Quarterlytics / Energy / Oil & Gas Midstream / Martin Midstream Partners L.P.

Martin Midstream Partners L.P.

mmlp · NASDAQ Energy
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Industry Oil & Gas Midstream
Employees 1292
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FY2016 Annual Report · Martin Midstream Partners L.P.
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2016  ANNUAL 
REP ORT

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 |    M A RT I N  M I D ST R EA M  PA RT N ERS  2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E PO RT     

 
 
 
 
 
L E T T E R   T O 
F E L L O W 
U N I T H O L D E R S 

Last year was anything but normal across the energy markets.  
Crude oil prices and associated markets bottomed during 
the first quarter of 2016.  However, after a volatile start to 
the year, markets stabilized during the third and fourth 
quarters but at significantly lower commodity price levels 
than two years ago.  Fearing that this recovery was modest 
and  potentially  lengthy  in  nature,  we  focused  on  the 
Partnership’s financial health during 2016.  Our theme 
throughout the year was to improve leverage and distribution 
coverage as we knew this was critical to our long-term 
strategic plan and eventual return to a growth trajectory.  

During 2016, we were forced to make some very difficult 
decisions.  We believe we took the necessary steps to 
ensure our longevity by focusing our efforts on reducing 
our balance sheet leverage and increasing our distribution 
coverage ratio to a level that better reflected the current 
operating environment.

Last  October,  we  made  the  decision  to  reduce  our 
distribution by approximately 40%.  By doing so, we reduced 
our cost of capital and provided a solid distribution coverage 
going forward.  Additionally, surplus cash flow from our 
improved coverage will be available to continue repaying 
indebtedness.  Debt reduction will continue to be our 
primary focus in 2017 as we seek to achieve our goal of 
total leverage of 4.25 times or lower by the end of 2018. 

Additionally,  we  sold  certain  non-core  assets  in  2016, 
including our Corpus Christi terminals.  Total proceeds from 
these asset sales were in excess of $100 million, which 
generated liquidity and helped to improve our balance 
sheet.  We plan to continue to market non-core assets in 
2017, particularly equipment in our Marine Transportation 
segment, which has been hampered by an oversupply in 
the marketplace.  

I am pleased we ended 2016 on a high note.  During the 
fourth quarter, we generated our strongest cash flow and 
highest  associated  distribution  coverage  ratio  in  the 
Partnership’s history.  We also saw significant improvement 
in our leverage compared to the end of the third quarter 
of 2016.  Further, some of the favorable market conditions 
that led us to strong cash flow in the fourth quarter of 2016 
have continued into early 2017.  

We started 2017 with the drop down of the Hondo Asphalt 
Terminal which was developed and constructed by Martin 
Resource Management Corporation. This acquisition helps 
restore modest growth to the Partnership.  Through a long-
term, fee-based contract with Martin Resource Management 
Corporation, this terminal will complement our existing 
terminalling and storage assets.  

I again thank you for your continued investment and support 
of Martin Midstream Partners and wish you a prosperous 
2017.

Yours truly, 

Ruben S. Martin III

President & Chief Executive Officer

          M A RT I N   M I D ST R E A M   PA RT N ERS   2 0 1 6   A N N UA L  R EPO RT    |  1

ABOUT US
S U M M A R Y

Martin Midstream Partners L.P. is a publicly traded 
limited partnership with a diverse set of operations 
focused primarily in the United States Gulf Coast 
region.  Our four primary business lines include:

•  Terminalling, storage and packaging services for 
petroleum products and by-products
•  Natural gas liquids transportation and distribution 
services and natural gas storage  
•  Sulfur  and  sulfur-based  products  gathering, 
processing,  marketing,  manufacturing  and 
distribution
•  Marine  transportation  services  for  petroleum 
products and by-products

Martin Midstream Partners collects, transports, stores 
and markets products produced primarily by major 
and independent oil and gas companies.  In addition, 
primary customers include independent refiners, 
large chemical companies, fertilizer manufacturers 
and other wholesale purchasers of these products.

2 |    M A RT I N  M I D ST R EA M   PA RT N ERS   2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E PO RT     

 
 
 
 
 
Martin  Midstream  was  formed  in  2002  by  Martin 
Resource Management Corporation (“Martin Resource 
Management”), a privately-held company whose initial 
predecessor was incorporated in 1951 as a supplier 
of products and services to drilling rig contractors.  
Since  then,  Martin  Resource  Management  has 
expanded its operations through acquisitions and 
internal  expansion  initiatives  as  its  management 
identified and capitalized on the needs of producers 
and  purchasers  of  hydrocarbon  products  and  by-
products and other bulk liquids. 

Historical  business  segments  operated  by  Martin 
Resource Management provided Martin Midstream 
with decades of experience and a track record of 
customer service.  Martin Midstream’s current lines of 
business have been developed and systematically 
integrated  over  a  period  of  more  than  60  years, 
including natural gas services (1950s); sulfur (1960s); 
marine transportation (late 1980s); and terminalling 
and  storage  (early  1990s).    Our  diversified  and 
integrated sets of assets create a portfolio of midstream 
services that facilitate the maintenance of long-term 
customer  relationships  while  encouraging  the 
development of new customer relationships.

          M A RT I N   M I D ST R E A M    PA RT N ERS  2 0 1 6   A N N UA L  R EPO RT    |  3

 OUR HISTORYADJUSTED EBITDA % BY SEGMENT
(in thousands)

 42%
______
$78,652

NATURAL GAS SERVICES
S E G M E N T   O V E R V I E W

Martin Midstream distributes natural gas liquids (“NGLs”) 
purchased  primarily  from  refineries  and  natural  gas 
processors.  We store and transport NGLs for wholesale 
delivery to propane retailers, refineries and industrial NGL 
users in Texas and the Southeastern U.S.  Martin Midstream 
owns a NGL pipeline, which spans approximately 200 
miles from Kilgore, Texas to Beaumont, Texas and owns 
approximately 2.4 million barrels of underground storage 
capacity for NGLs.

Cardinal Gas Storage Partners LLC (“Cardinal”) is focused 
on the operation and management of approximately 50 
billion cubic feet of natural gas storage facilities across 
northern Louisiana and Mississippi.

Martin Midstream owns a combined 20% non-operating 
interest  in  West  Texas  LPG  Pipeline  L.P.  (“WTLPG”).  
WTLPG owns an approximate 2,300 mile common carrier 
pipeline system that transports NGLs from New Mexico 
and Texas to Mont Belvieu, Texas for fractionation.  This 
asset  enables  Martin  Midstream  to  participate  in 
transportation of the growing NGL production of West 
Texas and other basins along the WTLPG pipeline route.

4 |    M A RT I N  M I D ST R EA M   PA RT N ERS   2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E PO RT     

 
 
 
 
 
TERMINALLING & STORAGE
S E G M E N T   O V E R V I E W

Martin Midstream owns or operates 26 marine shore-
based terminal facilities and 14 specialty terminal facilities 
located primarily in the U.S. Gulf Coast region that provide 
storage, refining, blending, packaging, and handling 
services  for  producers  and  suppliers  of  petroleum 
products  and  by-products,  including  the  refining  of 
naphthenic crude oil, blending and packaging various 
grades and quantities of industrial, commercial, and 
automotive lubricants and greases.  These facilities and 
resources provide Martin Midstream with the ability to 
handle various products that require specialized treatment, 
such as molten sulfur and asphalt.  Martin Midstream 
also provides land rental to oil and gas companies along 
with storage and handling services for lubricants and 
fuels.  Martin Midstream provides those terminalling and 
storage services on a fee basis primarily under long-term 
contracts.

ADJUSTED EBITDA % BY SEGMENT
(in thousands)

 36%
______
$69,511

          M A RT I N   M I D ST R E A M   PA RT N ERS   2 0 1 6   A N N UA L  R EPO RT    |  5

ADJUSTED EBITDA % BY SEGMENT
(in thousands)

 18%
______
$35,101

SULFUR SERVICES
S E G M E N T   O V E R V I E W

Martin Midstream has developed an integrated system 
of transportation assets and facilities relating to sulfur 
service which processes and distributes sulfur produced 
by oil refineries primarily located in the U.S. Gulf Coast 
region.  Martin Midstream buys and sells molten sulfur 
on contracts that are tied to sulfur indices that provide 
stable margins, and processes molten sulfur into prilled 
or pelletized sulfur at facilities in Port of Stockton, California 
and Beaumont, Texas on contracts that often provide 
guaranteed minimum fees.  The sulfur processed and 
handled is primarily used in the production of fertilizers 
and industrial chemicals.  Martin Midstream owns and 
operates five sulfur-based fertilizer production plants and 
one emulsified sulfur blending plant that manufactures 
primarily sulfur-based fertilizer products for wholesale 
distributors and industrial users.  These plants are located 
in Texas and Illinois.  Demand for these sulfur products 
exists in both the domestic and foreign markets, and 
Martin Midstream believes their asset base provides them 
with additional opportunities to handle increases in U.S. 
supply and access to foreign demand.

6 |    M A RT I N  M I D ST R EA M  PA RT N ERS  2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E PO RT     

 
 
 
 
 
MARINE TRANSPORTATION
S E G M E N T   O V E R V I E W

Martin Midstream operates a fleet of 35 inland marine 
tank barges, 19 inland push boats and one offshore tug 
and barge unit that transport petroleum products and 
by-products largely in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.  Martin 
Midstream provides transportation services on a fee basis 
to many long-standing customers.  Our modernized asset 
base is attractive both to existing customers as well as 
potential new customers focused on specialty products. 

ADJUSTED EBITDA % BY SEGMENT
(in thousands)

4%
______
$8,097

          M A RT I N   M I D ST R E A M    PA RT N ERS  2 0 1 6   A N N UA L  R EPO RT    |  7

MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P 
f i n a n c i a l   h i g h l i g h t s

IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER UNIT AMOUNTS

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total Assets

Revenue

Operating Income

Net Income

$1,012,996

$1,097,919

$1,553,919

$1,380,473

$1,246,363

$1,490,361

$1,612,739

$1,642,141

$1,036,844

$827,391

$73,835

$81,464

$67,871

$70,153

$72,658

$101,987

($13,354)

($11,705)

($38,380)

$31,652

Net Distributable Cash Flow

$88,897

$86,971

$90,611

$133,603

$113,699

Distributions per Unit

$3.06

$3.11

$3.18

$3.25

$2.94

*INCLUDES CONTINUING AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

A D J U S T E D   E B I T D A   B Y   S E G M E N T

IN THOUSANDS

Natural Gas
Services

terminalling
& Storage

Sulfur
services

Marine
TRANSPORTATION

2016

   Operating Income (Loss) 

$38,382

$44,143

$26,815

$(19,888)

$89,452

    Depreciation and Amortization

$28,081

$45,484

$7,995

$10,572

$92,132

   (Gain) Loss on Disposition/Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment

$110

$(35,368)

$291

$1,567

$(33,400)

    Impairment of Goodwill

    Impairment of Long Lived Asset

    Unrealized Mark-to-Market on Commodity Derivatives

    Distributions from Unconsolidated Entities

-

-

$4,579

$7,500

-

$15,252

-

-

-

-

-

-

$4,145

$4,145

$11,701

$26,953

-

-

$4,579

$7,500

    Adjusted EBITDA (1)

$78,652

$69,511

$35,101

$8,097

$191,361

    Percentage Contribution by Segment

42%

36%

18%

4%

100%

 (1) EXCLUDES UNALLOCATED SG&A OF $14,784

8 |    M A RT I N  M I D ST R EA M  PA RT N ERS  2 0 1 6   A N N U A L   R E PO RT     

 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P 
C O M P A N Y   I N F O R M A T I O N

PRINCIPAL OFFICERS
MARTIN MIDSTREAM GP LLC

Ruben S. Martin III
President 
Chief Executive Officer

Robert D. Bondurant
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer

Randall L. Tauscher
Executive Vice President
Chief Operating Officer

Chris Booth
Executive Vice President 
Chief Legal Officer & Secretary

Damon King
Senior Vice President
Shore Bases

Michael Lawrence
Senior Vice President
Sulfur Services

Tom E. Redd
Vice President
Natural Gas/LPG Services

Scot A. Shoup
Senior Vice President
Operations

Matt Yost
Senior Vice President
Terminalling and Engineering

Scott Boydston
Vice President
Chief Compliance Officer

Richard Freed
Vice President
Marine 

Ronald G. Garner
Vice President
Fertilizer

Justin Jewkes
Vice President
Grease

S. Wesley Martin
Vice President
Corporate Development

Melanie Mathews
Vice President
Human Resources

Joe McCreery
Vice President
Finance/Investor Relations

Brian Ricker
Vice President
Refinery Operations

Scott Southard
Vice President
Commercial Development

Steve Stroud
Vice President
NGL Supply

Alana Sumpter
Vice President
Information Technology

Doug Towns
Vice President
Lubricants

Karen Yost
Vice President 
Taxation

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARTIN MIDSTREAM GP LLC

Ruben S. Martin III
President 
Chief Executive Officer
Martin Midstream GP LLC

Robert D. Bondurant
Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer
Martin Midstream GP LLC

James “Jim” Collingsworth
Retired – Senior Vice President
Enterprise Products Company

Sean Dolan
Managing Director 
Alinda Capital Partners

Byron Kelley
Retired – President
Chief Executive Officer
CVR Partners, LP

C. Scott Massey
Certified Public Accountant
C. Scott Massey, CPA LLC
Manager Sandstone Ventures LLC

Zachary S. Stanton
Managing Director
Alinda Capital Partners

CORPORATE OFFICES
MARTIN MIDSTREAM GP LLC

4200 B Stone Road
Kilgore, Texas 75662
(903) 983-6200

Transfer Agent
Computershare
P.O. Box 30170
College Station, TX 77842
Overnight Delivery Address:
211 Quality Circle, Suite 210
College Station, TX 77845
(800) 301-0911
www-us.computershare.com/Investor

Auditors
KPMG LLP
2323 Ross Avenue
Suite 1400
Dallas, Texas 75201

Units Traded
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Symbol: MMLP

Investor Information
Updated investor information on the 
Company is available on our website 
www.martinmidstream.com
Inquiries can also be sent to
ir@martinmlp.com

          M A RT I N   M I D ST R E A M   PA RT N ERS   2 0 1 6   A N N UA L  R EPO RT    |  9

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Mark One

FORM 10-K 

Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

OR

Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the transition period from  _____ to _____.
Commission file number 000-50056

 MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization  

Delaware

05-0527861
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4200 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas  75662
(Address of principal executive offices)  (Zip Code)

903-983-6200
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
_______________________

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
NASDAQ Global Select Market

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 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 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 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, or a smaller 

reporting company.  See definition of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the 
Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 
(Do not check if a smaller
reporting company)

Smaller reporting company 

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

Yes 

                        No 

As of June 30, 2016, 35,454,962 common units were outstanding.  The aggregate market value of the common units 

held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of such date approximated $674,298,933 based on the closing sale price on that 
date.  There were 35,450,562 of the registrant’s common units outstanding as of February 15, 2017. 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:         None.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Business

Item 1.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Properties
Legal Proceedings

PART II

Item 5. Market for Our Common Equity, Related Unitholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity

Securities

Selected Financial Data

Item 6.
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.
Item 9.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Item 9B. Other Information

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

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 Accounting Fees and Services

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

i

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 1.

Business

PART I

References in this annual report to "we," "ours," "us" or like terms when used in a historical context refer to the assets 

and operations of Martin Resource Management's business contributed to us in connection with our initial public offering on 
November 6, 2002.  References in this annual report to "Martin Resource Management" refer to Martin Resource Management 
Corporation and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.  References in this annual report to the "Partnership" 
refer to Martin Midstream Partners L.P. and its subsidiaries, unless the content otherwise requires.  You should read the 
following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations in conjunction with the consolidated financial 
statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this annual report.  For more detailed information regarding the basis for 
presentation for the following information, you should read the notes to the consolidated financial statements included 
elsewhere in this annual report.

Forward-Looking Statements

This annual report on Form 10-K includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the 

Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Statements included 
in this annual report that are not historical facts (including any statements concerning plans and objectives of management for 
future operations or economic performance, or assumptions or forecasts related thereto), are forward-looking statements.  These 
statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology including "forecast," "may," "believe," "will," "expect," 
"anticipate," "estimate," "continue" or other similar words.  These statements discuss future expectations, contain projections of 
results of operations or of financial condition or state other "forward-looking" information.  We and our representatives may 
from time to time make other oral or written statements that are also forward-looking statements. 

These forward-looking statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, estimates, 
assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting us and therefore involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  We 
caution that forward-looking statements are not guarantees and that actual results could differ materially from those expressed 
or implied in the forward-looking statements. 

Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results could differ materially from 
those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements for a number of important reasons, including those discussed 
below in "Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related to our Business."

Overview

We are a publicly traded limited partnership with a diverse set of operations focused primarily in the United States 

("U.S.") Gulf Coast region.  Our four primary business lines include:

•  Terminalling and storage services for petroleum products and by-products, including the refining of naphthenic 

crude oil and the blending and packaging of finished lubricants;

•  Natural gas liquids transportation and distribution services and natural gas storage;

• 

Sulfur and sulfur-based products gathering, processing, marketing, manufacturing and distribution; and

•  Marine transportation services for petroleum products and by-products.

The petroleum products and by-products we collect, transport, store and market are produced primarily by major and 

independent oil and gas companies who often turn to third parties, such as us, for the transportation and disposition of these 
products.  In addition to these major and independent oil and gas companies, our primary customers include independent 
refiners, large chemical companies, fertilizer manufacturers and other wholesale purchasers of these products.  We operate 
primarily in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.  This region is a major hub for petroleum refining, natural gas gathering and 
processing, and support services for the exploration and production industry.

We were formed in 2002 by Martin Resource Management, a privately-held company whose initial predecessor was 

incorporated in 1951 as a supplier of products and services to drilling rig contractors.  Since then, Martin Resource 
Management has expanded its operations through acquisitions and internal expansion initiatives as its management identified 
1

 
 
 
and capitalized on the needs of producers and purchasers of petroleum products and by-products and other bulk liquids.   
Martin Resource Management is an important supplier and customer of ours.  As of December 31, 2016, Martin Resource 
Management owned 17.7% of our total outstanding common limited partner units.  Furthermore, Martin Resource Management 
controls Martin Midstream GP LLC ("MMGP"), our general partner, by virtue of its 51% voting interest in MMGP Holdings, 
LLC ("Holdings"), the sole member of MMGP.  MMGP owns a 2.0% general partner interest in us and all of our incentive 
distribution rights.  Martin Resource Management directs our business operations through its ownership interests in and control 
of our general partner.  

We entered into an omnibus agreement dated November 1, 2002, with Martin Resource Management (the "Omnibus 
Agreement") that governs, among other things, potential competition and indemnification obligations among the parties to the 
agreement, related party transactions, the provision of general administration and support services by Martin Resource 
Management and our use of certain of Martin Resource Management’s trade names and trademarks.  Under the terms of the 
Omnibus Agreement, the employees of Martin Resource Management are responsible for conducting our business and 
operating our assets.  The Omnibus Agreement was amended on November 25, 2009, to include processing crude oil into 
finished products including naphthenic lubricants, distillates, asphalt and other intermediate cuts.  The Omnibus Agreement was 
amended further on October 1, 2012, to permit the Partnership to provide certain lubricant packaging products and services to 
Martin Resource Management.  

Martin Resource Management has operated our business since 2002.  Martin Resource Management began operating 
our natural gas services business in the 1950s and our sulfur business in the 1960s.  It began our marine transportation business 
in the late 1980s.  It entered into our fertilizer and terminalling and storage businesses in the early 1990s.  In recent years, 
Martin Resource Management has increased the size of our asset base through expansions and strategic acquisitions.

Primary Business Segments

Our primary business segments can be generally described as follows:

• 

Terminalling and Storage.  We own or operate 26 marine shore-based terminal facilities and 14 specialty terminal 
facilities located primarily in the U.S. Gulf Coast region that provide storage, refining, blending, packaging, and 
handling services for producers and suppliers of petroleum products and by-products, including the refining of 
naphthenic crude oil and the blending and packaging of various grades and quantities of industrial, commercial, 
and automotive lubricants and greases.  Our facilities and resources provide us with the ability to handle various 
products that require specialized treatment, such as molten sulfur and asphalt.  We also provide land rental to oil 
and gas companies along with storage and handling services for lubricants and fuels.  We provide these 
terminalling and storage services on a fee basis primarily under long-term contracts.  A significant portion of the 
contracts in this segment provide for minimum fee arrangements that are not based on the volumes handled.

•  Natural Gas Services.  We distribute natural gas liquids ("NGLs").  We purchase NGLs primarily from refineries 

and natural gas processors.  We store and transport NGLs for wholesale deliveries to refineries, industrial NGL 
users in Texas and the Southeastern U.S, and propane retailers.  We own a NGL pipeline, which spans 
approximately 200 miles from Kilgore, Texas to Beaumont, Texas.  We own approximately 2.4 million barrels of 
underground storage capacity for NGLs.  Additionally, we own 100% of the interests in Cardinal Gas Storage 
Partners LLC ("Cardinal"), which is focused on the development, construction, operation and management of 
natural gas storage facilities across northern Louisiana and Mississippi.  We own a combined 20% interest in West 
Texas LPG Pipeline L.P. ("WTLPG").  WTLPG is operated by ONEOK Partners, L.P. ("ONEOK"), which owns 
the remaining 80.0% interest.  WTLPG owns an approximate 2,300 mile common-carrier pipeline system that 
transports NGLs from New Mexico and Texas to Mont Belvieu, Texas for fractionation.  This asset enables us to 
participate in the transportation of NGL production in originating in the Permian and other basins along the 
WTLPG pipeline route. 

• 

Sulfur Services.  We have developed an integrated system of transportation assets and facilities relating to sulfur 
services.  We process and distribute sulfur produced by oil refineries primarily located in the U.S. Gulf Coast 
region.  We buy and sell molten sulfur on contracts that are tied to sulfur indices and tend to provide stable 
margins.  We process molten sulfur into prilled or pelletized sulfur at our facilities in Port of Stockton, California 
and Beaumont, Texas on contracts that often provide guaranteed minimum fees.  The sulfur we process and 
handle is primarily used in the production of fertilizers and industrial chemicals.  We own and operate five sulfur-
based fertilizer production plants and one emulsified sulfur blending plant that manufactures primarily sulfur-
based fertilizer products for wholesale distributors and industrial users.  These plants are located in Texas and 

2

 
 
 
 
Illinois.  Demand for our sulfur products exists in both the domestic and foreign markets, and we believe our asset 
base provides us with additional opportunities to handle increases in U.S. supply and access to foreign demand.

•  Marine Transportation.  We operate a fleet of 35 inland marine tank barges, 19 inland push boats and one offshore 
tug and barge unit that transport petroleum products and by-products largely in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.  We 
provide these transportation services on a fee basis primarily under annual contracts, and many of our customers 
have long standing contractual relationships with us.  Our modernized asset base is attractive both to our existing 
customers as well as potential new customers.  In addition, our fleet contains several vessels that reflect our focus 
on specialty products. 

Recent Developments

Over the past two years, commodity prices have declined substantially.  If commodity prices remain weak for a 

sustained period, our pipeline, terminalling throughput and NGL volumes may be negatively impacted, particularly as 
producers are curtailing or redirecting drilling.  A sustained decline in commodity prices could result in a decrease in activity in 
the areas served by certain of our terminalling and storage and marine transportation assets resulting in reduced utilization of 
these assets.  Drilling activity levels vary by geographic area, but in general, we have observed widespread decreases in drilling 
activity, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, with lower commodity prices.  The abundance of supply of inland marine tank 
barges in our predominantly Gulf Coast market has had a direct impact on our utilization as well as decreased transportation 
rates.  

We continually adjust our business strategy to focus on maximizing liquidity; maintaining a stable asset base, which 

generates fee-based revenues not sensitive to commodity prices; and improving profitability by increasing asset utilization and 
controlling costs, which includes labor force reductions and asset rationalization strategies.   Given the current environment, we 
have altered and reduced our planned growth capital expenditures.  We believe that controlling our spending in an effort to 
preserve liquidity is prudent and reduces our need for near-term access to the somewhat uncertain capital markets.  

The following information highlights selected developments since January 1, 2016. 

Divestiture of Terminalling Assets.  On December 21, 2016, we sold our 900,000 barrel crude oil storage terminal, 

refined product barge terminal, certain pipelines and related easements as well as dockage and trans-loading assets located in 
Corpus Christi, Texas (collectively the "CCCT Assets") to NuStar Logistics, L.P. (“NuStar”) for gross consideration of $107.0 
million plus the reimbursement of certain capital expenditures and prepaid items of $2.1 million.  We received net proceeds of 
approximately $93.3 million after transaction fees and expenses as well as the application of certain net cash payments 
previously received by us in conjunction with our mandated relocation of certain dockage assets to the purchase price in the 
amount of $13.4 million.  Proceeds from the sale were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit 
facility.  

West Texas LPG Pipeline L.P. ("WTLPG") 2015 Rate Complaints.  Certain shippers filed complaints with the Railroad 

Commission of Texas (“RRC”) challenging the increased rates WTLPG implemented effective July 1, 2015.  The complaints 
request that the rate increase be suspended until the RRC has determined appropriate new rates.  On March 8, 2016, the RRC 
issued an order directing that WTLPG’s rates “in effect prior to July 1, 2015, are the lawful rates for the duration of this docket 
unless changed by Commission order.”  A hearing on the merits is scheduled in front of the hearings examiner for the week of 
March 27, 2017.

Credit Facility Amendment.  On April 27, 2016, we made certain strategic amendments to our revolving credit facility 
which, among other things, decreased our borrowing capacity from $700.0 million to $664.4 million and extended the maturity 
date of the facility from March 28, 2018 to March 28, 2020.

3

 
 
 
 
 
 
Subsequent Events

Repayment of Note Receivable.  On February 14, 2017, we notified Martin Resource Management that we would be 

requesting voluntary repayment of the Note Receivable due from MET of $15,000 plus accrued interest and MET has agreed to 
do so in a timely manner.

Acquisition of Terminalling Assets.  On February 14, 2017, we entered into an agreement with Martin Resource 

Management to acquire certain asphalt terminalling assets located in Hondo, Texas for a purchase price of $27.4 million (the 
“Hondo Acquisition”).  Martin Resource Management is currently constructing in Hondo, Texas an asphalt terminal facility, 
which will serve the asphalt market in San Antonio, Texas and surrounding areas.  This terminal will have 178,000 barrels of 
asphalt storage with processing and blending capabilities.  The acquisition is expected to close on or about February 28, 2017.  
After closing, we will spend $8.6 million to finalize construction of the terminal with substantial completion expected to be on 
or about July 1, 2017.  Martin Resource Management is obligated to pay us the amount required to complete the construction of 
the Hondo Terminal in excess of $8.6 million, if any.  The terminal will be supported by long-term contractual agreements with 
Martin Resource Management whereby we expect to receive cash flow of approximately $5.0 million annually. 

Quarterly Distribution.  On January 19, 2017, we declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per common unit for 

the fourth quarter of 2016, or $2.00 per common unit on an annualized basis, which was paid on February 14, 2017 to 
unitholders of record as of February 7, 2017. 

Our Growth Strategy

The key components of our growth strategy are: 

•  Pursue Organic Growth Projects.  We continually evaluate economically attractive organic expansion 

opportunities in new or existing areas of operation that will allow us to leverage our existing market position and 
increase the distributable cash flow from our existing assets through improved utilization and efficiency.

•  Pursue Internal Organic Growth by Attracting New Customers and Expanding Services Provided to Existing 
Customers.  Significant opportunities exist to expand our customer base and provide additional services and 
products to existing customers.  We generally begin a relationship with a customer by transporting, storing or 
marketing a limited range of products and services.  Expanding our customer base and our service and product 
offerings to existing customers is an efficient and cost effective method of achieving organic growth in revenues 
and cash flow.  

•  Pursue Strategic Acquisitions.  We continually monitor the marketplace to identify and pursue accretive 

acquisitions that expand the services and products we offer or that expand our geographic presence.  After 
acquiring other businesses, we attempt to utilize our industry knowledge, network of customers and suppliers and 
strategic asset base to operate the acquired businesses more efficiently and competitively, thereby increasing 
revenues and cash flow.  Our diversified base of operations provides multiple platforms for strategic growth 
through acquisitions.

•  Pursue Strategic Commercial Alliances.  Many of our larger customers, which include major integrated energy 

companies, have established strategic alliances with midstream service providers such as us to address logistical 
and transportation problems or achieve operational synergies.  We intend to pursue strategic commercial alliances 
with such customers in the future.

Competitive Strengths

As discussed previously, commodity prices have declined substantially and experienced significant volatility.  We plan 

for these cyclical downturns in commodity prices and we believe we are positioned to withstand the effect on our assets with 
respect to current and future commodity price volatility as a result of the following information.  

Fee-Based Contracts.  We generate a majority of our cash flow from fee-based contracts with our customers.  A 

significant portion of the fee-based contracts consist of reservation charges or minimum fee arrangements, which reduce the 
volatility of our cash flows due to volume fluctuations.

4

 
 
 
 
 
 
Asset Base and Integrated Distribution Network.  We operate a diversified asset base that enables us to offer our 
customers an integrated distribution network consisting of transportation, terminalling and storage and midstream logistical 
services while minimizing our dependence on the availability and pricing of services provided by third parties.  Our integrated 
distribution network enables us to provide customers with a complementary portfolio of transportation, terminalling, 
distribution and other midstream services for petroleum products and by-products.

Strategically Located Assets.  A significant portion of our cash flow comes from providing various services to the oil 
refining industry.  Accordingly, a significant portion of our assets are located in proximity to refining operations along the U.S. 
Gulf Coast.  For example, we are one of the largest operators of marine service shore-based terminals in the U.S. Gulf Coast 
region providing broad geographic coverage and distribution capability of our products and services to our customers.  Our 
natural gas storage and NGL distribution and storage assets are located in areas highly desirable for our customers.  Finally, 
many of our sulfur services assets are strategically located to source sulfur from the largest refinery sources in the U.S.

Specialized Transportation Equipment and Storage Facilities.  We have the assets and expertise to handle and 

transport certain petroleum products and by-products with unique requirements for transportation and storage.  For example, 
we own facilities and resources to transport a variety of specialty products, including ammonia, molten sulfur and asphalt.  
Some of these specialty products require treatment across a wide range of temperatures ranging between approximately -30 to 
+400 degrees Fahrenheit to remain in liquid form, which our facilities are designed to accommodate.  These capabilities help us 
enhance relationships with our customers by offering them services to handle their unique product requirements.

Strong Industry Reputation and Established Relationships with Suppliers and Customers.  We have established a 
reputation in our industry as a reliable and cost-effective supplier of services to our customers and have a track record of safe, 
efficient operation of our facilities.  Our management has also established long-term relationships with many of our suppliers 
and customers.  We benefit from our management's reputation and track record and from these long-term relationships.

Experienced Management Team and Operational Expertise.  Members of our executive management team and the 

heads of our principal business lines have a significant amount of experience in the industries in which we operate.  Our 
management team has a successful track record of creating internal growth and completing acquisitions.  Our management 
team's experience and familiarity with our industry and businesses are important assets that assist us in implementing our 
business strategies.

Terminalling and Storage Segment

Industry Overview.  The U.S. petroleum distribution system moves petroleum products and by-products from oil 

refineries and natural gas processing facilities to end users.  This distribution system is comprised of a network of terminals, 
storage facilities, pipelines, tankers, barges, railcars and trucks.  Terminals play a key role in moving these products throughout 
the distribution system by providing storage, blending and other ancillary services.

Although many large energy and chemical companies own terminalling and storage facilities, these companies also 
use third-party terminalling and storage services.  Major energy and chemical companies typically have a strong demand for 
terminals owned by independent operators when such terminals are strategically located at or near key transportation links, 
such as deep-water ports.  Major energy and chemical companies also need independent terminal storage when their owned 
storage facilities are inadequate, either because of lack of capacity, the nature of the stored material or specialized handling 
requirements.

The Gulf Coast region is a major hub for petroleum refining.  Approximately 50% of U.S. refining capacity exists in 
this region.  Growth in the refining and natural gas processing industries has increased the volume of petroleum products and 
by-products that are transported within the Gulf Coast region, which consequently has increased the need for terminalling and 
storage services.

The marine and offshore oil and gas exploration and production industries use terminal facilities in the Gulf Coast 

region as shore bases that provide them logistical support services as well as provide a broad range of products, including fuel 
oil, lubricants, chemicals and supplies.  The demand for these types of terminals, services and products is driven primarily by 
offshore exploration, development and production in the Gulf of Mexico.  Offshore activity is greatly influenced by current and 
projected prices of oil and natural gas.

Specialty Petroleum Terminals.  We own or operate 14 terminalling facilities providing storage, handling and 
transportation of various petroleum products and by-products.  The locations and capabilities of our terminals are structured to 
complement our other businesses and reflect our strategy to provide a broad range of integrated services in the storage, 

5

 
 
 
 
handling and transportation of products.  We developed our terminalling and storage assets by acquisition and upgrades of 
existing facilities as well as developing our own properties strategically located near rail, waterways and pipelines.  We 
anticipate further expansion of our terminalling facilities through both acquisition and organic growth. 

The Tampa terminal is located on approximately 10 acres of land owned by the Tampa Port Authority that was leased 

to us under a 10-year lease that commenced on December 16, 2006.  In December of 2016, this lease was extended to 
December of 2021 and may be extended at the option of the tenant for one additional option period of five years.  The 
Stanolind terminal is located on approximately 11 acres of land owned by us located on the Neches River in Beaumont, 
Texas.  The Neches terminal is a deep water marine terminal located near Beaumont, Texas, on approximately 50 acres of land 
owned by us, and an additional 96 acres leased to us under terms of a 20-year lease commencing May 1, 2014 with three five-
year options. 

At the Tampa, Neches, and Stanolind terminals, our customers are primarily large oil refining companies.  We charge 

either a fixed monthly fee or a throughput fee for the use of our facilities based on the capacity of the applicable tank.  We 
conduct a substantial portion of our terminalling and storage operations under long-term contracts, which enhances the stability 
and predictability of our operations and cash flow.  We attempt to balance our short-term and long-term terminalling contracts 
in order to allow us to maintain a consistent level of cash flow while maintaining flexibility to earn higher storage revenues 
when demand for storage space increases.  In addition, a significant portion of the contracts for our specialty terminals provide 
for minimum fee arrangements that are not based on the volume handled.

In Houston, Texas, we own and operate a terminal used for lubricant blending, storage, packaging and distribution.  
This terminal is used as our central hub for bulk lubricant distribution where we receive, package and ship lubricants to our 
terminals or directly to customers.

In Smackover, Arkansas, we own a refinery and terminal where we process crude oil into finished products that  

include naphthenic lubricants, distillates, asphalt and other intermediates.  This process is dedicated to an affiliate of Martin 
Resource Management through a long-term tolling agreement based on throughput rates and a monthly reservation fee.

In Smackover, Arkansas, we own and operate a terminal used for lubricant blending, processing, packaging, marketing 
and distribution.  This terminal is used as our central hub for branded and private label packaged lubricants where we receive, 
package and ship heavy-duty, passenger car, and industrial lubricants to a network of retailers and distributors. 

In Kansas City, Missouri, we lease and operate a plant that specializes in the processing and packaging of automotive, 

commercial and industrial greases.

In South Houston, Texas, we own an asphalt terminal whose use is dedicated to an affiliate of Martin Resource 

Management through a terminalling service agreement based on throughput rates.

In Port Neches, Texas, we own an asphalt terminal whose use is dedicated to an affiliate of Martin Resource 

Management through a terminalling service agreement based upon throughput rates.

In Omaha, Nebraska, we own an asphalt terminal whose use is dedicated to an affiliate of Martin Resource 

Management through a terminalling service agreement based on throughput rates.

In Elko, Nevada, we lease and operate a sulfuric acid terminal whose use is dedicated to an affiliate of Martin 

Resource Management through a terminalling service agreement based on throughput rates.

In Beaumont, Texas we own a terminal where we receive natural gasoline via pipeline and then ship the product to our 

customers via other pipelines to which the facility is connected, referred to as the "Spindletop Terminal."  Our fees for the use 
of this facility are based on the volume of barrels shipped from the terminal.

In Jennings, Louisiana, we own a lubricant terminal whose use is dedicated to an affiliate of Martin Resource 

Management through a terminalling service agreement based on throughput rates.

6

 
 
The following is a summary description of our shore-based specialty terminals:

Terminal

Tampa (1)

Location
Tampa, Florida

Aggregate Capacity
719,000 barrels

Products

Asphalt and fuel oil

Stanolind

Neches

Beaumont,
Texas

Beaumont,
Texas

593,200 barrels

Asphalt, crude oil, sulfur,
sulfuric acid and fuel oil

546,750 barrels

Molten sulfur, ammonia,
asphalt, fuel oil, crude oil
and sulfur-based fertilizer

Description

Marine terminal, loading/
unloading for vessels, barges,
railcars and trucks

Marine terminal, marine dock
for loading/unloading of
vessels, barges, railcars and
trucks

Marine terminal, loading/
unloading for vessels, barges,
railcars and trucks

(1) 

This terminal is located on land owned by the Tampa Port Authority that was leased to us under a 10-year lease that 
expires in December 2021.  This lease may be extended at the option of the tenant for one option period of five years.

The following is a summary description of our non shore-based specialty terminals:

Terminal
Channelview

Location
Houston, Texas

Smackover
Refinery

Smackover
Refinery

Smackover,
Arkansas

Smackover,
Arkansas

Martin Lubricants Smackover,

Arkansas

Martin Lubricants
(1)

Kansas City,
Missouri

Aggregate Capacity
44,000 sq.
ft. Warehouse; 39,800
barrels

7,700 barrels per day

275,000 barrels of
crude bulk storage;
641,000 barrels of
lubricant storage

235,000 sq. ft.
Warehouse; 3.9
million gallons bulk
storage

75,000 sq. ft.
Warehouse; 0.2
million gallons bulk
storage

Products

Description

Lubricants

Lubricants blending, storage,
packaging and distribution

Naphthenic lubricants,
distillates, asphalt

Crude refining facility

Crude oil, lubricants

Crude refining facility

Gard, SynGard, Unimark
and  Xtreme brands, and
grease

Lubricants packaging facility

Automotive, commercial
and industrial greases

Grease manufacturing and
packaging facility

South Houston
Asphalt

Port Neches
Asphalt

Omaha Asphalt

Dunphy (2)

Spindletop

Jennings Bulk
Plant

Houston, Texas

95,500 barrels

Asphalt

Asphalt processing and storage

Port Neches,
Texas

Omaha,
Nebraska

30,100 barrels

Asphalt

Asphalt processing and storage

113,900 barrels

Asphalt

Asphalt processing and storage

Elko, Nevada

63,200 barrels

Sulfuric acid

Sulfuric acid storage

Beaumont,
Texas

Jennings,
Louisiana

90,000 barrels

Natural gasoline

Pipeline receipts and shipments

36,000 sq. ft. building;
6,800 barrels

Lubricants, fuel

Lubricants and fuel storage

(1) 

(2) 

This terminal contains a warehouse owned by third parties and leased under a lease that expires in December 2020 and 
can be extended by us for two successive five-year periods.
This terminal is located on land owned by third parties and leased under a lease that expires in May 2024 and can be 
extended by us for two successive five-year periods.

Marine Shore-Based Terminals.  We own or operate 26 marine shore-based terminals along the Gulf Coast from 

Theodore, Alabama to Port O'Connor, Texas.   Our terminalling assets are located at strategic distribution points for the 
products we handle and are in close proximity to our customers.  We are one of the largest operators of marine shore-based 
terminals in the Gulf Coast region.  These terminals are used to distribute and market fuel and lubricants.  Additionally, full 

7

 
 
service terminals also provide shore bases for companies that are operating in the offshore exploration and production industry.  
Customers are primarily oil and gas exploration and production companies and oilfield service companies, such as drilling fluid 
companies, marine transportation companies and offshore construction companies.  Shore bases typically provide logistical 
support, including the storing and handling of tubular goods, loading and unloading bulk materials, providing facilities from 
which major and independent oil companies can communicate with and control offshore operations and leasing dockside 
facilities to companies which provide complementary products and services such as drilling fluids and cementing services.  We 
generate revenues from our terminals that have shore bases by fees that we charge our customers under land rental contracts for 
the use of our terminal facility for these shore bases.  These contracts generally provide us a fixed land rental fee and additional 
rental fees that are determined based on a percentage of the sales value of the products and services delivered from the shore 
base.  In addition, Martin Resource Management, through terminalling service agreements, pays us for terminalling and storage 
of fuels and lubricants at these terminal facilities and includes a provision for minimum volume throughput requirements.

Our marine shore-based terminals are divided into two classes of terminals: (i) full service terminals and (ii) fuel and 

lubricant terminals.

Full Service Terminals.  We own or operate 10 full service terminals.  These facilities provide logistical support 

services and storage and handling services for fuel and lubricants.  The significant difference between our full service terminals 
and our fuel and lubricant terminals is that our full service terminals generate additional revenues by providing shore bases to 
support our customer’s operating activities related to the offshore exploration and production industry.  One typical use for our 
shore bases is for drilling fluids manufacturers to manufacture and sell drilling fluids to the offshore drilling industry.  Offshore 
drilling companies may also set up service facilities at these terminals to support their offshore operations.  Customers of our 
full service terminals are primarily oil and gas exploration and production companies, oilfield service companies such as 
drilling fluids companies, marine transportation companies and offshore construction companies.

The following is a summary description of our full service terminals:

Terminal

Amelia 2

Cameron West (2)

Dock 193 (3)

Fourchon 15

Freshwater City (1)

Harbor Island (3)

Intracoastal City-2

Pelican Island

Theodore

Venice (1)

Location

Amelia, Louisiana

Cameron, Louisiana

Gueydan, Louisiana

Fourchon, Louisiana

Freshwater City, Louisiana

Harbor Island, Texas

Intracoastal City, Louisiana

Galveston, Texas

Theodore, Alabama

Venice, Louisiana

Aggregate Capacity 
(barrels)
13,000

End of Lease (Including
Options)
August 2023

16,300

11,000

7,600

0

6,800

17,700

87,600

19,900

25,100

February 2033

May 2018

February 2047

March 2017

December 2039

December 2025

Own

Own

September 2017

These terminals are currently in caretaker status and the lease will not be renewed at the end of the term.  
This terminal is currently in caretaker status.

(1) 
(2) 
(3)  A portion of this terminal is owned.

Fuel and Lubricant Terminals.  We own or operate 16 lubricant and fuel terminals located in the Gulf Coast region 

that provide storage and handling services for lubricants and fuel oil.

8

 
 
 
 
 
The following is a summary description of our fuel and lubricant terminals: 

Terminal

Location

Aggregate
Capacity (barrels)

End of Lease (Including
Options)

Berwick (1)

Cameron East (1)

Dulac (1)

Fourchon

Fourchon 16

Fourchon 17

Fourchon T

Galveston T (2)

Intracoastal City (2)

Lake Charles T

Morgan City DWC 31

Pascagoula

Port Arthur

Port O'Connor (2)

River Ridge

Sabine Pass (2)

Berwick, Louisiana

Cameron, Louisiana

Dulac, Louisiana

Fourchon, Louisiana

Fourchon, Louisiana

Fourchon, Louisiana

Fourchon, Louisiana

Galveston, Texas

Intracoastal City, Louisiana

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Morgan City, Louisiana

Pascagoula, Mississippi

Port Arthur, Texas

Port O'Connor, Texas

River Ridge, Louisiana

Sabine Pass, Texas

0

0

15,400

80,900

16,400

41,200

10,200

1,400

0

1,000

7,100

10,400

16,300

6,800

8,700

16,500

September 2017

March 2017

December 2021

May 2027

March 2022

March 2023

October 2038

Own

Own

April 2018

December 2019

Own

November 2025

March 2017

April 2019

September 2036

(1) 
(2) 

These terminals are currently in caretaker status and the lease will not be renewed at the end of the term.
These terminals are currently in caretaker status.

Competition.  We compete with independent terminal operators and major energy and chemical companies that own 

their own terminalling and storage facilities.  Many customers prefer to contract with independent terminal operators rather 
than terminal operators owned by integrated energy and chemical companies that may have refining or marketing interests that 
compete with the customers.

Independent terminal owners generally compete on the basis of the location and versatility of terminals, service and 
price.  A favorably located terminal has access to various cost effective transportation modes, both to and from the terminal, 
such as waterways, railroads, roadways and pipelines.  Terminal versatility depends upon the operator’s ability to handle 
diverse products, some of which have complex or specialized handling and storage requirements.  The service function of a 
terminal includes, among other things, the safe storage of product at specified temperature, moisture and other conditions and 
receiving and delivering product to and from the terminal.  All of these services must be in compliance with applicable 
environmental and other regulations.

We successfully compete for terminal customers because of the strategic location of our terminals along the Gulf 

Coast, our integrated transportation services, our reputation, the prices we charge for our services and the quality and versatility 
of our services.  Additionally, while some companies have significantly more terminalling and storage capacity than us, not all 
terminalling and storage facilities located in the markets we serve are equipped to properly handle specialty products such as 
asphalt, sulfur and anhydrous ammonia. 

The principal competitive factors affecting our terminals, which provide fuel and lubricants distribution and 

marketing, as well as shore bases at certain terminals, are the locations of the facilities, availability of competing logistical 
support services and the experience of personnel and dependability of service.  The distribution and marketing of our lubricant 
products is brand sensitive and we encounter brand loyalty competition.  Shore base rental contracts are generally long-term 
contracts and provide more protection from competition.  Our primary competitors for both lubricants and shore bases include 
several independent operations as well as major companies that maintain their own similarly equipped marine terminals, shore 
bases and fuel and lubricant supply sources.

 Natural Gas Services Segment

9

 
 
 
Industry Overview.  NGLs are produced through natural gas processing and as a by-product of crude oil refining.  

NGLs include ethane, propane, normal butane, iso butane and natural gasoline.

Ethane is almost entirely used as a petrochemical feedstock in the production of ethylene and propylene.  Propane is 

used as a petrochemical feedstock in the production of ethylene and propylene, as a fuel for heating, for industrial applications, 
as motor fuel and as a refrigerant.  Normal butane is used as a petrochemical feedstock, as a blend stock for motor gasoline and 
as a component in aerosol propellants.  Normal butane can also be made into iso butane through isomerization.  Iso butane is 
used in the production of motor gasoline, alkylation and as a component in aerosol propellants.  Natural gasoline is used as a 
component of motor gasoline, as a petrochemical feedstock and as a diluent.

Facilities.  We purchase NGLs primarily from major domestic oil refiners and natural gas processors.  We transport 

NGLs using Martin Resource Management’s land transportation fleet or by contracting with common carriers, owner-operators 
and railroad tank cars.  We typically enter into annual contracts with independent retail propane distributors to deliver their 
estimated annual volume requirements based on prevailing market prices.  Dependable delivery is very important to these 
customers and in some cases may be more important than price.  We ensure adequate supply of NGLs through:

• 

• 

storage of NGLs purchased in off-peak months;

efficient use of railroad tank cars and the transportation fleet of vehicles owned by Martin Resource Management; 
and

• 

product management expertise to obtain supplies when needed.

The following is a summary description of our owned and leased NGL facilities:

NGL Facility 

Wholesale terminals

Retail terminals

Rail terminal

Location                         

Capacity                    

Description                           

  Arcadia, Louisiana
Breaux Bridge, Louisiana (1)
Napoleonville, Louisiana (1)
  Hattiesburg, Mississippi (1)
  Mont Belvieu, Texas (1)
  Kilgore, Texas
  Longview, Texas
  Henderson, Texas
Arcadia, Louisiana

  2,400,000 barrels
420,000 barrels
370,000 barrels
  240,000 barrels
  60,000 barrels
  90,000 gallons
  30,000 gallons
  12,000 gallons
24 railcars per day

  Underground storage
Underground storage
Underground storage
  Underground storage
  Underground storage
  Retail propane distribution
  Retail propane distribution
  Retail propane distribution
NGL rail loading and
unloading capabilities

(1)  We lease our underground storage at Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Napoleonville, Louisiana, and 

Mont Belvieu, Texas, from third parties under one-year lease agreements.

Our NGL customers consist of refiners, industrial processors and retail propane distributors.  The majority of our NGL 

volumes are sold to refiners and industrial processors. 

We generally maintain consistent margins in our natural gas services business because we attempt to pass increases 

and decreases in the cost of NGLs directly to our customers.  We generally try to coordinate our sales and purchases of NGLs 
based on the same daily price index of NGLs in order to decrease the impact of NGL price volatility on our profitability.

Natural Gas Storage.  Natural gas storage facilities provide a staging and warehousing function for seasonal swings in 

demand relative to supply, as well as an essential reliability cushion against disruptions in natural gas supply, demand and 
transportation by allowing natural gas to be injected into, withdrawn from or warehoused in such storage facilities as dictated 
by market conditions.  The long term demand for storage services in the U.S. is driven primarily by the long-term demand for 
natural gas and the overall lack of balance between the supply of and demand for natural gas on a seasonal, monthly, daily or 
other basis.  In general and on a long-term basis, to the extent the overall demand for natural gas increases and such growth 
includes higher demand from seasonal or weather-sensitive end-users (such as gas-fired power generators and residential and 
commercial consumers), demand for natural gas storage services should also grow.  In addition, any factors that contribute to 
more frequent and severe imbalances between the supply of and demand for natural gas, whether caused by supply or demand 
fluctuations, should increase the need for and the value of storage services.  On a short term basis, storage demand and values 

10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
are also significantly influenced by operational imbalances, near term seasonal spreads, shorter term spreads and basis 
differentials.

We own 100% of the interests in Cardinal, which is focused on the operation, management, development, and 

construction of natural gas storage facilities across northern Louisiana and Mississippi.  

Cardinal facilities are summarized below:

Facility Name / Location

Facility Type

Arcadia Gas Storage, LLC
Bienville Parish, Louisiana

Cadeville Gas Storage, LLC
Ouachita Parish, Louisiana

Perryville Gas Storage, LLC
Franklin Parish, Louisiana

Salt dome

Salt dome

Monroe Gas Storage Company, LLC
Monroe County, Mississippi

Depleted reservoir

(1)  Contracted capacity refers specifically to firm contracted capacity.  

Depleted reservoir

17.0 bcf

Storage
Capacity

16.3 billion
cubic feet (bcf)

9.0 bcf

7.4 bcf

Percent of
Capacity
Contracted (1)

Weighted
Average Life
of Remaining
Contract Term

89%

100%

94%

89%

2.6 years

6.4 years

2.0 years

3.3 years

These facilities were developed to provide producers, end users, local distribution companies, pipelines and energy 

marketers with high-deliverability storage services and hub services.   

LPG Pipeline Investment.  We own a 20% interest in WTLPG.  WTLPG owns an approximate 2,300 mile common-
carrier pipeline system that transports NGLs from New Mexico and Texas to Mont Belvieu, Texas for fractionation.  This asset 
enables us to participate in the transportation of NGL production originating in the Permian and other basins along the WTLPG 
pipeline route. 

Competition.  We compete with large integrated NGL producers and marketers, as well as small local independent 

marketers.  The primary components of competition related to our natural gas storage operations are location, rates, terms and 
flexibility of service and supply.  Our natural gas storage facilities compete with other storage providers and increased 
competition could result form newly developed storage facilities or expanded capacity from existing competitors.

Seasonality.  The level of NGL supply and demand is subject to changes in domestic production, weather, inventory 

levels and other factors.  While production is not seasonal, residential, refinery, and wholesale demand is highly seasonal.  This 
imbalance causes increases in inventories during summer months when consumption is low and decreases in inventories during 
winter months when consumption is high.  If inventories are low at the start of the winter, higher prices are more likely to occur 
during the winter.  Additionally, abnormally cold weather can put extra upward pressure on propane prices during the winter 
because there are less readily available sources of additional supply except for imports, which are less accessible and may take 
several weeks to arrive.  General economic conditions and inventory levels have a greater impact on industrial and refinery use 
of NGLs than the weather.

Sulfur Services Segment

Industry Overview.  Sulfur is a natural element and is required to produce a variety of industrial products.  In the U.S., 

approximately 9 million tons of sulfur are consumed annually with the Tampa, Florida area being the largest single market.  
Currently, all sulfur produced in the U.S. is "recovered sulfur," or sulfur that is a by-product from oil refineries and natural gas 
processing plants.  Sulfur production in the U.S. is principally located along the Gulf Coast, along major inland waterways and 
in some areas of the western U.S.

Sulfur is an important plant nutrient and is primarily used in the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers and other 

industrial purposes.  The primary application of sulfur in fertilizers occurs in the form of sulfuric acid.  Burning sulfur creates 
sulfur dioxide, which is subsequently oxidized and dissolved in water to create sulfuric acid.  The sulfuric acid is then 
combined with phosphate rock to make phosphoric acid, the base material for most high-grade phosphate fertilizers.

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulfur-based fertilizers are manufactured chemicals containing nutrients known to improve the fertility of soils.  

Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur are the four most important nutrients for crop growth.  These nutrients are found 
naturally in soils.  However, soils used for agriculture become depleted of nutrients and require fertilizers rich in nutrients to 
restore fertility.

Industrial sulfur products (including sulfuric acid) are used in a wide variety of industries.  For example, these 

products are used in power plants, paper mills, auto and tire manufacturing plants, food processing plants, road construction, 
cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Our Operations and Products.  We maintain an integrated system of transportation assets and facilities relating to our 
sulfur services.  We gather molten sulfur from refiners, primarily located on the Gulf Coast.  We transport sulfur by inland and 
offshore barges, railcars and trucks.  In the U.S., recovered sulfur is mainly kept in liquid form from production to usage at a 
temperature of approximately 275 degrees Fahrenheit.  Because of the temperature requirement, the sulfur industry uses 
specialized equipment to store and transport molten sulfur.  We have the necessary assets and expertise to handle the unique 
requirements for transportation and storage of molten sulfur.

Terms for our standard purchase and sales contracts typically range from one to five years in length with prices that 

are usually tied to a published market indicator and fluctuate according to the price movement of the indicator. We also provide 
barge transportation and tank storage services to large producers and consumers of sulfur under contracts with remaining terms 
from one to five years in duration.

We operate sulfur forming assets in the Port of Stockton, California and Beaumont, Texas, which are used to convert 
molten sulfur into solid form (prills/granules). The Stockton facility is equipped with one wet prill unit capable of processing 
1,000 metric tons of molten sulfur per day. The Beaumont facility is equipped with two wet prill units and one granulation unit 
capable of processing a combined 5,500 metric tons of molten sulfur per day. Formed sulfur at both facilities is stored in bulk 
until sold into local or international agricultural markets. Our forming services contracts are fee based and typically include 
minimum fee guarantees.

Our sulfuric acid production facility at our Plainview, Texas location processes molten sulfur to produce a dedicated 

supply of raw material sulfuric acid to our ammonium sulfate production plant.  The ammonium sulfate plant produces 
approximately 400 tons per day of quality ammonium sulfate and is marketed to our customers throughout the U.S.  The 
sulfuric acid produced and not consumed by the captive ammonium sulfate production is sold to Martin Resource Management, 
which markets the excess production to third parties.

Fertilizer and related sulfur products are a natural extension of our molten sulfur business because of our access to 

sulfur and our distribution capabilities.  These products allow us to leverage the Sulfur Services segment of our business.  Our 
annual fertilizer and industrial sulfur products sales have grown significantly as a result of acquisitions and internal growth.

In the U.S., fertilizer is generally sold to farmers through local dealers.  These dealers are typically owned and 

supplied by much larger wholesale distributors.  We sell to these wholesale distributors.  Our industrial sulfur products are 
marketed primarily in the southern U.S., where many paper manufacturers and power plants are located.  Our products are sold 
in accordance with price lists that vary from state to state.  These price lists are updated periodically to reflect changes in 
seasonal or competitive prices.  We transport our fertilizer and industrial sulfur products to our customers using third-party 
common carriers.  We utilize rail shipments for large volume and long distance shipments where available.

We manufacture and market the following sulfur-based fertilizer and related sulfur products:

• 

Plant nutrient sulfur products.  We produce plant nutrient and agricultural ground sulfur products at our facilities 
in Odessa, Texas, Seneca, Illinois and Cactus, Texas.  Our plant nutrient sulfur product is a 90% degradable sulfur 
product marketed under the Disper-Sul® trade name and sold throughout the U.S. to direct application 
agricultural markets.  Our agricultural ground sulfur products are used primarily in the western U.S. on grapes and 
vegetable crops.

•  Ammonium sulfate products.  We produce various grades of ammonium sulfate including granular, coarse, 

standard, and 40% ammonium sulfate solution.  These products primarily serve direct application agricultural 
markets.  We package these custom grade products under both proprietary and private labels and sell them to 
major retail distributors and other retail customers.

12

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• 

Industrial sulfur products.  We produce industrial sulfur products such as elemental pastille sulfur, industrial 
ground sulfur products, and emulsified sulfur.  We produce elemental pastille sulfur at our Odessa, Texas and 
Seneca, Illinois facilities.  Elemental pastille sulfur is used to increase the efficiency of the coal-fired precipitators 
in the power industry.  These industrial ground sulfur products are also used in a variety of dusting and wettable 
sulfur applications such as rubber manufacturing, fungicides, sugar and animal feeds.  We produce emulsified 
sulfur at our Nash, Texas facility.  Emulsified sulfur is primarily used to control the sulfur content in the pulp and 
paper manufacturing processes. 

•  Liquid sulfur products.  We produce ammonium thiosulfate at our Neches terminal facility in Beaumont, Texas.  

This agricultural sulfur product is a clear liquid containing 12% nitrogen and 26% sulfur.  This product serves as a 
liquid plant nutrient used directly through spray rigs or irrigation systems.  It is also blended with other nitrogen 
phosphorus potassium liquids or suspensions as well.  Our market is predominantly the Mid-South U.S. and 
Coastal Bend area of Texas.

Our Sulfur Services Facilities.  We own 35 railcars and lease 94 railcars equipped to transport molten sulfur.  We own 

the following marine assets and use them to transport molten sulfur between U.S. gulf coast storage terminals (including our 
terminal in Beaumont, Texas) under third-party marine transportation agreements:

Asset                   

Margaret Sue
M/V Martin Explorer
M/V Martin Express
MGM 101
MGM 102

  Class of Equipment 
  Offshore tank barge
  Offshore tugboat
  Inland push boat
  Inland tank barge
  Inland tank barge

  Capacity/Horsepower
  10,500 long tons
  7,130 horsepower
  1,200 horsepower
  2,500 long tons
  3,400 long tons

  Products Transported
  Molten sulfur
  N/A
  N/A
  Molten sulfur
  Molten sulfur

We operate the following sulfur forming facilities as part of our sulfur services business: 

Terminal 

Location

  Beaumont, Texas

  Daily Production Capacity  
  5,500 metric tons per day

Products Stored

  Molten, prilled and
granulated sulfur

  Stockton, California

  1,000 metric tons per day

  Molten and prilled sulfur

Neches

Stockton

We lease 132 railcars to transport our fertilizer products.  We own the following manufacturing plants as part of our 

sulfur services business:

Facility 

Location                      

Annual Capacity                   

Description                              

Fertilizer plant

Fertilizer plant

  Plainview, Texas

  Beaumont, Texas

  150,000 tons

  110,000 tons

Fertilizer plants

  Odessa, Texas

  35,000 tons

Fertilizer plant

  Seneca, Illinois

  36,000 tons

Fertilizer plant

Cactus, Texas

20,000 tons

  Fertilizer production

  Liquid sulfur fertilizer
production

  Dry sulfur fertilizer
production

  Dry sulfur fertilizer
production

Dry sulfur fertilizer
production

Industrial sulfur plant

  Nash, Texas

Sulfuric acid plant

  Plainview, Texas

  18,000 tons

  150,000 tons

  Emulsified sulfur production

  Sulfuric acid production

Competition.  The Martin Explorer/Margaret Sue articulated barge unit is one of four vessels currently used to 

transport molten sulfur between U.S. ports on the Gulf of Mexico and Tampa, Florida. Phosphate fertilizer manufacturers 
consume a majority of the sulfur produced in the U.S., which they purchase directly from both producers and resellers. As a 
reseller, we compete against producers and other resellers capable of accessing the required transportation and storage assets. 
We also compete with offshore suppliers from Mexico and Venezuela that are capable of delivering molten sulfur into the 
Tampa, Florida market by marine vessel.  Our sulfur-based fertilizer products compete with several large fertilizer and sulfur 
product manufacturers.  However, the close proximity of our manufacturing plants to our customer base is a competitive 
advantage for us in the markets we serve and allows us to minimize freight costs and respond quickly to customer requests.  

13

 
 
 
 
 
Our sulfuric acid products compete with regional producers and importers in the South and Southwest portion of the U.S. from 
Louisiana to California.  

Seasonality.  Sales of our agricultural fertilizer products are partly seasonal as a result of increased demand during the 

growing season.

Marine Transportation Segment

Industry Overview.  The inland waterway system is composed of a network of interconnected rivers and canals that 

serve as water highways and is used to transport vast quantities of products annually.  This waterway system extends 
approximately 26,000 miles, of which 12,000 miles are generally considered significant for domestic commerce.

The Gulf Coast region is a major hub for petroleum refining.  The petroleum refining process generates products and 
by-products that require transportation in large quantities from the refinery or processor.  Convenient access to and use of this 
waterway system by the petroleum and petrochemical industry is a major reason for the current location of U.S. refineries and 
petrochemical facilities.  The marine transportation industry uses push boats and tugboats as power sources and tank barges for 
freight capacity.  The combination of the power source and tank barge freight capacity is called a tow.

Marine Fleet.  We utilize a fleet of inland and offshore tows that provide marine transportation of petroleum products 

and by-products produced in oil refining and natural gas processing.  Our marine transportation business operates coastwise 
along the Gulf of Mexico and East Coast and on the U.S. inland waterway system, primarily between domestic ports along the 
Gulf of Mexico, Intracoastal Waterway, the Mississippi River system and the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway system.   
Additionally, we participate in Caribbean, Central America, and South American transport.  Our inland tows generally consist 
of one push boat and one to three tank barges, depending upon the horsepower of the push boat, the river or canal capacity and 
conditions, and customer requirements.  Our offshore tow consists of one tugboat, with much greater horsepower than an inland 
push boat, and one large tank barge.  We transport asphalt, fuel oil, gasoline, sulfur and other bulk liquids. 

The following is a summary description of the marine vessels we use in our marine transportation business (excluding 
equipment classified as Assets Held for Sale):   

Class of Equipment 

Number in Class 

Capacity/Horsepower 

Inland tank barges

Inland tank barges

Inland push boats

Offshore tank barge

Offshore tugboat

9

26

19

1

1

Under 20,000 barrels

20,000 - 31,000 barrels

800 - 3,800 horsepower
58,000 barrels

5,100 horsepower

Description of Products
Carried 
Asphalt, crude oil, fuel oil,
gasoline and sulfur

Asphalt, crude oil, fuel oil
and gasoline
N/A

Diesel fuel

N/A

Our largest marine transportation customers include major and independent oil and gas refining companies, petroleum 

marketing companies and Martin Resource Management.  We conduct our marine transportation services on a fee basis 
primarily under annual contracts.

We are a party to a marine transportation agreement under which we provide marine transportation services to Martin 

Resource Management on a spot contract basis at applicable market rates.  Effective each January 1, this agreement 
automatically renews for consecutive one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement by giving written notice to 
the other party at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the then-applicable term.

Competition.  We compete primarily with other marine transportation companies.  Competition in this industry has 
historically been based primarily on price.  However, customers are placing an increased emphasis on safety, environmental 
compliance, quality of service and the availability of a single source of supply of services.  Specifically, customers are 
increasingly seeking suppliers that can offer marine, land, rail and terminal distribution services while providing a high level of 
flexibility, health, safety, environmental and financial responsibility, adequate insurance and quality of services consistent with 
the customer’s standards. 

In addition to competitors that provide marine transportation services, we also compete with providers of other modes 

of transportation, such as rail, trucks and, to a lesser extent, pipelines.  For example, a typical two inland barge unit carries a 

14

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
volume of product equal to approximately 80 railcars or 250 tanker trucks.  Pipelines generally provide a less expensive form 
of transportation than marine transportation.  However, pipelines are not able to transport most of the products we transport and 
are generally a less flexible form of transportation because they are limited to the fixed point-to-point distribution of 
commodities in high volumes over extended periods of time.

Our Relationship with Martin Resource Management

Martin Resource Management is engaged in the following principal business activities:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

providing land transportation of various liquids using a fleet of trucks and road vehicles and road trailers;

distributing fuel oil, ammonia, asphalt, sulfuric acid, marine fuel and other liquids;

providing marine bunkering and other shore-based marine services in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and 
Florida;

operating a crude oil gathering business in Stephens, Arkansas;

providing crude oil gathering, refining, and marketing services of base oils, asphalt, and distillate products in 
Smackover, Arkansas;

providing crude oil marketing and transportation from the well head to the end market;

operating an environmental consulting company;

operating an engineering services company;

supplying employees and services for the operation of our business;

operating a crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and biofuels optimization business; and

operating, solely for our account, the asphalt facilities in Omaha, Nebraska, Port Neches, Texas and South Houston, 
Texas.

We are and will continue to be closely affiliated with Martin Resource Management as a result of the following 

relationships.

Ownership

Martin Resource Management owns approximately 17.7% of the outstanding limited partner units.  In addition, Martin 

Resource Management controls MMGP, our general partner, by virtue of its 51% voting interest in Holdings, the sole member 
of MMGP.  MMGP owns a 2% general partner interest in us and all of our incentive distribution rights.  

Management

Martin Resource Management directs our business operations through its ownership interests in and control of our 
general partner.  We benefit from our relationship with Martin Resource Management through access to a significant pool of 
management expertise and established relationships throughout the energy industry.  We do not have employees.  Martin 
Resource Management employees are responsible for conducting our business and operating our assets on our behalf.

Related Party Agreements

The Omnibus Agreement with Martin Resource Management requires us to reimburse Martin Resource Management 

for all direct expenses it incurs or payments it makes on our behalf or in connection with the operation of our business.  We 
reimbursed Martin Resource Management for $135.8 million, $149.3 million and $183.2 million of direct costs and expenses 
for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  There is no monetary limitation on the amount we are 
required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for direct expenses.

15

 
 
 
 
In addition to the direct expenses, under the Omnibus Agreement, we are required to reimburse Martin Resource 
Management for indirect general and administrative and corporate overhead expenses.  For the years ended December 31, 
2016, 2015, and 2014, the conflicts committee of our general partner ("Conflicts Committee") approved reimbursement 
amounts of $13.0 million, $13.7 million and $12.5 million, respectively, reflecting our allocable share of such expenses.  The 
Conflicts Committee will review and approve future adjustments in the reimbursement amount for indirect expenses, if any, 
annually.  These indirect expenses covered the centralized corporate functions Martin Resource Management provides for us, 
such as accounting, treasury, clerical, engineering, legal, billing, information technology, administration of insurance, 
environmental and safety compliance, general office expenses and employee benefit plans and other general corporate overhead 
functions we share with Martin Resource Management’s retained businesses.  The Omnibus Agreement also contains 
significant non-compete provisions and indemnity obligations.  Martin Resource Management also licenses certain of its 
trademarks and trade names to us under the Omnibus Agreement.

Other agreements include, but are not limited to, a motor carrier agreement, marine transportation agreements, 

terminal services agreements, a tolling agreement, and a sulfuric acid sales agency agreement.  Pursuant to the terms of the 
Omnibus Agreement, we are prohibited from entering into certain material agreements with Martin Resource Management 
without the approval of the Conflicts Committee.

For a more comprehensive discussion concerning the Omnibus Agreement and the other agreements that we have 
entered into with Martin Resource Management, please see "Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and 
Director Independence."

Commercial

We have been and anticipate that we will continue to be both a significant customer and supplier of products and 

services offered by Martin Resource Management.  Our motor carrier agreement with Martin Resource Management provides 
us with access to Martin Resource Management’s fleet of road vehicles and road trailers to provide land transportation in the 
areas served by Martin Resource Management.  Our ability to utilize Martin Resource Management’s land transportation 
operations is currently a key component of our integrated distribution network.

In the aggregate, our purchases from Martin Resource Management accounted for approximately 11%, 9%, and 7% of 

our total cost of products sold during for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  We also purchase 
marine fuel from Martin Resource Management, which we account for as an operating expense.

Correspondingly, Martin Resource Management is one of our significant customers.  Our sales to Martin Resource 

Management accounted for approximately 13%, 11%, 6% of our total revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 
2015 and 2014, respectively.  We have entered into certain agreements with Martin Resource Management pursuant to which 
we provide terminalling and storage and marine transportation services to its subsidiary, Martin Energy Services LLC ("MES"), 
and MES provides terminal services to us to handle lubricants, greases and drilling fluids.  Additionally, we have entered into a 
long-term, fee for services-based tolling agreement with Martin Resource Management where Martin Resource Management 
agrees to pay us for the processing of its crude oil into finished products, including naphthenic lubricants, distillates, asphalt 
and other intermediate cuts.

For a more comprehensive discussion concerning the Omnibus Agreement and the other agreements that we have 
entered into with Martin Resource Management, please see "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and 
Director Independence."

Approval and Review of Related Party Transactions

If we contemplate entering into a transaction, other than a routine or in the ordinary course of business transaction, in 
which a related person will have a direct or indirect material interest, the proposed transaction is submitted for consideration to 
the board of directors of our general partner or to our management, as appropriate.  If the board of directors is involved in the 
approval process, it determines whether to refer the matter to the Conflicts Committee, as provided under our limited 
partnership agreement.  If a matter is referred to the Conflicts Committee, it obtains information regarding the proposed 
transaction from management and determines whether to engage independent legal counsel or an independent financial advisor 
to advise the members of the committee regarding the transaction.  If the Conflicts Committee retains such counsel or financial 
advisor, it considers such advice and, in the case of a financial advisor, such advisor’s opinion as to whether the transaction is 
fair and reasonable to us and to our unitholders.

Insurance

16

 
 
 
  
 
 
Our deductible for onshore physical damage resulting from named windstorms is 5% of the total value located at an 

individual location subject to an overall minimum deductible of $3.5 million for damage caused by the named windstorm at all 
locations.   Our onshore program currently provides $40.0 million per occurrence for named windstorm events.   For non-
windstorm events, our deductible applicable to onshore physical damage is $1.0 million per occurrence.  Business interruption 
coverage in connection with a windstorm event is subject to the same $40.0 million per occurrence and aggregate limit as the 
property damage coverage and a waiting period of 45 days.  For non-windstorm events, our waiting period applicable to 
business interruption is 30 days.

Our deductible for physical damage at our refining, blending and packaging division in Smackover, Arkansas is $0.5 

million per occurrence.  The waiting period applicable to business interruption is 30 days.

We have various pollution liability policies which provide coverages ranging from remediation of our property to third 

party liability. The limits of these policies vary based on our assessments of exposure at each location. 

Loss of, or damage to, our vessels and cargo is insured through hull and cargo insurance policies.  Vessel operating 

liabilities such as collision, cargo, environmental and personal injury are insured primarily through our participation in mutual 
insurance associations and other reinsurance arrangements, pursuant to which we are potentially exposed to assessments in the 
event claims by us or other members exceed available funds and reinsurance.  Protection and indemnity ("P&I") insurance 
coverage is provided by P&I associations and other insurance underwriters.  Our vessels are entered in P&I associations that 
are parties to a pooling agreement, known as the International Group Pooling Agreement ("Pooling Agreement") through which 
approximately 90% of the world's ocean-going tonnage is reinsured through a group reinsurance policy.  With regard to 
collision coverage, the first $1.0 million of coverage is insured by our hull policy and any excess is insured by a P&I 
association.  We insure our owned cargo through a domestic insurance company.  We insure cargo owned by third parties 
through our P&I coverage.  As a member of P&I associations that are parties to the Pooling Agreement, we are subject to 
supplemental calls payable to the associations of which we are a member, based on our claims record and the other members of 
the other P&I associations that are parties to the Pooling Agreement.  Except for our marine operations, we self-insure against 
liability exposure up to a predetermined amount, beyond which we are covered by catastrophe insurance coverage.

For marine claims, our insurance covers up to $1.0 billion of liability per accident or occurrence.  We believe our 

current insurance coverage is adequate to protect us against most accident related risks involved in the conduct of our business.  
However, there can be no assurance that all risks are adequately insured against, that any particular claim will be paid by the 
insurer, or that we will be able to procure adequate insurance coverage at commercially reasonable rates in the future.

Environmental and Regulatory Matters

Our activities are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations, as well as orders of regulatory bodies, 

governing a wide variety of matters, including marketing, production, pricing, community right-to-know, protection of the 
environment, safety and other matters.

Environmental

We are subject to complex federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations governing the discharge of 
materials into the environment or otherwise relating to protection of human health, natural resources and the environment.  
These laws and regulations can impair our operations that affect the environment in many ways, such as requiring the 
acquisition of permits to conduct regulated activities; restricting the manner in which we can release materials into the 
environment; requiring remedial activities or capital expenditures to mitigate pollution from former or current operations; and 
imposing substantial liabilities on us for pollution resulting from our operations.  Many environmental laws and regulations can 
impose joint and several, strict liability, and any failure to comply with environmental laws and regulations may result in the 
assessment of administrative, civil, and criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory and remedial obligations, and, in 
some circumstances, the issuance of injunctions that can limit or prohibit our operations.

The clear trend in environmental regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect 
the environment, and, thus, any changes in environmental laws and regulations that result in more stringent and costly waste 
handling, storage, transport, disposal, or remediation requirements could have a material adverse effect on our operations and 
financial position.  Moreover, there is inherent risk of incurring significant environmental costs and liabilities in the 
performance of our operations due to our handling of petroleum products and by-products, chemical substances, and wastes as 
well as the accidental release or spill of such materials into the environment.  Consequently, we cannot provide assurance that 

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
we will not incur significant costs and liabilities as result of such handling practices, releases or spills, including those relating 
to claims for damage to property and persons.  In the event of future increases in costs, we may be unable to pass on those 
increases to our customers.  While we believe that we are in substantial compliance with current environmental laws and 
regulations and that continued compliance with existing requirements would not have a material adverse impact on us, we 
cannot provide any assurance that our environmental compliance expenditures will not have a material adverse effect on us in 
the future.

Superfund

The Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, ("CERCLA"), 

also known as the "Superfund" law, and similar state laws, impose liability without regard to fault or the legality of the original 
conduct, on certain classes of "responsible persons," including the owner or operator of a site where regulated hazardous 
substances have been released into the environment and companies that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous 
substances found at such site.  Under CERCLA, these responsible persons may be subject to joint and several strict liability for 
the costs of cleaning up the hazardous substances that have been released into the environment, for damages to natural 
resources, and for the costs of certain health studies, and it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties 
to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the release of hazardous substances into the 
environment.  Although certain hydrocarbons are not subject to CERCLA’s reach because "petroleum" is excluded from 
CERCLA’s definition of a "hazardous substance," in the course of our ordinary operations we will generate wastes that may fall 
within the definition of a "hazardous substance." In addition, some state counterparts to CERCLA tie liability to a broader set of 
substances than does CERCLA. 

Solid Waste

We generate both hazardous and nonhazardous solid wastes, which are subject to requirements of the federal Resource 

Conservation and Recovery Act, as amended ("RCRA") and comparable state statutes.  From time to time, the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") has considered making changes in nonhazardous waste standards that would result 
in stricter disposal requirements for these wastes.  Furthermore, it is possible some wastes generated by us that are currently 
classified as nonhazardous may in the future be designated as "hazardous wastes," resulting in the wastes being subject to more 
rigorous and costly disposal requirements.  Changes in applicable regulations may result in an increase in our capital 
expenditures or operating expenses.

We currently own or lease, and have in the past owned or leased, properties that have been used for the manufacturing, 
processing, transportation and storage of petroleum products and by-products.  Solid waste disposal practices within oil and gas 
related industries have improved over the years with the passage and implementation of various environmental laws and 
regulations.  Nevertheless, a possibility exists that petroleum and other solid wastes may have been disposed of on or under 
various properties owned or leased by us during the operating history of those facilities.  In addition, a number of these 
properties have been operated by third parties over whom we had no control as to such entities’ handling of petroleum, 
petroleum by-products or other wastes and the manner in which such substances may have been disposed of or released.  State 
and federal laws and regulations applicable to oil and natural gas wastes and properties have gradually become more strict and, 
under such laws and regulations, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes or property 
contamination, including groundwater contamination, even under circumstances where such contamination resulted from past 
operations of third parties.

Clean Air Act

Our operations are subject to the federal Clean Air Act ("CAA"), as amended, and comparable state statutes.  

Amendments to the CAA adopted in 1990 contain provisions that may result in the imposition of increasingly stringent 
pollution control requirements with respect to air emissions from the operations of our terminal facilities, processing and 
storage facilities and fertilizer and related products manufacturing and processing facilities.  Such air pollution control 
requirements may include specific equipment or technologies to control emissions, permits with emissions and operational 
limitations, pre-approval of new or modified projects or facilities producing air emissions, and similar measures.  Failure to 
comply with applicable air statutes or regulations may lead to the assessment of administrative, civil or criminal penalties, and/
or result in the limitation or cessation of construction or operation of certain air emission sources.  We believe our operations, 
including our manufacturing, processing and storage facilities and terminals, are in substantial compliance with applicable 
requirements of the CAA and analogous state laws.

Global Warming and Climate Change.  Recent scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, 
commonly referred to as "greenhouse gases" and including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to warming of the 
18

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earth’s atmosphere.  In response to such studies, the U.S. Congress has from time to time considered climate change-related 
legislation to restrict greenhouse gas emissions.  Many states have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of 
greenhouse gases, primarily through the planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventories and/or regional 
greenhouse gas cap and trade programs.  Also, as a result of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on April 2, 2007, in 
Massachusetts, et al. v. EPA, the EPA eventually concluded that it is required to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from mobile 
sources (e.g., cars and trucks) even if Congress does not adopt new legislation specifically addressing emissions of greenhouse 
gases.  The Court's holding in Massachusetts that greenhouse gases fall under the federal CAA's definition of air pollutant has 
also led the EPA to determine that regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources under various Clean Air Act 
programs is required.  To that end, EPA promulgated regulations, referred to as the Tailoring Rule, 75 Fed. Red. 31514, to begin 
gradually subjecting stationary greenhouse gas emission sources to various Clean Air Act programs, including permitting 
programs applicable to new and existing major sources of greenhouse gas emissions.  To date, such requirements have not had 
a substantial effect upon our operations.  Still, new legislation or regulatory programs that restrict emissions of greenhouse 
gases in areas in which we conduct business could adversely affect our operations and demand for our services.

Clean Water Act

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended, also known as Clean Water Act and comparable state 
laws impose restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of pollutants, including hydrocarbon-bearing wastes, into 
state waters and waters of the U.S.. Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and similar state laws, a National Pollutant Discharge 
Elimination System, or state permit, or both, must be obtained to discharge pollutants into federal and state waters. In addition, 
the Clean Water Act and comparable state laws require that individual permits or coverage under general permits be obtained 
by subject facilities for discharges of storm water runoff. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with Clean Water 
Act permitting requirements as well as the conditions imposed thereunder, and that our continued compliance with such 
existing permit conditions will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Oil Pollution Act

The Oil Pollution Act of 1990, as amended ("OPA") imposes a variety of regulations on "responsible parties" related 

to the prevention of oil spills and liability for damages resulting from such spills in U.S. waters.  A "responsible party" includes 
the owner or operator of a facility or vessel or the lessee or permittee of the area in which an offshore facility is located.  The 
OPA assigns liability to each responsible party for oil removal costs and a variety of public and private damages including 
natural resource damages.  Under the OPA, vessels and shore facilities handling, storing, or transporting oil are required to 
develop and implement oil spill response plans, and vessels greater than 300 tons in weight must provide to the U.S. Coast 
Guard evidence of financial responsibility to cover the costs of cleaning up oil spills from such vessels.  The OPA also requires 
that all newly constructed tank barges engaged in oil transportation in the U.S. be double hulled effective January 1, 2016.  We 
believe we are in substantial compliance with all of the oil spill-related and financial responsibility requirements.  Nonetheless, 
in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon incident in 2010, Congress has from time to time considered oil spill related 
legislation that could have the effect of substantially increasing financial responsibility requirements and potential fines and 
damages for violations and discharges subject to the OPA, and similar legislation.  Any such changes in law affecting areas 
where we conduct business could materially affect our operations.

Safety Regulation

The Company’s marine transportation operations are subject to regulation by the U.S. Coast Guard, federal laws, state 
laws and certain international treaties.  Tank ships, push boats, tugboats and barges are required to meet construction and repair 
standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping, a private organization, and the U.S. Coast Guard and to meet 
operational and safety standards presently established by the U.S. Coast Guard.  We believe our marine operations and our 
terminals are in substantial compliance with current applicable safety requirements.

Occupational Health Regulations

The workplaces associated with our manufacturing, processing, terminal and storage facilities are subject to the 

requirements of the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act ("OSHA") and comparable state statutes.  We believe we have 
conducted our operations in substantial compliance with OSHA requirements, including general industry standards, record 
keeping requirements and monitoring of occupational exposure to regulated substances.  Our marine vessel operations are also 
subject to safety and operational standards established and monitored by the U.S. Coast Guard.

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
In general, we expect to increase our expenditures relating to compliance with likely higher industry and regulatory 

safety standards such as those described above.  These expenditures cannot be accurately estimated at this time, but we do not 
expect them to have a material adverse effect on our business.

Jones Act

The Jones Act is a federal law that restricts maritime transportation between locations in the U.S. to vessels built and 
registered in the U.S. and owned and manned by U.S. citizens.  Since we engage in maritime transportation between locations 
in the U.S., we are subject to the provisions of the law.  As a result, we are responsible for monitoring the ownership of our 
subsidiaries that engage in maritime transportation and for taking any remedial action necessary to ensure that no violation of 
the Jones Act ownership restrictions occurs.  The Jones Act also requires that all U.S.-flagged vessels be manned by U.S. 
citizens.  Foreign-flagged seamen generally receive lower wages and benefits than those received by U.S. citizen seamen.  This 
requirement significantly increases operating costs of U.S.-flagged vessel operations compared to foreign-flagged vessel 
operations.  Certain foreign governments subsidize their nations’ shipyards.  This results in lower shipyard costs both for new 
vessels and repairs than those paid by U.S.-flagged vessel owners.  The U.S. Coast Guard and American Bureau of Shipping 
maintain the most stringent regimen of vessel inspection in the world, which tends to result in higher regulatory compliance 
costs for U.S.-flagged operators than for owners of vessels registered under foreign flags of convenience. 

Merchant Marine Act of 1936

The Merchant Marine Act of 1936 is a federal law that provides that, upon proclamation by the President of the U.S. 

of a national emergency or a threat to the national security, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation may requisition or purchase 
any vessel or other watercraft owned by U.S. citizens (including us, provided that we are considered a U.S. citizen for this 
purpose).  If one of our push boats, tugboats or tank barges were purchased or requisitioned by the U.S. government under this 
law, we would be entitled to be paid the fair market value of the vessel in the case of a purchase or, in the case of a requisition, 
the fair market value of charter hire.  However, if one of our push boats or tugboats is requisitioned or purchased and its 
associated tank barge is left idle, we would not be entitled to receive any compensation for the lost revenues resulting from the 
idled barge.  We also would not be entitled to be compensated for any consequential damages we suffer as a result of the 
requisition or purchase of any of our push boats, tugboats or tank barges.

Employees

We do not have any employees.  Under our Omnibus Agreement with Martin Resource Management, Martin Resource 

Management provides us with corporate staff and support services.  These services include centralized corporate functions, 
such as accounting, treasury, engineering, information technology, insurance, administration of employee benefit plans and 
other corporate services.  Martin Resource Management employs approximately 784 individuals, including 55 employees 
represented by labor unions, who provide direct support to our operations as of December 31, 2016.

Financial Information about Segments

Information regarding our operating revenues and identifiable assets attributable to each of our segments is presented 

in Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements included in this annual report on Form 10-K.

Access to Public Filings

We provide public access to our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on 

Form 8-K, and amendments to these reports filed with the SEC under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934.  These 
documents may be accessed free of charge on our website at the following address: www.martinmidstream.com.  These 
documents are provided as soon as is reasonably practicable after their filing with the SEC.  This website address is intended to 
be an inactive, textual reference only, and none of the material on this website is part of this report.  These documents may also 
be found at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Limited partner interests are inherently different from the capital stock of a corporation, although many of the business 
risks to which we are subject are similar to those that would be faced by a corporation engaged in a business similar to ours.  If 
any of the following risks were actually to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially 
adversely affected.  In this case, we might not be able to pay distributions on our common units, the trading price of our 

20

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
common units could decline and unitholders could lose all or part of their investment.  These risk factors should be read in 
conjunction with the other detailed information concerning us set forth herein.

Risks Relating to Our Business

Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited 
to, the risks set forth below.  The risks described below should not be considered to be comprehensive and all-inclusive.  Many 
of such factors are beyond our ability to control or predict.  Unitholders are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-
looking statements.  Additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial may also impair our 
business operations, financial condition and results of operations.  

We may not have sufficient cash after the establishment of cash reserves and payment of our general partner's expenses to 
enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution each quarter.

We may not have sufficient available cash each quarter in the future to pay the minimum quarterly distributions on all 

our units.  Under the terms of our partnership agreement, we must pay our general partner's expenses and set aside any cash 
reserve amounts before making a distribution to our unitholders.  The amount of cash we can distribute on our common units 
principally depends upon the amount of net cash generated from our operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter 
based on, among other things:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the costs of acquisitions, if any; 

the prices of petroleum products and by-products; 

fluctuations in our working capital; 

the level of capital expenditures we make; 

restrictions contained in our debt instruments and our debt service requirements;

our ability to make working capital borrowings under our credit facility; and

the amount, if any, of cash reserves established by our general partner in its discretion.

Unitholders should also be aware that the amount of cash we have available for distribution depends primarily on our 
cash flow, including cash flow from working capital borrowings, and not solely on profitability, which will be affected by non-
cash items.  In addition, our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset purchases and sales, capital 
expenditures, borrowings, issuances of additional partnership securities and the establishment of reserves, each of which can 
affect the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders.  As a result, we may make cash distributions during 
periods when we record losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net income.

Restrictions in our credit facility could prevent us from making distributions to our unitholders.

The payment of principal and interest on our indebtedness reduces the cash available for distribution to our 
unitholders.  In addition, we are prohibited by our credit facility from making cash distributions during a default or an event of 
default under our credit facility or if the payment of a distribution would cause a default or an event of default thereunder.  Our 
leverage and various limitations in our credit facility may reduce our ability to incur additional debt, engage in certain 
transactions, and capitalize on acquisition or other business opportunities that could increase cash flows and distributions to our 
unitholders.

Debt we owe or incur in the future could limit our flexibility to obtain financing and to pursue other business opportunities.

                Our indebtedness could have important consequences, including the following:

• 

• 

our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions 
or other purposes may be impaired or such financing may not be available on favorable terms;

our funds available for operations, future business opportunities and distributions to unitholders will be 
reduced by that portion of our cash flows required to make interest payments on the debt;

21

 
 
 
 
•  we may be more vulnerable to competitive pressures or a downturn in our business or the economy generally; 

and 

• 

our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions may be limited.

Our ability to service our debt will depend upon, among other things, our future financial and operating performance, 
which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, some of which 
are beyond our control.  If our operating results are not sufficient to service any future indebtedness, we will be forced to take 
actions such as reducing distributions, reducing or delaying our business activities, acquisitions, investments or capital 
expenditures, selling assets or seeking additional equity capital.  We may not be able to effect any of these actions on 
satisfactory terms or at all.

If we do not have sufficient capital resources for acquisitions or opportunities for expansion, our growth will be limited.

We intend to explore acquisition opportunities in order to expand our operations and increase our profitability.  We 

may finance acquisitions through public and private financing, or we may use our limited partner interests for all or a portion of 
the consideration to be paid in acquisitions.  Distributions of cash with respect to these equity securities or limited partner 
interests may reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to the common units.  In addition, in the event our limited 
partner interests do not maintain a sufficient valuation, or potential acquisition candidates are unwilling to accept our limited 
partner interests as all or part of the consideration, we may be required to use our cash resources, if available, or rely on other 
financing arrangements to pursue acquisitions.  If we use funds from operations, other cash resources or increased borrowings 
for an acquisition, the acquisition could adversely impact our ability to make our minimum quarterly distributions to our 
unitholders.  Additionally, if we do not have sufficient capital resources or are not able to obtain financing on terms acceptable 
to us for acquisitions, our ability to implement our growth strategies may be adversely impacted. 

A higher cost of capital relative to our peers could limit our ability to grow through acquisitions.

In order to expand our operations and increase profitability, we explore acquisition opportunities.  When competing 

for acquisition targets, firms with a lower cost of capital will be in a stronger position to secure the acquisition.  A higher cost of 
capital relative to our peers could put us in a weaker position to grow through acquisitions. 

We are exposed to counterparty risk in our credit facility and related interest rate protection agreements.

We rely on our credit facility to assist in financing a significant portion of our working capital, acquisitions and capital 

expenditures.  Our ability to borrow under our credit facility may be impaired because:

• 

• 

• 

one or more of our lenders may be unable or otherwise fail to meet its funding obligations;

the lenders do not have to provide funding if there is a default under the credit facility or if any of the 
representations or warranties included in the credit facility are false in any material respect; and

if any lender refuses to fund its commitment for any reason, whether or not valid, the other lenders are not 
required to provide additional funding to make up for the unfunded portion.

If we are unable to access funds under our credit facility, we will need to meet our capital requirements, including 
some of our short-term capital requirements, using other sources.  Alternative sources of liquidity may not be available on 
acceptable terms, if at all.  If the cash generated from our operations or the funds we are able to obtain under our credit facility 
or other sources of liquidity are not sufficient to meet our capital requirements, then we may need to delay or abandon capital 
projects or other business opportunities, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and 
results of operations.

In addition, we have from time to time entered into interest rate protection agreements to manage our interest rate risk 
exposure by fixing a portion of the interest expense we pay on our long-term debt under our credit facility.  Uncertainty in the 
global economy and banking markets exists, which could affect whether the counterparties to such interest rate protection 
agreements are able to honor their agreements.  If the counterparties fail to honor their commitments, we could experience 
higher interest rates, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  
In addition, if the counterparties fail to honor their commitments, we also may be required to replace such interest rate 
protection agreements with new interest rate protection agreements, and such replacement interest rate protection agreements 
22

 
 
 
 
 
 
may be at higher rates than our current interest rate protection agreements, which could have a material adverse effect on our 
business, financial condition and results of operations.

The impacts of climate-related initiatives at the international, federal and state levels remain uncertain at this time.

Currently, there are numerous international, federal and state-level initiatives and proposals addressing domestic and 

global climate issues.  Within the U.S., most of these proposals would regulate and/or tax, in one fashion or another, the 
production of carbon dioxide and other "greenhouse gases" to facilitate the reduction of carbon compound emissions to the 
atmosphere and provide tax and other incentives to produce and use more "clean energy."  Costs to comply with future climate-
related initiatives could have a material impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our recent and future acquisitions may not be successful, may substantially increase our indebtedness and contingent 
liabilities and may create integration difficulties.

As part of our business strategy, we intend to acquire businesses or assets we believe complement our existing 
operations.  We may not be able to successfully integrate recent or any future acquisitions into our existing operations or 
achieve the desired profitability from such acquisitions.  These acquisitions may require substantial capital expenditures and the 
incurrence of additional indebtedness.  If we make acquisitions, our capitalization and results of operations may change 
significantly.  Further, any acquisition could result in:

• 

• 

• 

post-closing discovery of material undisclosed liabilities of the acquired business or assets;

the unexpected loss of key employees or customers from the acquired businesses;

difficulties resulting from our integration of the operations, systems and management of the acquired 
business; and

• 

an unexpected diversion of our management's attention from other operations.

If recent or any future acquisitions are unsuccessful or result in unanticipated events or if we are unable to successfully 

integrate acquisitions into our existing operations, such acquisitions could adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow 
and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Adverse weather conditions, including droughts, hurricanes, tropical storms and other severe weather, could reduce our 
results of operations and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Our distribution network and operations are primarily concentrated in the Gulf Coast region and along the Mississippi 

River inland waterway.  Weather in these regions is sometimes severe (including tropical storms and hurricanes) and can be a 
major factor in our day-to-day operations.  Our marine transportation operations can be significantly delayed, impaired or 
postponed by adverse weather conditions, such as fog in the winter and spring months and certain river conditions.  
Additionally, our marine transportation operations and our assets in the Gulf of Mexico, including our barges, push boats, 
tugboats and terminals, can be adversely impacted or damaged by hurricanes, tropical storms, tidal waves or other related 
events.  Demand for our lubricants and the diesel fuel we throughput in our Terminalling and Storage segment can be affected 
if offshore drilling operations are disrupted by weather in the Gulf of Mexico.

National weather conditions have a substantial impact on the demand for our products.  Unusually warm weather 

during the winter months can cause a significant decrease in the demand for NGL products.  Likewise, extreme weather 
conditions (either wet or dry) can decrease the demand for fertilizer.  For example, an unusually wet spring can delay planting 
of seeds, which can leave insufficient time to apply fertilizer at the planting stage.  Conversely, drought conditions can kill or 
severely stunt the growth of crops, thus eliminating the need to nurture plants with fertilizer.  Any of these or similar conditions 
could result in a decline in our net income and cash flow, which would reduce our ability to make distributions to our 
unitholders.

If we incur material liabilities that are not fully covered by insurance, such as liabilities resulting from accidents on rivers 
or at sea, spills, fires or explosions, our results of operations and ability to make distributions to our unitholders could be 
adversely affected.

23

 
 
 
 
 
Our operations are subject to the operating hazards and risks incidental to terminalling and storage, marine 
transportation and the distribution of petroleum products and by-products and other industrial products.  These hazards and 
risks, many of which are beyond our control, include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

accidents on rivers or at sea and other hazards that could result in releases, spills and other environmental 
damages, personal injuries, loss of life and suspension of operations;

leakage of NGLs, natural gas, and other petroleum products and by-products; 

fires and explosions; 

damage to transportation, terminalling and storage facilities and surrounding properties caused by natural 
disasters; and

• 

terrorist attacks or sabotage. 

Our insurance coverage may not be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to potential future claims 

for personal-injury and property damage, including various legal proceedings and litigation resulting from these hazards and 
risks.  If we incur material liabilities that are not covered by insurance, our operating results, cash flow and ability to make 
distributions to our unitholders could be adversely affected.

Changes in the insurance markets attributable to the effects of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike and their aftermath 
may make some types of insurance more difficult or expensive for us to obtain.  As a result, we may be unable to secure the 
levels and types of insurance we would otherwise have secured prior to such events.  Moreover, the insurance that may be 
available to us may be significantly more expensive than our existing insurance coverage.

The price volatility of petroleum products and by-products could reduce our liquidity and results of operations and ability to 
make distributions to our unitholders.

We purchase petroleum products and by-products, such as molten sulfur, fuel oils, NGLs, lubricants, and other bulk 

liquids and sell these products to wholesale and bulk customers and to other end users.  We also generate revenues through the 
terminalling and storage of certain products for third parties.  The price and market value of petroleum products and by-
products could be, and has recently been, volatile.  Our liquidity and revenues have been adversely affected by this volatility 
during periods of decreasing prices because of the reduction in the value and resale price of our inventory.  In addition, our 
liquidity and costs have been adversely affected during periods of increasing prices because of the increased costs associated 
with our purchase of petroleum products and by-products.  Future price volatility could have an adverse impact on our liquidity 
and results of operations, cash flow and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Increasing energy prices could adversely affect our results of operations.

Increasing energy prices could adversely affect our results of operations.  Diesel fuel, natural gas, chemicals and other 

supplies are recorded in operating expenses.  An increase in price of these products would increase our operating expenses, 
which could adversely affect our results of operations including net income and cash flows.  We cannot assure unitholders that 
we will be able to pass along increased operating expenses to our customers.

Decreasing energy prices could adversely affect our results of operations.

Commodity prices have declined substantially and experienced significant volatility.  If commodity prices remain 

weak for a sustained period, our pipeline, terminalling throughput and NGL volumes may be negatively impacted, particularly 
as producers are curtailing or redirecting drilling, adversely affecting our results of operations.  A sustained decline in 
commodity prices could result in a decrease in activity in the areas served by certain of our terminalling and storage and marine 
transportation assets resulting in reduced utilization of these assets.  

Increased competition from alternative natural gas transportation and storage options and alternative fuel sources could 
have a significant financial impact on us.

Our ability to renew or replace existing contracts at rates sufficient to maintain current revenues and cash flows could 
be adversely affected by activities of other interstate and intrastate pipelines and storage facilities that may expand or construct 
competing transportation and storage systems.  In addition, future pipeline transportation and storage capacity could be 

24

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
constructed in excess of actual demand and with lower fuel requirements, operating and maintenance costs than our facilities, 
which could reduce the demand for and the rates that we receive for our services in particular areas.  Further, natural gas also 
competes with alternative energy sources available to our customers that are used to generate electricity, such as hydroelectric 
power, solar, wind, nuclear, coal and fuel oil.

Demand for a portion of our terminalling and storage services is substantially dependent on the level of offshore oil and gas 
exploration, development and production activity.

The level of offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production activity historically has been volatile and is 

likely to continue to be so in the future.  The level of activity is subject to large fluctuations in response to relatively minor 
changes in a variety of factors that are beyond our control, including:

• 

• 

prevailing oil and natural gas prices and expectations about future prices and price volatility;

the cost of offshore exploration for and production and transportation of oil and natural gas;

•  worldwide demand for oil and natural gas; 

• 

• 

• 

• 

consolidation of oil and gas and oil service companies operating offshore;

availability and rate of discovery of new oil and natural gas reserves in offshore areas;

local and international political and economic conditions and policies;

technological advances affecting energy production and consumption;

•  weather conditions; 

• 

• 

environmental regulation; and 

the ability of oil and gas companies to generate or otherwise obtain funds for exploration and production.

We expect levels of offshore oil and gas exploration, development and production activity to continue to be volatile 

and affect demand for our terminalling and storage services.

Our NGL and sulfur-based fertilizer products are subject to seasonal demand and could cause our revenues to vary.

The demand for NGLs and natural gas is highest in the winter.  Therefore, revenue from our natural gas services 

business is higher in the winter than in other seasons.  Our sulfur-based fertilizer products experience an increase in demand 
during the spring, which increases the revenue generated by this business line in this period compared to other periods.  The 
seasonality of the revenue from these products may cause our results of operations to vary on a quarter-to-quarter basis and thus 
could cause our cash available for quarterly distributions to fluctuate from period to period.

The highly competitive nature of our industry could adversely affect our results of operations and ability to make 
distributions to our unitholders.

We operate in a highly competitive marketplace in each of our primary business segments.  Most of our competitors in 

each segment are larger companies with greater financial and other resources than we possess.  We may lose customers and 
future business opportunities to our competitors and any such losses could adversely affect our results of operations and ability 
to make distributions to our unitholders.

Our business is subject to compliance with environmental laws and regulations that could expose us to significant costs and 
liabilities and adversely affect our results of operations and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Our business is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations governing the discharge of 

materials into the environment or otherwise relating to protection of human health, natural resources and the environment.  
These laws and regulations may impose numerous obligations that are applicable to our operations, such as: requiring the 
acquisition of permits to conduct regulated activities; restricting the manner in which we can release materials into the 
environment; requiring remedial activities or capital expenditures to mitigate pollution from former or current operations; and 
25

 
 
 
 
 
imposing substantial liabilities on us for pollution resulting from our operations.  Numerous governmental authorities, such as 
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and analogous state agencies, have the power to enforce compliance with these laws 
and regulations and the permits issued under them, oftentimes requiring difficult and costly actions.  Many environmental laws 
and regulations can impose joint and several strict liability, and any failure to comply with environmental laws, regulations and 
permits may result in the assessment of administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory and 
remedial obligations and, in some circumstances, the issuance of injunctions that can limit or prohibit our operations.  The clear 
trend in environmental regulation is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment, 
and, thus, any changes in environmental laws and regulations that result in more stringent and costly waste handling, storage, 
transport, disposal or remediation requirements could have a material adverse effect on our operations and financial position.

The loss or insufficient attention of key personnel could negatively impact our results of operations and ability to make 
distributions to our unitholders. 

Our success is largely dependent upon the continued services of members of the senior management team of Martin 

Resource Management.  Those senior officers have significant experience in our businesses and have developed strong 
relationships with a broad range of industry participants.  The loss of any of these executives could have a material adverse 
effect on our relationships with these industry participants, our results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our 
unitholders. 

We do not have employees.  We rely solely on officers and employees of Martin Resource Management to operate and 

manage our business.  Martin Resource Management operates businesses and conducts activities of its own in which we have 
no economic interest.  There could be competition for the time and effort of the officers and employees who provide services to 
our general partner.  If these officers and employees do not or cannot devote sufficient attention to the management and 
operation of our business, our results of operations and ability to make distributions to our unitholders may be reduced.

Our loss of significant commercial relationships with Martin Resource Management could adversely impact our results of 
operations and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Martin Resource Management provides us with various services and products pursuant to various commercial 

contracts.  The loss of any of these services and products provided by Martin Resource Management could have a material 
adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.  Additionally, we 
provide terminalling and storage, processing and marine transportation services to Martin Resource Management to support its 
businesses under various commercial contracts.  The loss of Martin Resource Management as a customer could have a material 
adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Our business could be adversely affected if operations at our transportation, terminalling and storage and distribution 
facilities experienced significant interruptions.  Our business could also be adversely affected if the operations of our 
customers and suppliers experienced significant interruptions.

Our operations are dependent upon our terminalling and storage facilities and various means of transportation.  We are 

also dependent upon the uninterrupted operations of certain facilities owned or operated by our suppliers and customers.  Any 
significant interruption at these facilities or inability to transport products to or from these facilities or to or from our customers 
for any reason would adversely affect our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.  
Operations at our facilities and at the facilities owned or operated by our suppliers and customers could be partially or 
completely shut down, temporarily or permanently, as the result of any number of circumstances that are not within our control, 
such as:

• 

• 

• 

• 

catastrophic events, including hurricanes; 

environmental remediation; 

labor difficulties; and 

disruptions in the supply of our products to our facilities or means of transportation.

Additionally, terrorist attacks and acts of sabotage could target oil and gas production facilities, refineries, processing 
plants, terminals and other infrastructure facilities.  Any significant interruptions at our facilities, facilities owned or operated 
by our suppliers or customers, or in the oil and gas industry as a whole caused by such attacks or acts could have a material 
adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

26

 
 
 
 
 
Political, regulatory and economic factors could significantly affect our operations, the manner in which we conduct our 
business and slow our rate of growth.

Due to changes in the political climate as a result of the outcome of recent state elections and the Congressional 
election in the U.S., we cannot predict with any certainty the nature and extent of the changes in federal, state and local laws, 
regulations and policy we will face, or the effect of such elections on any pending legislation.  Any increased regulation, new 
policy initiatives, increased taxes or any other changes in federal law may have an adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition and results of operations.

NASDAQ does not require a publicly traded partnership like us to comply with certain of its corporate governance 
requirements, and therefore, unitholders do not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of corporations subject 
to all NASDAQ requirements.

                Because we are a publicly traded partnership, the Nasdaq Global Select Market ("NASDAQ") does not require our 
general partner to have a majority of independent directors on its board of directors or to establish a compensation committee 
or nominating and corporate governance committee.  Accordingly, unitholders do not have the same protections afforded to 
certain corporations that are subject to all of NASDAQ corporate governance requirements.

Our marine transportation business could be adversely affected if we do not satisfy the requirements of the Jones Act or if 
the Jones Act were modified or eliminated.

The Jones Act is a federal law that restricts domestic marine transportation in the U.S. to vessels built and registered in 
the U.S. Furthermore, the Jones Act requires that the vessels be manned and owned by U.S. citizens.  If we fail to comply with 
these requirements, our vessels lose their eligibility to engage in coastwise trade within U.S.  Domestic waters.

The requirements that our vessels be U.S. built and manned by U.S. citizens, the crewing requirements and material 

requirements of the Coast Guard and the application of U.S. labor and tax laws significantly increase the costs of U.S. flagged 
vessels when compared with foreign-flagged vessels.  During the past several years, certain interest groups have lobbied 
Congress to repeal the Jones Act to facilitate foreign flag competition for trades and cargoes reserved for U.S. flagged vessels 
under the Jones Act and cargo preference laws.  If the Jones Act were to be modified to permit foreign competition that would 
not be subject to the same U.S. government imposed costs, we may need to lower the prices we charge for our services in 
order to compete with foreign competitors, which would adversely affect our cash flow and ability to make distributions to our 
unitholders. 

Our marine transportation business could be adversely affected if the U.S. Government purchases or requisitions any of 
our vessels under the Merchant Marine Act.

We are subject to the Merchant Marine Act of 1936, which provides that, upon proclamation by the President of the 

U.S. of a national emergency or a threat to the national security, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation may requisition or 
purchase any vessel or other watercraft owned by U.S. citizens (including us, provided that we are considered a U.S. citizen 
for this purpose).  If one of our push boats, tugboats or tank barges were purchased or requisitioned by the U.S. government 
under this law, we would be entitled to be paid the fair market value of the vessel in the case of a purchase or, in the case of a 
requisition, the fair market value of charter hire.  However, if one of our push boats or tugboats is requisitioned or purchased 
and its associated tank barge is left idle, we would not be entitled to receive any compensation for the lost revenues resulting 
from the idled barge.  We also would not be entitled to be compensated for any consequential damages we suffer as a result of 
the requisition or purchase of any of our push boats, tugboats or tank barges.  If any of our vessels are purchased or 
requisitioned for an extended period of time by the U.S. government, such transactions could have a material adverse effect on 
our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Our interest rate swap activities could have a material adverse effect on our earnings, profitability, liquidity, cash flows and 
financial condition.

We enter into interest rate swap agreements from time to time to manage some of our exposure to interest rate 
volatility.  These swap agreements involve risks, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under 
these arrangements.  In addition, these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to changes in interest rates.  
When we use forward-starting interest rate swaps, there is a risk that we will not complete the long-term borrowing against 
which the swap is intended to hedge.  If such events occur, our results of operations may be adversely affected. 

27

 
 
 
 
 
The industry in which we operate is highly competitive, and increased competitive pressure could adversely affect our 
business and operating results.

We compete with similar enterprises in our respective areas of operation.  Some of our competitors are large oil, 
natural gas and petrochemical companies that have greater financial resources and access to supplies of NGLs than we do.  In 
addition, our customers who are significant producers of natural gas may develop their own gathering, processing and 
transportation systems in lieu of using ours.  Likewise, our customers who produce NGLs may develop their own systems to 
transport NGLs in lieu of using ours.  Our ability to renew or replace existing contracts with our customers at rates sufficient 
to maintain current revenues and cash flows could be adversely affected by the activities of our competitors and our 
customers.  All of these competitive pressures could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, 
financial condition and ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

Information technology systems present potential targets for cyber security attacks, which could adversely affect our 
business.

                We are reliant on technology to improve efficiency in our business.  Information technology systems are critical to 
our operations.  These systems could be a potential target for a cyber security attack as they are used to store and process 
sensitive information regarding our operations, financial position, and information pertaining to our customers and vendors.  
While we take the utmost precautions, we cannot guarantee safety from all threats and attacks.  Any successful breach of 
security could result in the spread of inaccurate or confidential information, disruption of operations, environmental harm, 
endangerment of employees, damage to our assets, and increased costs to respond.  Any of these instances could have a 
negative impact on cash flows, litigation status and/or our reputation, which could have a material adverse affect on our 
business, financial conditions and operations. 

If we are deemed an "investment company" under the Investment Company Act of 1940, it would adversely affect the price 
of our common units and could have a material adverse effect on our business. 

Our assets include interests in joint ventures, specifically a 20.0% interest in WTLPG.  This joint venture interest may 

be deemed to be "investment securities" within the meaning of the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the Investment 
Company Act. If a sufficient amount of our assets are deemed to be "investment securities" within the meaning of the 
Investment Company Act, and we are unable to rely on an exemption under the Investment Company Act, we would either 
have to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, obtain exemptive relief from the SEC or 
modify our organizational structure or our contract rights to fall outside the definition of an investment company. Registering as 
an investment company could, among other things, materially limit our ability to engage in transactions with affiliates, 
including the purchase and sale of certain securities or other property to or from our affiliates, restrict our ability to borrow 
funds or engage in other transactions involving leverage and require us to add additional directors who are independent of us or 
our affiliates. The occurrence of some or all of these events may have a material adverse effect on our business. 

Moreover, treatment of us as an investment company would prevent our qualification as a partnership for federal 
income tax purposes in which case we would be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, and be subject to 
federal income tax at the corporate tax rate, significantly reducing the cash available for distributions. Additionally, 
distributions to the unitholders would be taxed again as corporate distributions and none of our income, gains, losses or 
deductions would flow through to the unitholders. 

Additionally, as a result of our desire to avoid having to register as an investment company under the Investment 

Company Act, we may have to forego potential future acquisitions of interests in companies that may be deemed to be 
investment securities within the meaning of the Investment Company Act or dispose of our current interests in any of our assets 
that are deemed to be "investment securities."

  Risks Relating to an Investment in the Common Units

Units available for future sales by us or our affiliates could have an adverse impact on the price of our common units or on 
any trading market that may develop.

Common units will generally be freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, 

except that any common units held by an "affiliate" of ours may not be resold publicly except in compliance with the 
registration requirements of the Securities Act or under an exemption under Rule 144 or otherwise.

28

 
 
 
 
 
Our partnership agreement provides that we may issue an unlimited number of limited partner interests of any type 

without a vote of the unitholders.  Our general partner may also cause us to issue an unlimited number of additional common 
units or other equity securities of equal rank with the common units, without unitholder approval, in a number of 
circumstances such as:

• 

• 

• 

• 

the issuance of common units in additional public offerings or in connection with acquisitions that increase 
cash flow from operations on a pro forma, per unit basis;

the conversion of subordinated units into common units; 

the conversion of units of equal rank with the common units into common units under some circumstances; 
or

the conversion of our general partner's general partner interest in us and its incentive distribution rights into 
common units as a result of the withdrawal of our general partner.

Our partnership agreement does not restrict our ability to issue equity securities ranking junior to the common units at 

any time.  Any issuance of additional common units or other equity securities would result in a corresponding decrease in the 
proportionate ownership interest in us represented by, and could adversely affect the cash distributions to and market price of, 
common units then outstanding.

Under our partnership agreement, our general partner and its affiliates have the right to cause us to register under the 

Securities Act and applicable state securities laws the offer and sale of any units that they hold.  Subject to the terms and 
conditions of our partnership agreement, these registration rights allow the general partner and its affiliates or their assignees 
holding any units to require registration of any of these units and to include any of these units in a registration by us of other 
units, including units offered by us or by any unitholder.  Our general partner will continue to have these registration rights for 
two years following its withdrawal or removal as a general partner.  In connection with any registration of this kind, we will 
indemnify each unitholder participating in the registration and its officers, directors, and controlling persons from and against 
any liabilities under the Securities Act or any applicable state securities laws arising from the registration statement or 
prospectus.  Except as described below, the general partner and its affiliates may sell their units in private transactions at any 
time, subject to compliance with applicable laws.  Our general partner and its affiliates, with our concurrence, have granted 
comparable registration rights to their bank group to which their partnership units have been pledged.

The sale of any common or subordinated units could have an adverse impact on the price of the common units or on 

any trading market that may develop.

Unitholders have less power to elect or remove management of our general partner than holders of common stock in a 
corporation.  It is unlikely that our common unitholders will have sufficient voting power to elect or remove our general 
partner without the consent of Martin Resource Management and its affiliates.

Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, unitholders have only limited voting rights on matters affecting 

our business and therefore limited ability to influence management's decisions regarding our business.  Unitholders did not 
elect our general partner or its directors and will have no right to elect our general partner or its directors on an annual or other 
continuing basis.  Holdings, the sole member of MMGP, elects the board of directors of our general partner. 

If unitholders are dissatisfied with the performance of our general partner, they will have a limited ability to remove 

our general partner.  Our general partner generally may not be removed except upon the vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% 
of the outstanding units voting together as a single class.  As of December 31, 2016, Martin Resource Management owned 
17.7% of our total outstanding common limited partner units.  

Unitholders' voting rights are further restricted by our partnership agreement provision prohibiting any units held by a 
person owning 20% or more of any class of units then outstanding, other than our general partner, its affiliates, their transferees 
and persons who acquired such units with the prior approval of our general partner's directors, from voting 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 the unitholders' ability to influence the manner or 
direction of management.

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As a result of these provisions, it will be more difficult for a third party to acquire our partnership without first 

negotiating the acquisition with our general partner.  Consequently, it is unlikely the trading price of our common units will 
ever reflect a takeover premium.

Our general partner's discretion in determining the level of our cash reserves may adversely affect our ability to make cash 
distributions to our unitholders.

Our partnership agreement requires our general partner to deduct from operating surplus cash reserves that it 
determines in its reasonable discretion to be necessary to fund our future operating expenditures.  In addition, our partnership 
agreement permits our general partner to reduce available cash by establishing cash reserves for the proper conduct of our 
business, to comply with applicable law or agreements to which we are a party, or to provide funds for future distributions to 
partners.  These cash reserves will affect the amount of cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

Unitholders may not have limited liability if a court finds that we have not complied with applicable statutes or that 
unitholder action constitutes control of our business.

The limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have 

not been clearly established in some states.  The holder of one of our common units could be held liable in some circumstances 
for our obligations to the same extent as a general partner if a court were to determine that:

•  we had been conducting business in any state without compliance with the applicable limited partnership 

statute; or

• 

the right or the exercise of the right by our unitholders as a group to remove or replace our general partner, to 
approve some amendments to our partnership agreement, or to take other action under our partnership 
agreement constituted participation in the "control" of our business.

Our general partner generally has unlimited liability for our obligations, such as our debts and environmental 
liabilities, except for our contractual obligations that are expressly made without recourse to our general partner.  In addition, 
under some circumstances, a unitholder may be liable to us for the amount of a distribution for a period of nine years from the 
date of the distribution.

Our partnership agreement contains provisions that reduce the remedies available to unitholders for actions that might 
otherwise constitute a breach of fiduciary duty by our general partner.

Our partnership agreement limits the liability and reduces the fiduciary duties of our general partner to the unitholders.  

Our partnership agreement also restricts the remedies available to unitholders for actions that would otherwise constitute 
breaches of our general partner's fiduciary duties.  For example, our partnership agreement:

• 

• 

• 

• 

permits our general partner to make a number of decisions in its "sole discretion." This entitles our general 
partner to consider only the interests and factors that it desires, and it has no duty or obligation to give any 
consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, us, our affiliates or any limited partner;

provides that our general partner is entitled to make other decisions in its "reasonable discretion," which may 
reduce the obligations to which our general partner would otherwise be held;

generally provides that affiliated transactions and resolutions of conflicts of interest not involving a required 
vote of unitholders must be "fair and reasonable" to us and that, in determining whether a transaction or 
resolution is "fair and reasonable," our general partner may consider the interests of all parties involved, 
including its own; and

provides that our general partner and its officers and directors will not be liable for monetary damages to us, 
our limited partners or assignees for errors of judgment or for any acts or omissions if our general partner and 
those other persons acted in good faith.

Unitholders are treated as having consented to the various actions contemplated in our partnership agreement and 

conflicts of interest that might otherwise be considered a breach of fiduciary duties under applicable state law.

We may issue additional common units without unitholder approval, which would dilute unitholder ownership interests.

30

 
 
 
 
 
Our general partner may also cause us to issue an unlimited number of additional common units or other equity 

securities of equal rank with the common units, without unitholder approval, in a number of circumstances such as:

• 

• 

• 

• 

the issuance of common units in additional public offerings or in connection with acquisitions that increase 
cash flow from operations on a pro forma, per unit basis;

the conversion of subordinated units into common units; 

the conversion of units of equal rank with the common units into common units under some circumstances; 
or

the conversion of our general partner's general partner interest in us and its incentive distribution rights into 
common units as a result of the withdrawal of our general partner.

We may issue an unlimited number of limited partner interests of any type without the approval of our unitholders.  

Our partnership agreement does not give our unitholders the right to approve our issuance of equity securities ranking junior to 
the common units at any time.

The issuance of additional common units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank will have the following 

effects:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

our unitholders' proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;

the amount of cash available for distribution on a per unit basis may decrease;

because a lower percentage of total outstanding units will be subordinated units, the risk that a shortfall in the 
payment of the minimum quarterly distribution will be borne by our common unitholders will increase;

the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit will diminish;

the market price of the common units may decline; and 

the ratio of taxable income to distributions may increase. 

The control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party and that party could replace our current management 
team, without unitholder consent. 

Our general partner may transfer its general partner interest to a third party in a merger or in a sale of all or 

substantially all of its assets without the consent of the unitholders.  Furthermore, there is no restriction in our partnership 
agreement on the ability of the owner of our general partner to transfer its ownership interest in our general partner to a third 
party.  A new owner of our general partner could replace the directors and officers of our general partner with its own designees 
and control the decisions taken by our general partner.

Our general partner has a limited call right that may require unitholders to sell their common units at an undesirable time 
or price.

If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more than 80% of the common units, our general partner will 
have the right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of 
the remaining common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not less than the then-current market price.  As a result, 
unitholders may be required to sell their common units at an undesirable time or price and may not receive any return on their 
investment.  Unitholders may also incur a tax liability upon a sale of their units.  No provision in our partnership agreement, or 
in any other agreement we have with our general partner or Martin Resource Management, prohibits our general partner or its 
affiliates from acquiring more than 80% of our common units.  For additional information about this call right and unitholders' 
potential tax liability, please see "Risk Factors - Tax Risks - Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units could be 
different than expected."

31

 
 
Our common units have a limited trading volume compared to other publicly traded securities.

Our common units are quoted on the NASDAQ under the symbol "MMLP." However, daily trading volumes for our 
common units are, and may continue to be, relatively small compared to many other securities quoted on the NASDAQ.  The 
price of our common units may, therefore, be volatile.

Failure to achieve and maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could 
have a material adverse effect on our unit price.

In order to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, we periodically document and test our internal control 

procedures.  Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires annual management assessments of the effectiveness of our 
internal controls over financial reporting addressing these assessments.  During the course of our testing we may identify 
deficiencies, which we may not be able to address in time to meet the deadline imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for 
compliance with the requirements of Section 404.  In addition, if we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, as 
such standards are modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may not be able to ensure that we can conclude 
on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Section 404 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act.  Failure to achieve and maintain an effective internal control environment could have a material adverse 
effect on the price of our common units.

Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Martin Resource Management

Cash reimbursements due to Martin Resource Management may be substantial and will reduce our cash available for 
distribution to our unitholders.

Under our Omnibus Agreement with Martin Resource Management, Martin Resource Management provides us with 
corporate staff and support services on behalf of our general partner that are substantially identical in nature and quality to the 
services it conducted for our business prior to our formation.  The Omnibus Agreement requires us to reimburse Martin 
Resource Management for the costs and expenses it incurs in rendering these services, including an overhead allocation to us of 
Martin Resource Management's indirect general and administrative expenses from its corporate allocation pool.  These 
payments may be substantial.  Payments to Martin Resource Management will reduce the amount of available cash for 
distribution to our unitholders.

Martin Resource Management has conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary responsibilities, which may permit it to favor its 
own interests to the detriment of our unitholders.

As of December 31, 2016, Martin Resource Management owned 17.7% of our total outstanding common limited 
partner units and a 51% voting interest in Holdings, the sole member of MMGP.  MMGP owns a 2.0% general partnership 
interest in us and all of our incentive distribution rights.  Conflicts of interest may arise between Martin Resource Management 
and our general partner, on the one hand, and our unitholders, on the other hand.  As a result of these conflicts, our general 
partner may favor its own interests and the interests of Martin Resource Management over the interests of our unitholders.  
Potential conflicts of interest between us, Martin Resource Management and our general partner could occur in many of our 
day-to-day operations including, among others, the following situations:

•  Officers of Martin Resource Management who provide services to us also devote significant time to the 

businesses of Martin Resource Management and are compensated by Martin Resource Management for that 
time;

•  Neither our partnership agreement nor any other agreement requires Martin Resource Management to pursue 
a business strategy that favors us or utilizes our assets or services.  Martin Resource Management's directors 
and officers have a fiduciary duty to make these decisions in the best interests of the shareholders of Martin 
Resource Management without regard to the best interests of the unitholders;

•  Martin Resource Management may engage in limited competition with us;

•  Our general partner is allowed to take into account the interests of parties other than us, such as Martin 

Resource Management, in resolving conflicts of interest, which has the effect of reducing its fiduciary duty to 
our unitholders;

32

 
 
 
 
•  Under our partnership agreement, our general partner may limit its liability and reduce its fiduciary duties, 
while also restricting the remedies available to our unitholders for actions that, without the limitations and 
reductions, might constitute breaches of fiduciary duty.  As a result of purchasing units, our unitholders will 
be treated as having consented to some actions and conflicts of interest that, without such consent, might 
otherwise constitute a breach of fiduciary or other duties under applicable state law;

•  Our general partner determines which costs incurred by Martin Resource Management are reimbursable by 

us;

•  Our partnership agreement does not restrict our general partner from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for 
any services rendered on terms that are fair and reasonable to us or from entering into additional contractual 
arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf;

•  Our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to us by Martin Resource Management;

•  Our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel, accountants or others to perform services for 

us;

•  The audit committee of our general partner retains our independent auditors;

• 

In some instances, our general partner may cause us to borrow funds to permit us to pay cash distributions, 
even if the purpose or effect of the borrowing is to make incentive distributions; and

•  Our general partner has broad discretion to establish financial reserves for the proper conduct of our business.  

These reserves also will affect the amount of cash available for distribution.

Martin Resource Management and its affiliates may engage in limited competition with us.

Martin Resource Management and its affiliates may engage in limited competition with us.  For a discussion of the 

non-competition provisions of the Omnibus Agreement, please see "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, 
and Director Independence."  If Martin Resource Management does engage in competition with us, we may lose customers or 
business opportunities, which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make 
distributions to our unitholders.

If Martin Resource Management were ever to file for bankruptcy or otherwise default on its obligations under its credit facility, 
amounts we owe under our credit facility may become immediately due and payable and our results of operations could be 
adversely affected.

If Martin Resource Management were ever to commence or consent to the commencement of a bankruptcy proceeding 

or otherwise default on its obligations under its credit facility, its lenders could foreclose on its pledge of the interests in our 
general partner and take control of our general partner.  If Martin Resources Management no longer controls our general 
partner, the lenders under our credit facility may declare all amounts outstanding thereunder immediately due and payable.  In 
addition, either a judgment against Martin Resource Management or a bankruptcy filing by or against Martin Resource 
Management could independently result in an event of default under our credit facility if it could reasonably be expected to 
have a material adverse effect on us.  If our lenders do declare us in default and accelerate repayment, we may be required to 
refinance our debt on unfavorable terms, which could negatively impact our results of operations and our ability to make 
distributions to our unitholders.  A bankruptcy filing by or against Martin Resource Management could also result in the 
termination or material breach of some or all of the various commercial contracts between us and Martin Resource 
Management, which could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make 
distributions to our unitholders.

Tax Risks

The IRS could treat us as a corporation for tax purposes, which would substantially reduce the cash available for 
distribution to unitholders.

The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in us depends largely on our classification as a partnership 
for federal income tax purposes.  We have not requested a ruling from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) on this matter. 

33

 
 
 
Despite the fact that we are organized as 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.  In order for us to be 
classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, more than 90% of our gross income each year must be 
"qualifying income" under Section 7704 of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). "Qualifying 
income" includes income and gains derived from the exploration, development, mining or production, processing, refining, 
transportation, or marketing of minerals or natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas and products thereof.  Other types 
of qualifying income include interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, gains from the sale of real property and 
gains from the sale or other disposition of capital assets held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes qualifying 
income.

Although we intend to meet this gross income requirement, we may not find it possible, regardless of our efforts, to 
meet this gross income requirement or may inadvertently fail to meet this gross income requirement.  If we do not meet this 
gross income requirement for any taxable year and the IRS does not determine that such failure was inadvertent, we would be 
treated as a corporation for such taxable year and each taxable year thereafter.  If we were treated as a corporation for federal 
income tax purposes, we would owe federal income tax on our income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum 
of 35%, and would likely owe state income tax at varying rates.  Distributions would generally be taxed again to unitholders as 
corporate distributions and no income, gains, losses, or deductions would flow through to unitholders.  Because a tax would be 
imposed upon us as an entity, cash available for distribution to unitholders would be reduced.  Treatment of us as a corporation 
would result in a reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to unitholders and therefore would likely result in a 
reduction in the value of the common units.

Our partnership agreement provides that if a law is enacted or existing law is modified or interpreted in a manner that 

subjects us to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects us to entity-level taxation for federal, state or local income tax 
purposes, then the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target distribution amount will be adjusted to reflect the 
impact of that law on us.

The tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships or an investment in our units could be subject to potential legislative, judicial 
or administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.

The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, or an investment in our 

common units, may be modified by administrative, legislative or judicial interpretation at any time.  

At the federal level, members of Congress have considered substantive changes to the existing U.S. tax laws that 
would have affected certain publicly traded partnerships.  Although the legislation considered would not have appeared to 
affect our tax treatment, we are unable to predict whether any such change or other 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 the value of an investment in our common units.  

At the state level, because of widespread state budget deficits and other reasons, several states are evaluating ways to 
subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise and other forms of taxation.  For 
example, we are required to pay a Texas margin tax at a maximum effective rate of 0.525% of our gross income apportioned to 
Texas in the prior year.  Imposition of any such tax on us by any other state will reduce the cash available for distribution to 
you.

On January 24, 2017, the U.S. Department of the Treasury issued final regulations (the “Final Regulations”) regarding 

qualifying income under Section 7704(d)(1)(E) of the Code which relates to the qualifying income exception upon which we 
rely for partnership tax treatment. The Final Regulations apply to income earned in a taxable year beginning on or after January 
19, 2017. The Final Regulations include “reserved” paragraphs for fertilizer and hedging, which the U.S. Department of the 
Treasury plans to address in future proposed and final Treasury regulations (“Treasury regulations”). The Final Regulations 
provide for a ten year transition period during which certain taxpayers that either obtained a favorable private letter ruling or 
treated income under a reasonable interpretation of the statute or prior proposed regulations as qualifying income may continue 
to treat such income as qualifying income.  We have obtained favorable private letter rulings from the IRS in the past as to what 
constitutes “qualifying income” within the meaning of Section 7704(d)(1)(E) of the Code and we expect to rely upon these 
private letter rulings for purposes of the ten year transition rule contained in the Final Regulations. With respect to some of 
these private letter rulings, the income that we derived from certain affected activities will be treated as qualifying income only 
until the end of the ten year transition period.  Thus, at this time and through the transition period (and possibly beyond if not 
involving such affected activities), we believe that the Final Regulations will not significantly impact the amount of our gross 
income that we are able to treat as qualifying income.  

34

 
 
 
Any modification to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be applied 

retroactively and could make it more difficult or impossible to meet the exception pursuant to which we are treated as a 
partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is not taxable as a corporation, affect or cause us to change our business 
activities, affect the tax considerations of an investment in us, change the character or treatment of portions of our income and 
adversely affect an investment in our common units.  We are unable to predict whether any of these changes or other proposals 
will ultimately be enacted.  Any such changes could negatively impact the value of an investment in our common units.

A successful IRS contest of the federal income tax positions we take could adversely affect the market for our common units 
and the costs of any contest will be borne by our unitholders, debt security holders and our general partner.  

We have not requested a ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax 

purposes or any other matter affecting us. The IRS may adopt positions that differ from the positions we take and our counsel's 
conclusions.  It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of our counsel's 
conclusions or the positions we take.  A court may not agree with some or all our counsel's conclusions or the positions we take.  
Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for our common units and the prices at which they 
trade.  In addition, the costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne directly or indirectly by all of our unitholders, debt 
security holders and our general partner.

 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  and  recently  issued  proposed  Treasury  Regulations  (the  “Proposed 
Partnership Audit Regulations”), for taxable 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. Similarly, for such taxable years, if the IRS makes audit adjustments to income tax returns filed by 
an entity in which we are a member or partner, the IRS may assess and collect any taxes (including penalties and interest) resulting 
from such audit adjustment directly from such entity. 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 effective in all circumstances. With respect to audit adjustments as to an entity in which we are a member or partner, the 
Joint Committee on Taxation has stated that we should not be able to have our unitholders take such audit adjustment into account. 
The Proposed Partnership Audit Regulations reserved on this issue and requested comments but noted that allowing a partnership, 
such as us, to have its unitholders take such audit adjustment into account would present complexities, challenges, and inefficiencies. 
If we are unable to have our unitholders take such audit adjustment into account in accordance with their interests in us during 
the tax year under audit, our current unitholders may bear some or all of the tax liability 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 as a result of audit adjustments cash available for distribution to 
our unitholders may be substantially reduced.

Additionally, pursuant to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and the Proposed Partnership Audit Regulations, we will no 
longer be required to designate a “tax matters partner.” Instead, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, we will be 
required to designate a partner, or other person, with a substantial presence in the United States as the partnership representative 
(“Partnership Representative”). The Partnership Representative will have the sole authority to act on our behalf for purposes of, 
among other things, U.S. federal income tax audits and judicial review of administrative adjustments by the IRS. If we do not 
make such a designation, the IRS can select any person as the Partnership Representative. Any actions taken by us or by the 
Partnership Representative on our behalf with respect to, among other things, U.S. federal income tax audits and judicial review 
of administrative adjustments by the IRS, will be binding on us and all of the unitholders. We anticipate that our current tax matters 
partner will be designated the Partnership Representative.

The rules discussed above are not applicable to us for taxable years beginning on or prior to December 31, 2017. In 
addition, on January 20, 2017, White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus issued a Memorandum for the Heads of Executive 
Departments  and Agencies  (the  “Regulatory  Freeze  Memorandum”)  that  prevents  regulations  from  being  sent  to  the  Federal 
Register for publication until such regulations have been reviewed and approved by a department or agency head appointed or 
designed by the new administration. The Proposed Audit Regulations are subject to the Regulatory Freeze Memorandum and, as 
such, are subject to review and approval by a department or agency head appointed or designated by the new administration.

Unitholders may be required to pay taxes on income from us, including their share of income from the cancellation of debt, 
even if they do not receive any cash distributions from us.

35

 
 
Unitholders may be required to pay federal income taxes and, in some cases, state, local and foreign income taxes on 

their share of our taxable income even if they receive no cash distributions from us.  Unitholders may not receive cash 
distributions from us equal to their share of our taxable income or even the tax liability that results from the taxation of their 
share of our taxable income.

We may engage in transactions to delever the partnership and manage our liquidity that may result in income to our 
unitholders without a corresponding cash distribution. For example, if we sell assets and use the proceeds to repay existing debt 
or fund capital expenditures, you may be allocated taxable income and gain resulting from the sale without receiving a cash 
distribution. Further, taking advantage of opportunities to reduce our existing debt, such as debt exchanges, debt repurchases, or 
modifications of our existing debt could result in “cancellation of indebtedness income” (also referred to as “COD income”) being 
allocated to our unitholders as taxable income. Unitholders may be allocated COD income, and income tax liabilities arising 
therefrom may exceed cash distributions or the value of the units. The ultimate effect of any such allocations will depend on the 
unitholder's individual tax position with respect to its units. Unitholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisor with respect 
to the consequences to them of COD income.

Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units could be different than expected.

If our unitholders sell their common units, they will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount 

realized and their tax basis in those common units.  Prior distributions in excess of the total net taxable income unitholders 
were allocated for a common unit, which decreased unitholder tax basis in that common unit, will, in effect, become taxable 
income to our unitholders if the common unit is sold at a price greater than their tax basis in that common 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 ordinary income to our unitholders.  Should the IRS successfully contest some positions we take, our unitholders could 
recognize more gain on the sale of units than would be the case under those positions without the benefit of decreased income 
in prior years.  In addition, if our unitholders sell their units, they may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash they 
receive from the sale.

Tax-exempt entities and non-U.S. persons face unique tax issues from owning common units that may result in adverse tax 
consequences to them.

Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts 

(known as IRAs), Keogh plans and other retirement plans, regulated investment companies, real estate investment trusts, 
mutual funds and non-U.S. persons raises issues unique to them.  For example, virtually all of our income allocated to 
organizations exempt from federal income tax, including IRAs and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business income 
and will be taxable to them.  Distributions to non-U.S. persons will be reduced by withholding taxes at the highest applicable 
effective tax rate, and non-U.S persons will be required to file U.S. federal income tax returns and pay tax on their share of our 
taxable income.  Tax-exempt entities, non-U.S. persons and other unique investors should consult their tax advisor regarding 
their investment in our common units.

We treat a purchaser of our common units as having the same tax benefits without regard to the seller's identity.  The IRS 
may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of the common units.

Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of common units and because of other reasons, we have adopted 
depreciation positions that may not conform to all aspects of the Treasury regulations.  Any position we take that is inconsistent 
with applicable Treasury regulations may have to be disclosed on our federal income tax return.  This disclosure increases the 
likelihood that the IRS will challenge our positions and propose adjustments to some or all of our unitholders.  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 common units and could have a negative impact on 
the value of our common units or result in audit adjustments to our unitholders' tax returns.

Unitholders may be subject to state, local and foreign taxes and return filing requirements as a result of investing in our 
common units.

In addition to federal income taxes, unitholders may be subject to other taxes, such as state, local and foreign income 
taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance, or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions in 
which we do business or own property.  Unitholders may be required to file state, local and foreign income tax returns and pay 
state and local income taxes in some or all of the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own property and may be 
subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements.  We own property and/or conduct business in Alabama, 
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, 

36

 
 
 
 
 
Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.  We may do business or 
own property in other states or foreign countries in the future.  It is the unitholder's responsibility to file all federal, state, local 
and foreign tax returns.  Our counsel has not rendered an opinion on the state, local or foreign tax consequences of an 
investment in our common units.

There are limits on the deductibility of our losses that may adversely affect our unitholders.

There are a number of limitations that may prevent unitholders from using their allocable share of our losses as a deduction 
against unrelated income.  In cases when our unitholders are subject to the passive loss rules (generally, individuals and closely-
held corporations), any losses generated by us will only be available to offset our future income and cannot be used to offset 
income from other activities, including other passive activities or investments.  Unused losses may be deducted when the unitholder 
disposes of its entire investment in us in a fully taxable transaction with an unrelated party.  A unitholder's share of our net passive 
income may be offset by unused losses from us carried over from prior years but not by losses from other passive activities, 
including losses from other publicly traded partnerships.  Other limitations that may further restrict the deductibility of our losses 
by a unitholder include the at-risk rules and the prohibition against loss allocations in excess of the unitholder's tax basis in its 
units.

The sale or exchange of 50% or more of our capital and profits interests during any 12-month period will result in the termination 
of our partnership for federal income tax purposes.

We will be considered to have terminated for federal income tax purposes if there is a sale or exchange of 50% or 
more of the total interests in our capital and profits within a 12-month period.  Our termination would, among other things, 
result in the closing of our taxable year for all unitholders, which would result in us filing two tax returns for one fiscal year.  
For purposes of determining whether the 50% threshold is met, multiple sales of the same units are counted only once.  Our 
termination could also result in a deferral of depreciation deductions allowable in computing our taxable income.  In the case of 
a unitholder reporting on a taxable year other than a fiscal year ending December 31, the closing of our taxable year may also 
result in more than 12 months of our taxable income or loss being includable in his taxable income for the year of termination.  
Our termination currently would not affect our classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, but instead, we 
would be treated as a new partnership for tax purposes.  If treated as a new partnership, we must make new tax elections and 
could be subject to penalties if we are unable to determine that a termination occurred.  The IRS announced a relief procedure 
whereby, if a publicly traded partnership that has technically terminated requests and the IRS grants special relief, among other 
things, the partnership will be allowed to provide only a single Schedule K-1 to unitholders for the tax year in which the 
termination occurred.

We prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our units each month based 
upon the ownership of our units on the first day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is transferred.  
The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could change the allocation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among 
our unitholders.

We prorate our items of income, gain, loss and deduction between transferors and transferees of our units each month 

based upon the ownership of our units on the first day of each month, instead of on the basis of the date a particular unit is 
transferred.  Treasury regulations 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. Therefore, the use of our 
proration method may not be permitted under existing Treasury regulations, and, accordingly, our counsel is unable to opine as 
to the validity of such method. If the IRS were to challenge our proration method, we may be required to change the allocation 
of items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.

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

Because a unitholder whose units are loaned to a "short seller" to cover a short sale of units may be considered as 

having disposed of the loaned units, he may no longer be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those 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 units may not be 
reportable by the unitholder and any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to those units could be fully taxable as 
ordinary income.  Our counsel has not rendered an opinion regarding the treatment of a unitholder where common units are 
loaned to a short seller to cover a short sale of common units; therefore, unitholders desiring to assure their status as partners 

37

 
 
 
 
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 units.

38

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None. 

Item 2.

Properties

A description of our properties is contained in "Item 1.  Business" and is incorporated herein by reference. 

We believe we have satisfactory title to our assets.  Some of the easements, rights-of-way, permits, licenses or similar 
documents relating to the use of the properties that have been transferred to us in connection with our initial public offering and 
the assets we acquired in our acquisitions, required the consent of third parties, which in some cases is a governmental 
entity.  We believe we have obtained sufficient third-party consents, permits and authorizations for the transfer of assets 
necessary for us to operate our business in all material respects.  With respect to any third-party consents, permits or 
authorizations that have not been obtained, we believe the failure to obtain these consents, permits or authorizations will not 
have a material adverse effect on the operation of our business.  Title to our property may be subject to encumbrances, 
including liens in favor of our secured lender.  We believe none of these encumbrances materially detract from the value of our 
properties or our interest in these properties or materially interfere with their use in the operation of our business.

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

From time to time, we are subject to certain legal proceedings, claims and disputes that arise in the ordinary course of 

our business.  Although we cannot predict the outcomes of these legal proceedings, we do not believe these actions, in the 
aggregate, will have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.  A description of our 
legal proceedings is included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 21. Commitments and 
Contingencies", and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

39

 
 
 
 
PART II

Item 5. Market for Our Common Equity, Related Unitholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market Information and Holders

Our common units are traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol "MMLP." As of January 24, 2017 there were 

approximately 288 holders of record and approximately 23,305 beneficial owners of our common units.  The following table 
sets forth the high and low sale prices of our common units for the periods indicated, based on the daily composite listing of 
stock transactions for NASDAQ during those periods:

First Quarter
Second Quarter
Third Quarter
Fourth Quarter

Cash Distributions

Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015

High

Low

High

Low

$
$
$
$

22.22
23.77
25.12
21.63

$
$
$
$

14.05
19.40
18.99
15.80

$
$
$
$

35.44
38.03
32.83
29.44

$
$
$
$

24.97
30.95
23.43
18.62

The following table sets forth the quarterly cash distribution declared and paid for our common units during the 

periods indicated:

Declared for Quarter Ended

Distribution Per
Common Unit

December 31, 2016
September 30, 2016
June 30, 2016
March 31, 2016
December 31, 2015
September 30, 2015
June 30, 2015
March 31, 2015

Cash Distribution Policy

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

0.5000
0.5000
0.8125
0.8125
0.8125
0.8125
0.8125
0.8125

Date Paid
Date Declared
January 19, 2017
February 14, 2017
October 20, 2016 November 14, 2016
August 12, 2016
July 21, 2016
May 13, 2016
April 21, 2016
February 12, 2016
January 21, 2016
October 22, 2015 November 13, 2015
August 14, 2015
May 15, 2015

July 23, 2015
April 23, 2015

Within 45 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash, as defined in our partnership 

agreement, to unitholders of record on the applicable record date.  Our general partner has broad discretion to establish cash 
reserves that it determines are necessary or appropriate to properly conduct our business.  These can include cash reserves for 
future capital and maintenance expenditures, reserves to stabilize distributions of cash to the unitholders and our general 
partner, reserves to reduce debt, or, as necessary, reserves to comply with the terms of any of our agreements or 
obligations.  Our distributions are effectively made 98% to unitholders and 2.0% to our general partner, subject to the payment 
of incentive distributions to our general partner if certain target cash distribution levels to common unitholders are 
achieved.  Distributions to our general partner increase to 15%, 25% and 50% based on incremental distribution thresholds as 
set forth in our partnership agreement. 

Our ability to distribute available cash is contractually restricted by the terms of our credit facility.  Our credit facility 

contains covenants requiring us to maintain certain financial ratios.  We are prohibited from making any distributions to 
unitholders if the distribution would cause a default or an event of default, or a default or an event of default exists, under our 
credit facility.  Please read "Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 
— Liquidity and Capital Resources — Description of Our Credit Facility."

40

 
 
 
  
 
Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth selected financial data and other operating data of the Partnership for the years ended 

December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and is derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the 
Partnership.

The following selected financial data are qualified by reference to and should be read in conjunction with the 
Partnership's Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
Condition and Results of Operations" included elsewhere in this document.

Revenues

Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations,

net of tax
Net income (loss)
Net income (loss) attributable to limited

partners

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit –

continuing operations

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit –

discontinued operations

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit

Total assets
Long-term debt

$

$

$

$

$

$

$
$

—
0.65

1,246,363
808,107

Cash dividends per common unit (in dollars) $

2.94

2016

2015

2014
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

2013

2012

827,391

31,652

—
31,652

23,143

$

$

$

$

1,036,844

37,165

1,215
38,380

21,902

$

$

$

$

1,642,141

$

1,612,739

$

1,490,361

(6,367) $

(14,562) $

37,122

(5,338)
(11,705) $

1,208
(13,354) $

64,865
101,987

(15,176) $

(13,047) $

92,617

0.65

$

0.60

$

(0.27) $

(0.54) $

(0.22)
(0.49) $

0.04
(0.50) $

1.32

2.64
3.96

1,553,919
902,005

3.18

$
$

$

1,097,919
658,695

$
$

1,012,996
474,992

3.11

$

3.06

0.02
0.62

1,380,473
865,003

3.25

$

$
$

$

$

$
$

$

41

 
     
 
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

We are a publicly traded limited partnership with a diverse set of operations focused primarily in the United States 

("U.S.") Gulf Coast region.  Our four primary business lines include:

•  Terminalling and storage services for petroleum products and by-products, including the refining of naphthenic 

crude oil and the blending and packaging of finished lubricants;

•  Natural gas liquids transportation and distribution services and natural gas storage;

• 

Sulfur and sulfur-based products gathering, processing, marketing, manufacturing and distribution; and

•  Marine transportation services for petroleum products and by-products.

The petroleum products and by-products we collect, transport, store and market are produced primarily by major and 

independent oil and gas companies who often turn to third parties, such as us, for the transportation and disposition of these 
products.  In addition to these major and independent oil and gas companies, our primary customers include independent 
refiners, large chemical companies, fertilizer manufacturers and other wholesale purchasers of these products.  We operate 
primarily in the U.S. Gulf Coast region.  This region is a major hub for petroleum refining, natural gas gathering and 
processing, and support services for the exploration and production industry.

We were formed in 2002 by Martin Resource Management, a privately-held company whose initial predecessor was 

incorporated in 1951 as a supplier of products and services to drilling rig contractors.  Since then, Martin Resource 
Management has expanded its operations through acquisitions and internal expansion initiatives as its management identified 
and capitalized on the needs of producers and purchasers of petroleum products and by-products and other bulk liquids.   
Martin Resource Management is an important supplier and customer of ours.  As of December 31, 2016, Martin Resource 
Management owned 17.7% of our total outstanding common limited partner units.  Furthermore, Martin Resource Management 
controls Martin Midstream GP LLC ("MMGP"), our general partner, by virtue of its 51% voting interest in MMGP Holdings, 
LLC ("Holdings"), the sole member of MMGP.  MMGP owns a 2.0% general partner interest in us and all of our incentive 
distribution rights.  Martin Resource Management directs our business operations through its ownership interests in and control 
of our general partner.  

We entered into an omnibus agreement dated November 1, 2002, with Martin Resource Management (the "Omnibus 
Agreement") that governs, among other things, potential competition and indemnification obligations among the parties to the 
agreement, related party transactions, the provision of general administration and support services by Martin Resource 
Management and our use of certain of Martin Resource Management’s trade names and trademarks.  Under the terms of the 
Omnibus Agreement, the employees of Martin Resource Management are responsible for conducting our business and 
operating our assets.  The Omnibus Agreement was amended on November 25, 2009, to include processing crude oil into 
finished products including naphthenic lubricants, distillates, asphalt and other intermediate cuts.  The Omnibus Agreement was 
amended further on October 1, 2012, to permit the Partnership to provide certain lubricant packaging products and services to 
Martin Resource Management.  

Martin Resource Management has operated our business since 2002.  Martin Resource Management began operating 
our natural gas services business in the 1950s and our sulfur business in the 1960s.  It began our marine transportation business 
in the late 1980s.  It entered into our fertilizer and terminalling and storage businesses in the early 1990s.  In recent years, 
Martin Resource Management has increased the size of our asset base through expansions and strategic acquisitions.

Recent Developments

Over the past two years, commodity prices have declined substantially.  If commodity prices remain weak for a 

sustained period, our pipeline, terminalling throughput and NGL volumes may be negatively impacted, particularly as 
producers are curtailing or redirecting drilling.  A sustained decline in commodity prices could result in a decrease in activity in 
the areas served by certain of our terminalling and storage and marine transportation assets resulting in reduced utilization of 
these assets.  Drilling activity levels vary by geographic area, but in general, we have observed widespread decreases in drilling 
activity, particularly in the Gulf of Mexico, with lower commodity prices.  The abundance of supply of inland marine tank 

42

 
 
 
 
 
barges in our predominantly Gulf Coast market has had a direct impact on our utilization as well as decreased transportation 
rates.  

We continually adjust our business strategy to focus on maximizing liquidity; maintaining a stable asset base, which 

generates fee-based revenues not sensitive to commodity prices; and improving profitability by increasing asset utilization and 
controlling costs, which includes labor force reductions and asset rationalization strategies.   Given the current environment, we 
have altered and reduced our planned growth capital expenditures.  We believe that controlling our spending in an effort to 
preserve liquidity is prudent and reduces our need for near-term access to the somewhat uncertain capital markets.  

The following information highlights selected developments since January 1, 2016. 

Divestiture of Terminalling Assets.  On December 21, 2016, we sold our 900,000 barrel crude oil storage terminal, 

refined product barge terminal, certain pipelines and related easements as well as dockage and trans-loading assets located in 
Corpus Christi, Texas (collectively the "CCCT Assets") to NuStar Logistics, L.P. (“NuStar”) for gross consideration of $107.0 
million plus the reimbursement of certain capital expenditures and prepaid items of $2.1 million.  We received net proceeds of 
approximately $93.3 million after transaction fees and expenses as well as the application of certain net cash payments 
previously received by us in conjunction with our mandated relocation of certain dockage assets to the purchase price in the 
amount of $13.4 million.  Proceeds from the sale were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit 
facility.  

West Texas LPG Pipeline L.P. ("WTLPG") 2015 Rate Complaints.  Certain shippers filed complaints with the Railroad 

Commission of Texas (“RRC”) challenging the increased rates WTLPG implemented effective July 1, 2015.  The complaints 
request that the rate increase be suspended until the RRC has determined appropriate new rates.  On March 8, 2016, the RRC 
issued an order directing that WTLPG’s rates “in effect prior to July 1, 2015, are the lawful rates for the duration of this docket 
unless changed by Commission order.”  A hearing on the merits is scheduled in front of the hearings examiner for the week of 
March 27, 2017.

Credit Facility Amendment.  On April 27, 2016, we made certain strategic amendments to our revolving credit facility 
which, among other things, decreased our borrowing capacity from $700.0 million to $664.4 million and extended the maturity 
date of the facility from March 28, 2018 to March 28, 2020.

Subsequent Events

Repayment of Note Receivable.  On February 14, 2017, we notified Martin Resource Management that we would be 

requesting voluntary repayment of the Note Receivable due from MET of $15,000 plus accrued interest and MET has agreed to 
do so in a timely manner.

Acquisition of Terminalling Assets.  On February 14, 2017, we entered into an agreement with Martin Resource 

Management to acquire certain asphalt terminalling assets located in Hondo, Texas for a purchase price of $27.4 million (the 
“Hondo Acquisition”).  Martin Resource Management is currently constructing in Hondo, Texas an asphalt terminal facility, 
which will serve the asphalt market in San Antonio, Texas and surrounding areas.  This terminal will have 178,000 barrels of 
asphalt storage with processing and blending capabilities.  The acquisition is expected to close on or about February 28, 2017.  
After closing, we will spend $8.6 million to finalize construction of the terminal with substantial completion expected to be on 
or about July 1, 2017.  Martin Resource Management is obligated to pay us the amount required to complete the construction of 
the Hondo Terminal in excess of $8.6 million, if any.  The terminal will be supported by long-term contractual agreements with 
Martin Resource Management whereby we expect to receive cash flow of approximately $5.0 million annually. 

Quarterly Distribution.  On January 19, 2017, we declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per common unit for 

the fourth quarter of 2016, or $2.00 per common unit on an annualized basis, which was paid on February 14, 2017 to 
unitholders of record as of February 7, 2017. 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates 

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based on the historical 

consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.  We prepared these financial statements in conformity with United 
States generally accepted accounting principles ("U.S. GAAP" or "GAAP").  The preparation of these financial statements 
required us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the dates of the 
financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  We based our estimates 
on historical experience and on various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  We routinely 
43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
evaluate these estimates, utilizing historical experience, consultation with experts and other methods we consider reasonable in 
the particular circumstances.  Our results may differ from these estimates, and any effects on our business, financial position or 
results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the period in which the facts that give rise to the 
revision become known.  Changes in these estimates could materially affect our financial position, results of operations or cash 
flows.  You should also read Note 2, "Significant Accounting Policies" in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.  The 
following table evaluates the potential impact of estimates utilized during the periods ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Description

Judgments and Uncertainties

Effect if Actual Results Differ from
Estimates and Assumptions

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We evaluate our allowance for doubtful
accounts on an ongoing basis and
record adjustments when, in
management's judgment, circumstances
warrant it.  Reserves are recorded to
reduce receivables to the amount
ultimately expected to be collected.

Depreciation
Depreciation expense is computed using
the straight-line method over the useful
life of the assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We periodically evaluate whether the
carrying value of long-lived assets has
been impaired when circumstances
indicate the carrying value of the assets
may not be recoverable.  These
evaluations are based on undiscounted
cash flow projections over the
remaining useful life of the asset.  The
carrying value is not recoverable if it
exceeds the sum of the undiscounted
cash flows.  Any impairment loss is
measured as the excess of the asset's
carrying value over its fair value.

Impairment of Goodwill

We evaluate the collectability of our
accounts receivable based on factors
such as the customer's ability to pay, the
age of the receivable and our historical
collection experience.  A deterioration
in any of these factors could result in an
increase in the allowance for doubtful
accounts balance.

If actual collection results are not
consistent with our judgments, we may
experience an increase in uncollectible
receivables.  A 10% increase in our
allowance for doubtful accounts would
result in a decrease in net income of
approximately $0.4 million.

Determination of depreciation expense
requires judgment regarding estimated
useful lives and salvage values of
property, plant and equipment.  As
circumstances warrant, estimates are
reviewed to determine if any changes in
the underlying assumptions are needed.

The lives of our fixed assets range from
3 - 50 years.  If the depreciable lives of
our assets were decreased by 10%, we
estimate that annual depreciation
expense would increase approximately
$8.0 million, resulting in a
corresponding reduction in net income.

Our impairment analyses require
management to use judgment in
estimating future cash flows and useful
lives, as well as assessing the
probability of different outcomes.

Applying this impairment review
methodology, in 2016 we recorded an
impairment charge of $15.3 million in
our Terminalling and Storage segment
and $11.7 million in our Marine
Transportation segment.  In 2015 we
recorded an impairment charge of $9.3
million in our Terminalling and Storage
segment and $1.3 million in our Marine
Transportation segment.  During 2014,
we recorded an impairment charge of
$3.4 million in our Marine
Transportation segment.

44

Goodwill is subject to a fair-value based
impairment test on an annual basis, or
more frequently if events or changes in
circumstances indicate that the fair
value of any of our reporting units is
less than its carrying amount.  When
assessing the recoverability of
goodwill , we may first assess
qualitative factors in determining
whether it is more likely than not that
the fair value of a reporting unit is less
than its carrying amount. After
assessing qualitative factors, if we
determine that it is not more likely than
not that the fair value of a reporting unit
is less than its carrying amount, then
performing a quantitative assessment is
not required. If an initial qualitative
assessment indicates that it is more
likely than not the carrying amount
exceeds the fair value of a reporting
unit , a quantitative analysis will be
performed. We may also elect to bypass
the qualitative assessment and proceed
directly to a quantitative analysis
depending on the facts and
circumstances.

Purchase Price Allocations
We allocate the purchase price of an
acquired business to its identifiable
assets (including identifiable intangible
assets) and liabilities based on their fair
values at the date of acquisition.  Any
excess of purchase price in excess of
amounts allocated to identifiable assets
and liabilities is recorded as goodwill.
As additional information becomes
available, we may adjust the
preliminary allocation for a period of up
to one year.

Asset Retirement Obligations
Asset retirement obligations ("AROs")
associated with a contractual or
regulatory remediation requirement are
recorded at fair value in the period in
which the obligation can be reasonably
estimated and depreciated over the life
of the related asset or contractual term.
The liability is determined using a
credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate
and is accreted over time until the
obligation is settled.

Environmental Liabilities
We estimate environmental liabilities
using both internal and external
resources.  Activities include feasibility
studies and other evaluations
management considers appropriate.
Environmental liabilities are recorded in
the period in which the obligation can
be reasonably estimated.

As part of the quantitative evaluation,
we determine fair value using accepted
valuation techniques, including
discounted cash flow, the guideline
public company method and the
guideline transaction method.  These
analyses require management to make
assumptions and estimates regarding
industry and economic factors, future
operating results and discount rates.  We
conduct impairment testing using
present economic conditions, as well as
future expectations.

During the second quarter of 2016, we
determined that based on a continued
decrease in the demand for utilization
and transportation day rates forecasted
in our Marine Transportation reporting
unit, an impairment of goodwill may
exist.  Based on the results of our
impairment analysis, we determined
that a $4.1 million impairment loss of
all goodwill in the Marine
Transportation reporting unit was
incurred during the year ended
December 31, 2016.  See note 2 for
more information.  Based on the most
recent annual review as of August 31,
2016, no impairment exists with the
remaining goodwill.

The determination of fair values of
acquired assets and liabilities requires a
significant level of management
judgment.  Fair values are estimated
using various methods as deemed
appropriate.  For significant
transactions, third party assessments
may be utilized to assist in the valuation
process.

If subsequent factors indicate that
estimates and assumptions used to
allocate costs to acquired assets and
liabilities differ from actual results, the
allocation between goodwill, other
intangible assets and fixed assets could
significantly differ.  Any such
differences could impact future earnings
through depreciation and amortization
expense.  Additionally, if estimated
results supporting the valuation of
goodwill or other intangible assets are
not achieved, impairments could result.

Determining the fair value of AROs
requires management judgment to
evaluate required remediation activities,
estimate  the cost of those activities and
determine the appropriate interest rate.

If actual results differ from judgments
and assumptions used in valuing an
ARO, we may experience significant
changes in ARO balances.  The
establishment of an ARO has no initial
impact on earnings.

Estimating environmental liabilities
requires significant management
judgment as well as possible use of
third party specialists knowledgeable in
such matters.

Environmental liabilities have not
significantly affected our results of
operations or financial condition in the
past, and we do not anticipate that they
will in the future.

45

Our Relationship with Martin Resource Management

Martin Resource Management directs our business operations through its ownership and control of our general partner 

and under the Omnibus Agreement.  In addition to the direct expenses, under the Omnibus Agreement, we are required to 
reimburse Martin Resource Management for indirect general and administrative and corporate overhead expenses.  For the 
years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the conflicts committee of our general partner ("Conflicts Committee")  
approved reimbursement amounts of $13.0 million, $13.7 million and $12.5 million, respectively, reflecting our allocable share 
of such expenses.  The Conflicts Committee will review and approve future adjustments in the reimbursement amount for 
indirect expenses, if any, annually. 

We are required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for all direct expenses it incurs or payments it makes on 

our behalf or in connection with the operation of our business.  Martin Resource Management also licenses certain of its 
trademarks and trade names to us under the Omnibus Agreement. 

We are both an important supplier to and customer of Martin Resource Management.  Among other things, we sell 
sulfuric acid and provide marine transportation and terminalling and storage services to Martin Resource Management.  We 
purchase land transportation services and marine fuel from Martin Resource Management.  All of these services and goods are 
purchased and sold pursuant to the terms of a number of agreements between us and Martin Resource Management. 

For a more comprehensive discussion concerning the Omnibus Agreement and the other agreements that we have 
entered into with Martin Resource Management, please see "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and 
Director Independence." 

How We Evaluate Our Operations

  Our management uses a variety of financial and operational measurements other than our financial statements 
prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP to analyze our performance.  These include: (1) net income before interest expense, 
income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), (2) adjusted EBITDA and (3) distributable cash flow.  
Our management views these measures as important performance measures of core profitability for our operations and the 
ability to generate and distribute cash flow, and as key components of our internal financial reporting.  We believe investors 
benefit from having access to the same financial measures that our management uses.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.  Certain items excluded from EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are significant 
components in understanding and assessing an entity's financial performance, such as cost of capital and historic costs of 
depreciable assets.  We have included information concerning EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA because they provide investors 
and management with additional information to better understand the following: financial performance of our assets without 
regard to financing methods, capital structure or historical cost basis; our operating performance and return on capital as 
compared to those of other similarly situated entities; and the viability of acquisitions and capital expenditure projects.  Our 
method of computing adjusted EBITDA may not be the same method used to compute similar measures reported by other 
entities.  The economic substance behind our use of adjusted EBITDA is to measure the ability of our assets to generate cash 
sufficient to pay interest costs, support our indebtedness and make distributions to our unit holders.

Distributable Cash Flow.  Distributable cash flow is a significant performance measure used by our management 

and by external users of our financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to compare basic 
cash flows generated by us to the cash distributions we expect to pay our unitholders.  Distributable cash flow is also an 
important financial measure for our unitholders since it serves as an indicator of our success in providing a cash return on 
investment.  Specifically, this financial measure indicates to investors whether or not we are generating cash flow at a level 
that can sustain or support an increase in our quarterly distribution rates.  Distributable cash flow is also a quantitative 
standard used throughout the investment community with respect to publicly-traded partnerships because the value of a unit 
of such an entity is generally determined by the unit's yield, which in turn is based on the amount of cash distributions the 
entity pays to a unitholder.

EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow should not be considered alternatives to, or more meaningful 

than, net income, cash flows from operating activities, or any other measure presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  Our 
method of computing these measures may not be the same method used to compute similar measures reported by other 
entities. 

46

 
Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The following table reconciles the non-GAAP financial measurements used by management to our most directly 

comparable GAAP measures for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, which represents EBITDA, Adjusted 
EBITDA and Distributable Cash Flow from continuing operations.

Reconciliation of EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, and Distributable Cash Flow

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

Net income (loss)
Less:  (Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
Income (loss) from continuing operations

$

$

31,652
—
31,652

$

38,380
(1,215)
37,165

Adjustments:

Interest expense
Income tax expense
Depreciation and amortization

EBITDA

Adjustments:

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
(Gain) loss on sale of property, plant and equipment
Gain on retirement of senior unsecured notes
Impairment of long lived assets
Impairment of goodwill
Unrealized mark to market on commodity derivatives
Reduction in fair value of investment in Cardinal due to purchase of the

controlling interest

Debt prepayment premium
Distributions from unconsolidated entities
Unit-based compensation

Adjusted EBITDA
Adjustments:

Interest expense
Income tax expense
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
Amortization of debt discount
Amortization of debt premium
Non-cash mark to market on interest rate derivatives
Payments for plant turnaround costs
Maintenance capital expenditures

Distributable Cash Flow

$

Results of Operations

46,100
726
92,132
170,610

(4,714)
(33,400)
—
26,953
4,145
4,579

—
—
7,500
904
176,577

(46,100)
(726)
3,684
—
(306)
(206)
(2,061)
(17,163)
113,699

$

43,292
1,048
92,250
173,755

(8,986)
2,149
(1,242)
10,629
—
(675)

—
—
11,200
1,429
188,259

(43,292)
(1,048)
4,859
—
(324)
206
(1,908)
(12,902)
133,850

$

(11,705)
5,338
(6,367)

42,203
1,137
68,830
105,803

(5,466)
1,353
—
3,445
—
818

30,102
7,767
4,323
817
148,962

(42,203)
(1,137)
6,263
1,305
(245)
—
(3,974)
(14,556)
94,415

The results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and  2014 have been derived from our consolidated 

financial statements.

We evaluate segment performance on the basis of operating income, which is derived by subtracting cost of products 

sold, operating expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses, and depreciation and amortization expense from 
revenues.  The following table sets forth our operating revenues and operating income by segment for the years ended 
December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.  

Our consolidated results of operations are presented on a comparative basis below.  There are certain items of income 

and expense which we do not allocate on a segment basis.  These items, including equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated 

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
entities, interest expense, and indirect selling, general and administrative expenses, are discussed after the comparative 
discussion of our results within each segment.

The Natural Gas Services segment information below excludes the discontinued operations of the Floating Storage 

Assets disposed of on February 12, 2015 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.  See Item 8, Note 5.

Operating
Revenues

Revenues
Intersegment 
Eliminations

Operating 
Revenues
 after 
Eliminations

Operating
Income
(loss)

Operating
Income
Intersegment
Eliminations

Operating
Income (loss)
 after
Eliminations

(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31,
2016:

Terminalling and storage

$

242,363

$

(5,653) $

236,710

$

44,143

$

391,333

141,058

61,233

—
835,987

270,440
523,160
170,161
81,784

$

$

$

$

—

—

(2,943)

—
(8,596) $

391,333

141,058

58,290

—
827,391

(5,670) $
—
—
(3,031)

264,770
523,160
170,161
78,753

$

$

38,382

26,815
(19,888)

(16,794)
72,658

18,750
38,611
27,113
4,630

$

$

(3,483) $
3,056
(3,422)
3,849

—
— $

40,660

41,438

23,393

(16,039)

(16,794)
72,658

(3,046) $
2,609
(3,509)
3,946

15,704
41,220
23,604
8,576

—
1,045,545

$

$

—
(8,701) $

—
1,036,844

$

(18,951)
70,153

$

—
— $

(18,951)
70,153

Terminalling and storage

$

326,654

$

(5,191) $

321,463

$

27,007

$

1,013,835

215,471
97,049

—

1,013,835

—
(5,677)

215,471
91,372

30,610

25,656
3,310

(2,014) $
3,964
(6,191)
4,241

24,993

34,574

19,465
7,551

Natural gas services

Sulfur services

Marine transportation
Indirect selling, general and

administrative
Total

Year Ended December 31,
2015:

Terminalling and storage
Natural gas services
Sulfur services
Marine transportation
Indirect selling, general and

administrative
Total

Year Ended December 31,
2014:

Natural gas services

Sulfur services
Marine transportation
Indirect selling, general and

administrative
Total

—
1,653,009

$

$

—
(10,868) $

—
1,642,141

$

(18,712)
67,871

$

—
— $

(18,712)
67,871

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Terminalling and Storage Segment

Comparative Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

Revenues:
Services
Products

Total revenues

Cost of products sold
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Impairment of long-lived assets
Depreciation and amortization

Other operating income (loss), net

Operating income

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

2015
(In thousands)

Variance

Percent
Change

$ 128,783
113,580
242,363

$ 138,614
131,826
270,440

$

(9,831)
(18,246)
(28,077)

(7)%
(14)%
(10)%

96,344
71,831
4,677
15,252
45,484
8,775
35,368
$ 44,143

115,460
83,917
3,804
9,305
38,731
19,223
(473)
$ 18,750

(19,116)
(12,086)
873
5,947
6,753
(10,448)
35,841
$ 25,393

(17)%
(14)%
23%
64%
17%
(54)%
(7,577)%
135%

Lubricant sales volumes (gallons)

Shore-based throughput volumes (gallons)

Smackover refinery throughput volumes (barrels per day)

Corpus Christi crude terminal throughput volumes (barrels per day)

17,995

23,045

103,903

157,074

5,641

66,167

6,162

154,381

(5,050)
(53,171)
(521)
(88,214)

(22)%

(34)%

(8)%

(57)%

Services revenues.  Services revenue decreased primarily as a result of decreased throughput volumes and pass-

through revenues at our Corpus Christi crude terminal, which was sold on December 21, 2016.

Products revenues.  A 22% decrease in sales volumes at our blending and packaging facilities resulted in a $15.6 

million decrease to products revenues.  The decline in volumes resulted primarily from the downturn in the energy industry, as 
well as increased price competition.  Products revenues at our shore-based terminals decreased $2.3 million resulting from a 
7% decrease in average sales price offset by a 3% increase in sales volume. 

Cost of products sold.  A 22% decrease in sales volumes at our blending and packaging facilities resulted in an $11.9 
million decrease in cost of products sold.  Average cost per gallon decreased 8%, resulting in a $4.6 million decrease in cost of 
products sold.  Cost of products sold at our shore-based terminals decreased $2.6 million resulting from a 7% decrease in 
average cost per gallon offset by a 3% increase in sales volumes. 

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses at our specialty terminals decreased $9.0 million, primarily as a result of 
$3.9 million in decreased pass-through expenses at our Corpus Christi crude terminal, $4.2 million in decreased repairs and 
maintenance across our specialty terminals, and a $0.6 million decrease related to compensation expense across our specialty 
terminals.  Operating expenses at our Smackover refinery decreased $1.8 million, primarily as a result of $1.8 million in 
decreased repairs and maintenance, $0.5 million in decreased compensation expense, $0.6 million in decreased utilities 
expense.  These decreases were offset by an increase in property damage claims of $0.5 million and increased lease expense of 
$0.4 million.  Operating expenses at our shore-based terminals decreased by $1.3 million primarily due to a decrease in freight 
expense of $0.4 million, compensation expense of $0.4 million, property tax expense of $0.3 million, and repairs and 
maintenance of $0.2 million. 

Selling, general and administrative expenses.   Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.9 million, of 
which $0.3 million is the result of increased compensation expense and $0.2 million is the result of increased advertising in our 
blending and packaging operations and $0.4 million is due to increased legal fees at our shore-based terminals. 

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization.  The increase in depreciation and amortization is due to the impact of recent capital 

expenditures.

Other operating income (loss), net.  Other operating income (loss), net represents gains and losses from the disposition 

of property, plant and equipment.  The 2016 period includes the gain on the disposition of the CCCT Assets of $37.3 million.

Comparative Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

Revenues:
Services
Products

Total revenues

Cost of products sold
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Impairment of long-lived assets
Depreciation and amortization

Other operating income (loss), net

Operating income

Lubricant sales volumes (gallons)
Shore-based throughput volumes (gallons)
Smackover refinery throughput volumes (barrels per day)
Corpus Christi crude terminal (barrels per day)

Year Ended
December 31,

2015

2014
(In thousands)

Variance

$ 138,614
131,826
270,440

$ 135,697
190,957
326,654

$

2,917
(59,131)
(56,214)

115,460
83,917
3,804
9,305
38,731
19,223
(473)
$ 18,750

175,246
83,504
3,565
—
37,622
26,717
290
$ 27,007

$

23,045
157,074
6,162
154,381

32,418
253,262
6,159
164,223

(59,786)
413
239
9,305
1,109
(7,494)
(763)
(8,257)

(9,373)
(96,188)
3
(9,842)

Percent
Change

2%
(31)%
(17)%

(34)%
—%
7%

3%
(28)%
(263)%
(31)%

(29)%
(38)%
—%
(6)%

Services revenues.  Services revenue increased $2.9 million attributable to increased throughput rates at our 

Smackover Refinery.  In addition, $1.5 million of the increase is due to revenues generated by our shore-based terminals 
primarily related to increased consigned lube revenue and increased throughput rates.  Service revenues at our specialty 
terminals decreased $0.9 million overall resulting from increased revenues at several of our terminals offset by decreased 
throughput fees of $2.6 million at our crude terminal in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Products revenues.  A 43% decrease in sales volumes at our blending and packaging facilities resulted in a $53.6 

million decrease to products revenues.  Product sales volumes from our shore-based terminals increased 1%, resulting in a $0.6 
million increase in products revenues.  The average sales price at our blending and packaging facilities increased 1%, resulting 
in a $0.8 million increase in product revenues.  The average sales price at our shore-based terminals decreased 10%, resulting 
in a $6.9 million decrease to product revenues.

Cost of products sold.  A 43% decrease in sales volumes at our blending and packaging facilities resulted in a $44.4 
million reduction in cost of products sold.  Product sales volumes from our shore-based terminals increased 1%, resulting in a
$0.5 million increase in cost of products sold.   The average cost per gallon at our blending and packaging facilities decreased 
8% resulting in a reduction of $9.2 million in cost of products sold.  The average cost per gallon at our shore-based terminals 
decreased 11%, resulting in a reduction of $6.7 million in cost of products sold.

Operating expenses.  Increased expenses at our specialty terminals accounted for $2.0 million of the total increase, 

primarily attributable to the Corpus Christi crude terminal.  This is offset by a $1.6 million reduction of expenses at our 
Smackover Refinery primarily attributable to decreased natural gas expense.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.  The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses is primarily 

attributable to increased compensation expense.

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Impairment of long-lived assets.  Impairment of long-lived assets represents the write-off of certain organic growth 

project costs during 2015.

Depreciation and amortization.  The increase in depreciation and amortization is due to the impact of recent capital 

expenditures.

Other operating income (loss), net.  Other operating income (loss), net represents gains and losses from the disposition 

of property, plant and equipment.

Natural Gas Services Segment

Comparative Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

Revenues:

Services

Products

Total revenues

Cost of products sold
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization

Other operating loss, net

Operating income

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

2015
(In thousands)

Variance

Percent
Change

$ 61,133

$

64,858

$

330,200
391,333

458,302
523,160

292,573
23,152
9,035
28,081
38,492
(110)
$ 38,382

$

7,500

416,404
23,979
9,791
34,072
38,914
(303)
38,611

11,200

$

$

$

$

(3,725)
(128,102)
(131,827)

(123,831)
(827)
(756)
(5,991)
(422)
193
(229)

(6)%

(28)%
(25)%

(30)%
(3)%
(8)%
(18)%
(1)%
(64)%
(1)%

(3,700)

(33)%

NGLs Volumes (barrels)

9,532

14,340

(4,808)

(34)%

Services Revenues.  The decrease in services revenue is primarily a result of decreased storage rates at our Arcadia and 

Monroe gas storage facilities.

Products Revenues.  Our NGL average sales price per barrel increased $2.68, or 8%, resulting in an increase to 

products revenues of $38.5 million.  The increase in average sales price per barrel was a result of an increase in market prices. 
Product sales volumes decreased 34%, decreasing revenues $166.6 million.

Cost of products sold.   Our average cost per barrel increased $1.66, or 6%, increasing cost of products sold by $23.7 
million.  The increase in average cost per barrel was a result of an increase in market prices.  The decrease in sales volume of 
34% resulted in a $147.6 million decrease to cost of products sold.  Our margins increased $1.03 per barrel, or 35% during the 
period.

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses decreased primarily due to a $0.6 million decrease in pipeline testing 

expense, $0.4 million in lower fuel expense at our gas storage facilities, $0.3 million decrease in maintenance expense at our 
gas storage facilities, $0.1 million decrease in NGLs employment expense and a $0.1 million decrease in utility expense related 
to our East Texas NGL pipeline. These decreases are offset by a $0.8 million increase from our Arcadia rail facility put into 
service in June 2015.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to 
a $0.3 million decrease in professional fees, $0.2 million decrease in bad debt expense, and a $0.2 million decrease in property 
tax expense.

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization decreased primarily due to a $6.8 million decrease in 

amortization related to contracts acquired during the purchase of Cardinal Gas Storage, offset by a $0.8 million increase in 
depreciation expense related to recent capital expenditures.

Other operating loss, net.  Other operating loss, net represents losses from the disposition of property, plant and 

equipment.

Comparative Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

Year Ended December
31,

2015

2014
(In thousands)

Variance

Percent
Change

Revenues:
Services
Products

Total revenues

Cost of products sold
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization

Other operating loss, net
Operating income

Distributions from unconsolidated entities

$

64,858
458,302
523,160

$

22,991
990,844
1,013,835

$

41,867
(532,542)
(490,675)

416,404
23,979
9,791
34,072
38,914
(303)
38,611

11,200

$

$

950,742
10,797
8,596
13,090
30,610
—
30,610

4,323

$

$

$

$

(534,338)
13,182
1,195
20,982
8,304
(303)
8,001

182%
(54)%
(48)%

(56)%
122%
14%
160%
27%

26%

6,877

159%

NGLs Volumes (barrels)

14,340

16,448

(2,108)

(13)%

Services Revenues.  The increase in services revenue is a result of the 2015 period including a full year of natural gas 
storage revenue related to the acquisition of Cardinal Gas Storage Partners LLC ("Cardinal"), which occurred August 29, 2014.

Products Revenues.  Our NGL average sales price per barrel decreased $28.28, or 47%, resulting in a decrease to 

products revenues of $465.2 million.  The decrease in average sales price per barrel was a result of a decline in market prices. 
Product sales volumes decreased 13%, decreasing revenues $67.4 million.  

Cost of products sold.   Our average cost per barrel decreased $28.77, or 50%, decreasing cost of products sold by 

$473.1 million.  The decrease in average cost per barrel was a result of a decline in market prices.  The decrease in sales 
volume of 13%, resulted in a $61.2 million decrease to cost of products sold.  Our margins increased $0.48 per barrel, or 20% 
during the period.

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses increased $13.2 million, $11.0 million of which is related to the acquisition 
of Cardinal, $1.1 million is a result of the acquisition of NGL storage assets from Martin Resource Management in May 2014, 
$0.6 million is a result of expenses associated with the hydrostatic test of our 200 mile NGL Pipeline, and $0.5 million is 
related to the rail operations at our Arcadia facility which was placed into service in June 2015.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.4 million as a 

result of the acquisition of Cardinal. Offsetting this increase was a decrease to property taxes of $0.2 million.

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization increased $20.2 million due to the acquisition of 

Cardinal and $0.9 million is related to increased capital expenditure activity.

Other operating loss, net.  Other operating loss, net represents losses from the disposition of property, plant and 

equipment.

52

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sulfur Services Segment

Comparative Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

Revenues:
Services
Products

Total revenues

Cost of products sold
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization

Other operating loss, net

Operating income

Sulfur (long tons)
Fertilizer (long tons)
Sulfur services volumes (long tons)

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

2015
(In thousands)

Variance

Percent
Change

$ 10,800
130,258
141,058

$ 12,270
157,891
170,161

$

(1,470)
(27,633)
(29,103)

88,325
13,771
3,861
7,995
27,106
(291)
$ 26,815

115,133
15,279
3,805
8,455
27,489
(376)
$ 27,113

(26,808)
(1,508)
56
(460)
(383)
85
(298)

$

797.0
262.0
1,059.0

856.0
274.0
1,130.0

(59.0)
(12.0)
(71.0)

(12)%
(18)%
(17)%

(23)%
(10)%
1%
(5)%
(1)%
(23)%
(1)%

(7)%
(4)%
(6)%

Services Revenues.  Services revenues decreased $1.5 million as a result of renegotiation of contract terms effective 

January 2016.

Products Revenues.  Products revenues decreased $18.9 million as a result of a 12% decline in average sales price. 
Further, products revenues decreased an additional $8.7 million due to a 6% decrease in sales volumes, primarily related to a 
7% decrease in sulfur volumes.

Cost of products sold.  An 18% decrease in prices reduced cost of products sold by $20.9 million, resulting from a 

decline in commodity prices.  A 6% decrease in sales volumes decreased cost of products sold by $5.9 million.  Margin per ton 
increased $1.76, or 5%.

Operating expenses.  Our operating expenses decreased primarily as a result of $0.8 million in lower fuel expense, 

$0.4 million in compensation expense, $0.3 million in terminal and thruput fees, $0.2 million in property taxes, $0.2 million in 
wharfage fees, and $0.2 million in other marine operating expenses (i.e. tug assist, waste disposal, harbor fees). Offsetting this 
decrease was an increase of $0.4 million in railcar repairs and maintenance and $0.2 million in outside towing.

Depreciation and amortization.  The decrease in depreciation and amortization is due to asset dispositions in the fourth 

quarter of 2015 and third quarter of 2016.

Other operating loss, net.  Other operating loss, net represents losses from the disposition of property, plant and 

equipment.

53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparative Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

Revenues:
Services
Products

Total revenues

Cost of products sold
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Depreciation and amortization

Other operating loss, net
Operating income

Sulfur (long tons)
Fertilizer (long tons)
Sulfur services volumes (long tons)

Year Ended
December 31,

2015

2014
(In thousands)

Variance

Percent
Change

$ 12,270
157,891
170,161

$ 12,149
203,322
215,471

$

121
(45,431)
(45,310)

115,133
15,279
3,805
8,455
27,489
(376)
$ 27,113

160,144
17,136
4,359
8,176
25,656
—
$ 25,656

(45,011)
(1,857)
(554)
279
1,833
(376)
1,457

$

856.0
274.0
1,130.0

848.0
306.0
1,154.0

8.0
(32.0)
(24.0)

1%
(22)%
(21)%

(28)%
(11)%
(13)%
3%
7%

6%

1%
(10)%
(2)%

Revenues.  Products revenues decreased $42.1 million as a result of a 21% decrease in sales prices for both sulfur and 

fertilizer products.  Further, products revenues decreased an additional $3.3 million due to a 2% decrease in sales volumes, 
primarily related to decreased fertilizer volumes.

Cost of products sold.  A 27% decrease in prices reduced our cost by $42.6 million.  A 2% decrease in sales volumes 

decreased cost of products sold by $2.4 million.  Margin per ton remained consistent.

Operating expenses.  Our operating expenses decreased due to a reduction in repairs and maintenance on marine 

vessels of $1.3 million and a decrease in fuel expense of $0.6 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a result of 

decreased compensation expense.

Depreciation and amortization.  The slight increase in depreciation and amortization is due to the impact of recent 

capital expenditures.

Other operating loss, net.  Other operating loss, net represents losses from the disposition of property, plant and 

equipment.

54

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Marine Transportation Segment

Comparative Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

Revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Impairment of long-lived assets
Impairment of goodwill
Depreciation and amortization

Other operating loss, net
Operating income (loss)

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

2015
(In thousands)
$ 81,784
63,412
417
1,324
—
10,992
5,639
(1,009)
4,630

$ 61,233
53,118
18
11,701
4,145
10,572
(18,321)
(1,567)
$ (19,888) $

Variance

Percent
Change

$ (20,551)
(10,294)
(399)
10,377
4,145
(420)
(23,960)
(558)
$ (24,518)

(25)%
(16)%
(96)%
784%

(4)%
(425)%
55%
(530)%

Inland revenues.  An $11.1 million decrease in inland revenues is primarily attributable to decreased utilization of the 

inland fleet resulting from an abundance of supply of marine equipment in our predominantly Gulf Coast market.   

Offshore revenues.  A $6.8 million decrease in offshore revenue is the result of decreased utilization of the offshore 

fleet, partially offset by the recognition of previously deferred revenues of $1.5 million. 

Pass-through revenues.  A $3.1 million decrease in pass-through revenues was primarily related to fuel.

Operating expenses.  The decrease in operating expenses is a result of decreased pass-through expenses (primarily 

fuel) of $3.0 million, compensation expense of $3.2 million, lower repairs and maintenance of $5.3 million and operating 
supplies of $0.5 million.  Offsetting these decreases were increases in claims expense of $0.5 million, fuel of $0.5 million, and 
outside towing of $0.8 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased due to a $0.2 

million reduction in legal fees and a $0.2 million reduction in consulting fees.    

Impairment of long-lived assets.  This represents the loss on impairment of non-core operating assets. 

Impairment of goodwill.  This represents the loss on impairment of goodwill in the Marine Transportation segment 

during the second quarter of 2016. 

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization decreased as a result of recent capital expenditures 

offset by the disposal of property, plant and equipment.

Other operating loss, net.  Other operating loss, net represents gains and losses from the disposition of property, plant 

and equipment.

55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comparative Results of Operations for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

Revenues
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Impairment of long lived assets
Depreciation and amortization

Other operating loss, net

Operating income

Year Ended
December 31,

2015

2014
(In thousands)
$ 97,049
77,964
1,084
3,445
9,942
4,614
(1,304)
3,310

$

Variance

Percent
Change

$ (15,265)
(14,552)
(667)
(2,121)
1,050
1,025
295
1,320

$

(16)%
(19)%
(62)%
(62)%
11%
22%
(23)%
40%

$ 81,784
63,412
417
1,324
10,992
5,639
(1,009)
4,630

$

Inland Revenues.  A $6.4 million decrease in inland revenues is primarily attributable to decreased utilization of the 

inland fleet. Additionally, $4.9 million related to a decrease in pass-through revenues. 

Offshore Revenues.  Revenue from offshore operations decreased $1.9 million due to a decrease in utilization of the 

offshore fleet.  Additionally, $1.2 million related to a decrease in pass-through revenues. 

Operating expenses.  Operating expenses decreased $6.4 million due to decreased pass-through expenses, primarily 

fuel.  Additionally, there were decreases in repairs and maintenance of $4.5 million, compensation expense of $1.5 million, 
insurance premiums of $0.5 million, operating supplies of $0.4 million, property taxes of $0.5 million, and Jones Act claims of 
$0.4 million.

Selling, general and administrative expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a result of a 
decrease in a legal contingency reserve established during the purchase of Talen's Marine & Fuel, LLC of $1.4 million,  offset 
by an increase in the reserve for an uncollectible customer receivable of $0.9 million.

Impairment of long-lived assets.  Impairment of long-lived assets for the 2015 period represents the write-down of 
four assets as a result of the inability to generate cash flows in recent quarters and going forward.  Impairment of long-lived 
assets for the 2014 period represents the write-down of one offshore tow which was the result of the decision to remove that 
asset from service and ultimately dispose of it.

Depreciation and amortization.  Depreciation and amortization decreased as a result of the disposal of equipment, 

offset by increases in depreciable assets related to recent capital expenditures.

Other operating loss, net.  Other operating loss, net represents losses from the disposition of property, plant and 

equipment. 

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in Earnings of and Distributions from Unconsolidated Entities for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 

and 2015

Equity in earnings of WTLPG

$

4,715

$

8,986

(4,271)

(48)%

Year Ended
December 31,
2015
(In thousands)

2016

Variance

Percent
Change

Distributions from WTLPG

$

2016

Year Ended
December 31,
2015
(In thousands)
$ 11,200

7,500

Variance

Percent
Change

(3,700)

(33)%

Equity in earnings from WTLPG decreased primarily due to a decrease in transportation rates combined with an 

increase in repairs and maintenance on the asset. Distributions from WTLPG decreased $3.7 million. 

Equity in Earnings of and Distributions from Unconsolidated Entities for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 

and 2014 

Equity in earnings of WTLPG
Equity in earnings of Cardinal
Equity in earnings of MET

    Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities

2015

$

$

8,986
—
—
8,986

2014
(In thousands)
$

$

3,076
892
1,498
5,466

$

$

Distributions from WTLPG
Distributions from Cardinal
Distributions from MET

    Distributions from unconsolidated entities

2015

$ 11,200
—
—
$ 11,200

2014
(In thousands)
$

$

2,600
225
1,498
4,323

$

$

The investment in WTLPG was made in May 2014. Equity in earnings from WTLPG increased primarily due to 2015 

representing a full year invested in the asset. 

On August 29, 2014, the Partnership acquired the remaining 57.8% Category A interest in Cardinal it did not 

previously own and began consolidating Cardinal's results.

Equity in earnings of Martin Energy Trading LLC ("MET") represents dividends on our 100% investment in its 

preferred interests.  The MET investment was acquired in March 2013.  In August 2014, MET converted its preferred equity to 
subordinated debt, resulting in a Partnership note receivable from MET.  Subsequent to this conversion, we recorded interest on 
the note receivable in "Interest expense, net" in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. 

57

Year Ended
December 31,

Year Ended
December 31,

Variance

Percent
Change

5,910
(892)
(1,498)
3,520

192%
(100)%
(100)%
64%

Variance

Percent
Change

8,600
(225)
(1,498)
6,877

331%
(100)%
(100)%
159%

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Interest Expense

Comparative Components of Interest Expense, Net for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 

Revolving loan facility
7.250 % senior unsecured notes
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
Amortization of debt discount and premium
Impact of interest rate derivative activity, including cash settlements
Other
Capitalized interest
Interest income

Total interest expense, net

2016

Year Ended
December 31,
2015
(In thousands)
$ 16,270
$
28,583
4,859
(324)
(2,289)
387
(1,944)
(2,250)
$ 43,292

$ 19,482
27,326
3,684
(306)
(995)
291
(1,126)
(2,256)
$ 46,100

$

Variance

Percent
Change

3,212
(1,257)
(1,175)
18
1,294
(96)
818

20%
(4)%
(24)%
(6)%
(57)%
(25)%
(42)%
(6) —%
6%

2,808

Comparative Components of Interest Expense, Net for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 

Revolving loan facility
8.875 % senior unsecured notes
7.250 % senior unsecured notes
Amortization of deferred debt issuance costs
Amortization of debt discount and premium
Cash settlements on interest rate swaps
Other
Capitalized interest
Interest income

Total interest expense, net

Indirect Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Year Ended
December 31,

2015

Variance

2014
(In thousands)
$ 12,684
$
3,882
26,252
6,263
1,059
(6,692)
944
(1,437)

3,586
(3,882)
2,331
(1,404)
(1,383)
4,403
(557)
(507)
(752) $ (1,498)
1,089

$ 42,203

$

$ 16,270
—
28,583
4,859
(324)
(2,289)
387
(1,944)
(2,250)
$ 43,292

Percent
Change

28%
(100)%
9%
(22)%
(131)%
(66)%
(59)%
35%
199%
3%

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

2015
(In thousands)

Variance

Percent
Change

Year Ended
December 31,

2015

2014
(In thousands)

Variance

Percent
Change

Indirect selling, general and
administrative expenses

$ 16,795

$ 18,951

$ (2,156)

(11)% $ 18,951

$ 18,712

$

239

1%

The decrease in indirect selling, general and administrative expenses from 2015 to 2016 is primarily a result of a $1.1 
million reduction in legal, audit and other professional fees. Also contributing to this decrease was a $0.6 million reduction in 
allocated overhead expenses from Martin Resource Management as well as a $0.6 million decrease in employee related 
expenses.

Indirect selling, general and administrative expenses remained consistent from 2014 to 2015.

Martin Resource Management allocates to us a portion of its indirect selling, general and administrative expenses for 
services such as accounting, treasury, clerical, engineering, legal, billing, information technology, administration of insurance, 
general office expenses and employee benefit plans and other general corporate overhead functions we share with Martin 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Resource Management retained businesses.  This allocation is based on the percentage of time spent by Martin Resource 
Management personnel that provide such centralized services.  GAAP also permits other methods for allocation of these 
expenses, such as basing the allocation on the percentage of revenues contributed by a segment.  The allocation of these 
expenses between Martin Resource Management and us is subject to a number of judgments and estimates, regardless of the 
method used.  We can provide no assurances that our method of allocation, in the past or in the future, is or will be the most 
accurate or appropriate method of allocation for these expenses.  Other methods could result in a higher allocation of selling, 
general and administrative expense to us, which would reduce our net income. 

Under the Omnibus Agreement, we are required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for indirect general and 
administrative and corporate overhead expenses.  The Conflicts Committee approved the following reimbursement amounts: 

Year Ended
December 31,

2016

2015
(In thousands)

Variance

Percent
Change

Year Ended
December 31,

2015

2014

Variance

(In thousands)

Percent
Change

Conflicts Committee approved
reimbursement amount

$ 13,033

$ 13,679

$

(646)

(5)% $ 13,679

$ 12,535

$

1,144

9%

The amounts reflected above represent our allocable share of such expenses.  The Conflicts Committee will review 

and approve future adjustments in the reimbursement amount for indirect expenses, if any, annually. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our primary sources of liquidity to meet operating expenses, pay distributions to our unitholders and fund capital 

expenditures have historically been cash flows generated by our operations and access to debt and equity markets, both public 
and private.  Management believes that expenditures for our current capital projects will be funded with cash flows from 
operations, current cash balances and our current borrowing capacity under the expanded revolving credit facility.  Given the 
current environment, we have altered and reduced our planned growth capital expenditures.  We believe that controlling our 
spending in an effort to preserve liquidity is prudent and reduces our need for near-term access to the somewhat uncertain 
capital markets.

Our ability to satisfy our working capital requirements, to fund planned capital expenditures and to satisfy our debt 

service obligations will also depend upon our future operating performance, which is subject to certain risks.  Please read "Item 
1A. Risk Factors - Risks related to Our Business" for a discussion of such risks.

Recent Debt Financing Activity

Credit Facility Amendment.  On April 27, 2016, we made certain strategic amendments to our revolving credit facility 
which, among other things, decreased our borrowing capacity from $700.0 million to $664.4 million and extended the maturity 
date of the facility from March 28, 2018 to March 28, 2020.

Due to the foregoing, we believe that cash generated from operations and our borrowing capacity under our credit 

facility will be sufficient to meet our working capital requirements and anticipated maintenance capital expenditures in 2017.

Finally, our ability to satisfy our working capital requirements, to fund planned capital expenditures and to satisfy our 
debt service obligations will depend upon our future operating performance, which is subject to certain risks.  Please read "Item 
1A. Risk Factors - Risks Relating to Our Business" for a discussion of such risks.

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows - Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 

The following table details the cash flow changes between the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

Net cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Years Ended
December 31,

2016

2015
(In thousands)

Variance

$ 110,848
63,839
(174,703)
$

$ 182,572
(23,805)
(158,778)

(16) $

(11) $

$ (71,724)
87,644
(15,925)
(5)

Percent
Change

(39)%
368%
10%
45%

Net cash provided by operating activities.  The change in net cash provided by operating activities includes a decrease 
in operating results from continuing operations of $12.0 million, a decrease in distributions from WTLPG of $3.7 million, and a 
$57.4 million unfavorable variance in working capital and other non-current assets and liabilities.  Offsetting was a decrease in 
cash used in discontinued operations of $1.4 million in 2016.

Net cash used in investing activities.  Net cash increased as a result of an increase of $105.9 million in net proceeds 

from the sale of property, plant and equipment in 2016.  Payments for capital expenditures and plant turnaround costs decreased 
$25.2 million in 2016.  Offsetting these increases was a decrease due to the 2015 period including $41.3 million in cash 
proceeds from the disposition of certain floating storage assets classified as discontinued operations.  The 2016 period also 
included an acquisition of intangible assets of $2.2 million compared to no acquisitions in 2015.

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities.  Net cash used in financing activities increased for the year ended 
December 31, 2016 as a result of an increase in net repayments of long-term borrowings of $28.2 million.  In 2016, we paid an 
additional $4.9 million in costs associated with our credit facility amendment compared to the previous period. Offsetting was a 
reduction of $15.1 million in quarterly cash distributions as well as an increase of $1.9 million related to excess purchase price 
over the carrying value of acquired assets in common control transactions. 

Cash Flows - Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015 Compared to Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014 

The following table details the cash flow changes between the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Net cash provided by (used in):

Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Years Ended
December 31,

2015

2014
(In thousands)

Variance

$ 182,572
(23,805)
(158,778)
$

$ 115,580
(324,663)
192,583

$ 66,992
300,858
(351,361)
(11) $ (16,500) $ 16,489

Percent
Change

58%
93%
182%
(100)%

Net cash provided by operating activities.  The change in net cash provided by operating activities includes an increase 

in operating results from continuing operations of $43.5 million, distributions from WTLPG of $8.6 million, and a $21.7 
million favorable variance in working capital.  Offsetting the increase in cash flows provided by operating activities was a 
decrease in other non-cash charges of $6.9 million.  Changes in working capital are primarily affected by the timing of 
payments of trade and other accounts payable as well as the collections of trade and other accounts receivable.  In addition, 
cash used in discontinued operations increased $2.1 million in 2015.   

Net cash used in investing activities.  Acquisition expenditures decreased $102.7 million.  Investments in 
unconsolidated entities and capital expenditures decreased $134.0 million and $18.5 million in 2015, respectively.  Net cash 
provided by discontinued investing activities of $41.3 million in 2015 is attributable to the sale of the six pressure barges which 
occurred in February 2015. There was no cash provided by or used in discontinued investing activities in 2014.

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities.  Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities decreased for 

the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of: (i) a decrease of $339.3 million in equity offering proceeds, including $7.0 
million from the general partner; (ii) a $13.0 million increase in net proceeds from long-term debt (borrowings less 
repayments); (iii) a $35.9 million increase in cash distributions; (iv) a $3.4 million reduction in the payment of debt issuance 
costs; and (v) an increase of $7.2 million related to excess purchase price over the carrying value of acquired assets in common 
control transactions. 

Capital Expenditures

Our operations require continual investment to upgrade or enhance operations and to ensure compliance with safety, 

operational, and environmental regulations.  Our capital expenditures consist primarily of:

•  maintenance capital expenditures made to maintain existing assets and operations;

• 

expansion capital expenditures to acquire assets to grow our business, to expand existing facilities, such as 

projects that increase operating capacity, or to reduce operating costs; and

• 

plant turnaround costs made at our refinery to perform maintenance, overhaul and repair operations and to 

inspect, test and replace process materials and equipment.

The following table summarizes maintenance and expansion capital expenditures, excluding amounts paid for 

acquisitions, for the periods presented:

Expansion capital expenditures
Maintenance capital expenditures
Plant turnaround costs

    Total

Three Months Ended
December 31,

2016
2015
(In thousands)
4,977
4,345
447
9,769

$ 17,026
5,281
154
$ 22,461

$

$

Years Ended
December 31,

2016
2015
(In thousands)

$ 19,107
17,163
2,061
$ 38,331

$ 53,917
12,902
1,908
$ 68,727

Expansion capital expenditures were made primarily in our Terminalling and Storage and Natural Gas Services 
segments during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016.  Within our Terminalling and Storage segment, 
expenditures were made primarily at our Smackover refinery, and on certain organic growth projects ongoing in our specialty 
terminalling operations.  Within our Natural Gas Services segment, expenditures were made primarily on certain organic 
growth projects ongoing in our Natural Gas Services operations.  Maintenance capital expenditures were made primarily in our 
Terminalling and Storage, Sulfur Services, and Natural Gas Services segments to maintain our existing assets and operations 
during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2016.      

Expansion capital expenditures were made primarily in our Terminalling and Storage and Natural Gas Services 
segments during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015.  Within our Terminalling and Storage segment, 
expenditures were made primarily at our Smackover refinery, and on certain organic growth projects ongoing in our specialty 
terminalling operations.  Within our Natural Gas Services segment, expenditures were made primarily on certain organic 
growth projects ongoing in our Natural Gas Services operations.  Maintenance capital expenditures were made primarily in our 
Terminalling and Storage, Marine Transportation, and Natural Gas Services segments to maintain our existing assets and 
operations during the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2015.      

Capital Resources

Historically, we have generally satisfied our working capital requirements and funded our capital expenditures with 
cash generated from operations and borrowings.  We expect our primary sources of funds for short-term liquidity will be cash 
flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facility.

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Contractual Cash Obligations.  A summary of our total contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2016, is 

as follows (dollars in thousands):

Type of Obligation
Revolving credit facility
2021 senior unsecured notes
Throughput commitment
Operating leases
Interest payable on fixed long-term obligations
Total contractual cash obligations

Total
Obligation
443,000
$
373,800
28,008
33,006
111,790
989,604

$

$

$

Payments due by period
1-3
Years

Less than
One Year

— $
—
6,153
10,458
27,101
43,712

$

— $
—
12,790
9,669
54,201
76,660

$

3-5
Years
443,000
373,800
9,065
4,430
30,488
860,783

Due
Thereafter
—
$
—
—
8,449
—
8,449

$

The interest payable under our credit facility is not reflected in the above table because such amounts depend on the  

outstanding balances and interest rates, which vary from time to time. 

Letter of Credit.  At December 31, 2016, we had outstanding irrevocable letters of credit in the amount of $1.4 million, 

which were issued under our revolving credit facility.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements.  We do not have any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Description of Our Long-Term Debt

2021 Senior Notes

  We and Martin Midstream Finance Corp., a subsidiary of us (collectively, the "Issuers"), entered into (i) an Indenture, 
dated as of February 11, 2013 (the "2021 Indenture") among the Issuers, certain subsidiary guarantors (the "2021 Guarantors") 
and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (the "2021 Trustee") and (ii) a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as 
of February 11, 2013 (the "2021 Registration Rights Agreement"), among the Issuers, the 2021 Guarantors and Wells Fargo 
Securities, LLC, RBC Capital Markets, LLC, RBS Securities Inc., SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. and Merrill Lynch, 
Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representatives of a group of initial purchasers, in connection with a private placement 
to eligible purchasers of $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the Issuers' 7.25% senior unsecured notes due 2021 
(the "2021 Notes").  On April 1, 2014, we completed a private placement add-on of $150.0 million of the 2021 Notes. In 2015, 
we repurchased on the open market and subsequently retired an aggregate $26.2 million of our outstanding 2021 Notes.

Interest and Maturity.  The Issuers issued the 2021 Notes pursuant to the 2021 Indenture in transactions exempt from 
registration requirements under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act").  The 2021 Notes were resold to 
qualified institutional buyers pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to persons outside the United States pursuant 
to Regulation S under the Securities Act.  The 2021 Notes will mature on February 15, 2021.  The interest payment dates are 
February 15 and August 15.

Optional Redemption.  Prior to February 15, 2017, the Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a part 
of the 2021 Notes at the redemption price equal to the sum of (i) the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) a make whole premium 
at the redemption date, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the redemption date.  On or after February 15, 2017, the 
Issuers may on any one or more occasions redeem all or a part of the 2021 Notes at the redemption prices (expressed as 
percentages of principal amount) equal to 103.625% for the twelve-month period beginning on February 15, 2017, 101.813% 
for the twelve-month period beginning on February 15, 2018 and 100.00% for the twelve-month period beginning on 
February 15, 2019 and at any time thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the applicable redemption date on the 
2021 Notes.

Certain Covenants.  The 2021 Indenture restricts our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to: (i) sell 

assets including equity interests in our subsidiaries; (ii) pay distributions on, redeem or repurchase our units or redeem or 
repurchase our subordinated debt; (iii) make investments; (iv) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue preferred 
units; (v) create or incur certain liens; (vi) enter into agreements that restrict distributions or other payments from our restricted 
subsidiaries to us; (vii) consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of our assets; (viii) engage in transactions with 
affiliates; (ix) create unrestricted subsidiaries; (x) enter into sale and leaseback transactions; or (xi) engage in certain business 
activities.  These covenants are subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications.  If the 2021 Notes achieve an 

62

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
investment grade rating from each of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services and no Default 
(as defined in the 2021 Indenture) has occurred and is continuing, many of these covenants will terminate.

Events of Default.  The 2021 Indenture provides that each of the following is an Event of Default: (i) default for 30 

days in the payment when due of interest on the 2021 Notes; (ii) default in payment when due of the principal of, or premium, 
if any, on the 2021 Notes; (iii) failure by us to comply with certain covenants relating to asset sales, repurchases of the 2021 
Notes upon a change of control and mergers or consolidations; (iv) failure by us for 180 days after notice to comply with our 
reporting obligations under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; (v) failure by us for 60 days after notice to comply with any 
of the other agreements in the 2021 Indenture; (vi) default under any mortgage, indenture or instrument governing any 
indebtedness for money borrowed or guaranteed by us or any of our restricted subsidiaries, whether such indebtedness or 
guarantee now exists or is created after the date of the 2021 Indenture, if such default: (a) is caused by a payment default; or 
(b) results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its stated maturity, and, in each case, the principal amount of the 
indebtedness, together with the principal amount of any other such indebtedness under which there has been a payment default 
or acceleration of maturity, aggregates $20.0 million or more, subject to a cure provision; (vii) failure by us or any of our 
restricted subsidiaries to pay final judgments aggregating in excess of $20.0 million, which judgments are not paid, discharged 
or stayed for a period of 60 days; (viii) except as permitted by the 2021 Indenture, any subsidiary guarantee is held in any 
judicial proceeding to be unenforceable or invalid or ceases for any reason to be in full force or effect, or any 2021 Guarantor, 
or any person acting on behalf of any Guarantor, denies or disaffirms its obligations under its subsidiary guarantee; and 
(ix) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization described in the 2021 Indenture with respect to the Issuers or 
any of our restricted subsidiaries that is a significant subsidiary or any group of restricted subsidiaries that, taken together, 
would constitute a significant subsidiary of us.  Upon a continuing Event of Default, the 2021 Trustee, by notice to the Issuers, 
or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then outstanding 2021 Notes, by notice to the Issuers and the 2021 
Trustee, may declare the 2021 Notes immediately due and payable, except that an Event of Default resulting from entry into a 
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to the Issuers, any restricted subsidiary of us that is a significant 
subsidiary or any group of its restricted subsidiaries that, taken together, would constitute a significant subsidiary of us, will 
automatically cause the 2021 Notes to become due and payable.

Revolving Credit Facility

At December 31, 2016, we maintained a $664.4 million credit facility.  This facility was most recently amended on 

April 27, 2016, when we made certain strategic amendments to our revolving credit facility which, among other things, 
decreased our borrowing capacity from $700.0 million to $664.4 million and extended the maturity date of the facility from 
March 28, 2018 to March 28, 2020.

As of December 31, 2016, we had $443.0 million outstanding under the revolving credit facility and $1.4 million of 

letters of credit issued, leaving a maximum available to be borrowed under our credit facility for future revolving credit 
borrowings and letters of credit of $220.1 million.  Subject to the financial covenants contained in our credit facility and based 
on our existing EBITDA (as defined in our credit facility) calculations, as of December 31, 2016, we have the ability to borrow 
approximately $55.5 million of that amount.  We were in compliance with all financial covenants at December 31, 2016.        

The revolving credit facility is used for ongoing working capital needs and general partnership purposes, and to 

finance permitted investments, acquisitions and capital expenditures.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, the level of 
outstanding draws on our credit facility has ranged from a low of $443.0 million to a high of $586.0 million.

The credit facility is guaranteed by substantially all of our subsidiaries.  Obligations under the credit facility are 
secured by first priority liens on substantially all of our assets and those of the guarantors, including, without limitation, 
inventory, accounts receivable, bank accounts, marine vessels, equipment, fixed assets and the interests in our subsidiaries and 
certain of our equity method investees.

We may prepay all amounts outstanding under the credit facility at any time without premium or penalty (other than 

customary LIBOR breakage costs), subject to certain notice requirements.  The credit facility requires mandatory prepayments 
of amounts outstanding thereunder with the net proceeds of certain asset sales, equity issuances and debt incurrences.

Indebtedness under the credit facility bears interest at our option at the Eurodollar Rate (the British Bankers 
Association LIBOR Rate) plus an applicable margin or the Base Rate (the highest of the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, the 
30-day Eurodollar Rate plus 1.0%, or the administrative agent’s prime rate) plus an applicable margin.  We pay a per annum fee 
on all letters of credit issued under the credit facility, and we pay a commitment fee per annum on the unused revolving credit 
availability under the credit facility.  The letter of credit fee, the commitment fee and the applicable margins for our interest rate 
vary quarterly based on our leverage ratio (as defined in the credit facility, being generally computed as the ratio of total funded 
63

 
 
   
 
 
debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain other non-cash charges) and are as 
follows as of December 31, 2016:

Leverage Ratio
Less than 3.00 to 1.00
Greater than or equal to 3.00 to 1.00 and less than 3.50 to 1.00
Greater than or equal to 3.50 to 1.00 and less than 4.00 to 1.00
Greater than or equal to 4.00 to 1.00 and less than 4.50 to 1.00
Greater than or equal to 4.50 to 1.00

Base Rate
Loans

Eurodollar
Rate
Loans

Letters of
Credit

1.00%
1.25%
1.50%
1.75%
2.00%

2.00%
2.25%
2.50%
2.75%
3.00%

2.00%
2.25%
2.50%
2.75%
3.00%

At December 31, 2016, the applicable margin for revolving loans that are LIBOR loans ranges from 2.00% to 3.00% 

and the applicable margin for revolving loans that are base prime rate loans ranges from 1.00% to 2.00%.  The applicable 
margin for LIBOR borrowings at December 31, 2016 is 3.00%.  

The credit facility includes financial covenants that are tested on a quarterly basis, based on the rolling four-quarter 

period that ends on the last day of each fiscal quarter. The maximum permitted leverage ratio is 5.25 to 1.00 with a temporary 
springing provision to 5.50 to 1.00 under certain scenarios.  The maximum permitted senior leverage ratio (as defined in the 
credit facility but generally computed as the ratio of total secured funded debt to consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, 
depreciation, amortization and certain other non-cash charges) is 3.50 to 1.00.  The minimum interest coverage ratio (as defined 
in the credit facility but generally computed as the ratio of consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, 
amortization and certain other non-cash charges to consolidated interest charges) is 2.50 to 1.00.

In addition, the credit facility contains various covenants, which, among other things, limit our and our subsidiaries’ 

ability to: (i) grant or assume liens; (ii) make investments (including investments in our joint ventures) and acquisitions; 
(iii) enter into certain types of hedging agreements; (iv) incur or assume indebtedness; (v) sell, transfer, assign or convey assets; 
(vi) repurchase our equity, make distributions and certain other restricted payments, but the credit facility permits us to make 
quarterly distributions to unitholders so long as no default or event of default exists under the credit facility; (vii) change the 
nature of our business; (viii) engage in transactions with affiliates; (ix) enter into certain burdensome agreements; (x) make 
certain amendments to the Omnibus Agreement and our material agreements; (xi) make capital expenditures; and (xii) permit 
our joint ventures to incur indebtedness or grant certain liens.

The credit facility contains customary events of default, including, without limitation: (i) failure to pay any principal, 
interest, fees, expenses or other amounts when due; (ii) failure to meet the quarterly financial covenants; (iii) failure to observe 
any other agreement, obligation, or covenant in the credit facility or any related loan document, subject to cure periods for 
certain failures; (iv) the failure of any representation or warranty to be materially true and correct when made; (v) our, or any of 
our subsidiaries’ default under other indebtedness that exceeds a threshold amount; (vi) bankruptcy or other insolvency events 
involving us or any of our subsidiaries; (vii) judgments against us or any of our subsidiaries, in excess of a threshold amount; 
(viii) certain ERISA events involving us or any of our subsidiaries, in excess of a threshold amount; (ix) a change in control (as 
defined in the credit facility); and (x) the invalidity of any of the loan documents or the failure of any of the collateral 
documents to create a lien on the collateral.

The credit facility also contains certain default provisions relating to Martin Resource Management.  If Martin 

Resource Management no longer controls our general partner, the lenders under the credit facility may declare all amounts 
outstanding thereunder immediately due and payable.  In addition, an event of default by Martin Resource Management under 
its credit facility could independently result in an event of default under our credit facility if it is deemed to have a material 
adverse effect on us.

If an event of default relating to bankruptcy or other insolvency events occurs with respect to us or any of our 
subsidiaries, all indebtedness under our credit facility will immediately become due and payable.  If any other event of default 
exists under our credit facility, the lenders may terminate their commitments to lend us money, accelerate the maturity of the 
indebtedness outstanding under the credit facility and exercise other rights and remedies.  In addition, if any event of default 
exists under our credit facility, the lenders may commence foreclosure or other actions against the collateral.

We are subject to interest rate risk on our credit facility due to the variable interest rate and may enter into interest rate 

swaps to reduce this variable rate risk.

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Partnership is in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2016 and expects to be in compliance for 

the next twelve months.

Seasonality

A substantial portion of our revenues are dependent on sales prices of products, particularly NGLs and fertilizers, 

which fluctuate in part based on winter and spring weather conditions.  The demand for NGLs is strongest during the winter 
heating season and the refinery blending season.  The demand for fertilizers is strongest during the early spring planting season.  
However, our WTLPG and natural gas storage divisions of the Natural Gas Services segment each provide stable cash flows 
and are not generally subject to seasonal demand factors.  Additionally, our Terminalling and Storage and Marine 
Transportation segments and the molten sulfur business are typically not impacted by seasonal fluctuations and a significant 
portion of our net income is derived from our terminalling and storage, sulfur and marine transportation businesses.  Therefore, 
we do not expect that our overall net income will be impacted by seasonality factors.  However, extraordinary weather events, 
such as hurricanes, have in the past, and could in the future, impact our Terminalling and Storage and Marine Transportation 
segments.

Impact of Inflation

Inflation did not have a material impact on our results of operations in 2016, 2015 or 2014.  Although the impact of 
inflation has been insignificant in recent years, it is still a factor in the U.S. economy and may increase the cost to acquire or 
replace property, plant and equipment.  It may also increase the costs of labor and supplies.  In the future, increasing energy 
prices could adversely affect our results of operations.  Diesel fuel, natural gas, chemicals and other supplies are recorded in 
operating expenses.  An increase in price of these products would increase our operating expenses which could adversely affect 
net income.  We cannot provide assurance that we will be able to pass along increased operating expenses to our customers.

Environmental Matters

Our operations are subject to environmental laws and regulations adopted by various governmental authorities in the 
jurisdictions in which these operations are conducted.  We incurred no material environmental costs, liabilities or expenditures 
to mitigate or eliminate environmental contamination during 2016, 2015 or 2014.

65

 
 
 
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Commodity Risk.  The Partnership from time to time uses derivatives to manage the risk of commodity price 

fluctuation.  Commodity risk is the adverse effect on the value of a liability or future purchase that results from a change in 
commodity price.  We have established a hedging policy and monitor and manage the commodity market risk associated with 
potential commodity risk exposure.  In addition, we focus on utilizing counterparties for these transactions whose financial 
condition is appropriate for the credit risk involved in each specific transaction.  

 We have entered into hedging transactions as of December 31, 2016 to protect a portion of our commodity price risk 

exposure.  These hedging arrangements are in the form of swaps for NGLs.  We have instruments totaling a net notional 
quantity of 731,000 barrels settling during the period from January 31, 2017 through June 30, 2017. These instruments settle 
against the applicable pricing source for each grade and location.  These instruments are recorded on our Consolidated and 
Condensed Balance Sheets at December 31, 2016 in "Fair value of derivatives" as a current liability of $3.9 million.  Based on 
the current net notional volume hedged as of December 31, 2016, a $0.10 change in the expected settlement price of these 
contracts would result in an impact of $3.1 million to the Partnership's net income.   

Interest Rate Risk.  We are exposed to changes in interest rates as a result of our credit facility, which had a weighted-

average interest rate of 3.76% as of December 31, 2016.  Based on the amount of unhedged floating rate debt owed by us on 
December 31, 2016, the impact of a 100 basis point increase in interest rates on this amount of debt would result in an increase 
in interest expense and a corresponding decrease in net income of approximately $4.4 million annually.

We are not exposed to changes in interest rates with respect to our senior unsecured notes as these obligations are 

fixed rate.  The estimated fair value of the senior unsecured notes was approximately $377.9 million as of December 31, 2016, 
based on market prices of similar debt at December 31, 2016.   Market risk is estimated as the potential decrease in fair value of 
our long-term debt resulting from a hypothetical increase of a 100 basis point increase in interest rates.  Such an increase in 
interest rates would result in approximately a $11.7 million decrease in fair value of our long-term debt at December 31, 2016.

66

 
 
 
Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The following financial statements of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. (Partnership) are listed below:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Page

68

70

71

74

75

76

67

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
Martin Midstream GP LLC: 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. and subsidiaries as 
of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in capital, and cash flows for each 
of the years in the three year period ended December 31, 2016. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of 
Martin Midstream’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on 
our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the auditing standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board 
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial  statements  are  free  of  material  misstatement. An  audit  includes  examining,  on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the 
amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by 
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable 
basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations 
and their cash flows for the each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2016 in conformity with U.S. generally 
accepted accounting principles.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), Martin Midstream Partners L.P. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based 
on criteria establish in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 15, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness 
of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting.

 /s/ KPMG LLP 

Dallas, Texas
February 15, 2017

68

 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors
Martin Midstream GP LLC: 

We have audited Martin Midstream Partners L.P. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 
31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Martin Midstream’s management is responsible for maintaining effective 
internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, 
included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting in Item 9A(b). Our responsibility 
is to express an opinion on Martin Midstream’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal 
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal 
control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and 
operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures 
as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding 
the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally 
accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that 
(1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions 
of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation 
of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the 
company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide 
reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s 
assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Martin Midstream Partners L.P. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework
(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States), the consolidated balance sheets of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, 
and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year 
period ended December 31, 2016, and our report dated February 15, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated 
financial statements. 

/s/ KPMG LLP 

Dallas, Texas
February 15, 2017

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars in thousands)

Cash
Trade and accrued accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $372 and

$

Assets

$430 respectively

Product exchange receivables

Inventories

Due from affiliates

Fair value of derivatives

Other current assets

Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Property, plant and equipment, net

Goodwill

Investment in unconsolidated entities

Notes receivable - Martin Energy Trading LLC

Intangibles and other assets, net

Liabilities and Partners’ Capital

Trade and other accounts payable

Product exchange payables

Due to affiliates

Income taxes payable
Fair value of derivatives
Other accrued liabilities

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, net

Fair value of derivatives

Other long-term obligations

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies

Partners’ capital

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

70

December 31,

2016

2015

15

$

31

80,508

207

82,631

11,567

—

3,296

15,779

194,003

74,355

1,050

75,870

10,126

675

5,718

—

167,825

1,224,277

1,387,814

(378,593)

845,684

(404,574)

983,240

17,296

129,506

15,000

44,874

23,802

132,292

15,000

58,314

1,246,363

$

1,380,473

70,249

$

7,360

8,474

870
3,904
26,717

117,574

808,107

—

8,676

81,180

12,732

5,738

985
—
18,533

119,168

865,003

206

2,217

$

$

934,357

986,594

312,006

393,879

$

1,246,363

$

1,380,473

 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

Revenues:

Terminalling and storage  *
Marine transportation  *
Natural gas storage services *
Sulfur services
Product sales: *

Natural gas services
Sulfur services
Terminalling and storage

Total revenues

Costs and expenses:

Cost of products sold: (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Natural gas services *
Sulfur services *
Terminalling and storage *

Expenses:

Operating expenses  *
Selling, general and administrative  *
Impairment of long-lived assets
Impairment of goodwill
Depreciation and amortization
Total costs and expenses

Other operating income (loss), net

Operating income

Other income (expense):

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Debt prepayment premium
Interest expense, net
Gain on retirement of senior unsecured notes

Reduction in fair value of investment in Cardinal due to the purchase of

the controlling interest

Other, net

Total other income (expense)

Net income (loss) before taxes
Income tax expense
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
Net income (loss)
Less general partner's interest in net (income) loss
Less (income) loss allocable to unvested restricted units
Limited partner's interest in net income (loss)

*Related Party Transactions Shown Below

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

71

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

123,132
58,290
61,133
10,800

330,200
130,258
113,578
574,036
827,391

289,516
87,963
94,175
471,654

158,864
34,385
26,953
4,145
92,132
788,133
33,400
72,658

4,714
—
(46,100)
—

—
1,106
(40,280)
32,378
(726)
31,652
—
31,652
(8,419)
(90)
23,143

$

132,945
78,753
64,858
12,270

$

130,506
91,372
22,991
12,149

458,302
157,891
131,825
748,018
1,036,844

990,844
203,322
190,957
1,385,123
1,642,141

413,795
114,766
112,836
641,397

183,466
36,788
10,629
—
92,250
964,530
(2,161)
70,153

8,986
—
(43,292)
1,242

—
1,124
(31,940)
38,213
(1,048)
37,165
1,215
38,380
(16,338)
(140)
21,902

948,765
159,782
172,069
1,280,616

184,049
36,316
3,445
—
68,830
1,573,256
(1,014)
67,871

5,466
(7,767)
(42,203)
—

(30,102)
1,505
(73,101)
(5,230)
(1,137)
(6,367)
(5,338)
(11,705)
(3,503)
32
(15,176)

$

$

$

$

 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

$

$

82,437
21,767
699
3,034

$

78,233
27,724
878
5,671

22,886
15,339
13,838

70,841
25,890

25,797
16,579
17,718

77,871
24,968

74,467
24,389
—
7,661

37,703
18,390
36,341

79,577
23,679

*Related Party Transactions Included Above

Revenues:

Terminalling and storage
Marine transportation
Natural gas services
Product sales
Costs and expenses:

Cost of products sold: (excluding depreciation and amortization)

Natural gas services
Sulfur services

          Terminalling and storage

Expenses:

Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

Allocation of net income (loss) attributable to:

Limited partner interest:
 Continuing operations
 Discontinued operations

General partner interest:
  Continuing operations
  Discontinued operations

Net income (loss) per unit attributable to limited partners:

Basic:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Weighted average limited partner units - basic

Diluted:

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

23,143
—
23,143

8,419
—
8,419

0.65
—
0.65

35,347

0.65
—
0.65

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

21,208
694
21,902

15,821
517
16,338

0.60
0.02
0.62

35,309

0.60
0.02
0.62

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

(8,255)
(6,921)
(15,176)

1,906
1,597
3,503

(0.27)
(0.22)
(0.49)

30,785

(0.27)
(0.22)
(0.49)

Weighted average limited partner units - diluted

35,375

35,372

30,785

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN CAPITAL
(Dollars in thousands)

Balances – December 31, 2013

26,625,026

$

254,028

$

6,389

$

260,417

Partners’ Capital

Common

Units

Amount

General
Partner

Amount

Total

Net loss

Issuance of common units, net

Issuance of restricted units

Forfeiture of restricted units

General partner contribution

Cash distributions

Excess purchase price over carrying value of acquired assets

Unit-based compensation

Purchase of treasury units

Balances – December 31, 2014

Net income

Issuance of common units, net

Issuance of restricted units

Forfeiture of restricted units

General partner contribution

Cash distributions

Reimbursement of excess purchase price over carrying value of acquired assets

Unit-based compensation

Balances – December 31, 2015

Net income

Issuance of common units, net

Issuance of restricted units

Forfeiture of restricted units

Cash distributions

Reimbursement of excess purchase price over carrying value of acquired assets

Unit-based compensation

Purchase of treasury units

Balances – December 31, 2016

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

—

8,743,386

8,900

(5,000)

—

—

—

—

(6,400)

(15,208)

331,728

—

—

—

(95,197)

(4,948)

817

(277)

3,503

—

—

—

7,007

(2,171)

—

—

—

(11,705)

331,728

—

—

7,007

(97,368)

(4,948)

817

(277)

35,365,912

470,943

14,728

485,671

—

—

91,950

(1,250)

—

—

—

—

22,042

(590)

—

—

—

16,338

—

—

—

55

38,380

(590)

—

—

55

(115,229)

(18,087)

(133,316)

2,250

1,429

—

—

2,250

1,429

35,456,612

380,845

13,034

393,879

—

—

13,800

(2,250)

—

—

—

(16,100)

23,233

8,419

31,652

(29)

—

—

—

—

—

(29)

—

—

(104,137)

(14,041)

(118,178)

4,125

904

(347)

—

—

—

4,125

904

(347)

35,452,062

$

304,594

$

7,412

$

312,006

74

MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Dollars in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income (loss)
Less:  (Income) loss from discontinued operations
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

$

Depreciation and amortization
Amortization of deferred debt issue costs
Amortization of discount on notes payable
Amortization of premium on notes payable
(Gain) loss on disposition or sale of property, plant, and equipment
Gain on retirement of senior unsecured notes
Impairment of long lived assets
Impairment of goodwill
Equity in earnings unconsolidated entities
Reduction in fair value of investment in Cardinal due to the purchase of the controlling interest
Derivative (income) loss
Net cash received for commodity derivatives
Net cash received for interest rate derivatives
Net premiums received on derivatives that settled during the year on interest rate swaption contracts
Unit-based compensation
Preferred dividends from Martin Energy Trading
Return on investment

Change in current assets and liabilities, excluding effects of acquisitions and dispositions:

Accounts and other receivables
Product exchange receivables
Inventories
Due from affiliates
Other current assets
Trade and other accounts payable
Product exchange payables
Due to affiliates
Income taxes payable
Other accrued liabilities
Change in other non-current assets and liabilities

Net cash provided by continuing operating activities
Net cash used in discontinued operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Payments for property, plant, and equipment
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired
Payments for plant turnaround costs
Proceeds from sale of property, plant, and equipment
Proceeds from involuntary conversion of property, plant and equipment
Investments in unconsolidated entities
Return of investments from unconsolidated entities
Contributions to unconsolidated entities for operations

Net cash provided by (used in) continuing investing activities
Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of long-term debt
Proceeds from long-term debt
Net proceeds from issuance of common units
General partner contributions
Excess purchase price over carrying value of acquired assets
Reimbursement of excess purchase price over carrying value of acquired assets
Purchase of treasury units
Payments of debt issuance costs
Cash distributions paid

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net decrease in cash

Cash at beginning of year
Cash at end of year

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

75

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2016

2014

$

31,652
—
31,652

92,132
3,684
—
(306)
(33,400)
—
26,953
4,145
(4,714)
—
4,133
(550)
160
630
904
—
7,500

(6,153)
843
(6,761)
(1,441)
2,478
3,254
(5,372)
2,736
(115)
686
(12,230)
110,848
—
110,848

(40,455)
(2,150)
(2,061)
108,505
—
—
—
—
63,839
—
63,839

(386,700)
331,700
(29)
—
—
4,125
(347)
(5,274)
(118,178)
(174,703)

38,380
(1,215)
37,165

92,250
4,859
—
(324)
2,149
(1,242)
10,629
—
(8,986)
—
(3,107)
143
—
2,495
1,429
—
11,200

59,479
1,996
12,799
4,386
891
(44,153)
2,336
866
(189)
(2,802)
(345)
183,924
(1,352)
182,572

(65,791)
—
(1,908)
2,644
—
—
—
—
(65,055)
41,250
(23,805)

(308,836)
282,000
(590)
55
—
2,250
—
(341)
(133,316)
(158,778)

$

(11,705)
5,338
(6,367)

68,830
6,263
1,305
(245)
1,353
—
3,445
—
(5,466)
30,102
(5,877)
3
—
6,692
817
1,498
2,600

29,025
(319)
5,680
(2,413)
4,123
(26,349)
801
2,276
(30)
1,084
181
119,012
(3,432)
115,580

(84,307)
(102,696)
(3,974)
1,030
2,475
(134,030)
225
(3,386)
(324,663)
—
(324,663)

(1,533,087)
1,493,250
331,728
7,007
(4,948)
—
(277)
(3,722)
(97,368)
192,583

(16)
31
15

$

(11)
42
31

$

(16,500)
16,542
42

$

 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

(1) 

Organization and Description of Business

Martin Midstream Partners L.P. (the "Partnership") is a publicly traded limited partnership with a diverse set of 

operations focused primarily in the United States ("U.S.") Gulf Coast region.  Its four primary business lines 
include:  terminalling and storage services for petroleum products and by-products including the refining of naphthenic crude 
oil and the blending and packaging of finished lubricants; natural gas services, including liquids transportation and distribution 
services and natural gas storage; sulfur and sulfur-based products processing, manufacturing, marketing and distribution; and 
marine transportation services for petroleum products and by-products.

The petroleum products and by-products the Partnership collects, transports, stores and distributes are produced 
primarily by major and independent oil and gas companies who often turn to third parties, such as the Partnership, for the 
transportation and disposition of these products.  In addition to these major and independent oil and gas companies, the 
Partnership's primary customers include independent refiners, large chemical companies, fertilizer manufacturers and other 
wholesale purchasers of these products.  The Partnership operates primarily in the U.S. Gulf Coast region, which is a major hub 
for petroleum refining, natural gas gathering and processing and support services for the oil and gas exploration and production 
industry.

On August 30, 2013, Martin Resource Management completed the sale of a 49% non-controlling voting interest (50% 

economic interest) in MMGP Holdings, LLC ("Holdings"), a newly-formed sole member of Martin Midstream GP LLC 
("MMGP"), the general partner of the Partnership, to certain affiliated investment funds managed by Alinda Capital Partners 
("Alinda").  Upon closing the transaction, Alinda appointed two representatives to serve on the board of directors of the general 
partner of the Partnership. 

(2) 

Significant Accounting Policies

(a)       Principles of Presentation and Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the financial statements of the Partnership and its wholly-owned 

subsidiaries and equity method investees.  In the opinion of the management of the Partnership’s general partner, all 
adjustments and elimination of significant intercompany balances necessary for a fair presentation of the Partnership’s results 
of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods shown have been made.  All such adjustments are of a normal 
recurring nature.  In addition, the Partnership evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable 
interest entities under certain provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards 
Codification ("ASC"), 810-10 and to assess whether it is the primary beneficiary of such entities.  If the determination is made 
that the Partnership is the primary beneficiary, then that entity is included in the consolidated financial statements in accordance 
with ASC 810-10.  No such variable interest entities exist as of December 31, 2016 or 2015.

As discussed in Note 5, on February 12, 2015, the Partnership sold all six 16,101 barrel liquefied petroleum gas 

("LPG") pressure barges, collectively referred to as the "Floating Storage Assets."  These assets were acquired on February 28, 
2013.  On December 19, 2014, the Partnership made the decision to dispose of the Floating Storage Assets.  As a result, the 
Partnership has presented the results of operations and cash flows of the Floating Storage Assets as discontinued operations for 
the years ended December 31, 2015 and and 2014. 

(b)       Product Exchanges

The Partnership enters into product exchange agreements with third parties, whereby the Partnership agrees to 
exchange natural gas liquids ("NGLs") and sulfur with third parties.  The Partnership records the balance of exchange products 
due to other companies under these agreements at quoted market product prices and the balance of exchange products due from 
other companies at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") method.  Product 
exchanges with the same counterparty are entered into in contemplation of one another and are combined.  The net amount 
related to location differentials is reported in "Product sales" or "Cost of products sold" in the Consolidated Statements of 
Operations.

76

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

(c)       Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market.  Cost is generally determined by using the FIFO method for all 

inventories except lubricants and lubricants packaging inventories.  Lubricants and lubricants packaging inventories cost is 
determined using standard cost, which approximates actual cost, computed on a FIFO basis.

(d)      Revenue Recognition

Terminalling and Storage – Revenue is recognized for storage contracts based on the contracted monthly tank fixed 

fee.  For throughput contracts, revenue is recognized based on the volume moved through the Partnership’s terminals at the 
contracted rate.  For the Partnership’s tolling agreement, revenue is recognized based on the contracted monthly reservation fee 
and throughput volumes moved through the facility.  When lubricants and drilling fluids are sold by truck or rail, revenue is 
recognized upon delivering product to the customers as title to the product transfers when the customer physically receives the 
product.

Natural Gas Services – NGL distribution revenue is recognized when product is delivered by truck, rail, or pipeline to 

the Partnership's NGL customers.  Natural gas storage revenue is recognized when the service is provided to the customer.

Sulfur Services – Revenue from sulfur product sales is recognized when the customer takes title to the product.   

Revenue from sulfur services is recognized as deliveries are made during each monthly period.

  Marine Transportation – Revenue is recognized for time charters based on a per day rate.  For contracted trips, 

revenue is recognized upon completion of the particular trip. 

(e)       Equity Method Investments

The Partnership uses the equity method of accounting for investments in unconsolidated entities where the ability to 
exercise significant influence over such entities exists.  Investments in unconsolidated entities consist of capital contributions 
and advances plus the Partnership’s share of accumulated earnings as of the entities’ latest fiscal year-ends, less capital 
withdrawals and distributions.  Investments in excess of the underlying net assets of equity method investees, specifically 
identifiable to property, plant and equipment, are amortized over the useful life of the related assets.  Excess investment 
representing equity method goodwill is not amortized but is evaluated for impairment, annually.  Under certain provisions of 
ASC 350-20, related to goodwill, this goodwill is not subject to amortization and is accounted for as a component of the 
investment.  Equity method investments are subject to impairment under the provisions of ASC 323-10, which relates to the 
equity method of accounting for investments in common stock.  No portion of the net income from these entities is included in 
the Partnership’s operating income.

(f)      Property, Plant, and Equipment

Owned property, plant, and equipment is stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation.  Owned buildings and 

equipment are depreciated using straight-line method over the estimated lives of the respective assets.

Equipment under capital leases is stated at the present value of minimum lease payments less accumulated 
amortization.  Equipment under capital leases is amortized on a straight line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset.

Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense while costs of betterments and renewals are 
capitalized.  When an asset is retired or sold, its cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts, and 
the difference between net book value of the asset and proceeds from disposition is recognized as gain or loss.

(g)      Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill is subject to a fair-value based impairment test on an annual basis, or more often if events or circumstances 
indicate there may be impairment.  The Partnership is required to identify its reporting units and determine the carrying value 
of each reporting unit by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets.  The 
Partnership is required to determine the fair value of each reporting unit and compare it to the carrying amount of the reporting 
unit.  To the extent the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit, the Partnership would be 

77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

required to perform the second step of the impairment test, as this is an indication that the reporting unit goodwill may be 
impaired.

When assessing the recoverability of goodwill and other intangible assets, the Partnership may first assess qualitative 

factors in determining whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit or other intangible asset is less 
than its carrying amount. After assessing qualitative factors, if the Partnership determines that it is not more likely than not that 
the fair value of a reporting unit or other intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then performing a quantitative 
assessment is not required. If an initial qualitative assessment indicates that it is more likely than not the carrying amount 
exceeds the fair value of a reporting unit or other intangible asset, a quantitative analysis will be performed. The Partnership 
may also elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to a quantitative analysis depending on the facts and 
circumstances.

Of the Partnership's four reporting units, the terminalling and storage, natural gas services, and sulfur services 

reporting units contain goodwill.  During the second quarter of 2016, the Partnership experienced an impairment of all the 
goodwill in the Partnership's marine transportation reporting unit.  See Note 8 for more information.

In performing a quantitative analysis, recoverability of goodwill for each reporting unit is measured using a weighting 

of the discounted cash flow method and two market approaches (the guideline public company method and the guideline 
transaction method).  The discounted cash flow model incorporates discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. Use 
of a discounted cash flow model is common practice in assessing impairment in the absence of available transactional market 
evidence to determine the fair value. The key assumptions used in the discounted cash flow valuation model include discount 
rates, growth rates, cash flow projections and terminal value rates. Discount rates, growth rates and cash flow projections are 
the most sensitive and susceptible to change as they require significant management judgment.  Discount rates are determined 
by using a weighted average cost of capital ("WACC"). The WACC considers market and industry data as well as company-
specific risk factors for each reporting unit in determining the appropriate discount rate to be used. The discount rate utilized 
for each reporting unit is indicative of the return an investor would expect to receive for investing in such a business. 
Management, considering industry and company specific historical and projected data, develops growth rates and cash flow 
projections for each reporting unit. Terminal value rate determination follows common methodology of capturing the present 
value of perpetual cash flow estimates beyond the last projected period assuming a constant WACC and low long-term growth 
rates. If the calculated fair value is less than the current carrying amount, impairment of the reporting unit may exist. If the 
recoverability test indicates potential impairment, the Partnership calculates an implied fair value of goodwill for the reporting 
unit. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined in a manner similar to how goodwill is calculated in a business 
combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill exceeds the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to the reporting unit, there 
is no impairment. If the carrying amount of goodwill assigned to a reporting unit exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, 
an impairment loss is recorded to write down the carrying amount. An impairment loss cannot exceed the carrying amount of 
goodwill assigned to a reporting unit but may indicate certain long-lived and amortizable intangible assets associated with the 
reporting unit may require additional impairment testing

Significant changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value for each 

reporting unit which could give rise to future impairment.  Changes to these estimates and assumptions can include, but may 
not be limited to, varying commodity prices, volume changes and operating costs due to market conditions and/or alternative 
providers of services.

Other intangible assets that have finite lives are tested for impairment when events or circumstances indicate that the 

carrying value may not be recoverable.  An impairment is indicated if the carrying amount of a long-lived intangible asset 
exceeds the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset.  If 
impairment is indicated, the Partnership would record an impairment loss equal to the difference between the carrying value 
and the fair value of the asset.  There were no intangible asset impairments in 2016, 2015 or 2014.

(h)      Debt Issuance Costs

Debt issuance costs relating to the Partnership’s revolving credit facility and senior unsecured notes are deferred and 

amortized over the terms of the debt arrangements and are shown, net of accumulated amortization, as a reduction of the related 
long-term debt.  

78

 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

In connection with the issuance, amendment, expansion and restatement of debt arrangements, the Partnership 

incurred debt issuance costs of $5,274, $341 and $3,722 in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 During 2016, the Partnership made certain strategic amendments to its credit facility which, among other things, 
decreased its borrowing capacity from $700,000 to $664,444 and extended the maturity date of the facility from March 28, 
2018 to March 28, 2020.  In connection with the amendment, the Partnership expensed $820 of unamortized debt issuance 
costs determined not to have continuing benefit.  

During 2015, the Partnership repurchased on the open market an aggregate $26,200 of 7.25% senior unsecured notes.  

The repurchase transaction resulted in the write-off of $235 of existing debt issuance costs that were determined not to have 
continuing benefit.  On August 14, 2015, the Partnership reduced its borrowing capacity under the revolving credit facility from 
$900,000 to $700,000, resulting in the write-off of $1,625 of deferred debt costs that were determined not to have continuing 
benefit.

Due to the redemption of the remaining $175,000 of 8.875% senior unsecured notes in 2014 and a reduction in the 

number of lenders under the Partnership’s multi-bank credit agreement, $3,078 of the existing debt issuance costs were 
determined not to have continuing benefit and were expensed during the year ended December 31, 2014.

Remaining unamortized deferred issuance costs are amortized over the term of each respective revised debt 

arrangement.

Amortization and write-off of debt issuance costs, which is included in interest expense, totaled $3,684, $4,859 and 

$6,263 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Accumulated amortization amounted to $14,265 
and $10,581 at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(i)      Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with ASC 360-10, long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and intangible assets with 

definite lives are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an 
asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount 
of an asset to estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If the carrying amount of an 
asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized by the amount by which the carrying amount 
of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.  Assets to be disposed of would be separately presented in the balance sheet and 
reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell and would no longer be depreciated.  The assets and 
liabilities of a disposed group classified as held for sale would be presented separately in the appropriate asset and liability 
sections of the balance sheet.  

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to certain organic growth projects in 
the Smackover Refinery and Specialty Terminals divisions of the Partnership's Terminalling and Storage segment.   These triggering 
events were the decision to not move forward with certain expansion projects due to the evaporation of the economic viability of 
the projects.  Additionally, a triggering event was identified related to the planned disposition of certain assets that were no longer 
deemed core assets to the Partnership's Martin Lubricants division.  As a result, an impairment charge of $15,252 was recorded 
in the Terminalling and Storage segment results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.  In the fourth quarter of 
2016, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to the planned disposition of certain assets that were no longer deemed 
core assets in the Partnership's Marine Transportation business.  The triggering event was the assets' inability to generate cash 
flows in recent quarters and going forward.  As a result, an impairment charge of $11,701 was recorded in the Marine Transportation 
segment results of operations in the fourth quarter of 2016.  

In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to the condensate splitter project in 

the specialty terminals division of the Partnership's Terminalling and Storage segment.  The triggering event was the decision to 
not move forward with the project due to the evaporation of the economic viability of the project.  As a result, an impairment 
charge of $9,305 was recorded in the Terminalling and Storage segment results of operations for the year ended December 31, 
2015.  In the fourth quarter of 2015, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to one inland push boat and three 
inland tank barges in the Marine Transportation segment.  The triggering event was the assets' inability to generate cash flows 
in recent quarters and going forward.  As a result, an impairment charge of $1,324 was recorded in the Marine Transportation 
segment results of operations in the fourth quarter of 2015.  

79

 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

In the third quarter of 2014, the Partnership identified a triggering event related to one offshore tow in the Marine 

Transportation segment.  The triggering event was the tow's inability to generate cash flows in recent quarters.  As a result, an 
impairment charge of $3,445 was recorded in the Marine Transportation segment results of operations in the third quarter of 
2014.  No other triggering events occurred in 2015, 2014 or 2013 that would require an additional assessment for impairment 
of long-lived assets.

(j)      Asset Retirement Obligations

Under ASC 410-20, which relates to accounting requirements for costs associated with legal obligations to retire 

tangible, long-lived assets, the Partnership records an asset retirement obligation ("ARO") at fair value in the period in which it 
is incurred by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset.  In each subsequent period, the liability is accreted 
over time towards the ultimate obligation amount and the capitalized costs are depreciated over the useful life of the related 
asset.  

(k)     Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

In accordance with certain provisions of ASC 815-10 related to accounting for derivative instruments and hedging 

activities, all derivatives and hedging instruments are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as an asset or liability 
measured at fair value and changes in fair value are recognized currently in earnings unless specific hedge accounting criteria 
are met.  If a derivative qualifies for hedge accounting, changes in the fair value can be offset against the change in the fair 
value of the hedged item through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until such time as the hedged item is 
recognized in earnings.

Derivative instruments not designated as hedges are marked to market with all market value adjustments being 

recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  

(l) 

Use of Estimates

Management has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the 

disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting 
principles generally accepted in the U.S.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

(m)      Indirect Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Indirect selling, general and administrative expenses are incurred by Martin Resource Management and allocated to 

the Partnership to cover costs of centralized corporate functions such as accounting, treasury, engineering, information 
technology, risk management and other corporate services.  Such expenses are based on the percentage of time spent by Martin 
Resource Management’s personnel that provide such centralized services.  Under an omnibus agreement with Martin Resource 
Management, the Partnership is required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for indirect general and administrative 
and corporate overhead expenses.  For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the conflicts committee of the 
Partnership's general partner ("Conflicts Committee") approved reimbursement amounts of  $13,033, $13,679 and $12,535, 
respectively, reflecting the Partnership's allocable share of such expenses.  The Conflicts Committee will review and approve 
future adjustments in the reimbursement amount for indirect expenses, if any, annually.

(n)      Environmental Liabilities and Litigation

The Partnership’s policy is to accrue for losses associated with environmental remediation obligations when such 

losses are probable and reasonably estimable.  Accruals for estimated losses from environmental remediation obligations 
generally are recognized no later than completion of the remedial feasibility study.  Such accruals are adjusted as further 
information develops or circumstances change.  Costs of future expenditures for environmental remediation obligations are not 
discounted to their present value.  Recoveries of environmental remediation costs from other parties are recorded as assets 
when their receipt is deemed probable.

(o)      Trade and Accrued Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.

80

 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest.  The allowance for doubtful 

accounts is the Partnership’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in the Partnership’s existing accounts 
receivable.

(p)      Deferred Catalyst Costs

The cost of the periodic replacement of catalysts is deferred and amortized over the catalyst’s estimated useful life, 

which ranges from 12 to 36 months.

(q)      Deferred Turnaround Costs

The Partnership capitalizes the cost of major turnarounds and amortizes these costs over the estimated period to the 

next turnaround, which ranges from 12 to 36 months.

(r)      Income Taxes

The Partnership is subject to the Texas margin tax, which is considered a state income tax, and is included in income 

tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Since the tax base on the Texas margin tax is derived from an 
income-based measure, the margin tax is construed as an income tax and, therefore, the recognition of deferred taxes applies to 
the margin tax.  The impact on deferred taxes as a result of this provision is immaterial.  

(s)      Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income includes net income and other comprehensive income.  There are no items of other 

comprehensive income or loss in any of the years presented.

(3) 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 

No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows:  Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments.  This ASU is intended to 
clarify the presentation of cash receipts and payments in specific situations.  The amendments in this ASU are effective for 
financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those 
annual periods, and early application is permitted.  The Partnership does not anticipate that ASU 2016-15 will have a material 
effect on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases.   This ASU amends the existing accounting standards for 
lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to 
lessor accounting.  ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim 
periods within that reporting period.  Early adoption of this standard is permitted.  The standard requires a modified 
retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to 
use certain transition relief.  The Partnership is evaluating the effect that ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial 
statements and related disclosures. 

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory: Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which applies 

only to inventory for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in, first-out and the retail inventory method.  This 
includes inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out or average cost.  Inventory within the scope of this standard is 
required to be measured at the lower of cost and net realizable value.  Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the 
ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The new standard will 
be effective on January 1, 2017.  The Partnership does not anticipate that ASU 2015-11 will have a material effect on its 
consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to 

recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. 
The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective.  The new standard 
is effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2018.  The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect 
transition method.  The Partnership is currently determining the overall impacts that ASU 2014-09 will have on its contract 

81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

portfolio and consolidated financial statements, and anticipate testing its new controls and processes designed to comply with 
ASU 2014-09 throughout 2017 to permit adoption by January 1, 2018.  The Partnership's approach will include performing a 
detailed review of key contracts representative of its different businesses and comparing historical accounting policies and 
practices to the new standard.  The Partnership currently intends on adopting the new standard utilizing the cumulative effect  
method which will result in the cumulative effect of the adoption being recorded as of January 1, 2018.  The Partnership is 
currently in the process of evaluating the effect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its consolidated financial statements. 

(4) 

Acquisitions

Cardinal Gas Storage Partners LLC

On August 29, 2014, the Partnership acquired from Energy Capital Partners ("ECP") all of ECP’s approximate 57.8% 
Category A membership interests in Cardinal Gas Storage Partners LLC ("Cardinal") for cash consideration of approximately 
$120,973, subject to certain post-closing adjustments.  Prior to the acquisition, the Partnership owned an approximate 42.2% 
interest in the Category A membership interests in Cardinal.  Based on the application of purchase accounting, the Partnership 
reduced the carrying value of its existing investment in Cardinal at the acquisition date by $30,102, which was recognized in 
the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.  Concurrent with the closing of 
the transaction, the Partnership retired all of the project level financing of various Cardinal subsidiaries.  The Partnership 
funded the acquisition and repayment of the project financings with borrowings under its revolving credit facility and the use of 
restricted cash acquired.  

The total purchase price is as follows:

Cash payment for 57.8% interest in Cardinal
Fair value of the Partnership's previously owned 42.2% interest in Cardinal

Total

$

$

120,973
87,613
208,586

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded in the Natural Gas Services segment at fair value in the 

following purchase price allocation which was finalized in the fourth quarter of 2014:

Restricted cash

Other current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Intangible and other assets

Project level finance debt

Other current liabilities

Other non-current liabilities
   Total

$

$

17,566

9,385

390,895

80,135
(282,087)
(6,713)
(595)
208,586

Intangible assets consist of above-market gas storage customer contracts which are amortized based upon the terms of 

the individual contracts.  At the acquisition date, the weighted average life of these contracts, based upon contracted volumes, 
was 5.1 years.

The Partnership’s results of operations from the Cardinal acquisition include revenues and net income of $61,233 and 
$16,157, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016, $64,881 and $11,899, respectively, for the year ended December 
31, 2015, and revenues and net income of $22,991 and $1,916, respectively, for the period from August 29, 2014 to December 
31, 2014. 

Natural Gas Liquids ("NGL") Storage Assets

On May 31, 2014, the Partnership acquired certain NGL storage assets, located in Arcadia, Louisiana, from a 
subsidiary of Martin Resource Management for $7,388.  This acquisition is considered a transfer of net assets between entities 
under common control.  The acquisition of these assets was recorded at the historical carrying value of the assets at the 
acquisition date.  The Partnership recorded the purchase in the following allocation:

82

 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

Property, plant and equipment
Current liabilities

$

$

2,453
(13)
2,440

The excess of the purchase price over the carrying value of the assets of $4,948 was recorded as an adjustment to 

"Partners' capital."  This transaction was funded with borrowings under the Partnership's revolving credit facility.  As no 
individual line item of the historical financial statements of the assets was in excess of 3% of the Partnership's relative financial 
statement captions, the Partnership elected not to retrospectively recast the historical financial information to include these 
assets.  

West Texas LPG Pipeline L.P.

On May 14, 2014, the Partnership acquired from a subsidiary of Atlas Pipeline Partners L.P. ("Atlas"), all of the 

outstanding membership interests in Atlas Pipeline NGL Holdings, LLC and Atlas Pipeline NGL Holdings II, LLC 
(collectively, "Atlas Holdings") for cash of approximately $134,400.  The purchase price was subsequently reduced $501 due to 
a post-closing working capital adjustment.  This transaction was recorded in "Investments in unconsolidated entities" in the 
Partnership's Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Atlas Holdings owned a 19.8% limited partnership interest and a 0.2% general 
partnership interest in West Texas LPG Pipeline L.P. ("WTLPG").  At the time of the purchase, WTLPG was operated by 
Chevron Pipe Line Company.  The 80% interest was subsequently sold to ONEOK Partners, L.P. who assumed operational 
responsibility.  WTLPG owns an approximate 2,300 mile common-carrier pipeline system that transports NGLs from New 
Mexico and Texas to Mont Belvieu, Texas for fractionation.  This acquisition will enable the Partnership to participate in the 
transportation of NGL production in West Texas and other basins along the WTLPG pipeline route.  This acquisition of the 
WTLPG business complements the Partnership's existing East Texas NGL pipeline that delivers Y-grade NGLs from East 
Texas production areas into Beaumont, Texas on a smaller scale.  This transaction was funded with borrowings under the 
Partnership's revolving credit facility.  

83

 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

Pro Forma Unaudited Financial Information for Cardinal and WTLPG

The following pro forma unaudited consolidated results of operations have been prepared as if the acquisitions of 

Cardinal and WTLPG occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2014:  

Revenue:

As reported

Pro forma

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to limited partners:

As reported

Pro forma

Net loss from discontinued operations attributable to limited partners:

As reported

Pro forma

Net income (loss) from continuing operations per unit attributable to limited partners - basic

As reported

Pro forma

Net loss from discontinued operations per unit attributable to limited partners - basic

As reported

Pro forma

Net income (loss) from continuing operations per unit attributable to limited partners - diluted

As reported

Pro forma

Net loss from discontinued operations per unit attributable to limited partners - diluted

As reported

Pro forma

Year Ended
December 31,
2014

1,642,141

1,688,629

(8,255)
1,676

(6,921)
(6,921)

(0.27)
0.05

(0.22)
(0.22)

(0.27)
0.05

(0.22)
(0.22)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

Pro forma adjustments included above are based upon currently available information which includes certain estimates 
and assumptions.  Although actual results could differ from the pro forma results, the Partnership believes the pro forma results 
provide a reasonable basis for presenting the the significant effects of the transactions.  However, the pro forma results are not 
necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the transactions had occurred at the beginning of fiscal 2014.

84

 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

(5) 

Discontinued Operations, Divestitures, and Assets Held for Sale

Long-Lived Assets Held for Sale

In the fourth quarter of 2016, the Partnership identified certain assets that were no longer deemed core to the operations 
of the Partnership in the Smackover refinery and Martin Lubricants divisions of the Terminalling and Storage segment as well as 
the inland and offshore divisions of the Marine Transportation segment.   These assets were deemed non-core due to the each 
asset's inability to generate cash flows in recent quarters as well as the expected cash flows in future quarters.  As a result, an 
impairment charge of $15,252 and $11,701 was recorded in the Terminalling and Storage and Marine Transportation segments, 
respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2016 and was presented as "Impairment of long-lived assets" in the Partnership's 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.  At December 31, 2016, the assets met the criteria to be classified as held for sale in 
accordance with ASC 360-10 and are presented at the assets' fair value less cost to sell by segment in current assets as follows:  

Terminalling and storage
Marine transportation

    Assets held for sale

December 31,
2016

$

$

10,852
4,927
15,779

The non-core assets discussed above did not qualify for discontinued operations presentation under the guidance of 

ASC 205-20.

Divestitures

Divestiture of Terminalling Assets.  On December 21, 2016, the Partnership sold its 900,000 barrel crude oil storage 
terminal, refined product barge terminal, certain pipelines and related easements as well as dockage and trans-loading assets 
located in Corpus Christi, Texas (collectively the "CCCT Assets") to NuStar Logistics, L.P. (“NuStar”) for gross consideration 
of $107,000 plus the reimbursement of certain capital expenditures and prepaid items of $2,057.  The Partnership received net 
proceeds of approximately $93,347 after transaction fees and expenses as well as the application of certain net cash payments 
previously received by us in conjunction with its mandated relocation of certain dockage assets to the purchase price in the 
amount of $13,400.  Proceeds from the sale were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under the Partnership's revolving 
credit facility.  The Partnership recorded a gain from the divestiture of $37,345, which was included in "Other operating 
income, net on the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016.  Net income 
attributable to the CCCT Assets included in the Partnership's Consolidated Statements of Operations was $43,804, $10,880, and 
$16,241 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

The divestiture of the CCCT Assets did not qualify for discontinued operations presentation under the guidance of 

ASC 205-20.

Divestiture of Floating Storage Assets.  On February 12, 2015, the Partnership sold all six 16,101 barrel liquefied 

petroleum gas ("LPG") pressure barges, collectively referred to as the Floating Storage Assets for $41,250.  These assets were 
acquired on February 28, 2013.  The Partnership classified the results of operations of these assets, which were previously 
presented as a component of the Natural Gas Services segment, as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of 
Operations for 2015 and 2014.  The Partnership has retrospectively adjusted its prior period consolidated financial statements to 
comparably classify the amounts related to the operations and cash flows of the Floating Storage Assets as discontinued 
operations.  The Floating Storage Assets were presented as discontinued operations under the guidance prior to the 
Partnership's adoption of ASU 2014-08 related to discontinued operations.  The adoption of the amended guidance was 
effective for the Partnership January 1, 2015.

85

 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

The Floating Storage Assets’ operating results, which are included in income from discontinued operations, were as 

follows:

Year Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

Total revenues from third parties1      
Total costs and expenses and other, net, excluding depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization
Other operating income, net 2
Income (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes
Income tax expense
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

$

$

— $
—
—
—
—
—
— $

791
1,038
—
1,462
1,215
—
1,215

$

$

51,264
55,068
1,534
—
(5,338)
—
(5,338)

1 Total revenues from third parties excludes intercompany revenues of $0 and $0 and $5,241 for the years ended 

December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

2 Other operating income, net represents the gain on the disposition of the Floating Storage Assets.

(6) 

Inventories

Components of inventories at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 

2016

2015

Natural gas liquids
Sulfur
Sulfur based products
Lubricants
Other

$

$

33,656
8,521
19,107
18,276
3,071
82,631

(7)  

Property, Plant and Equipment

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, property, plant and equipment consisted of the following:

Land
Improvements to land and buildings
Storage equipment
Marine vessels
Operating plant and equipment
Base Gas
Furniture, fixtures and other equipment
Transportation equipment
Construction in progress

Depreciable
Lives
—
10-25 years
5-50 years
4-25 years
3-50 years
—
3-20 years
3-7 years

2016

20,679
135,852
168,839
181,659
620,303
43,799
19,034
1,738
32,374
1,224,277

$

  $

$

$

$

$

20,959
13,812
19,400
18,675
3,024
75,870

2015

23,931
159,160
191,095
257,858
631,728
43,799
4,375
2,237
73,631
1,387,814

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2016,  2015 and 2014 was $72,405, $67,134 and $56,309.

Additions to property, plant and equipment included in accounts payable at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $1,819 

and $6,004, respectively.

86

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

(8)  

Goodwill 

The following table represents the goodwill balance at December 31, 2015, changes during the year, and the resulting 

balances at December 31, 2016: 

Carrying amount of goodwill:
   Terminalling and storage
   Natural gas services
   Sulfur services
   Marine transportation
        Total goodwill

2015

Impairment1

CCCT 
Assets2

2016

$

$

14,229
79
5,349
4,145
23,802

$

$

— $
—
—
(4,145)
(4,145) $

(2,361) $
— $
— $
— $
(2,361) $

11,868
79
5,349
—
17,296

1 During the second quarter of 2016, the Partnership determined that the state of market conditions in the Marine Transportation 
reporting unit, including the demand for utilization, day rates and the current oversupply of inland tank barges, indicated that an 
impairment of goodwill may exist.  As a result, the Partnership assessed qualitative factors and determined that the Partnership 
could not conclude it was more likely than not that the fair value of goodwill exceeded its carrying value. In turn, the 
Partnership prepared a quantitative analysis of the fair value of the goodwill as of June 30, 2016, based on the weighted average 
valuation of the aforementioned income and market based valuation approaches. The underlying results of the valuation were 
driven by our actual results during the six months ended June 30, 2016 and the pricing and market conditions existing as of 
June 30, 2016, which were below our forecasts at the time of the previous goodwill assessments.  Other key estimates, 
assumptions and inputs used in the valuation included long-term growth rates, discounts rates, terminal values, valuation 
multiples and relative valuations when comparing the reporting unit to similar businesses or asset bases.  Upon completion of 
the analysis, a $4,145 impairment of all goodwill in the Marine Transportation reporting unit was incurred during the second 
quarter of 2016.  The Partnership did not recognize any other goodwill impairment losses for the year ended December 31, 
2016.

2 This change represents goodwill disposed of as part of the Partnership's divestiture of the CCCT Assets. See Note 5.

(9)  

Leases

The Partnership has numerous non-cancelable operating leases primarily for terminal facilities and transportation and 

other equipment.  The leases generally provide that all expenses related to the equipment are to be paid by the lessee.  
Management expects to renew or enter into similar leasing arrangements for similar equipment upon the expiration of the 
current lease agreements.  The Partnership also has cancelable operating lease land rentals and outside marine vessel charters.  

The Partnership’s future minimum lease obligations as of December 31, 2016 consist of the following:

Fiscal year

2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
Thereafter

Total

Operating
Leases

$

$

10,458
5,633
4,036
3,389
1,041
8,449
33,006

Rent expense for continuing operating leases for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $19,005, 

$18,831 and $18,724, respectively. 

87

 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

(10) 

Investments in Unconsolidated Entities and Joint Ventures

On August 29, 2014, the Partnership acquired ECP's approximate 57.8% Category A interest in Cardinal.  Prior to the 

acquisition, the Partnership owned an approximate 42.2%  Category A interest in Cardinal which was accounted for by the 
equity method.  See Note 4 for discussion of the acquisition of the remaining interests.      

On May 14, 2014, the Partnership acquired from a subsidiary of Atlas, all of the outstanding membership interests in 

Atlas Holdings for cash of approximately $134,400 at closing.  The purchase price was subsequently reduced $501 due to a 
post-closing working capital adjustment.  Atlas Holdings owned a 19.8% limited partner interest and a 0.2% general partner 
interest in WTLPG.  At the time of the purchase, WTLPG was operated by Chevron Pipe Line Company.   The 80% interest 
was subsequently sold to ONEOK Partners, L.P. who assumed operational responsibility.  WTLPG owns an approximate 2,300 
mile common-carrier pipeline system that transports NGLs from New Mexico and Texas to Mont Belvieu, Texas for 
fractionation.  The Partnership recognizes its combined 20%  interest in WTLPG as "Investment in unconsolidated entities" on 
its Consolidated Balance Sheet.  The Partnership accounts for its ownership interest in WTLPG under the equity method of 
accounting with recognition of its ownership interest in the income of WTLPG as "Equity in earnings of unconsolidated 
entities" on its Consolidated Statement of Operations.    

In March 2013, the Partnership acquired 100% of the preferred interests in Martin Energy Trading LLC ("MET"), a 

subsidiary of Martin Resource Management for $15,000.  On August 31, 2014, MET converted its preferred equity to 
subordinated debt.  The resulting $15,000 note receivable from MET bears an annual interest rate of 15% and matures August 
31, 2026.  MET may prepay any or all of the note balance after September 1, 2016.  See Note 13.

These investments are accounted for by the equity method.  Selected financial information for significant 

unconsolidated equity method investees is as follows:

2016

2015

2014

WTLPG

WTLPG

WTLPG

Cardinal1

As of December 31,

Years ended December 31,

Total Assets

Long-Term Debt

Members’ Equity/
Partners' Capital

Revenues

Net Income

$

$

$

$

812,464

819,342

827,697

$

$

$

— $

790,406

— $

804,023

— $

818,546

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

88,468

100,708

95,315

46,488

$

$

$

$

23,883

46,294

38,698

1,911

1 Financial information for Cardinal includes revenues and net income for the 2014 period prior to the Partnership's 

acquisition of the 57.8% interest not previously owned.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Partnership’s interest in cash of the unconsolidated equity method investees 

was $631 and $1,060, respectively.

(11)        Fair Value Measurements

The Partnership uses a valuation framework based upon inputs that market participants use in pricing certain assets 
and liabilities.  These inputs are classified into two categories: observable inputs and unobservable inputs.  Observable inputs 
represent market data obtained from independent sources.  Unobservable inputs represent the Partnership's own market 
assumptions.  Unobservable inputs are used only if observable inputs are unavailable or not reasonably available without undue 
cost and effort.  The two types of inputs are further prioritized into the following hierarchy:

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumptions and are not corroborated by market data.

88

 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized below:

Commodity derivative contracts, net

Interest rate derivative contracts

Level 2

December 31,

2016

2015

$

(3,904) $
—

675
(206)

The Partnership is required to disclose estimated fair values for its financial instruments.  Fair value estimates are set 

forth below for these financial instruments.  The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of 
each class of financial instrument:

•  Accounts and other receivables, trade and other accounts payable, accrued interest payable, other accrued liabilities, 
income taxes payable and due from/to affiliates:  The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short 
maturity and highly liquid nature of these instruments, and as such these have been excluded from the table below.  
There is negligible credit risk associated with these instruments.  

•  Note receivable and long-term debt including current portion: The carrying amount of the revolving credit facility 

approximates fair value due to the debt having a variable interest rate and is in Level 2.  The Partnership has not had 
any indicators which represent a change in the market spread associated with its variable interest rate debt. 

•  The estimated fair value of the senior unsecured notes is based on market prices of similar debt.  The estimated fair 
value of the note receivable from Martin Energy Trading was determined by calculating the net present value of the 
payments over the life of the note.  The note is considered Level 3 due to the lack of observable inputs for similar 
transactions between related parties.

Note receivable - MET

2021 Senior unsecured notes

(12) 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Carrying
Value

Fair
Value

Carrying
Value

Fair
Value

$

15,000

$

15,797

$

15,000

$

15,830

372,239

377,882

371,861

318,000

The Partnership’s revenues and cost of products sold are materially impacted by changes in NGL prices.  Additionally, 

the Partnership's results of operations are materially impacted by changes in interest rates.  In an effort to manage its exposure 
to these risks, the Partnership periodically enters into various derivative instruments, including commodity and interest rate 
hedges.  All of the Partnership's derivatives are non-hedge derivatives and therefore all changes in fair values are recognized as 
gains and losses in the earnings of the periods in which they occur.

(a) 

Commodity Derivative Instruments

The Partnership from time to time has used derivatives to manage the risk of commodity price fluctuation.  

Commodity risk is the adverse effect on the value of a liability or future purchase that results from a change in commodity 
price.  The Partnership has established a hedging policy and monitors and manages the commodity market risk associated with 
potential commodity risk exposure.  In addition, the Partnership has focused on utilizing counterparties for these transactions 
whose financial condition is appropriate for the credit risk involved in each specific transaction. The Partnership has entered 
into hedging transactions as of December 31, 2016 to protect a portion of its commodity price risk exposure.  These hedging 
arrangements are in the form of swaps for NGLs.  The Partnership has instruments totaling a notional quantity of 731,000 
barrels settling during the period from January 31, 2017 through June 30, 2017.  These instruments settle against the applicable 
pricing source for each grade and location.  MET serves as the counterparty for all positions outstanding at December 31, 2016. 

Due to the acquisition of the remaining interests of Cardinal on August 29, 2014, the Partnership acquired a notional 
quantity of 3,631,740 MMBtu of natural gas call options with a strike price of $4.50 per MMBtu.  These options managed the 

89

 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

purchase of base gas at Monroe Gas Storage Company, LLC for the portion of base gas that was leased with Credit Suisse at the 
acquisition date and was scheduled to be returned in January and February 2015.  The options were set to settle in two 
increments of 2,345,498 MMBtu and 1,286,242 MMBtu on January 31, 2015 and February 28, 2015, respectively.  On 
December 31, 2014, the Partnership terminated these options, resulting in a termination benefit of $3, which was recorded in 
"Other, net" in the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.    

(b) 

Interest Rate Derivative Instruments

The Partnership is exposed to market risks associated with interest rates.  Market risk is the adverse effect on the value 

of a financial instrument that results from a change in interest rates.  We minimize this market risk by establishing and 
monitoring parameters that limit the types and degree of market risk that may be undertaken.  The Partnership enters into 
interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk associated with the Partnership’s variable rate credit facility and it's senior 
unsecured notes. 

As of December 31, 2015, the Partnership had a fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement with a notional 

principal amount of $50,000, effectively converting the interest expense associated with a portion of the Partnership's 2021 
senior unsecured notes from fixed rate to variable rate based on the LIBOR interest rate.  The Partnership's swap agreement has 
a termination date that corresponds to the maturity date of the 2021 senior unsecured notes.  As of December 31, 2015, the 
maximum length of time over which the Partnership has hedged a portion of its exposure to the variability in the value of this 
debt due to interest rate risk is through December of 2020.  This instrument is recorded on the Partnership's Consolidated 
Balance Sheets at December 31, 2015 in "Fair value of derivatives" as a non current liability of $206.  This position terminated 
on January 7, 2016, resulting in a benefit of $160.

During the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Partnership entered into contracts which provided 

the counterparty the option to enter into swap contracts to hedge the Partnership's exposure to changes in the fair value of its 
senior unsecured notes ("interest rate swaptions").  In connection with the interest rate swaption contracts, the Partnership 
received premiums of $630 and $2,495, which represented their fair value on the date the transactions were initiated and were 
initially recorded as derivative liabilities on the Partnership's Consolidated Balance Sheet, during the twelve months ended 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Each of the interest rate swaptions was fully amortized as of December 31, 2016.  
Interest rate swaption contract premiums received are amortized over the period from initiation of the contract through their 
termination date.  For the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Partnership recognized $630 and $2,495, 
respectively, of premium in "Interest expense, net" on the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Operations related to the 
interest rate swaption contracts.

On April 1, 2014, the Partnership entered into two fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate 

notional amount of $100,000 each to hedge its exposure to changes in the fair value of its senior unsecured notes.  On May 14, 
2014 the Partnership terminated these swaps and received a termination benefit of $2,380 upon cancellation of these swap 
agreements.  This amount was recorded in "Interest expense, net" in the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Operations for 
the year ended December 31, 2014.  Additionally, subsequent to the termination on May 14, 2014, the Partnership entered into 
two fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreements on May 14, 2014 with an aggregate notional amount of $100,000 each to 
hedge its exposure to changes in the fair value of its senior unsecured notes.  In August 2014, the Partnership received a 
scheduled swap settlement related to these agreements totaling $976.  This amount was recorded in "Interest expense, net" in 
the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

On September 18, 2014, the Partnership entered into a fixed-to-variable interest rate swap agreement, with an 
aggregate notional amount of $50,000, to hedge its exposure to changes in the fair value of its senior unsecured notes.  

On October 9, 2014, the Partnership terminated each of its three outstanding swaps, receiving a termination benefit of 

$2,125, which was recorded in "Interest expense, net" in the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year 
ended December 31, 2014.

Subsequent to the termination on October 9, 2014, the Partnership entered into two fixed-to-variable interest rate swap 

agreements, each with an aggregate notional amount of $50,000 to hedge its exposure to changes in the fair value of its senior 
unsecured notes.  On October 14, 2014, the Partnership terminated each of these two swaps, receiving a termination benefit of 
$500, which was recorded in "Interest expense, net" in the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year 
ended December 31, 2014.

90

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

Subsequent to the termination on October 14, 2014, the Partnership entered into two fixed-to-variable interest rate 

swap agreements, each with an aggregate notional amount of $50,000 to hedge its exposure to changes in the fair value of its 
senior unsecured notes.  On October 14, 2014, the Partnership terminated each of these two swaps, receiving a termination 
benefit of $711, which was recorded in "Interest expense, net" in the Partnership's Consolidated Statement of Operations for the 
year ended December 31, 2014.

For information regarding fair value amounts and gains and losses on interest rate derivative instruments and related 

hedged items, see "Tabular Presentation of Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments and Related Hedged Items" below.

(c) 

Tabular Presentation of Gains and Losses on Derivative Instruments 

The following table summarizes the fair values and classification of the Partnership’s derivative instruments in its 

Consolidated Balance Sheets:

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet

Derivative Assets

Fair Values

Derivative Liabilities

Fair Values

 Balance 
Sheet 
Location

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

 Balance 
Sheet 
Location

December 31,
2016

December 31,
2015

Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments:

Current:

Commodity contracts

Derivatives not designated
as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Total derivatives not

designated as hedging
instruments

Fair value of
derivatives

$

— $

Fair value of
derivatives

675

$

3,904

$

—

Non Current:

Fair value of
derivatives

  Non Current:

Fair value of
derivatives

—

—

—

$

— $

675  

$

3,904

$

206

206

Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statement of Operations                                                                   

For the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014

Location of Gain or (Loss)
Recognized in Income
on Derivatives

Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on
Derivatives

2016

2015

2014

Interest expense

Interest expense

Cost of products sold

Other income

$

$

(630) $

2,495

$

(366)

5,129

—

(206)

818

—

4,133

$

3,107

$

—

6,692

—

(815)

5,877

Derivatives not designated as hedging  instruments:

Interest rate swaption contracts

Interest rate contracts

Commodity contracts

Commodity contracts

Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

(13) 

Related Party Transactions

As of December 31, 2016, Martin Resource Management owned 6,264,532 of the Partnership’s common units 

representing approximately 17.7% of the Partnership’s outstanding limited partnership units.  Martin Resource Management 
controls the Partnership's general partner by virtue of its 51% voting interest in Holdings, the sole member of the Partnership's 
general partner.  The Partnership’s general partner, MMGP, owns a 2% general partner interest in the Partnership and the 
Partnership’s incentive distribution rights.  The Partnership’s general partner’s ability, as general partner, to manage and operate 
the Partnership, and Martin Resource Management’s ownership as of December 31, 2016, of approximately 17.7% of the 

91

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

Partnership’s outstanding limited partnership units, effectively gives Martin Resource Management the ability to veto some of 
the Partnership’s actions and to control the Partnership’s management.

The following is a description of the Partnership’s material related party agreements:

Omnibus Agreement

  Omnibus Agreement.  The Partnership and its general partner are parties to the Omnibus Agreement dated November 

1, 2002, with Martin Resource Management that governs, among other things, potential competition and indemnification 
obligations among the parties to the agreement, related party transactions, the provision of general administration and support 
services by Martin Resource Management and the Partnership’s use of certain Martin Resource Management trade names and 
trademarks.  The Omnibus Agreement was amended on November 25, 2009, to include processing crude oil into finished 
products including naphthenic lubricants, distillates, asphalt and other intermediate cuts.  The Omnibus Agreement was 
amended further on October 1, 2012, to permit the Partnership to provide certain lubricant packaging products and services to 
Martin Resource Management.  

Non-Competition Provisions.  Martin Resource Management has agreed for so long as it controls the general partner of 

the Partnership, not to engage in the business of:

• 

• 

• 

providing terminalling and storage services for petroleum products and by-products including the refining, blending  
and packaging of finished lubricants;

providing marine transportation of petroleum products and by-products;

distributing NGLs; and

•  manufacturing and selling sulfur-based fertilizer products and other sulfur-related products.

This restriction does not apply to:

• 

• 

the ownership and/or operation on the Partnership’s behalf of any asset or group of assets owned by it or its affiliates;

any business operated by Martin Resource Management, including the following:

providing land transportation of various liquids;

distributing fuel oil, sulfuric acid, marine fuel and other liquids;

providing marine bunkering and other shore-based marine services in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama, and Florida;

operating a crude oil gathering business in Stephens, Arkansas;

providing crude oil gathering, refining, and marketing services of base oils, asphalt, and distillate products in 
Smackover, Arkansas;

providing crude oil marketing and transportation from the well head to the end market;

operating an environmental consulting company;

operating an engineering services company; 

supplying employees and services for the operation of the Partnership's business; 

operating a crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and biofuels optimization business; and

92

 
 
 
 
         
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

operating, solely for the Partnership's account, the asphalt facilities in Omaha, Nebraska, Port Neches, Texas 
and South Houston, Texas.

• 

• 

• 

any business that Martin Resource Management acquires or constructs that has a fair market value of less than $5,000;

any business that Martin Resource Management acquires or constructs that has a fair market value of $5,000 or more if 
the Partnership has been offered the opportunity to purchase the business for fair market value and the Partnership 
declines to do so with the concurrence of the Conflicts Committee; and

any business that Martin Resource Management acquires or constructs where a portion of such business includes a 
restricted business and the fair market value of the restricted business is $5,000 or more and represents less than 20% 
of the aggregate value of the entire business to be acquired or constructed; provided that, following completion of the 
acquisition or construction, the Partnership will be provided the opportunity to purchase the restricted business.

Services.  Under the Omnibus Agreement, Martin Resource Management provides the Partnership with corporate staff, 
support services, and administrative services necessary to operate the Partnership’s business.  The Omnibus Agreement requires 
the Partnership to reimburse Martin Resource Management for all direct expenses it incurs or payments it makes on the 
Partnership’s behalf or in connection with the operation of the Partnership’s business.  There is no monetary limitation on the 
amount the Partnership is required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for direct expenses.  In addition to the direct 
expenses, under the Omnibus Agreement, the Partnership is required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for indirect 
general and administrative and corporate overhead expenses.

Effective January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2017, the Conflicts Committee approved an annual reimbursement 

amount for indirect expenses of $16,416.  The Partnership reimbursed Martin Resource Management for $13,033, $13,679 and 
$12,535 of indirect expenses for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  The Conflicts Committee 
will review and approve future adjustments in the reimbursement amount for indirect expenses, if any, annually.

These indirect expenses are intended to cover the centralized corporate functions Martin Resource Management 

provides for the Partnership, such as accounting, treasury, clerical, engineering, legal, billing, information technology, 
administration of insurance, general office expenses and employee benefit plans and other general corporate overhead functions 
the Partnership shares with Martin Resource Management retained businesses.  The provisions of the Omnibus Agreement 
regarding Martin Resource Management’s services will terminate if Martin Resource Management ceases to control the general 
partner of the Partnership.

Related  Party Transactions.  The Omnibus Agreement prohibits the Partnership from entering into any material 

agreement with Martin Resource Management without the prior approval of the Conflicts Committee.  For purposes of the 
Omnibus Agreement, the term material agreements means any agreement between the Partnership and Martin Resource 
Management that requires aggregate annual payments in excess of then-applicable agreed upon reimbursable amount of indirect 
general and administrative expenses.  Please read "Services" above.

License Provisions.  Under the Omnibus Agreement, Martin Resource Management has granted the Partnership a 

nontransferable, nonexclusive, royalty-free right and license to use certain of its trade names and marks, as well as the trade 
names and marks used by some of its affiliates.

Amendment and Termination.  The Omnibus Agreement may be amended by written agreement of the parties; 

provided, however, that it may not be amended without the approval of the Conflicts Committee if such amendment would 
adversely affect the unitholders.  The Omnibus Agreement was first amended on November 25, 2009, to permit the Partnership 
to provide refining services to Martin Resource Management.  The Omnibus Agreement was amended further on October 1, 
2012, to permit the Partnership to provide certain lubricant packaging products and services to Martin Resource 
Management.  Such amendments were approved by the Conflicts Committee.  The Omnibus Agreement, other than the 
indemnification provisions and the provisions limiting the amount for which the Partnership will reimburse Martin Resource 
Management for general and administrative services performed on its behalf, will terminate if the Partnership is no longer an 
affiliate of Martin Resource Management.

93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

Motor Carrier Agreement

Motor Carrier Agreement.  The Partnership is a party to a motor carrier agreement effective January 1, 2006 as 

amended, with Martin Transport, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Martin Resource Management through which Martin 
Transport, Inc. operates its land transportation operations.  Under the agreement, Martin Transport, Inc. agreed to transport the 
Partnership's NGLs as well as other liquid products.

Term and Pricing.  The agreement has an initial term that expired in December 2007 but automatically renews for 

consecutive one year periods unless either party terminates the agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least 30 
days prior to the expiration of the then-applicable term.  The Partnership has the right to terminate this agreement at any time by 
providing 90 days prior notice.  Under this agreement, Martin Transport, Inc. transports the Partnership’s NGL shipments as 
well as other liquid products.  These rates are subject to any adjustments which are mutually agreed or in accordance with a 
price index.  Additionally, during the term of the agreement, shipping charges are also subject to fuel surcharges determined on 
a weekly basis in accordance with the U.S. Department of Energy’s national diesel price list.

Indemnification.  Martin Transport has indemnified us against all claims arising out of the negligence or willful 
misconduct of Martin Transport and its officers, employees, agents, representatives and subcontractors.  We indemnified Martin 
Transport against all claims arising out of the negligence or willful misconduct of us and our officers, employees, agents, 
representatives and subcontractors.  In the event a claim is the result of the joint negligence or misconduct of Martin Transport 
and us, our indemnification obligations will be shared in proportion to each party’s allocable share of such joint negligence or 
misconduct.

Marine Agreements

Marine Transportation Agreement.  The Partnership is a party to a marine transportation agreement effective January 
1, 2006, as amended, under which the Partnership provides marine transportation services to Martin Resource Management on 
a spot-contract basis at applicable market rates.  Effective each January 1, this agreement automatically renews for consecutive 
one year periods unless either party terminates the agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least 60 days prior to 
the expiration of the then applicable term.  The fees the Partnership charges Martin Resource Management are based on 
applicable market rates.

Marine Fuel.  The Partnership is a party to an agreement with Martin Resource Management dated November 1, 2002 
under which Martin Resource Management provides the Partnership with marine fuel from its locations in the Gulf of Mexico 
at a fixed rate in excess of a price index.  Under this agreement, the Partnership agreed to purchase all of its marine fuel 
requirements that occur in the areas serviced by Martin Resource Management.

Terminal Services Agreements

Diesel Fuel Terminal Services Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2016, the Partnership entered into a new terminalling 

services agreement under which the Partnership provides terminal services to Martin Resource Management for marine fuel 
distribution.  The per gallon throughput fee the Partnership charges under this agreement was increased when compared to the 
previous agreement and may be adjusted annually based on a price index.  This agreement was amended on January 1, 2017 to 
reduce the minimum throughput requirements under such agreement. 

Miscellaneous Terminal Services Agreements.  The Partnership is currently party to several terminal services 
agreements and from time to time the Partnership may enter into other terminal service agreements for the purpose of providing 
terminal services to related parties.  Individually, each of these agreements is immaterial but when considered in the aggregate 
they could be deemed material.  These agreements are throughput based with a minimum volume commitment.  Generally, the 
fees due under these agreements are adjusted annually based on a price index.

Other Agreements

  Cross Tolling Agreement.  The Partnership is a party to an amended and restated tolling agreement with Cross Oil 

Refining and Marketing, Inc. ("Cross") dated October 28, 2014, under which the Partnership processes crude oil into finished 
products, including naphthenic lubricants, distillates, asphalt and other intermediate cuts for Cross.  The tolling agreement 
expires November 25, 2031.  Under this tolling agreement, Cross agreed to process a minimum of 6,500 barrels per day of 

94

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

crude oil at the facility at a fixed price per barrel.  Any additional barrels are processed at a modified price per barrel.  In 
addition, Cross agreed to pay a monthly reservation fee and a periodic fuel surcharge fee based on certain parameters specified 
in the tolling agreement.  All of these fees (other than the fuel surcharge) are subject to escalation annually based upon the 
greater of 3% or the increase in the Consumer Price Index for a specified annual period.  In addition, on the third, sixth and 
ninth anniversaries of the agreement, the parties can negotiate an upward or downward adjustment in the fees subject to their 
mutual agreement.

Sulfuric Acid Sales Agency Agreement.  The Partnership is party to a second amended and restated sulfuric acid sales 
agency agreement dated August 5, 2013, under which Martin Resource Management purchases and markets the sulfuric acid 
produced by the Partnership’s sulfuric acid production plant at Plainview, Texas, that is not consumed by the Partnership’s 
internal operations.  This agreement, as amended, will remain in place until the Partnership terminates it by providing 180 days’ 
written notice.  Under this agreement, the Partnership sells all of its excess sulfuric acid to Martin Resource Management. 
Martin Resource Management then markets such acid to third-parties and the Partnership shares in the profit of Martin 
Resource Management’s sales of the excess acid to such third parties.

Other Miscellaneous Agreements.  From time to time the Partnership enters into other miscellaneous agreements with 

Martin Resource Management for the provision of other services or the purchase of other goods.

The tables below summarize the related party transactions that are included in the related financial statement captions 

on the face of the Partnership’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.  The revenues, costs and expenses reflected in these 
tables are tabulations of the related party transactions that are recorded in the corresponding caption of the Consolidated 
Statements of Operations and do not reflect a statement of profits and losses for related party transactions.

The impact of related party revenues from sales of products and services is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of 

Operations as follows:

Revenues:

Terminalling and storage
Marine transportation
Natural gas services
Product sales:

Natural gas services
Sulfur services
Terminalling and storage

2016

2015

2014

82,437
21,767
699

8
2,006
1,020
3,034
107,937

$

$

78,233
27,724
878

196
3,639
1,836
5,671
112,506

$

$

74,467
24,389
—

3,064
3,921
676
7,661
106,517

$

$

The impact of related party cost of products sold is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:

Cost of products sold:
Natural gas services
Sulfur services
Terminalling and storage

$

$

22,886
15,339
13,838
52,063

$

$

25,797
16,579
17,718
60,094

$

$

37,703
18,390
36,341
92,434

The impact of related party operating expenses is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as follows:

Operating expenses:

Marine transportation
Natural gas services
Sulfur services
Terminalling and storage

$

$

28,107
9,258
5,995
27,481
70,841

$

$

32,373
8,639
6,928
29,931
77,871

$

$

37,703
4,870
7,479
29,525
79,577

95

 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

The impact of related party selling, general and administrative expenses is reflected in the Consolidated Statements of 

Operations as follows:

Selling, general and administrative:

Marine transportation
Natural gas services
Sulfur services
Terminalling and storage
Indirect overhead allocation, net of reimbursement

Other Related Party Transactions

$

$

30
7,566
2,732
2,526
13,036
25,890

$

$

29
6,216
2,760
2,284
13,679
24,968

$

$

30
6,039
3,201
1,874
12,535
23,679

As discussed in Note 10, during March 2013, the Partnership acquired 100% of the preferred interests in MET, a 

subsidiary of Martin Resource Management, for $15,000.  On August 31, 2014, MET converted its preferred equity to 
subordinated debt. The resulting $15,000 note receivable from MET bears an annual interest rate of 15% and matures 
August 31, 2026.  MET may prepay any or all of the note balance on or after September 1, 2016.  The note is recorded in "Note 
receivable - Martin Energy Trading LLC" on the Partnership's Consolidated Balance Sheet.  Interest income for the years ended 
December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 was $2,256, $2,250 and $752, respectively, and is included in "Interest expense, net" in the 
Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As discussed in Note 12, during the twelve months ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Partnership entered into 
certain derivative financial instruments through June 30, 2017 to protect a portion of its commodity price risk exposure related 
to NGLs.  MET served as counterparty to the outstanding positions at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

(14) 

Supplemental Balance Sheet Information

Components of "Intangibles and other assets, net" at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Customer contracts and relationships, net
Other intangible assets
Other

2016

2015

$

$

36,528
2,280
6,066
44,874

$

$

50,452
1,818
6,044
58,314

Other intangible assets consist of covenants not-to-compete, technology-based assets, and customer relationships.

Aggregate amortization expense for customer contracts and other intangible assets included in continuing operations 

was $19,548, $22,115, and $9,772, for the years ended  December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and accumulated 
amortization amounted to $48,876 and $32,842 at  December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  

Estimated amortization expense for customer contract and relationships and other intangible assets for the years 
subsequent to December 31, 2016 are as follows:  2017 - $11,804; 2018 - $7,472; 2019 - $4,471; 2020 - $4,440; 2021 - $4,319; 
subsequent years - $6,302. 

96

 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

Components of "Other accrued liabilities" at December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

Accrued interest
Asset retirement obligations
Property and other taxes payable
Accrued payroll
Other

The schedule below summarizes the changes in our asset retirement obligations:

Beginning asset retirement obligations
Revisions to existing liabilities1
Accretion
Liabilities settled
Ending asset retirement obligations
Current portion of asset retirement obligations2
Long-term portion of asset retirement obligations3

2016

2015

10,629
7,953
6,443
1,672
20
26,717

$

$

10,365
—
6,668
1,389
111
18,533

$

$

Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

(In thousands)

$

2,163

$

14,379
178
(302)
16,418
(7,953)
8,465

$

$

2,052

—
111
—
2,163
—
2,163

1Several factors are considered in the annual review process, including inflation rates, current estimates for removal cost, 
discount rates, and the estimated remaining useful life of the assets.  The 2016 revisions reflect changes in removal cost 
estimates and the estimated remaining useful life of assets. 

2The current portion of asset retirement obligations is included in "Other current liabilities" on the Partnership's Consolidated 
Balance Sheets. 

3The non-current portion of asset retirement obligations is included in "Other long-term obligations" on the Partnership's 
Consolidated Balance Sheets.

(15) 

Long-Term Debt

At December 31, 2016 and 2015, long-term debt consisted of the following:

$664,4441 Revolving credit facility at variable interest rate (3.76%2 weighted average at 
December 31, 2016), due March 2020 secured by substantially all of the Partnership’s 
assets, including, without limitation, inventory, accounts receivable, vessels, equipment, 
fixed assets and the interests in the Partnership’s operating subsidiaries and equity method 
investees, net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $7,132 and $4,858, respectively3
$400,000 Senior notes, 7.25% interest, including unamortized premium of $1,262 and 
$1,568, respectively, also net of unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,823 and $3,507 
respectively, issued $250,000 February 2013 and $150,000 April 2014, $26,200 
repurchased during 2015, due February 2021, unsecured3,4
Total long-term debt

2016

2015

$

435,868

$

493,142

372,239

$

808,107

$

371,861

865,003

97

 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

1  On April 27, 2016, the Partnership made certain strategic amendments to its credit facility which, among other 

things, decreased its borrowing capacity from $700,000 to $664,444 and extended the maturity date of the facility from March 
28, 2018 to March 28, 2020.  The reduction in capacity resulted in the write-off of $820 of deferred debt costs.

2  Interest rate fluctuates based on the LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin set on the date of each advance.  The 

margin above LIBOR is set every three months.  Indebtedness under the credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus an 
applicable margin or the base prime rate plus an applicable margin.  All amounts outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 
December 31, 2015 were at LIBOR plus an applicable margin.  The applicable margin for revolving loans that are LIBOR 
loans ranges from 2.00% to 3.00% and the applicable margin for revolving loans that are base prime rate loans ranges from 
1.00% to 2.00%.  The applicable margin for LIBOR borrowings at December 31, 2016 is 3.00%.  The credit facility contains 
various covenants which limit the Partnership’s ability to make certain investments and acquisitions; enter into certain 
agreements; incur indebtedness; sell assets; and make certain amendments to the Omnibus Agreement. The Partnership is 
permitted to make quarterly distributions so long as no event of default exists.

3  The Partnership is in compliance with all debt covenants as of December 31, 2016.

4  The 2021 indentures restrict the Partnership’s ability to sell assets; pay distributions or repurchase units or redeem or 

repurchase subordinated debt; make investments; incur or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue preferred units; and 
consolidate, merge or transfer all or substantially all of its assets. Many of these covenants will terminate if the notes achieve an 
investment grade rating from each of Moody’s Investors Service, Inc. and Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services and no default 
(as defined in the indentures) has occurred.

The Partnership paid cash interest, net of proceeds received from interest rate swaptions, in the amount of $46,046, 
$43,376, and $37,112 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Capitalized interest was $1,126, 
$1,944, and $1,437 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  

(16)  

Partners' Capital

As of December 31, 2016, partners’ capital consisted of 35,452,062 common limited partner units, representing a 98% 

partnership interest and a 2.0% general partner interest.  Martin Resource Management, through subsidiaries, owned 
6,264,532 of the Partnership's common limited partnership units representing approximately 17.7% of the Partnership's 
outstanding common limited partnership units.  MMGP, the Partnership's general partner, owns the 2.0% general partnership 
interest. 

The partnership agreement of the Partnership (the "Partnership Agreement") contains specific provisions for the 
allocation of net income and losses to each of the partners for purposes of maintaining their respective partner capital accounts.

Issuance of Common Units

On September 29, 2014, the Partnership completed a public offering of 3,450,000 common units at a price of $36.91 

per common unit, before the payment of underwriters' discounts, commissions and offering expenses (per unit value is in 
dollars, not thousands).  Total proceeds from the sale of the 3,450,000 common units, net of underwriters' discounts, 
commissions and offering expenses, were $122,176.  The Partnership's general partner contributed $2,599 in cash to the 
Partnership in conjunction with the issuance in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in the Partnership.  All of the 
net proceeds were used to pay down outstanding amounts under the Partnership's revolving credit facility.  

On August 29, 2014, the Partnership closed a private equity sale with Martin Resource Management, under which 

Martin Resource Management invested $45,000 in cash in exchange for 1,171,265 common units.  The pricing of $38.42 per 
common unit was based on the 10-day weighted average price of the Partnership's common units for the 10 trading days ending 
August 8, 2014.  In connection with the issuance of these common units, the Partnership's general partner contributed $918 in 
order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in the Partnership.  All of the net proceeds were used to pay down 
outstanding amounts under the Partnership's revolving credit facility.  

On May 12, 2014, the Partnership completed a public offering of 3,600,000 common units at a price of $41.51 per 

common unit, before the payment of underwriters' discounts, commissions and offering expenses (per unit value is in dollars, 
not thousands).  Total proceeds from the sale of the 3,600,000 common units, net of underwriters' discounts, commissions and 

98

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

offering expenses, were $143,431.  The Partnership's general partner contributed $3,049 in cash to the Partnership in 
conjunction with the issuance in order to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in the Partnership.  All of the net proceeds 
were used to pay down outstanding amounts under the Partnership's revolving credit facility. 

In March 2014, the Partnership entered into an equity distribution agreement with multiple underwriters (the "Sales 

Agents") for the ongoing distribution of the Partnership's common units.  Pursuant to this program, the Partnership offered and 
sold common unit equity through the Sales Agents for aggregate proceeds of $0 and $21,501 for the years ended December 31, 
2015 and 2014, respectively.  The Partnership paid $591 and $380 in equity issuance related costs for the years ended 
December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  Under the the program, the Partnership issued 522,121 common units during the 
year ended December 31, 2014.  Common units issued were at market prices prevailing at the time of the sale.  The Partnership 
also received capital contributions from the Partnership's general partner of $441 during the year ended December 31, 2014 
related to these issuances to maintain its 2.0% general partner interest in the Partnership.  The net proceeds from the common 
unit issuances were used to pay down outstanding amounts under the Partnership's revolving credit facility.  

Incentive Distribution Rights

MMGP, holds a 2.0% general partner interest and certain incentive distribution rights ("IDRs") in the Partnership.  

IDRs are a separate class of non-voting limited partner interest that may be transferred or sold by the general partner under the 
terms of the Partnership Agreement, and represent the right to receive an increasing percentage of cash distributions after the 
minimum quarterly distribution and any cumulative arrearages on common units once certain target distribution levels have 
been achieved.  The Partnership is required to distribute all of its available cash from operating surplus, as defined in the 
Partnership Agreement. 

The target distribution levels entitle the general partner to receive 2.0% of quarterly cash distributions up to $0.55 per 
unit, 15% of quarterly cash distributions in excess of $0.55 per unit until all unitholders have received $0.625 per unit, 25% of 
quarterly cash distributions in excess of $0.625 per unit until all unitholders have received $0.75 per unit and 50% of quarterly 
cash distributions in excess of $0.75 per unit.

For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the general partner was allocated $7,786, $15,571, and $0 in 

incentive distributions.

Distributions of Available Cash

The Partnership distributes all of its available cash (as defined in the Partnership Agreement) within 45 days after the 
end of each quarter to unitholders of record and to the general partner.  Available cash is generally defined as all cash and cash 
equivalents of the Partnership on hand at the end of each quarter less the amount of cash reserves its general partner determines 
in its reasonable discretion is necessary or appropriate to: (i) provide for the proper conduct of the Partnership’s business; (ii) 
comply with applicable law, any debt instruments or other agreements; or (iii) provide funds for distributions to unitholders and 
the general partner for any one or more of the next four quarters, plus all cash on the date of determination of available cash for 
the quarter resulting from working capital borrowings made after the end of the quarter.

Net Income per Unit

The Partnership follows the provisions of the FASB ASC 260-10 related to earnings per share, which addresses the 

application of the two-class method in determining income per unit for master limited partnerships having multiple classes of 
securities that may participate in partnership distributions accounted for as equity distributions.  Undistributed earnings are 
allocated to the general partner and limited partners utilizing the contractual terms of the Partnership Agreement.  Distributions 
to the general partner pursuant to the IDRs are limited to available cash that will be distributed as defined in the Partnership 
Agreement.  Accordingly, the Partnership does not allocate undistributed earnings to the general partner for the IDRs because 
the general partner's share of available cash is the maximum amount that the general partner would be contractually entitled to 
receive if all earnings for the period were distributed.  When current period distributions are in excess of earnings, the excess 
distributions for the period are to be allocated to the general partner and limited partners based on their respective sharing of 
losses specified in the Partnership Agreement.  Additionally, as required under FASB ASC 260-10-45-61A, unvested share-
based payments that entitle employees to receive non-forfeitable distributions are considered participating securities, as defined 
in FASB ASC 260-10-20, for earnings per unit calculations.  

99

 
 
 
 
 
   
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

For purposes of computing diluted net income per unit, the Partnership uses the more dilutive of the two-class and if-

converted methods.  Under the if-converted method, the weighted-average number of subordinated units outstanding for the 
period is added to the weighted-average number of common units outstanding for purposes of computing basic net income per 
unit and the resulting amount is compared to the diluted net income per unit computed using the two-class method.  The 
following is a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations and net income from discontinued operations allocated 
to the general partner and limited partners for purposes of calculating net income attributable to limited partners per unit:

Years Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

Continuing operations:
Income (loss) from continuing operations
Less general partner’s interest in net income:
Distributions payable on behalf of IDRs
Distributions payable on behalf of general partner interest
General partner interest in undistributed loss

Less income (loss) allocable to unvested restricted units
Limited partners’ interest in net income (loss)

Discontinued operations:
Income (loss) from discontinued operations
Less general partner’s interest in net income:
Distributions payable on behalf of IDRs
Distributions payable on behalf of general partner interest
General partner interest in undistributed loss

Less income (loss) allocable to unvested restricted units
Limited partners’ interest in net income (loss)

$

31,652

$

37,165

$

(6,367)

7,786
2,058
(1,425)
90
23,143

$

15,078
2,585
(1,842)
136
21,208

$

2,033
1,181
(1,308)
(18)
(8,255)

Years Ended December 31,
2015

2014

2016

— $

1,215

$

(5,338)

—
—
—
—
— $

493
84
(60)
4
694

$

1,704
990
(1,097)
(14)
(6,921)

$

$

$

The Partnership allocates the general partner's share of earnings between continuing and discontinued operations as a 

proportion of net income from continuing and discontinued operations to total net income.  

The weighted average units outstanding for basic net income per unit were 35,347,032, 35,308,649 and 30,785,035 for 

the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.  All outstanding units were included in the computation of 
diluted earnings per unit and weighted based on the number of days such units were outstanding during the period presented.  
For diluted net income per unit, the weighted average units outstanding were increased by 28,231 and 62,880 for the years 
ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, due to the dilutive effect of restricted units granted under the Partnership’s 
long-term incentive plan.  All common unit equivalents were antidilutive for the year ended December 31, 2014 because the 
limited partners were allocated a net loss in this period.  

100

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(17) 

Unit Based Awards

The Partnership recognizes compensation cost related to stock-based awards to employees in its consolidated financial 

statements in accordance with certain provisions of ASC 718.  The Partnership recognizes compensation costs related to stock-
based awards to directors under certain provisions of ASC 505-50-55 related to equity-based payments to non-employees.   
Amounts recognized in selling, general, and administrative expense in the consolidated financial statements with respect to 
these plans are as follows:

Employees

Non-employee directors

   Total unit-based compensation expense

Long-Term Incentive Plans

For the Year Ended December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

783

121

904

$

$

1,338

91

1,429

$

$

537

280

817

The Partnership's general partner has a long term incentive plan for employees and directors of the general partner and 

its affiliates who perform services for the Partnership. 

The plan consists of two components, restricted units and unit options.  The plan currently permits the grant of awards 
covering an aggregate of 725,000 common units, 241,667 of which may be awarded in the form of restricted units and 483,333 
of which may be awarded in the form of unit options.  The plan is administered by the compensation committee of the general 
partner’s board of directors ("Compensation Committee").

Restricted Units.  A restricted unit is a unit that is granted to grantees with certain vesting restrictions.  Once these 

restrictions lapse, the grantee is entitled to full ownership of the unit without restrictions.  In addition, the restricted units will 
vest upon a change of control of the Partnership, the general partner or Martin Resource Management or if the general partner 
ceases to be an affiliate of Martin Resource Management.  The Partnership intends the issuance of the common units upon 
vesting of the restricted units under the plan to serve as a means of incentive compensation for performance and not primarily 
as an opportunity to participate in the equity appreciation of the common units.  Therefore, plan participants will not pay any 
consideration for the common units they receive, and the Partnership will receive no remuneration for the units.  The restricted 
units issued to directors generally vest in equal annual installments over a four-year period.  Restricted units issued to 
employees generally cliff vest after three years of service.  

 The restricted units are valued at their fair value at the date of grant which is equal to the market value of common 

units on such date.  A summary of the restricted unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2016 is provided below: 

Non-vested, beginning of year

   Granted

   Vested

   Forfeited

Non-Vested, end of year

Aggregate intrinsic value, end of year

Weighted
Average
Grant-Date
Fair Value
Per Unit

28.89

15.13

30.61

28.50

26.54

Number of
Units

150,474

$

13,800
$
(58,224) $
(2,250) $
$

103,800

$

1,905

A summary of the restricted units’ aggregate intrinsic value (market value at vesting date) and fair value of units vested 

(market value at date of grant) during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is provided below:

101

   
 
 
 
        
  
  
  
 
  
 
Aggregate intrinsic value of units vested

Fair value of units vested

For the Year Ended 
December 31,

2016

2015

2014

$

$

1,233

1,773

$

$

110

128

$

$

514

450

As of December 31, 2016, there was $1,058 of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted units.  

That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.

Unit Options.  The plan currently permits the grant of options covering common units.  As of December 31, 2016, the 

Partnership has not granted any common unit options to directors or employees of the Partnership's general partner, or its 
affiliates.  In the future, the Compensation Committee may determine to make grants under the plan to employees and directors 
containing such terms as the Compensation Committee shall determine.  Unit options will have an exercise price that, in the 
discretion of the Compensation Committee, may not be less than the fair market value of the units on the date of grant.  In 
addition, the unit options will become exercisable upon a change in control of the Partnership's general partner, Martin 
Resource Management or if the general partner ceases to be an affiliate of Martin Resource Management or upon the 
achievement of specified financial objectives.

(18) 

Income Taxes

The operations of a partnership are generally not subject to income taxes because its income is taxed directly to its 

partners. 

The Partnership is subject to the Texas margin tax, which is considered a state income tax, and is included in income 

tax expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.  Since the tax base on the Texas margin tax is derived from an 
income-based measure, the margin tax is construed as an income tax and, therefore, the recognition of deferred taxes applies to 
the margin tax.  The impact on deferred taxes as a result of this provision is immaterial.  State income taxes attributable to the 
Texas margin tax of $726, $1,048 and $1,137 were recorded in income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 
2015 and 2014, respectively.   

A current income tax liability of $870, and $985 existed at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. 

Cash paid for income taxes was $841, $1,237, and $1,167 for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, 

respectively.  

The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 provides that any tax adjustments resulting from partnership audits will generally 

be determined, and any resulting tax, interest and penalties collected, at the partnership level for tax years beginning after 
December 31, 2017. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 allows a partnership to elect to apply these provisions to any return of 
the partnership filed for partnership taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment, November 2, 2015. The Partnership 
does not intend to elect to apply these provisions for any tax return filed for partnership taxable years beginning before January 
1, 2018.

As of December 31, 2016, the tax years that remain open to assessment by federal and state jurisdictions are 

2013-2015.

(19) 

Business Segments

The Partnership has four reportable segments: terminalling and storage, natural gas services, marine transportation, 

and sulfur services.  The Partnership’s reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services.  
The operating income of these segments is reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to assess performance and make 
business decisions.

The accounting policies of the operating segments are the same as those described in Note 2.  The Partnership 

evaluates the performance of its reportable segments based on operating income.  There is no allocation of administrative 
expenses or interest expense.

102

 
 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

The Natural Gas Services segment information below excludes the discontinued operations of the Floating Storage 

Assets for 2015 and 2014.  See Note 5.

Operating
Revenues

Intersegment
Eliminations

Operating
Revenues After
Eliminations

Depreciation
and
Amortization

Operating
Income (Loss)
after
Eliminations

Capital
Expenditures
and Plant
Turnaround
Costs

Year Ended December 31, 2016:

Terminalling and storage

$

242,363

$

(5,653) $

236,710

$

45,484

$

40,660

$

Natural gas services

Sulfur services

Marine transportation

Indirect selling, general, and
administrative

Total

Year Ended December 31, 2015:

Terminalling and storage

Natural gas services

Sulfur services

Marine transportation

Indirect selling, general, and
administrative

Total

Year Ended December 31, 2014:

Terminalling and storage

Natural gas services

Sulfur services

Marine transportation

Indirect selling, general, and
administrative

$

$

$

$

391,333

141,058

61,233

—

—

—

(2,943)

—

391,333

141,058

58,290

—

28,081

7,995

10,572

—

41,438

23,393

(16,039)

(16,794)

835,987

$

(8,596) $

827,391

$

92,132

$

72,658

$

270,440

$

(5,670) $

264,770

$

38,731

$

15,704

$

523,160

170,161

81,784

—

—

—

(3,031)

—

523,160

170,161

78,753

—

34,072

8,455

10,992

41,220

23,604

8,576

—

(18,951)

1,045,545

$

(8,701) $

1,036,844

$

92,250

$

70,153

$

326,654

$

(5,191) $

321,463

$

37,622

$

24,993

$

1,013,835

215,471

97,049

—

—

—

(5,677)

—

1,013,835

215,471

91,372

13,090

8,176

9,942

34,574

19,465

7,551

—

—

(18,712)

Total

$

1,653,009

$

(10,868) $

1,642,141

$

68,830

$

67,871

$

26,097

4,807

5,093

2,334

—

38,331

40,421

24,330

1,201

2,775

—

68,727

53,450

24,194

4,115

11,498

—

93,257

Revenues from two customers in the Natural Gas Services segment were $122,381, $148,273 and $265,434 for the 

years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. 

The Partnership's assets by reportable segment as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, are as follows:  

Total assets:

Terminalling and storage
Natural gas services
Sulfur services
Marine transportation
Total assets

2016

2015

$

328,098
684,722
125,356
108,187
$ 1,246,363

$

417,202
694,333
134,108
134,830
$ 1,380,473

103

MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

(20) 

Quarterly Financial Information

Consolidated Quarterly Income Statement Information

2016
Revenues
Operating income
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Net income (loss)
Limited partners' interest in net income (loss) per limited partner unit

2015
Revenues
Operating income
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated entities
Income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations
Net income
Limited partners' interest in net income (loss) per limited partner unit

(21) 

Commitments and Contingencies

(Unaudited)

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

(Dollar in thousands, except per unit amounts)

225,605
24,338
1,677
15,914
0.33

$

$
$

$

190,348
10,256
805
(1,211) $
(0.14)

$

174,537
9,176
1,120
(933) $
(0.03) $

236,901
28,888
1,112
17,882
0.49

First
Quarter

Second
Quarter

Third
Quarter

Fourth
Quarter

(Dollar in thousands, except per unit amounts)

305,353
24,702
1,740
16,033

1,215
17,248
0.37

$

$

251,099
19,630
1,649
10,961

—
10,961
0.19

$

$

226,021
12,034
2,363
3,330

—
3,330
(0.02)

$

$

254,371
13,787
3,234
6,841

—
6,841
0.08

$

$
$

$

$
$

From time to time, the Partnership is subject to various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of 

business.  In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the 
Partnership.

Pursuant to a Purchase Price Reimbursement Agreement between the Partnership and Martin Resource Management 

related to the Partnership’s acquisition of the Redbird Gas Storage LLC ("Redbird") Class A interests on October 2, 2012, 
beginning in the second quarter of 2015, Martin Resource Management will reimburse the Partnership $750 each quarter for 
four consecutive quarters as a reduction in the purchase price of the Redbird Class A interests.  These payments are a result of 
Cardinal not achieving certain financial targets set forth in the Purchase Price Reimbursement Agreement.  These payments are 
considered a reduction of the excess of the purchase price over the carrying value of the assets transferred to the Partnership 
from Martin Resource Management and will be recorded as an adjustment to "Partners' capital" in each quarter the payments 
are made.  The agreement further provided for purchase price reimbursements of up to $4,500 related to 2016 in the event 
certain financial conditions are not met.  For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Partnership received $4,125 and 
$2,250, respectively, related to the Purchase Price Reimbursement Agreement.  The Partnership expects to receive the final 
payment of $1,125 under this agreement during the first quarter of 2017.

In 2015, the Partnership was named as a defendant in the cause J. A. Davis Properties, LLC v. Martin Operating 

Partnership L.P., in the 38th Judicial District Court, Cameron Parish, Louisiana.  The plaintiff alleges that the Partnership has 
breached a lease agreement by failing to perform work to the plaintiff's property as required under the lease agreement.  The 
plaintiff originally sought to evict the Partnership from the leased property and to recover damages.  Presently, the plaintiff is 
only pursuing damages.  The Partnership intends to vigorously defend this matter and has asserted appropriate counterclaims 
against the plaintiff.  At this time, the Partnership is unable to ascertain the damages, if any, that could ultimately be awarded 
against it.  A trial on the merits is scheduled for July 10, 2017.

On December 31, 2015, the Partnership received a demand from a customer in its lubricants packaging business for 

defense and indemnity in connection with at least five lawsuits filed against it in the United States District Courts, which 

104

 
 
 
 
MARTIN MIDSTREAM PARTNERS L.P.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except where otherwise indicated)

generally allege that the customer engaged in unlawful and deceptive business practices in connection with its marketing and 
advertising of its private label motor oil.   The Partnership disputes that it has any obligation to defend or indemnify the 
customer for its conduct.  Accordingly, on January 7, 2016, the Partnership filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment in the 
Chancery Court of Davidson County, Tennessee requesting a judicial determination that the Partnership does not owe the 
customer the demanded defense and indemnity obligations.  Currently, we are unable to determine the exposure we may have in 
this matter, if any.  

(22) 

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information

The Partnership's operations are conducted by its operating subsidiaries as it has no independent assets or operations.  

Martin Operating Partnership L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"), the Partnership’s wholly-owned subsidiary, and the 
Partnership's other operating subsidiaries have issued in the past, and may issue in the future, unconditional guarantees of senior 
or subordinated debt securities of the Partnership.  The guarantees that have been issued are full, irrevocable and unconditional 
and joint and several.  In addition, the Operating Partnership may also issue senior or subordinated debt securities which, if 
issued, will be fully, irrevocably and unconditionally guaranteed by the Partnership.  Substantially all of the Partnership's 
operating subsidiaries are subsidiary guarantors of its outstanding senior unsecured notes and any subsidiaries other than the 
subsidiary guarantors are minor. 

(23) 

Subsequent Events

Repayment of Note Receivable.  On February 14, 2017, the Partnership notified Martin Resource Management that it 

would be requesting voluntary repayment of the Note Receivable due from MET of $15,000 plus accrued interest and MET has 
agreed to do so in a timely manner.

Acquisition of Terminalling Assets.  On February 14, 2017, the Partnership entered into a Membership Interests 
Purchase Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Martin Resource Management and MRMC Equipment Holdings LLC, a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of Martin Resource Management, to acquire 100% of the membership interests of MEH South Texas 
Terminals LLC (“MEH”) for a purchase price of $27,420 (the “Hondo Acquisition”).  MEH is currently constructing in Hondo, 
Texas an asphalt terminal facility (“the Hondo Terminal”), which will serve the asphalt market in San Antonio, Texas and 
surrounding areas.  The Hondo Acquisition is expected to close on or about February 28, 2017.  After closing, the Partnership 
will spend $8,580 to finalize construction of the Hondo Terminal with substantial completion expected to be on or about July 1, 
2017.  Martin Resource Management is obligated to pay us the amount required to complete the construction of the Hondo 
Terminal in excess of $8,580, if any.

Quarterly Distribution.  On January 19, 2017, the Partnership declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per 

common unit for the fourth quarter of 2016, or $2.00 per common unit on an annualized basis, which was paid on February 14, 
2017 to unitholders of record as of February 7, 2017. 

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a)       Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  In accordance with Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), we, under the supervision and with the participation of the 
Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our general partner, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our 
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 
2016.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our general partner concluded that 
our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016.

 (b)        Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  Management is responsible for 

establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  A company’s internal control over financial 
reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A 
company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of 
records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) 
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made 
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance 
regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could 
have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. 
Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of our general partner, conducted 

an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on criteria established in the Internal 
Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  
Based on its evaluation under the framework in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013), our management concluded 
that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.  The effectiveness of our internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016 has been audited by KPMG LLP, our independent registered public 
accounting firm, as stated in their report appearing in "Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." 

(c)        Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.  There were no changes in our internal controls over 

financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during our most recent 
fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial 
reporting.

106

 
 
 
 
Item 9B. Other Information

None.

107

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Management of Martin Midstream Partners L.P.

Martin Midstream GP LLC, as our general partner, manages our operations and activities on our behalf.  Our general 

partner was not elected by our unitholders and will not be subject to re-election in the future.  Unitholders do not directly or 
indirectly participate in our management or operation.  Our general partner owes a fiduciary duty to our unitholders.  Our 
general partner is liable, as general partner, for all of our debts (to the extent not paid from our assets), except for indebtedness 
or other obligations that are made specifically non-recourse to it.  However, whenever possible, our general partner seeks to 
provide that our indebtedness or other obligations are non-recourse to our general partner.

Three directors of our general partner serve on a conflicts committee of the Partnership's general partner ("Conflicts 
Committee") to review specific matters that the directors believe may involve conflicts of interest.  The Conflicts Committee 
determines if the resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to us.  The members of the Conflicts Committee 
may not be officers or employees of our general partner or directors, officers, or employees of its affiliates and must meet the 
independence standards established by NASDAQ to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors.  Any matters approved 
by the Conflicts Committee will be conclusively deemed to be fair and reasonable to us, approved by all of our partners, and 
not a breach by our general partner of any duties it may owe us or our unitholders.  The current members of our Conflicts 
Committee are outside directors, James M. Collingsworth, C. Scott Massey and Byron R. Kelley, all of whom meet the 
independence standards established by NASDAQ, except as referenced above.

The Audit Committee reviews our external financial reporting, recommends engagement of our independent auditors 

and reviews procedures for internal auditing and the adequacy of our internal accounting controls.   The current members of our 
Audit Committee are outside directors, C. Scott Massey, Byron R. Kelley and James M. Collingsworth, all of whom meet the 
independence standards established by NASDAQ.

The Compensation Committee oversees compensation decisions for the officers of our general partner as well as the 
compensation plans described below.  The current members of our Compensation Committee are our outside directors, James 
M. Collingsworth, C. Scott Massey, and Byron R. Kelley.

The current members of our Nominating Committee are outside directors, James M. Collingsworth, Byron R. Kelley 

and C. Scott Massey.

We are managed and operated by the directors and officers of our general partner.  All of our operational personnel are 
employees of Martin Resource Management.  All of the officers of our general partner will spend a substantial amount of time 
managing the business and affairs of Martin Resource Management and its other affiliates.  These officers may face a conflict 
regarding the allocation of their time between our business and the other business interests of Martin Resource Management.  
Our general partner intends to cause its officers to devote as much time to the management of our business and affairs as is 
necessary for the proper conduct of our business and affairs.

108

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors and Executive Officers of Martin Midstream GP LLC

The following table shows information for the directors and executive officers of our general partner.  Directors and 

executive officers are elected for one-year terms.

Name

Ruben S. Martin
Robert D. Bondurant
Randall L. Tauscher
Chris H. Booth
Scot A. Shoup
C. Scott Massey
James M. Collingsworth
Byron R. Kelley
Sean P. Dolan
Zachary S. Stanton

Age
65
58
51
47
56
64
62
69
43
41

Position with the General Partner

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Director
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary
Senior Vice President of Operations
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director

Ruben S. Martin serves as President, Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of our general 

partner.  Mr. Martin has served in such capacities since June 2002.  Mr. Martin has served as President of Martin Resource 
Management since 1981 and has served in various capacities within the company since 1974.   Mr. Martin holds a Bachelor of 
Science degree in industrial management from the University of Arkansas.  Mr. Martin was selected to serve as a director on 
our general partner's board of directors due to his depth of knowledge of the Partnership, including its strategies and operations, 
his business judgment and his position within the Partnership.

Robert D. Bondurant serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and a member of the board of 
directors of our general partner.  Mr. Bondurant has served in such capacities since June 2002.  Mr. Bondurant joined Martin 
Resource Management in 1983 as Controller and subsequently was appointed Chief Financial Officer and a member of its 
board of directors in 1990.  Mr. Bondurant served in the audit department at Peat Marwick, Mitchell and Co. from 1980 to 
1983.  Mr. Bondurant holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from Texas A&M University and is a 
Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the state of Texas.

Randall L. Tauscher serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of our general partner.  Mr. 
Tauscher has served in this capacity since August 2011.  From November 2007 through July 2011, Mr. Tauscher served as 
Executive Vice President.  Prior to joining Martin, Mr. Tauscher was employed by Koch Industries for over 18 years, most 
recently as Senior Vice President of the Koch Carbon Division.  Mr. Tauscher earned a Bachelor of Business Administration 
degree from Kansas State University.

Chris H. Booth serves as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of our general 

partner.  Mr. Booth has served as an officer of our general partner since February 2006.  Mr. Booth joined Martin Resource 
Management in October 2005.  Prior to joining Martin Resource Management, Mr. Booth was an attorney with the law firm of 
Mehaffy Weber located in Beaumont, Texas.  Mr. Booth holds a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree and a Masters of Business 
Administration degree with a concentration in finance from the University of Houston.  Additionally, Mr. Booth holds a 
Bachelor of Science degree in business management from LeTourneau University.  Mr. Booth is an attorney licensed to practice 
in the state of Texas.

Scot A. Shoup serves as Senior Vice President of Operations for our general partner.  Mr. Shoup joined Martin in May 

2011.  Prior to joining Martin, Mr. Shoup was employed by Exline, Inc. as Executive Vice President from 2005 to 2011 and 
was employed by Koch Industries in various capacities for 18 years.  Mr. Shoup holds a bachelor of science degree in Civil 
Engineering from the University of Kansas.

C. Scott Massey serves as a member of the board of directors of our general partner.  Mr. Massey has served as a 
Director since June 2002.  Mr. Massey has been self employed as a Certified Public Accountant since 1998.  From 1977 to 
1998, Mr. Massey worked for KPMG Peat Marwick, LLP in various positions, including, most recently, as a Partner in the 
firm's Tax Practice - Energy, Real Estate, Timber from 1986 to 1998.  Mr. Massey received a Bachelor of Business 
Administration degree from the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the University of 
Houston.  Mr. Massey is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in the states of Louisiana and Texas.  Mr. Massey was selected 

109

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
to serve as a director on our general partner's board of directors due to his extensive background in public accounting and 
taxation.  Mr. Massey qualifies as an "audit committee financial expert" under the SEC guidelines.

James M. Collingsworth serves as a member of the board of directors of our general partner.  Mr. Collingsworth has 
spent 41 years in all facets of the midstream and petrochemical industry. In 2013, Mr. Collingsworth retired from Enterprise 
Products Company as a Sr. Vice President of Regulated NGL Pipelines & Natural Gas Storage. Mr. Collingsworth currently 
serves on the board of directors of NGL Energy Partners LP, and has served on the board of directors of Texaco Canada, Dixie 
Pipeline Company, Seminole Pipeline Company and the Petrochemical Feedstock Association of America. Mr. Collingsworth 
has served as a Director since October 2014.  Mr. Collingsworth received a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Marketing from 
Northeastern State University.  Mr. Collingsworth was selected to serve as a director on our general partner's board of directors 
due to his extensive corporate business experience. 

Byron R. Kelley serves as a member of the board of directors of our general partner and also served as an Advisory 

Director from April 2011 to August 2012.  On December 31, 2013, Mr. Kelley retired as CEO, President and a member of the 
board of directors of CVR Partners, LP, a chemical company engaged in the production of nitrogen based fertilizers and served 
in this position from June 2011 through December 2013.   Prior to joining CVR Partners in June of 2011 he served as President, 
Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Regency GP, LLC from April 2008 to November 2010.  
From 2004 through March of 2008, Mr. Kelley served as Senior Vice President and Group President of Pipeline and Field 
Services at CenterPoint Energy.  Preceding his work at CenterPoint, Mr. Kelley served as Executive Vice President of 
Development, Operations and Engineering, and as President of El Paso Energy International.  Mr. Kelley is a past member and 
Chairman of the board of directors of the Interstate National Gas Association and previously served as one of the association's 
representatives on the United States Natural Gas Council of America.  Mr. Kelley received a Bachelor of Science degree in 
civil engineering from Auburn University.  Mr. Kelley was selected to serve as a director on our general partner's board of 
directors due to his extensive corporate business experience.

Sean P. Dolan serves as a member of the board of directors of our general partner.  Mr. Dolan has served as a Director 
since 2013.  Mr. Dolan is a Managing Director of Alinda Capital Partners, which he joined in 2009.  Prior to joining Alinda, Mr. 
Dolan spent over 12 years with Citigroup Global Markets in investment banking primarily focused in the energy sector.  Mr. 
Dolan received a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University.  Mr. Dolan was selected to serve as a director on our general 
partner's board of directors due to his affiliation with Alinda, his knowledge of the energy industry and his financial and 
business expertise.

Zachary S. Stanton serves as a member of the board of directors of our general partner.  Mr. Stanton was appointed to 

the board of directors on February 24, 2016.  Mr. Stanton is a Director of Alinda Capital Partners, which he joined in 2011.  
Prior to joining Alinda, he was a Director at Zolfo Cooper, LLC, a consulting firm based in New York.  Mr. Stanton has over 15 
years of experience focused on the corporate development and operations of energy and transportation infrastructure businesses 
as well as diversified industrial companies. Mr. Stanton received a bachelor's degree from Wesleyan University.  Mr. Stanton 
was selected to serve as a director on our general partner's board of directors due to his affiliation with Alinda, his knowledge 
of the energy industry, and his financial and business expertise.

Independence of Directors

Messrs. Massey, Collingsworth, and Kelley qualify as "independent" in accordance with the published listing 
requirements of NASDAQ and applicable securities laws.  The NASDAQ independence definition includes a series of 
objective tests, such as that the director is not an employee of us and has not engaged in various types of business dealings with 
us.  In addition, as further required by the NASDAQ rules, the board of directors has made a subjective determination as to 
each independent director that no relationships exist which, in the opinion of the board, would interfere with the exercise of 
independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director.  In making these determinations, the directors reviewed 
and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regard to each director's business and personal activities as 
they may relate to us and our management.

Board Meetings and Committees

From January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016, the board of directors of our general partner held 15 meetings.  All 
directors then in office attended each of these meetings, either in person, by teleconference or by videoconference with the 
exception of:  Sean Dolan, who was not in attendance at the meetings of the board of directors on the dates of March 2, 2016 
and October 13, 2016.  Additionally, the board of directors undertook action four times during 2016 without a meeting by 
acting through written unanimous consent.  We have standing conflicts, audit, compensation and nominating committees of the 
board of directors of our general partner.  The board of directors of our general partner appoints the members of the Audit, 

110

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Compensation, Nominating and Conflicts Committees.  Each member of the Audit Committee is an independent director in 
accordance with NASDAQ and applicable securities laws.  Each of the board committees has a written charter approved by the 
board.  Copies of each charter are posted on our website at ww.martinmidstream.com under the "Corporate Governance" 
section.  The current members of the committees, the number of meetings held by each committee from January 1, 2016 to 
December 31, 2016, and a brief description of the functions performed by each committee are set forth below:

Conflicts Committee (3 meetings).  The members of the Conflicts Committee are: Messrs. Kelley (chairman), Massey 
and Collingsworth.  All of the members of the Conflicts Committee attended all meetings of the committee for the period noted 
above.  The primary responsibility of the Conflicts Committee is to review matters that the directors believe may involve 
conflicts of interest.  The Conflicts Committee determines if the resolution of the conflict of interest is fair and reasonable to us.  
The members of the Conflicts Committee may not be officers or employees of our general partner or directors, officers, or 
employees of its affiliates and must meet the independence standards to serve on an audit committee of a board of directors 
established by NASDAQ.  Any matters approved by the Conflicts Committee will be conclusively deemed to be fair and 
reasonable to us, approved by all of our partners, and not a breach by our general partner of any duties it may owe us or our 
unitholders.

Audit Committee (5 meetings).  The members of the Audit Committee are Messrs. Massey (chairman), Kelley and 

Collingsworth.  All of the members attended all meetings of the Audit Committee for the period noted.  The primary 
responsibilities of the Audit Committee are to assist the board of directors in its general oversight of our financial reporting, 
internal controls and audit functions, and it is directly responsible for the appointment, retention, compensation and oversight 
of the work of our independent auditors.  The members of the Audit Committee of the board of directors of our general partner 
each qualify as "independent" under standards established by the SEC for members of audit committees, and the Audit 
Committee includes at least one member who is determined by the board of directors to meet the qualifications of an "audit 
committee financial expert" in accordance with SEC rules, including that the person meets the relevant definition of an 
"independent" director.  C. Scott Massey is the independent director who has been determined to be an audit committee 
financial expert.  Unitholders should understand that this designation is a disclosure requirement of the SEC related to Mr. 
Massey's experience and understanding with respect to certain accounting and auditing matters.  The designation does not 
impose on Mr. Massey any duties, obligations or liability that are greater than are generally imposed on him as a member of the 
Audit Committee and board of directors, and his designation as an audit committee financial expert pursuant to this SEC 
requirement does not affect the duties, obligations or liability of any other member of the Audit Committee or board of 
directors. 

Compensation Committee (1 meeting).  The members of the Compensation Committee are Messrs. Collingsworth 

(chairman), Massey and Kelley.  All members attended the meeting of the Compensation Committee for the period noted 
above.  The primary responsibility of the Compensation Committee is to oversee compensation decisions for the outside 
directors of our general partner and executive officers of our general partner (in the event they are to be paid by our general 
partner) as well as our long-term incentive plan. 

Nominating Committee (1 meeting).  The members of the Nominating Committee are Messrs. Collingsworth 
(chairman), Massey, and Kelley.  All of the members attended the meeting of the Nominating Committee for the period noted 
above.  The primary responsibility of the nominating committee is to select and recommend nominees for election to the board 
of directors of our general partner.

Code of Ethics and Business Conduct

Our general partner has adopted a Code of Ethics and Business Conduct applicable to all of our general partner's 
employees (including any employees of Martin Resource Management who undertake actions with respect to us or on our 
behalf), including all officers, and including our general partner's independent directors, who are not employees of our general 
partner, with regard to their activities relating to us.  The Code of Ethics and Business Conduct incorporate guidelines designed 
to deter wrongdoing and to promote honest and ethical conduct and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.  They 
also incorporate our expectations of our general partner's employees (including any employees of Martin Resource 
Management who undertake actions with respect to us or on our behalf) that enable us to provide accurate and timely 
disclosure in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and other public communications.  The Code of Ethics 
and Business Conduct is publicly available on our website under the "Corporate Governance" section (at 
www.martinmidstream.com).  This website address is intended to be an inactive, textual reference only, and none of the 
material on this website is part of this report.  If any substantive amendments are made to the Code of Ethics and Business 
Conduct or if we or our general partner grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the code to any of 
our general partner's executive officers and directors, we will disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver on that website 
or in a report on Form 8-K.

111

 
 
 
 
 
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Our general partner's directors and officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of a registered class of our equity 
securities are required to file reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership with the SEC and NASDAQ.  Directors, 
officers and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our equity securities are also required to furnish us with copies of all such 
reports that are filed.  Based solely on our review of copies of such forms and amendments previously provided to us, we 
believe directors, officers and greater than 10% beneficial owners complied with all filing requirements during the year ended 
December 31, 2016.

112

 
 
 
 
Item 11. Executive Compensation

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

Background

We are required to provide information regarding the compensation program in place as of December 31, 2016, for the 

CEO, CFO and the three other most highly-compensated executive officers of our general partner as reflected in the summary 
compensation table set forth below (the "Named Executive Officers").  This section should be read in conjunction with the 
detailed tables and narrative descriptions regarding compensation below.

We are a master limited partnership and have no employees.  We are managed by the executive officers of our general 

partner.  These executive officers are employed by Martin Resource Management, a private corporation that has significant 
operations that are separate from ours.  The executive officers of our general partner are also the executive officers of Martin 
Resource Management and devote significant time to the management of Martin Resource Management’s operations.  We 
reimburse Martin Resource Management for a portion of the indirect general and administrative expenses, including 
compensation expense relating to the service of these individuals that are allocated to us pursuant to the omnibus agreement 
between us and our general partner, as amended on October 1, 2012 ("Omnibus Agreement").  Under the Omnibus Agreement, 
we are required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for indirect general and administrative and corporate overhead 
expenses.   For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the conflicts committee of our general partner ("Conflicts 
Committee")  approved reimbursement amounts of $13.0 million, $13.7 million and $12.5 million, respectively, reflecting our 
allocable share of such expenses.  Please see "Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director 
Independence — Agreements — Omnibus Agreement" for a discussion of the Omnibus Agreement.

Compensation Objectives

As we do not directly compensate the executive officers of our general partner, we do not have any set compensation 

programs.  The elements of Martin Resource Management’s compensation program discussed below, along with Martin 
Resource Management’s other rewards, are intended to provide a total rewards package designed to yield competitive total cash 
compensation, drive performance and reward contributions in support of the businesses of Martin Resource Management and 
other Martin Resource Management affiliates, including us, for which the Named Executive Officers perform services.  
Although we bear an allocated portion of Martin Resource Management’s costs of providing compensation and benefits to the 
Named Executive Officers, we do not have control over such costs and do not establish or direct the compensation policies or 
practices of Martin Resource Management.  During 2016, Martin Resource Management paid compensation based on the 
performance of Martin Resource Management but did not set any specific performance-based criteria and did not have any 
other specific performance-based objectives.

Elements of Compensation

Martin Resource Management’s executive officer compensation package includes a combination of annual cash, long-
term incentive compensation and other compensation.  Elements of compensation which the Named Executive Officers may be 
eligible to receive from Martin Resource Management consist of the following: (1) annual base salary; (2) discretionary annual 
cash awards; (3) awards pursuant to Martin Resource Management employee benefit plans and (4) where appropriate, other 
compensation, including limited perquisites.

Annual Base Salary.  Base salary is intended to provide fixed compensation to the Named Executive Officers for their 
performance of core duties with respect to Martin Resource Management and its affiliates, including us, and to compensate for 
experience levels, scope of responsibility and future potential.  Base salaries are not intended to compensate individuals for 
extraordinary performance or for above average company performance.  The base salaries of the Named Executive Officers are 
reviewed on an annual basis, as well as at the time of promotion and other changes in responsibilities or market conditions.

Discretionary Annual Cash Awards.  In addition to the annual base salary, the Named Executive Officers may be 

eligible to receive discretionary annual cash awards that, if awarded, are paid in a lump sum in the quarter following the end of 
the fiscal year.  These cash awards are designed to provide the Named Executive Officers with competitive incentives to help 
drive performance and promote achievement of Martin Resource Management’s business objectives.  Named Executive 
Officers may also be eligible to receive a cash award based upon their services provided to us in the event that any such Named 
Executive Officer has devoted a significant amount of their time to working for us.  Any such award is determined in 

113

 
accordance with the same methodologies as the discretionary annual cash awards for Martin Resource Management, as 
described below.

Employee Benefit Plan Awards.  The Named Executive Officers may be eligible to receive awards pursuant to the 

Martin Midstream Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan and Martin Resource Management employee benefit plans.  These 
employee benefit plan awards are designed to reward the performance of the Named Executive Officers by providing annual 
incentive opportunities tied to the annual performance of Martin Resource Management.  In particular, these awards are 
provided to the Named Executive Officers in order to provide competitive incentives to these executives who can significantly 
impact performance and promote achievement of the business objectives of Martin Resource Management. 

Other Compensation.   Martin Resource Management generally does not pay for perquisites for any of the Named 
Executive Officers, other than general recreational activities at certain Martin Resource Management’s properties located in 
Texas, including aircraft.  No perquisites are paid for services rendered to us.  Martin Resource Management provides an 
executive life insurance policy and long term disability policy for the Named Executive Officers with the annual premiums 
being paid by Martin Resource Management.  Martin Resource Management does not provide any greater allocation toward 
employee health insurance premiums than is provided for all other employees covered on the health benefits plan.

Compensation Methodology

The compensation policies and philosophy of Martin Resource Management govern the types and amount of 
compensation granted to each of the Named Executive Officers.  The board of directors and Conflicts Committee have 
responsibility for evaluating and determining the reasonableness of the total amount we are charged under the Omnibus 
Agreement for managerial, administrative and operational support, including compensation of the Named Executive Officers, 
provided by Martin Resource Management.

Our allocation for the costs incurred by Martin Resource Management in providing compensation and benefits to its 
employees who serve as the Named Executive Officers is governed by the Omnibus Agreement.  In general, this allocation is 
based upon estimates of the relative amounts of time that these employees devote to the business and affairs of our general 
partner and to the business and affairs of Martin Resource Management.  We bear substantially less than a majority of Martin 
Resource Management’s costs of providing compensation and benefits to the Named Executive Officers.

When setting compensation for the Named Executive Officers, the elements of compensation above are considered 

holistically to provide an appropriate combination of compensation.  Annual base salaries for the Named Executive Officers are 
determined by Mr. Ruben Martin, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Robert Bondurant, Chief Financial Officer, Mr. Randall 
Tauscher, Chief Operating Officer, and Mrs. Melanie Mathews, Vice President-Human Resources (collectively, the 
"Management Compensation Committee of Martin Resource Management") based on a periodic performance review of each 
Named Executive Officer.  Except in the case of an exceptional amount of time devoted to us, discretionary annual cash awards 
are based on the performance of Martin Resource Management.  Annual discretionary cash awards, if any, are calculated first 
by allocating a portion of Martin Resource Management’s earnings as determined by the Management Compensation 
Committee of Martin Resource Management for distribution to key employees of Martin Resource Management.  Upon such 
allocation, the Management Compensation Committee of Martin Resource Management, with input from appropriate business 
leaders determines the allocation and distribution of the bonus pool among such employees, including the Named Executive 
Officers.  All decisions of the Management Compensation Committee of Martin Resource Management concerning the 
compensation of the Named Executive Officers are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board of 
Directors of Martin Resource Management, which is made up of Mr. Cullen M. Godfrey, an independent director of Martin 
Resource Management and Mr. Ruben Martin.  With respect to employee benefit plan awards pursuant to plans maintained by 
the Partnership, the Management Compensation Committee of Martin Resource Management makes a recommendation as to 
whether such awards should be awarded to any employees.  Any such employee plan awards are then considered and must be 
approved by the Compensation Committee and then are distributed to the employees, including Named Executive Officers, 
accordingly.  Further, Martin Resource Management, with the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of 
Directors of Martin Resource Management or the Compensation Committee regularly reviews market data and relevant 
compensation surveys when setting base compensation and, when appropriate, engages compensation consultants.  Because he 
serves on both the Management Compensation Committee of Martin Resource Management and on the Compensation 
Committee of the Board of Directors of Martin Resource Management, Mr. Martin, as Chief Executive Officer, has significant 
authority in setting base salaries, discretionary annual cash award allocations and amounts and employee benefit award 
distributions.

114

 
Any awards granted under our long-term incentive plan, which to date have consisted of the grant of restricted 

common units and options to the independent directors and employees of our general partner, are approved by the 
Compensation Committee. 

Determination of 2016 Compensation Amounts

During 2016, elements of all compensation paid to the Named Executive Officers by Martin Resource Management 

consisted of the following: (1) annual base salary; (2) discretionary annual cash awards; (3) awards pursuant to Martin 
Resource Management employee benefit plans; and (4) other compensation, including limited perquisites.  With respect to the 
Named Executive Officers, they were paid an allocated portion of their base salaries.

Annual Base Salary.  The portions of the annual base salaries paid by Martin Resource Management to the Named 

Executive Officers, which are allocable to us under our Omnibus Agreement with Martin Resource Management, are reflected 
in the summary compensation table below.  Based upon the agreement of our general partner with Martin Resource 
Management, we have reimbursed Martin Resource Management for approximately 52.4% of the aggregate annual base 
salaries paid to the Named Executive Officers by Martin Resource Management during 2016.  The foregoing agreement has 
been developed based on an assessment of the estimated percentage of the time spent by the Named Executive Officers 
managing our affairs, relative to the affairs of Martin Resource Management ranging from approximately 45% to 67%.  Our 
Named Executive Officers are Mr. Ruben Martin, the President and Chief Executive Officer of our general partner, Mr. Robert 
Bondurant, an Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of our general partner, Mr. Randall Tauscher, an Executive 
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of our general partner, Mr. Chris Booth, the Executive Vice President, General 
Counsel and Secretary of our general partner, and Mr. Scot A. Shoup, Senior Vice President of Operations.  Aggregate annual 
base salaries of the Named Executive Officers were not increased during 2016.

Discretionary Annual Cash Awards.  Discretionary annual cash awards paid to the Named Executive Officers which 

are allocable to us are reflected in the summary compensation table below.

Martin Midstream Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan

Our general partner has adopted the Martin Midstream Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP") for 

employees and directors of our general partner and its affiliates who perform services for us.  The LTIP was amended in 
January 2006 to clarify the Partnership’s ability to grant restricted common units under the LTIP and to remove provisions 
relating to grants of distribution equivalent rights and phantom units.

The LTIP consists of two components, restricted units and unit options.  The LTIP currently permits the grant of 

awards covering an aggregate of 725,000 common units, 241,667 of which may be awarded in the form of restricted units and 
483,333 of which may be awarded in the form of unit options.  The plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of 
our general partner’s board of directors.

Our general partner’s board of directors or the Compensation Committee, in their discretion, may terminate or amend 
the LTIP at any time with respect to any units for which a grant has not yet been made.  Our general partner’s board of directors 
or the Compensation Committee also have the right to alter or amend the LTIP or any part of the plan from time to time, 
including increasing the number of units that may be reserved for issuance under the plan subject to any applicable unitholder 
approval.  However, no change in any outstanding grant may be made that would materially impair the rights of the participant 
without the consent of the participant.

Restricted Units.  A restricted unit is a unit that is granted to grantees with certain vesting restrictions.  Once these 

restrictions lapse, the grantee is entitled to full ownership of the unit without restrictions.  A phantom unit that entitles the 
grantee to receive a common unit upon the vesting of the phantom unit, or in the discretion of the Compensation Committee, 
cash equivalent to the value of a common unit.  The Compensation Committee may determine to make grants under the plan to 
employees and directors containing such terms as the Compensation Committee shall determine under the plan.  The 
Compensation Committee will determine the period over which restricted units or phantom units granted to employees and 
directors will vest.  The committee may base its determination upon the achievement of specified financial objectives.  In 
addition, the restricted units or phantom units will vest upon a change of control of us, our general partner or Martin Resource 
Management or if our general partner ceases to be an affiliate of Martin Resource Management.

If a grantee’s employment or membership on the board of directors terminates for any reason, the grantee’s restricted 

units or phantom units will be automatically forfeited unless, and to the extent, the Compensation Committee provides 
otherwise.  Common units to be delivered upon the vesting of restricted units or phantom units may be common units acquired 
115

 
by our general partner in the open market, common units already owned by our general partner, common units acquired by our 
general partner directly from us or any affiliate of our general partner or any combination of the foregoing.  Our general partner 
will be entitled to reimbursement by us for the cost incurred in acquiring common units.  If we issue new common units upon 
vesting of the restricted units or phantom units, the total number of common units outstanding will increase.

We intend the issuance of the common units upon vesting of the restricted units or phantom units under the plan to 
serve as a means of incentive compensation for performance and not primarily as an opportunity to participate in the equity 
appreciation of the common units.  Therefore, plan participants will not pay any consideration for the common units they 
receive, and we will receive no remuneration for the units.

On February 23, 2016, we issued 4,600 restricted common units to each of our three independent directors under our 

LTIP.  These restricted common units vest in equal installments of 1,150 units on January 24, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020.

On February 24, 2015, we issued 2,400 restricted common units to each of our three independent directors under our 

LTIP.  These restricted common units vest in equal installments of 600 units on January 24, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019.

On October 29, 2014, we issued 2,000 restricted common units to a newly appointed independent director under our 

LTIP.  These restricted common units vest in equal installments of 500 units on October 29, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

On February 25, 2014, we issued 1,600 restricted common units to each of our four independent directors under our 

LTIP.  These restricted common units vest in equal installments of 400 units on January 24, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Unit Options.  The LTIP currently permits the grant of options covering common units.  As of December 31, 2016 , we 

have not granted any common unit options to directors or employees of our general partner, or its affiliates.  In the future, the 
Compensation Committee may determine to make grants under the plan to employees and directors containing such terms as 
the committee shall determine.  Unit options will have an exercise price that, in the discretion of the committee, may not be less 
than the fair market value of the units on the date of grant.  In general, unit options granted will become exercisable over a 
period determined by the Compensation Committee.  In addition, the unit options will become exercisable upon a change in 
control of us, our general partner, Martin Resource Management or if our general partner ceases to be an affiliate of Martin 
Resource Management or upon the achievement of specified financial objectives.

Upon exercise of a unit option, our general partner will acquire common units in the open market or directly from us 

or any affiliate of our general partner or use common units already owned by our general partner, or any combination of the 
foregoing.  Our general partner will be entitled to reimbursement by us for the difference between the cost incurred by our 
general partner in acquiring these common units and the proceeds received by our general partner from an optionee at the time 
of exercise.  Thus, the cost of the unit options will be borne by us.  If we issue new common units upon exercise of the unit 
options, the total number of common units outstanding will  increase, and our general partner will pay us the proceeds it 
received from the optionee.

Martin Resource Management Employee Benefit Plans

Martin Resource Management has employee benefit plans for its employees who perform services for us.  The 

following summary of these plans is not complete but outlines the material provisions of these plans.

Martin Resource Management Purchase Plan for Units of Martin Midstream Partners L.P.  Martin Resource 
Management maintains a purchase plan for our units to provide employees of Martin Resource Management and its affiliates 
who perform services for us the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in us through the purchase of our common units.  Each 
individual employed by Martin Resource Management or an affiliate of Martin Resource Management that provides services to 
us is eligible to participate in the purchase plan.  Enrollment in the purchase plan by an eligible employee will constitute a grant 
by Martin Resource Management to the employee of the right to purchase common units under the purchase plan.  The right to 
purchase common units granted by the Company under the purchase plan is for the term of a purchase period.

During each purchase period, each participating employee may elect to make contributions to his bookkeeping account 

each pay period in an amount not less than one percent of his compensation and not more than fifteen percent of his 
compensation.  The rate of contribution shall be designated by the employee at the time of enrollment.  On each purchase date 
(the last day of such purchase period), units will be purchased for each participating employee at the fair market value of such 
units.  The fair market value of the Units to be purchased during such purchase period shall mean the closing sales price of a 
unit on the purchase date.

116

 
Martin Resource Management Employee Stock Ownership Plans. 

 MRMC Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  Martin Resource Management maintains an employee stock ownership 

plan that covers employees who satisfy certain minimum age and service requirements ("ESOP").  Under the terms of the 
ESOP, Martin Resource Management has the discretion to make contributions in an amount determined by its board of 
directors.  Those contributions are allocated under the terms of the ESOP and invested primarily in the common stock of Martin 
Resource Management.  Participants in the ESOP become 100% vested upon completing six years of vesting service or upon 
their attainment of Normal Retirement Age (as defined in the plan document), permanent disability or death during 
employment.  Any forfeitures of non-vested accounts may be used to pay administrative expenses and  restore previous 
forfeitures of employees rehired before incurring five consecutive breaks-in-service.  Any remaining forfeitures will be 
allocated to the accounts of employed participants.  Participants are not permitted to make contributions including rollover 
contributions to the ESOP.

Martin Employee Stock Ownership Plan.  Martin Resource Management maintains an employee stock ownership plan 

that covers employees who satisfied certain minimum age and service requirements but no Employee shall become eligible to 
participate in the Plan on or after January 1, 2013.  This plan is referred to as the "Martin Employee Stock Ownership Plan".  
Under the terms of the plan, Martin Resource Management has the discretion to make contributions in an amount determined 
by its board of directors.  Those contributions are allocated under the terms of the Martin Employee Stock Ownership Plan and 
invested primarily in the common stock of Martin Resource Management.  No contributions will be made to the Plan for any 
Plan Year commencing on or after January 1, 2013.  The account balances of any participant who was employed by Martin 
Resource Management on December 31, 2012 shall be fully vested and non-forfeitable.  This plan converted to an employee 
stock ownership plan on January 1, 2013.

Martin Resource Management 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan.  Martin Resource Management maintains a profit sharing 
plan that covers employees who satisfy certain minimum age and service requirements.  This profit sharing plan is referred to 
as the "401(k) Plan." Eligible employees may elect to participate in the 401(k) Plan by electing pre-tax contributions up to 30% 
of their regular compensation and/or a portion of their discretionary bonuses.  Matching contributions are made to the 401(k) 
Plan equal to 50% of the first 3% of eligible compensation.  Martin Resource Management may make annual discretionary 
profit sharing contributions in an amount at the plan year end as determined by the board of directors of Martin Resource 
Management.  Participants in the 401(k) Plan become 100% vested in matching contributions immediately and become vested 
in the discretionary contributions made for them upon completing five years of vesting service or upon their attainment of age 
65, permanent disability or death during employment.

Martin Resource Management Non-Qualified Option Plan.  In September 1999, Martin Resource Management 

adopted a stock option plan designed to retain and attract qualified management personnel, directors and consultants.  Under 
the plan, Martin Resource Management is authorized to issue to qualifying parties from time to time options to purchase up to 
2,000 shares of its common stock with terms not to exceed ten years from the date of grant and at exercise prices generally not 
less than fair market value on the date of grant.  In November 2007, Martin Resource Management adopted an additional stock 
option plan designed to retain and attract qualified management personnel, directors and consultants.  In December 2013, all 
outstanding options were exercised or redeemed in lieu of redemption.   There are no outstanding options under this plan as of 
December 31, 2016.

Other Compensation

Martin Resource Management generally does not pay for perquisites for any of our named executive officers other 
than general recreational activities at certain Martin Resource Management’s properties located in Texas and use of Martin 
Resource Management vehicles, including aircraft.

117

 
 
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table sets forth the compensation expense that was allocated to us for the services of the named 

executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Name and Principal Position

Year

Salary

Bonus

Stock
Awards (1)

Total
Compensation

Ruben S. Martin, President and Chief Executive
Officer

Robert D. Bondurant, Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Randall L. Tauscher, Executive Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer

Chris H. Booth,  Executive Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary

Scot A. Shoup, Senior Vice President of Operations

2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014
2016
2015
2014

$ 412,500
$ 412,500
$ 412,500
$ 230,000
$ 230,000
$ 230,000
$ 308,200
$ 230,000
$ 308,200
$ 165,240
$ 146,880
$ 165,240
$ 180,000
$ 180,000
$ 180,000

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $
— $

356,250

— $
$
— $
— $
$
— $
— $
$
— $
— $
$
— $
— $
$
— $

85,500

85,500

71,250

57,000

412,500
768,750
412,500
230,000
315,500
230,000
308,200
315,500
308,200
165,240
218,130
165,240
180,000
237,000
180,000

(1) The amounts shown represent the grant date fair value of awards computed in accordance with FASB ASC 718, however, such awards are 
subject to vesting requirements which have not been met as it relates to the 2015 stock award. See Note 17 included in Item 8 herein for the 
assumptions made in our valuation of such awards.

Director Compensation

As a partnership, we are managed by our general partner.  The board of directors of our general partner performs for 

us the functions of a board of directors of a business corporation.    Directors of our general partner are entitled to receive total 
quarterly retainer fees of $16,250 each which are paid by the general partner.  Martin Resource Management employees who 
are a member of the board of directors of our general partner do not receive any additional compensation for serving in such 
capacity.  Officers of our general partner who also serve as directors will not receive additional compensation.  All directors of 
our general partner are entitled to reimbursement for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with their travel to 
and from, and attendance at, meetings of the board of directors or committees thereof.  Each director will be fully indemnified 
by us for actions associated with being a director to the extent permitted under Delaware law.

The following table sets forth the compensation of our board members for the period from January 1, 2016 through 

December 31, 2016.

Name

Ruben S. Martin
Robert D. Bondurant
C. Scott Massey (1)
Byron R. Kelley  (1)
James M. Collingsworth (1)
Alexander W.F Black
Sean P. Dolan

Fees 
Earned 
Paid in
Cash

$
$
$
$
$
$
$

65,000
65,000
65,000

— $
— $
$
$
$
— $
— $

Stock
Awards

69,598
69,598
69,598

— $
— $
$
$
$
— $
— $

Total

—
—
134,598
134,598
134,598
—
—

(1)  On February 23, 2016, the Partnership issued 4,600 restricted common units to each of three independent directors, C. 
Scott Massey, Byron R. Kelley, and James M. Collingsworth under our LTIP.  These restricted common units vest in equal 

118

 
 
 
 
 
installments of 1,150 units on February 24, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.  In calculating the fair value of the award, 
we multiplied the closing price of our common units on the NASDAQ on the date of grant by the number of restricted common 
units granted to each director.

COMPENSATION REPORT OF THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE

The Compensation Committee of the general partner of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. has reviewed and discussed 

the Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this report with management of the general partner of Martin Midstream 
Partners L.P. and, based on that review and discussions, has recommended that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be 
included in this report.

Members of the Compensation Committee:

/s/ James M. Collingsworth

James M. Collingsworth, Committee Chair

/s/ Byron R. Kelley
Byron R. Kelley

/s/ C. Scott Massey
C. Scott Massey

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

Other than these independent directors, no other officer or employee of our general partner or its subsidiaries is a 

member of the Compensation Committee.  Employees of Martin Resource Management, through our general partner, are the 
individuals who work on our matters.

119

 
 
 
 
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of our units as of February 15, 2017 held by beneficial owners 

of 5% or more of the units outstanding, by directors of our general partner, by each executive officer and by all directors and 
executive officers of our general partner as a group.

Name of Beneficial Owner(1)
MRMC ESOP Trust (4)
Martin Resource Management Corporation (5)
Martin Resource, LLC (5)
Martin Product Sales LLC (5)
Cross Oil Refining & Marketing Inc. (5)
OppenheimerFunds, Inc. (2)
Ruben S. Martin (6)
Robert D. Bondurant
Randall L. Tauscher
Chris H. Booth
Scot A. Shoup
Sean Dolan
Zachary S. Stanton
C. Scott Massey (7)
Byron R. Kelley
James M. Collingsworth (8)
All directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons) (9)

Common Units
Beneficially
 Owned

6,264,532
6,264,532
4,203,823
1,171,265
889,444
6,151,199
6,395,229
35,437
27,196
11,483
6,378
—
—
27,000
12,600
10,000
6,525,323

Percentage of
 Common Units
 Beneficially
Owned (3)
17.7%
17.7%
11.9%
3.3%
2.5%
17.4%
18.0%
—%
—%
—%
—%
—%
—%
—%
—%
—%
18.4%

(1)  The address for Martin Resource Management Corporation and all of the individuals listed in this table, unless 

otherwise indicated, is c/o Martin Midstream Partners L.P., 4200 Stone Road, Kilgore, Texas  75662.

(2)  The address for OppenheimerFunds, Inc. is 225 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10281.

(3)  The percent of class shown is less than one percent unless otherwise noted.

(4)  By virtue of its ownership of 85.90% of the outstanding common stock of Martin Resource Management 

Corporation ("Martin Resource Management"), the MRMC ESOP Trust (the "MRMC ESOP") is the controlling 
shareholder of Martin Resource Management, and may be deemed to beneficially own the 6,264,532 MMLP 
Common Units held by Martin Resource LLC, Cross Oil Refining & Marketing Inc., and Martin Product Sales 
LLC.  Wilmington Trust Retirement and Institutional Services Company serves as trustee of the MRMC ESOP but 
all of its voting and investment decisions are directed by the board of directors of Martin Resource Management.  
The MRMC ESOP expressly disclaims beneficial ownership of the MMLP Common Units as voting and investment 
decisions are directed by the board of directors of Martin Resource Management. 

(5)  Martin Resource Management is the owner of Martin Resource, LLC, Martin Product Sales LLC, and Cross Oil 

Refining & Marketing Inc., and as such may be deemed to beneficially own the common units held by Martin 
Resource LLC, Cross Oil Refining & Marketing Inc, and Martin Product Sales LLC.  The 4,203,823 common units 
beneficially owned by Martin Resource Management through its ownership of Martin Resource, LLC have been 
pledged as security to a third party to secure payment for a loan made by such third party.   The 1,171,265 common 
units beneficially owned by Martin Resource Management through its ownership of Martin Product Sales LLC have 
been pledged as security to a third party to secure payment for a loan made by such third party.  The 889,444 
common units beneficially owned by Martin Resource Management through its ownership of Cross Oil Refining & 
Marketing Inc. have been pledged as security to a third party to secure payment for a loan made by such third party.

(6) 

Includes 130,697 common units owned directly by Mr. Martin, 46,477 of which are pledged to third parties to 
secure payment for loans.  By virtue of serving as the Chairman of the Board and President of Martin Resource 

120

 
  
Management, Ruben S. Martin may exercise control over the voting and disposition of the securities owned by 
Martin Resource Management, and therefore, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the common units owned by 
Martin Resource Management, which include 6,264,532 common units beneficially owned through its ownership of 
Martin Resource LLC, Cross Oil Refining & Marketing Inc. and Martin Product Sales LLC.

(7)  Mr. Massey may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 1,500 common units held by his wife.

(8)  Mr. Collingsworth may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 775 common units held by his wife.

(9)  The total for all directors and executive officers as a group includes the common units directly owned by such 

directors and executive officers as well as the common units beneficially owned by Martin Resource Management 
as Ruben S. Martin may be deemed to be the beneficial owner thereof.

Martin Resource Management owns a 51% voting interest in the holding company that is the sole member of our 

general partner and, together with our general partner, owns approximately 17.7% of our outstanding common limited partner 
units as of December 31, 2016.  The table below sets forth information as of December 31, 2016 concerning (i) each person 
owning beneficially in excess of 5% of the voting common stock of Martin Resource Management, and (ii) the beneficial 
common stock ownership of (a) each director of Martin Resource Management, (b) each executive officer of Martin Resource 
Management, and (c) all such executive officers and directors of Martin Resource Management as a group.  Except as 
indicated, each individual has sole voting and investment power over all shares listed opposite his or her name.

Name of Beneficial Owner(1)
MRMC ESOP Trust (2)
Martin ESOP Trust (3)
Robert D. Bondurant (3)
Randall Tauscher (3)

Beneficial Ownership of
Voting Common Stock

Number of
Shares
180,698.67
29,656.69
29,656.69
29,656.69

Percent of
Outstanding 
Voting Stock

85.90%
14.10%
14.10%
14.10%

(1)  The business address of each shareholder, director and executive officer of Martin Resource Management 
Corporation is c/o Martin Resource Management Corporation, 4200 Stone Road, Kilgore, Texas 75662.

(2)  The MRMC ESOP owns 210,355.36 shares of common stock of Martin Resource Management. Wilmington Trust 
Retirement and Institutional Services Company serves as trustee of the MRMC ESOP but all of its voting and 
investment decisions related to the unallocated shares of common stock are directed by the board of directors of 
Martin Resource Management.  Of the common stock held by the MRMC ESOP, 98,225 shares of common stock 
are allocated to participant accounts, and 82,474 shares of common stock are unallocated.

(3)  Robert D. Bondurant and Randall Tauscher (the "Co-Trustees") are co-trustees of the Martin Employee Stock 

Ownership Trust which converted from a profit sharing plan known as the Martin Employees' Stock Profit Sharing 
Plan on January 1, 2014. The Co-Trustees exercise shared control over the voting and disposition of the securities 
owned by this trust.  As a result, the Co-Trustees may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the securities held by 
such trust; thus, the number of shares of common stock reported herein as beneficially owned by the Co-Trustees 
includes the 29,657 shares owned by such trust.  The Co-Trustees disclaim beneficial ownership of these 29,657 
shares.

121

 
The following table sets forth information regarding securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation 

plans as of December 31, 2016:

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Number of
 securities to be
 issued upon 
exercise
of outstanding
 options, 
Warrants
and rights
(a)

Weighted-
average
 exercise price of
 outstanding 
options,
warrants and 
rights
(b)

Number of 
securities
 remaining 
available for
 future issuance 
under equity 
compensation
plans (excluding
 securities 
reflected in
 column (a))
(c)

N/A

— $
— $

N/A
—
—

N/A
540,200
540,200

Plan Category
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders (1)
Total

(1) Our general partner has adopted and maintains the Martin Midstream Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan.  For 

a description of the material features of this plan, please see "Item 11. Executive Compensation – Employee Benefit Plans – 
Martin Midstream Partners L.P. Long-Term Incentive Plan".

In February 2016, we issued 4,600 restricted common units to independent directors under our long-term incentive 

plan.  These restricted common units vest in equal installments of 1,150 units on January 24, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

122

 
 
      
 
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Martin Resource Management owns 6,264,532 of our common limited partnership units representing approximately 
17.7% of our outstanding common limited partnership units as of February 15, 2017.  Martin Resource Management controls 
Martin Midstream GP LLC, our general partner, by virtue of its 51% voting interest in MMGP Holdings, LLC, the sole member 
of our general partner.  Our general partner owns a 2.0% general partner interest in us and all of our incentive distribution 
rights.  Our general partner’s ability to manage and operate us and Martin Resource Management’s ownership of approximately 
17.7% of our outstanding common limited partnership units effectively gives Martin Resource Management the ability to veto 
some of our actions and to control our management.

Distributions and Payments to the General Partner and its Affiliates

The following table summarizes the distributions and payments to be made by us to our general partner and its 
affiliates in connection with our formation, ongoing operation and liquidation.  These distributions and payments were 
determined by and among affiliated entities and, consequently, are not the result of arm’s-length negotiations.

Formation Stage
The consideration received by our
general partner and Martin
Resource Management for the
transfer of assets to us

Operational Stage
Distributions of available cash to
our general partner

Payments to our general partner
and its affiliates

Withdrawal or removal of our
general partner

    4,253,362 subordinated units  (All of the original 4,253,362 subordinated units issued 
to Martin Resource Management have been converted into common units on a one-for-
one basis since the formation of the Partnership.  850,672 subordinated units were 
converted on each of November 14, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, respectively, and 
850,674 subordinated units were converted on November 14, 2009)

    2.0% general partner interest; and
    the incentive distribution rights.

We will generally make cash distributions 98% to our unitholders, including Martin
Resource Management as holder of all of the subordinated units, and 2% to our general
partner.  In addition, if distributions exceed the minimum quarterly distribution and other
higher target levels, our general partner will be entitled to increasing percentages of the
distributions, up to 50% of the distributions above the highest target level as a result of
its incentive distribution rights.

Assuming we have sufficient available cash to pay the full minimum quarterly
distribution on all of our outstanding units for four quarters, our general partner would
receive an annual aggregate distribution of approximately $1.4 million on its 2.0%
general partner interest.

Martin Resource Management is entitled to reimbursement for all direct expenses it or
our general partner incurs on our behalf.  The direct expenses include the salaries and
benefit costs employees of Martin Resource Management who provide services to
us.  Our general partner has sole discretion in determining the amount of these
expenses.  In addition to the direct expenses, Martin Resource Management is entitled to
reimbursement for a portion of indirect general and administrative and corporate
overhead expenses.  Under the omnibus agreement, we are required to reimburse Martin
Resource Management for indirect general and administrative and corporate overhead
expenses.  The conflicts committee of our general partner ("Conflicts Committee")  will
review and approve future adjustments in the reimbursement amount for indirect
expenses, if any, annually.  Please read "Agreements — Omnibus Agreement" below.

 If our general partner withdraws or is removed, its general partner interest and its
incentive distribution rights will either be sold to the new general partner for cash or
converted into common units, in each case for an amount equal to the fair market value
of those interests.

Liquidation Stage
Liquidation                                         Upon our liquidation, the partners, including our general partner, will be entitled to

receive liquidating distributions according to their particular capital account balances.

Agreements

Omnibus Agreement

  We and our general partner are parties to an omnibus agreement with Martin Resource Management (the "Omnibus 

Agreement") that governs, among other things, potential competition and indemnification obligations among the parties to the 
123

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
agreement, related party transactions, the provision of general administration and support services by Martin Resource 
Management and our use of certain of Martin Resource Management’s trade names and trademarks.  The Omnibus Agreement 
was amended on November 25, 2009, to include processing crude oil into finished products including naphthenic lubricants, 
distillates, asphalt and other intermediate cuts.  The Omnibus Agreement was amended further on October 1, 2012, to permit 
the Partnership to provide certain lubricant packaging products and services to Martin Resource Management.

Non-Competition Provisions.  Martin Resource Management has agreed for so long as it controls the general partner 

of the Partnership, not to engage in the business of:

• 

• 

• 

providing terminalling and storage services for petroleum products and by-products including the refining, blending  
and packaging of finished lubricants;

providing marine transportation of petroleum products and by-products;

distributing NGLs; and

•  manufacturing and selling sulfur-based fertilizer products and other sulfur-related products.

This restriction does not apply to:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

the ownership and/or operation on the Partnership’s behalf of any asset or group of assets owned by it or its affiliates;

any business operated by Martin Resource Management, including the following:

providing land transportation of various liquids;

distributing fuel oil, sulfuric acid, marine fuel and other liquids;

providing marine bunkering and other shore-based marine services in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, 
Alabama, and Florida;

operating a crude oil gathering business in Stephens, Arkansas;

providing crude oil gathering, refining, and marketing services of base oils, asphalt, and distillate products in 
Smackover, Arkansas;

providing crude oil marketing and transportation from the well head to the end market;

operating an environmental consulting company;

operating an engineering services company; 

supplying employees and services for the operation of the Partnership's business; 

operating a crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, and biofuels optimization business; and

operating, solely for the Partnership's account, the asphalt facilities in Omaha, Nebraska, Port Neches, Texas 
and South Houston, Texas.

any business that Martin Resource Management acquires or constructs that has a fair market value of less than $5,000;

any business that Martin Resource Management acquires or constructs that has a fair market value of $5,000 or more 
if the Partnership has been offered the opportunity to purchase the business for fair market value and the Partnership 
declines to do so with the concurrence of the conflicts committee of the board of directors of the general partner of the 
Partnership (the "Conflicts Committee"); and

any business that Martin Resource Management acquires or constructs where a portion of such business includes a 
restricted business and the fair market value of the restricted business is $5,000 or more and represents less than 20% 

124

 
of the aggregate value of the entire business to be acquired or constructed; provided that, following completion of the 
acquisition or construction, the Partnership will be provided the opportunity to purchase the restricted business.

Services.  Under the Omnibus Agreement, Martin Resource Management provides us with corporate staff and support 

services that are substantially identical in nature and quality to the services previously provided by Martin Resource 
Management in connection with its management and operation of our assets during the one-year period prior to the date of the 
agreement.  The Omnibus Agreement requires us to reimburse Martin Resource Management for all direct expenses it incurs or 
payments it makes on our behalf or in connection with the operation of our business.  There is no monetary limitation on the 
amount we are required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for direct expenses.  In addition to the direct expenses, 
Martin Resource Management is entitled to reimbursement for a portion of indirect general and administrative and corporate 
overhead expenses.  

Under the Omnibus Agreement, we are required to reimburse Martin Resource Management for indirect general and 

administrative and corporate overhead expenses.   For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, the Conflicts 
Committee approved and we reimbursed Martin Resource Management of $13.0 million, $13.7 million and $12.5 million, 
respectively, reflecting our allocable share of such expenses.  The Conflicts Committee will review and approve future 
adjustments in the reimbursement amount for indirect expenses, if any, annually.

These indirect expenses cover all of the centralized corporate functions Martin Resource Management provides for us, 

such as accounting, treasury, clerical billing, information technology, administration of insurance, general office expenses and 
employee benefit plans and other general corporate overhead functions we share with Martin Resource Management retained 
businesses.  The provisions of the Omnibus Agreement regarding Martin Resource Management’s services will terminate if 
Martin Resource Management ceases to control our general partner.

Related Party Transactions.  The Omnibus Agreement prohibits us from entering into any material agreement with 

Martin Resource Management without the prior approval of the Conflicts Committee.  For purposes of the Omnibus 
Agreement, the term material agreements means any agreement between us and Martin Resource Management that requires 
aggregate annual payments in excess of then-applicable limitation on the reimbursable amount of indirect general and 
administrative expenses.  Please read " Services" above.

License Provisions.  Under the Omnibus Agreement, Martin Resource Management has granted us a nontransferable, 

nonexclusive, royalty-free right and license to use certain of its trade names and marks, as well as the trade names and marks 
used by some of its affiliates.

Amendment and Termination.  The Omnibus Agreement may be amended by written agreement of the parties; 

provided, however that it may not be amended without the approval of the Conflicts Committee if such amendment would 
adversely affect the unitholders.  The Omnibus Agreement was first amended on November 25, 2009, to permit us to provide 
refining services to Martin Resource Management.  The Omnibus Agreement was amended further on October 1, 2012, to 
permit us to provide certain lubricant packaging products and services to Martin Resource Management.  Such amendments 
were approved by the Conflicts Committee.  The Omnibus Agreement, other than the indemnification provisions and the 
provisions limiting the amount for which we will reimburse Martin Resource Management for general and administrative 
services performed on our behalf, will terminate if we are no longer an affiliate of Martin Resource Management.

Motor Carrier Agreement

We are a party to a motor carrier agreement effective January 1, 2006, as amended, with Martin Transport, Inc., a 
wholly owned subsidiary of Martin Resource Management through which Martin Resource Management operates its land 
transportation operations.  Under the agreement, Martin Transport, Inc. agrees to ship our NGL shipments as well as other 
liquid products.

Term and Pricing.  The agreement has an initial term that expired in December 2007 but automatically renews for 
consecutive one-year periods unless either party terminates the agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least 
30 days prior to the expiration of the then-applicable term.  We have the right to terminate this agreement at anytime by 
providing 90 days prior notice.  Under this agreement, Martin Transport, Inc. transports our NGL shipments as well as other 
liquid products.  These rates are subject to any adjustment to which are mutually agreed or in accordance with a price 
index.  Additionally, during the term of the agreement, shipping charges are also subject to fuel surcharges determined on a 
weekly basis in accordance with the United States Department of Energy’s national diesel price list.

125

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Indemnification.  Martin Transport, Inc. has indemnified us against all claims arising out of the negligence or willful 
misconduct of Martin Transport, Inc. and its officers, employees, agents, representatives and subcontractors.  We indemnified 
Martin Transport against all claims arising out of the negligence or willful misconduct of us and our officers, employees, 
agents, representatives and subcontractors.  In the event a claim is the result of the joint negligence or misconduct of Martin 
Transport and us, our indemnification obligations will be shared in proportion to each party’s allocable share of such joint 
negligence or misconduct.

Terminal Services Agreements

Diesel Fuel Terminal Services Agreement.  Effective January 1, 2016, we entered into a new terminalling services 
agreement under which we provide terminal services to Martin Resource Management for marine fuel distribution.  The per 
gallon throughput fee we charge under this agreement was increased when compared to the previous agreement and may be 
adjusted annually based on a price index.  This agreement was amended on January 1, 2017 to reduce the minimum throughput 
requirements under such agreement. 

Miscellaneous Terminal Services Agreements.  We are currently party to several terminal services agreements and 

from time to time we may enter into other terminal service agreements for the purpose of providing terminal services to related 
parties.  Individually, each of these agreements is immaterial but when considered in the aggregate they could be deemed 
material.  These agreements are throughput based with a minimum volume commitment.  Generally, the fees due under these 
agreements are adjusted annually based on a price index.

Marine Agreements

Marine Transportation Agreement.  We are a party to a marine transportation agreement effective January 1, 2006, as 
amended, under which we provide marine transportation services to Martin Resource Management on a spot-contract basis at 
applicable market rates.  Effective each January 1, this agreement automatically renews for consecutive one-year periods unless 
either party terminates the agreement by giving written notice to the other party at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the 
then- applicable term.  The fees we charge Martin Resource Management are based on applicable market rates.

Marine Fuel.   We are a party to an agreement with Martin Resource Management dated November 1, 2002 under 
which Martin Resource Management provides us with marine fuel from its locations in the Gulf of Mexico at a fixed rate in 
excess of a price index.  Under this agreement, we agreed to purchase all of its marine fuel requirements that occur in the areas 
serviced by Martin Resource Management.

Other Agreements

 Cross Tolling Agreement.  We are a party to an amended and restated tolling agreement with Cross dated October 28, 

2014 under which we process crude oil into finished products, including naphthenic lubricants, distillates, asphalt and other 
intermediate cuts for Cross.  The tolling agreement expires November 25, 2031.  Under this tolling agreement, Martin Resource 
Management agreed to refine a minimum of 6,500 barrels per day of crude oil at the refinery at a fixed price per barrel.  Any 
additional barrels are refined at a modified price per barrel.  In addition, Martin Resource Management agreed to pay a monthly 
reservation fee and a periodic fuel surcharge fee based on certain parameters specified in the tolling agreement.  All of these 
fees (other than the fuel surcharge) are subject to escalation annually based upon the greater of 3% or the increase in the 
Consumer Price Index for a specified annual period.  In addition, every three years, the parties can negotiate an upward or 
downward adjustment in the fees subject to their mutual agreement.

Sulfuric Acid Sales Agency Agreement.  We are a party to a second amended and restated sulfuric acid sales agency 

agreement dated August 5, 2013 under which Martin Resource Management purchases and markets the sulfuric acid produced 
by our sulfuric acid production plant at Plainview, Texas, and which is not consumed by our internal operations.  This 
agreement, as amended, will remain in place until we terminate it by providing 180 days’ written notice.  Under this agreement, 
we sell all of our excess sulfuric acid to Martin Resource Management.  Martin Resource Management then markets such acid 
to third-parties and we share in the profit of Martin Resource Management’s sales of the excess acid to such third parties.

Other Miscellaneous Agreements.  From time to time we enter into other miscellaneous agreements with Martin 

Resource Management for the provision of other services or the purchase of other goods.

126

 
 
 
 
 
Other Related Party Transactions

Related Party Note Receivable 

During March 2013, we acquired 100% of the preferred interests in Martin Energy Trading, LLC ("MET"), for $15.0 

million.  On August 31, 2014, MET converted its preferred equity to subordinated debt. The resulting $15.0 million note 
receivable from MET bears an annual interest rate of 15% and matures August 31, 2026.  MET may prepay any or all of the 
note balance on or after September 1, 2016.  Interest income for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $2.3 
million, $2.3 million, and $0.8 million, respectively.

2014 Public Offerings 

 In conjunction with public offerings, our general partner contributed $7.0 million in order to maintain its 2.0% general 

partner interest in us. 

Transfers of Assets Between Entities Under Common Control 

Natural Gas Liquids ("NGL") Storage Assets.  On May 31, 2014, we acquired certain NGL storage assets located in 

Arcadia, Louisiana, from Martin Resource Management for $7.4 million.  The excess carrying value of the assets over the 
purchase price paid by Martin Resource Management at the sales date was $4.9 million and was recorded as an adjustment to 
partners' capital.  

Miscellaneous  

Certain of directors, officers and employees of our general partner and Martin Resource Management maintain margin 

accounts with broker-dealers with respect to our common units held by such persons.  Margin account transactions for such 
directors, officers and employees were conducted by such broker-dealers in the ordinary course of business.

For information regarding amounts of related party transactions that are included in the Partnership's Consolidated 

Statements of Operations, please see Footnote 13, "Related Party Transactions", in Part II, Item 8.

Approval and Review of Related Party Transactions

If we contemplate entering into a transaction, other than a routine or in the ordinary course of business transaction, in 
which a related person will have a direct or indirect material interest, the proposed transaction is submitted for consideration to 
the board of directors of our general partner or to our management, as appropriate.  If the board of directors is involved in the 
approval process, it determines whether to refer the matter to the Conflicts Committee, as constituted under our limited 
partnership agreement.  If a matter is referred to the Conflicts Committee, it obtains information regarding the proposed 
transaction from management and determines whether to engage independent legal counsel or an independent financial advisor 
to advise the members of the committee regarding the transaction.  If the Conflicts Committee retains such counsel or financial 
advisor, it considers such advice and, in the case of a financial advisor, such advisor’s opinion as to whether the transaction is 
fair and reasonable to us and to our unitholders.

127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

KPMG, LLP served as our independent auditors for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.  The following 

fees were paid to KPMG, LLP for services rendered during our last two fiscal years:

Audit fees
Audit related fees

Audit and audit related fees

Tax fees
All other fees
Total fees

2016
1,192,500 (1) $ 1,347,500 (1)

2015

—
1,192,500

—
1,347,500

105,070 (2)
—
1,297,570

253,700 (2)
—
$ 1,601,200

$

$

(1) 

(2) 

2016 audit fees include fees for the annual integrated audit and fees related to services in connection with transactions.  
2015 audit fees include fees for the annual integrated audit and fees related to services in connection with filing 
updated financial statements and in connection with transactions.  

Tax fees are for services related to the review of our partnership K-1's returns, and research and consultations on other 
tax related matters.

Under policies and procedures established by the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee, the Audit Committee is 

required to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services performed by our independent auditor to ensure that the provisions of 
such services do not impair the auditor’s independence.  All of the services described above that were provided by KPMG, LLP 
in years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were approved in advance by the Audit Committee.

128

 
 
 
 
PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) 

Financial Statements, Schedules

(1) 

The following financial statements of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. are included in Part II, Item 8:

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Capital for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2013

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

129

(b) 

Exhibits

Exhibit
Number

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit Name

3.1

3.2

3.3

3.4

3.5

3.6

3.7

3.8

3.9

3.10

3.11

3.12

3.13

3.14

3.15

3.16

3.17

3.18

Certificate of Limited Partnership of Martin Midstream Partners L.P. (the "Partnership"), dated June 21, 2002
(filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-91706), filed July 1,
2002, and incorporated herein by reference).

Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership, dated November 25, 2009
(filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Partnership's Amendment to Current Report on Form 8-K/A (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed January 19, 2010, and incorporated herein by reference).

Amendment No. 2 to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership
dated January 31, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed February 1, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

Amendment No. 3 to the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Partnership
dated October 2, 2012 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed October 9, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Martin Operating Partnership L.P. (the "Operating Partnership"), dated June
21, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 3.3 to the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-91706), filed
July 1, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).

Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of the Operating Partnership, dated November 6, 2002
(filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed November
19, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).

Certificate of Formation of Martin Midstream GP LLC (the "General Partner"), dated June 21, 2002 (filed as
Exhibit 3.5 to the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-91706), filed July 1, 2002, and
incorporated herein by reference).

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of the General Partner, dated August 30, 2013
(filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (Reg. No. 000-50056), filed September 3,
2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

Certificate of Formation of Martin Operating GP LLC (the "Operating General Partner"), dated June 21, 2002
(filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-91706), filed July 1,
2002, and incorporated herein by reference).

Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Operating General Partner, dated June 21, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 3.8
to the Partnership's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 333-91706), filed July 1, 2002, and
incorporated herein by reference).

Certificate of Formation of Arcadia Gas Storage, LLC, dated June 26, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3.11 to the
Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated
herein by reference).

Company Agreement of Arcadia Gas Storage, LLC, dated December 27, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3.12 to the
Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated
herein by reference).

Amendment to the Company Agreement of Arcadia Gas Storage, LLC, dated September 5, 2014 (filed as Exhibit
3.13 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and
incorporated herein by reference).

Certificate of Formation of Cadeville Gas Storage LLC, dated May 23, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3.14 to the
Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated
herein by reference).

Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cadeville Gas Storage LLC, dated May 23, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3.15
to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and
incorporated herein by reference).

First Amendment to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cadeville Gas Storage LLC, dated April 16,
2012 (filed as Exhibit 3.16 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed
October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

Second Amendment to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cadeville Gas Storage LLC, dated
September 5, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 3.17 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

Certificate of Formation of Monroe Gas Storage Company, LLC, dated June 14, 2006 (filed as Exhibit 3.18 to the
Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated
herein by reference).

130

3.19

3.20

3.21

3.22

3.23

3.24

3.25

3.26

3.27

3.28

3.29

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

4.5

10.1

10.2

Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Monroe Gas Storage Company, LLC, dated May
31, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 3.19 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056),
filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Monroe Gas Storage
Company, LLC, dated September 5, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 3.20 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

Certificate of Formation of Perryville Gas Storage LLC, dated May 23, 2008.(filed as Exhibit 3.21 to the
Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated
herein by reference).

Limited Liability Company Agreement of Perryville Gas Storage LLC, dated June 16, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3.22
to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and
incorporated herein by reference).

First Amendment to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Perryville Gas Storage LLC, dated April 14,
2010 (filed as Exhibit 3.23 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed
October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

Second Amendment to the Limited Liability Company Agreement of Perryville Gas Storage LLC, dated
September 5, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 3.24 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

Certificate of Formation of Cardinal Gas Storage Partners LLC, dated April 2, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 3.25 to the
Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated
herein by reference).

Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Cardinal Gas Storage Partners LLC
(F/K/A Redbird Gas Storage LLC) dated October 27, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 3.26 to the Partnership’s Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
Certificate of Formation of Redbird Gas Storage LLC, dated May 24, 2011 (filed as Exhibit 3.27 to the
Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed March 2, 2015, and incorporation
herein by reference).

Second Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of Redbird Gas Storage LLC, dated as of October 2, 2012. (filed
as Exhibit 10.6 to the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed November 5,
2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

Certificate of Merger of Cardinal Gas Storage Partners LLC with and into Redbird Gas Storage LLC, dated
October 27, 2014 (filed as Exhibit 3.27 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
Specimen Unit Certificate for Common Units (contained in Exhibit 3.2).

Specimen Unit Certificate for Subordinated Units (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to Amendment No. 4 to the Partnership’s
Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-91706), filed October 25, 2002, and incorporated herein
by reference).

Indenture (including form of 7.250% Senior Notes due 2021), dated February 11, 2013, by and among the
Partnership, Martin Midstream Finance Corp., the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National
Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed February 12, 2013, and incorporated herein by reference).

Second Supplemental Indenture, to the Indenture dated February 11, 2013 dated September 30, 2014, by and
among the Partnership, Martin Midstream Finance Corp., the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank
National Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.4 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC
File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).
Third Supplemental Indenture, to the Indenture dated February 11, 2013 dated October 27, 2014, by and among
the Partnership, Martin Midstream Finance Corp., the Guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Bank National
Association, as trustee (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed October 29, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated March 28, 2013, among the Partnership, the Operating
Partnership, Royal Bank of Canada and the other Lenders set forth therein (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed April 3, 2013 and incorporated herein
by reference).
First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 12, 2013, among the
Partnership, the Operating Partnership, Royal Bank of Canada and the other Lenders as set forth therein (filed as
Exhibit 10.2 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed May 5, 2014
and incorporated herein by reference).

131

10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

Second Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 5, 2014, among the
Partnership, the Operating Partnership, Royal Bank of Canada and the other Lenders as set forth therein (filed as
Exhibit 10.2 to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K/A (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed May 6, 2014 and
incorporated herein by reference)
Third Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 27, 2014, among the Partnership, 
the Operating Partnership, Royal Bank of Canada and the other Lenders as set forth therein (filed as Exhibit 10.1 
to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed July 1, 2014, and incorporated 
herein by reference).

Fourth Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated June 23, 2015, among the
Partnership, the Operating Partnership, Royal Bank of Canada and the other Lenders as set forth therein (filed as
Exhibit 10.1 to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed June 24, 2015, and
incorporated herein by reference).

Omnibus Agreement, dated November 1, 2002, by and among Martin Resource Management Corporation, the
General Partner, the Partnership and the Operating Partnership (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Partnership’s Current
Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed November 19, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).
Amendment No. 1 to Omnibus Agreement, dated as of November 25, 2009, by and among Martin Resource
Management Corporation, the General Partner, the Partnership and the Operating Partnership (filed as Exhibit 10.3
to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed December 1, 2009, and
incorporated herein by reference).

Amendment No. 2 to Omnibus Agreement, dated October 1, 2012, by Martin Resource Management Corporation,
the General Partner, the Partnership and the Operating Partnership (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Partnership's
Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 9, 2012, and incorporated herein by
reference).

10.9 Motor Carrier Agreement, dated January 1, 2006, by and between the Operating Partnership and Martin Transport,

Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed
March 2, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.10 Membership Interests Purchase Agreement, dated August 10, 2014, by and among Energy Capital Partners and its
affiliated funds and Redbird Gas Storage LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form
8-K (Sec File No. 000-50056), filed August 12, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.11

2014 Amended and Restated Tolling Agreement, dated October 28, 2014, by and between the Operating
Partnership and Cross Oil Refining & Marketing, Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 29, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).
10.12 Marine Transportation Agreement, dated January 1, 2006, by and between the Operating Partnership and

Midstream Fuel Service, L.L.C. (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K (SEC
File No. 000-50056), filed March 2, 2011, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.13

Product Storage Agreement, dated November 1, 2002, by and between Martin Underground Storage, Inc. and the
Operating Partnership (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed November 19, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.14 Marine Fuel Agreement, dated November 1, 2002, by and between Martin Fuel Service LLC and the Operating
Partnership (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC No. 000-50056), filed
November 19, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.15† Martin Midstream Partners L.P. Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the

Partnership’s Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC No. 000-50056), filed January 26, 2006, and incorporated herein
by reference).

10.16†

10.17

10.18

10.19

Form of Restricted Common Unit Grant Notice (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form
8-K (SEC No. 000-50056), filed January 26, 2006, and incorporated herein by reference).

Purchaser Use Easement, Ingress-Egress Easement, and Utility Facilities Easement dated November 1, 2002, by
and between MGSLLC and the Operating Partnership (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Partnership’s Current Report
on Form 8-K/A (SEC No. 000-50056), filed November 19, 2002, and incorporated herein by reference).

Amended and Restated Terminal Services Agreement by and between the Operating Partnership and Martin Fuel
Service LLC ("MFSLLC"), dated October 27, 2004 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Partnership's Current Report on
Form 8-K (SEC No. 000-50056), filed October 28, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).
Lubricants and Drilling Fluids Terminal Services Agreement by and between the Operating Partnership and
MFSLLC, dated December 23, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Partnership’s Amendment No. 1 to Current
Report on Form 8-K/A (SEC No. 000-50056), filed January 23, 2004, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.20(1) Second Amended and Restated Sales Agency Agreement, dated August 5, 2013, by and between the Operating

Partnership and Martin Product Sales LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q (SEC No. 000-50056) filed November 4, 2013).

132

10.21† Amended and Restated Martin Resource Management Corporation Purchase Plan for Units of the Partnership,

effective April 1, 2015 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Partnership's registration statement on Form S-8 (SEC File No.
333-203857), filed May 5, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).
Form of Partnership Indemnification Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Partnership’s Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed November 6, 2008, and incorporated herein by reference).

Amended and Restated Common Unit Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 24, 2009, by and between the
Partnership and Martin Resource Management (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Partnership’s Current Report on Form
8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed December 1, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference).

Supply Agreement dated, as of October 2, 2012, by and between the Partnership and Cross Oil & Refining
Marketing Inc. (filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Partnership's  Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No.
000-50056), filed November 5, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

Noncompetition Agreement dated, as of October 2, 2012, by and among the Partnership, Cross Oil Refining &
Marketing, Inc., and Martin Resource Management Corporation (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Partnership's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed November 5, 2012, and incorporated herein by
reference).

Purchase Price Reimbursement Agreement, dated October 2, 2012, by Martin Resource Management Corporation
to and for the benefit of the Operating Partnership (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Partnership's Current Report on
Form 8-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed October 9, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

Lubricants Terminalling Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2015, by and between the Operating Partnership
and Martin Energy Services LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Partnership's Annual Report on Form 10-K (SEC
File No. 000-50056), filed March 2, 2015, and incorporated herein by reference).

Fuel Terminalling Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2015, by and between the Operating Partnership and
Martin Energy Services LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K (SEC File
No. 000-50056), filed October 9, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.22

10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

10.27

10.28

10.29(1) First Amended and Restated Fuel Terminalling Services Agreement, dated January 1, 2016, by and between the

Operating Partnership and Martin Energy Services, LLC (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Partnership's Annual Report
on Form 10-K (SEC File No. 000-50056), filed February 29, 2016, and incorporated herein by reference).

10.30(2)* First Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Fuel Terminalling Services Agreement, dated January 1,

2017, by and between the Operating Partnership and Martin Energy Services, LLC.
List of Subsidiaries.

Consent of KPMG LLP.

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certifications of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906
of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Pursuant to SEC Release 34-47551, this Exhibit is furnished to the SEC and
shall not be deemed to be "filed."

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C., Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.  Pursuant to SEC Release 34-47551, this Exhibit is furnished to the SEC and
shall not be deemed to be "filed."

Interactive Data: the following financial information from Martin Midstream Partners L.P.’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language:
(1) the Consolidated Balance Sheets; (2) the Consolidated Statements of Income; (3) the Consolidated Statements
of Cash Flows; (4) the Consolidated Statements of Capital; and (6) the Notes to Consolidated Financial
Statements.

Filed or furnished herewith.

As required by Item 15(a)(3) of Form 10-K, this exhibit is identified as a compensatory plan or arrangement.

21.1*

23.1*

31.1*

31.2*

32.1*

32.2*

101

*

†

(1) Material has been redacted from this exhibit and filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a request for confidential 
treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which has been granted.
(2) Material has been redacted from this exhibit and filed separately with the Commission pursuant to a request for confidential 
treatment pursuant to Rule 24b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

133

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, we have duly caused this 

Report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized representative.

SIGNATURES

Martin Midstream Partners L.P

(Registrant)

By:

Martin Midstream GP LLC

It's General Partner

Date:  February 15, 2017

By:

/s/ Ruben S. Martin

Ruben S. Martin
President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the 

following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated on the 15th day of February, 2017.

134

 
Signature

Title

/s/ Ruben S. Martin
Ruben S. Martin

/s/ Robert D. Bondurant
Robert D. Bondurant

/s/ Zachary S. Stanton
Zachary S. Stanton

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Martin
Midstream GP LLC (Principal Executive Officer)

Executive Vice President, Director, and Chief Financial
Officer of Martin Midstream GP LLC (Principal Financial
Officer, Principal Accounting Officer)

Director of Martin Midstream GP LLC

/s/ James M. Collingsworth

James M. Collingsworth

Director of Martin Midstream GP LLC

/s/ Sean P. Dolan
Sean P. Dolan

/s/ Byron R. Kelley

Byron R. Kelley

/s/ C. Scott Massey
C. Scott Massey

Director of Martin Midstream GP LLC

Director of Martin Midstream GP LLC

Director of Martin Midstream GP LLC

135

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