. Refined 

products include gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, kerosene and heating oil.  Collectively, diesel fuel and 
heating oil are referred to as distillates; 

•  liquefied petroleum gases, or LPGs, are produced as by-products of the crude oil refining process and in 

connection with natural gas production. LPGs include butane and propane;

•  blendstocks are blended with refined products to change or enhance their characteristics such as increasing 

a gasoline’s octane or oxygen content. Blendstocks include alkylates, oxygenates and natural gasoline;

•  heavy oils and feedstocks are used as burner fuels or feedstocks for further processing by refineries and 

petrochemical facilities. Heavy oils and feedstocks include No. 6 fuel oil and vacuum gas oil;

•  crude oil and condensate are used as feedstocks by refineries and petrochemical facilities;

•  biofuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, are typically blended with other refined products as required by 

government mandates; and

•  ammonia is primarily used as a nitrogen fertilizer.

75

 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Except for ammonia, we use the term petroleum products to describe any, or a combination, of the above-

noted products.

2. 

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation. Our consolidated financial statements include our refined products, crude oil and 

marine storage operating segments.  We consolidate all entities in which we have a controlling ownership interest.  
We apply the equity method of accounting to investments in entities over which we exercise significant influence 
but do not control.  We eliminate all intercompany transactions.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally 

accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the 
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities that exist at the date of 
our consolidated financial statements, as well as their impact on the reported amounts of revenue and expense during 
the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  

Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include demand and time deposits and funds that own highly 

marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less when acquired. We periodically assess the 
financial condition of the institutions where we hold these funds, and, at December 31, 2016 and 2017, we believed 
our credit risk relative to these funds was minimal.

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts. Accounts receivable represent valid claims 

against customers. We recognize accounts receivable when we sell products or render services and collection of the 
receivable is probable. We extend credit terms to certain customers based on historical dealings and to other 
customers after a review of various credit indicators. We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts for all or any 
portion of an account where we consider collections to be at risk and evaluate reserves no less than quarterly to 
determine their adequacy. Judgments relative to at-risk accounts include the customers’ current financial condition, 
the customers’ historical relationship with us and current and projected economic conditions. We write off accounts 
receivable when we deem an account uncollectible. 

Revenue Recognition. Revenue is recognized based on contracts or other persuasive evidence of an 

arrangement with the customer that includes fixed or determinable prices in which collectability is reasonably 
assured.  We recognize revenue net of all amounts charged to our customers for excise taxes.

We recognize pipeline transportation revenue for crude oil shipments when our customers’ product arrives at 

the customer-designated destination.  For shipments of refined products and ammonia under published tariffs that 
combine transportation and terminalling services, we recognize revenue when our customers take delivery of their 
product from our system. For shipments where terminalling services are not included in the tariff, we recognize 
revenue when our customers’ product arrives at the customer-designated destination.  We have certain agreements 
that require counterparties to ship a minimum volume over an agreed-upon period. Revenue pursuant to such 
agreements is recognized at the earlier of when the volume is shipped or when the counterparty’s ability to meet the 
minimum volume commitment has expired. 

The tariffs we charge for our pipeline transportation systems are primarily regulated by the Federal Energy 
Regulatory Commission (“FERC”); however, certain tariffs are regulated by the Surface Transportation Board or 
state regulatory authorities.   Generally, our tariffs include provisions that allow us to deduct from our customer’s 
inventory a small percentage of the products our customers transport on our pipeline systems. We refer to these 
product quantities as tender deductions.  We receive tender deductions from our customers as consideration for 

76

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

product shortages during the transportation of their refined products or crude oil within our pipeline systems.  Our 
customers are guaranteed delivery of the amount of their injected volumes, net of tender deductions, irrespective of 
what our actual product shortages may be during the delivery process.  Tender deduction revenue is recognized as 
transportation and terminals revenue when the transportation barrels are received and is recorded at the fair value of 
the product received.

We recognize tank storage, pipeline capacity leases, terminalling, throughput, ethanol loading and unloading 

services, laboratory testing, data services, pipeline operation fees and other miscellaneous service-related revenue 
upon completion of the rendered services.  Product sales revenue is recognized when the customer assumes the risks 
and rewards of ownership.  We recognize injection service fees associated with additives upon injection to the 
customer’s product, which occurs at the time we deliver the product to our customers.

Deferred Transportation Revenue and Costs. Generally, we invoice customers on our refined products 
pipeline for transportation services when their product enters our system. At each period end, we record all invoiced 
amounts associated with products that have not yet been delivered (in-transit products) as a deferred liability.  The 
value of this liability is calculated as the total of the volume of each product type, for each pipeline region, 
multiplied by the average tariff rate for that product type for the most recent month invoiced to our customers. We 
use the most recent month’s average tariff rate because the product in our pipeline system generally turns over every 
month. Additionally, at each period end, we defer the direct costs we have incurred associated with these in-transit 
products, until delivery occurs, as a deferred asset. These direct costs are estimated based on our average per-barrel 
direct delivery cost for the current year multiplied by the total in-transit barrels in our system at the end of the period 
multiplied by 50% to reflect the average transportation costs incurred for all products across all our pipeline 
systems. We use 50% of the in-transit barrels because that best represents the average delivery point of all barrels in 
our pipeline system. These deferred revenues and costs are determined using judgments and assumptions that 
management considers reasonable.

Product Overages and Shortages. Each period end we measure the volume of each type of product in our 
pipeline systems and terminals, which is compared to the volumes of our customers’ inventories (as adjusted for 
tender deductions).  To the extent the product volumes in our pipeline systems and terminals exceed the volumes of 
our customers’ book inventories, we recognize a gain from the product overage and increase our product inventories.  
To the extent the product in our pipeline systems and terminals is less than our customers’ book inventories, we 
recognize a loss from the product shortage and we record a liability for product owed to our customers.  The product 
overages we recognize are recorded based on market prices, and the resulting inventory is carried at weighted 
average cost.  The product shortages we recognize are recorded based on our weighted average cost.  Additionally, 
when product shortages result in a net short inventory position, the related liability is recorded based on period-end 
market prices.  Product overages and shortages as well as adjustments to the value of net short inventory positions 
are recorded in operating expenses on our consolidated statements of income. 

Income Taxes. We are a partnership for income tax purposes and, therefore, are not subject to federal or state 
income taxes for most of the states in which we operate. The tax on our net income is borne by our limited partners 
through allocation to them of their share of taxable income. Net income for financial statement purposes may differ 
significantly from taxable income of unitholders because of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting 
basis of assets and liabilities and the taxable income allocation requirements under our partnership agreement. The 
aggregate difference in the basis of our net assets for financial and tax reporting purposes cannot be readily 
determined because information regarding each partner’s tax attributes is not available to us.

The amounts recognized as provision for income taxes in our consolidated statements of income are primarily

comprised of partnership-level taxes levied by the state of Texas. This tax is based on revenues less direct costs of
sale for our assets apportioned to the state of Texas.

77

 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Net Income Per Unit. We calculate basic net income per limited partner unit for each period by dividing net 

income by the weighted-average number of limited partner units outstanding. The difference between our actual 
limited partner units outstanding and our weighted-average number of limited partner units outstanding used to 
calculate net income per limited partner unit is due to the impact of: (i) the phantom units issued to independent 
directors, which are included in the calculation of basic and diluted weighted average units outstanding and (ii) the 
weighted-average effect of units actually issued during a period.  The difference between the weighted-average 
number of limited partner units outstanding used for basic and diluted net income per unit calculations on our 
consolidated statements of income is primarily the dilutive effect of phantom unit grants associated with our long-
term incentive plan, which have not yet vested in periods where contingent performance metrics have been met.  

Index of Additional Significant Accounting Policies

Investments in Non-Controlled Entities .............. Note 4 – Investments in Non-Controlled Entities

Inventory.............................................................. Note 6 – Inventory

Property, Plant and Equipment............................ Note 8 – Property, Plant and Equipment

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets................. Note 8 – Property, Plant and Equipment

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets....................... Note 8 – Property, Plant and Equipment

Pension and Postretirement Medical and Life
Benefit Obligations.............................................. Note 10 – Employee Benefit Plans
Derivative Financial Instruments ........................ Note 13 – Derivative Financial Instruments

Equity-Based Incentive Compensation ............... Note 15 – Long-Term Incentive Plan

Contingencies and Environmental....................... Note 17 – Commitments and Contingencies

New Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update 

(“ASU”) 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging 
Activities.  This update changes GAAP’s hedge accounting requirements to simplify some of the specialized 
treatment’s most complex areas.  These simplifications are intended to expand opportunities to use hedge accounting 
and better align the accounting treatment with existing risk management activities.  The ASU is effective for public 
companies starting after December 15, 2018, and we plan to early adopt the new standard on January 1, 2018.  We 
do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving 

the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.  This ASU requires 
companies that offer postretirement benefits to present the service cost in the same line item with other employee 
compensation costs.  Other components of net benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement 
separately from the service cost component and outside a subtotal of income from operations.  Additionally, only the 
service cost component will be eligible for capitalization when applicable.  Public companies must comply with the 
new requirements under ASU 2017-07 for fiscal years that start after December 15, 2017, and the amendments must 
be applied retrospectively except for the capitalization change, which should be applied prospectively.  Early 
adoption is allowed, and we elected to adopt ASU 2017-07 as of January 1, 2017.  Prior to adoption, we expensed all 
components of pension expense through salaries and wages, which impacted operating income.  We are now 
recording only the service component of pension expense to salaries and wages, with the remainder of the expense 
being recorded to other income and expense below operating profit.  Comparative prior periods have been restated 
for this change.  The changes were not material to our financial statements.

78

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of 
Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments: A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force.  This ASU 
makes eight targeted changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement 
of cash flows.  Current GAAP is either unclear or does not include specific guidance on these eight issues.  This 
ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017.  We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to 
have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842).  This ASU requires lessees to 
recognize a right of use asset and lease liability on the balance sheets for all leases, with the exception of short-term 
leases.  The new accounting model for lessors remains largely the same, although some changes have been made to 
align it with the new lessee model and the new revenue recognition guidance.  This update also requires companies 
to include additional disclosures regarding their lessee and lessor agreements.  For public companies, this ASU is 
effective for fiscal years that start after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted.  We are currently in the 
process of evaluating the impact this new standard will have on our financial statements.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of 
Inventory.  Prior to this update, reporting entities were required to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market.  
Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit 
margin.  Under this update, inventory is to be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is defined 
as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonable predictable costs of completion, 
disposal and transportation.  This ASU became effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and 
interim periods within those fiscal years.  We adopted this standard on January 1, 2017, and it did not have a 
material impact on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows as we have historically measured our 
inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU amends the 

existing accounting standards for revenue recognition and is based on the principle that revenue should be 
recognized to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration a 
company expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. We will adopt this ASU as required on January 
1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method of adoption. The primary impact to the financial statements will be 
the addition of the new disclosure requirements, as we do not expect material changes to individual line items in the 
consolidated financial statements.

79

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

3.  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Changes in the components of operating assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

Trade accounts receivable and other accounts receivable ...........................
Inventory......................................................................................................

Energy commodity derivatives contracts, net of derivatives deposits.........

Accounts payable.........................................................................................

Accrued payroll and benefits .......................................................................

Accrued interest payable..............................................................................

Accrued taxes other than income.................................................................

Deferred revenue .........................................................................................

Accrued product liabilities...........................................................................

Current and noncurrent environmental liabilities ........................................

Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities......................................

$

3,664

$

(31,107) $

26,894

(606)

4,107

3,466

5,323

3,699

10,485

(13,016)

(4,904)

9,250

(3,510)

(692)

(4,423)

(6,074)

14,347

(1,421)

20,264

20,261

(7,398)

(21,762)

Total .....................................................................................................

$

48,362

$

(21,515) $

(25,639)

(47,967)

8,556

8,954

10,596

5,014

1,177

15,904

44,559

(4,766)

(693)

15,695

Other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities above exclude certain non-cash items that were reflected in 
the consolidated balance sheets but were not reflected in the statements of cash flows.  At December 31, 2015, 2016 
and 2017, the long-term pension and benefits liability was increased by $4.7 million, $2.5 million and $46.0 million, 
respectively, resulting in a corresponding increase in accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”). 

4. 

Investments in Non-Controlled Entities

We account for interests in affiliates that we do not control using the equity method of accounting. Under this 

method, an investment is recorded at our acquisition cost or capital contributions, as adjusted by contractual terms, 
plus equity in earnings or losses since acquisition or formation, plus interest capitalized, less distributions received 
and amortization of interest capitalized and excess net investment. Excess net investment is the amount by which 
our investment in a non-controlled entity exceeded our proportionate share of the book value of the net assets of that 
investment. We amortize excess net investment over the weighted-average depreciable asset lives of the equity 
investee.  Our unamortized excess net investment was $61.3 million and $59.7 million at December 31, 2016 and 
2017, respectively.  The amount of unamortized excess investment is primarily related to our investment in 
BridgeTex Pipeline Company, LLC.  We evaluate equity method investments for impairment whenever events or 
circumstances indicate that there is an other-than-temporary loss in value of the investment. In the event that we 
determine that the loss in value of an investment is other-than-temporary, we would record a charge to earnings to 
adjust the carrying value to fair value. We recognized no equity investment impairments during 2015, 2016 and 
2017. 

80

 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Our investments in non-controlled entities at December 31, 2017 were comprised of:

Entity

Ownership Interest

BridgeTex Pipeline Company, LLC (“BridgeTex”)....................................

Double Eagle Pipeline LLC (“Double Eagle”)...........................................

HoustonLink Pipeline Company, LLC (“HoustonLink”)...........................

MVP Terminalling, LLC (“MVP”).............................................................

Powder Springs Logistics, LLC (“Powder Springs”) .................................

Saddlehorn Pipeline Company, LLC (“Saddlehorn”).................................

Seabrook Logistics, LLC (“Seabrook”)......................................................

Texas Frontera, LLC (“Texas Frontera”) ....................................................

50%

50%

50%

50%

50%

40%

50%

50%

MVP was formed in September 2017 to construct and develop a refined products marine storage facility 
along the Houston Ship Channel in Pasadena, Texas. We own a 50% equity interest in MVP, with an affiliate of 
Valero Energy Corporation (“Valero”) owning the other 50% interest. We serve as construction manager and will 
serve as operator of the MVP facility. The initial phase of this facility is expected to be operational in early 2019, 
with the next phase of the project being completed in 2020.  Upon formation of MVP, we contributed $97.6 million 
of property, plant and equipment (“PP&E”) to this entity. Concurrently, Valero contributed cash of $48.8 million, 
which was distributed to us as reimbursement for Valero’s portion of the PP&E we contributed.  The $48.8 million is 
reflected as distributions in excess of earnings of non-controlled entities on our consolidated statements of cash 
flows.

We receive fees for management services from BridgeTex, HoustonLink, MVP, Powder Springs, Saddlehorn, 
Texas Frontera and the pipeline activities of Seabrook, as well as reimbursement or payment to us for certain direct 
operational payroll and other overhead costs. The management fees we have received are reported as affiliate 
management fee revenue on our consolidated statements of income.  Cost reimbursements we receive from these 
entities in connection with our operating services are included as reductions to costs and expenses on our 
consolidated statements of income and totaled $1.3 million, $4.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively, for the years 
ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017. 

We recorded the following revenue from certain of these non-controlled entities in our consolidated 

statements of income (in millions):

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

Transportation and terminals revenue:

BridgeTex, capacity lease ..................

Double Eagle, throughput revenue ....

Saddlehorn, storage revenue ..............

$

$

$

34.6

3.4

$

$

— $

35.5

3.3

0.7

$

$

$

36.1

4.7

2.1

81

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Our consolidated balance sheets reflected the following balances related to our investments in non-controlled 

entities (in millions):

Trade
Accounts
Receivable
0.3
$

December 31, 2016
Other
Accounts
Receivable
$

— $

Other
Accounts
Payable

Trade
Accounts
Receivable
0.5

December 31, 2017
Other
Accounts
Receivable
$

— $

— $

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

0.1

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

0.4

0.9

0.1

0.2

$

$

$

$

Other
Accounts
Payable

—

0.1

—

—

—

—

Double Eagle ........

HoustonLink .........

MVP......................

Powder Springs.....

Saddlehorn ............

Seabrook ...............

In addition to the transactions noted above, we incurred charges of $14.5 million for transportation of crude 

oil at published spot tariff rates on the BridgeTex pipeline for the year ended December 31, 2017.  We recorded these 
charges as cost of product sales in our consolidated statements of income.  We also purchased inventory from 
BridgeTex valued at $6.7 million during 2017.  

In January 2017, we entered into an agreement to guarantee our 50% pro rata share, up to $50.0 million, of 

obligations under Powder Springs’ credit facility.  As of December 31, 2017, we had recognized a $0.8 million other 
current liability and a corresponding increase in our investment in non-controlled entities on our consolidated 
balance sheets to reflect the fair value of this guarantee.

In February 2016, we transferred a 50% membership interest in Osage Pipe Line Company, LLC (“Osage”) to 

an affiliate of HollyFrontier Corporation.  In conjunction with this transaction, we entered into several commercial 
agreements with affiliates of HollyFrontier Corporation, which we recorded at that time as a $43.7 million intangible 
asset and an $8.3 million other receivable on our consolidated balance sheets.  The intangible asset will be amortized 
over the 20-year life of the contracts received.  We recognized a $28.1 million non-cash gain in 2016 in relation to 
this transaction. 

The financial results from MVP and Texas Frontera are included in our marine storage segment, the financial 
results from BridgeTex, Double Eagle, HoustonLink, Osage, Saddlehorn and Seabrook are included in our crude oil 
segment and the financial results from Powder Springs are included in our refined products segment, each as 
earnings of non-controlled entities. 

82

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

A summary of our investments in non-controlled entities (representing only our proportionate interests) 

follows (in thousands):

Investments at December 31, 2016 ............................................................................
Additional investment(1) .............................................................................................

$

931,255

232,404

Earnings of non-controlled entities:

Proportionate share of earnings.............................................................................

Amortization of excess investment and capitalized interest .................................

Earnings of non-controlled entities..................................................................

Less:

Distributions of earnings from investments in non-controlled entities.................
Distributions in excess of earnings of non-controlled entities(2)...........................

123,373

(2,379)

120,994

123,660

78,482

Investments at December 31, 2017 ............................................................................

$

1,082,511

(1) Includes our $97.6 million contribution of PP&E to MVP.

(2) Includes the $48.8 million distribution to us from MVP as reimbursement for the PP&E we contributed, as well as an additional distribution 

of $6.2 million from BridgeTex that is not related to the ongoing operations of non-controlled entities.

Summarized financial information of our non-controlled entities (representing 100% of the interests in these 

entities) follows (in thousands):

December 31,

2016

2017

Current assets....................................................................

$

208,901

$

229,342

Noncurrent assets..............................................................

Total assets ..................................................................

Current liabilities ..............................................................

Noncurrent liabilities ........................................................

Total liabilities.............................................................

Equity................................................................................

1,714,920

1,923,821

111,164

27,022

138,186

1,785,635

$

$

$

$

2,057,892

2,287,234

122,198

74,533

196,731

2,090,503

$

$

$

$

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

Revenue................................................

Net income ...........................................

$

$

246,841

138,457

$

$

279,180

164,684

$

$

419,214

256,423

83

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

5.  Business Combinations

2015 Business Combination.

On May 1, 2015, we acquired a refined products terminal in Atlanta, Georgia for net cash consideration of 

$54.7 million.  As this acquired business is not significant to our consolidated operating results and financial 
position, pro forma financial information and the purchase price allocation of acquired assets and liabilities have not 
been presented. The results of the acquired operations subsequent to the acquisition date have been included in the 
accompanying consolidated financial statements and in the tables below in our refined products operating segment.

6. 

Inventory

Inventory is comprised primarily of refined products, liquefied petroleum gases, transmix, crude oil and 

additives, which are stated and relieved at the lower of average cost or net realizable value.      

Inventory at December 31, 2016 and 2017 was as follows (in thousands):

December 31,

2016

2017

Refined products...............................................................................

$

54,285

$

Liquefied petroleum gases................................................................

Transmix ...........................................................................................

Crude oil ...........................................................................................

Additives...........................................................................................
Total inventory..........................................................................

24,868

28,319

20,839

6,067

73,845

45,553

33,319

23,763

5,865

$

134,378

$

182,345

7.  Product Sales Revenue

The amounts reported as product sales revenue on our consolidated statements of income include revenue 

from the physical sale of petroleum products and mark-to-market adjustments from exchange-based futures 
contracts.  See Note 13 – Derivative Financial Instruments for a discussion of our commodity hedging strategies and 
how our futures contracts impact product sales revenue. 

For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, product sales revenue included the following (in 

thousands):

Physical sale of petroleum products......................................................................

Change in value of futures contracts.....................................................................
Total product sales revenue...................................................................................

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

$

$

561,410

68,426

629,836

$

$

638,186

(38,584)

599,602

$

$

814,544

(56,338)

758,206

8.  Property, Plant and Equipment, Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment consist primarily of pipeline, pipeline-related equipment, storage tanks and 

processing equipment. We state property, plant and equipment at cost except for certain acquired assets recorded at 

84

 
 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

fair value on their respective acquisition dates and impaired assets. We record impaired assets at fair value on the 
last impairment evaluation date for which an adjustment was required. 

We assign asset lives based on reasonable estimates when we place an asset into service. Subsequent events 

could cause us to change our estimates, which would affect the future calculation of depreciation expense. 

When we sell or retire property, plant and equipment, we remove its carrying value and the related 
accumulated depreciation from our accounts and record any associated gains or losses on our consolidated 
statements of income in the period of sale or disposition. 

We capitalize expenditures to replace existing assets and retire the replaced assets. We capitalize expenditures 

when they extend the useful life, increase the productivity or capacity or improve the safety or efficiency of the 
asset. We capitalize direct project costs such as labor and materials as incurred. Indirect project costs, such as 
overhead, are capitalized based on a percentage of direct labor charged to the respective capital project. We charge 
expenditures for maintenance, repairs and minor replacements to operating expense in the period incurred.

During construction, we capitalize interest on all construction projects requiring a completion period of three 
months or longer and total project costs exceeding $0.5 million.  The interest we capitalize is based on the weighted-
average interest rate of our debt. The weighted average rates used to capitalize interest on borrowed funds was 4.7%, 
4.9% and 4.8% for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. 

Property, plant and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands): 

December 31,

2016

2017

Estimated 
Depreciable Lives

Construction work-in-progress ...........................................................

$

500,208

$

Land and rights-of-way.......................................................................

Buildings.............................................................................................

Storage tanks.......................................................................................

Pipeline and station equipment ...........................................................

Processing equipment .........................................................................

Other ...................................................................................................

339,561

101,065

1,829,223

2,457,429

1,350,032

206,219

389,414

303,797

114,899

1,897,046

2,581,950

1,703,478

244,884

Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross ........................................

$

6,783,737

$

7,235,468

10 to 56 years

10 to 40 years

10 to 69 years

3 to 56 years

3 to 53 years

Other includes total interest capitalized on construction in progress as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 of 

$43.1 million and $57.3 million, respectively. Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 
and 2017 was $164.1 million, $176.7 million and $196.3 million, respectively.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

We record the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets 

acquired and liabilities assumed as goodwill. The goodwill relating to each of our reporting units is tested for 
impairment annually as well as when an event, or change in circumstances, indicates an impairment may have 
occurred. 

 We amortize other intangible assets with finite lives over their estimated useful lives of six years up to 30 
years. The weighted-average asset life of our other intangible assets at December 31, 2017 was approximately 21 
years. We adjust the useful lives of our other intangible assets if events or circumstances indicate there has been a 
change in the remaining useful lives. We eliminate from our balance sheets the gross carrying amount and the 

85

 
 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

related accumulated amortization for any fully amortized intangibles in the year they are fully amortized. During the 
years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, amortization of other intangible assets was $2.7 million, $1.4 
million and $0.4 million, respectively.  

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the 

carrying value may not be recoverable. In reviewing for impairment, the carrying value of such assets is compared 
to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If 
such cash flows are not sufficient to support the asset’s recorded value, an impairment charge is recognized to 
reduce the carrying value of the long-lived asset to its estimated fair value. The determination of future cash flows as 
well as the estimated fair value of long-lived assets involves significant estimates on the part of management.

For purposes of performing the impairment test for goodwill, our reporting units are refined products, crude 

oil and marine storage.  In 2015 and 2016, we elected to perform the qualitative assessment for purposes of our 
annual goodwill impairment test. Based on this assessment, we concluded that it was more likely than not that the 
fair value of each of our reporting units was greater than its carrying amount.  In 2017, we elected to complete the 
quantitative goodwill impairment test and began with step one of the test as required by ASC 350-20-35-4.  Based 
on this assessment, we concluded that our goodwill was not impaired. 

During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, no material impairments of long-lived assets 

were recorded.

9.  Major Customers and Concentration of Risks

Major Customers.  No customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues during 2015, 

2016 or 2017.   

Concentration of Risks. We transport, store and distribute refined products for refiners, marketers, traders 

and end users of those products. Our revenue producing activities are concentrated in the central U.S.  
Concentrations of customers may affect our overall credit risk as our customers may be similarly affected by 
changes in economic, regulatory or other factors.  We generally secure transportation and storage revenue with 
warehouseman’s liens. We periodically evaluate the financial condition and creditworthiness of our customers and 
require additional security as we deem necessary.  

As of December 31, 2017, we had 1,802 employees, 940 of which were assigned to our refined products 
segment and concentrated in the central U.S.  Approximately 24% of the 940 employees are represented by the 
United Steel Workers (“USW”) and covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in January 2019.  At 
December 31, 2017, 151 of our employees were assigned to our crude oil segment and were concentrated in the 
central U.S., and none of these employees were covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  177 employees were 
assigned to our marine storage segment at December 31, 2017, primarily in the Gulf and East Coast regions of the 
U.S.  Approximately 16% of these employees are represented by the International Union of Operating Engineers 
(“IUOE”) and covered by a collective bargaining agreement that expires in October 2020.

86

  
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

10.  Employee Benefit Plans

Our pension and postretirement benefit liabilities represent the funded status of the present value of benefit 
obligations of our employee benefit plans.  We develop pension, postretirement medical and life benefit costs from 
actuarial valuations. We establish actuarial assumptions to anticipate future events and use those assumptions when 
calculating the expense and liabilities related to these plans. These factors include assumptions management makes 
concerning expected investment return on plan assets, discount rates, health care costs trend rates, turnover rates and 
rates of future compensation increases, among others. In addition, we use subjective factors such as withdrawal and 
mortality rates to develop actuarial valuations. Management reviews and updates these assumptions on an annual 
basis. The actuarial assumptions that we use may differ from actual results due to changing market rates or other 
factors. These differences could affect the amount of pension and postretirement medical and life benefit expense we 
will recognize in future periods.

Defined Contribution Plan.  We sponsor a defined contribution plan in which we match our employees’ 

qualifying contributions, resulting in additional expense to us.  Expenses related to the defined contribution plan 
were $8.9 million, $9.6 million and $9.9 million in 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

Defined Benefit Plans.  We sponsor two union pension plans that cover certain union employees (“USW plan” 
and “IUOE plan,” collectively, the “Union plans”), a pension plan for all non-union employees (“Salaried plan”) and 
a postretirement benefit plan for certain employees.  The annual measurement date of these plans is December 31. 

The following table presents the changes in benefit obligations and plan assets for pension benefits and other 

postretirement benefits, as well as the end-of-period accumulated benefit obligation for the years ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in thousands):

Pension Benefits

2016

2017

Other
Postretirement Benefits

2016

2017

Change in benefit obligations:

Benefit obligations at beginning of year ...................
Service cost................................................................
Interest cost................................................................
Plan participants’ contributions .................................
Actuarial loss (gain) ..................................................
Benefits paid..............................................................
Settlement payments..................................................
Benefit obligations at end of year..............................

Change in plan assets:

Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year ...........
Employer contributions .............................................
Plan participants’ contributions .................................
Actual return on plan assets.......................................
Benefits paid..............................................................
Settlement payments..................................................
Fair value of plan assets at end of year......................
Funded status at end of year ..............................................

Accumulated benefit obligations.......................................

$

$

$

$

209,591
18,179
7,950
—
1,050
(10,053)
(747)
225,970

142,742
25,972
—
8,992
(10,053)
(747)
166,906
(59,064) $

$

225,970
20,497
9,865
—
59,686
(11,484)
(6,678)
297,856

166,906
26,533
—
23,409
(11,484)
(6,678)
198,686
(99,170) $

160,642

$

206,480

$

11,314
235
489
217
1,481
(725)
—
13,011

—
508
217
—
(725)
—
—
(13,011) $

13,011
243
475
280
(535)
(714)
—
12,760

—
434
280
—
(714)
—
—
(12,760)

87

 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The pension benefits in the previous table combine the Union plans with the Salaried plan.  At December 31, 
2016, the fair value of each of our plans’ assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligations of the related benefit 
plans.  At December 31, 2017, the Salaried and IUOE plans had combined accumulated benefit obligations of 
$154.4 million, which exceeded the combined fair value of plan assets of $145.9 million. 

The pension benefit obligations experienced an actuarial loss of $59.7 million in 2017 primarily due to the 

impact of decreases in the discount rates used to calculate the benefit obligations and changes to mortality 
assumptions, as well as losses due to annual remeasurement of the plans.

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets included in these financial statements were as follows 

(in thousands):

Amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets:

Current accrued benefit cost......................................
Long-term pension and benefits ................................

$

Accumulated other comprehensive loss:

Net actuarial loss ...............................................
Prior service credit.............................................

Net amount of liabilities and accumulated other

comprehensive loss recognized in consolidated
balance sheets ........................................................

$

Pension Benefits

2016

2017

Other
Postretirement Benefits
2017
2016

— $

— $

59,064
59,064

(62,013)
3,429
(58,584)

99,170
99,170

(100,474)
3,248
(97,226)

$

614
12,397
13,011

(7,881)
—
(7,881)

625
12,135
12,760

(6,597)
—
(6,597)

480

$

1,944

$

5,130

$

6,163

Net periodic benefit expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 was as follows (in 

thousands): 

Pension Benefits

Other 
Postretirement Benefits

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

Components of net periodic pension and

postretirement benefit expense:

Service cost ..........................................
Interest cost(1) .......................................
Expected return on plan assets(1) ..........
Amortization of prior service credit(1)..
Amortization of actuarial loss(1) ...........
Settlement cost(1) ..................................
Net periodic expense (credit) ...............

$ 18,890
7,754
(8,037)

—
6,306
—
$ 24,913

$ 18,179
7,950
(8,913)

(181)
4,645
202
$ 21,882

$ 20,497
9,865
(10,266)

(181)
5,622
2,460
$ 27,997

$

$

243
438
—

(3,713)
885
—

$ (2,147) $

$

235
489
—

(3,335)
880
—
(1,731) $

243
475
—

—
749
—
1,467

(1)  Upon adoption of ASU 2017-07 Compensation-Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost 
and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost on January 1, 2017, these components of net periodic benefit expense (credit) are reported on 
the consolidated statements of income as other (income) expense.  See Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - New 
Accounting Pronouncements for further details about this accounting change.

88

 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Changes in plan assets and benefit obligations recognized in other comprehensive loss during 2015, 2016 and 

2017 were as follows (in thousands):

Beginning balance...............................

$

(63,257) $ (62,279) $

(58,584) $

(1,696) $

(3,945) $

(7,881)

Pension Benefits

Other Postretirement Benefits

2015

2016

2017

2015

2016

2017

Net actuarial gain (loss) ......................

(8,938)

(971)

(46,543)

Plan amendment..................................

Amortization of prior service credit....

Amortization of actuarial loss.............

Settlement cost....................................
Amount recognized in other
comprehensive loss .............................

3,610

—

6,306

—

978

—

(181)

4,645

202

—

(181)

5,622

2,460

579

—

(1,481)

—

(3,713)

(3,335)

885

—

880

—

535

—

—

749

—

3,695

(38,642)

(2,249)

(3,936)

1,284

Ending balance....................................

$

(62,279) $ (58,584) $

(97,226) $

(3,945) $

(7,881) $

(6,597)

Actuarial gains and losses are amortized over the average future service period of current active plan 
participants expected to receive benefits. The corridor approach is used to determine when actuarial gains and losses 
are to be amortized and is equal to 10% of the greater of the projected benefit obligation or the market related value 
of plan assets. The amount of gain or loss in excess of the calculated corridor is subject to amortization. The 
estimated net actuarial loss and prior service credit for the defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from 
AOCL into net periodic benefit cost in 2018 are $7.0 million and $(0.2) million, respectively.  The estimated net 
actuarial loss for the other defined benefit postretirement plan that will be amortized from AOCL into net periodic 
benefit cost in 2018 is $0.6 million.  

The weighted-average rate assumptions used to determine benefit obligations were as follows: 

Discount rate—Salaried plan .......................................
Discount rate—USW plan............................................
Discount rate—IUOE plan...........................................
Discount rate—Other Postretirement Benefits.............
Rate of compensation increase—Salaried plan(1).........
Rate of compensation increase—USW plan ................
Rate of compensation increase—IUOE plan ...............

December 31,

2016
4.21%
4.08%
4.41%
3.85%
4% - 11%
3.50%
5.00%

2017
3.70%
3.54%
3.79%
3.43%
4% - 11%
3.50%
5.00%

(1) The rate of compensation increase assumption for the Salaried plan in 2016 and 2017 is calculated by 10-year age groupings beginning with 

ages 20-29 at 11% dropping to 4% by ages 70 and above.

89

 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The weighted-average rate assumptions used to determine net pension and other postretirement benefit 

expense were as follows:

Discount rate—Salaried plan.................................
Discount rate—USW plan.....................................
Discount rate—IUOE plan ....................................
Discount rate—Other Postretirement Benefits......
Rate of compensation increase—Salaried plan(1) ..
Rate of compensation increase—USW plan .........
Rate of compensation increase—IUOE plan.........
Expected rate of return on plan assets—Salaried

plan ....................................................................

Expected rate of return on plan assets—USW

plan ....................................................................

Expected rate of return on plan assets—IUOE

plan ....................................................................

For the Year Ended December 31,

2015
3.91%
3.56%
3.93%
3.66%
5.50%
3.50%
5.00%

2016
3.95%
3.82%
3.78%
4.00%

2017
4.21%
4.04%
4.41%
3.85%

4% - 11% 4% - 11%

3.50%
5.00%

3.50%
5.00%

6.00%

6.00%

6.00%

6.00%

6.00%

6.00%

6.00%

6.00%

6.00%

(1) The rate of compensation increase assumption for the Salaried plan is calculated by 10-year age groupings beginning with ages 20-29 at 11% 

dropping to 4% by ages 70 and above.

The non-pension postretirement benefit plans provide for retiree contributions and contain other cost-sharing 
features such as deductibles and coinsurance. The accounting for these plans anticipates future cost sharing that is 
consistent with management’s expressed intent to increase the retiree contribution rate generally in line with health 
care cost increases. 

The annual assumed rate of increase in the health care cost trend rate for 2018 is 5.4% decreasing 
systematically to 4.5% by 2083 for pre-65 year-old participants.  As of December 31, 2017, a 1.0% change in 
assumed health care cost trend rates would have been immaterial to us. 

90

 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The fair values of the pension plan assets at December 31, 2016 were as follows (in thousands):

Asset Category

Total

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
 Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Domestic Equity Securities(a):

Small-cap fund..................................................
Mid-cap fund ....................................................
Large-cap fund..................................................
International equity fund ..........................................
Fixed Income Securities(a):

$

Short-term bond funds ......................................
Intermediate-term bond funds ..........................
Long-term investment grade bond funds..........

Other:

$

3,465
3,472
26,323
16,797

4,414
23,629
83,240

$

3,465
3,472
26,323
16,797

4,414
23,629
83,240

Short-term investment funds ............................
Group annuity contract .....................................
Fair value of plan assets............................................

$

5,346
220
166,906

$

5,346
—
166,686

$

— $
—
—
—

—
—
—

—
—
— $

—
—
—
—

—
—
—

—
220
220

(a) We hold equity and fixed income securities through investments in mutual funds, which are dedicated to each category as indicated.

The fair values of the pension plan assets at December 31, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):

Asset Category

Total

Quoted Prices 
in Active 
 Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Domestic Equity Securities(a):

Small-cap fund...................................................
Mid-cap fund .....................................................
Large-cap funds .................................................
International equity fund ...........................................
Fixed Income Securities(a):

$

Short-term bond funds.......................................
Intermediate-term bond funds ...........................
Long-term investment grade bond funds...........

Other:

$

5,122
5,132
38,678
24,284

5,110
25,875
88,563

$

5,122
5,132
38,678
24,284

5,110
25,875
88,563

Short-term investment fund...............................
Group annuity contract ......................................
Fair value of plan assets ............................................

$

5,722
200
198,686

$

5,722
—
198,486

$

— $
—
—
—

—
—
—

—
—
— $

—
—
—
—

—
—
—

—
200
200

(a) We hold equity and fixed income securities through investments in mutual funds, which are dedicated to each category as indicated.

As reflected in the tables above, Level 3 activity was not material.

91

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The investment strategies for the various funds held as pension plan assets by asset category are as follows: 

Asset Category

Domestic Equity Securities:

Fund’s Investment Strategy

Small-cap fund................................................ Seeks to track performance of the Center for Research in Security Prices

(“CRSP”) US Small Cap Index

Mid-cap fund................................................... Seeks to track performance of the CRSP US Mid Cap Index

Large-cap funds .............................................. Seek to track performance of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index

International equity fund ...................................... Seeks long-term growth of capital by investing 65% or more of assets in
international equities

Fixed Income Securities:

Short-term bond funds.................................. Seek current income with limited price volatility through investment in

primarily high quality bonds

Intermediate-term bond funds ...................... Seek moderate and sustainable level of current income by investing

primarily in high quality fixed income securities with maturities from five
to ten years

Long-term investment grade bond funds ..... Seek high and sustainable current income through investment primarily in
long-term high grade bonds

Other:

Short-term investment fund..........................

Invests in high quality short-term money market instruments issued by
the U.S. Treasury

Group annuity contract................................. Earns interest quarterly equal to the effective yield of the 91-day U.S.

Treasury bill

The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets was determined by combining a review of projected 
returns, historical returns of portfolios with assets similar to the current portfolios of the union and non-union 
pension plans and target weightings of each asset classification. Our investment objective for the assets within the 
pension plans is to earn a return that meets or exceeds the growth of obligations that result from interest and changes 
in the discount rate, while avoiding excessive risk. Defined diversification goals are set in order to reduce the risk of 
wide swings in the market value from year to year, or of incurring large losses that may result from concentrated 
positions. As a result, our plan assets have no significant concentrations of credit risk. Additionally, liquidity risks 
are minimized because all of the funds that the plans have invested in are publicly traded. We evaluate risks based 
on the potential impact to the predictability of contribution requirements, probability of under-funding, expected 
risk-adjusted returns and investment return volatility. Funds are invested with multiple investment managers. Our 
liabilities are calculated using rates defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.  Investments are made to match 
the durations of the short-term and intermediate-term pension liabilities.  Additional investments are made to bring 
the overall investment allocation to 70% fixed income securities and 30% equity securities.  

The target allocation and actual weighted-average asset allocation percentages at December 31, 2016 and 2017 

were as follows: 

Equity securities ................................................................
Fixed income securities .....................................................
Other ..................................................................................

2016

2017

Target
30%
67%
3%

Actual
37%
60%
3%

Target
30%
67%
3%

Actual
30%
67%
3%

92

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

As of December 31, 2017, the benefit amounts expected to be paid from plan assets through December 31, 

2027 were as follows (in thousands): 

Pension
Benefits

Other
Postretirement
Benefits

2018 ..................................................................................................................
2019 ..................................................................................................................
2020 ..................................................................................................................
2021 ..................................................................................................................
2022 ..................................................................................................................
2023 through 2027............................................................................................

$
$
$
$
$
$

14,200
13,854
16,206
16,556
18,518
95,544

$
$
$
$
$
$

625
678
715
785
844
4,021

Contributions estimated to be paid by us into the plans in 2018 are $28.1 million and $0.5 million for the 

pension and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively.

11.  Related Party Transactions

Barry R. Pearl is an independent member of our general partner’s board of directors and was also a director of 
Targa Resources Partners, L.P.  (“Targa”) through February 29, 2016.  In the normal course of business, we purchase 
butane from subsidiaries of Targa.  During Mr. Pearl’s tenure as a director of the general partner of Targa, we made 
purchases of butane from subsidiaries of Targa of $25.5 million and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 
2015 and 2016, respectively.  

Stacy P. Methvin was elected as an independent member of our general partner’s board of directors on April 

23, 2015 and is also a director of one of our customers.  Since April 23, 2015, we received tariff revenue of $9.3 
million, $16.2 million and $16.6 million for the periods ending December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively, 
from this customer.  We recorded a receivable of $1.4 million and $1.6 million from this customer at December 31, 
2016 and 2017, respectively.  The tariff revenue we recognized from this customer was in the normal course of 
business, with rates determined in accordance with published tariffs.  

See Note 4 – Investments in Non-Controlled Entities for a discussion of transactions with our joint venture 

affiliates.  

93

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

12.  Debt

Long-term debt at December 31, 2016 and 2017 was as follows (in thousands): 

December 31,

2016

2017

Commercial paper................................................................................................

$

50,000

$

6.40% Notes due 2018.........................................................................................

6.55% Notes due 2019.........................................................................................

4.25% Notes due 2021.........................................................................................

3.20% Notes due 2025.........................................................................................

5.00% Notes due 2026.........................................................................................

6.40% Notes due 2037.........................................................................................

4.20% Notes due 2042.........................................................................................

5.15% Notes due 2043.........................................................................................

4.20% Notes due 2045.........................................................................................

4.25% Notes due 2046.........................................................................................

4.20% Notes due 2047.........................................................................................

Face value of long-term debt ....................................................................
Unamortized debt issuance costs(1) ......................................................................
Net unamortized debt premium(1) ........................................................................
Net unamortized amount of gains from historical fair value hedges(1)................

250,000

550,000

550,000

250,000

650,000

250,000

250,000

550,000

250,000

500,000

—

6,530

7,610

4,100,000

4,550,000

(26,948)

(29,472)

—

250,000

550,000

550,000

250,000

650,000

250,000

250,000

550,000

250,000

500,000

500,000

215

3,749

4,524,492

250,974

Long-term debt, net, including current portion.........................................

4,087,192

Less: current portion of long-term debt, net ........................................................

—

Long-term debt, net...................................................................................

$

4,087,192

$

4,273,518

(1)  Debt issuance costs, note discounts and premiums, and realized gains and losses of historical fair value hedges are being amortized 

or accreted to the applicable notes over the respective lives of those notes.

All of the instruments detailed in the table above are senior indebtedness.

At December 31, 2017, maturities of our debt were as follows: $250.0 million in July 2018; $550.0 million in 

2019; $0 in 2020; $550.0 million in 2021; $0 in 2022; and approximately $3.2 billion thereafter.  

2017 Debt Offering

On October 3, 2017, we issued $500.0 million of our 4.20% notes due 2047 in an underwritten public 

offering.  The notes were issued at 99.341% of par.  Net proceeds from this offering were approximately $491.6 
million, after underwriting discounts and offering expenses of $5.1 million.  The net proceeds from this offering 
were used to repay borrowings outstanding under our commercial paper program.  The remaining proceeds were 
used for general partnership purposes, including capital expenditures.

Other Debt

Revolving Credit Facility.  At December 31, 2017, the total borrowing capacity under our revolving credit 

facility maturing October 26, 2022 was $1.0 billion.  Any borrowings outstanding under this facility are classified as 
long-term debt on our consolidated balance sheets.  Borrowings under the facility are unsecured and bear interest at 

94

 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 1.000% to 1.625% based on our credit ratings.  Additionally, an unused 
commitment fee is assessed at a rate from 0.100% to 0.275% depending on our credit ratings.  The unused 
commitment fee was 0.125% at December 31, 2017.  Borrowings under this facility may be used for general 
purposes, including capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively, there were no 
borrowings outstanding under this facility, with $6.3 million obligated for letters of credit. Amounts obligated for 
letters of credit are not reflected as debt on our consolidated balance sheets, but decrease our borrowing capacity 
under the facility.  

Our revolving credit facility requires us to maintain a specified ratio of consolidated debt to EBITDA (as 

defined in the credit agreement) of no greater than 5.0 to 1.0. In addition, the revolving credit facility and the 
indentures under which our senior notes were issued contain covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, 
incur indebtedness secured by certain liens or encumber our assets, engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions and 
consolidate, merge or dispose of all or substantially all of our assets. We were in compliance with these covenants as 
of and during the year ended December 31, 2017. 

Commercial Paper Program.  We have a commercial paper program under which we may issue commercial 
paper notes in an amount up to the available capacity under our $1.0 billion revolving credit facility.  The maturities 
of the commercial paper notes vary, but may not exceed 397 days from the date of issuance.  Because the 
commercial paper we can issue is limited to amounts available under our revolving credit facility, amounts 
outstanding under the program are classified as long-term debt.  The commercial paper notes are sold under 
customary terms in the commercial paper market and are issued at a discount from par, or alternatively, are sold at 
par and bear varying interest rates on a fixed or floating basis.  The weighted-average interest rate for commercial 
paper borrowings based on the number of days outstanding was 0.8% and 1.3%, respectively, for the year ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2017.  

During the years ending December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, total cash payments for interest on all 
indebtedness, excluding the impact of related interest rate swap agreements, were $156.6 million, $181.7 million 
and $206.2 million, respectively.

13.  Derivative Financial Instruments

We use derivative instruments to manage market price risks associated with inventories, interest rates, tank 

bottoms and certain forecasted transactions. For those instruments that qualify for hedge accounting, the accounting 
treatment depends on their intended use and their designation. We divide derivative financial instruments qualifying 
for hedge accounting treatment into two categories: (1) cash flow hedges and (2) fair value hedges. We execute cash 
flow hedges to hedge against the variability in cash flows related to a forecasted transaction and execute fair value 
hedges to hedge against the changes in the value of a recognized asset or liability. At the inception of a hedged 
transaction, we document the relationship between the hedging instrument and the hedged item, the risk 
management objectives and the methods used for assessing and testing hedge effectiveness. We also assess, both at 
the inception of the hedge and on an on-going basis, whether the derivatives that are used in our hedging 
transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair value of the hedged item. If we determine 
that a derivative originally designated as a cash flow or fair value hedge is no longer highly effective, we discontinue 
hedge accounting prospectively and record the change in the fair value of the derivative in current earnings. The 
changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments that are not designated as hedges for accounting purposes, 
which we refer to as economic hedges, are included in current earnings.

As part of our risk management process, we assess the creditworthiness of the financial and other institutions 
with which we execute financial derivatives.  Such financial instruments involve the risk of non-performance by the 
counterparty, which could result in material losses to us. 

95

 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Our policies prohibit us from engaging in speculative trading activities.

Interest Rate Derivatives

We periodically enter into interest rate derivatives to hedge the fair value of debt or hedge against variability 

in interest rates. We record any ineffectiveness on interest rate derivatives designated as hedging instruments to 
interest expense and the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives that we do not designate as hedging 
instruments to other income or expense in our results of operations. For the effective portion of interest rate cash 
flow hedges, we record the noncurrent portion of unrealized gains or losses as an adjustment to other comprehensive 
income with the current portion recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. For the effective portion of fair value 
hedges on long-term debt, we record the noncurrent portion of gains or losses as an adjustment to long-term debt 
with the current portion recorded as an adjustment to interest expense. Adjustments resulting from discontinued 
hedges continue to be recognized in accordance with their historic hedging relationships.

During 2016, we entered into $100.0 million of forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge 
against the risk of variability of future interest payments on a portion of debt we anticipate issuing in 2018.  The fair 
values of these contracts at December 31, 2017 were recorded on our balance sheets as other current assets of $12.2 
million, with the net offset recorded to other comprehensive income.  We account for these agreements as cash flow 
hedges.

During 2015 and 2016, we entered into $250.0 million of forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to 
hedge against the risk of variability of future interest payments on a portion of debt we anticipated issuing in 2016. 
We accounted for these agreements as cash flow hedges.  When we issued $500.0 million of 4.25% notes due 2046 
in third quarter 2016, we settled the associated interest rate swap agreements for a loss of $19.3 million.  The loss 
was recorded to other comprehensive income and will be recognized into earnings as an adjustment to our periodic 
interest expense accruals over the first ten years of the associated notes.  This loss was also reported as a net 
payment on financial derivatives in the financing activities of our consolidated statements of cash flows in 2016.

Commodity Derivatives

Our butane blending activities produce gasoline, and we can reasonably estimate the timing and quantities of 

sales of these products. We use a combination of exchange-based commodities futures contracts and forward 
purchase and sale contracts to help manage commodity price changes and mitigate the risk of decline in the product 
margin realized from our butane blending activities.  Further, certain of our other commercial operations generate 
petroleum products, and we also use futures contracts to hedge against price changes for some of these commodities.

Forward physical purchase and sale contracts that qualify for and are elected as normal purchases and sales 

are accounted for using traditional accrual accounting, whereby changes in the mark-to-market values of such 
contracts are not recognized in income, rather the revenues and expenses associated with such transactions are 
recognized during the period when commodities are physically delivered or received. Physical forward commodity 
contracts subject to this exception are evaluated for the probability of future delivery and are periodically back-
tested once the forecasted period has passed to determine whether similar forward contracts are probable of physical 
delivery in the future.

We record the effective portion of the gains or losses for commodity-based contracts designated as fair value 
hedges as adjustments to the assets being hedged and the ineffective portions as well as amounts excluded from the 
assessment of hedge effectiveness as adjustments to other income or expense.  We recognize the change in fair value 
of economic hedges that hedge against changes in the price of petroleum products that we expect to sell or purchase 
in the future currently in earnings as adjustments to product sales revenue, cost of product sales, or operating 
expenses, as applicable. 

96

 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Our open futures contracts at December 31, 2017 were as follows:

Type of Contract/Accounting
Methodology

Product Represented by the Contract
and Associated Barrels

Maturity Dates

Futures - Economic Hedges ...................

Futures - Economic Hedges ...................

4.4 million barrels of refined products
and crude oil ........................................... Between January 2018 and April 2019
1.5 million barrels of butane and natural
gasoline................................................... Between January 2018 and April 2019

Energy Commodity Derivatives Contracts and Deposits Offsets

At December 31, 2016 and 2017, we had made margin deposits of $49.9 million and $36.7 million, 
respectively, for our futures contracts with our counterparties, which were recorded as a current asset under energy 
commodity derivatives deposits on our consolidated balance sheets.  We have the right to offset the combined fair 
values of our open futures contracts against our margin deposits under a master netting arrangement for each 
counterparty; however, we have elected to present the combined fair values of our open futures contracts separately 
from the related margin deposits on our consolidated balance sheets. Additionally, we have the right to offset the fair 
values of our futures contracts together for each counterparty, which we have elected to do, and we report the 
combined net balances on our consolidated balance sheets. A schedule of the derivative amounts we have offset and 
the deposit amounts we could offset under a master netting arrangement are provided below as of December 31, 
2016 and 2017 (in thousands):

Gross
Amounts of
Recognized
Liabilities

Gross Amounts
of Assets Offset
in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Amounts of
Liabilities
Presented in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Margin Deposit
Amounts Not
Offset in the
Consolidated
Balance Sheets

Net Asset 
Amount(1)

Year Ended December 31, 2016...

Year Ended December 31, 2017 ...

$

$

(36,798) $

(38,936) $

6,060

12,851

$

$

(30,738) $

(26,085) $

49,899

36,690

$

$

19,161

10,605

(1) This represents the maximum amount of loss we would incur if our counterparties failed to perform on their derivative contracts.

(2) Net amount includes energy commodity derivative contracts classified as current liabilities of $25,694 and noncurrent liabilities of 

$391.

Impact of Derivatives on Our Financial Statements

Comprehensive Income

The changes in derivative activity included in AOCL for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 

were as follows (in thousands):

Derivative Gains (Losses) Included in AOCL

2015

2016

2017

Beginning balance..............................................................................................

$

(16,587) $

(30,126) $

(34,776)

Net loss on interest rate contract cash flow hedges ...........................................

Reclassification of net loss (gain) on cash flow hedges to income....................

(14,904)

1,365

(6,699)

2,049

(1,937)

2,958

Ending balance...................................................................................................

$

(30,126) $

(34,776) $

(33,755)

Year Ended December 31,

97

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The following is a summary of the effect on our consolidated statements of income for the years ended 

December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 of derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges (in thousands):  

Year Ended December 31, 2015 .............

Year Ended December 31, 2016 .............

Year Ended December 31, 2017 .............

Interest Rate Contracts

Amount of Loss
Recognized in
AOCL on 
Derivative
$

(14,904)

$

$

(6,699)

(1,937)

Location of Loss
Reclassified
from AOCL into Income

Interest expense ................

Interest expense ................

Interest expense ................

Amount of Loss Reclassified
from AOCL into Income

Effective Portion

Ineffective Portion

$

$

$

(1,365)

(2,049)

(2,958)

$

$

$

—

—

—

As of December 31, 2017, the net loss estimated to be classified to interest expense over the next twelve 
months from AOCL is approximately $3.0 million.  This amount relates to the amortization of losses on interest rate 
swap contracts over the life of the related debt instruments. 

Until the third quarter of 2017, we had used futures contracts designated as fair value hedges to hedge against 

changes in the fair value of crude oil that was contractually reserved as tank bottoms and included with other 
noncurrent assets on our consolidated balance sheets.  During September 2017, as a result of contract renegotiations, 
we sold a portion of the tank bottoms, settled the related hedges and transferred the remaining tank bottoms from 
noncurrent assets to PP&E.  The effective portions of the fair value gains or losses on these futures contracts were 
offset by fair value gains or losses on the tank bottoms.  There was no ineffectiveness recognized on these hedges.  
The cash flows from settled contracts were recorded in operating activities in our consolidated statements of cash 
flows.  The gains (losses) on these futures contracts and the underlying tank bottoms were as follows (in millions):

Gain (loss) recognized in other income/expense on derivative (futures
contracts) ........................................................................................................
Gain (loss) recognized in other income/expense on hedged item (tank
bottoms)..........................................................................................................

$

$

15.6

$

(9.0) $

4.8

(15.6) $

9.0

$

(4.8)

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

The differential between the current spot price and forward price was excluded from the assessment of hedge 

effectiveness for these fair value hedges.  During 2015, 2016 and 2017, we recognized a gain of $1.0 million, $5.2 
million and $2.4 million, respectively, for the amounts we excluded from the assessment of effectiveness of these 
fair value hedges, which we reported as other (income) expense on our consolidated statements of income.  

98

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The following table provides a summary of the effect on our consolidated statements of income for the years 

ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017 of derivatives accounted for as economic hedges (in thousands):   

Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized on Derivative

Year Ended December 31,

Derivative Instrument

Location of Gain (Loss)
Recognized on Derivative

2015

2016

2017

Futures contracts......................................

Product sales revenue ..................

$

68,426

$

(38,584) $

(56,338)

Futures contracts...................................... Cost of product sales ...................

Futures contracts...................................... Operating expenses......................

(8,997)

11,819

10,998

(5,000)

25,566

3,002

Total..........................................

$

71,248

$

(32,586) $

(27,770)

The impact of the derivatives in the above table was reflected as cash from operations on our consolidated 

statements of cash flows.

Balance Sheets

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value of derivatives, which are presented on a net basis in 
our consolidated balance sheets, that were designated as hedging instruments as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 (in 
thousands):

December 31, 2016

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Futures contracts ............................................

Energy commodity

derivatives contracts, net ...

Interest rate contracts ..................................... Other noncurrent assets..........
Total ....................................

Energy commodity

—

derivatives contracts, net ...

14,114 Other noncurrent liabilities ....
Total ....................................
14,114

$

$

$

$

3,079

—

3,079

December 31, 2017

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Futures contracts ............................................

Energy commodity

derivatives contracts, net ...
Interest rate contracts ..................................... Other current assets................

Total ....................................

Energy commodity

$

$

—

derivatives contracts, net ...
12,177 Other current liabilities ..........

12,177

Total ....................................

$

$

173

—

173

99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value of derivatives, which are presented on a net basis in 
our consolidated balance sheets, that were not designated as hedging instruments as of December 31, 2016 and 2017 
(in thousands): 

Derivative Instrument

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Futures contracts ............................................

Energy commodity

Energy commodity

derivatives contracts, net ...

$

6,060

derivatives contracts, net ...

$

33,719

December 31, 2016

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

December 31, 2017

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet Location

Fair Value

Futures contracts ............................................

Energy commodity

derivatives contracts, net ...

Futures contracts ............................................ Other noncurrent assets..........

Total ....................................

Energy commodity

12,605

derivatives contracts, net ...

246 Other noncurrent liabilities ....

12,851

Total ....................................

$

$

$

$

38,126

637

38,763

See Note 18 – Fair Value Disclosures for additional details regarding our derivative contracts.

14.   Leases

Lessee

We lease office buildings, equipment and pipeline capacity (primarily to facilitate movements on our 

Longhorn pipeline and Little Rock pipeline extension) and have entered into storage contracts to conduct our 
business operations. We have also entered into land leases and right-of-way contracts, several of which have 
cancellation penalties that include the requirement to remove our pipeline from the property for non-performance.  
Several of our agreements provide for negotiated renewal options, and management expects that we will generally 
renew our expiring leases.  Leases are evaluated at inception or at any subsequent material modification and, 
depending on the lease terms, are classified as either capital or operating leases, as appropriate under ASC 840, 
Leases.   We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.  Total rent expense was $25.7 
million, $30.2 million and $34.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. 
Future minimum annual rentals under non-cancellable operating leases and storage contracts with initial or 
remaining terms greater than one year as of December 31, 2017, were as follows (in millions):

2018............................................. $

2019.............................................

2020.............................................

2021.............................................

2022.............................................
Thereafter ....................................

Total..................................... $

34.5

30.9

27.5

27.1

26.5

116.0

262.5

100

 
 
 
 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Lessor

We have entered into capacity leases and storage contracts with our customers with remaining terms from one 

to approximately 20 years that are accounted for as operating-type leases. All of the agreements provide for 
negotiated extensions. Future minimum payments receivable under these arrangements as of December 31, 2017, 
were as follows (in millions):

2018............................................. $

2019.............................................

2020.............................................

2021.............................................

2022.............................................
Thereafter ....................................

168.4
Total..................................... $ 1,058.9

262.9

246.6

178.5

119.6

82.9

During 2017, we recognized contingent rental income from our condensate splitter in Corpus Christi, Texas in 

the amount of $24.9 million.

Direct Financing Lease

We entered into a long-term throughput and deficiency agreement with a customer on a 40-mile pipeline we 
constructed in Texas and New Mexico, which contains minimum volume/payment commitments. This agreement is 
being accounted for as a direct financing lease.  The net investment under direct financing leasing arrangements as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2017 was as follows (in millions):

Total minimum lease payments receivable................................

$

Less:  Unearned income.............................................................

Recorded net investment in direct financing lease ...............

$

23.3

$

4.8

18.5

$

19.2

4.1

15.1

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2017

The net investment in direct financing leases was classified in the consolidated balance sheets as follows (in 

millions): 

Other accounts receivable .......................................................

$

Long-term receivables.............................................................

Total ...................................................................................

$

3.4

$

15.1

18.5

$

1.1

14.0

15.1

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2017

Future minimum payments receivable under this direct financing lease for the next five years are $1.7 million 

each year. 

15.  Long-Term Incentive Plan

The compensation committee of our general partner’s board of directors administers our long-term incentive 

plan (“LTIP”) covering certain of our employees and the independent directors of our general partner.  The LTIP 
primarily consists of phantom units and permits the grant of awards covering an aggregate of 11.9 million of our 

101

 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

limited partner units.  The estimated units remaining available under the LTIP at December 31, 2017 totaled 
approximately 2.7 million. The awards include: (i) performance-based awards issued to certain officers and other 
key employees (“performance-based awards”), (ii) time-based awards issued to certain officers and other key 
employees (“time-based awards”, and together with performance-based awards, “employee awards”), and (iii) 
awards issued to independent members of our general partner’s board of directors (“director awards”), which may be 
deferred and if deferred may be paid in cash.  All of the awards include distribution equivalent rights, except non-
deferred director awards.  

The LTIP requires employee awards to be settled in our limited partner units, except the settlement of 
distribution equivalents, which we pay in cash.  As a result, we classify employee awards as equity. Fair value for 
these awards is determined on the grant date, and we recognize this value as compensation expense ratably over the 
requisite service period, which is the vesting period of each award.  The vesting period for employee awards is 
generally three years; however, certain awards have been issued with shorter vesting periods while others have 
vesting periods of up to four years.  Because employee awards contain distribution equivalent rights, the fair value 
of our employee awards is based on the closing price of our units on the grant date.  

Payouts for performance-based awards are subject to the attainment of a financial metric and to an adjustment 

for our total unitholder return (the “TUR adjustment”), and the fair value of these awards is adjusted for the fair 
value of the TUR adjustment.  The financial metric for the performance-based awards is our distributable cash flow 
per unit excluding commodity-related activities for the last year of the three-year vesting period as compared to 
established threshold, target and stretch levels.  The payouts for the performance-related component of the awards 
can range from 0% for results below threshold, up to 200% for actual results at stretch or above.  The TUR 
adjustment is based on our total unitholder return at the end of the three-year vesting period of the awards in relation 
to the total unitholder returns of certain peer entities and can increase or decrease the payout of the award by as 
much as 50%.  Payouts related to time-based awards are based solely on the completion of the requisite service 
period by the employee and contain no provisions that provide for a payout other than the original number of units 
awarded and the associated distribution equivalents.

Performance-based awards are subject to forfeiture if a participant’s employment is terminated for any reason 
other than for termination within two years of a change-in-control that occurs on an involuntary basis without cause 
or on a voluntary basis for good cause, or due to retirement, disability or death prior to the vesting date.  These 
awards can vest early under certain circumstances following a change in control.  Time-based awards are subject to 
forfeiture if a participant’s employment is terminated for any reason other than retirement, death or disability prior to 
the vesting date, or as the result of certain other employment restrictions.  If an employee award recipient retires, 
dies or becomes disabled prior to the end of the vesting period, the award is prorated based upon months of 
employment completed during the vesting period, and the award is settled shortly after the end of the vesting period.  

Compensation expense for our equity awards is calculated as the number of unit awards less forfeitures, 

multiplied by the grant date fair value of those awards, multiplied by the percentage of the requisite service period 
completed at each period end, multiplied by the expected payout percentage, less previously-recognized 
compensation expense.  

Non-deferred director awards are paid in units on the grant date, with compensation expense calculated as the 
number of units awarded multiplied by the fair value of those units at that date.  We classify deferred director awards 
as liability awards because they may be settled in cash.  Because deferred director awards have distribution 
equivalent rights, the fair value of these awards equals the closing price of our units at the measurement date.  
Compensation expense for deferred director awards is calculated as the number of units awarded, multiplied by the 
fair value of those awards on the measurement date, less previously-recognized compensation expense.  Director 
awards deferred prior to 2015 are paid in January of the year following the director’s resignation from the board of 

102

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

directors of our general partner or death.  Director awards deferred after January 1, 2015 are paid 60 days following 
the director’s death or resignation from the board of directors of our general partner.

Non-Vested Unit Awards 

The following table includes the changes during the current fiscal year in the number of non-vested units that 

have been granted by the compensation committee.  The amounts below do not include adjustments for above-target 
or below-target performance.

Performance-Based
Awards

Time-Based Awards

Total Awards

Number of 
Unit
Awards

Weighted-
Average
Fair Value

Number of 
Unit
Awards

Weighted-
Average
Fair Value

Number of 
Unit
Awards

Weighted-
Average
Fair Value

Non-vested units - 1/1/2017........

Units granted during 2017 ..........

313,696

189,544

$

$

Units vested during 2017 ............

(128,333) $

Units forfeited during 2017.........

(18,839) $

Non-vested units - 12/31/17........

356,068

$

78.03

82.34

88.75

79.11

76.40

82,418

30,604

$

$

(50,099) $

(1,819) $

61,104

$

75.36

79.10

82.46

77.05

71.36

396,114

220,148

$

$

(178,432) $

(20,658) $

417,172

$

77.47

81.89

86.99

78.93

75.66

The table below summarizes the total non-vested unit awards outstanding adjusted for estimated amounts of 
above-target financial performance to determine the total number of unit awards included in our total equity-based 
liability accrual.

Grant Date

Performance-Based Awards:

2016 Awards.............................

2017 Awards.............................

Time-Based Awards:

2018 Vesting Date....................

2019 Vesting Date....................

2020 Vesting Date ....................
Total...................................

Adjustment to
Unit Awards in
Anticipation of
Achieving  Above-
Target Financial
Results

Non-Vested
Unit Awards

Total Unit
Award
Accrual

Vesting
Date

Unrecognized 
Compensation 

Expense(a)         
(in millions)

175,445

180,623

31,174

28,214

1,716

417,172

43,861

219,306

12/31/2018

$

—

—

—

—

180,623

12/31/2019

31,174

28,214

12/31/2018

12/31/2019

1,716

12/31/2020

5.0

9.8

0.7

1.6

0.1

43,861

461,033

$

17.2

(a)  Unrecognized compensation expense will be recognized over the remaining vesting period of the awards.

Weighted-Average Fair Value

The weighted-average fair value of awards granted during 2015, 2016 and 2017 was as follows:

Performance-Based Awards

Time-Based Awards

Number of
Unit
Awards

Weighted-
Average Fair
Value

Number of 
Unit
Awards

Weighted-
Average Fair
Value

Units granted during 2015...................

Units granted during 2016...................

Units granted during 2017...................

148,028

193,344

189,544

$

$

$

103

88.78

70.29

82.34

26,421

39,301

30,604

$

$

$

81.51

64.76

79.10

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Vested Unit Awards

The table below sets forth the numbers and values of units that vested in each of the three years ended 
December 31, 2017.  The vested limited partner units include adjustments for above-target financial and market 
performance.

Vesting Date

12/31/2015 ...............

12/31/2016 ...............

12/31/2017 ...............

Vested 
Limited 
Partner Units 

506,393

361,711

266,028

Fair Value of
Unit Awards on
Vesting Date
(in millions)

Intrinsic Value of
Unit Awards on
Vesting Date
(in millions)

$27.7

$22.6

$19.9

$34.4

$27.4

$18.9

Cash Flow Effects of LTIP Settlements 

The difference between the limited partner units issued to the participants and the total number of unit awards 

vested primarily represents the tax withholdings associated with the award settlement, which we pay in cash.

Number of Limited
Partner Units
Issued, Net of Tax
Withholdings

354,529

350,552

216,679

Tax 
Withholdings 
and Other 
Cash 
Payments
(in millions)

$17.8

$14.4

$13.9

Settlement Date

January 2015 ..............

February 2016 ............

January 2017 ..............

Employer
Taxes
(in millions)

Total Cash
Taxes Paid (in
millions)

$1.7

$1.4

$1.2

$19.5

$15.8

$15.1

Compensation Expense Summary

Equity-based incentive compensation expense for 2015, 2016 and 2017 was as follows (in thousands):

Year Ended December 31,

2015

2016

2017

2013 awards ...................................................

$

10,658

$

— $

2014 awards ...................................................

2015 awards ...................................................

2016 awards ...................................................

2017 awards ...................................................

7,471

4,917

—

—

Time-based awards ........................................

1,199

7,928

4,874

4,304

—

2,252

—

28

6,645

6,125

5,025

2,818

Total ...................................................

$

24,245

$

19,358

$

20,641

Allocation of LTIP expense on our
consolidated statements of income:

G&A expense...........................................

Operating expense....................................

Total ...................................................

$

$

23,937

308

24,245

$

$

19,204

154

19,358

$

$

20,463

178

20,641

104

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

16.  Segment Disclosures

Our reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services. Our segments 

are managed separately because each segment requires different marketing strategies and business knowledge. 
Management evaluates performance based on segment operating margin, which includes revenue from affiliates and 
external customers, operating expenses, cost of product sales and earnings of non-controlled entities. 

We believe that investors benefit from having access to the same financial measures used by management. 

Operating margin, which is presented in the following tables, is an important measure used by management to 
evaluate the economic performance of our core operations. Operating margin is not a GAAP measure, but the 
components of operating margin are computed using amounts that are determined in accordance with GAAP.  A 
reconciliation of operating margin to operating profit, which is its nearest comparable GAAP financial measure, is 
included in the tables below. Operating profit includes depreciation and amortization expense and G&A expense that 
management does not consider when evaluating the core profitability of our separate operating segments.

Year Ended December 31, 2015

Refined
Products

Crude Oil

(in thousands)

Marine
Storage

Transportation and terminals revenue............
Product sales revenue.....................................
Affiliate management fee revenue .................
Total revenue..........................................
Operating expenses ........................................
Cost of product sales......................................
(Earnings) losses of non-controlled entities...

Operating margin ...................................
Depreciation and amortization expense .........
G&A expenses ...............................................
Operating profit..............................................

Additions to long-lived assets........................

$

$

$

974,505
623,102
—
1,597,607
376,279
442,621
193
778,514
96,244
93,567
588,703

310,907

$

$

$

394,098
3,587
12,495
410,180
89,001
3,278
(63,918)
381,819
35,681
35,721
310,417

289,851

$

$

$

176,143
3,147
1,376
180,666
62,221
1,374
(2,758)
119,829
31,036
20,660
68,133

70,290

$

Intersegment
Eliminations
$

Total

— $ 1,544,746
629,836
—
13,871
—
2,188,453
—
523,650
(3,851)
447,273
—
(66,483)
—
1,284,013
3,851
166,812
3,851
149,948
—
967,253
— $

$

671,048

$ 5,982,346
59,221
$ 6,041,567

$
$

53,260
765,628

Segment assets ...............................................
Corporate assets .............................................
Total assets.....................................................

$ 2,991,322

$ 2,313,110

$

677,914

As of December 31, 2015

Goodwill ........................................................
Investments in non-controlled entities ...........

$
$

38,369
12,381

$
$

12,082
739,470

$
$

2,809
13,777

105

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Transportation and terminals revenue............
Product sales revenue.....................................
Affiliate management fee revenue .................
Total revenue..........................................
Operating expenses ........................................
Cost of product sales......................................
(Earnings) losses of non-controlled entities...
Operating margin ...................................
Depreciation and amortization expense .........
G&A expenses ...............................................
Operating profit..............................................

Refined
Products
$ 1,002,368
561,759
765
1,564,892
380,347
459,989
968
723,588
103,388
91,372
528,828

$

Additions to long-lived assets........................

$

291,202

(in thousands)

Marine
Storage

Crude Oil

$

$

$

407,837
31,170
12,533
451,540
88,528
31,657
(76,972)
408,327
38,081
36,165
334,081

250,433

$

$

$

181,721
6,673
1,391
189,785
65,559
1,692
(2,692)
125,226
31,718
19,628
73,880

104,728

$

Intersegment
Eliminations
$

Total

(807) $ 1,591,119
599,602
14,689
2,205,410
528,672
493,338
(78,696)
1,262,096
178,142
147,165
936,789

—
—
(807)
(5,762)
—
—
4,955
4,955
—
— $

$

646,363

$ 6,712,139
59,934
$ 6,772,073

$
$

53,260
931,255

Segment assets ...............................................
Corporate assets .............................................
Total assets.....................................................

$ 3,289,600

$ 2,631,407

$

791,132

As of December 31, 2016

Goodwill ........................................................
Investments in non-controlled entities ...........

$
$

38,369
31,029

$
$

12,082
886,920

$
$

2,809
13,306

106

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Year Ended December 31, 2017

Transportation and terminals revenue............
Product sales revenue.....................................
Affiliate management fee revenue .................
Total revenue..........................................
Operating expenses ........................................
Cost of product sales......................................
(Earnings) losses of non-controlled entities...
Operating margin ...................................
Depreciation and amortization expense .........
G&A expenses ...............................................
Operating profit..............................................

Refined
Products
$ 1,096,040
717,140
1,388
1,814,568
400,439
586,751
1,632
825,746
109,434
103,225
613,087

$

Additions to long-lived assets........................

$

269,369

(in thousands)

Marine
Storage

Crude Oil

$

$

$

458,455
35,053
13,950
507,458
120,920
41,325
(120,173)
465,386
48,796
41,490
375,100

168,306

$

$

$

180,683
6,013
2,342
189,038
65,296
7,541
(2,453)
118,654
33,126
21,002
64,526

127,012

$

Intersegment
Eliminations
$

Total

(3,403) $ 1,731,775
758,206
—
17,680
—
2,507,661
(3,403)
577,978
(8,677)
635,617
—
(120,994)
—
1,415,060
5,274
196,630
5,274
—
165,717
— $ 1,052,713

Segment assets ...............................................
Corporate assets .............................................
Total assets.....................................................

$ 3,499,492

$ 2,817,186

$

871,557

As of December 31, 2017

Goodwill ........................................................
Investments in non-controlled entities ...........

$
$

38,369
29,578

$
$

12,082
961,032

$
$

2,809
91,901

$

564,687

$ 7,188,235
206,140
$ 7,394,375

$
53,260
$ 1,082,511

17.  Commitments and Contingencies

Certain conditions may exist as of the date our consolidated financial statements are issued that could result in 
a loss to us, but which will only be resolved when one or more future events occur or fail to occur. Our management 
assesses such contingent liabilities, which inherently involves significant judgment. In assessing loss contingencies 
related to legal proceedings that are pending against us or for unasserted claims that may result in proceedings, our 
management, with input from legal counsel, evaluates the perceived merits of any legal proceedings or unasserted 
claims as well as the perceived merits of the amount of relief sought or expected to be sought therein.

Environmental expenditures are charged to operating expense or capitalized based on the nature of the 
expenditures. Environmental expenditures that meet the capitalization criteria for property, plant and equipment, as 
well as costs that mitigate or prevent environmental contamination that has yet to occur, are capitalized.  We expense 
expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations. We initially record environmental 
liabilities assumed in a business combination at fair value; otherwise, we record environmental liabilities on an 
undiscounted basis. We recognize liabilities for other commitments and contingencies when, after analyzing the 
available information, we determine it is probable that an asset has been impaired, or that a liability has been 
incurred and the amount of impairment or loss can be reasonably estimated. When we can estimate a range of 
probable loss, we accrue the most likely amount within that range, or if no amount is more likely than another, we 
accrue the minimum of the range of probable loss. We expense legal costs associated with loss contingencies as 
incurred.

We record environmental liabilities independently of any potential claim for recovery. Accruals related to 
environmental matters are generally determined based on site-specific plans for remediation, taking into account 
currently available facts, existing technologies and presently enacted laws and regulations. Accruals for 

107

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

environmental matters reflect our prior remediation experience and include an estimate for costs such as fees paid to 
contractors, outside engineering and consulting firms.  Accruals for estimated losses from environmental 
remediation obligations generally are recognized no later than completion of the remediation feasibility study.  Such 
accruals are adjusted as further information develops or circumstances change.  

We maintain specific insurance coverage, which may cover all or portions of certain environmental 

expenditures less a deductible. We recognize receivables in cases where we consider the realization of 
reimbursements of remediation costs as probable. We would sustain losses to the extent of amounts we have 
recognized as environmental receivables if the counterparties to those transactions were unable to perform their 
obligations to us.

The determination of the accrual amounts recorded for environmental liabilities includes significant 
judgments and assumptions made by management. The use of alternate judgments and assumptions could result in 
the recognition of different levels of environmental remediation costs. 

Environmental Liabilities 

Liabilities recognized for estimated environmental costs were $24.0 million and $19.3 million at 

December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2017, respectively. We have classified environmental liabilities as current or 
noncurrent based on management’s estimates regarding the timing of actual payments.  Environmental expenses 
recognized as a result of changes in our environmental liabilities are included in operating expenses on our 
consolidated statements of income. Environmental expenses were $8.4 million, $5.9 million and $9.0 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2015, 2016 and 2017, respectively. 

Environmental Receivables 

Receivables from insurance carriers and other third parties related to environmental matters at December 31, 
2016 were $4.1 million, of which $0.6 million and $3.5 million were recorded to other accounts receivable and long-
term receivables, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets. Receivables from insurance carriers related to 
environmental matters at December 31, 2017 were $7.2 million, of which $0.5 million and $6.7 million were 
recorded to other accounts receivable and long-term receivables, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets.  
Amounts received from insurance carriers and other third parties related to environmental matters during 2015, 2016 
and 2017 were $0.5 million, $0.9 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

Other

See Note 4 – Investments in Non-Controlled Entities for detail of our guarantee on behalf of Powder Springs.

We are a party to various other claims, legal actions and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business, 
including without limitation those disclosed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings of Part I of this annual report on Form 10-
K. While the results cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the ultimate resolution of these claims, 
legal actions and complaints after consideration of amounts accrued, insurance coverage or other indemnification 
arrangements will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

18.  Fair Value Disclosures

Fair Value Methods and Assumptions - Financial Assets and Liabilities

The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating fair value for our financial assets and 

liabilities:

108

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

• 

• 

• 

• 

Energy commodity derivatives contracts.  These include exchange-traded futures contracts related 
to petroleum products.  These contracts are carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets 
and are valued based on quoted prices in active markets.  See Note 13 – Derivative Financial 
Instruments for further disclosures regarding these contracts.

Interest rate contracts. These include forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to hedge 
against the risk of variability of interest payments on future debt.  These contracts are carried at 
fair value on our consolidated balance sheets and are valued based on an assumed exchange, at the 
end of each period, in an orderly transaction with a market participant in the market in which the 
financial instrument is traded. The exchange value was calculated using present value techniques 
on estimated future cash flows based on forward interest rate curves. See Note 13 – Derivative 
Financial Instruments for further disclosures regarding these contracts.

Long-term receivables.  These primarily include payments receivable under a direct-financing 
leasing arrangement and cost reimbursement payments receivable.  These receivables were 
recorded at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets, using then-current market rates to 
estimate the present value of future cash flows. 

Debt. The fair value of our publicly traded notes was based on the prices of those notes at 
December 31, 2016 and 2017; however, where recent observable market trades were not available, 
prices were determined using adjustments to the last traded value for that debt issuance or by 
adjustments to the prices of similar debt instruments of peer entities that are actively traded. The 
carrying amount of borrowings, if any, under our revolving credit facility and our commercial 
paper program approximates fair value due to the frequent repricing of these obligations. 

Fair Value Measurements - Financial Assets and Liabilities

The following tables summarize the carrying amounts, fair values and fair value measurements recorded or 

disclosed as of December 31, 2016 and 2017, based on the three levels established by ASC 820;  Fair Value 
Measurements and Disclosures (in thousands):

Assets (Liabilities)

Carrying Amount

Fair Value

Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2016 using:

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Energy commodity

derivatives contracts ...

Interest rate contracts ......

Long-term receivables ....

Debt.................................

$

$

$

$

(30,738) $

(30,738) $

(30,738) $

14,114

23,870

$

$

14,114

23,870

$

$

(4,087,192) $

(4,262,321) $

— $

— $

— $

— $

14,114

$

— $

(4,262,321) $

—

—

23,870

—

109

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

Assets (Liabilities)

Carrying Amount

Fair Value

Fair Value Measurements as of
December 31, 2017 using:

Quoted Prices in
Active Markets for
Identical Assets
(Level 1)

Significant Other
Observable
Inputs
(Level 2)

Significant
Unobservable
Inputs
(Level 3)

Energy commodity

derivatives contracts ...

Interest rate contracts ......

Long-term receivables ....

Debt.................................

$

$

$

$

(26,085) $

(26,085) $

(26,085) $

12,177

27,676

$

$

12,177

27,676

$

$

(4,524,492) $

(4,826,480) $

— $

— $

— $

— $

12,177

$

— $

(4,826,480) $

—

—

27,676

—

19.  Partners’ Capital and Distributions

Partners’ Capital

In May 2017, we filed a prospectus supplement to the shelf registration statement for our continuous equity 

offering program (which we refer to as an at-the-market program, or “ATM”) pursuant to which we may issue up to 
$750.0 million of common units in amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined by market conditions at the 
time.  The net proceeds from any sales under the ATM, after deducting the sales agents’ commissions and our 
offering expenses, will be used for general partnership purposes, including repayment of indebtedness or capital 
expenditures.  No units were issued pursuant to this program during 2017.

The following table details the changes in the number of our limited partner units outstanding from January 1, 

2015 through December 31, 2017:

Limited partner units outstanding on January 1, 2015 ..............................................................................

227,068,257

January 2015—Settlement of employee LTIP awards .............................................................................
During 2015—Other(a) .............................................................................................................................
Limited partner units outstanding on December 31, 2015 .........................................................................

February 2016—Settlement of employee LTIP awards ...........................................................................
During 2016—Other(a) .............................................................................................................................
Limited partner units outstanding on December 31, 2016 .........................................................................

January 2017—Settlement of employee LTIP awards .............................................................................
During 2017—Other(a) .............................................................................................................................
Limited partner units outstanding on December 31, 2017 .........................................................................

354,529

4,461

227,427,247

350,552

6,117

227,783,916

216,679

23,961

228,024,556

(a)  Limited partner units issued to settle the equity-based retainer paid to independent directors of our general partner. 

Our partnership agreement allows us to issue additional partnership securities for any partnership purpose at 
any time and from time to time for consideration and on terms and conditions as our general partner determines, all 
without approval by the limited partners.

Limited partners holding our limited partner units have the following rights, among others:
• 
• 
• 
• 

right to receive distributions of our available cash within 45 days after the end of each quarter;
right to elect the board members of our general partner;
right to remove Magellan GP, LLC as our general partner upon a 100% vote of outstanding unitholders;
right to transfer limited partner unit ownership to substitute limited partners;

110

 
 
MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

• 

• 

• 

• 

right to receive an annual report, containing audited financial statements and a report on those financial 
statements by our independent public accountants, within 120 days after the close of the fiscal year end;
right to receive information reasonably required for tax reporting purposes within 90 days after the close 
of the calendar year;
right to vote according to the limited partners’ percentage interest in us at any meeting that may be called 
by our general partner; and
right to inspect our books and records at the unitholders’ own expense.

In the event of liquidation, we would distribute all property and cash in excess of that required to discharge all 

liabilities to the partners in proportion to the positive balances in their respective capital accounts. The limited 
partners’ liability is generally limited to their investment.

Distributions

Distributions we paid during 2015, 2016 and 2017 were as follows (in thousands, except per unit amount):

Payment Date
2/13/2015

5/15/2015

8/14/2015

11/13/2015

Total

2/12/2016
5/13/2016
8/12/2016
11/14/2016
Total

2/14/2017
5/15/2017
8/14/2017
11/14/2017
Total

Per Unit Cash
Distribution Amount

Total Cash
Distribution

$

$

$

$

$

$

0.6950

$

0.7175

0.7400

0.7625

2.9150

0.7850
0.8025
0.8200
0.8375
3.2450

0.8550
0.8725
0.8900
0.9050
3.5225

$

$

$

$

$

158,061

163,178

168,296

173,413

662,948

178,808
182,797
186,783
190,769
739,157

194,961
198,951
202,942
206,362
803,216

111

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—Continued

20.    Subsequent Events

Recognizable events

No recognizable events have occurred subsequent to December 31, 2017.

Non-recognizable events

On January 31, 2018, we issued 170,604 limited partner units, of which 168,913 were issued to settle unit 
awards to certain employees that vested on December 31, 2017 and 1,691 were issued to settle the equity-based 
retainer paid to one independent director of our general partner.

On February 1, 2018, 294,054 unit awards were granted pursuant to our LTIP.  These awards included both 

performance-based and time-based awards and have a 3-year vesting period that will end on December 31, 2020.

On February 14, 2018, we paid cash distributions of $0.92 per unit on our outstanding limited partner units to 

unitholders of record at the close of business on February 6, 2018. The total distributions paid were $209.9 million.

112

Quarterly Financial Data

Summarized quarterly financial data is as follows (in thousands, except per unit amounts):

2016
Revenue .............................................................................

Total costs and expenses....................................................

Operating margin...............................................................

Net income.........................................................................

Basic net income per limited partner unit..........................

Diluted net income per limited partner unit ......................

2017
Revenue .............................................................................

Total costs and expenses....................................................

Operating margin...............................................................

Net income.........................................................................

Basic net income per limited partner unit..........................

Diluted net income per limited partner unit ......................

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

519,816

320,928

300,946

207,070

0.91

0.91

642,074

392,047

359,052

222,736

0.98

0.98

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

518,897

307,742

304,350

187,859

0.82

0.82

619,440

383,558

353,747

210,400

0.92

0.92

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

551,782

335,822

317,201

194,551

0.85

0.85

572,848

374,298

316,812

198,500

0.87

0.87

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

614,915

382,825

339,599

213,291

0.94

0.93

673,299

426,039

385,449

237,895

1.04

1.04

113

 
 
 
 
 
Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and 

procedures (as defined in rule 13a-14(c) of the Securities Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by the 
date of this report. We performed this evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our 
management, including our general partner’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that 
evaluation, our general partner’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that these disclosure 
controls and practices are effective in providing reasonable assurance that all required disclosures are included in the 
current report.  There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a - 
15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act) during the quarter ending December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or 
are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  

Our management, including our general partner’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does 

not expect that our disclosure controls or our internal controls over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all 
fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, 
assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the 
fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. 
Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance 
that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the company have been detected. These inherent 
limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that simple errors or mistakes 
can occur. Additionally, the individual acts of some persons, collusion by two or more people or management 
override can circumvent controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain 
assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in 
achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of 
the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be 
detected. We monitor our disclosure and internal controls and make modifications as necessary; our intent in this 
regard is to maintain the disclosure and internal controls as systems change and conditions warrant.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

See “Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting” set forth in Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Item 9B. 

Other Information

None.

114

 
 
 
 
PART III

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information regarding the directors and executive officers of our general partner and our corporate 
governance required by Items 401, 405, 406 and 407(c)(3), (d)(4) and (d)(5) of Regulation S-K will be presented in 
our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A (our “Proxy Statement”) under the following 
captions, which information is to be incorporated by reference herein:

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance;

•  Director Election Proposal;
•  Executive Officers of our General Partner;
• 
•  Code of Ethics;
•  Corporate Governance – Director Nominations; and
•  Corporate Governance – Board Committees.

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation

The information regarding executive compensation required by Items 402 and 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of 
Regulation S-K will be presented in our Proxy Statement under the following captions, which information is to be 
incorporated by reference herein:

•  Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers;
•  Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation; and
•  Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers – Compensation Committee Report.

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

The information regarding securities authorized for issuance under equity compensation plans and security 

ownership required by Items 201(d) and 403 of Regulation S-K will be presented in our Proxy Statement under the 
following captions, which information is to be incorporated by reference herein:

• 
• 

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans; and
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information regarding certain relationships and related transactions and director independence required by 

Items 404 and 407(a) of Regulation S-K will be presented in our Proxy Statement under the following captions, 
which information is to be incorporated by reference herein:

•  Transactions with Related Persons, Promoters and Certain Control Persons; and
•  Corporate Governance – Director Independence.

Item 14. 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information regarding principal accountant fees and services required by Item 9(e) of Schedule 14A of the 

Exchange Act will be presented in our Proxy Statement under the caption “Ratification of Appointment of 
Independent Auditor Proposal,” which information is to be incorporated by reference herein.

115

 
 
 
 
PART IV

Item 15. 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)1 and (a)2.

Covered by reports of independent auditors:

Consolidated statements of income for the three years ended December 31, 2017 ......................
Consolidated statements of comprehensive income for the three years ended December 31, 

2017............................................................................................................................................
Consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2016 and 2017 ......................................................
Consolidated statements of cash flows for the three years ended December 31, 2017 .................
Consolidated statement of partners’ capital for the three years ended December 31, 2017 ..........
Notes 1 through 20 to consolidated financial statements...............................................................

Page

70

71
72
73
74
75

Not covered by reports of independent auditors:

Quarterly financial data (unaudited) ..............................................................................................

113

We have omitted all other required schedules since the required information is not present or is not present in 

amounts sufficient to require submission of the schedule, or because the information required is included in the 
financial statements and notes thereto.

(a)3, (b) and (c). The exhibits listed below on the Index to Exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as 

part of this annual report.

116

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Index to Exhibits

Description

  Certificate of Limited Partnership of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. dated August 30, 2000, as amended on November 15, 
2002 and August 12, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q filed November 10, 2003).

  Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. dated September 28, 
2009 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed September 30, 2009).

Amendment No. 1 dated October 27, 2011 to Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Magellan 
Midstream Partners, L.P. dated September 28, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed October 28, 2011).

Amendment No. 2 dated January 16, 2017 to Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Magellan 
Midstream Partners, L.P. dated September 28, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed January 17, 2017).

  Amended and Restated Certificate of Formation of Magellan GP, LLC dated November 15, 2002, as amended on August 12, 
2003 (filed as Exhibit 3(f) to Form 10-K filed March 10, 2004).

  Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Magellan GP, LLC dated September 28, 2009 (filed as 
Exhibit 3.2 to Form 8-K filed September 30, 2009).

Amendment No. 1 dated January 16, 2017 to Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Magellan 
GP, LLC dated September 28, 2009 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K filed January 17, 2017).

Exhibit No.

Exhibit 3

*(a)

*(b)

*(c)

*(d)

*(e)

*(f)

*(g)

Exhibit 4

*(a)

*(b)

*(c)

*(d)

*(e)

*(f)

*(g)

*(h)

*(i)

*(j)

*(k)

*(l)

  Indenture dated as of April 19, 2007 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank National Association, as 
trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed April 20, 2007).

  First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 19, 2007 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank National 
Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed April 20, 2007).

  Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 14, 2008 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank National 
Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed July 14, 2008).

  Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 26, 2009 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank National 
Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed June 26, 2009).

Indenture dated as of August 11, 2010 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank National Association, as 
trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed August 16, 2010).

  First Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 11, 2010 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank National 
Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed August 16, 2010).

Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 9, 2012 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank 
National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed November 9, 2012).

Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 10, 2013 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank 
National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed October 10, 2013).

Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 4, 2015 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank National 
Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed March 4, 2015).

Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 4, 2015 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank National 
Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Form 8-K filed March 4, 2015).

Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 29, 2016 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank 
National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed February 29, 2016).

Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 13, 2016 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank 
National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed September 13, 2016).

*(m)

Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 3, 2017 between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. and U.S. Bank 
National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed October 3, 2017).

Exhibit 10

*(a)

(b)

(c)

*(d)

  Amended and Restated Magellan Midstream Partners Long-Term Incentive Plan dated January 26, 2016 (filed as Exhibit 10(a) 
to Form 10-K filed February 19, 2016).

Description of Magellan 2018 Annual Incentive Program.

Magellan GP, LLC Non-Management Director Compensation Program effective January 1, 2018.

  Amended and Restated Director Deferred Compensation Plan effective January 28, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 10(d) to Form 10-K 
filed February 24, 2014).

117

 
Exhibit No.

*(e)

*(f)

(g)

(h)

*(i)

*(j)

Description

  $1,000,000,000 Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of October 26, 2017 among Magellan Midstream 
Partners, L.P., the Lenders party thereto, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Administrative Agent and an Issuing 
Bank, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Co-Syndication Agent and an Issuing Bank, and SunTrust Bank, as Co-Syndication 
Agent and an Issuing Bank (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed October 27, 2017).

  Executive Severance Pay Plan dated July 21, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed August 4, 2011).

  Form of 2018 Performance Based Phantom Unit Agreement for awards granted pursuant to the Magellan Midstream Partners 
Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Form of 2018 Executive Retention Phantom Unit Agreement for awards granted pursuant to the Magellan Midstream Partners 
Long-Term Incentive Plan.

Form of Commercial Paper Dealer Agreement between Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P., as Issuer, and the Dealer party 
thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed April 22, 2014).

Form of Indemnification Agreement by and among Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P., Magellan GP, LLC and the directors 
and officers of Magellan GP, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed November 3, 2015).

Exhibit 12

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.

Exhibit 14

*(a)

*(b)

  Code of Ethics dated February 1, 2011 by Michael N. Mears, principal executive officer (filed as Exhibit 14(a) to Form 10-K 
filed February 25, 2011).

  Code of Ethics dated May 18, 2015 by Aaron L. Milford, principal financial and accounting officer (filed as Exhibit 14(b) to 
Form 10-K filed February 19, 2016).

Exhibit 21

Subsidiaries of Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

Exhibit 31

(a)

(b)

Exhibit 32

(a)

(b)

Exhibit
101.INS

Exhibit
101.SCH

Exhibit
101.CAL

Exhibit
101.DEF

Exhibit
101.LAB

Exhibit
101.PRE
* 

Certification of Michael N. Mears, principal executive officer.

Certification of Aaron L. Milford, principal financial officer.

Section 1350 Certification of Michael N. Mears, Chief Executive Officer.

Section 1350 Certification of Aaron L. Milford, Chief Financial Officer.

XBRL Instance Document.

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

Each such exhibit has heretofore been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission as part of the filing indicated and is 
incorporated herein by reference.

118

 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has 

duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

MAGELLAN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS, L.P.
(Registrant)

By:

By:

MAGELLAN GP, LLC, its general partner

/s/  AARON L. MILFORD        

Aaron L. Milford
Senior Vice President
and Chief Financial Officer

Date: February 16, 2018 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated.

119

 
 
 
 
Signature

Title

Date

/s/    MICHAEL N. MEARS

Michael N. Mears

/s/    AARON L. MILFORD

Aaron L. Milford

Chairman of the Board and Principal Executive
Officer of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

  February 16, 2018

Principal Financial and Accounting Officer of
Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of Magellan
Midstream Partners, L.P.

  February 16, 2018

/s/    WALTER R. ARNHEIM

Director of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

  February 16, 2018

Walter R. Arnheim

/s/    ROBERT G. CROYLE

Director of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

  February 16, 2018

Robert G. Croyle

/s/    LORI A GOBILLOT

Lori A Gobillot

/s/    EDWARD J. GUAY

Edward J. Guay

/s/    STACY P. METHVIN

Stacy P. Methvin

Director of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

  February 16, 2018

Director of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

  February 16, 2018

Director of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

  February 16, 2018

/s/    JAMES R. MONTAGUE

Director of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

  February 16, 2018

James R. Montague

/s/    BARRY R. PEARL

Barry R. Pearl

Director of Magellan GP, LLC, General Partner of
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.

February 16, 2018

120

  
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
Executive Offi    cers
Michael J. Aaronson
Senior Vice President,
Business Development

Robert L. Barnes
Senior Vice President, 
Commercial, Crude Oil

Larry J. Davied
Senior Vice President,
Technical Services 

Lisa J. Korner
Senior Vice President, 
Human Resources and 
Administration

Melanie A. Little
Senior Vice President, 
Operations

Douglas J. May
Senior Vice President,
General Counsel, Compliance
and Ethics Offi  cer

Michael N. Mears
President and 
Chief Executive Offi  cer

Aaron L. Milford
Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Offi  cer

Jeff   R. Selvidge
Senior Vice President, 
Commercial, Refi ned Products

Board of Directors
Walter R. Arnheim
Chairman, Audit Committee

Robert G. Croyle
Chairman, Nominating and 
Governance Committee

Lori A. Gobillot

Edward J. Guay

Michael N. Mears 
Chairman, Board of Directors

Stacy P. Methvin

James R. Montague 
Chairman, Compensation Committee

Barry R. Pearl
Presiding Director

Internet
www.magellanlp.com

Investor Relations
Paula Farrell
Director, Investor Relations
(918) 574-7650 
(877) 934-6571
paula.farrell@magellanlp.com

Headquarters
Magellan Midstream 
Partners, L.P.
P.O. Box 22186
Tulsa, OK 74121-2186
One Williams Center
Tulsa, OK 74172
(918) 574-7000
(800) 574-6671

Transfer Agent
Computershare
(800) 884-4225
web.queries@computershare.com

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
1700 One Williams Center
Tulsa, OK 74172

Tax Information
(800) 230-1032

Securities
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. 
limited partner units are listed 
on the New York Stock Exchange 
under the ticker symbol MMP.

www.magellanlp.com | NYSE: MMP

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