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MPLX

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FY2020 Annual Report · MPLX
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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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, 2020 

☐ 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 001-35714 
MPLX LP 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

27-0005456
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

200 E. Hardin Street, Findlay, OH 45840-3229 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code)
(419) 421-2414 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Units Representing Limited Partnership Interests

MPLX

New York Stock Exchange

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities 
Act.    Yes   x    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  x
Indicate  by  check  mark  whether  the  registrant  (1)  has  filed  all  reports  required  to  be  filed  by  Section  13  or  15(d)  of  the 
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to 
file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes   x   No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period 
that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes   x    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller 
reporting  company  or  an  emerging  growth  company.  See  the  definitions  of  “large  accelerated  filer,”  “accelerated  filer,” 
“smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

Large Accelerated Filer x    Accelerated filer ¨    Non-accelerated filer ¨ 
Smaller reporting company ☐  Emerging growth company ☐ 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period 
for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. 
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the 
effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 
7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.    x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).  
Yes  ☐  No   x
The aggregate market value of common units held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2020 was approximately $6.8 billion. This 
amount is based on the closing price of the registrant’s common units on the New York Stock Exchange on June 30, 2020. 
Common units held by executive officers and directors of the registrant and its affiliates are not included in the computation. 
The registrant, solely for the purpose of this required presentation, has deemed its directors and executive officers and those of 
its affiliates to be affiliates.

MPLX LP had 1,037,169,607 common units outstanding at February 12, 2021.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: None

Table of Contents

PART I

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

PART II

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder 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.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Disclosure

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

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.  Executive Compensation
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 

Stockholder Matters

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules 
Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary

Signatures

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Unless the context otherwise requires, references in this report to “MPLX LP,” “MPLX,” “the Partnership,” 
“we,” “our,” “us,” or like terms refer to MPLX LP and its subsidiaries. Additionally, throughout this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have used terms in our discussion of the business and operating results 
that have been defined in our Glossary of Terms.

Glossary of Terms

The abbreviations, acronyms and industry terminology used in this report are defined as follows:
ARO
ASC
ASU
ATM Program
Barrel (Bbl)

Asset retirement obligation
Accounting Standards Codification
Accounting Standards Update
An at-the-market program for the issuance of common units
One stock tank barrel, or 42 United States gallons of liquid volume, used in 
reference to crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbons.
One billion cubic feet per day
One British thermal unit, an energy measurement
A natural gas liquid with a low vapor pressure mainly composed of propane, 
butane, pentane and heavier hydrocarbon fractions

Bcf/d
Btu
Condensate

DCF (a non-GAAP financial 
measure)
DOT
EBITDA (a non-GAAP 
financial measure)
EPA
FASB
FERC
GAAP
IRS
LIBOR
MarkWest Merger

mbbls
mbpd
mcf
Merger

MMBtu
MMcf/d
NGL
NYSE
OTC
Partnership Agreement

PHMSA
PPI
Predecessor

Distributable Cash Flow

United States Department of Transportation
Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization

United States Environmental Protection Agency
Financial Accounting Standards Board
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
Internal Revenue Service
London Interbank Offered Rate
On December 4, 2015, a wholly-owned subsidiary of MPLX merged with 
MarkWest Energy Partners, L.P. (“MarkWest”)

Thousands of barrels
Thousand barrels per day
One thousand cubic feet
MPLX acquisition by merger of Andeavor Logistics LP (“ANDX”) on July 
30, 2019
One million British thermal units, an energy measurement
One million cubic feet per day
Natural gas liquids, such as ethane, propane, butanes and natural gasoline
New York Stock Exchange
Over-the-Counter
Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of MPLX LP, 
dated as of February 1, 2021
Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Producer Price Index
Collectively: 

- The related assets, liabilities and results of operations of Hardin Street
Transportation LLC (“HST”), Woodhaven Cavern LLC (“WHC”) and
MPLX Terminals LLC (“MPLXT”) prior to the date of the
acquisition, March 1, 2017, effective January 1, 2015 for HST and
WHC and April 1, 2016 for MPLXT

- The related assets, liabilities and results of operations of ANDX prior
to the date of the merger, July 30, 2019, effective October 1, 2018.

Realized derivative gains/losses The gain or loss recognized when a derivative matures or is settled
SEC
Unrealized derivative gains/
losses
USCG
VIE
Wholesale Exchange

United States Securities and Exchange Commission
The gain or loss recognized on a derivative due to changes in fair value prior 
to the instrument maturing or settling
United States Coast Guard
Variable interest entity
The transfer to MPC of the Western wholesale distribution business, which 
MPLX acquired as a result of its acquisition of ANDX, on July 31, 2020.

Disclosures Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This Annual Report on Form 10-K, particularly Item 1. Business, Item 1A. Risk Factors, Item 3. Legal 
Proceedings, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations and Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, includes forward-
looking statements that are subject to risks, contingencies or uncertainties. You can identify forward-
looking statements by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “commitment,” “could,” “design,” “estimate,” 
“expect,” “forecast,” “goal,” “guidance,” “imply,” “intend,” “may,” “objective,” “opportunity,” “outlook,” 
“plan,” “policy,” “position,” “potential,” “predict,” “priority,” “project,” “proposition,” “prospective,” 
“pursue,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would” or other similar expressions that convey 
the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. 

Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding: 

•

•

•

•

future financial and operating results;

the success or timing of completion of ongoing or anticipated capital or maintenance projects;

the amount and timing of future distributions or unit repurchases; and

the anticipated effects of actions of third parties such as competitors, activist investors or federal,
foreign, state or local regulatory authorities or plaintiffs in litigation.

Our forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and you should not rely unduly 
on them, as they involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that we cannot predict. Material differences 
between actual results and any future performance suggested in our forward-looking statements could result 
from a variety of factors, including the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•
•

•

general economic, political or regulatory developments, including changes in governmental
policies relating to refined petroleum products, crude oil, natural gas or NGLs, regulation or
taxation and other economic and political developments;
the magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 pandemic and its restrictions, including travel
restrictions, business and school closures, increased remote work, stay-at-home orders and other
actions taken by individuals, governments and the private sector to stem the spread of the virus;

the ability of Marathon Petroleum Corporation (“MPC”) to achieve its strategic objectives and the
effects of those strategic decisions on us;

further impairments;

negative capital market conditions, including an increase of the current yield on common units;

the ability to achieve strategic and financial objectives, including with respect to distribution
coverage, future distribution levels, proposed projects and completed transactions;

the success of MPC’s portfolio optimization, including the ability to complete any divestitures on
commercially reasonable terms and/or within the expected timeframe, and the effects of any such
divestitures on the business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows;

adverse changes in laws including with respect to tax and regulatory matters;

the adequacy of capital resources and liquidity, including the availability of sufficient cash flow to
pay distributions and access to debt on commercially reasonable terms, and the ability to
successfully execute business plans, growth strategies and self-funding models;

the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices and demand for crude oil, refined products,
feedstocks or other hydrocarbon-based products;

volatility in or degradation of market and industry conditions;

changes to the expected construction costs and timing of projects and planned investments, and the
ability to obtain regulatory and other approvals with respect thereto;

completion of midstream infrastructure by competitors;
disruptions due to equipment interruption or failure, including electrical shortages and power grid
failures;
the suspension, reduction or termination of MPC’s obligations under MPLX’s commercial
agreements;

• modifications to financial policies, capital budgets, and earnings and distributions;

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•

•

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•

•

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•

•

•

•

•

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the ability to manage disruptions in credit markets or changes to credit ratings;

compliance with federal and state environmental, economic, health and safety, energy and other
policies and regulations or enforcement actions initiated thereunder;

adverse results in litigation;

the reliability of processing units and other equipment;

the effect of restructuring or reorganization of business components;

the potential effects of changes in tariff rates on our business, financial condition, results of
operations and cash flows;

foreign imports and exports of crude oil, refined products, natural gas and NGLs;

changes in producer customers’ drilling plans or in volumes of throughput of crude oil, natural
gas, NGLs, refined products or other hydrocarbon-based products;

changes in the cost or availability of third-party vessels, pipelines, railcars and other means of
transportation for crude oil, natural gas, NGLs, feedstocks and refined products;

the price, availability and acceptance of alternative fuels and alternative-fuel vehicles and laws
mandating such fuels or vehicles;

actions taken by our competitors, including pricing adjustments and the expansion and retirement
of pipeline capacity, processing, fractionation and treating facilities in response to market
conditions;

expectations regarding joint venture arrangements and other acquisitions or divestitures of assets;

• midstream and refining industry overcapacity or under capacity;

•

•

•

•

accidents or other unscheduled shutdowns affecting our machinery, pipelines, processing,
fractionation and treating facilities or equipment, or those of our suppliers or customers;

acts of war, terrorism or civil unrest that could impair our ability to gather, process, fractionate or
transport crude oil, natural gas, NGLs or refined products;

political pressure and influence of environmental groups upon policies and decisions related to the
production, gathering, refining, processing, fractionation, transportation and marketing of crude oil
or other feedstocks, refined products, natural gas, NGLs or other hydrocarbon-based products; and

the other factors described in Item 1A. Risk Factors.

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except to the extent required by 
applicable law.

2

Part I

Item 1. Business

OVERVIEW

We are a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership (“MLP”) formed in 2012 by MPC (as our 
sponsor) that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets, and provides fuels 
distribution services. Our assets include a network of crude oil and refined product pipelines; an inland 
marine business; light-product, asphalt, heavy oil and marine terminals; storage caverns; refinery tanks, 
docks, loading racks, and associated piping; crude oil and natural gas gathering systems and pipelines; as 
well as natural gas and NGL processing and fractionation facilities. The operation of these assets are 
conducted in our Logistics and Storage (“L&S”) and Gathering and Processing (“G&P”) operating 
segments. Our assets are positioned throughout the United States as depicted in the map below. Our L&S 
segment primarily engages in the transportation, storage, distribution and marketing of crude oil, asphalt 
and refined petroleum products. The L&S segment also includes the operation of our inland marine 
business, terminals, rail facilities, storage caverns and refining logistics. Our G&P segment primarily 
engages in the gathering, processing and transportation of natural gas as well as the gathering, 
transportation, fractionation, storage and marketing of NGLs. For more information on these segments, see 
Our Operating Segments discussion below. The map below and Item 2. Properties provide information 
about our assets as of December 31, 2020: 

We continue to have a strategic relationship with MPC, which is a large source of our revenues. We have 
executed numerous long-term, fee-based agreements with minimum volume commitments with MPC 
which provide us with a stable and predictable revenue stream and source of cash flows. As of 
December 31, 2020, MPC owned our general partner and approximately 62 percent of our outstanding 
common units. MPC will continue to be an important source of our revenues and cash flows for the 
foreseeable future. We also have long-term relationships with a diverse set of producer customers in many 
crude oil and natural gas resource plays, including the Permian Basin, Marcellus Shale, Utica Shale, 
STACK Shale and Bakken Shale, among others. 

3

The growth of our business has provided us with the financial flexibility to maintain an investment grade 
credit profile, fund our organic growth capital plan with operating cash or debt, create the opportunity to 
execute a unit repurchase program, and achieve excess cash flow after capital investments and distributions. 
We continue to evaluate opportunities to develop, expand and participate in projects which complement our 
existing assets in addition to evaluating non-organic growth opportunities through third-party midstream 
acquisitions to enhance our existing geographic footprint or expand our activities into new areas. We also 
assess opportunities to optimize our portfolio of assets through strategic dispositions.

2020 RESULTS

The following table summarizes the operating performance for each segment for the year ended 
December 31, 2020. For further discussion of our segments and a reconciliation to our Consolidated 
Statements of Income, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations as well as Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 10. 

(1)
(2)

Includes impairment expense of $1.3 billion related to three equity method investments within our G&P segment.
Includes impairment expense for goodwill, equity method investments, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment of
$1.8 billion, $1.3 billion, $177 million and $174 million, respectively.

2020 ACQUISITIONS, INVESTMENTS AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

•

On November 2, 2020, MPLX announced the board authorization of a unit repurchase program for the
repurchase of up to $1 billion of MPLX’s outstanding common units held by the public. MPLX may
utilize various methods to effect the repurchases, which could include open market repurchases,
negotiated block transactions, tender offers, accelerated unit repurchases or open market solicitations
for units, some of which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. The timing and amount of
repurchases will depend upon several factors, including market and business conditions, and
repurchases may be initiated, suspended or discontinued at any time. The repurchase authorization has
no expiration date. As of December 31, 2020, 1,473,843 common units held by the public have been
repurchased and $967 million remained outstanding under the program for future repurchases.

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2020 Segment Results (in millions)$5,285$1,606$2,743$3,488$2,284$1,670$(2,532)$1,723$7,569$3,276$211$5,211L&SG&PConsolidatedSegmentrevenues andother income(1)Segment costof revenuesand purchasesSegmentincome/(loss) fromoperations(2)SegmentAdjustedEBITDA•

•

•

On August 18, 2020, MPLX issued $3 billion aggregate principal amount of new senior notes
consisting of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.750 percent senior notes due March 2026
and $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.650 percent senior notes due August 2030. The net
proceeds were used to repay the $1.0 billion of outstanding borrowings under the MPLX Term Loan
Agreement, to repay the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due September
2021, to redeem all of the $450 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375 percent senior notes due
May 2024, to reduce amounts outstanding under the MPLX Credit Agreement at the time, and to
redeem the $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250 percent senior notes due October 15,
2022.

On July 31, 2020, MPLX completed the transfer of Western Refining Wholesale, LLC (“WRW”) to
Western Refining Southwest, Inc. (now known as Western Refining Southwest LLC) (“WRSW”), a
wholly owned subsidiary of MPC, in exchange for the redemption of 18,582,088 MPLX common units
held by WRSW (the “Wholesale Exchange”), valued at $340 million. The transaction effects the
transfer to MPC of the Western wholesale distribution business that MPLX acquired as a result of its
acquisition of ANDX.

During the year, our sponsor progressed certain strategic priorities to lay a foundation for long-term
success, including plans to optimize its assets and structurally lower costs in 2021 and beyond, which
included an involuntary workforce reduction plan. The workforce reduction plan, together with
employee reductions resulting from MPC's indefinite idling of its Martinez, California and Gallup,
New Mexico refineries, affected approximately 2,050 employees. All of the employees that conduct
MPLX’s business are directly employed by affiliates of MPC, and certain of those employees were
affected by MPC’s workforce reductions. During 2020, MPLX reimbursed MPC $37 million related to
severance and employee benefits related expenses that MPC recorded in connection with its workforce
reductions.

• We previously announced a goal to reduce planned capital spending for 2020 by approximately $700

million from our initial plan, which we were able to achieve.

•

•

The outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic in March 2020 resulted in significant
economic disruption globally. Actions taken by various governmental authorities, individuals and
companies around the world to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing have
restricted travel, many business operations, public gatherings and the overall level of individual
movement and in-person interaction across the globe. Although there have been some signs of
economic improvement since that time, these events significantly reduced global economic activity and
resulted in a decline in the demand for the midstream services we provide beginning with the first
quarter of 2020. Macroeconomic conditions and global geopolitical events have also resulted in
significant price volatility related to those aforementioned products. We responded to the impacts that
these matters had on our business by:

•

•

Taking actions to reduce operating expenses across the business, including the deferral of certain
expense projects

Continuing to evaluate and high-grade our capital portfolio

During the first quarter of 2020, the overall deterioration in the economy and the environment in which 
MPLX and its customers operate, as well as a sustained decrease in unit price, were considered 
triggering events resulting in impairments of the carrying value of certain assets. We recognized 
impairments related to goodwill, certain equity method investments and certain long-lived assets 
(including intangibles), within our G&P segment. Many of our producer customers refined and updated 
production forecasts in response to the current environment, which impacted their current and expected 
future demand for our services, including the future utilization of our assets. Additionally, certain of 
our contracts have commodity price exposure, including NGL prices, which have experienced 
increased volatility as noted above. 

On March 18, 2020, MPC announced the unanimous decision of its board of directors to maintain
MPC’s current midstream structure, with MPC remaining the general partner of MPLX. This was a
result of a comprehensive evaluation by a special committee formed by MPC’s board of directors,
which included extensive input from multiple external advisors and significant feedback from
investors.

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

•

•

•

In line with previously announced efforts around portfolio optimization, the company closed on the
sale of its Javelina plant in Corpus Christi, Texas, on February 12, 2021.

On January 28, 2021, we announced the board of directors of our general partner had declared a
distribution of $0.6875 per common unit that was paid on February 12, 2021 to common unitholders of
record on February 8, 2021.

On December 29, 2020, MPLX announced the redemption of all the $750 million outstanding
aggregate principal amount of 5.250 percent senior notes due January 15, 2025, including
approximately $42 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by Andeavor Logistics
LP and Tesoro Logistics Finance Corp. The notes were redeemed on January 15, 2021 at a price equal
to 102.625 percent of the principal amount.

BUSINESS STRATEGIES 

Enhance Cash Flow Stability: We are focused on growing our fee-based services through long-term 
contracts which provide through-cycle cash flow stability. Planned investments in long-haul pipelines are 
expected to connect supply to demand markets while adding a source of stable cash flow to the company 
and expanding our export capabilities to enhance our ability to meet significant growing market needs both 
domestically and globally. 

Continued Capital Discipline and Focus on Lowering Cost Structure: We are focused on lowering our 
overall cost structure and being disciplined in capital allocation. This means lowering our costs in all 
aspects of our business and challenging ourselves to be disciplined in every expense dollar we spend across 
our organization. We look to high-grade our portfolio of investment opportunities to ensure efficient 
deployment of capital focusing on projects with the highest returns.

Generate Excess Cash: We maintain our goal to achieve excess free cash flow, net of both capital 
investments and distributions, for 2021. We expect to achieve this through a combination of continued 
earnings growth and capital discipline. We believe generating excess cash flow will broaden our value-
creation options for our unit holders and enhance our long-term financial flexibility.

Maintain Safe and Reliable Operations: We believe that providing safe, reliable and efficient services is a 
key component in generating stable cash flows. We are committed to maintaining and improving the safety, 
reliability and efficiency of our operations. Our intent is to continue promoting high standards for safety 
and environmental stewardship.

Commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility: We look forward to continuing our ESG journey and our 
commitment to stakeholder engagement with our people, business partners, customers, and communities. 

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ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The following diagram depicts our organizational structure and MPC’s ownership interest in us as of 
February 12, 2021. 

We are an MLP with outstanding common units held by MPC and public unitholders as well as two series 
of preferred units. Our common units are publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol “MPLX.” Our 
Series A preferred units rank senior to all common units and pari passu with our Series B preferred units 
with respect to distributions and rights upon liquidation. The holders of the Series A preferred units are 
entitled to receive a quarterly distribution equal to the greater of $0.528125 per unit or the amount of 
distributions they would have received on an as converted basis. The holders of the Series B preferred units 
are entitled to receive a fixed annual distribution equal to $68.75 per unit, per annum, payable semi-
annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, or the first business day thereafter, up to and including 
February 15, 2023. After February 15, 2023, the holders of Series B preferred units are entitled to receive 
cumulative, quarterly distributions payable in arrears on the 15th day of February, May, August and 
November of each year, or the first business day thereafter, based on a floating annual rate equal to the 
three-month LIBOR plus 4.652 percent.

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW

As of December 31, 2020, our diversified services in the midstream sector are across the hydrocarbon value 
chain. The types of services provided by the midstream sector, broken down by our segments, are as 
follows:

L&S:

The midstream sector plays a crucial role in the oil and gas industry by providing transportation, storage 
and marketing services across the hydrocarbon value chain as depicted below. 

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Crude oil is the primary raw material for transportation fuels and the basis for many products, including 
plastics, petrochemicals and heating oil for homes. Pipelines bring advantaged North American crude oil 
from the upper Great Plains, Louisiana, Texas, Canada and West Coast to numerous refineries throughout 
the United States. Terminals provide for the receipt, storage, blending, additization, handling and redelivery 
of refined petroleum products via pipeline, rail, marine and over-the-road modes of transportation. This 
network of logistics infrastructure also allows for export opportunities by connecting supply to global 
demand markets. The hydrocarbon market is often volatile and the ability to take advantage of fast-moving 
market conditions is enhanced by the ability to store crude oil and other hydrocarbon-based products at tank 
farms, caverns, and tanks at refineries and terminals. The ability to store both crude and refined petroleum 
products provides flexibility and logistics optionality which allows participants within the industry to take 
advantage of changing market conditions. 

G&P:

The midstream natural gas industry is the link between the exploration for, and production of, natural gas 
and the delivery of its hydrocarbon components to end-use markets. The components of this value chain are 
graphically depicted and further described below:

•

•

•

•

Gathering. The natural gas production process begins with the drilling of wells into gas-bearing
rock formations. At the initial stages of the midstream value chain, a network of pipelines known
as gathering systems directly connect to wellheads in the production area. These gathering systems
then transport raw, or untreated, natural gas to a central location for treating and processing.

Processing. Natural gas has a widely varying composition depending on the field, formation
reservoir or facility from which it is produced. Processing removes the heavier and more valuable
hydrocarbon components, which are extracted as a mixed NGL stream that includes ethane,
propane, butanes and natural gasoline (also referred to as “y-grade”). Processing aids in allowing
the residue gas remaining after extraction of NGLs to meet the quality specifications for long-haul
pipeline transportation and commercial use.

Fractionation. Fractionation is the separation of the mixture of extracted NGLs into individual
components for end-use sale. Fractionation systems typically exist either as an integral part of a
gas processing plant or as a central fractionator.

Storage, transportation and marketing. Once the raw natural gas has been treated or processed and
the raw NGL mix has been fractionated into individual NGL components, the natural gas is
delivered to downstream transmission pipelines and NGL components are stored, transported and
marketed to end-use markets.

Due to advances in well completion technology and horizontal drilling techniques, unconventional sources, 
such as shale and tight sand formations, have become a source of current and expected future natural gas 
production. The industry as a whole is characterized by regional competition, based on the proximity of 
gathering systems and processing/fractionating plants to producing natural gas wells, or to facilities that 
produce natural gas as a byproduct of refining crude oil. Due to the shift in the source of natural gas 
production, midstream providers with a significant presence in the shale plays will likely have a 
competitive advantage. Well-positioned operations allow access to all major NGL markets and provide for 

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the development of export solutions for producers. This proximity is enhanced by infrastructure build-out 
and pipeline projects.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MPC

One of our competitive strengths is our strategic relationship with MPC, which is the largest crude oil 
refiner in the United States in terms of refining capacity. MPC owns and operates 13 refineries in the West 
Coast, Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent regions of the United States and distributes refined products through 
transportation, storage, distribution and marketing services provided by its midstream segment, which 
primarily consists of MPLX. MPLX, through its fuels distribution services, distributes refined products 
under the Marathon brand through an extensive network of retail locations owned or operated by 
independent entrepreneurs across the United States.

MPC retains a significant interest in us through its non-economic ownership of our general partner and 
holding approximately 62 percent of the outstanding common units of MPLX as of December 31, 2020. 
Given MPC’s significant interest in us, we believe MPC will promote and support the successful execution 
of our business strategies.

OUR OPERATING SEGMENTS

We conduct our operations in two segments, which include L&S and G&P. As of December 31, 2020, our 
assets and operations in each of these segments are described below.

L&S:

The L&S segment includes transportation, storage and marketing of crude oil, refined products and other 
hydrocarbon-based products. These assets consist of a network of wholly and jointly-owned common 
carrier crude oil and refined product pipelines and associated storage assets, terminals, storage caverns, tank 
farm assets including rail and truck racks, an inland marine business, an export terminal and a fuels 
distribution business. Our pipeline network includes pipelines throughout the continental United States and 
Alaska. Our storage caverns consist of butane, propane, and liquefied petroleum gas storage with locations 
in Neal, West Virginia; Woodhaven, Michigan; Robinson, Illinois; and Jal, New Mexico. Our terminal 
facilities for the receipt, storage, blending, additization, handling and redelivery of refined petroleum 
products are also located throughout the continental United States and Alaska. We also own tank farm 
assets at certain MPC refineries in addition to stand-alone tank farms. Our network of terminals and 
refinery assets also includes rail and truck loading lanes/racks in addition to barge docks which support the 
transportation of hydrocarbon products via rail, over the road or marine. Our marine business owns and 
operates boats and barges, including third-party chartered equipment, and includes a Marine Repair Facility 
(“MRF”), which is a full-service marine shipyard located on the Ohio River adjacent to MPC’s 
Catlettsburg, Kentucky refinery. We also have ownership in various joint-interests, including LOOP LLC, 
the only U.S. deep-water oil port, located offshore of Louisiana, which is used to import and export crude 
oil. Our fuels distribution business provides MPC with a broad range of scheduling and marketing services. 
For additional information related to our L&S assets, please see Item 2. Properties - Logistics and Storage. 
Our L&S assets are integral to the success of MPC’s operations. We continue to evaluate projects and 
opportunities that will further enhance our existing operations and provide valuable services to MPC and 
third parties. The following table summarizes projects and expansions that are expected to be completed in 
upcoming years.

Projects
Wink to Webster Pipeline-crude oil pipeline

Whistler Pipeline-natural gas pipeline

NGL Takeaway System-NGL pipeline

New or expanded 
capacity
1,500 mbpd

2,000 MMcf/d
150 mbpd

Expected in-
service of 
expansion 
capacity
2021

2021
2021

We generate revenue in the L&S segment primarily by charging tariffs for crude gathering, transporting 
crude oil, refined products and other hydrocarbon-based products through our pipelines and at our barge 
docks delivering to domestic and international destinations, and fees for storing crude oil and refined 
products at our storage facilities. Our marine business generates revenue under a fee-for-capacity contract 

9

with MPC. Our fuels distribution business provides services related to the scheduling and marketing of 
products on behalf of MPC, for which it generates revenue based on the volume of MPC’s products sold 
each month. Up to July 31, 2020, our wholesale business included the operations of several bulk petroleum 
distribution plants and a fleet of refined product delivery trucks that distribute commercial wholesale 
petroleum products. On July 31, 2020, this business was transferred to MPC through the Wholesale 
Exchange. We are also the operator of additional crude oil and refined product pipelines owned by MPC 
and third parties for which we are paid operating fees. For the year ended December 31, 2020, 
approximately 92 percent of L&S segment revenues was generated from MPC. 

G&P: 

We operate several natural gas gathering systems with the scope of gathering services that we provide 
dependent upon the producers’ need and the composition of the raw or untreated gas at our producer 
customers’ wellheads. For dry gas, we gather and, if necessary, treat the gas and deliver it to downstream 
transmission systems. For wet gas that contains heavier and more valuable hydrocarbons, we gather the gas 
for processing at a processing complex. Our natural gas processing complexes remove the heavier and more 
valuable hydrocarbon components from natural gas. This allows the residue gas remaining after extraction 
of the NGLs to meet the quality specifications for long-haul pipeline transportation or commercial use. The 
capacities of our gathering systems and processing complexes are supported by long-term, fee-based 
agreements with certain major producers and a number of these agreements include acreage dedications. 
Once natural gas has been processed at a natural gas processing complex, the heavier and more valuable 
hydrocarbon components, which have been extracted as a mixed NGL stream, can be further separated into 
their component parts through the process of fractionation. Our NGL fractionation facilities separate the 
mixture of extracted NGLs into individual purity product components for end-use sale. Our fractionation 
facilities for propane and heavier NGLs are also supported by long-term, fee-based agreements with certain 
major producers. 

As a result of natural gas production, we recover ethane from the natural gas stream for certain producer 
customers, which allows them to meet residue gas pipeline quality specifications and downstream pipeline 
commitments. Depending on market conditions, producer customers may also benefit from the potential 
price uplift received from the sale of their ethane. We have connections to several downstream ethane 
pipelines from many of our systems that benefit our customers. 

As production in geographic regions and market demand continues to evolve, so do our planned capital 
expenditures. The following table summarizes our properties that are expected to be constructed or have 
planned expansions in upcoming years. As of December 31, 2020, our gathering and processing assets 
include approximately 9.2 Bcf/d of gathering capacity, 11.8 Bcf/d of natural gas processing capacity and 
911 mbpd of fractionation and stabilization capacity. For a summary of our gas processing facilities, 
fractionation facilities, natural gas gathering systems, NGL pipelines and natural gas pipelines see Item 2. 
Properties - Gathering and Processing. The following table summarizes projects and expansions that are 
expected to be completed in upcoming years.

Plant
Processing (MMcf/d):

Smithburg 1 Processing Plant(1)
Preakness Processing Plant

Existing 
capacity

New or 
expanded 
capacity

Expected in-
service of 
expansion 
capacity

Geographic Region

— 

— 

200 

200 

2021

2022

Marcellus Operations

Southwest Operations

(1) This is a Sherwood Midstream LLC (“Sherwood Midstream”) investment.

A significant portion of our business comes from a limited number of key customers. For the year ended 
December 31, 2020, revenues earned from two customers are significant to the segment, each accounting 
for approximately 17 percent of G&P operating revenues and seven percent of consolidated operating 
revenues, respectively.

10

The following table summarizes our key producer customers and attributes for each geographic region:

Region

Marcellus Operations(2)

Utica Operations(2)
Southern Appalachia 
Operations

Southwest Operations(2)

Bakken Operations(2)

Key Producer Customers
Antero Resources,(1) Range Resources, 
Penn Energy, Southwestern,(1) EQT,(1) 
CNX, Equinor, HG Energy and others
Ascent, Gulfport, Antero Resources(1) 
and others

Diversified Gas & Oil(1) and others

Ovintiv Mid-Continent Inc, WSGP Gas 
Producing LLC, Chevron USA, 
Cimarex Energy Co. and others
Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation(1) 
and others
Pinedale Energy Partners,(1) EOG 
Resources Inc,(1) XTO Energy Inc, (1)
and others

Volume Protection

74% of 2020 capacity contains 
minimum volume commitments
27% of 2020 capacity contains 
minimum volume commitments
24% of 2020 capacity contains 
minimum volume commitments

4% of 2020 capacity contains 
minimum volume commitments

N/A

33% of 2020 capacity contains 
minimum volume commitments

Rockies Operations(2)
(1) We do not provide gathering services for these producer customers.
(2) Region includes some contracts which contain acreage dedications.

For further financial information regarding our segments, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Item 8. Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

OUR L&S CONTRACTS WITH MPC AND THIRD PARTIES

Transportation Services Agreements, Storage Services Agreements, Terminal Services Agreements 
and Fuels Distribution Services Agreement with MPC

Our L&S assets are strategically located within, and integral to, MPC’s operations. We have entered into 
multiple transportation, terminal and storage services agreements with MPC. Under these long-term, fee-
based agreements, we provide transportation, terminal and storage services to MPC and, other than under 
our marine transportation services agreement, most of these agreements include minimum committed 
volumes from MPC. MPC has also committed to pay a fixed fee for 100 percent of available capacity for 
boats, barges and third-party chartered equipment under the marine transportation services agreement. We 
also have a fuels distribution agreement with MPC under which we provide scheduling and other services 
of MPC’s products.

The following table sets forth additional information regarding our transportation, terminal, fuels 
distribution, and storage services agreements with MPC:

Initiation Date

Term (years)(1)

MPC minimum
 commitment(2)

Agreement
Transportation Services (mbpd):

Crude pipelines

Refined product pipelines

Marine

Storage Services (mbbls):

Various

Various
January 2015

Caverns
Tank Farms(4)
Terminal Services(5)
Fuels Distribution Services (million gallons)

Various

Various
Various

February 2018

0-12

1-15

6

10-17

3-10
Various

10

2,118 

1,799 
N/A(3)

4,375 

129,268 
205,759 

23,449 

(1) Renewal terms on our agreements include multiple two to five-year terms for transportation services agreements, year-to-year or
one to two additional five-year terms for our terminal services agreements, various renewal terms ranging from zero to 10 years
for our cavern storage services agreements, various renewal terms ranging from year-to-year to multiple additional five-year
terms for our tank farm storage services agreements, two additional five-year terms for our marine transportation services
agreement and one additional five-year term for our Fuels Distribution Services Agreement. These renewals are automatic,
unless terminated by either party.

11

(2) Commitments for our transportation services agreements refer to throughput in thousands of barrels per day and, for crude oil

transportation services agreements, are adjusted for crude viscosities. Commitments for our cavern storage services agreements
refer to thousands of barrels. Commitments for our terminal services agreements refer to quarterly terminal throughput or
stipulated volumes in thousands of barrels. Commitments for the fuels distribution services agreements refers to millions of 
gallons per year. Minimum commitments on some agreements are reduced by any third-party throughput volumes.

(3) MPC has committed to utilize 100 percent of our available capacity of boats and barges.
(4) Volume shown represents total shell capacity in thousands of barrels (includes refining logistics tanks). 
(5) Some terminal services agreements also contain minimum commitments for activities such as blending, additives, on-loading 

and off-loading, and storage.

Under transportation services agreements containing minimum volume commitments, if MPC fails to 
transport its minimum throughput volumes during any period, then MPC will pay us a deficiency payment 
equal to the volume of the deficiency multiplied by the tariff rate then in effect. Under these transportation 
services agreements, the amount of any deficiency payment paid by MPC may be applied as a credit for any 
volumes transported on the applicable pipeline in excess of MPC’s minimum volume commitment during a 
limited number of succeeding periods, after which time any unused credits will expire. 

We have crude oil and asphalt trucking transportation services agreements with MPC. Under these trucking 
transportation services agreements, we receive a service fee per barrel for gathering barrels and providing 
trucking, dispatch, delivery and data services.

Under most of our terminal services agreements, if MPC fails to meet its minimum volume commitment 
during any period, then MPC will pay us a deficiency payment equal to the volume of the deficiency 
multiplied by the contractual fee then in effect. Some of our terminal services agreements contain minimum 
commitments for various additional services such as storage and blending.

We have a fuels distribution service agreement with MPC in which MPC pays MPLX a tiered monthly fee 
based on the volume of MPC’s products sold by MPLX each month, subject to a maximum annual volume. 
MPLX has agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to sell not less than a minimum quarterly volume 
of MPC’s products during each calendar quarter. If MPLX sells less than the minimum quarterly volume of 
MPC’s products during any calendar quarter despite its commercially reasonable efforts, MPC will pay 
MPLX a deficiency payment equal to the volume deficiency multiplied by the applicable tiered fee. The 
dollar amount of actual sales volume of MPC’s products that exceeds the minimum quarterly volume (an 
“Excess Sale”) for a particular quarter will be applied as a credit, on a first-in-first-out basis, against any 
future deficiency payment owed by MPC to MPLX during the four calendar quarters immediately 
following the calendar quarter in which the Excess Sale occurs.

Pipeline Operating Agreements with MPC

We operate various pipelines owned by MPC under operating services agreements. Under these operating 
services agreements, we receive an operating fee for operating the assets, which include certain MPC 
wholly owned or partially owned crude oil, natural gas, and refined product pipelines, and for providing 
various operational services with respect to those assets. We are generally reimbursed for all direct and 
indirect costs associated with operating the assets and providing such operational services. These 
agreements vary in length and automatically renew with most agreements being indexed for inflation.

Pipeline Operating Agreements with Third Parties

We maintain and operate six pipelines through our joint interests in Andeavor Logistics Rio Pipeline LLC, 
BANGL LLC, Capline Pipeline Company LLC, Centennial Pipeline LLC, Louisville-Lexington Operation 
and Muskegon Pipeline LLC. We receive an operating fee for each of these pipelines, which is subject to 
adjustment for inflation. In addition, we are reimbursed for specific costs associated with operating each 
pipeline. The length and renewal terms for each agreement vary.

Transportation and Terminal Services Agreements with Third Parties

We have multiple transportation and terminal services agreements with third parties under which we 
provide use of pipelines and tank storage, and provide services, facilities and other infrastructure related to 
the receipt, storage, throughput, blending and delivery of commodities. Some of these agreements are 
subject to prepaid throughput volumes under which we agree to handle a certain amount of product 
throughput each month in exchange for a predetermined fixed fee, with any excess throughput or ancillary 

12

services subject to additional charges. Under the remaining agreements we receive an agreed upon fee 
based on actual product throughput following the completion of services.

Marine Services Agreements with MPC

MPLX has a management services agreement and a loss control agreement with MPC under which it 
provides management and loss control services to assist MPC in the oversight and management of the 
marine business. MPLX receives fixed annual fees for providing the required services, which are subject to 
predetermined annual escalation rates. These agreements are subject to an initial terms of five years and 
automatically renew for one additional five-year renewal period unless terminated by either party.

Other Agreements with MPC

We have omnibus agreements with MPC that address our payment of a fixed annual fee to MPC for the 
provision of executive management services by certain executive officers of our general partner and our 
reimbursement to MPC for the provision of certain services to us, as well as MPC’s indemnification of us 
for certain matters, including certain environmental, title and tax matters. In addition, we indemnify MPC 
for certain matters under these agreements.

We also have various employee services agreements and a secondment agreement under which we 
reimburse MPC for the provision of certain operational and management services to us. All of the 
employees that conduct our business are directly employed by affiliates of our general partner.

Additionally, we have certain indemnification agreements with MPC under which MPC retains 
responsibility for remediation of known environmental liabilities due to the use or operation of the assets 
prior to our ownership, and indemnifies us for any losses we incurred arising out of those remediation 
obligations. The indemnification for unknown pre-closing remediation liabilities is generally limited to five 
years. 

OUR G&P CONTRACTS WITH MPC AND THIRD PARTIES

The majority of our revenues in the G&P segment are generated from natural gas gathering, transportation 
and processing; NGL gathering, transportation, fractionation, exchange, marketing and storage; and crude 
oil gathering and transportation. MPLX enters into a variety of contract types including fee-based, percent-
of-proceeds, keep-whole and purchase arrangements in order to generate service revenue and product sales. 
See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 2 for a further description of these 
different types of arrangements.

In many cases, MPLX provides services under contracts that contain a combination of more than one of the 
arrangements described above. The terms of MPLX’s contracts vary based on gas quality conditions, the 
competitive environment when the contracts are signed and customer requirements. In addition, minimum 
volume commitments may create contract liabilities or deferred credits if current period payments can be 
used for future services. These are recognized into service revenue in instances where it is probable the 
customer will not use the credit in future periods.

MPLX’s contract mix and exposure to natural gas and NGL prices may change as a result of changes in 
producer preferences, MPLX expansion in regions where some types of contracts are more common and 
other market factors, including current market and financial conditions which have increased the risk of 
volatility in oil, natural gas and NGL prices. Any change in mix may influence our long-term financial 
results.

Keep-whole agreement with MPC

MPLX has a keep-whole commodity agreement with MPC under which MPC pays us a processing fee for 
NGLs related to keep-whole agreements and delivers shrink gas to the producers on our behalf. We pay 
MPC a marketing fee in exchange for assuming the commodity risk. The pricing structure under this 
agreement provides for a base volume subject to a base rate and incremental volumes subject to variable 
rates, which are calculated with reference to certain of our costs incurred as processor of the volumes. The 
pricing for both the base and incremental volumes are subject to revision each year. 

13

COMPETITION

Within our L&S segment, our competition primarily comes from independent terminal and pipeline 
companies, integrated petroleum companies, refining and marketing companies, distribution companies 
with marketing and trading arms and from other wholesale petroleum products distributors. Competition in 
any particular geographic area is affected significantly by the volume of products produced by refineries in 
the area, and in areas where no refinery is present, by the availability of products and the cost of 
transportation to the area from other locations.

As a result of our contractual relationship with MPC under our transportation and storage services 
agreements, our terminal services agreement, and our physical asset connections to MPC’s refineries and 
terminals, we believe that MPC will continue to utilize our assets for transportation, storage, distribution 
and marketing services. If MPC’s customers reduced their purchases of refined products from MPC due to 
increased availability of less expensive refined product from other suppliers or for other reasons, MPC may 
only receive or deliver the minimum volumes through our terminals (or pay the shortfall payment if it does 
not deliver the minimum volumes), which could decrease our revenues.

In our G&P segment, we face competition for natural gas gathering and in obtaining natural gas supplies 
for our processing and related services; in obtaining unprocessed NGLs for gathering, transportation and 
fractionation; and in marketing our products and services. Competition for natural gas supplies is based 
primarily on the location of gas gathering systems and gas processing plants, operating efficiency and 
reliability, residue gas and NGL market connectivity, the ability to obtain a satisfactory price for products 
recovered and the fees charged for services supplied to the customer. Competition for oil supplies is based 
primarily on the price and scope of services, location of gathering/transportation and storage facilities and 
connectivity to the best priced markets. Competitive factors affecting our fractionation services include 
availability of fractionation capacity, proximity to supply and industry marketing centers, the fees charged 
for fractionation services and operating efficiency and reliability of service. Competition for customers to 
purchase our natural gas and NGLs is based primarily on price, credit and market connectivity.

Our competitors include:

•

natural gas midstream providers, of varying financial resources and experience, that gather,
transport, process, fractionate, store and market natural gas and NGLs;

• major integrated oil companies and refineries;

•

•

•

independent exploration and production companies;

interstate and intrastate pipelines; and

other marine and land-based transporters of natural gas and NGLs.

Some of our competitors operate as MLPs or are owned by infrastructure funds and may enjoy a cost of 
capital comparable to and, in some cases, lower than ours. Other competitors, such as major oil and gas and 
pipeline companies, have capital resources and contracted supplies of natural gas substantially greater than 
ours. Smaller local distributors may enjoy a marketing advantage in their immediate service areas. 

We believe that our customer focus, demonstrated by our ability to offer an integrated package of services 
and our flexibility in considering various types of contractual arrangements, allows us to compete more 
effectively. This includes having access to both NGL and natural gas markets to allow for flexibility in our 
gathering and processing in addition to having critical connections to a strong sponsor and key market 
outlets for NGLs and natural gas. Our strategic gathering and processing agreements with key producers 
enhances our competitive position to participate in the further development of our resource plays. The 
strategic location of our assets, including those connected to MPC, and the long-term nature of many of our 
contracts also provide a significant competitive advantage.

INSURANCE

Our assets may experience physical damage as a result of an accident or natural disaster. These hazards can 
also cause personal injury and loss of life, severe damage to and destruction of property and equipment, 
pollution or environmental damage and business interruption. We are insured under MPC and other third-
party insurance policies. The MPC policies are subject to shared deductibles.

14

SEASONALITY

The volume of crude oil and refined products transported and stored utilizing our assets is directly affected 
by the level of supply and demand for crude oil and refined products in the markets served directly or 
indirectly by our assets. Any effects of seasonality on the L&S segment’s revenues will be mitigated 
through the use of our fee-based transportation and storage services agreements with MPC that include 
minimum volume commitments.

In our G&P segment we experience minimal impacts from seasonal fluctuations which impact the demand 
for natural gas and NGLs and the related commodity prices caused by various factors including variations 
in weather patterns from year to year. We are able to manage the seasonality impacts through the execution 
of our marketing strategy and via our storage capabilities. Overall, our exposure to the seasonality 
fluctuations is declining due to our growth in fee-based business. 

REGULATORY MATTERS 

Our operations are subject to numerous laws and regulations, including those relating to the protection of 
the environment. Such laws and regulations include, among others, the Interstate Commerce Act (“ICA”), 
the Natural Gas Act (“NGA”), the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) with respect to water discharges, the 
Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (“RCRA”) with respect to solid and hazardous waste treatment, 
storage and disposal, the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act 
(“CERCLA”) with respect to releases and remediation of hazardous substances and the Oil Pollution Act of 
1990 (“OPA-90”) with respect to oil pollution and response. New laws are being enacted and regulations 
are being adopted on a continuing basis, and the costs of compliance with such new laws and regulations 
are very difficult to estimate until finalized.

For a discussion of environmental capital expenditures and costs of compliance, see Item 7. Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Environmental Matters and 
Compliance Costs. For additional information regarding regulatory risks, see Item 1A. Risk Factors.

Pipeline Regulations

Common Carrier Liquids Pipeline Operations 

We have liquids pipelines that are common carriers subject to regulation by various federal, state and local 
agencies. FERC regulates interstate transportation on liquids pipelines under the ICA, Energy Policy Act of 
1992 (“EPAct 1992”) and the rules and regulations promulgated under those laws. The ICA and FERC 
regulations require that tariff rates for interstate pipelines that transport crude oil, NGLs (including purity 
ethane) and refined petroleum products (collectively referred to as “petroleum pipelines”), be just and 
reasonable and the terms and conditions of service must not be unduly discriminatory or confer any undue 
preference upon any shipper. 

The ICA requires that interstate petroleum pipeline transportation rates and terms and conditions of service 
be filed with the governing agency, which is FERC, and posted publicly. Under the ICA, persons with a 
substantial economic interest in a petroleum pipeline’s rate or service may challenge that rate or service 
before FERC. FERC is authorized to investigate such challenges and may suspend the effectiveness of a 
newly filed rate or term or condition of service for up to seven months. A successful protest to a new rate or 
term of condition of service could result in a petroleum pipeline paying refunds, together with interest, for 
the period that the rate or term or condition of service was in effect. A successful protest could also result in 
FERC disallowing the rate or service. A successful complaint to an existing rate or service could result in a 
petroleum pipeline paying refunds, together with interest, for the period beginning two years prior to the 
date of the filing of the complaint until the just and reasonable rate or service was established. FERC may 
also investigate, upon complaint, protest, or on its own motion, newly proposed rates and terms of service, 
existing rates and related rules, and may order a pipeline to change them prospectively or may bar a 
pipeline from implementing the proposed new or changed rates or terms of service.

EPAct 1992 deemed certain interstate petroleum pipeline rates then in effect to be just and reasonable under 
the ICA. These rates are commonly referred to as “grandfathered rates.” Our rates for interstate 
transportation service in effect for the 365-day period ending on the date of the passage of EPAct 1992 

15

were deemed just and reasonable and therefore are grandfathered. Subsequent changes to those rates are not 
grandfathered. New rates have since been established after EPAct 1992 for certain pipelines, and the rates 
for certain of our refined products pipelines have subsequently been approved as market-based rates. 

EPAct 1992 required FERC to establish a simplified and generally applicable ratemaking methodology for 
interstate petroleum pipelines. As a result, FERC adopted an indexed rate methodology which, as currently 
in effect, allows petroleum pipelines to change their rates within prescribed ceiling levels that are tied to 
annual changes in the producer price index-finished goods (“PPI-FG”). FERC’s indexing methodology is 
subject to review every five years. During the five-year period commencing July 1, 2016 and ending June 
30, 2021, petroleum pipelines charging indexed rates are permitted to adjust their indexed ceilings annually 
by the change in the PPI-FG plus an adder that is currently set at 1.23 percent. The current adder will be in 
effect until June 30, 2021 or until revised by a formal rulemaking by FERC. The indexing methodology is 
applicable to existing rates, including grandfathered rates, with the exclusion of market-based rates and 
settlement rates (unless permitted under the settlement). A pipeline is not required to raise its rates up to the 
index ceiling, but it is permitted to do so, and rate increases made under the index are presumed to be just 
and reasonable unless a protesting party can demonstrate that the portion of the rate increase resulting from 
application of the index is substantially in excess of the pipeline’s costs. However, FERC is currently 
evaluating how indexed adjustments to rates can be challenged as well as how pipelines must demonstrate 
their annual costs and incomes. Therefore, we cannot guarantee FERC will not make changes to its current 
policy regarding challenges in the future. Under the indexing rate methodology, in any year in which the 
index is negative, a pipeline must lower the rate ceiling and file to lower rates if any of the pipelines’ rates 
would otherwise be above the new rate ceiling, unless the pipeline makes a filing attesting that all shippers 
that pay the rate have approved the pipeline not lowering the rate or the pipeline can demonstrate 
substantial divergence between the actual costs experienced by the pipeline and the rate resulting from 
application of the index. 

While petroleum pipelines often use the indexing methodology to change their rates, petroleum pipelines 
may elect to support proposed rates by using other methodologies such as cost-of-service ratemaking, 
market-based rates and settlement rates. A pipeline can follow a cost-of-service approach when seeking to 
increase its rates above the rate ceiling provided that the pipeline can establish that there is a substantial 
divergence between the actual costs experienced by the pipeline and the rate resulting from application of 
the index. A pipeline can charge market-based rates if it establishes that it lacks significant market power in 
the affected markets. In addition, a pipeline can establish rates under settlement if agreed upon by all 
current shippers. At various times, we have used index rates, settlement rates and market-based rates to 
change the rates for our different FERC-regulated petroleum pipelines.

Intrastate services provided by certain of our liquids pipelines are subject to regulation by state regulatory 
authorities. Much of the state regulation is complaint-based, both as to rates and priority of access. Not all 
state regulatory bodies allow for changes based on an index method similar to that used by FERC. In those 
instances, rates are generally changed only through a rate case process. The state regulators could limit our 
ability to increase our rates or to set rates based on our costs or could order us to reduce our rates and could, 
if permitted under state law, require the payment of refunds to shippers.

FERC and state regulatory agencies generally have not investigated rates on their own initiative when those 
rates are not the subject of a protest or a complaint by a shipper. FERC or a state commission could 
investigate our rates on its own initiative or at the urging of a third party if the third party is either a current 
shipper or is able to show that it has a substantial economic interest in our tariff rate level.

Our liquids pipelines are also subject to safety regulation by the DOT under 49 C.F.R. Part 195 for 
operators of hazardous liquid pipelines. In October 2019, PHMSA finalized rulemaking reviewing the 
scope and applicability of 49 C.F.R. Part 195, including, among other things, expansion of reporting 
obligations, additional inspection requirements, emergency order authority, expansion of integrity 
management principles and expansion of the use of leak detection systems. These changes became effective 
in 2020 and could have an impact upon MPLX LP and other pipeline operators. Our liquids pipelines and 
operations may also be or become subject to state public utility or related jurisdiction, which could impose 
additional safety and operational regulations relating to the design, siting, installation, testing, construction, 
operation, replacement and management of liquids gathering facilities.

16

FERC-Regulated Natural Gas Pipelines 

Our natural gas pipeline operations are subject to federal, state and local regulatory authorities. Under the 
NGA, FERC has authority to regulate natural gas companies that provide natural gas pipeline transportation 
services in interstate commerce. FERC’s authority to regulate those services includes the rates charged for 
the services, terms and conditions of service, certification and construction of new facilities, the extension 
or abandonment of services and facilities, the maintenance of accounts and records, the acquisition and 
disposition of facilities, the initiation and discontinuation of services and various other matters. Natural gas 
companies may not charge rates that have been determined to be unjust and unreasonable, or unduly 
discriminatory by FERC. In addition, FERC prohibits FERC-regulated natural gas companies from unduly 
preferring, or unduly discriminating against, any person with respect to pipeline rates or terms and 
conditions of service or other matters. The rates and terms and conditions for the Hobbs Pipeline and the 
Arkoma Connector Pipeline can be found in their respective FERC-approved tariffs and in negotiated rate 
agreements entered into under those tariffs. Rendezvous Pipeline Company has authority to charge market-
based rates, and its tariffs and pertinent operational information can be found on its website. Pursuant to 
FERC’s jurisdiction, existing rates and/or other tariff provisions may be challenged (e.g., by complaint) and 
rate increases proposed by the pipeline or other tariff changes may be challenged (e.g., by protest). We also 
cannot be assured that FERC will continue to pursue its approach of pro-competitive policies as it considers 
matters such as pipeline rates and rules, rights of access, capacity and other issues that impact natural gas 
facilities. Any successful complaint or protest related to our services or facilities could have an adverse 
impact on our revenues.

Energy Policy Act of 2005 

Under the Domenici-Barton Energy Policy Act of 2005 (“2005 EPAct”), FERC may impose civil penalties 
for violations of statutory and regulatory requirements. The 2005 EPAct also amends the NGA to add an 
anti-market manipulation provision, which makes it unlawful for any entity to engage in prohibited 
behavior in contravention of rules and regulations to be prescribed by FERC. FERC issued Order No. 670 
to implement the anti-market manipulation provision of the 2005 EPAct. This order makes it unlawful for 
gas pipelines and storage companies that provide interstate services to: (i) directly or indirectly, use or 
employ any device, scheme or artifice to defraud in connection with the purchase or sale of natural gas 
subject to the jurisdiction of FERC, or the purchase or sale of transportation services subject to the 
jurisdiction of FERC; (ii) make any untrue statement of material fact or omit to make any such statement 
necessary to make the statements made not misleading; or (iii) engage in any act or practice that operates as 
a fraud or deceit upon any person.

Standards of Conduct 

FERC has adopted affiliate standards of conduct applicable to interstate natural gas pipelines and certain 
other regulated entities, defined as “Transmission Providers.” Under these rules, a Transmission Provider 
becomes subject to the standards of conduct if it provides service to affiliates that engage in marketing 
functions (as defined in the standards). If a Transmission Provider is subject to the standards of conduct, the 
Transmission Provider’s transmission function employees (including the transmission function employees 
of any of its affiliates) must function independently from the Transmission Provider’s marketing function 
employees (including the marketing function employees of any of its affiliates). The Transmission Provider 
must also comply with certain posting and other requirements.

Intrastate Natural Gas Pipeline Regulation 

Some of our intrastate gas pipeline facilities are subject to various state laws and regulations that affect the 
rates we charge and terms of service. Although state regulation is typically less onerous than FERC, state 
regulation typically requires pipelines to charge just and reasonable rates and to provide service on a non-
discriminatory basis. The rates and service of an intrastate pipeline generally are subject to challenge by 
complaint. Additionally, FERC has adopted certain regulations and reporting requirements applicable to 
intrastate natural gas pipelines (and Hinshaw natural gas pipelines) that provide certain interstate services 
subject to FERC’s jurisdiction. We are subject to such regulations and reporting requirements to the extent 
that any of our intrastate pipelines provide, or are found to provide, such interstate services.

Additional proposals and proceedings that might affect the natural gas industry periodically arise before 
Congress, FERC and the courts. We cannot predict the ultimate impact of these or the above regulatory 

17

changes to our natural gas operations. We do not believe that we would be affected by any such action 
materially differently than other midstream natural gas companies with whom we compete.

Natural Gas Gathering Pipeline Regulation 

Section 1(b) of the NGA exempts natural gas production and gathering from the jurisdiction of FERC. 
There is, however, no bright-line test for determining the jurisdictional status of pipeline facilities. Rather, 
FERC looks at a number of factors, including length and diameter of pipeline facilities, extension beyond 
the central point of the field, geographic configuration, location of compressors and processing plants, 
location of wells along all or part of the facility and operating pressure of the facilities. We own a number 
of facilities that we believe qualify as production and gathering facilities not subject to FERC jurisdiction. 
The distinction between FERC-regulated transmission services and federally unregulated gathering services 
is the subject of litigation from time to time, so we cannot provide assurance that FERC will not at some 
point assert that these facilities are within its jurisdiction or that such an assertion would not adversely 
affect our results of operations and revenues. In such a case, we would possibly be required to file a tariff 
with FERC, potentially provide a cost justification for the transportation charge and obtain certificate(s) of 
public convenience and necessity for the FERC-regulated pipelines, and comply with additional FERC 
reporting requirements.

In the states in which we operate, regulation of gathering facilities and intrastate pipeline facilities generally 
includes various safety, environmental and, in some circumstances, open access, non-discriminatory take 
requirement and complaint-based rate regulation. For example, some of our natural gas gathering facilities 
are subject to state ratable take and common purchaser statutes and regulations. Ratable take statutes and 
regulations generally require gatherers to take, without undue discrimination, natural gas production that 
may be tendered to the gatherer for handling. Similarly, common purchaser statutes and regulations 
generally require gatherers to purchase gas without undue discrimination as to source of supply or 
producer. These statutes are designed to prohibit discrimination in favor of one producer over another 
producer or one source of supply over another source of supply. Although state regulation is typically less 
onerous than at FERC, these statutes and regulations have the effect of restricting our right as an owner of 
gathering facilities to decide with whom we contract to purchase or gather natural gas.

Our gathering operations could be adversely affected should they be subject in the future to the application 
of state or federal regulation of rates and services or regulated as a public utility. Our gathering operations 
also may be or become subject to safety and operational regulations and permitting requirements relating to 
the design, siting, installation, testing, construction, operation, replacement and management of gathering 
facilities. Additional rules and legislation pertaining to these matters are considered or adopted from time to 
time. We cannot predict what effect, if any, such changes might have on our operations, but the industry 
could be required to incur additional capital expenditures and increased costs depending on future 
legislative and regulatory changes.

On January 11, 2021, PHMSA published a Final Rule amending the gas pipeline safety regulations at 49 
C.F.R. Parts 191 and 192. The effective date of the Final rule is March 12, 2021, with a deferred
compliance date of October 1, 2021 for the new amendments. We do not anticipate that we would be
impacted by these regulatory initiatives to any greater degree than other similarly situated companies.

Natural Gas Processing 

Our natural gas processing operations are not presently subject to FERC or state rate regulation. There can 
be no assurance that our processing operations will continue to be exempt from rate regulation in the future. 
In addition, although the processing facilities may not be directly related, other laws and regulations may 
affect the availability of natural gas for processing, such as state regulation of production rates and 
maximum daily production allowances from gas wells, which could impact our processing business.

NGL Pipelines 

We have constructed various NGL product pipelines to transport NGL products, some of which are 
regulated by FERC, and we may elect to construct additional such pipelines in the future that may be 
subject to these same regulatory requirements. Pipelines providing transportation of NGLs in interstate 
commerce are subject to the same regulatory requirements as common carrier petroleum pipelines. See 
“Common Carrier Liquids Pipeline Operations” above. 

18

Our NGL pipelines are also subject to safety regulation by the DOT under 49 C.F.R. Part 195 for operators 
of hazardous liquid pipelines. In October 2019, PHMSA finalized rulemaking reviewing the scope and 
applicability of 49 C.F.R. Part 195, including, among other things, expansion of reporting obligations, 
additional inspection requirements, emergency order authority, expansion of integrity management 
principles and expansion of the use of leak detection systems. These changes became effective in 2020 and 
could have an impact upon MPLX LP and other pipeline operators. Our NGL pipelines and operations may 
also be or become subject to state public utility or related jurisdiction which could impose additional safety 
and operational regulations relating to the design, siting, installation, testing, construction, operation, 
replacement and management of NGL gathering facilities.

Marine Transportation 

Our marine transportation business is subject to regulation by the USCG, federal laws, including the Jones 
Act, state laws and certain international conventions, as well as numerous environmental regulations. The 
majority of our vessels are subject to inspection by the USCG and carry certificates of inspection. The 
crews employed aboard the vessels are licensed or certified by the USCG. We are required by various 
governmental agencies to obtain licenses, certificates and permits for our vessels.

Our marine transportation business competes principally in markets subject to the Jones Act, a federal 
cabotage law that restricts domestic marine transportation in the United States to vessels built and 
registered in the United States, and manned and owned by United States citizens. We presently meet all of 
the requirements of the Jones Act for our vessels. The loss of Jones Act status could have a significant 
negative effect on our marine transportation business. The requirements that our vessels be United States 
built and manned by United States citizens, the crewing requirements and material requirements of the 
USCG, and the application of United States labor and tax laws increases the cost of United States flag 
vessels when compared with comparable foreign flag vessels. Our marine transportation business could be 
adversely affected if the Jones Act were to be modified so as to permit foreign competition that is not 
subject to the same United States government imposed burdens.

The Secretary of Homeland Security is vested with the authority and discretion to waive the Jones Act to 
such extent and upon such terms as the Secretary may prescribe whenever the Secretary deems that such 
action is necessary in the interest of national defense. For example, the Secretary has waived the Jones Act 
generally or with respect to the transportation of certain petroleum products for limited periods of time and 
in limited areas following the occurrence of certain natural disasters such as hurricanes. Waivers of the 
Jones Act, whether in response to natural disasters or otherwise, could result in increased competition from 
foreign tank vessel operators, which could negatively impact our marine transportation business.

Security 

Certain of our facilities have been preliminarily classified as subject to the Department of Homeland 
Security Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards. In addition, we have several facilities that are subject 
to the United States Coast Guard’s Maritime Transportation Security Act, and a number of other facilities 
that are subject to the Transportation Security Administration’s Pipeline Security Guidelines and are 
designated as “Critical Facilities.” The Transportation Security Administration Security Guidelines are 
subject to change without formal regulatory proposal and review. We have an internal inspection program 
designed to monitor and ensure compliance with all of these requirements. We believe that we are in 
material compliance with all applicable laws and regulations regarding the security of our facilities.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION 

We believe it is likely that the scientific and political attention to greenhouse gas emissions, climate change 
and climate adaptation will continue, with the potential for further regulations that could affect our 
operations. Currently, legislative and regulatory measures to address greenhouse gas emissions are in 
various phases of review, discussion or implementation. Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions could 
result in increased costs to (i) operate and maintain our facilities, (ii) install new emission controls at our 
facilities, (iii) capture the emissions from our facilities and (iv) administer and manage any greenhouse gas 
emissions programs, including acquiring emission credits or allotments.

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 General

Our processing and fractionation plants, storage facilities, pipelines and associated facilities are subject to 
multiple obligations and potential liabilities under a variety of federal, regional, state and local laws and 
regulations relating to environmental protection. Such environmental laws and regulations may affect many 
aspects of our present and future operations, including for example, requiring the acquisition of permits or 
other approvals to conduct regulated activities that may impose burdensome conditions or potentially cause 
delays, restricting the manner in which we handle or dispose of our wastes, limiting or prohibiting 
construction or other activities in environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands or areas inhabited by 
threatened or endangered species, requiring us to incur capital costs to construct, maintain and/or upgrade 
processes, equipment and/or facilities, restricting the locations in which we may construct our compressor 
stations and other facilities and/or requiring the relocation of existing stations and facilities, and requiring 
remedial actions to mitigate any pollution that might be caused by our operations or attributable to former 
operations. Spills, releases or other incidents may occur in connection with our active operations or as a 
result of events outside of our reasonable control, which incidents may result in non-compliance with such 
laws and regulations. Any failure to comply with these legal requirements may expose us to the assessment 
of sanctions, including administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of remedial or corrective 
actions and the issuance of orders enjoining or limiting some or all of our operations.

We believe that our operations and facilities are in substantial compliance with applicable environmental 
laws and regulations and the cost of continued compliance with such laws and regulations will not have a 
material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. We cannot assure, however, that 
existing environmental laws and regulations will not be reinterpreted or revised or that new environmental 
laws and regulations will not be adopted or become applicable to us. Generally speaking, the trend in 
environmental law is to place more restrictions and limitations on activities that may be perceived to 
adversely affect the environment, which may cause significant delays in obtaining permitting approvals for 
our facilities, result in the denial of our permitting applications, or cause us to become involved in time 
consuming and costly litigation. Thus, there can be no assurance as to the amount or timing of future 
expenditures for compliance with environmental laws and regulations, permits and permitting requirements 
or remedial actions pursuant to such laws and regulations, and actual future expenditures may be different 
from the amounts we currently anticipate. Revised or additional environmental requirements may result in 
increased compliance and mitigation costs or additional operating restrictions, particularly if those costs are 
not fully recoverable from our customers, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. We may not be able to recover some or any of 
these costs from insurance. Such revised or additional environmental requirements may also result in 
substantially increased costs and material delays in the construction of new facilities or expansion of our 
existing facilities, which may materially impact our ability to meet our construction obligations with our 
producer customers.

Remediation

A comprehensive framework of environmental laws and regulations governs our operations as they relate to 
the possible release of hazardous substances or non-hazardous or hazardous wastes into soils, groundwater 
and surface water and measures taken to mitigate pollution into the environment. CERCLA, also known as 
the “Superfund” law, as well as comparable state laws, impose liability without regard to fault or the 
legality of the original conduct on certain classes of persons who are considered to be responsible for the 
release of a hazardous substance into the environment. These persons include current and prior owners or 
operators of a site where a release occurred and companies that transported or disposed or arranged for the 
transport or disposal of the hazardous substances released from the site. Under CERCLA, these persons 
may be subject to strict joint and several liability for the costs of removing or remediating hazardous 
substances that have been released into the environment and for restoration costs and damages to natural 
resources. RCRA and similar state laws may also impose liability for removing or remediating releases of 
hazardous or non-hazardous wastes from impacted properties. 

We currently own or lease, and have in the past owned or leased, properties that have been used over the 
years for natural gas gathering, processing and transportation, for NGL fractionation, for the storage, 
gathering and transportation of crude oil, or for the storage and transportation of refined products. During 
the normal course of operation, whether by us or prior owners or operators, releases of petroleum 
hydrocarbons or other non-hazardous or hazardous wastes have or may have occurred. We could be 
required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes or property contamination, including 

20

groundwater contamination, or to perform remedial operations to prevent future contamination. We do not 
believe that we have any current material liability for cleanup costs under such laws or for third-party 
claims.

Hazardous and Solid Wastes

We may incur liability under RCRA, and comparable or more stringent state statutes, which impose 
requirements relating to the handling and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous wastes. In the course of 
our operations, we generate some amount of ordinary industrial wastes, such as paint wastes, waste solvents 
and waste oils that may be regulated as hazardous wastes. It is possible that some wastes generated by us 
that are currently classified as non-hazardous wastes may in the future be designated as hazardous wastes, 
resulting in the wastes being subject to more rigorous and costly transportation, storage, treatment and 
disposal requirements.

Water

We maintain numerous discharge permits as required under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination 
System program of the CWA and have implemented systems to oversee our compliance with these permits. 
In addition, we are regulated under OPA-90, which, among other things, requires the owner or operator of a 
tank vessel or a facility to maintain an emergency plan to respond to releases of oil or hazardous 
substances. OPA-90 also requires the responsible company to pay resulting removal costs and damages and 
provides for civil penalties and criminal sanctions for violations of its provisions. We operate tank vessels 
and facilities from which spills of oil and hazardous substances could occur. We have implemented 
emergency oil response plans for all of our components and facilities covered by OPA-90 and we have 
established Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasures plans for all facilities subject to such 
requirements. Some coastal states in which we operate have passed state laws similar to OPA-90, but with 
expanded liability provisions, that include provisions for cargo owner responsibility as well as ship owner 
and operator responsibility.

Construction or maintenance of our plants, compressor stations, pipelines, barge dock and storage facilities 
may impact wetlands or other surface water bodies, which are also regulated under the CWA by the EPA, 
the United States Army Corps of Engineers and state water quality agencies. Regulatory requirements 
governing wetlands and other surface water bodies (including associated mitigation projects) may result in 
the delay of our projects while we obtain necessary permits and may increase the cost of new projects and 
maintenance activities. We believe that we are in substantial compliance with the CWA and analogous state 
laws. However, there is no assurance that we will not incur material increases in our operating costs or 
delays in the construction or expansion of our facilities because of future developments, the implementation 
of new laws and regulations, the reinterpretation of existing laws and regulations, or otherwise, including, 
for example, increased construction activities, potential inadvertent releases arising from pursuing borings 
for pipelines, and earth slips due to heavy rain and/or other causes.

In April 2020, the U.S. District Court in Montana vacated Nationwide Permit 12 (“NWP 12”), which 
authorizes the placement of fill material in “waters of the United States” for utility line activities as long as 
certain best management practices are implemented. The decision was ultimately appealed to the United 
States Supreme Court, which partially reversed the district court’s decision, temporarily reinstating NWP 
12 for all projects except the Keystone XL oil pipeline. The United States Army Corps of Engineers 
subsequently reissued its nationwide permit authorizations on January 13, 2021, by dividing the NWP that 
authorizes utility line activities (NWP 12) into three separate NWPs that address the differences in how 
different utility line projects are constructed, the substances they convey, and the different standards and 
best management practices that help ensure those NWPs authorize only those activities that have no more 
than minimal adverse environmental effects. The 2021 authorization may be challenged in court or the 
Biden Administration may repeal or replace the 2021 authorization in a subsequent rulemaking. Repeal or 
replacement of the rule could impact pipeline maintenance activities. 

Air Emissions

The Clean Air Act (“CAA”) and comparable state laws restrict the emission of air pollutants from many 
sources, including processing plants and compressor stations, and also impose various monitoring and 
reporting requirements. These laws and any implementing regulations may require us to obtain pre-
approval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities expected to produce or 

21

significantly increase air emissions, obtain and strictly comply with stringent air permit requirements, 
utilize specific equipment or technologies to control emissions, or aggregate two or more of our facilities 
into one application for permitting purposes. We believe that our operations are in substantial compliance 
with applicable air permitting and control technology requirements. However, we may be required to incur 
capital expenditures in the future for installation of air pollution control equipment and encounter 
construction or operational delays while applying for, or awaiting the review, processing and issuance of 
new or amended permits, and we may be required to modify certain of our operations which could increase 
our operating costs. 

In 2015, the EPA finalized a revision to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (“NAAQS”) for 
ozone. The EPA lowered the primary ozone NAAQS from 75 parts per billion to 70 parts per billion. In 
December 2020, the EPA published a rule maintaining this standard. Designation as a nonattainment area 
could result in increased costs associated with, or result in cancellation or delay of, capital projects at our or 
our customers’ facilities, or could require nitrogen oxides and/or volatile organic compound reductions that 
could result in increased costs to us or our customers. We cannot predict the effects of the various state 
implementation plan requirements at this time.

Climate Change

As a consequence of an EPA administrative conclusion that emissions of carbon dioxide, methane and 
other greenhouse gases (“GHGs”) into the ambient air endangers public health and welfare, the EPA 
adopted regulations establishing the Prevention of Significant Deterioration (“PSD”) construction and Title 
V operating permit programs for GHG emissions from certain large stationary sources that already are 
potential major sources of certain principal, or criteria, pollutant emissions. Although the EPA’s PSD and 
Title V permit programs are limited to large stationary sources of criteria pollutant emissions, states may 
seek to adopt their own permitting programs under state laws that require permit reviews of large stationary 
sources emitting only GHGs. If we were to become subject to Title V and PSD permitting requirements due 
to non-GHG criteria pollutants, or if the EPA implemented more stringent permitting requirements relating 
to GHG emissions without regard to non-GHG criteria pollutants, or if states adopt their own permitting 
programs that require permit reviews based on GHG emissions, we may be required to install “best 
available control technology,” to the extent such technology is available, to limit emissions of GHGs from 
any new or significantly modified facilities that we may seek to construct in the future. In addition, we may 
experience substantial delays or possible curtailment of construction or projects in connection with 
applying for, obtaining or maintaining preconstruction and operating permits, we may encounter limitations 
on the design capacities or size of facilities, and we may incur material increases in our construction and 
operating costs. We are monitoring GHG emissions from certain of our facilities in accordance with current 
GHG emissions reporting requirements in a manner that we believe is in substantial compliance with 
applicable reporting obligations.

Also, Congress has from time to time considered legislation to reduce emissions of GHGs, and it is possible 
that such legislation could be enacted in the future. In the absence of federal climate legislation in the 
United States, a number of state and regional efforts have emerged that are aimed at tracking and/or 
reducing GHG emissions by means of cap and trade programs that typically require major sources of GHG 
emissions, such as electric power plants, to acquire and surrender emission allowances in return for 
emitting those GHGs. Although it is not possible at this time to predict how legislation or new regulations 
that may be adopted to address GHG emissions would impact our business, any such future laws and 
regulations could require us to incur increased operating costs, such as costs to purchase and operate 
emissions control systems, to acquire emission allowances or comply with new regulatory or reporting 
requirements including the imposition of a carbon tax. In 2020, the EPA rescinded regulation of methane 
emissions from the oil and gas industry as originally adopted in the EPA’s 2016 New Source Performance 
Standards (“NSPS”), which were aimed at minimizing fugitive emissions and establishing methane 
emission standards for new and modified oil and gas production and natural gas processing and 
transmission facilities. The EPA’s rescission of the methane emission regulations is being challenged in 
court. Further, President Biden’s Executive Order on climate change calls for the federal government to 
reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas industry as quickly as possible. Any such legislation or 
regulatory programs could also increase the cost of consuming, and thereby reduce demand for, oil and 
natural gas produced by our exploration and production customers that, in turn, could reduce the demand 
for our services and thus adversely affect our cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

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Under the National Environmental Policy Act, environmental assessments must be performed for certain 
projects, including construction of certain new pipelines. On July 16, 2020, the Council on Environmental 
Quality published a rule updating the regulations implementing the procedural provisions of the National 
Environmental Policy Act. This update rule sought to modernize and clarify environmental assessment 
requirements. This rule is being challenged in court and could be revisited by the new administration. It is 
uncertain the extent to which an environmental assessment must consider direct and indirect greenhouse 
gas emissions from a new project. This uncertainty can result in delay and increased costs in completing 
new projects. 

Endangered Species Act and Migratory Bird Treaty Act Considerations

The federal Endangered Species Act (“ESA”) and analogous state laws regulate activities that may affect 
endangered or threatened species, including their habitats. If protected species are located in areas where 
we propose to construct new gathering or transportation pipelines, processing or fractionation facilities, or 
other infrastructure, such work could be prohibited or delayed in certain of those locations or during certain 
times, when our operations could result in a taking of the species or destroy or adversely modify critical 
habitat that has been designated for the species. We also may be obligated to develop plans to avoid 
potential takings of protected species and provide mitigation to offset the effects of any unavoidable 
impacts, the implementation of which could materially increase our operating and capital costs. Existing 
laws, regulations, policies and guidance relating to protected species may also be revised or reinterpreted in 
a manner that further increases our construction and mitigation costs or restricts our construction activities. 
Additionally, construction and operational activities could result in inadvertent impact to a listed species 
and could result in alleged takings under the ESA, exposing MPLX to civil or criminal enforcement actions 
and fines or penalties. The existence of threatened or endangered species in areas where we conduct 
operations or plan to construct pipelines or facilities may cause us to incur increased costs arising from 
species protection measures or could result in delays in, or prohibit, the construction of our facilities or 
limit our customer’s exploration and production activities, which could have an adverse impact on demand 
for our midstream operations.

The Migratory Bird Treaty Act implements various treaties and conventions between the United States and 
certain other nations for the protection of migratory birds. In accordance with this law, the taking, killing or 
possessing of migratory birds covered under this act is unlawful without authorization. If there is the 
potential to adversely affect migratory birds as a result of our operations or construction activities, we may 
be required to seek authorization to conduct those operations or construction activities, which may result in 
specified operating or construction restrictions on a temporary, seasonal, or permanent basis in affected 
areas and thus have an adverse impact on our ability to provide timely gathering, processing or 
fractionation services to our exploration and production customers.

Safety Matters

We are subject to oversight pursuant to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Act, as amended, as 
well as comparable state statutes that regulate the protection of the health and safety of workers. We believe 
that 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.

We are also subject at regulated facilities to the OSHA’s Process Safety Management and EPA’s Risk 
Management Program requirements, which are intended to prevent or minimize the consequences of 
catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable or explosive chemicals. The application of these 
regulations can result in increased compliance expenditures.

In general, we expect industry and regulatory safety standards to become stricter over time, resulting in 
increased compliance expenditures. While these expenditures cannot be accurately estimated at this time, 
we do not expect such expenditures will have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

The DOT has adopted safety regulations with respect to the design, construction, operation, maintenance, 
inspection and management of our pipeline assets. These regulations contain requirements for the 
development and implementation of pipeline integrity management programs, which include the inspection 
and testing of pipelines and the correction of anomalies. These regulations also require that pipeline 

23

operation and maintenance personnel meet certain qualifications and that pipeline operators develop 
comprehensive spill response plans. These regulations are discussed more fully below.

PHMSA Regulation

We are subject to regulation by the DOT under the Hazardous Liquid Pipeline Safety Act of 1979, also 
known as the HLPSA. The HLPSA delegated to the DOT the authority to develop, prescribe and enforce 
minimum federal safety standards for the transportation of hazardous liquids by pipeline. Congress also 
enacted the Pipeline Safety Act of 1992, also known as the PSA, which added the environment to the list of 
statutory factors that must be considered in establishing safety standards for hazardous liquid pipelines, 
required regulations be issued to define the term “gathering line” and establish safety standards for certain 
“regulated gathering lines,” and mandated that regulations be issued to establish criteria for operators to use 
in identifying and inspecting pipelines located in High Consequence Areas (“HCAs”), defined as those 
areas that are unusually sensitive to environmental damage, that cross a navigable waterway, or that have a 
high population density. In 1996, Congress enacted the Accountable Pipeline Safety and Partnership Act, 
also known as the APSPA, which limited the operator identification requirement mandate to pipelines that 
cross a waterway where a substantial likelihood of commercial navigation exists, required that certain areas 
where a pipeline rupture would likely cause permanent or long-term environmental damage be considered 
in determining whether an area is unusually sensitive to environmental damage, and mandated that 
regulations be issued for the qualification and testing of certain pipeline personnel. In the Pipeline 
Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006, also known as the PIPES Act, Congress 
required mandatory inspections for certain U.S. crude oil and natural gas transmission pipelines in HCAs 
and mandated that regulations be issued for low-stress hazardous liquid pipelines and pipeline control room 
management. We are also subject to the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty and Job Creation Act of 
2011, which reauthorized funding for federal pipeline safety programs through 2015, increased penalties 
for safety violations, established additional safety requirements for newly constructed pipelines and 
required studies of certain safety issues that could result in the adoption of new regulatory requirements for 
existing pipelines. Additionally, we are subject to the Protecting our Infrastructure of Pipelines and 
Enhancing Safety Act of 2016, which required PHMSA to develop underground gas storage standards 
within two years and provided PHMSA with significant new authority to issue industry-wide emergency 
orders if an unsafe condition or practices results in an imminent hazard.

The DOT has delegated its authority under these statutes to the PHMSA, which administers compliance 
with these statutes and has promulgated comprehensive safety standards and regulations for the 
transportation of natural gas by pipeline (49 C.F.R. Part 192), as well as hazardous liquids by pipeline (49 
C.F.R. Part 195), including regulations for the design and construction of new pipelines or those that have
been relocated, replaced or otherwise changed (Subparts C and D of 49 C.F.R., Part 195); pressure testing
of new pipelines (Subpart E of 49 C.F.R. Part 195); operation and maintenance of pipelines, including
inspecting and reburying pipelines in the Gulf of Mexico and its inlets, establishing programs for public
awareness and damage prevention, managing the integrity of pipelines in HCAs and managing the
operation of pipeline control rooms (Subpart F of 49 C.F.R. Part 195); protecting steel pipelines from the
adverse effects of internal and external corrosion (Subpart H of 49 C.F.R. Part 195); and integrity
management requirements for pipelines in HCAs (49 C.F.R. 195.452). PHMSA has undertaken a number
of initiatives to reevaluate its pipeline safety regulations. We do not anticipate that we would be impacted
by these regulatory initiatives to any greater degree than other similarly situated competitors.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, PHMSA and one or more state regulators have, in isolated circumstances in 
the past, sought to expand the scope of their regulatory inspections to include certain in-plant equipment 
and pipelines found within NGL fractionation facilities and associated storage facilities in order to assess 
compliance with hazardous liquids pipeline safety requirements. If any of these actions were made broadly 
enforceable as part of a rule-making process or codified into law, they could result in additional capital 
costs, possible operational delays and increased costs of operation.

Product Quality Standards

Refined products and other hydrocarbon-based products that we transport are generally sold by us or our 
customers for consumption by the public. Various federal, state and local agencies have the authority to 
prescribe product quality specifications for products. The EPA established sulfur specifications for natural 
gasoline sold as certified ethanol denaturant effective January 1, 2017. The EPA has proposed product 
quality specifications for natural gasoline used for blendstock in ethanol flex fuel. The EPA has also 

24

established product quality specifications related to blending gasoline with blendstocks and ethanol, which 
we perform at certain of our light products storage facilities. Changes in product quality specifications or 
blending requirements could reduce our throughput volumes, require us to incur additional handling costs 
or require capital expenditures. For example, different product specifications for different markets affect the 
fungibility of the products in our system and could require the construction of additional storage. In 
addition, changes in the product quality of the products we receive on our product pipelines could reduce or 
eliminate our ability to blend products.

Tribal Lands 

Various federal agencies, including the EPA and the Department of the Interior, along with certain Native 
American tribes, promulgate and enforce regulations pertaining to oil and gas operations on Native 
American tribal lands where we operate. These regulations include such matters as lease provisions, drilling 
and production requirements, and standards to protect environmental quality and cultural resources. In 
addition, each Native American tribe is a sovereign nation having the right to enforce certain laws and 
regulations and to grant approvals independent from federal, state and local statutes and regulations. These 
laws and regulations may increase our costs of doing business on Native American tribal lands and impact 
the viability of, or prevent or delay our ability to conduct, our operations on such lands.

HUMAN CAPITAL

We are managed and operated by the board of directors and executive officers of MPLX GP LLC (“MPLX 
GP”), our general partner. Our general partner has the sole responsibility for providing the employees and 
other personnel necessary to conduct our operations. All of the employees that conduct our business are 
directly employed by affiliates of our general partner. We believe that our general partner and its affiliates 
have a satisfactory relationship with those employees. 

MPC believes its employees are its greatest source of strength, and the culture reflects the quality of 
individuals across its workforce. Its collaborative efforts to foster an inclusive environment, provide broad-
based development and mentorship opportunities, recognize and reward accomplishments, and offer 
benefits that support the well-being of its employees and their families contribute to increased engagement 
and fulfilling careers. Empowering people and prioritizing accountability also are key components for 
developing a high-performing culture, which is critical to achieving our strategic vision. 

Employee Profile

As of December 31, 2020, MPC had approximately 57,900 regular full-time and part-time roles. Excluding 
employees of Speedway, which is targeted to be sold in the first quarter of 2021, MPC employs 
approximately 18,600 people in full-time and part-time roles. Our general partner and its affiliates have 
approximately 5,700 full-time employees that provide services to us under our employee services 
agreements.

Talent Management 

Executing MPC’s strategic vision requires that it attracts and retains the best talent. Recruiting and 
retention success requires that it effectively nurtures new employees, providing opportunities for long-term 
engagement and career advancement. MPC also must appropriately reward high-performers and offer 
competitive benefits. MPC’s Talent Acquisition team consists of three segments: Executive Recruiting, 
Experienced Recruiting and University Recruiting. The specialization within each group allows those 
groups to specifically address MPC’s broad range of current and future talent needs, as well as devote time 
and attention to candidates during the hiring process. MPC values diverse perspectives in the workforce, 
and accordingly seeks candidates with a variety of backgrounds and experience. MPC’s primary source of 
full-time, entry-level new hires is its intern/co-op program. Through its university recruiters, MPC offers 
college students who have completed their freshman year the opportunity to participate in its hands-on 
programs focused in areas of finance and accounting, marketing, engineering and IT.

MPC provides a broad range of leadership training opportunities to support the development of leaders at 
all levels. Those programs, which are offered across the organization are a blended approach of business 
and leadership content, with many featuring external faculty. MPC utilizes various learning modalities, 
such as visual, audio, print, tactile, interactive, kinesthetic, experiential and leader-teaching-leader to 

25

address and engage different learning styles. MPC believes networking and access to executives are key 
leadership success factors, and MPC incorporates these opportunities into all of its programs.

Compensation and Benefits

To ensure MPC is offering competitive pay packages in its recruitment and retention efforts, it annually 
benchmarks compensation, including base salaries, bonus levels and equity targets. MPC’s annual bonus 
program is a critical component of its compensation, as it provides individual rewards for achievement 
against preset financial and sustainability goals, encouraging a sense of employee ownership. Employees in 
officer-level pay grades, as well as senior leaders and most mid-level leaders, are eligible to receive long-
term equity incentive awards as part of their compensation.

MPC offers comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance for employees, their 
spouses or domestic partners, and their dependents. MPC also provides retirement programs, life insurance, 
education assistance, family assistance, short-term disability and paid vacation and sick time. Following 
MPC’s acquisition of Andeavor, MPC enhanced several of its benefits programs. MPC increased the 
maximum accrual cap for vacation banks and doubled the number of college and trade school scholarships 
offered to the high school senior children of employees through the Marathon Petroleum Scholars Program. 
In addition, MPC increased its paid parental leave benefit to eight weeks for birth mothers and four weeks 
for nonbirth parents, including adoptive and foster parents. Both full-time and part-time employees are 
eligible for this benefit. Parents who both work for MPC or its affiliates are each eligible for a parental pay 
benefit.

Inclusion

MPC’s company-wide Diversity and Inclusion (“D&I”) program is managed by a dedicated D&I Office 
team and supported by leadership. The program is based on MPC’s three-pillar D&I strategy of building 
awareness, increasing representation and ensuring success. The strategy focuses on understanding the 
benefits of diverse perspectives, increasing diversity across the organization and recognizing that cultural 
inclusion is an ongoing process. MPC has employee networks focusing on six populations: Asian, Black, 
Hispanic, Veterans, Women and LGBTQ+. All networks encourage ally membership. This broad support 
extends also to leaders throughout MPC, with each employee network represented by two active executive 
sponsors. The sponsors form several counsels that meet regularly to share updates, gain alignment, build 
deeper connections across networks and pursue collaboration ideas. The employee networks not only 
provide opportunities for employees to make meaningful and supportive connections, but they also serve a 
significant role in MPC’s D&I strategy.

Safety 

MPC is committed to safe operations to protect the health and safety of its employees, contractors and 
communities. MPC’s commitment to safe operations is reflected in its safety systems design, its well-
maintained equipment and by learning from its incidents. Part of MPC’s effort to promote safety includes a 
management system based on the principles of RC14001®, the Plan-Do-Check-Act continual improvement 
cycle, and its Operational Excellence Management System. Together, these components of MPC’s safety 
management system provide it with a comprehensive approach to managing risks and preventing incidents, 
illnesses and fatalities. Additionally, MPC’s annual cash bonus program metrics includes several employee, 
process and environmental safety metrics.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored for MPC the importance of keeping its employees safe and 
healthy. In March 2020, MPC activated its Corporate Emergency Response Team to ensure a consistent 
and aggressive response across all facets of MPC and MPLX. The safety and health of employees, 
including essential personnel, were top priorities for MPC and MPLX. As part of MPC’s existing pandemic 
plan, MPC had a central inventory of N95 respirators, surgical masks, and nitrile gloves to supply to 
employees and contractors when the pandemic began. MPC implemented a number of protective measures 
to ensure employee and contractor safety as they continued to keep our critical operations running safely. 
MPC continues to monitor the situation and adapt its practices as appropriate. 

26

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

General information about MPLX LP and our general partner, MPLX GP LLC, including Governance 
Principles, Audit Committee Charter, Conflicts Committee Charter and Certificate of Limited Partnership, 
can be found at www.mplx.com. In addition, our Code of Business Conduct and Code of Ethics for Senior 
Financial Officers are available in this same location.

MPLX LP uses its website, www.mplx.com, as a channel for routine distribution of important information, 
including news releases, analyst presentations and financial information. Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, 
Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as any amendments and 
exhibits to those reports, are available free of charge through our website as soon as reasonably practicable 
after the reports are filed or furnished with the SEC, or on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. These 
documents are also available in hard copy, free of charge, by contacting our Investor Relations office. In 
addition, our website allows investors and other interested persons to sign up to automatically receive email 
alerts when we post news releases and financial information on our website. Information contained on our 
website is not incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other securities filings.

27

Item 1A. Risk Factors

You should carefully consider each of the following risks and all the other information contained in this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K in evaluating us and our common units. Although the risks are organized by 
headings, and each risk is discussed separately, many are interrelated. Our business, financial condition, 
results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by these risks, and, as a 
result, the trading price of our common units could decline.

Summary of Risk Factors

We have in the past been adversely affected by certain of, and may in the future be materially and adversely 
affected by, the following: 

•

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•

•

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

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•

•
•

•

•

•

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•
•
•

•
•

the COVID-19 pandemic;

a significant decrease in oil and natural gas production in our areas of operation;

challenges in accurately estimating expected production volumes of our producer customers;

our dependence on third parties for the oil, natural gas and refined products we gather, transport
and store, the natural gas and refinery off-gas we process, and the NGLs we fractionate and
stabilize at our facilities;

our ability to retain existing customers or acquire new customers;

our ability to increase fees enough to cover costs incurred under our gathering, processing,
transmission, transportation, fractionation, stabilization and storage agreements;

unplanned maintenance of the United States (“U.S.”) inland waterway infrastructure;

interruptions in operations at any of our facilities or those of our customers, including MPC;

problems affecting our information technology systems;

in our joint ventures, our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our joint venture
partners’ financial condition and disputes between us and our joint venture partners;

terrorist attacks aimed at our facilities or that impact our customers or the markets we serve;

increases to our maintenance or repair costs;

severe weather events and other climate conditions;

insufficient cash from operations after the establishment of cash reserves and payment of our
expenses to enable us to pay the intended quarterly distribution to our unitholders;

our substantial debt and other financial obligations;

changes to our credit ratings;

increases in interest rates;

uncertainty relating to the calculation of LIBOR and replacement reference rates;

our exposure to the credit risks of our key customers and derivative counterparties;
negative effects of our commodity derivative activities;

uninsured losses;

future costs relating to evolving environmental or other laws or regulations;

increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing;

climate-related and greenhouse gas emission regulation;

societal and political pressures and other forms of opposition to the future development,
transportation and use of carbon-based fuels;

federal and tribal approvals, regulations and lawsuits relating to our facilities that are located on
Native American tribal lands;

an indemnifying third party failing to fulfill its indemnification obligations to us;
our ability to maintain or obtain real property rights required for our business;
the consequences resulting from foreign investment in us or our general partner exceeding certain
levels;
federal or state rate and service regulation or rate-making policies;
costs and liabilities resulting from performance of pipeline integrity programs and related repairs;

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•

•

•

•

•

the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware being, to the extent permitted by law, the sole and
exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our limited partners;

future impairments;

difficulties in making strategic acquisitions on economically acceptable terms from MPC or third
parties;

integration risks from significant future acquisitions;

the failure by MPC to satisfy its obligations to us, or a significant reduction in volumes transported
through our facilities or stored at our storage assets;

• MPC materially suspending, reducing or terminating its obligations under its agreements with us;

• MPC’s level of indebtedness or credit ratings;

•

various tax risks inherent in our master limited partnership structure, including the potential for
unexpected tax liabilities for us or our unitholders, more burdensome tax filing requirements and
future legislative changes to the expected tax treatment of an investment in us;

• MPC’s conflicts of interest with us, its limited duties to us and our unitholders, and its potential

favoring of its interests over our interests and the interests of our unitholders;

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the requirements and restrictions arising under our Partnership Agreement, including the
requirement that we distribute all of our available cash, limitations on our general partner’s duties,
limited unitholder voting rights, and limited unitholder recourse in the event unitholders are
dissatisfied with our operations;

cost reimbursements and fees paid to our general partner and its affiliates, which in certain
circumstances are subject to our general partner’s sole discretion;

control of our general partner being transferred to a third party without unitholder consent;

the issuance of additional units resulting in the dilution of limited unitholder interests, which
issuances may be made without unitholder approval;

the sale of units - and the adverse impact on the trading price of the common units which might
result from such sale - by MPC of the units it holds in public or private markets, and such sales
could have an adverse impact on the trading price of the common units;

affiliates of our general partner, including MPC, competing with us, and neither our general
partner nor its affiliates having any obligation to present business opportunities to us;

our general partner having a limited call right that may require unitholders to sell common units at
an undesirable time or price;

a unitholder’s liability not being limited if a court finds that unitholder action constitutes control of
our business;

unitholders may have to repay distributions that were wrongfully distributed to them;

the NYSE not requiring a publicly traded limited partnership like us to comply with certain of its
corporate governance requirements; and

global economic conditions.

Business and Operational Risks

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a significant decrease in demand for the petroleum products that 
we transport and store, which has had, and may continue to have, a material and adverse effect on our 
and our customers’ business and on general economic, financial and business conditions. 

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to negatively impact worldwide economic and commercial activity. 
Travel restrictions, business and school closures, increased remote work, stay-at-home orders and other 
actions taken by individuals, governments and the private sector to stem the spread of the virus have 
significantly reduced global economic activity, significantly reduced demand for the petroleum products 
that we transport and store, and contributed to increased market and oil price volatility. 

Resurgences in COVID-19 infections could result in the imposition of new stay-at-home orders or other 
restrictions to slow the spread of the virus, which could further weaken demand for the petroleum products 
we transport and store, and could contribute to increased market and oil price volatility.

29

A prolonged period of economic slowdown or recession, or a protracted period of depressed prices for 
crude oil or refined petroleum products, could have significant and adverse consequences for our financial 
condition and the financial condition of our customers, suppliers and other counterparties, and could 
diminish our liquidity or trigger additional impairments.

The ultimate extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to negatively affect us and our 
customers, suppliers and other counterparties will depend largely on the length and severity of the 
pandemic; actions taken by individuals, governments and the private sector to stem the spread of the virus; 
general economic conditions; and the availability, widespread distribution and use of safe and effective 
vaccines, all of which cannot be predicted with certainty.

A significant decrease in oil and natural gas production in our areas of operation may adversely affect 
our business, financial condition, results of operation and cash available for distribution.

A significant portion of our operations is dependent on the continued availability of natural gas and crude 
oil production. The production from oil and natural gas reserves and wells owned by our producer 
customers will naturally decline over time, which means that our cash flows associated with these wells 
will also decline over time. To maintain or increase throughput levels and the utilization rate of our 
facilities, we must continually obtain new oil, natural gas, NGL and refined product supplies, which depend 
in part on the level of successful drilling activity near our facilities, our ability to compete for volumes from 
successful new wells and our ability to expand our system capacity as needed. 

We have no control over the level of drilling activity in the areas of our operations, the amount of reserves 
associated with the wells or the rate at which production from a well will decline. In addition, we have no 
control over producers or their production decisions, which are affected by demand, prevailing and 
projected energy prices, drilling costs, operational challenges, access to downstream markets, the level of 
reserves, geological considerations, governmental regulations and the availability and cost of capital. 
Reductions in exploration or production activity in our areas of operations could lead to reduced throughput 
on our pipelines and utilization rates of our facilities.

Decreases in energy prices can decrease drilling activity, production rates and investments by third parties 
in the development of new oil and natural gas reserves. The prices for oil, natural gas and NGLs depend 
upon factors beyond our control, including global and local demand, production levels, changes in 
interstate pipeline gas quality specifications, imports and exports, seasonality and weather conditions, 
economic and political conditions domestically and internationally and governmental regulations. Sustained 
periods of low prices could result in producers deciding to limit their oil and gas drilling operations, which 
could substantially delay the production and delivery of volumes of oil, natural gas and NGLs to our 
facilities and adversely affect our revenues and cash available for distribution. 

This impact may also be exacerbated due to the extent of our commodity-based contracts, which are more 
directly impacted by changes in natural gas and NGL prices than our fee-based contracts due to frac spread 
exposure and may result in operating losses when natural gas becomes more expensive on a Btu equivalent 
basis than NGL products. In addition, our purchase and resale of gas and NGLs in the ordinary course 
exposes us to significant risk of volatility in natural gas or NGL prices due to the potential difference in the 
time of the purchases and sales and the potential difference in the price associated with each transaction, 
and direct exposure may also occur naturally as a result of our production processes. The significant 
volatility in natural gas, NGL and oil prices could adversely impact our unit price, thereby increasing our 
distribution yield and cost of capital. Such impacts could adversely impact our ability to execute our long-
term organic growth projects, satisfy our obligations to our customers, and make distributions to 
unitholders at intended levels, and may also result in non-cash impairments of long-lived assets or goodwill 
or other-than-temporary non-cash impairments of our equity method investments.

We may not always be able to accurately estimate expected production volumes of our producer 
customers; therefore, volumes we service in the future could be less than we anticipate.

We may not be able to accurately estimate expected production volumes of our producer customers. 
Furthermore, we may have only limited oil, natural gas, NGL or refined product supplies committed to any 
new facility prior to its construction. We may construct facilities to capture anticipated future growth in 
production or satisfy anticipated market demand which does not materialize, the facilities may not operate 
as planned or may not be used at all. In order to attract additional oil, natural gas, NGL or refined product 

30

supplies from a customer, we may be required to order equipment and facilities, obtain rights of way or 
other land rights or otherwise commence construction activities for facilities that will be required to serve 
such customer’s additional supplies prior to executing agreements with the customer. If such agreements 
are not executed, we may be unable to recover such costs and expenses. Additionally, new facilities may 
not be able to attract enough oil, natural gas, NGLs or refined products to achieve our expected investment 
return. Alternatively, oil, natural gas, NGL or refined product supplies committed to facilities under 
construction may be delivered prior to completion of such facilities, or we may otherwise have unexpected 
increases in volumes that could adversely affect our ability to expand our facilities. In such event, we may 
be required to temporarily utilize third-party facilities for such oil, natural gas, NGLs or refined products, 
which may increase our operating costs and reduce our cash available for distribution.

We depend on third parties for the oil, natural gas and refined products we gather, transport and store, 
the natural gas and refinery off-gas we process, and the NGLs we fractionate and stabilize at our 
facilities, and a reduction in these quantities could reduce our revenues and cash flow.

A significant portion of our supply of oil, natural gas, refinery off-gas, NGLs and refined products comes 
from a limited number of key producers/suppliers, who may be under no obligation to deliver a specific 
volume to our facilities. If any of these significant suppliers, or a significant number of smaller producers, 
were to decrease the supply of oil, natural gas, refinery off-gas, NGLs or refined products to our systems 
and facilities for any reason, we could experience difficulty in replacing those lost volumes. In some cases, 
the producers or suppliers are responsible for gathering or delivering oil, natural gas, refinery off-gas, 
NGLs or refined products to our facilities or we rely on other third parties to deliver volumes to us on 
behalf of the producers or suppliers. If such producers, suppliers or other third parties are unable, or 
otherwise fail to, deliver the volumes to our facilities, or if our agreements with any of these third parties 
terminate or expire such that our facilities are no longer connected to their gathering or transportation 
systems or the third parties modify the flow of natural gas, refinery off-gas or NGLs on those systems away 
from our facilities, the throughput on and utilization of our facilities may be reduced, or we may be 
required to incur significant capital expenditures to construct and install gathering pipelines or other 
facilities to be able to receive such volumes. Because our operating costs are primarily fixed, a reduction in 
the volumes delivered to us would result not only in a reduction of revenues, but also a decline in net 
income and cash flow.

We may not be able to retain existing customers, or acquire new customers, which would reduce our 
revenues and limit our future profitability.

A significant portion of our business comes from a limited number of key customers. The renewal or 
replacement of existing contracts with our customers at rates sufficient to maintain current revenues and 
cash flows depends on a number of factors beyond our control, including competition from other gatherers, 
processors, pipelines and fractionators, and the price of, and demand for, natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and 
refined products in the markets we serve. Our competitors include large oil, natural gas, refining and 
petrochemical companies, some of which have greater financial resources, more numerous or greater 
capacity pipelines, processing and other facilities, greater access to natural gas, crude oil and NGL supplies 
than we do or other synergies with existing or new customers that we cannot provide. Our competitors may 
also include our joint venture partners, who in some cases are permitted to compete with us and may have a 
competitive advantage due to their familiarity with our business arising from our joint venture 
arrangements, as well as third parties on whom we rely to deliver natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and refined 
products to our facilities, who may have a competitive advantage due to their ability to modify the flow of 
natural gas, NGLs, crude oil and refined products on their systems away from our facilities. Additionally, 
our customers that gather gas through facilities that are not otherwise dedicated to us may develop their 
own processing and fractionation facilities in lieu of using our services.

As a consequence of the increase in competition in the industry, and the volatility of natural gas prices, end-
users and utilities are reluctant to enter into long-term purchase contracts. Many end-users purchase natural 
gas from more than one natural gas company and have the ability to change providers at any time. Some of 
these end-users also have the ability to switch between gas and alternative fuels in response to relative price 
fluctuations in the market. Because there are numerous companies of greatly varying size and financial 
capacity that compete with us in the marketing of natural gas, we often compete in the end-user and utilities 
markets primarily on the basis of price. The inability of our management to renew or replace our current 
contracts as they expire and to respond appropriately to changing market conditions could affect our 
profitability.

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The fees charged to third parties under our gathering, processing, transmission, transportation, 
fractionation, stabilization and storage agreements may not escalate sufficiently to cover increases in 
costs, or the agreements may not be renewed or may be suspended in some circumstances.

Our costs may increase at a rate greater than the fees we charge to third parties. Furthermore, third parties 
may not renew their contracts with us. Additionally, some third parties’ obligations under their agreements 
with us may be permanently or temporarily reduced due to certain events, some of which are beyond our 
control, including force majeure events wherein the supply of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil or refined 
products are curtailed or cut-off due to events outside our control, and in some cases, certain of those 
agreements may be terminated in their entirety if the duration of such events exceeds a specified period of 
time. If the escalation of fees is insufficient to cover increased costs, or if third parties do not renew or 
extend their contracts with us, or if third parties suspend or terminate their contracts with us, our financial 
results would suffer.

The U.S. inland waterway infrastructure is aging and planned and unplanned maintenance may 
adversely affect our operations.

Maintenance of the U.S. inland waterway system is vital to our marine transportation operations. The 
system is composed of over 12,000 miles of commercially navigable waterway, supported by 
approximately 240 locks and dams designed to provide flood control, maintain pool levels of water in 
certain areas of the country and facilitate navigation on the inland river system. The U.S. inland waterway 
infrastructure is aging, with more than half of the locks over 50 years old. As a result, due to the age of the 
locks, planned and unplanned maintenance may create more frequent outages, resulting in delays and 
additional operating expenses. Part of the costs for new construction and major rehabilitation of locks and 
dams is funded by marine transportation companies through taxes and the other portion is funded by 
general federal tax revenues. Failure of the federal government to adequately fund infrastructure 
maintenance and improvements in the future would have a negative impact on our ability to deliver 
products to our customers on a timely basis. Furthermore, any additional user taxes that may be imposed in 
the future to fund infrastructure improvements would increase our operating expenses.

Our operations are subject to business interruptions and casualty losses, which could materially and 
adversely affect our operations, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our operations are subject to business interruptions, such as unplanned maintenance, explosions, fires, 
pipeline releases, power outages, severe weather, labor disputes, acts of terrorism or other natural or man-
made disasters. The inability to operate one or more of our facilities due to any of these events could 
adversely affect us. Our customers’ operations, including MPC’s refining operations, are subject to similar 
risks. 

Explosions, fires, pipeline releases, product quality or other incidents may result in serious personal injury 
or loss of human life, significant damage to property and equipment, environmental pollution, impairment 
of operations and substantial losses to us. We and our customers have experienced certain of these incidents 
in the past. For assets located near populated areas, the level of damage resulting from these risks could be 
greater. Due to the nature of our operations, certain interruptions could impact operations in other regions. 

Our marine transportation business, in particular, is subject to weather conditions. Adverse weather 
conditions such as high or low water on the inland waterway systems, fog and ice, tropical storms, 
hurricanes and tsunamis on both the inland waterway systems and throughout the U.S. coastal waters can 
impair the operating efficiencies of the marine fleet. Such adverse weather conditions can cause a delay, 
diversion or postponement of shipments of products and are beyond our control.

In addition, we operate in and adjacent to environmentally sensitive waters where tanker, pipeline, rail car 
and refined product transportation and storage operations are closely regulated by federal, state and local 
agencies and monitored by environmental interest groups. Transportation and storage of crude oil, other 
feedstocks and refined products over and adjacent to water involves inherent risk and subjects us to the 
provisions of the OPA-90 and state laws in U.S. coastal and Great Lakes states and states bordering inland 
waterways on which we operate. If we are unable to promptly and adequately contain any accident or 
discharge involving tankers, pipelines, rail cars or above ground storage tanks transporting or storing crude 
oil, other feedstocks or refined products, we may be subject to substantial liability. In addition, the service 

32

providers contracted to aid us in a discharge response may be unavailable due to weather conditions, 
governmental regulations or other local or global events. 

The construction and operation of certain of our facilities may be impacted by surface or subsurface mining 
operations by one or more third parties, which could adversely impact our construction activities or cause 
subsidence or other damage to our facilities. In such event, our construction may be prevented or delayed, 
or the costs and time increased, or our operations at such facilities may be impaired or interrupted, and we 
may not be able to recover the costs incurred for delays or to relocate or repair our facilities from such third 
parties.

We rely on the performance of our information technology systems, and the interruption or failure of 
any information technology system, including an interruption or failure due to a cybersecurity breach, 
could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We are heavily dependent on our information technology systems (and those of our third-party business 
partners, whether cloud-based or hosted on proprietary servers), including our network infrastructure and 
cloud applications, for the safe and effective operation of our business. We rely on such systems to process, 
transmit and store electronic information, including financial records and personally identifiable 
information such as contractor, customer and investor data, and to manage or support a variety of business 
processes, including our pipeline operations, gathering and processing operations, financial transactions, 
banking and numerous other processes and transactions. Our systems and infrastructure are subject to 
damage or interruption from a number of potential sources including natural disasters, malware, power 
failures, cyber-attacks and other events. We also face various other cybersecurity threats from criminal 
hackers and employee malfeasance, including threats to gain unauthorized access to our computer network 
and systems or render data or systems unusable. 

Our cybersecurity protections, infrastructure protection technologies, disaster recovery plans and employee 
training may not be sufficient to defend us against all unauthorized attempts to access our information. We 
have been and may in the future be subject to attempts to gain unauthorized access to our computer network 
and systems. To date, the impacts of prior events have not had a material adverse effect on us.

Any cybersecurity incident involving our information technology systems or those of our third-party 
business partners could result in theft, destruction, loss, misappropriation or release of confidential financial 
and other data or intellectual property; give rise to remediation or other expense; expose us to liability 
under federal and state laws; reduce our customers’ willingness to do business with us; disrupt the services 
we provide to customers; and subject us to litigation and legal liability under federal and state laws. Any of 
such results could have a material and adverse effect on our reputation, business, financial condition, results 
of operations and cash flows available for distribution to our unitholders.

Our investments in joint ventures could be adversely affected by our reliance on our joint venture 
partners and their financial condition, and our joint venture partners may have interests or goals that 
are inconsistent with ours. 

We conduct some of our operations through joint ventures in which we share control over certain economic 
and business interests with our joint venture partners. Our joint venture partners may have economic, 
business or legal interests or goals that are inconsistent with our goals and interests or may be unable to 
meet their obligations. Failure by us, or an entity in which we have an interest, to adequately manage the 
risks associated with any acquisitions or joint ventures could have a material adverse effect on the financial 
condition or results of operations of our joint ventures and adversely affect our reputation, business, 
financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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

Refining, gathering and processing, pipeline and terminal infrastructure, and other energy assets, may be 
future targets of terrorist organizations. Any terrorist attack on our facilities, those of our customers and, in 
some cases, those of other energy assets, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Similarly, 
any future terrorist attacks that severely disrupt the markets we serve could materially and adversely affect 
our results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

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Many of our assets have been in service for many years and, as a result, our maintenance or repair costs 
may increase in the future.

Our pipelines, terminals, fractionator and storage assets are generally long-lived assets, and many of them 
have been in service for many years. The age and condition of our assets could result in increased 
maintenance or repair expenditures in the future. Any significant increase in these expenditures could 
adversely affect our results of operations, financial position or cash flows, as well as our ability to make 
cash distributions to our unitholders.

Severe weather events and other climate conditions may adversely affect our facilities and ongoing 
operations.

Our facilities are subject to potential acute physical risks, such as floods, hurricane-force winds, wildfires 
and snowstorms, and potential chronic physical risks, such as sea-level rise or water shortages. If any such 
events were to occur, they could have an adverse effect on our assets and operations. We have incurred and 
will continue to incur additional costs to protect our assets and operations from such physical risks and 
employ the evolving technologies and processes available to mitigate such risks. To the extent such severe 
weather events or other climate conditions increase in frequency and severity, we may be required to 
modify operations and incur costs that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Financial Risks

We may not have sufficient cash from operations after the establishment of cash reserves and payment 
of our expenses, including cost reimbursements to MPC and its affiliates, to enable us to pay the 
intended quarterly distribution to our unitholders.

The amount of cash we can distribute to our common unitholders principally depends on the amount of 
cash we generate from our operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other 
things:

•

•

•

•

•

•

the volumes of natural gas, crude oil, NGLs and refined products we gather, process, store,
transport and fractionate;

the fees and tariff rates we charge and the margins we realize for our services and sales;

the prices of, level of production of and demand for oil, natural gas, NGLs and refined products;

the level of our operating costs including repairs and maintenance;

the relative prices of NGLs and crude oil, which impact the effectiveness of our hedging program;
and

prevailing economic conditions.

In addition, the actual amount of cash available for distribution may depend on other factors, some of 
which are beyond our control, including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•
•

the amount of our operating expenses and general and administrative expenses, including cost
reimbursements to MPC;

our debt service requirements and other liabilities;

fluctuations in our working capital needs;

our ability to borrow funds and access capital markets;

restrictions in our joint venture agreements or agreements governing our debt;

the level and timing of capital expenditures we make, including capital expenditures incurred in
connection with our enhancement projects;
the cost of acquisitions, if any; and
the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner in its discretion, which may
increase in the future and which may in turn further reduce the amount of cash available for
distribution.

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Furthermore, the amount of cash we have available for distribution depends primarily on our cash flow and 
not solely on profitability, which is affected by non-cash items. As a result, we may make distributions 
during periods when we record net losses and may not make distributions during periods when we record 
net income.

Our substantial debt and other financial obligations could impair our financial condition, results of 
operations and cash flow, and our ability to fulfill our debt obligations.

We have significant debt obligations, which totaled $20.5 billion as of December 31, 2020. We may incur 
significant debt obligations in the future, including under our loan agreement with MPC. Our existing and 
future indebtedness may impose various restrictions and covenants on us that could have, or the incurrence 
of such debt could otherwise result in, material adverse consequences, including:

• We may have difficulties obtaining additional financing for working capital, capital expenditures,
acquisitions, or general business purposes on favorable terms, if at all, or our cost of borrowing
may increase.

• We may be at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who have proportionately
less debt, or we may be more vulnerable to, and have limited flexibility to respond to, competitive
pressures or a downturn in our business or the economy generally.

•

•

•

If our operating results are not sufficient to service our indebtedness, we may be required to reduce
our distributions, reduce or delay our business activities, investments or capital expenditures, sell
assets or issue equity, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results
of operations, cash flows and ability to make distributions to unitholders, as well as the trading
price of our common units.

The operating and financial restrictions and covenants in our revolving credit facility and any
future financing agreements could restrict our ability to finance our operations or capital needs or
to expand or pursue our business activities, which may, in turn, limit our ability to make
distributions to our unitholders. Our ability to comply with these covenants may be impaired from
time to time if the fluctuations in our working capital needs are not consistent with the timing for
our receipt of funds from our operations.

If we fail to comply with our debt obligations and an event of default occurs, our lenders could
declare the outstanding principal of that debt, together with accrued interest, to be immediately
due and payable, which may trigger defaults under our other debt instruments or other contracts.
Our assets may be insufficient to repay such debt in full, and the holders of our units could
experience a partial or total loss of their investment.

Increases in interest rates could adversely impact our unit price, our ability to issue equity or incur debt 
for acquisitions or other purposes and our ability to make distributions at our intended levels.

Certain of our senior notes, our revolving credit facility and our loan agreement with MPC Investment have 
variable interest rates. As a result, future interest rates on our debt could be higher than current levels, 
causing our financing costs to increase accordingly. In addition, we may in the future refinance outstanding 
borrowings under our revolving credit facility with fixed-rate indebtedness. Interest rates payable on fixed-
rate indebtedness typically are higher than the short-term variable interest rates that we pay on borrowings 
under our revolving credit facility. We also have other fixed-rate indebtedness that we may need or desire 
to refinance in the future prior to the applicable stated maturity.

As with other yield-oriented securities, our unit price will be impacted by our cash distributions and the 
implied distribution yield. The distribution yield is often used by investors to compare and rank yield-
oriented securities for investment decision-making purposes. Therefore, changes in interest rates, either 
positive or negative, may affect the yield requirements of investors who invest in our units, and a rising 
interest rate environment could have an adverse impact on our unit price and our ability to issue equity or 
incur debt for acquisitions or other purposes and to make distributions at our intended levels.

The expected phase out of LIBOR could impact the interest rates paid on our variable rate indebtedness 
and could cause our interest expense to increase. 

A portion of our borrowing capacity and outstanding indebtedness bears interest at a variable rate based on 
LIBOR. The ICE Benchmark Administration Limited (“ICE”) announced that it will cease calculating and 

35

publishing all USD LIBOR tenors on June 30, 2023 and cease calculating and publishing certain USD 
LIBOR tenors on December 31, 2021. Further, U.K. and U.S. regulatory authorities have recently issued 
statements encouraging banks to cease entering into new USD LIBOR based loans as soon as possible and 
by no later than December 31, 2021 and to continue to transition away from USD LIBOR based loans in 
preparation of ICE ceasing to calculate and public LIBOR based rates on June 30, 2023. These 
developments may cause fluctuations in LIBOR rates and pricing of USD LIBOR based loans that are not 
transitioned to a new benchmark rate.

The agreements that govern our variable rate indebtedness contain customary transition and fallback 
provisions in contemplation of the cessation of LIBOR. Nevertheless, at this time, it is not possible to 
predict the effect that these developments, any discontinuance, modification or other reforms to LIBOR or 
any other reference rate, or the establishment of alternative reference rates may have on LIBOR, other 
benchmarks or floating rate indebtedness. Uncertainty as to the nature of such potential discontinuance, 
modification, alternative reference rates or other reforms may materially adversely affect the trading market 
for securities linked to such benchmarks. Furthermore, the use of alternative reference rates or other 
reforms could cause the market value of, the applicable interest rate on and the amount of interest paid on 
our floating rate indebtedness to be materially different than expected and could materially adversely 
impact our ability to refinance such floating rate indebtedness or raise future indebtedness on a cost 
effective basis.

We are exposed to the credit risks of our key customers and derivative counterparties, and any material 
non-payment or non-performance by our key customers or derivative counterparties could reduce our 
ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

We are subject to risks of loss resulting from non-payment or non-performance by our customers, which 
risks may increase during periods of economic uncertainty. Furthermore, some of our customers may be 
highly leveraged and subject to their own operating and regulatory risks, which increases the risk that they 
may default on their obligations to us. This risk is further heightened during sustained periods of declines of 
natural gas, NGL and oil prices. To the extent any of our customers are in financial distress or commence 
bankruptcy proceedings, our contracts with them, including provisions relating to dedications of 
production, may be subject to renegotiation or rejection under applicable provisions of the United States 
Bankruptcy Code. If a contract with a customer is altered or rejected in bankruptcy proceedings, we could 
lose some or all of the expected revenues associated with that contract. In addition, our risk management 
activities are subject to the risks that a counterparty may not perform its obligation under the applicable 
derivative instrument, the terms of the derivative instruments are imperfect, and our risk management 
policies and procedures are not properly followed. Any such material non-payment or non-performance 
could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

We may incur losses and additional costs as a result of our forward-contract activities and derivative 
transactions.

We currently use commodity derivative instruments, and we expect to continue their use in the future. If the 
instruments we use to hedge our exposure to various types of risk are not effective, we may incur losses. 
Derivative transactions involve the risk that counterparties may be unable to satisfy their obligations to us. 
The risk of counterparty default is heightened in a poor economic environment. In addition, we may be 
required to incur additional costs in connection with future regulation of derivative instruments to the extent 
it is applicable to us.

We do not insure against all potential losses, and, therefore, our business, financial condition, results of 
operations and cash flows could be adversely affected by unexpected liabilities and increased costs.

We maintain insurance coverage in amounts we believe to be prudent against many, but not all, potential 
liabilities arising from operating hazards. Uninsured liabilities arising from operating hazards such as 
explosions, fires, pipeline releases, cybersecurity breaches or other incidents involving our assets or 
operations, could reduce the funds available to us for capital and investment spending and could have a 
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. 
Historically, we also have maintained insurance coverage for physical damage and resulting business 
interruption to our major facilities, with significant self-insured retentions. In the future, we may not be able 
to maintain insurance of the types and amounts we desire at reasonable rates.

36

Legal and Regulatory Risks

We expect to continue to incur substantial capital expenditures and operating costs to meet the 
requirements of evolving environmental or other laws or regulations. Future environmental laws and 
regulations may impact our current business plans and reduce demand for our services. 

Our business is subject to numerous environmental laws and regulations. These laws and regulations 
continue to increase in both number and complexity and affect our business. Laws and regulations expected 
to become more stringent relate to the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

the emission or discharge of materials into the environment;

solid and hazardous waste management;

the regulatory classification of materials currently or formerly used in our business;

pollution prevention;

greenhouse gas emissions;

climate change;

public and employee safety and health;

permitting;

inherently safer technology; and

facility security.

The specific impact of laws and regulations, and their enforcement, on us and our competitors may vary 
depending on a number of factors, including the age and location of operating facilities, marketing areas 
and production processes and subsequent judicial interpretation of such laws and regulations. We have 
incurred and will continue to incur substantial capital, operating and maintenance, and remediation 
expenditures to modify operations, install pollution control equipment, perform site cleanups or curtail 
operations. We may also face liability for personal injury, property damage, natural resource damage or 
clean-up costs due to alleged contamination and/or exposure to chemicals or other regulated materials at or 
from our facilities. Such expenditures could materially and adversely affect our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Increased regulation of hydraulic fracturing and other oil and gas production activities could result in 
reductions or delays in U.S. production of crude oil and natural gas, which could adversely affect our 
results of operations and financial condition.

While we do not conduct hydraulic fracturing operations, we do provide gathering, processing and 
fractionation services with respect to natural gas and natural gas liquids produced by our customers as a 
result of such operations. A range of federal, state and local laws and regulations currently govern or, in 
some cases, prohibit, hydraulic fracturing in some jurisdictions. Stricter laws, regulations and permitting 
processes may be enacted in the future. For example, President Biden has suspended new oil and gas 
permitting on public lands and properties, and has proposed modifying royalties to account for climate 
costs. If these or other federal, state and local legislation and regulatory initiatives relating to hydraulic 
fracturing or other oil and gas production activities are enacted or expanded, such efforts could impede oil 
and gas production, increase producers’ cost of compliance, and result in reduced volumes available for our 
midstream assets to gather, process and fractionate.

Climate change and greenhouse gas emission regulation could affect our operations, energy 
consumption patterns and regulatory obligations, any of which could affect our results of operations and 
financial condition.

Currently, multiple legislative and regulatory measures to address greenhouse gas (including carbon 
dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides) and other emissions are in various phases of consideration, 
promulgation or implementation. These include actions to develop international, federal, regional or 
statewide programs, which could require reductions in our greenhouse gas or other emissions, establish a 
carbon tax and decrease the demand for refined products. Requiring reductions in these emissions could 
result in increased costs to (i) operate and maintain our facilities, (ii) install new emission controls at our 

37

facilities and (iii) administer and manage any emissions programs, including acquiring emission credits or 
allotments.

Regional and state climate change and air emissions goals and regulatory programs are complex, subject to 
change and considerable uncertainty due to a number of factors including technological feasibility, legal 
challenges and potential changes in federal policy. Increasing concerns about climate change and carbon 
intensity have also resulted in societal concerns and a number of international and national measures to 
limit greenhouse gas emissions. Additional stricter measures and investor pressure can be expected in the 
future and any of these changes may have a material adverse impact on our business or financial condition.

International climate change-related efforts, such as the 2015 United Nations Conference on Climate 
Change, which led to the creation of the Paris Agreement, may impact the regulatory framework of states 
whose policies directly influence our present and future operations. Though the United States had 
withdrawn from the Paris Agreement, President Biden issued an executive order recommitting the United 
States to the Paris Agreement on January 20, 2021. President Biden also issued an Executive Order on 
climate change in which he announced putting the U.S. on a path to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, 
economy-wide, by 2050. The Executive Order also calls for the federal government to pause oil and gas 
leasing on federal lands, reduce methane emissions from the oil and gas sector as quickly as possible, and 
requires federal permitting decisions to consider the effects of greenhouse gas emissions and climate 
change. In a second Executive Order, President Biden reestablished a working group to develop the social 
cost of carbon and the social cost of methane. The social cost of carbon and social cost of methane can be 
used to weigh the costs and benefits of proposed regulations. A higher social cost of carbon could support 
more stringent greenhouse gas emission regulation.

The scope and magnitude of the changes to U.S. climate change strategy under the Biden administration 
and future administrations, however, remain subject to the passage of legislation and interpretation and 
action of federal and state regulatory bodies; therefore, the impact to our industry and operations due to 
greenhouse gas regulation is unknown at this time.

Energy assets and companies are subject to increasing environmental and climate-related litigation. 

Governmental and other entities in various U.S. states have filed lawsuits against coal, gas, oil and 
petroleum companies, including MPC, upon which we depend for a substantial portion of our business. The 
lawsuits allege damages as a result of climate change and the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages 
and abatement under various tort theories. Similar lawsuits may be filed in other jurisdictions. Additionally, 
private plaintiffs and government parties have undertaken efforts to shut down energy assets by challenging 
operating permits, the validity of easements or the compliance with easement conditions. For example, the 
Dakota Access Pipeline, in which we have a minority interest, has been subject to litigation in which 
plaintiffs have challenged the validity of an easement necessary for the operation of the pipeline and 
demanded a permanent shutdown of the pipeline. There remains a high degree of uncertainty regarding the 
ultimate outcome of these types of proceedings, as well as their potential effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operation and cash flows.

We are subject to risks associated with societal and political pressures and other forms of opposition to 
the development, transportation and use of carbon-based fuels. Such risks could adversely impact our 
business and ability to realize certain growth strategies.

We operate and develop our business with the expectation that regulations and societal sentiment will 
continue to enable the development, transportation and use of carbon-based fuels. However, policy 
decisions relating to the production, refining, transportation, storage and marketing of carbon-based fuels 
are subject to political pressures and the influence and protests of environmental and other special interest 
groups. 

The approval process for storage and transportation projects has become increasingly challenging, due in 
part to state and local concerns related to pipelines, negative public perception regarding the oil and gas 
industry, and concerns regarding greenhouse gas emissions downstream of pipeline operations. In addition, 
government disruptions may delay or halt the granting and renewal of permits, licenses and other items 
required by us and our customers to conduct our business. Our expansion or construction projects may not 
be completed on schedule (or at all), or at the budgeted cost. We also may be required to incur additional 
costs and expenses in connection with the design and installation of our facilities due to their location and 

38

the surrounding terrain. We may be required to install additional facilities, incur additional capital and 
operating expenditures, or experience interruptions in or impairments of our operations to the extent that 
the facilities are not designed or installed correctly.

Moreover, our revenues may not increase immediately upon the expenditure of funds on a particular 
project. For instance, if we build a new pipeline, the construction will occur over an extended period of 
time, and we may not receive any material increases in revenues until after completion of the project, if at 
all. Delays or cost increases related to capital spending programs involving engineering, procurement and 
construction of facilities (including improvements and repairs to our existing facilities) could adversely 
affect our ability to achieve forecasted internal rates of return and operating results, thereby limiting our 
ability to grow and generate cash flows.

Certain of our facilities are located on Native American tribal lands and are subject to various federal 
and tribal approvals and regulations, which may increase our costs and delay or prevent our efforts to 
conduct planned operations.

Various federal agencies within the U.S. Department of the Interior, particularly the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs, Bureau of Land Management, and the Office of Natural Resources Revenue, along with each 
Native American tribe, regulate natural gas and oil operations on Native American tribal lands. In addition, 
each Native American tribe is a sovereign nation having the right to enforce laws and regulations and to 
grant approvals independent from federal, state and local statutes and regulations. These tribal laws and 
regulations include various taxes, fees, requirements to employ Native American tribal members and other 
conditions that apply to operators and contractors conducting operations on Native American tribal lands. 
Persons conducting operations on tribal lands are generally subject to the Native American tribal court 
system. In addition, if our relationships with any of the relevant Native American tribes were to deteriorate, 
we could face significant risks to our ability to continue operations on Native American tribal lands. One or 
more of these factors may increase our cost of doing business on Native American tribal lands and impact 
the viability of, or prevent or delay our ability to conduct our operations on such lands.

We are indemnified for certain environmental liabilities arising from properties on which certain of our 
facilities are located and our results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our 
unitholders could be adversely affected if an indemnifying party fails to perform its indemnification 
obligations.

Prior third-party owners or operators of certain of our facilities, or such parties’ successors-in-interest, have 
in certain circumstances agreed to retain full or partial liability and responsibility for, or to indemnify us 
against, any environmental liabilities associated with these facilities to the extent such liabilities arose prior 
to the effective date of the agreements pursuant to which such properties were acquired or leased and to the 
extent not contributed to by us. Our results of operations and our ability to make cash distributions to our 
unitholders could be adversely affected if in the future any of these third parties fail to perform their 
indemnification obligations. In addition, from time to time, we have acquired, and may acquire in the 
future, facilities from third parties which previously have been or currently are the subject of investigatory, 
remedial or monitoring activities relating to environmental matters. In some cases, we may receive 
indemnification from the prior owner or operator for some or all of such liabilities, and in other cases we 
may accept some or all of such liabilities. There is no assurance that any such third parties will perform any 
such indemnification obligations, or that the obligations and liabilities that we may accept in connection 
with any such acquisition will not be larger than anticipated, and in such event, our results of operations 
and cash available for distribution could be adversely affected.

Our operations could be disrupted if we are unable to maintain or obtain real property rights required 
for our business.

We do not own all of the land on which our assets are located, but rather obtain the rights to construct and 
operate such assets on land owned by third parties and governmental agencies for a specific period of time. 
Therefore, we are subject to the possibility of more burdensome terms and increased costs to obtain and 
retain necessary land use if our leases, rights-of-way or other property rights lapse, terminate or are reduced 
or it is determined that we do not have valid leases, rights-of-way or other property rights. Any loss of or 
reduction in these rights, including loss or reduction due to legal, governmental or other actions or 
difficulty renewing leases, right-of-way agreements or permits on satisfactory terms or at all, could have a 

39

material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and ability to make cash 
distributions to our unitholders.

If foreign investment in us or our general partner exceeds certain levels, we could be prohibited from 
operating inland river vessels, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The Shipping Act of 1916 and Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (collectively, the “Maritime Laws”), generally 
require that vessels engaged in U.S. coastwise trade be owned by U.S. citizens. Among other requirements 
to establish citizenship, entities that own such vessels must be owned at least 75 percent by U.S. citizens. If 
we fail to maintain compliance with the Maritime Laws, we would be prohibited from operating vessels in 
the U.S. inland waters. Such a prohibition could materially and adversely affect our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Certain of our pipelines may be subject to federal or state rate and service regulation, and the imposition 
and cost of compliance with such regulation could adversely affect our operations and cash flows 
available for distribution to our unitholders.

Some of our natural gas, crude oil, NGL, and refined product pipelines are, or may in the future be, subject 
to siting, public necessity or service regulations by FERC or various state or other regulatory bodies, 
depending upon jurisdiction. FERC generally regulates the transportation of natural gas, NGLs, crude oil 
and refined products in interstate commerce and FERC’s regulatory authority includes: facilities 
construction, acquisition, extension or abandonment of services or facilities (for natural gas pipelines only); 
rates; operations; accounts and records; and depreciation and amortization policies. FERC’s action in any of 
these areas or modifications of its current regulations can adversely impact our ability to compete for 
business, the costs we incur in our operations, the construction of new facilities or our ability to recover the 
full cost of operating our pipelines. FERC also may conduct audits of these facilities, and if FERC 
determines that we are not in compliance with our tariff or applicable regulations, we may incur additional 
costs, expenses or penalties. For certain natural gas, NGL, crude oil and refined product common carrier 
pipelines, we have FERC tariffs on file and we may have additional pipelines in the future that may be 
subject to these requirements. We also own and are constructing pipelines that we believe are either not 
subject to FERC’s jurisdiction or would otherwise meet the qualifications for a waiver from many or all of 
FERC’s requirements. However, we cannot provide assurance that FERC will not at some point find that 
some or all of these pipelines are subject to FERC’s requirements or are otherwise not exempt from certain 
requirements. Such a finding could subject us to potentially burdensome and expensive operational, 
reporting and other requirements as well as fines, penalties or other sanctions.

Pipelines and operations not subject to regulation by FERC may still be subject to regulation by various 
state agencies. The applicable statutes and regulations generally require that our rates and terms and 
conditions of service provide no more than a fair return on the aggregate value of the facilities used to 
render services and that we offer service to our shippers on a not unduly discriminatory basis. FERC rate 
cases can involve complex and expensive proceedings. For more information regarding regulatory matters 
that could affect our business, please read Item 1. Business – Regulatory Matters as set forth in this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K.

Some of our natural gas, NGL, crude oil and refined product pipelines are subject to FERC’s rate-
making policies that could have an adverse impact on our ability to establish rates that would allow us to 
recover the full cost of operating our pipelines including a reasonable return.

A number of our pipelines provide interstate service that is subject to regulation by FERC. FERC 
prescribes rate methodologies for developing regulated tariff rates for these natural gas, interstate oil and 
products pipelines. FERC’s regulated tariff may not allow us to recover all of our costs of providing 
services. Changes in FERC’s approved rate methodologies, or challenges to our application of an approved 
methodology, could also adversely affect our rates. Additionally, shippers may protest (and FERC may 
investigate) the lawfulness of tariff rates. FERC can require refunds of amounts collected pursuant to rates 
that are ultimately found to be unlawful and prescribe new rates prospectively.

Action by FERC could adversely affect our ability to establish reasonable rates that cover operating costs 
and allow for a reasonable return. An adverse determination in any future rate proceeding brought by or 

40

against us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of 
operations.

We may incur significant costs and liabilities resulting from performance of pipeline integrity programs 
and related repairs, and the expansion of pipeline safety laws and regulations could require us to use 
more comprehensive and stringent safety controls and subject us to increased capital and operating 
costs.

The DOT through the PHMSA has adopted regulations requiring pipeline operators to develop integrity 
management programs for gas transmission and hazardous liquids pipelines located where a leak or rupture 
could do the most harm. The regulations require the following of operators of covered pipelines to:

•

•

•

•

•

perform ongoing assessments of pipeline integrity;

identify and characterize applicable threats to pipeline segments that could impact a high
consequence area;

improve data collection, integration and analysis;

repair and remediate the pipeline as necessary; and

implement preventive and mitigating actions.

Some states have adopted regulations similar to existing PHMSA regulations for intrastate gathering and 
transmission lines. The adoption of additional laws or regulations that apply more comprehensive or 
stringent safety standards to gas, NGL, crude oil and refined product lines or other facilities, or the 
expansion of regulatory inspections by regulators, could require us to install new or modified safety 
controls, pursue added capital projects, make modifications or operational changes, or conduct maintenance 
programs on an accelerated basis, all of which could require us to incur increased capital and operational 
costs or operational delays that could be significant and have a material adverse effect on our financial 
position or results of operations and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Strategic Transaction Risks

We have recorded goodwill and other intangible assets that could become impaired and result in 
material non-cash charges to our results of operations in the future.

We accounted for the Merger as a reorganization of entities under common control in accordance with 
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. Under a reorganization of entities under 
common control, the assets and liabilities of ANDX transferred between entities under common control 
were recorded by MPLX based on MPC’s historical cost basis resulting from its preliminary purchase price 
accounting. We recorded ANDX’s assets and liabilities at MPC’s basis as of October 1, 2018, the date that 
common control was first established.

Effective October 1, 2018, MPC acquired Andeavor, including a controlling interest in ANDX, thus 
establishing common control between MPLX, ANDX and their respective general partners. Under MPC’s 
application of the acquisition method of accounting, a portion of the total purchase price was allocated to 
ANDX’s tangible assets and liabilities and identifiable intangible assets based on their fair values as of 
October 1, 2018. The excess of the allocated purchase price over those fair values was recorded as 
goodwill. 

As of December 31, 2020, our balance sheet reflected $7.7 billion and $1.0 billion of goodwill and 
intangible assets, respectively. In 2020, we recorded approximately $2.0 billion in impairment expense 
related to goodwill and intangible assets. To the extent the value of goodwill or intangible assets becomes 
further impaired, we may be required to incur additional material non-cash charges relating to such 
impairment. Our operating results may be significantly impacted from both the impairment and the 
underlying trends in the business that triggered the impairment.

If we are unable to make strategic acquisitions on economically acceptable terms from MPC or third 
parties, our ability to implement our business strategy may be impaired.

In addition to organic growth, a component of our business strategy can include the expansion of our 
operations through strategic acquisitions. If we are unable to make accretive strategic acquisitions from 

41

MPC or third parties that increase the cash generated from operations per unit, whether due to an inability 
to identify attractive acquisition candidates, to negotiate acceptable purchase contracts, or to obtain 
financing for these acquisitions on economically acceptable terms, then our ability to successfully 
implement our business strategy may be impaired.

Future acquisitions will involve the integration of new assets or businesses and may present substantial 
risks that could adversely affect our business, financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows.

Future transactions involving the addition of new assets or businesses will present potential risks, which 
may include, among others:

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•

•

•

•

•

•

•

inaccurate assumptions about future synergies, revenues, capital expenditures and operating costs;

an inability to successfully integrate, or a delay in the successful integration of, assets or
businesses we acquire;

a decrease in our liquidity resulting from using a portion of our available cash or borrowing
capacity under our revolving credit agreement to finance transactions;

a significant increase in our interest expense or financial leverage if we incur additional debt to
finance transactions;

the assumption of unknown environmental and other liabilities, losses or costs for which we are
not indemnified or for which our indemnity is inadequate;

the diversion of management’s attention from other business concerns;

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

the incurrence of other significant charges, such as impairment of goodwill or other intangible
assets, asset devaluation or restructuring charges.

Risks Relating to the Business and Operations of MPC

MPC accounts for a substantial portion of our revenues. If MPC is unable to satisfy its obligations to us 
or significantly reduces the volumes transported through our facilities or stored at our storage assets, 
our revenues would decline and our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, and ability to 
make distributions to our unitholders would be materially and adversely affected.

We derive a substantial portion of our revenues from MPC. Any event that materially and adversely affects 
MPC’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows may adversely affect our ability to sustain or 
increase distributions to our unitholders. Accordingly, we are indirectly subject to the operational and 
business decisions and risks of MPC, which include the following:

•

•

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•

the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices and demand for MPC’s products, and the
availability and costs of crude oil and other refinery feedstocks;

a material decrease in the refining margins at MPC’s refineries;

disruptions due to equipment interruption or failure at MPC’s facilities or at third-party facilities
on which MPC’s business is dependent;

any decision by MPC to temporarily or permanently alter, curtail or shut down operations at one or
more of its refineries or other facilities and reduce or terminate its obligations under our
transportation and storage or refining logistics and fuels distribution agreements;

changes to the routing of volumes shipped by MPC on our crude oil and refined product pipelines
or the ability of MPC to utilize third-party pipeline connections to access our pipelines;

• MPC’s ability to remain in compliance with the terms of its outstanding indebtedness;

•

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•

changes in the cost or availability of third-party pipelines, railways, vessels, terminals and other
means of delivering and transporting crude oil, feedstocks, refined products and other
hydrocarbon-based products;
state and federal environmental, economic, health and safety, energy and other policies and
regulations, and any changes in those policies and regulations;
environmental incidents and violations and related remediation costs, fines and other liabilities;
operational hazards and other incidents at MPC’s refineries and other facilities, such as explosions
and fires, that result in temporary or permanent shut downs of those refineries and facilities;

42

•

•

changes in crude oil and refined product inventory levels and carrying costs; and

disruptions due to hurricanes, tornadoes or other forces of nature.

MPC is not obligated to use our services with respect to volumes in excess of the minimum volume 
commitments under its agreements with us. If MPC satisfies only its minimum obligations under, or if we 
are unable to renew or extend, the transportation, terminal, fuels distribution, marketing and storage 
services agreements we have with MPC, or if MPC elects to use credits upon the expiration or termination 
of an agreement, our cash available for distribution will be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, significant stockholders of MPC may attempt to effect changes at MPC or acquire control of 
the company, which could impact the pursuit of MPC’s business strategies. Campaigns by stockholders to 
effect changes at publicly traded companies are sometimes led by investors seeking to increase short-term 
stockholder value through actions such as financial restructuring, increased debt, special dividends, stock 
repurchases or sales of assets or the entire company. As a result, stockholder campaigns at MPC could 
directly or indirectly adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and our ability to 
sustain or increase distributions to our unitholders.

MPC may suspend, reduce or terminate its obligations under its agreements with us in some 
circumstances, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of 
operations, cash flows and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Certain of our transportation, terminal, fuels distribution, marketing and storage services agreements with 
MPC include provisions that permit MPC to suspend, reduce or terminate its obligations under the 
applicable agreement if certain events occur. These events include a material breach of the applicable 
agreement by us, MPC being prevented from transporting its full minimum volume commitment because of 
capacity constraints on our pipelines, certain force majeure events that would prevent us from performing 
some or all of the required services under the applicable agreement and MPC’s determination to suspend 
refining operations at one of its refineries. MPC has the discretion to make such decisions notwithstanding 
the fact that they may significantly and adversely affect us. These actions could result in a suspension, 
reduction or termination of MPC’s obligations under one or more transportation and storage services 
agreements.

Any such reduction, suspension or termination of MPC’s obligations could have a material adverse effect 
on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to make distributions to our 
unitholders.

MPC’s level of indebtedness, the terms of its borrowings and its credit ratings could adversely affect our 
ability to grow our business and our ability to make distributions to our unitholders. Our ability to obtain 
credit in the future may also be adversely affected by MPC’s credit rating.

MPC must devote a portion of its cash flows from operating activities to service its indebtedness, and 
therefore, cash flows may not be available for use in pursuing its growth strategy. Furthermore, a higher 
level of indebtedness at MPC in the future increases the risk that it may default on its obligations to us 
under our transportation and storage services agreements. As of December 31, 2020, MPC had consolidated 
long-term indebtedness of approximately $29 billion, of which $9 billion was a direct obligation of MPC or 
its subsidiaries other than MPLX or its consolidated subsidiaries. The covenants contained in the 
agreements governing MPC’s outstanding and future indebtedness may limit its ability to borrow additional 
funds for development and make certain investments and may directly or indirectly impact our operations 
in a similar manner.

Furthermore, if MPC were to default under certain of its debt obligations, there is a risk that MPC’s 
creditors would attempt to assert claims against our assets during the litigation of their claims against MPC. 
The defense of any such claims could be costly and could materially impact our financial condition, even 
absent any adverse determination. If these claims were successful, our ability to meet our obligations to our 
creditors, make distributions and finance our operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Rating agencies have in the past, and may in the future, change MPLX’s credit ratings or credit outlook 
following developments at MPC. If these ratings are lowered in the future, the interest rate and fees MPC 
pays on its credit facilities may increase. Credit rating agencies will likely consider MPC’s debt ratings 
when assigning ours because of MPC’s ownership interest in us, the significant commercial relationships 

43

between MPC and us, and our reliance on MPC for a portion of our revenues. If one or more credit rating 
agencies were to downgrade the outstanding indebtedness of us or MPC, we could experience an increase 
in our borrowing costs or difficulty accessing the capital markets. Such a development could adversely 
affect our ability to grow our business and to make distributions to our unitholders.

Tax Risks

Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes as well as our 
not being subject to a material amount of entity level taxation by individual states. If the IRS were to 
treat us as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, or we become subject to a material amount of 
entity level taxation for state tax purposes, it would substantially reduce the amount of cash available for 
distribution to our unitholders.

The anticipated after-tax economic benefit of an investment in the common units depends largely on our 
being treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. We have not requested, and do not plan to 
request, a ruling from the IRS on this.

A publicly traded partnership such as us may be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes 
unless it satisfies a “qualifying income” requirement. Based on our current operations, we believe that we 
are treated as a partnership rather than as a corporation for such purposes; however, a change in our 
business or a change in current law could cause us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax 
purposes. We have requested and received a favorable ruling from the IRS on the treatment of a portion of 
our “qualifying income.” The IRS may adopt positions that differ from the ones we take. A successful IRS 
contest of the federal income tax positions we take may adversely impact the market for our common units, 
and the costs of any IRS contest will reduce our cash available for distribution to unitholders.

If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income tax on 
our taxable income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 21 percent, and likely would 
pay state and local income tax at varying rates. Distributions to unitholders generally would be taxed again 
as corporate dividends, and no income, gains, losses, deductions, or credits would flow through to our 
unitholders. Treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash 
flow and after-tax return to our unitholders, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our 
common units. Changes in current state or local law may subject us to additional entity-level taxation by 
individual states and localities. Imposition of any such additional taxes on us may substantially reduce the 
cash available for distribution to unitholders.

Our Partnership Agreement provides that, if a law is enacted or an existing law is modified or interpreted in 
a manner that subjects us to taxation as a corporation or otherwise subjects us to entity-level taxation for 
federal, state or local income tax purposes, the minimum quarterly distribution amount and the target 
distribution amounts may be adjusted to reflect the impact of that law on us.

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

The IRS has made no determination as to our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. The 
IRS may adopt positions that differ from the positions we take. It may be necessary to resort to 
administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all the positions we take. A court may not agree with 
some or all of the positions we take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the 
market for our common units and the price at which they trade. In addition, our costs of any contest with 
the IRS will be borne indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner because the costs will reduce our 
cash available for distribution.

Our unitholders will be required to pay taxes on their share of income even if they do not receive any 
distributions from us.

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

44

Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our common units could be more or less 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. Because distributions in excess of a 
unitholder’s allocable share of our net taxable income decrease the unitholder’s tax basis in their common 
units, the amount, if any, of such prior excess distributions with respect to their units will, in effect, become 
taxable income to the unitholder if the common units are sold at a price greater than the unitholder’s tax 
basis in those common units, even if the price the unitholder receives is less than the unitholder’s original 
cost. Furthermore, a substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not representing gain, may be 
taxed as ordinary income due to potential recapture items, including depreciation recapture. In addition, 
because the amount realized includes a unitholder’s share of our non-recourse liabilities, if a unitholder 
sells units, the unitholder may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash received from the sale.

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

Investment in common units by tax-exempt entities, such as employee benefit plans and individual 
retirement accounts (known as IRAs), and non-U.S. persons raises issues unique to them. For example, 
virtually all of our income allocated to organizations that are exempt from federal income tax, including 
IRAs and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them. 
Furthermore, a tax-exempt entity’s gain on sale of common units may be treated, at least in part, as 
unrelated business taxable income. 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 tax 
returns and pay tax on their share of our taxable income. Non-U.S. persons will also potentially have tax 
filings and payment obligations in additional jurisdictions. Furthermore, non-U.S. persons may be subject 
to tax on the gain on sale of their common units to the extent the gain is attributable to effectively 
connected income. Tax-exempt entities and non-U.S. persons should consult their tax advisor before 
investing in our common units.

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

To maintain the uniformity of the economic and tax characteristics of common units, we have adopted 
depreciation and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects of existing Treasury 
Regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount of tax 
benefits available to our unitholders. It also could affect the timing of these tax benefits or the amount of 
gain from the sale of 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.

Our unitholders will likely be subject to state and local taxes and return filing requirements in states 
where they do not live as a result of investing in our units.

In addition to federal income taxes, our unitholders will likely be subject to other taxes, including state and 
local taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the 
various jurisdictions in which we do business or own property now or in the future, even if our unitholders 
do not live in any of those jurisdictions. Our unitholders will likely be required to file state and local 
income tax returns and pay state and local income taxes in some or all of these various jurisdictions. 
Further, our unitholders may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. We 
currently conduct business in more than 30 states. Many of these states currently impose a personal income 
tax on individuals. As we make acquisitions or expand our business, we may own assets or conduct 
business in additional states that impose a personal income tax. It is our unitholders’ responsibility to file 
all U.S. federal, state and local tax returns.

45

We have adopted certain valuation methodologies that may result in a shift of income, gain, loss and 
deduction between our general partner and our unitholders. The IRS may challenge this treatment, 
which could adversely affect the value of the common units.

When we issue additional units or engage in certain other transactions, we will determine the fair market 
value of our assets and allocate any unrealized gain or loss attributable to our assets to the capital accounts 
of our unitholders and our general partner. Our methodology may be viewed as understating the value of 
our assets. In that case, there may be a shift of income, gain, loss and deduction between certain unitholders 
and the general partner, which may be unfavorable to such unitholders. Moreover, under our valuation 
methods, subsequent purchasers of common units may have a greater portion of their Internal Revenue 
Code Section 743(b) adjustment allocated to our tangible assets and a lesser portion allocated to our 
intangible assets. The IRS may challenge our valuation methods, our allocation of the Section 743(b) 
adjustment attributable to our tangible and intangible assets, or our allocations of income, gain, loss and 
deduction between our general partner and certain of our unitholders.

A successful IRS challenge to these methods or allocations could adversely affect the amount of taxable 
income or loss being allocated to our unitholders. It also could affect the amount of gain from our 
unitholders’ sale of common units and could have a negative impact on the value of the common units or 
result in audit adjustments to our unitholders’ tax returns without the benefit of additional deductions.

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

A unitholder who loans his common units to a “short seller” to cover a short sale of common units (i) may 
be considered as having disposed of the loaned common units, (ii) may no longer be treated for tax 
purposes as a partner with respect to those common units during the period of the loan to the short seller 
and (iii) 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 common units may not be reportable by the unitholder and any distributions received by 
the unitholder as to those common units could be fully taxable as ordinary income. Unitholders desiring to 
assure their status as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a loan to a short seller are urged to 
modify any applicable brokerage account agreements to prohibit their brokers from borrowing their 
common units.

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.

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 for certain publicly 
traded partnerships to be treated as partnerships for U.S. federal income tax purposes or increase the 
amount of taxes payable by unitholders in publicly traded partnerships.

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 existing unitholders and unitholders who 
purchase our units 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 use of this proration method may not be permitted 
under existing Treasury Regulations. The U.S. Treasury Department has issued proposed Treasury 
Regulations that provide a safe harbor pursuant to which publicly traded partnerships may use a similar 

46

monthly simplifying convention to allocate tax items. Nonetheless, the proposed regulations do not 
specifically authorize the use of the proration method we have adopted. If the IRS were to challenge our 
proration method or new Treasury Regulations were issued, we may be required to change the allocation of 
items of income, gain, loss and deduction among our unitholders.

If the IRS makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns for tax years beginning after 2017, it may 
collect any resulting taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) directly from us, in which 
case our cash available for distribution to our unitholders might be substantially reduced.

If the IRS makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns for tax years beginning after December 31, 
2017, the IRS may collect any resulting taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) directly from 
us. We will generally have certain limited rights to shift any such tax liability to our general partner and our 
unitholders in accordance with their interests in us during the year under audit, but there can be no 
assurance that we will be able to do so (or choose to do so) under all circumstances. If we are required to 
make payments of taxes, penalties and interest resulting from audit adjustments, our cash available for 
distribution to our unitholders might be reduced.

Common Unit Ownership Risks

Our general partner and its affiliates, including MPC, have conflicts of interest with us and limited 
duties to us and our unitholders, and they may favor their own interests to our detriment and that of our 
unitholders. Additionally, we have no control over MPC’s business decisions and operations, and MPC 
is under no obligation to adopt a business strategy that favors us.

MPC owns our general partner and approximately 62.4 percent of our outstanding common units as of 
February 12, 2021. Although our general partner has a duty to manage us in a manner that is not adverse to 
the best interests of our partnership, the directors and officers of our general partner also have a duty to 
manage our general partner in a manner that is not adverse to the best interests of its owner, MPC.

Conflicts of interest may arise between MPC and its affiliates, including our general partner, on the one 
hand, and us and our unitholders, on the other hand. In resolving these conflicts, the general partner may 
favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates, including MPC, over the interests of our common 
unitholders, which may occur under our Partnership Agreement without being independently reviewed by 
the conflicts committee. These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:

•

neither our Partnership Agreement nor any other agreement requires MPC to pursue a business
strategy that favors us or utilizes our assets, which could involve decisions by MPC to increase or
decrease refinery production, shut down or reconfigure a refinery, or pursue and grow particular
markets. MPC’s directors and officers have a fiduciary duty to make these decisions in the best
interests of the stockholders of MPC;

• MPC, as a significant customer, has an economic incentive to cause us to not seek higher tariff

rates, even if such higher rates or fees would reflect rates and fees that could be obtained in arm’s-
length, third-party transactions;

• MPC may be constrained by the terms of its debt instruments from taking actions, or refraining

from taking actions, that may be in our best interests;

•

•

•

•

•

except in limited circumstances, our general partner has the power and authority to conduct our
business without unitholder approval;

our general partner will determine the amount and timing of asset purchases and sales, borrowings,
issuance of additional partnership securities and the creation, reduction or increase of cash
reserves, each of which can affect the amount of cash that is distributed to our unitholders;

our general partner will determine the amount and timing of many of our cash expenditures and
whether a cash expenditure is classified as an expansion capital expenditure, which would not
reduce operating surplus, or a maintenance capital expenditure, which would reduce our operating
surplus. This determination can affect the amount of cash that is distributed to our unitholders and
to our general partner and the amount of adjusted operating surplus generated in any given period;
our general partner will determine which costs incurred by it are reimbursable by us and may
cause us to pay it or its affiliates for any services rendered to us;
our general partner may cause us to borrow funds in order to permit the payment of distributions;

47

•

•

•

•

•

•

our Partnership Agreement permits us to classify up to $60 million as operating surplus, even if it
is generated from asset sales, non-working capital borrowings or other sources that would
otherwise constitute capital surplus. This cash may be used to fund distributions to our general
partner;

our Partnership Agreement does not restrict our general partner from entering into additional
contractual arrangements with it or its affiliates on our behalf;

our general partner intends to limit its liability regarding our contractual and other obligations;

our general partner may exercise its right to call and purchase all of the common units not owned
by it and its affiliates if it and its affiliates own more than 85 percent of the common units;

our general partner controls the enforcement of obligations owed to us by our general partner and
its affiliates, including our transportation and storage services agreements with MPC; and

our general partner decides whether to retain separate counsel, accountants or others to perform
services for us.

Under the terms of our Partnership Agreement, the doctrine of corporate opportunity, or any analogous 
doctrine, does not apply to our general partner or any of its affiliates, including its executive officers, 
directors and owners. Any such person or entity that becomes aware of a potential transaction, agreement, 
arrangement or other matter that may be an opportunity for us will not have any duty to communicate or 
offer such opportunity to us. Any such person or entity will not be liable to us or to any limited partner for 
breach of any fiduciary duty or other duty by reason of the fact that such person or entity pursues or 
acquires such opportunity for itself, directs such opportunity to another person or entity or does not 
communicate such opportunity or information to us. This may create actual and potential conflicts of 
interest between us and affiliates of our general partner and result in less than favorable treatment of us and 
our unitholders.

Our Partnership Agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash, which could limit our 
ability to grow and make acquisitions.

Our Partnership Agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash to our unitholders. As a 
result, we may require external financing sources, including commercial bank borrowings and the issuance 
of debt and equity securities, to fund our acquisitions and expansion capital expenditures. Therefore, to the 
extent we are unable to finance our growth externally, our cash distribution policy will significantly impair 
our ability to grow. In addition, because we will distribute all of our available cash, our growth may not be 
as fast as that of businesses that reinvest their available cash to expand ongoing operations. To the extent 
we issue additional units in connection with any acquisitions or expansion capital expenditures, the 
payment of distributions on those additional units may increase the risk that we will be unable to maintain 
or increase our per unit distribution level. The incurrence of additional commercial borrowings or other 
debt to finance our growth strategy would result in increased interest expense, which, in turn, may reduce 
the amount of cash available to distribute to our unitholders.

Our Partnership Agreement replaces our general partner’s fiduciary duties to holders of our common 
units with contractual standards governing its duties and restricts the remedies available to unitholders 
for actions taken by our general partner.

Our Partnership Agreement contains provisions that eliminate the fiduciary standards to which our general 
partner would otherwise be held by state fiduciary duty law and replaces those duties with several different 
contractual standards. For example, our Partnership Agreement permits our general partner to make a 
number of decisions in its individual capacity, as opposed to in its capacity as our general partner, free of 
any duties to us and our unitholders other than the implied contractual covenant of good faith and fair 
dealing. Our general partner is entitled to consider only the interests and factors that it desires and is 
relieved of any duty or obligation to give consideration to any interest of, or factors affecting, us, our 
affiliates or our limited partners.

Our Partnership Agreement contains provisions that restrict the remedies available to unitholders for 
actions taken by our general partner that might otherwise constitute breaches of fiduciary duty under state 
fiduciary duty law. For example, our Partnership Agreement:

48

•

•

•

•

provides that whenever our general partner makes a determination or takes, or declines to take, any
other action in its capacity as our general partner, our general partner is required to make such
determination, or take or decline to take such other action, in good faith and will not be subject to
any other or different standard imposed by our Partnership Agreement, Delaware law, or any other
law, rule or regulation, or at equity;

provides that our general partner will not have any liability to us or our unitholders for decisions
made in its capacity as a general partner so long as it acted in good faith;

provides that our general partner and its officers and directors will not be liable for monetary
damages to us or our limited partners resulting from any act or omission unless there has been a
final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that
our general partner or its officers and directors, as the case may be, acted in bad faith or engaged
in fraud or willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that the
conduct was criminal; and

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

In connection with a transaction with an affiliate or a conflict of interest, our Partnership Agreement 
provides that any determination by our general partner must be made in good faith, and that our conflicts 
committee and the board of directors of our general partner are entitled to a presumption that they acted in 
good faith. In any proceeding brought by or on behalf of any limited partner or the partnership, the person 
bringing or prosecuting such proceeding will have the burden of overcoming such presumption. By 
purchasing a common unit, a unitholder is treated as having consented to the provisions in our Partnership 
Agreement, including the provisions discussed above.

Unitholders have very limited voting rights and, even if they are dissatisfied, they have limited ability to 
remove our general partner without its consent.

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 the board of directors of our general partner and 
will have no right to elect our general partner or the board of directors of our general partner on an annual 
or other continuing basis. The board of directors of our general partner is chosen by the members of our 
general partner, which are wholly owned subsidiaries of MPC. Furthermore, if the unitholders are 
dissatisfied with the performance of our general partner, they will have little ability to remove our general 
partner. The vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3 percent of all outstanding common units voting together 
as a single class is required to remove our general partner. As of February 12, 2021, our general partner and 
its affiliates owned approximately 62.4 percent of the outstanding common units (excluding common units 
held by officers and directors of our general partner and MPC). As a result of these limitations, the price at 
which our common units will trade could be diminished because of the absence or reduction of a takeover 
premium in the trading price.

Furthermore, unitholders’ voting rights are further restricted by the Partnership Agreement provision 
providing that any units held by a person that owns 20 percent 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 the board of directors of our general partner, cannot vote on any matter.

Our Partnership Agreement also contains provisions limiting the ability of unitholders to call meetings or to 
acquire information about our operations, as well as other provisions limiting the unitholders’ ability to 
influence the manner or direction of management.

If unitholders are not both citizenship-eligible holders and rate-eligible holders, their common units may 
be subject to redemption.

In order to avoid (1) any material adverse effect on the maximum applicable rates that can be charged to 
customers by our subsidiaries on assets that are subject to rate regulation by the FERC or analogous 
regulatory body and (2) any substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any property, including any 
governmental permit, endorsement or other authorization, in which we have an interest, we have adopted 

49

certain requirements regarding those investors who may own our common units. Citizenship eligible 
holders are individuals or entities whose nationality, citizenship or other related status does not create a 
substantial risk of cancellation or forfeiture of any property, including any governmental permit, 
endorsement or authorization, in which we have an interest, and will generally include individuals and 
entities who are U.S. citizens. Rate-eligible holders are individuals or entities subject to U.S. federal 
income taxation on the income generated by us or entities not subject to U.S. federal income taxation on the 
income generated by us, so long as all of the entity’s owners are subject to such taxation. If unitholders are 
not persons who meet the requirements to be citizenship-eligible holders and rate-eligible holders, they run 
the risk of having their units redeemed by us at the market price as of the date three days before the date the 
notice of redemption is mailed. The redemption price will be paid in cash or by delivery of a promissory 
note, as determined by our general partner. In addition, if unitholders are not persons who meet the 
requirements to be citizenship eligible holders, they will not be entitled to voting rights.

Cost reimbursements, which will be determined in our general partner’s sole discretion, and fees due our 
general partner and its affiliates for services provided will be substantial and will reduce our cash 
available for distribution.

Under our Partnership Agreement, we are required to reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for all 
costs and expenses that they incur on our behalf for managing and controlling our business and operations. 
Except to the extent specified under our omnibus agreements or our employee services agreements, our 
general partner determines the amount of these expenses. Under the terms of the omnibus agreements, we 
will be required to reimburse MPC for the provision of certain general and administrative services to us. 
Under the terms of our employee services agreements, we have agreed to reimburse MPC or its affiliates 
for the provision of certain operational and management services to us in support of our facilities. Our 
general partner and its affiliates also may provide us other services for which we will be charged fees as 
determined by our general partner. Payments to our general partner and its affiliates will be substantial and 
will reduce the amount of cash available for distribution to unitholders.

The control of our general partner may be transferred to a third party without unitholder consent.

There is no restriction in our Partnership Agreement on the ability of MPC to transfer its membership 
interest in our general partner to a third party. The new members of our general partner would then be in a 
position to replace the board of directors and officers of our general partner with their own choices and to 
control the decisions taken by the board of directors and officers.

We may issue additional units without unitholder approval, which will dilute limited unitholder interests.

At any time, we may issue an unlimited number of limited partner interests of any type, including limited 
partner interests that are convertible into our common units, without the approval of our unitholders and our 
unitholders will have no preemptive or other rights (solely as a result of their status as unitholders) to 
purchase any such limited partner interests. Further, neither our Partnership Agreement nor our bank 
revolving credit facility prohibits the issuance of additional preferred units, or other equity securities that 
may effectively rank senior to our common units as to distributions or liquidations. The issuance by us of 
additional common units, preferred units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank will have the 
following effects:

•

•

•

•

•

our unitholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;

it may be more difficult to maintain or increase our distributions to unitholders, and the amount of
cash available for distribution on each unit may decrease;

the ratio of taxable income to distributions may increase;

the relative voting strength of each previously outstanding unit may be diminished; and

the market price of our common units may decline.

MPC may sell units in the public or private markets, and such sales could have an adverse impact on the 
trading price of the common units.

As of February 12, 2021, MPC held 647,415,452 common units. Additionally, we have agreed to provide 
MPC with certain registration rights. The sale of these units in the public or private markets could have an 
adverse impact on the price of the common units or on any trading market that may develop.

50

Affiliates of our general partner, including MPC, may compete with us, and neither our general partner 
nor its affiliates have any obligation to present business opportunities to us.

MPC and other affiliates of our general partner are not prohibited from owning assets or engaging in 
businesses that compete directly or indirectly with us. In addition, MPC and other affiliates of our general 
partner may acquire, construct or dispose of additional midstream assets in the future without any 
obligation to offer us the opportunity to purchase any of those assets. As a result, competition from MPC 
and other affiliates of our general partner could materially and adversely impact our results of operations 
and cash available for distribution to unitholders.

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

If at any time our general partner and its affiliates own more than 85 percent of our common units, our 
general partner will have the right, but not the obligation, which it may assign to any of its affiliates or to 
us, to acquire all, but not less than all, of the common units held by unaffiliated persons at a price not less 
than their then current market price. As a result, 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 such units.

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

A general partner of a partnership generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the partnership, 
except for those contractual obligations of the partnership that are expressly made non-recourse to the 
general partner. Our partnership is organized under Delaware law, and we conduct business in a number of 
other states. The limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner interests for the obligations of a 
limited partnership have not been clearly established in some jurisdictions. A unitholder could be liable for 
our obligations as if they were a general partner if a court or government agency were to determine that:

•

•

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

a unitholder’s right to act with other unitholders to remove or replace the general partner, to
approve some amendments to our Partnership Agreement or to take other actions under our
Partnership Agreement constitute “control” of our business.

Unitholders may have to repay distributions that were wrongfully distributed to them.

Under certain circumstances, unitholders may have to repay amounts wrongfully distributed to them. Under 
Section 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, we may not make a distribution 
to unitholders if the distribution would cause our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Delaware 
law provides that for a period of three years from the date of the impermissible distribution, limited partners 
who received the distribution and who knew at the time of the distribution that it violated Delaware law 
will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount. Transferees of common units are liable 
for the obligations of the transferor to make contributions to the partnership that are known to the transferee 
at the time of the transfer and for unknown obligations if the liabilities could be determined from our 
Partnership Agreement. Liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interest and liabilities that are 
non-recourse to the partnership are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is 
permitted.

The NYSE does not require a publicly traded limited partnership like us to comply with certain of its 
corporate governance requirements.

We list our common units on the NYSE. Because we are a publicly traded limited partnership, the NYSE 
does not require us to have a majority of independent directors on our general partner’s board of directors 
or to establish a compensation committee or a nominating and corporate governance committee. 
Accordingly, unitholders will not have the same protections afforded to certain corporations that are subject 
to all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.

51

The Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be, to the extent permitted by law, the sole and 
exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our limited partners.

Our limited partnership agreement provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the 
sole and exclusive forum for any claims, actions or proceedings:

•

•

•

•

•

arising out of or relating in any way to our limited partnership agreement, or the rights or powers
of, or restrictions on, our limited partners or the limited partnership;

brought in a derivative manner on behalf of the limited partnership;

asserting a claim of breach of a duty owed by any director, officer, or other employee of the
limited partnership or the general partner, or owed by the general partner, to the partnership or the
limited partners;

asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act; or

asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

The forum selection provision may restrict a limited partner's ability to bring a claim against us or directors, 
officers or other employee of ours or our general partner in a forum that it finds favorable, which may 
discourage limited partners from bringing such claims at all. Alternatively, if a court were to find the forum 
selection provision contained in our limited partnership agreement to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an 
action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in another forum, which could 
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. However, the forum 
selection provision does not apply to any claims, actions or proceedings arising under the Securities Act or 
the Exchange Act.

General Risk Factors

Global economic conditions may have adverse impacts on our business and financial condition.

Changes in economic conditions could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. A 
number of economic factors, including gross domestic product, consumer interest rates, government 
spending, consumer confidence and debt levels, retail trends, inflation, tariffs, trade agreements and foreign 
currency exchange rates, may generally affect our business. Recessionary economic cycles, higher 
unemployment rates, higher fuel and other energy costs, higher tax rates and global outbreaks of infectious 
diseases, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely affect demand for natural gas, NGLs and crude 
oil. Also, any tightening of the capital markets could adversely impact our ability to execute our long-term 
organic growth projects and meet our obligations to our customers and limit our ability to raise capital and, 
therefore, have an adverse impact on our ability to otherwise take advantage of business opportunities or 
react to changing economic and business conditions. These factors could have a material adverse effect on 
our revenues, income from operations, cash flows and our quarterly distribution on our common units.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None

52

Item 2. Properties

LOGISTICS AND STORAGE

Crude Oil and Refined Product Pipelines

The following table sets forth information regarding our crude oil and refined product pipeline systems, 
which we own or have an interest in as of December 31, 2020.

Total Crude Systems

Total Refined Products Systems

Diameter

2" - 48"

4" - 36"

Length
(miles)(1)(2)(3)

8,125 

5,655 

Capacity

Various

Various

(1)

(2)

(3)

Includes approximately 16 miles of crude pipeline and approximately 2 miles of refined product pipeline leased from third
parties.
Includes approximately 1,916 miles of crude pipeline in which we have a 9.2 percent ownership interest, 168 miles of crude
pipeline in which we have a 35.0 percent ownership interest, 48 miles of crude pipeline in which we have a 40.7 percent 
ownership interest, 57 miles of crude pipeline in which we have a 58.5 percent ownership interest, 107 miles of crude pipeline in
which we have a 67.0 percent ownership interest and 975 miles of crude pipeline in which we have a 17.0 percent ownership 
interest. Also includes approximately 1,830 miles of refined product pipeline in which we have a 24.5 percent ownership 
interest, 87 miles of refined product pipeline in which we have a 65.16 percent ownership interest and 43 miles of refined
product pipeline in which we have a 25 percent ownership interest.
Includes approximately 696 miles of inactive crude pipeline and 247 miles of inactive refined product pipeline.

Our crude oil pipeline and related assets are strategically positioned to support diverse and flexible crude 
oil supply options for MPC’s refineries, which receive imported and domestic crude oil through a variety of 
sources. Imported and domestic crude oil is transported to supply hubs from a variety of regions, including: 
Cushing, Oklahoma on the Ozark pipeline; Western Canada, Wyoming and North Dakota on the Keystone, 
Platte, Mustang and Enbridge pipelines; and the Gulf Coast on the Capline crude oil pipeline. Crude oil 
pipelines from the Delaware and Midland Basins, as well as from the Bakken region transport crude oil into 
major regional takeaway pipelines and refining centers. Our major crude oil pipelines are connected to 
these supply hubs and transport crude oil to refineries owned by MPC and third parties.

Our pipelines are strategically positioned to supply feedstocks to MPC refineries and transport refined 
products from certain MPC refineries to MPC and MPLX marketing operations, as well as those of third 
parties. These refined product pipelines are integrated with MPC’s and MPLX’s expansive network of 
refined product marketing terminals, which support MPC’s integrated midstream business.

53

Terminal Assets

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our owned and operated terminals as of 
December 31, 2020. 

Owned and Operated Terminals(1)
Refined Product Terminals:

Number of 
Terminals

Tank Shell 
Capacity (mbbls)

Number of Tanks

Alabama

Alaska

California

Florida

Georgia

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Kentucky

Louisiana
Michigan
Minnesota

New Mexico

North Carolina

North Dakota

Ohio

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

Tennessee

Texas 

Utah

Washington

West Virginia

Total Refined Product Terminals

Asphalt Terminals:

Arizona

California

Minnesota
Nevada(2)
New Mexico

Texas

Total Asphalt Terminals

Total Terminals

2

3

8

4

4

3

4

6

6

1

8

1

3

3

1

12

1

1

4

1

1

4

2
83

3

3

1

1

1

1

10

93

443 

1,510 

3,421 

3,407 

982 

998 

1,221 

3,229 

2,587 

97 

2,440 

13 

711 

1,508 

1 

3,218 

390 

371 

1,149 

72 

47 

908 

1,587 
30,310

538 

701 

529 

273 

38 

193 

2,272 

32,582 

16 

37 

66 

64 

30 

47 

33 

60 

56 

7 

73 

5 

22 

34 

6 

101 

12 

8 

30 

13 

7 

24 

25 
776

35 

36 

8 

15 

9 

18 

121 

897 

(1) MPLX also operates one leased terminal and has partial ownership interest in one terminal, with a combined tank shell capacity 

of 1,045 mbbls. 

(2) This terminal is accounted for as an equity method investment.

54

Marine Assets

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our marine assets as of December 31, 2020. 
The marine business currently has an associated transportation service agreement with MPC. 

Marine Vessels

Inland tank barges:

Inland towboats:

Number of Boats and 
Barges

Capacity
(thousand barrels)

300

23 

7,931 

N/A

Our fleet of boats and barges transport light products, heavy oils, crude oil, renewable fuels, chemicals and 
feedstocks to and from refineries and terminals owned by MPC in the Mid-Continent and Gulf Coast 
regions. We also have an MRF, which is a full-service marine shipyard, located on the Ohio River, adjacent 
to MPC’s Catlettsburg, Kentucky refinery. The MRF is responsible for the preventive routine and 
unplanned maintenance of towing vessels, barges and local terminal facilities. 

Refining Logistics Assets

The following table outlines the tankage, rail and truck racks, and docks owned by us, serving MPC’s 
refineries as of December 31, 2020. Each of the following assets are currently included in storage services 
agreements with MPC.

MPC Refining Logistics Assets

Galveston Bay, Texas City, Texas

Garyville, Louisiana

Los Angeles, California

Robinson, Illinois
Martinez, California(1)
Anacortes, Washington

Catlettsburg, Kentucky

Detroit, Michigan

El Paso, Texas

Kenai, Alaska

Mandan, North Dakota

Canton, Ohio

Salt Lake City, Utah
Gallup, New Mexico(2)
St. Paul Park, Minnesota

Total

(1) Associated with MPC refinery being evaluated for conversion to renewable fuels.
(2) Associated with an indefinitely idled MPC refinery.

Tank Capacity (mbbls)

18,778 

17,320 

13,995 

7,036 

5,715 

5,447 

5,106 

4,986 

4,919 

3,573 

2,765 

2,700 

2,159 
993 

865 

96,357 

55

Other L&S Assets

The following tables set forth certain information regarding our other midstream assets as of December 31, 
2020, each of which currently has an associated transportation services agreement or storage services 
agreement with MPC.

Asset Name
LOOP(2)
Barge Docks
Mt. Airy Terminal(3)
Tank Farms(4)
Caverns

Pipeline Name

Belfield water system
Green River water system

Capacity(1)

Associated MPC 
Refineries

N/A

Garyville, LA

2,490  mbbls

5,307 mbbls

32,911  mbbls

4,375  mbbls

Multiple

Garyville, LA

N/A

N/A

Diameter
(inches)

Length
(miles)

Capacity
(mbpd)(5)

3" - 6"
4" - 8"

106 
11 

Various
Various

(1) Capacity for Tank Farms is shown as 100 percent of the available storage capacity. Capacity for the Barge Dock is shown as 100

percent of the throughput capacity. Capacity for caverns is shown as the storage commitment.
(2) We have a 40.7 percent interest in LOOP, which includes a deep-water oil port and crude oil storage.
(3) The Mt. Airy Terminal includes 45 tanks and a 4-vessel barge/ship dock.
(4) We own and operate 32 tank farms and operate one leased tank farms.
(5) All capacities reflect 100 percent of the pipeline systems’ capacity in thousands of barrels per day.

GATHERING AND PROCESSING

The following tables set forth certain information relating to our consolidated and operated joint venture 
gas processing facilities, fractionation facilities, natural gas gathering systems, NGL pipelines and natural 
gas pipelines as of and for the year ended December 31, 2020. All throughputs and utilizations included are 
weighted-averages for days in operation. See further discussion about our joint ventures in Item 8. 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5. 

Gas Processing Complexes

Region

Marcellus Shale

Utica Shale

Southern Appalachia
Southwest(2)
Bakken

Rockies

Total Gas Processing

Design Throughput 
Capacity (MMcf/d)

Natural Gas 
Throughput(1)
(MMcf/d)

Utilization of 
Design Capacity(1)

6,172 

1,325 

620 

2,067 

190 

1,472 

11,846 

5,629 

578 

231 

1,361 

136 

502 

8,437 

 91 %

 44 %

 37 %

 68 %

 72 %

 34 %

 72 %

(1) Natural gas throughput is a weighted average for days in operation. The utilization of design capacity has been calculated using

the weighted average design throughput capacity.

(2) Centrahoma Processing LLC’s processing capacity of 550 MMcf/d and actual throughput of 176 MMcf/d are not included in this 

table as we own a non-operating 40 percent interest in this joint venture.

56

Fractionation & Condensate Stabilization Facilities

Region
Marcellus Shale(2)(3)
Utica Shale(2)(3)(4)
Southern Appalachia(2)(5)
Southwest

Bakken

Rockies
Total C3+ Fractionation and Condensate 
Stabilization

Design Throughput 
Capacity
(mbpd)

NGL Throughput(1)
(mbpd)

Utilization
of Design
Capacity(1)

427 

23 

24 

11 

34 

61 

580 

310 

12 

12 

7 

25 

4 

370 

 82 %

 52 %

 50 %

 64 %

 74 %

 7 %

 69 %

(1) NGL throughput is a weighted average for days in operation. The utilization of design capacity has been calculated using the

weighted average design throughput capacity.

(2) Certain complexes have above-ground NGL storage with a usable capacity of 1,111 thousand barrels, large-scale truck and rail
loading. We also have access to up to an additional 800 thousand barrels of propane storage capacity that can be utilized by our
assets in the Marcellus Shale, Utica Shale, and Appalachia region under an agreement with a third party. Lastly, we have up to 
180 thousand barrels of propane storage with third parties that can be utilized by our assets in the Marcellus Shale and Utica 
Shale.

(3) The capacity, throughput and utilization of design capacity at the Hopedale fractionation complex is presented in the Marcellus
Shale totals, however, the Hopedale fractionation complex is jointly owned by MarkWest Ohio Fractionation Company, L.L.C.
(“Ohio Fractionation”) and MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C. (“MarkWest Utica EMG”). Ohio Fractionation is a joint venture
between MarkWest Liberty Midstream & Resources, L.L.C. (“MarkWest Liberty Midstream”) and Sherwood Midstream (a joint
venture between MarkWest Liberty Midstream and Antero Midstream LLC). MarkWest Liberty Midstream and Sherwood
Midstream are entities that operate in the Marcellus region, and MarkWest Utica EMG is an entity that operates in the Utica 
region. During the year ended December 31, 2020, the Marcellus Operations and Utica Operations utilized an average of 89 
percent and 11 percent of the Hopedale fractionation complex, respectively. Additionally, Sherwood Midstream has the right to
fractionation revenue and the obligation to pay expenses related to 40 mbpd of capacity in the Hopedale 3 and 4 fractionators.

(4) We have access to 100 thousand barrels of condensate storage in this region.
(5) This region includes complexes with both above-ground, pressurized NGL storage facilities, with usable capacity of 48 thousand 
barrels, and underground storage facilities, with usable capacity of 238 thousand barrels. Product can be received by truck,
pipeline or rail and can be transported from the facility by truck, rail or barge. We also have large-scale truck and rail loading
and unloading capabilities, and a river barge facility capable of loading a 20 thousand barrel barge.

De-ethanization Facilities

Region
Marcellus Shale

Utica Shale

Southwest

Total De-ethanization

Design Throughput 
Capacity
(mbpd)

NGL Throughput(1)
(mbpd)

Utilization
of Design
Capacity(1)

273 

40 

18 

331 

187 

6 

11 

204 

 68 %

 15 %

 61 %

 62 %

(1) NGL throughput is a weighted average for days in operation. The utilization of design capacity has been calculated using the

weighted average design throughput capacity.

Natural Gas Gathering Systems

Region

Marcellus Shale

Utica Shale

Southwest

Bakken
Rockies(2)
Total Natural Gas Gathering

Design Throughput 
Capacity
(MMcf/d)

Natural Gas 
Throughput(1)
(MMcf/d)

Utilization of 
Design Capacity(1)

1,547 

3,183 

2,770 

194 

1,486 
9,180 

1,349 

1,818 

1,483 

137 

544 
5,331 

 87 %

 57 %

 54 %

 71 %

 37 %
 58 %

(1) Natural gas throughput is a weighted average for days in operation. The utilization of design capacity has been calculated using

the weighted average design throughput capacity.

(2) This region does not include our operated joint venture, Rendezvous Gas Services, L.L.C. (“RGS”), which has a gathering

capacity of 1,032 MMcf/d; this system supports other systems which are included in the Rockies region and that throughput is 
presented in the table above. The third party volumes gathered for RGS during the year ended December 31, 2020 were 144 
MMcf/d.

57

NGL Pipelines 

Region

Marcellus Shale

Utica Shale
Southern Appalachia
Southwest(1)
Bakken

Rockies

(1)

Includes 38 miles of inactive pipeline.

Title to Properties

Diameter

Length
(miles)

Design Throughput 
Capacity (mbpd)

4" - 20"
4" - 12"

6" - 8"

6"

8" - 12"

8"

442
119

138

50

84

10

Various

Various

35 

39 

80 

15 

Substantially all of our pipelines are constructed on rights-of-way granted by the apparent record owners of 
the property. In many instances, lands over which pipeline rights-of-way have been obtained may be 
subject to prior liens that have not been subordinated to the right-of-way grants, as well as potential 
conflicts with other mineral or surface use owners. We have obtained, where determined necessary, 
permits, leases, license agreements and franchise ordinances from public authorities to cross over or under, 
or to lay facilities in or along water courses, county roads, municipal streets and state highways, as 
applicable. We also have obtained easements and license agreements from railroad companies to cross over 
or under railroad properties or rights-of-way. Some of the property rights we have obtained are revocable at 
the election of the grantor. We believe that our properties and facilities are adequate for our operations and 
that our facilities are adequately maintained. In addition, our L&S segment leases vehicles, building spaces, 
and pipeline equipment under long-term operating leases, most of which include renewal options. Many of 
our compression, processing, fractionation and other facilities, including certain fractionation plants and 
certain of our pipelines and other facilities, are on land that we either own in fee or that is held under long-
term leases, but for any such facilities that are on land that we lease, we could be required to remove our 
facilities upon the termination or expiration of the leases. 

Some of the leases, easements, rights-of-way, permits, licenses and franchise ordinances that were 
transferred to us required the consent of the then-current landowner to transfer these rights, which in some 
instances was a governmental entity. We believe that we have obtained sufficient third-party consents, 
permits and authorizations for the transfer of the assets necessary for us to operate our business. We also 
believe we have satisfactory title or other right to our material land assets. Title to these properties is 
subject to encumbrances in some cases, such as coal, that may require payment to other holders of title in 
the property at issue; however, we believe that none of these burdens will materially detract from the value 
of these properties or from our interest in these properties, or will materially interfere with their use in the 
operation of our business. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 22, for 
additional information regarding our leases.

MPC indemnifies us for certain title defects and for failures to obtain certain consents and permits 
necessary to conduct our business with respect to the assets contributed to us by MPC. Although title to 
these properties is subject to encumbrances in some cases, such as customary interests generally retained in 
connection with acquisition of real property, liens that can be imposed in some jurisdictions for 
government-initiated action to clean up environmental contamination, liens for current taxes and other 
burdens, and easements, restrictions and other encumbrances to which the underlying properties were 
subject at the time of acquisition by our Predecessor or us, we believe that none of these burdens should 
materially detract from the value of these properties or from our interest in these properties or should 
materially interfere with their use in the operation of our business.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are the subject of, or a party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions, contingencies and 
commitments involving a variety of matters, including laws and regulations relating to the environment. 
While it is possible that an adverse result in one or more of the lawsuits or proceedings in which we are a 
defendant could be material to us, based upon current information and our experience as a defendant in 
other matters, we believe that these lawsuits and proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have 

58

a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Litigation

Dakota Access Pipeline

In connection with our 9.19 percent indirect interest in a joint venture (“Dakota Access”) that owns and 
operates the Dakota Access Pipeline and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline projects (collectively the 
“Bakken Pipeline system” or “DAPL”), we have entered into a Contingent Equity Contribution Agreement. 
MPLX LP, along with the other joint venture owners in the Bakken Pipeline system, has agreed to make 
equity contributions to the joint venture upon certain events occurring to allow the entities that own and 
operate the Bakken Pipeline system to satisfy their senior note payment obligations. The senior notes were 
issued to repay amounts owed by the pipeline companies to fund the cost of construction of the Bakken 
Pipeline system.

In March 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (the “D.D.C.”) ordered the U.S. Army 
Corps of Engineers (“Army Corps”), which granted permits and an easement for the Bakken Pipeline 
system, to conduct a full environmental impact statement (“EIS”), and further requested briefing on 
whether an easement necessary for the operation of the Bakken Pipeline system should be vacated while the 
EIS is being prepared.

On July 6, 2020, the D.D.C. ordered vacatur of the easement to cross Lake Oahe during the pendency of an 
EIS and further ordered a shut down of the pipeline by August 5, 2020. The D.D.C. denied a motion to stay 
that order. Dakota Access and the Army Corps appealed the D.D.C.’s order to the U.S. Court of Appeals 
for the District of Columbia Circuit (the “Court of Appeals”). On July 14, 2020, the Court of Appeals 
issued an administrative stay while the court considered Dakota Access and the Army Corps’ emergency 
motion for stay pending appeal. On August 5, 2020, the Court of Appeals stayed the D.D.C.’s injunction 
that required the pipeline be shutdown and emptied of oil by August 5, 2020. The Court of Appeals denied 
a stay of the D.D.C.’s March order, which required the EIS, and further denied a stay of the D.D.C.’s July 
order, which vacated the easement. On January 26, 2021, the Court of Appeals upheld the D.D.C.’s order 
vacating the easement while the Army Corps prepares the EIS. The Court of Appeals reversed the D.D.C.’s 
order to the extent it directed that the pipeline be shutdown and emptied of oil. In the D.D.C., briefing has 
been completed for a renewed request for an injunction. The pipeline remains operational.

If the pipeline is temporarily shut down pending completion of the EIS, MPLX would have to contribute its 
9.19 percent pro rata share of funds required to pay interest accruing on the notes and any portion of the 
principal that matures while the pipeline is shutdown. MPLX also expects to contribute its 9.19 percent pro 
rata share of any costs to remediate any deficiencies to reinstate the permit and/or return the pipeline into 
operation. If the vacatur of the easement permit results in a permanent shutdown of the pipeline, MPLX 
would have to contribute its 9.19 percent pro rata share of the cost to redeem the bonds (including the one 
percent redemption premium required pursuant to the indenture governing the notes) and any accrued and 
unpaid interest. As of December 31, 2020, our maximum potential undiscounted payments under the 
Contingent Equity Contribution Agreement were approximately $230 million and we had an investment of 
$465 million in MarEn Bakken Company LLC, which includes our 9.19 percent indirect interest in Dakota 
Access.

Tesoro High Plains Pipeline

In early July 2020, MPLX received a Notification of Trespass Determination from the Bureau of Indian 
Affairs (“BIA”) relating to a portion of the Tesoro High Plains Pipeline that crosses the Fort Berthold 
Reservation in North Dakota. The notification covered the rights of way for 23 tracts of land and demanded 
the immediate cessation of pipeline operations. The notification also assessed trespass damages of 
approximately $187 million. We appealed this determination, which triggered an automatic stay of the 
requested pipeline shutdown and payment. On October 29, the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs issued 
an order vacating the BIA’s trespass order and requiring the Regional Director for the BIA Great Plains 
Region to issue a new decision on or before December 15 covering all 34 tracts at issue. On December 15, 
the Regional Director of the BIA issued a new trespass notice to THPP consistent with the Assistant 
Secretary of Indian Affairs order vacating the prior trespass order. The new order found that THPP was in 
trespass and assessed trespass damages of approximately $4 million (including interest). The order also 
required THPP to immediately cease and desist use of the portion of the pipeline that crosses the property at 
issue. The new order was appealed, and was upheld by the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs. THPP has 

59

complied with the Regional Director’s December 15, 2020 notice. On February 12, 2021, landowners filed 
suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota, requesting, among other things, that 
decisions by the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs and the Interior Board of Indian Appeals be vacated as 
to the award of damages to plaintiffs. We continue to work towards a settlement of this matter with holders 
of the property rights at issue. 

Environmental Proceedings

Item 103 of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC requires disclosure of certain environmental matters 
when a governmental authority is a party to the proceedings and such proceedings involve potential 
monetary sanctions, unless we reasonably believe that the matter will result in no monetary sanctions, or in 
monetary sanctions, exclusive of interest and costs, of less than $300,000. The following matters are 
disclosed in accordance with that requirement. We do not currently believe that the eventual outcome of 
any such matters, individually or in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Gathering and Processing

In November 2020, we received an offer from the EPA to settle multiple alleged violations of the National 
Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants by the Chapita, Coyote Wash, Island, River Bend and 
Wonsits Valley Compressor Stations in Utah. The proposed settlement consists of an injunctive relief 
package, mitigation project and proposed penalty in excess of $300,000. We continue to negotiate a 
settlement of the allegations and cannot currently estimate the timing of the resolution of this matter. 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosure

Not applicable

Part II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases 
of Equity Securities

Our common units are listed on the NYSE and traded under the symbol “MPLX.” As of February 12, 2021, 
there were 254 registered holders of 389,754,155 outstanding common units held by the public, including 
389,430,521 common units held in street name. In addition, as of February 12, 2021, MPC and its affiliates 
owned 647,415,452 of our common units, constituting approximately 62.4 percent of the outstanding 
common units. In addition, MPC, through our general partner, owns a non-economic general partnership 
interest in us.

On November 2, 2020, MPLX announced the board authorization of a unit repurchase program for the 
repurchase of up to $1 billion of MPLX’s outstanding common units held by the public. MPLX may utilize 
various methods to effect the repurchases, which could include open market repurchases, negotiated block 
transactions, tender offers, accelerated unit repurchases or open market solicitations for units, some of 
which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. The timing and amount of repurchases will depend upon 
several factors, including market and business conditions, and repurchases may be initiated, suspended or 
discontinued at any time. The repurchase authorization has no expiration date.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table sets forth a summary of our purchases during the quarter ended December 31, 2020, of 
equity securities that are registered by MPLX pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 
1934, as amended.

60

Period

10/01/2020-10/31/2020

11/01/2020-11/30/2020

12/01/2020-12/31/2020

Total

Total Number of 
Units Purchased as 
Part of Publicly 
Announced Plans 
or Programs

Average 
Price Paid 
per Unit(1)

Maximum Dollar 
Value of Units that 
May Yet Be Purchased 
Under the Plans or 
Programs(2)

Total Cost

—  $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

1,000,000,000 

264,822 

1,209,021 

21.72 

22.41 

5,751,145 

27,096,747  $ 

994,248,855 

967,152,108 

1,473,843  $ 

22.29  $ 

32,847,892 

(1) Amounts in this column reflect the weighted average price paid for units purchased under our unit repurchase authorization. The
weighted average price includes commissions paid to brokers on shares repurchased under our unit repurchase authorization.
(2) On November 2, 2020, we announced the board authorization of a unit repurchase program for the repurchase of up to $1 billion

of MPLX’s common units held by the public. This unit repurchase authorization has no expiration date.

Distributions of Available Cash

The amount of distributions paid and the decision to make any distribution is determined by our general 
partner, taking into consideration the terms of our Partnership Agreement. Our Partnership Agreement 
requires that, within 60 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash to 
unitholders of record on the applicable record date. Available cash generally means, for any quarter, all 
cash and cash equivalents on hand at the end of that quarter:

•

less the amount of cash reserves established by our general partner to:

•

•

•

provide for the proper conduct of our business (including reserves for our future capital
expenditures and for anticipated future credit needs);

comply with applicable law, any of our debt instruments or other agreements or
obligations; or

provide funds for distributions to our unitholders and to our general partner for any one or
more of the next four quarters (provided that our general partner may not establish cash
reserves for distributions if the effect of the establishment of such reserves will prevent us
from distributing $0.2625 per unit on all common units for the current quarter);

•

plus, if our general partner so determines, all or any portion of the cash on hand resulting from
working capital borrowings made subsequent to the end of such quarter.

See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – 
Liquidity and Capital Resources – Debt and Liquidity Overview, for a discussion of the restrictions 
included in our bank revolving credit facility that may restrict our ability to make distributions.

Preferred Unit Distributions 

The holders of the Series A preferred units are entitled to receive a quarterly distribution equal to the 
greater of $0.528125 per unit or the amount of distributions they would have received on an as converted 
basis. Series B preferred unitholders are entitled to receive a fixed distribution of $68.75 per unit, per 
annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15, or the first business day thereafter, 
up to and including February 15, 2023. After February 15, 2023, the holders of Series B preferred units are 
entitled to receive cumulative, quarterly distributions payable in arrears on the 15th day of February, May, 
August and November of each year, or the first business day thereafter, based on a floating annual rate 
equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.652 percent. MPLX may not pay any distributions for any quarter 
on any junior securities, including any of the common units, unless the distribution payable to the preferred 
units with respect to such quarter, together with any previously accrued and unpaid distributions to the 
preferred units, have been paid in full.

61

Item 6. Selected Financial Data 

The following table shows selected historical consolidated financial data of MPLX LP as of the dates and 
for the years indicated. The following table also presents the non-GAAP financial measures of Adjusted 
EBITDA and DCF, which we use in our business. For the definitions of Adjusted EBITDA and DCF and a 
reconciliation to our most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance 
with GAAP, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 
Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Information and Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations.

(In millions, except per unit data)
Consolidated Statements of Income Data

2020

2019(1)

2018(1)

2017

2016

Total revenues and other income

$  7,569  $  9,041  $  7,005  $  3,867  $  3,029 

Income from operations

Net (loss)/income

Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP
Limited partners’ interest in net (loss)/income 
attributable to MPLX LP 

Per Unit Data

Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP 
per limited partner unit:

211 

  2,377 

(687)

(720)

1,462

1,033

2,728 

2,006 

1,818 

(842)

935

1,743 

1,191 

836 

794 

411 

683 

434 

233 

1 

Common - basic

Common - diluted

(0.80) 

(0.80) 

1.00 

1.00 

2.29 

2.29 

1.07 

1.06 

— 

— 

Cash distributions declared per limited 
partner common unit

Consolidated Balance Sheets Data (at period end)

Property, plant and equipment, net

Total assets

Long-term debt, including finance leases
Series A preferred units

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Data

Net cash provided by/(used in):

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

2.7500 

2.6900 

2.5300 

2.2975 

2.0500 

21,218 

36,414 

19,375 
968 

22,145 

40,430 

19,704 
968 

21,525 

39,325 

17,922 
1,004 

12,187 

11,408 

19,500 

17,509 

6,945 
1,000 

4,422 
1,000 

4,521 

4,082 

3,071 

1,907 

1,491 

(1,262) 

(3,063) 

(2,878) 

(2,308) 

(1,417) 

(3,259) 

(1,089) 

(117)

171

113 

1,313 

Additions to property, plant and equipment(2)

1,183 

2,408 

2,111 

  1,411

Other Financial Data

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX 
LP(3)
DCF attributable to MPLX LP(3)
Cash distributions declared on limited partner 
common units

5,211 

4,327 

4,334 

3,489 

3,475 

2,781 

2,004 

1,628 

1,419 

1,140 

$  2,872  $  2,635  $  1,985  $ 

895  $ 

692 

(1) On July 30, 2019, MPLX completed the acquisition of ANDX. ANDX’s assets, liabilities and results of operations prior to the 
Merger are collectively included in what we refer to as the “Predecessor” from October 1, 2018, which was the date that MPC
acquired Andeavor. MPLX’s acquisition of ANDX is considered a transfer between entities under common control due to
MPC’s prior relationship with ANDX. As an entity under common control with MPC, MPLX recorded the assets acquired and 
liabilities assumed on its consolidated balance sheets at MPC’s historical carrying value. Transfers of businesses between entities 
under common control require prior periods to be retrospectively adjusted for those dates that the entity was under common
control. Accordingly, the table above includes the historical results of ANDX beginning October 1, 2018.

(2) Represents cash capital expenditures as reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the periods indicated, which 

are included in cash used in investing activities.

(3) For all years presented, Predecessor is excluded from Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP and DCF attributable to

MPLX LP.

62

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

This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not address certain items regarding the year ended 
December 31, 2018. Discussion and analysis of 2018 and year-to-year comparisons between 2019 and 2018 
not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can be found in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and 
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year 
ended December 31, 2019.

All statements in this section, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements that 
are inherently uncertain. See “Disclosures Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors” for 
a discussion of the factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in these 
statements. The following information concerning our business, results of operations and financial 
condition should also be read in conjunction with the information included under Item 1. Business, Item 6. 
Selected Financial Data and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

MPLX OVERVIEW

We are a diversified, large-cap MLP formed by MPC that owns and operates midstream energy 
infrastructure and logistics assets, and provides fuels distribution services. Our assets include a network of 
crude oil and refined product pipelines; an inland marine business; light-product, asphalt, heavy oil and 
marine terminals; storage caverns; refinery tanks, docks, loading racks, and associated piping; crude oil and 
natural gas gathering systems and pipelines; as well as natural gas and NGL processing and fractionation 
facilities. The operation of these assets are conducted in our Logistics and Storage (“L&S”) and Gathering 
and Processing (“G&P”) operating segments. Our assets are positioned throughout the United States. Our 
L&S segment primarily engages in the transportation, storage, distribution and marketing of crude oil, 
asphalt and refined petroleum products. The L&S segment also includes the operation of our inland marine 
business, terminals, rail facilities, storage caverns and refining logistics. Our G&P segment primarily 
engages in the gathering, processing and transportation of natural gas as well as the gathering, 
transportation, fractionation, storage and marketing of NGLs. 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS 

In line with previously announced efforts around portfolio optimization, the company closed on the sale of 
its Javelina plant in Corpus Christi, Texas, on February 12, 2021.

On January 28, 2021, we announced the board of directors of our general partner had declared a 
distribution of $0.6875 per common unit that was paid on February 12, 2021 to common unitholders of 
record on February 8, 2021.  

On December 29, 2020, MPLX announced the redemption of all the $750 million outstanding aggregate 
principal amount of 5.250 percent senior notes due January 15, 2025, including approximately $42 million 
aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by Andeavor Logistics LP. The notes were redeemed on 
January 15, 2021 at a price equal to 102.625 percent of the principal amount.

63

SIGNIFICANT FINANCIAL AND OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

During 2020, we were able to focus and execute on our business strategies to enhance the stability of our 
cash flows, taking steps to lower our cost structure, achieving full year excess cash flow, continuing to 
maintain safe and reliable operations during a challenging time and continuing to progress our commitment 
to corporate social responsibility. Significant financial and other highlights for the year ended 
December 31, 2020 are shown in the chart below. Refer to the Results of Operations and the Liquidity and 
Capital Resources sections for further details.

(1)

(2)

Includes impairment of equity method investments within our G&P operating segment of $1,264 million and $42 million in 2020
and 2019, respectively.
Includes impairment expense within our G&P operating segment of $2,165 million and $1,197 million in 2020 and 2019,
respectively. Goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment were impaired in 2020 and goodwill was impaired in
2019. 

(3) The 2019 and 2018 amounts include Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Predecessor and DCF adjustments attributable to

Predecessor.

Additional highlights for the year ended December 31, 2020 include:

•

•

On July 31, 2020, MPLX completed the transfer of WRW to WRSW, a wholly owned subsidiary of
MPC, in exchange for the redemption of 18,582,088 MPLX common units held by WRSW, valued at
$340 million. The transaction effects the transfer to MPC of the Western wholesale distribution
business that MPLX acquired as a result of its acquisition of ANDX.

During the year, our sponsor progressed certain strategic priorities to lay a foundation for long-term
success, including plans to optimize its assets and structurally lower costs in 2021 and beyond, which
included an involuntary workforce reduction plan. The workforce reduction plan, together with
employee reductions resulting from MPC's indefinite idling of its Martinez, California and Gallup,
New Mexico refineries, affected approximately 2,050 employees. All of the employees that conduct
MPLX’s business are directly employed by affiliates of MPC, and certain of those employees were
affected by MPC’s workforce reductions. During 2020, MPLX reimbursed MPC $37 million related to
severance and employee benefits related expenses that MPC recorded in connection with its workforce
reductions.

• We previously announced a goal to reduce planned capital spending for 2020 by approximately $700

million from our initial plan, which we were able to achieve.

64

Financial Highlights (in millions)$7,569$211$(687)$5,211$4,200$9,041$2,377$1,462$5,104$3,978$7,005$2,728$2,006$3,810$2,950202020192018Revenues andother income(1)Income fromoperations(1)(2)Net (loss)/income(1)(2)Adjusted EBITDAattributable toMPLX(3)DCF attributableto GP and LPUnitholders(3)•

•

The outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic in March 2020 resulted in significant
economic disruption globally. Actions taken by various governmental authorities, individuals and
companies around the world to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing have
restricted travel, many business operations, public gatherings and the overall level of individual
movement and in-person interaction across the globe. Although there have been some signs of
economic improvement since that time, these events significantly reduced global economic activity and
resulted in a decline in the demand for the midstream services we provide beginning with the first
quarter of 2020. Macroeconomic conditions and global geopolitical events have also resulted in
significant price volatility related to those aforementioned products. We responded to the impacts that
these matters had on our business by:

•

•

Taking actions to reduce operating expenses across the business, including the deferral of certain
expense projects

Continuing to evaluate and high-grade our capital portfolio

During the first quarter of 2020, the overall deterioration in the economy and the environment in which 
MPLX and its customers operate, as well as a sustained decrease in unit price, were considered 
triggering events resulting in impairments of the carrying value of certain assets. We recognized 
impairments related to goodwill, certain equity method investments and certain long-lived assets 
(including intangibles), within our G&P segment. Many of our producer customers refined and updated 
production forecasts in response to the current environment, which impacted their current and expected 
future demand for our services, including the future utilization of our assets. Additionally, certain of 
our contracts have commodity price exposure, including NGL prices, which have experienced 
increased volatility as noted above. 

On March 18, 2020, MPC announced the unanimous decision of its board of directors to maintain
MPC’s current midstream structure, with MPC remaining the general partner of MPLX. This was a
result of a comprehensive evaluation by a special committee formed by MPC’s board of directors,
which included extensive input from multiple external advisors and significant feedback from
investors.

Financing Activities 

•

•

•

On November 2, 2020, MPLX announced the board authorization of a unit repurchase program for the
repurchase of up to $1 billion of MPLX’s outstanding common units held by the public. MPLX may
utilize various methods to effect the repurchases, which could include open market repurchases,
negotiated block transactions, tender offers, accelerated unit repurchases or open market solicitations
for units, some of which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. The timing and amount of
repurchases will depend upon several factors, including market and business conditions, and
repurchases may be initiated, suspended or discontinued at any time. The repurchase authorization has
no expiration date. As of December 31, 2020, 1.5 million common units held by the public have been
repurchased and $967 million remained available under the program for future repurchases.
On August 18, 2020, MPLX issued $3 billion aggregate principal amount of new senior notes
consisting of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.750 percent senior notes due March 2026
and $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.650 percent senior notes due August 2030. The net
proceeds were used to repay the $1.0 billion of outstanding borrowings under the MPLX Term Loan
Agreement, to repay the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes due September
2021, to redeem all of the $450 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375 percent senior notes due
May 2024, to reduce amounts outstanding under the MPLX Credit Agreement at the time and to
redeem the $300 million aggregate principal amount of 6.250 percent senior notes due October 15,
2022 (these notes were redeemed on October 15, 2020).

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we did not issue any common units under our ATM
Program. As of December 31, 2020, $1.7 billion of common units remain available for issuance
through the ATM Program.

65

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Our management uses a variety of financial and operating metrics to analyze our performance. These 
metrics are significant factors in assessing our operating results and profitability and include the non-GAAP 
financial measures of Adjusted EBITDA, DCF, free cash flow (“FCF”) and excess/deficit cash flow. The 
amount of Adjusted EBITDA and DCF generated is considered by the board of directors of our general 
partner in approving MPLX’s cash distributions.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income adjusted for: (i) depreciation and amortization; (ii) provision/
(benefit) for income taxes; (iii) amortization of deferred financing costs; (iv) extinguishment of debt; (v) 
non-cash equity-based compensation; (vi) impairment expense; (vii) net interest and other financial costs; 
(viii) income/(loss) from equity method investments; (ix) distributions and adjustments related to equity
method investments (x) unrealized derivative gains/(losses); (xi) acquisition costs; (xii) noncontrolling
interests and (xiii) other adjustments as deemed necessary. We also use DCF, which we define as Adjusted
EBITDA adjusted for: (i) deferred revenue impacts; (ii) net interest and other financial costs; (iii) net
maintenance capital expenditures; (iv) equity method investment capital expenditures paid out; and (v)
other adjustments as deemed necessary. We make a distinction between realized and unrealized gains and
losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value
of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative contract matures or is settled,
the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the contract is
recorded.

We define FCF as net cash provided by operating activities adjusted for (i) net cash used in investing 
activities; (ii) contributions from MPC; (iii) contributions from noncontrolling interests and (iv) 
distributions to noncontrolling interests. We define excess/deficit cash flow as FCF adjusted for 
distributions to common and preferred unitholders.

We believe that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA, DCF, FCF and excess/deficit cash flow provides 
useful information to investors in assessing our financial condition and results of operations. The GAAP 
measures most directly comparable to Adjusted EBITDA and DCF are net income and net cash provided by 
operating activities while the GAAP measure most directly comparable to FCF and excess/deficit cash flow 
is net cash provided by operating activities. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered 
alternatives to GAAP net income or net cash provided by operating activities as they have important 
limitations as analytical tools because they exclude some but not all items that affect net income and net 
cash provided by operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented 
in accordance with GAAP. These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as 
substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Additionally, because non-GAAP financial 
measures may be defined differently by other companies in our industry, our definitions may not be 
comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies, thereby diminishing their utility. For a 
reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and DCF to their most directly comparable measures calculated and 
presented in accordance with GAAP, see the Results of Operations section. For a reconciliation of FCF and 
excess/deficit cash flow to their most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance 
with GAAP, see the Liquidity and Capital Resources section.

Management also utilizes Segment Adjusted EBITDA in evaluating the financial performance of our 
segments. The disclosure of this measure allows investors to understand how management evaluates 
financial performance to make operating decisions and allocate resources. 

COMPARABILITY OF OUR FINANCIAL RESULTS

The comparability of our financial results has been impacted by acquisitions, dispositions, performance of 
our equity method investments, and impairments among others (see Item 8. Financial Statements and 
Supplementary Data – Notes 4, 5 and 14).

66

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table and discussion is a summary of our results of operations for the years ended 2020, 
2019 and 2018, including a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA and DCF from net income and net cash 
provided by operating activities, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures. 

(In millions)

Revenues and other income:

Service revenue

Service revenue - related parties

Service revenue - product related

Rental income

Rental income - related parties

Product sales

Product sales - related parties
(Loss)/income from equity method investments(1)
Other income

Other income - related parties

2020

2019

$ Change

2018

$ Change

$  2,397  $  2,498  $ 

(101)  $  1,856  $

642 

3,580 

3,455 

155 

398 

952 

636 

128 

(936)

5 

254 

140 

388 

1,196 

806 

142 

290

12 

114 

125 

15 

10 

(244)

(170)

(14)

(1,226) 

(7)

140 

2,404 

1,051 

220 

352 

846

887

87

247

7

99

(80) 

36 

350 

(81) 

55 

43 

5 

15 

Total revenues and other income

7,569 

9,041 

(1,472) 

7,005 

2,036 

Costs and expenses:

Cost of revenues (excludes items below)

1,326 

1,489 

Purchased product costs

Rental cost of sales

Rental cost of sales - related parties

Purchases - related parties

Depreciation and amortization

Impairment expense

General and administrative expenses

Restructuring expenses

Other taxes

Total costs and expenses

Income from operations

Related party interest and other financial costs
Interest expense (net of amounts capitalized)
Other financial costs

(Loss)/income before income taxes
Provision for income taxes

Net (loss)/income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling 
interests

Less: Net income attributable to Predecessor

539 

135 

160 

1,116 

1,377 

2,165 

378 

37 

125 

7,358 

211 

5 
829 
62 
(685)
2 

(687)

33 

— 

686 

141 

165 

1,231 

1,254 

1,197 

388 

— 

113 

6,664 

2,377 

11 
851 
53 
1,462
—

1,462

28 

401 

(163)

(147)

(6)

(5)

(115)

123 

968 

(10)

37 

12 

694 

(2,166) 

(6)
(22)
9 
(2,147) 
2 

(2,149) 

5 

(401)

1,096

824

135

31

925

867 

— 

316

— 

83 

4,277 

2,728 

5
590
119 
2,014 
8 

2,006 

16 

172

393 

(138) 

6 

134 

306 

387 

1,197 

72 

— 

30 

2,387 

(351) 

6 
261 
(66) 
(552) 
(8) 

(544) 

12 

229 

Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP

(720)

1,033

(1,753) 

1,818 

(785) 

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP 
(excluding Predecessor results)(2)
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP 
(including Predecessor results)(3)
DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders 
(including Predecessor results)(3)

5,211 

4,334 

877 

3,475 

859 

5,211 

5,104 

107 

3,810 

1,294 

$  4,200  $  3,978  $ 

222  $  2,950  $  1,028 

(1)

Includes impairment expense related to various equity method investments of $1.3 billion and $42 million in 2020 and 2019, 
respectively.

(2) Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliation below for the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Excludes adjusted EBITDA

and DCF adjustments attributable to Predecessor.

(3) Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliation below for the most directly comparable GAAP measures. Includes adjusted EBITDA

and DCF adjustments attributable to Predecessor.

67

 
(In millions)
Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA attributable to 
MPLX LP and DCF attributable to GP and LP 
unitholders from Net (loss)/income:
Net (loss)/income

$ 

Provision for income taxes
Amortization of deferred financing costs
(Gain)/loss on extinguishment of debt
Net interest and other financial costs

Income from operations

Depreciation and amortization
Non-cash equity-based compensation
Impairment expense
Loss/(income) from equity method investments(1)
Distributions/adjustments related to equity method 
investments
Unrealized derivative losses/(gains)(2)
Restructuring expenses
Acquisition costs
Other
Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling 
interests
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Predecessor(3)

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP

Deferred revenue impacts
Net interest and other financial costs
Maintenance capital expenditures

Maintenance capital expenditures reimbursements
Equity method investment capital expenditures paid 
out
Restructuring expenses
Other
Portion of DCF adjustments attributable to 
Predecessor(3)

DCF

Preferred unit distributions(4)

DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Predecessor(3)
Portion of DCF adjustments attributable to 
Predecessor(3)

2020

2019

2018

(687) $
2
61
(19)
854 
211 
1,377 
14 
2,165 
936 

1,462  $ 
— 
42 
—
873 
2,377 
1,254 
22 
1,197 
(290)

499 
3 
37 
— 
6 
5,248 

(37)

— 
5,211 

144 
(854)
(161)

46 

(23)
(37)
1 

— 
4,327 
(127)
4,200 
— 

— 

562 
(1)
— 
14 
1 
5,136 

(32)

(770)
4,334 

94 
(873)
(262)

53

(28)
—
12 

159 
3,489 
(122)
3,367 
770 

(159)

2,006 
8 
55 
46 
613 
2,728 
867 
23 
— 
(247)

458
(5)
— 
4 
— 
3,828 

(18) 

(335)
3,475 

28 
(613) 
(175) 

8 

(31) 
— 
8 

81 
2,781 
(85) 
2,696 
335 

(81)

DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders (including 
Predecessor results)

$ 

4,200  $ 

3,978  $ 

2,950 

(1)

Includes impairment expense related to various equity method investments of $1.3 billion and $42 million in 2020 and 2019, 
respectively.

(2) MPLX makes a distinction between realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative

contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative
contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the
contract is recorded.

(3) The Adjusted EBITDA and DCF adjustments related to Predecessor are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX

(4)

LP and DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders prior to the acquisition dates.
Includes MPLX distributions declared on the Series A and Series B preferred units as well as cash distributions earned by the
Series B preferred units (as the Series B preferred units are declared and payable semi-annually) assuming a distribution is
declared by the Board of Directors. Cash distributions declared/to be paid to holders of the Series A and Series B preferred units
are not available to common unitholders.

68

 
 
(In millions)

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA attributable to 
MPLX LP and DCF attributable to GP and LP 
unitholders from Net cash provided by operating 
activities:
Net cash provided by operating activities

Changes in working capital items

All other, net

Non-cash equity-based compensation

Net (loss)/gain on disposal of assets

Net interest and other financial costs

(Gain)/loss on extinguishment of debt

Current income taxes

Asset retirement expenditures
Unrealized derivative losses/(gains)(1)
Restructuring expenses

Acquisition costs
Other adjustments to equity method investment 
distributions
Other
Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling 
interests
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Predecessor(2)

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP

Deferred revenue impacts

Net interest and other financial costs

Maintenance capital expenditures
Maintenance capital expenditures reimbursements

Equity method investment capital expenditures paid 
out
Restructuring expenses
Other
Portion of DCF adjustments attributable to 
Predecessor(2)

DCF

Preferred unit distributions(3)

DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders

Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Predecessor(2)
Portion of DCF adjustments attributable to 
Predecessor(2)

2020

2019

2018

$ 

4,521  $ 

4,082  $ 

3,071 

(204)

(3)

14 

(4)

854 

(19)

3 

— 

3 

37 

— 

40 

6 

108

(9)

22

6

873

—

2 

1 

(1)

— 

14 

37 

1 

31 

(5) 

23 

(3) 

613 

46 

— 

7 

(5)

— 

4 

46 

— 

5,248 

5,136 

3,828 

(37)
— 

5,211 

144 

(854)
(161)

46 

(23)
(37)
1 

— 
4,327 
(127)

4,200 

— 

— 

(32)
(770)

4,334 

94 

(873)
(262)

53

(28)
—
12 

159 
3,489 
(122)

3,367 

770 

(159)

(18) 
(335)

3,475 

28 

(613) 
(175) 

8 

(31) 
— 
8 

81 
2,781 
(85) 

2,696 

335 

(81)

DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders (including 
Predecessor results)

$ 

4,200  $ 

3,978  $ 

2,950 

(1) MPLX makes a distinction between realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative

contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative
contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the
contract is recorded.

(2) The Adjusted EBITDA and DCF adjustments related to Predecessor are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX

(3)

LP and DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders prior to the acquisition dates.
Includes MPLX distributions declared on the Series A and Series B preferred units as well as cash distributions earned by the
Series B preferred units (as the Series B preferred units are declared and payable semi-annually) assuming a distribution is
declared by the Board of Directors. Cash distributions declared/to be paid to holders of the Series A and Series B preferred units
are not available to common unitholders.

69

 
 
 
2020 Compared to 2019 

Service revenue decreased $101 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to lower fees 
from lower volumes in the Rockies, Southwest and Southern Appalachia as well as other decreases 
including reduced pipeline volumes, partially offset by higher fees from higher volumes in the Marcellus.

Service revenue-related parties increased $125 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due 
to a $124 million increase due to the reclassification of lease income between service revenue, rental 
income and other income based on modifications to lease contracts and a $42 million increase from 
additional marine equipment. There were also increases related to volume deficiency payments and 
favorable price impacts partially offset by unfavorable volume impacts and an $18 million decrease due to 
the Wholesale Exchange.

Rental income increased $10 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was due to higher fees related to 
gathering contracts in the Marcellus, partially offset by decreased revenue from third parties for terminal 
storage.

Rental income-related parties decreased $244 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to 
a decrease of $262 million due to the reclassification of lease income between service revenue, rental 
income and other income based on modification to lease contracts. The decrease was partially offset by 
increased terminal storage revenue as well as other miscellaneous increases.

Service revenue-product related, product sales and product sales-related parties decreased $169 million in 
2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to lower prices in all G&P regions, lower volumes in the 
Southwest, and the Wholesale Exchange. These decreases were partially offset by volume increases in the 
Marcellus and the Javelina plant in the Southwest, as well as other miscellaneous increases.

Income (loss) from equity method investments decreased $1,226 million in 2020 compared to 2019. The 
large decrease was driven by our ownership in MarkWest Utica EMG, our indirect ownership in Ohio 
Gathering Company, L.L.C. through our investment in MarkWest Utica EMG and our ownership in Uintah 
Basin Field Services, L.L.C., as we recognized impairments related to these investments in the first quarter 
of 2020 in the amount of $1,264 million. There was also decreased throughput on the Explorer and Bakken 
pipelines during 2020. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the Sherwood Midstream 
LLC joint venture due to additional plants coming online during the second half of 2019. 

Other income and Other income-related parties increased $133 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was 
primarily due to the reclassification of lease income between service revenue, rental income and other 
income based on modifications to lease contracts. This increase was partially offset by lower management 
service fees.

Cost of revenues decreased $163 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This variance was primarily due to 
lower operating costs due to lower throughput; lower project-related spend; lower repairs, maintenance and 
operating costs in the Southwest, Southern Appalachia and Marcellus; the Wholesale Exchange; as well as 
other miscellaneous expense decreases. 

Purchased product costs decreased $147 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to 
lower costs from lower volumes in the Southwest and lower prices in the Southwest and Southern 
Appalachia. This was partially offset by an increase due to unrealized derivative gains in the prior year 
compared to unrealized derivative losses in the current year.

Rental cost of sales and rental cost of sales-related parties decreased $11 million in 2020 compared to 2019 
primarily due to lower project-related spend and lower repairs, maintenance and operating costs from 
overall cost reduction initiatives.

Purchases-related parties decreased $115 million in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to the Wholesale 
Exchange and lower project-related spend, as well as other miscellaneous expense decreases from MPC.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $123 million in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to 
abandonment of assets and assets under construction, primarily related to indefinitely idled MPC refineries 
as well as from property, plant and equipment placed in service in 2020. 

70

Impairment expense increased $968 million in 2020 compared to 2019. During the first quarter of 2020, we 
recorded impairment expense for goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment of $1,814 
million, $177 million and $174 million, respectively. The impairment of goodwill related to our Eastern 
G&P reporting unit while the intangible asset and property, plant and equipment impairments relate to 
certain assets in our Southwest region. In 2019, we recorded impairment of $1,197 million within our 
Western G&P reporting unit. The impairments in both years were primarily driven by the slowing of 
drilling activity, which has reduced production growth forecasts from our producer customers.

General and administrative expenses decreased $10 million in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to 
lower employee related costs and a decrease in other miscellaneous costs.

Restructuring expenses increased $37 million in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to cost cutting 
measures during 2020 that resulted in restructuring charges.

Other taxes increased $12 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This variance was primarily due to higher 
property taxes.

Interest expense and other financial costs (including related parties) decreased $19 million in 2020 
compared to 2019. This was primarily due to decreased interest on variable rate debt as a result of lower 
interest rates during the year, the repayment of debt with higher interest rates, the issuance of new senior 
notes at lower interest rates and gains on debt extinguishments.

SEGMENT REPORTING

We classify our business in the following reportable segments: L&S and G&P. Segment Adjusted EBITDA 
represents Adjusted EBITDA attributable to the reportable segments. Amounts included in net income and 
excluded from Segment Adjusted EBITDA include: (i) depreciation and amortization; (ii) provision/
(benefit) for income taxes; (iii) amortization of deferred financing costs; (iv) extinguishment of debt; (v) 
non-cash equity-based compensation; (vi) impairment expense; (vii) net interest and other financial costs; 
(viii) income/(loss) from equity method investments; (ix) distributions and adjustments related to equity
method investments; (x) unrealized derivative gains/(losses); (xi) acquisition costs; (xii) noncontrolling
interests; and (xiii) other adjustments as deemed necessary. These items are either: (i) believed to be non-
recurring in nature; (ii) not believed to be allocable or controlled by the segment; or (iii) are not tied to the
operational performance of the segment.

The tables below present information about Segment Adjusted EBITDA for the reported segments for the 
years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

71

L&S Segment

L&S Segment Financial Highlights (in millions)

(1)

Includes results of Predecessor.

(In millions)
Service revenue
Rental income
Product related revenue
Income from equity method investments
Other income

Total segment revenues and other income

Cost of revenues
Purchases - related parties
Depreciation and amortization
General and administrative expenses
Restructuring expenses
Other taxes

Segment income from operations

Depreciation and amortization
Income from equity method investments
Distributions/adjustments related to equity method 
investments
Restructuring expenses
Acquisition costs
Non-cash equity-based compensation
Other
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Predecessor

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1)

2020

2019

$ Change

$  3,889  $  3,765  $ 

985 
51 
154 
206 
5,285 
782 
824 
633 
203 
29 
71 
2,743 
633 
(154)

221 
29 
— 
10 
6 
— 
3,488 

1,235 
91 
200 
61 
5,352 
966 
872 
503 
198 
— 
61 
2,752 
503 
(200)

267
— 
14 
14 
1 
(603)
2,748 

2018

$ Change
124  $  2,575  $  1,190 
379 
856
(250)
68 
23
(40)
29 
171
(46)
47 
145 
14 
1,680 
3,672
(67)
430 
536
(184)
174 
698
(48)
195 
308 
130 
37 
161 
5 
— 
— 
29 
16 
45 
10 
828 
1,924
(9)
195 
308
130 
(29)
(171)
46 

(46)
29 
(14)
(4)
5 
603
740 

242
—
4
12
— 
(262)
2,057 

25
—
10
2 
1 
(341)
691 

Capital expenditures(2)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

498 
141  $ 

1,060 

289  $ 

(562)
(148)  $

708

3  $ 

352 
286 

$ 

(1) See the Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP and DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders from Net

income table for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.
(2) Capital expenditures do not include adjustments for asset retirement expenditures. 

2020 Compared to 2019 

Service revenue increased $124 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to a $124 
million increase due to the reclassification of lease income between service revenue, rental income and 
other income based on modifications to lease contracts and a $42 million increase from additional marine 
equipment. There were also increases related to volume deficiency payments and favorable price impacts. 
These increases were partially offset by unfavorable volume impacts related to pipelines and terminals as 
well as an $18 million decrease due to the Wholesale Exchange.

Rental income decreased $250 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to a decrease of 
$262 million due to the reclassification of lease income between service revenue, rental income and other 

72

Revenues and other income(1)$5,285$5,352$3,672202020192018Income from operations(1)$2,743$2,752$1,924202020192018Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1)$3,488$3,351$2,319202020192018 
income based on modification to lease contracts. The decrease was partially offset by increased terminal 
storage revenue at our Mt. Airy terminal.

Product related revenue decreased $40 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to the 
Wholesale Exchange.

Income from equity method investments decreased $46 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was 
primarily due to decreased throughput on the Explorer and Bakken pipelines during 2020.

Other income increased $145 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to the 
reclassification of lease income between service revenue, rental income and other income based on 
modifications to lease contracts.

Cost of revenues decreased $184 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to lower 
operating costs due to lower throughput, lower project-related spend, the Wholesale Exchange and other 
miscellaneous expense decreases.

Purchases - related parties decreased $48 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to the 
Wholesale Exchange and lower project-related spend, as well as other miscellaneous expense decreases 
from MPC.

Depreciation and amortization increased $130 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to 
abandonment of assets in-service and assets under construction of $79 million, primarily related to idled 
MPC refineries, as well as from property, plant and equipment placed in service in 2020.

Restructuring expenses increased $29 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was due to cost cutting 
measures during 2020 that resulted in restructuring charges.

Other taxes increased $10 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This variance was primarily due to higher 
property taxes.

73

G&P Segment

G&P Segment Financial Highlights (in millions)

(1)
(2)
(3)

Includes results of Predecessor.
Includes impairment of equity method investments of $1,264 million for 2020 and $42 million for 2019.
Includes impairment of goodwill of $1,814 million, long-lived assets including intangibles of $351 million and equity method
investments of $1,264 million for 2020 and impairment of goodwill of $1,197 million and equity method investments of $42
million for 2019.

(In millions)
Service revenue
Rental income
Product related revenue
(Loss)/income from equity method investments(1)
Other income

Total segment revenues and other income

Cost of revenues
Purchased product costs
Purchases - related parties
Depreciation and amortization
Impairment expense
General and administrative expenses
Restructuring expenses
Other taxes

Segment (loss)/income from operations

Depreciation and amortization
Impairment expense
Loss/(income) from equity method investments
Distributions/adjustments related to equity method 
investments
Restructuring expenses
Unrealized derivative losses/(gains)(2)
Non-cash equity-based compensation
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling 
interests
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Predecessor

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(3)

2020

2019

$ Change

2018

$  2,088  $  2,188  $ 

(100)  $  1,685  $

365 
868 
(1,090) 
53 
2,284 
839 
539 
292 
744 
2,165 
175 
8 
54 
(2,532) 
744 
2,165 
1,090 

278 
8 
3 
4 

(37)
— 
1,723 

349 
997 
90 
65 
3,689 
829 
686 
359 
751 
1,197 
190 
— 
52 
(375)
751 
1,197 
(90)

295 
— 
(1)
8 

(32)
(167)
1,586 

16 
(129)
(1,180) 
(12)
(1,405) 
10 
(147)
(67)
(7)
968 
(15)
8 
2 
(2,157)
(7)
968 
1,180

(17)
8 
4
(4)

(5)
167
137 

342 
1,171
76 
59
3,333 
726 
824
227
559
—
155
— 
38 
804 
559
— 
(76)

216
—
(5)
12

(19)
(73)
1,418 

$ Change
503 
7 
(174) 
14 
6 
356 
103 
(138) 
132 
192 
1,197 
35 
— 
14 
(1,179) 
192 
1,197 
(14)

79
—
4
(4)

(13)
(94)
168 

Capital expenditures(4)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

441 
125  $ 

1,203 

424  $ 

(762)
(299)  $

1,545

338  $

(342) 
86 

$ 

(1)

Includes impairment expense related to various equity method investments of $1,264 million and $42 million in 2020 and 2019, 
respectively.

(2) MPLX makes a distinction between realized and unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative 

contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative
contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the
contract is recorded.

(3) See the Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP and DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders from Net

income table for the reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

74

Revenues and other income(1)(2)$2,284$3,689$3,333202020192018(Loss)/income fromoperations(1)(3)$(2,532)$(375)$804202020192018Segment Adjusted EBITDA(1)$1,723$1,753$1,491202020192018 
 
 
(4) Capital expenditures do not include adjustments for asset retirement expenditures. 

2020 Compared to 2019 

Service revenue decreased $100 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to lower fees 
from lower volumes in the Rockies, Southwest and Southern Appalachia of $93 million, as well as other 
miscellaneous decreases, partially offset by higher fees from higher volumes in the Marcellus of $40 
million. 

Rental income increased $16 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to higher fees 
related to gathering contracts in the Marcellus.

Product related revenue decreased $129 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to lower 
prices in all of the G&P regions of approximately $160 million and lower volumes of $67 million in the 
Southwest. This was partially offset by $37 million of volume increases in the Marcellus and the Javelina 
plant in the Southwest (this plant experienced downtime for maintenance in 2019), as well as other 
miscellaneous increases.

Income (loss) from equity method investments decreased $1,180 million in 2020 compared to 2019. The 
large decrease was driven by our ownership in MarkWest Utica EMG, our indirect ownership in Ohio 
Gathering Company, L.L.C. through our investment in MarkWest Utica EMG and our ownership in Uintah 
Basin Field Services, L.L.C., as we recognized impairments related to these investments in the first quarter 
of 2020 in the amount of $1,264 million. In 2019 we recognized impairment charges related to our Ohio 
Condensate Company, L.L.C. and Three Rivers Gathering LLC joint ventures of $42 million. This decrease 
was partially offset by an increase in the Sherwood Midstream LLC joint venture due to additional plants 
coming online during the second half of 2019. 

Other income decreased $12 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This variance was primarily due to lower 
management fees.

Cost of revenues increased $10 million in 2020 compared to 2019. The majority of the increase is 
attributable to aligning various expenses as a result of the ANDX acquisition offset by lower repairs, 
maintenance and operating costs in the Southwest, Southern Appalachia and Marcellus.

Purchased product costs decreased $147 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to 
lower volumes in the Southwest resulting in lower costs of $84 million and lower prices of $68 million in 
the Southwest and Southern Appalachia. This was offset by an increase of $4 million due to unrealized 
derivative gains in the prior year compared to unrealized derivative losses in the current year.

Purchases - related parties decreased $67 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was primarily due to 
aligning various expenses as a result of the ANDX acquisition.

Depreciation and amortization decreased $7 million in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to the 
impairment of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment during the first quarter of 2020 which 
has resulted in less depreciation expense in the current period when compared to prior periods partially 
offset by an increase in depreciation due to property, plant and equipment placed in service in beginning of 
2020.

Impairment expense increased $968 million as a result of our 2020 and 2019 impairment tests over 
goodwill. During the first quarter of 2020 we recorded impairment expense for goodwill, intangible assets 
and property, plant and equipment of $1,814 million, $177 million and $174 million, respectively. The 
impairment of goodwill related to our Eastern G&P reporting unit while the intangible asset and property, 
plant and equipment impairments relate to certain assets in our Southwest region. In 2019 we recorded 
impairment of $1,197 million within our Western G&P reporting unit. The impairments in both years were 
primarily driven by the slowing of drilling activity, which has reduced production growth forecasts from 
our producer customers.

General and administrative expenses decreased $15 million in 2020 compared to 2019, due to lower 
employee related costs and a decrease in other miscellaneous costs.

75

Restructuring expenses increased $8 million in 2020 compared to 2019. This was due to cost cutting 
measures during 2020 that resulted in restructuring charges. 

Operating Data

L&S
Crude oil transported for (mbpd)(1):

MPC

Third parties

Total

% MPC

Refined products transported for (mbpd)(2):

MPC(3)
Third parties

Total 

% MPC

Average tariff rates ($ per Bbl)(4):

Crude oil pipelines

Refined product pipelines

Total pipelines

2020

2019

2018

2,465 

533 

2,998 

 82 %

1,477 

237 

1,714 

 86 %

2,671 

557 

3,228 

 83 %

1,629 

257 

1,886 

 86 %

$ 

$ 

0.96 

0.81 

0.91 

$ 

$ 

0.94 

0.75 

0.87 

$ 

$ 

2,446 

675 

3,121 

 78 %

1,571 

252 

1,823 

 86 %

0.67 

0.75 

0.70 

Terminal throughput (mbpd)

2,673 

3,279 

3,148 

Marine Assets (number in operation)(5)

Barges

Towboats

300 

23 

286 

23 

256 

23 

76

G&P Consolidated entities(6)
Gathering Throughput (MMcf/d)

Marcellus Operations

Utica Operations

Southwest Operations

Bakken Operations

Rockies Operations

Total gathering throughput

Natural Gas Processed (MMcf/d)

Marcellus Operations

Utica Operation

Southwest Operations

Southern Appalachia Operations

Bakken Operations

Rockies Operations

Total natural gas processed

C2 + NGLs Fractionated (mbpd)

Marcellus Operations(8)
Utica Operations

Southwest Operations
Southern Appalachia Operations(9)
Bakken Operations

Rockies Operations

Total C2 + NGLs fractionated(10)

2020

2019

2018

1,349 

— 

1,430 

137 

511 

3,427 

4,198 

— 

1,471 

231 

136 

502 

1,287 

— 

1,625 

151 

630 

3,693 

4,192 

— 

1,629 

244 

151 

572 

1,155 

— 

1,566 

147 

654 

3,522 

3,826 

— 

1,438 

247 

147 

573 

6,538 

6,788 

6,231 

472 

— 

18 

12 

25 

4 
531 

435 

— 

15 

12 

24 

4 
490 

379 

— 

18 

15 

15 

4 
431 

77

G&P Consolidated entities plus Partnership-Operated 
Equity Method Investments(7)
Gathering Throughput (MMcf/d)

Marcellus Operations

Utica Operations

Southwest Operations

Bakken Operations

Rockies Operations

Total gathering throughput

Natural Gas Processed (MMcf/d)

Marcellus Operations

Utica Operations

Southwest Operations

Southern Appalachia Operations

Bakken Operations

Rockies Operations

Total natural gas processed

C2 + NGLs Fractionated (mbpd)

Marcellus Operations(8)
Utica Operations(8)
Southwest Operations
Southern Appalachia Operations(9)
Bakken Operations

Rockies Operations

Total C2 + NGLs fractionated(10)

Pricing Information

Natural Gas NYMEX HH ($/MMBtu)
C2 + NGL Pricing/Gal(11)

2020

2019

2018

1,349 

1,818 

1,483 

137 

688 

5,475 

5,629 

578 

1,537 

231 

136 

502 

1,287 

2,200 

1,628 

151 

828 

6,094 

5,248 

810 

1,636 

244 

151 

572 

1,155 

1,809 

1,567 

147 

841 

5,519 

4,448 

886 

1,438 

247 

147 

573 

8,613 

8,661 

7,739 

472 

31 

18 

12 

25 

4 

562 

435 

44 

15 

12 

24 

4 

534 

379 

47 

18 

15 

15 

4 

478 

2020

2019

2018

$ 

$ 

2.13  $ 

0.43  $ 

2.53  $ 

0.52  $ 

3.07 

0.78 

(1)

(2)

(3)

(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)

(8)

(9)
(10)

(11)

Represents the average aggregate daily number of barrels of crude oil transported on our pipelines and at our Wood River
barge dock for MPC and for third parties. Volumes shown are 100 percent of the volumes transported on the pipelines and
barge dock.
Represents the average aggregate daily number of barrels of products transported on our pipelines for MPC and third parties.
Volumes shown are 100 percent of the volumes transported on the pipelines. 
Includes volumes shipped by MPC on various pipelines under joint tariffs with third parties. For accounting purposes, revenue 
attributable to these volumes is classified as third-party revenue because we receive payment from those third parties with
respect to volumes shipped under the joint tariffs; however, the volumes associated with this revenue are applied towards 
MPC’s minimum quarterly volume commitments on the applicable pipelines because MPC is the shipper of record.
Average tariff rates calculated using pipeline transportation revenues divided by pipeline throughput barrels.
Represents total at the end of the period.
This table represents operating data for entities that have been consolidated into the MPLX financial statements. 
This table represents operating data for entities that have been consolidated into the MPLX financial statements as well as 
operating data for MPLX-operated equity method investments.
Hopedale is jointly owned by Ohio Fractionation and MarkWest Utica EMG. Ohio Fractionation is a subsidiary of MarkWest 
Liberty Midstream. MarkWest Liberty Midstream and MarkWest Utica EMG are entities that operate in the Marcellus and 
Utica regions, respectively. The Marcellus Operations includes its portion utilized of the jointly owned Hopedale fractionation
complex. The Utica Operations includes Utica’s portion utilized of the jointly owned Hopedale fractionation complex.
Additionally, Sherwood Midstream has the right to fractionation revenue and the obligation to pay expenses related to 40
mbpd of capacity in the Hopedale 3 and Hopedale 4 fractionators.
Includes NGLs fractionated for the Marcellus and Utica Operations.
Purity ethane makes up approximately 188 mbpd, 179 mbpd and 171 mbpd of MPLX LP consolidated total fractionated
products for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Purity ethane makes up approximately 194 
mbpd, 189 mbpd and 185 mbpd of MPLX operated total fractionated products for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019
and 2018, respectively.
C2 + NGL pricing based on Mont Belvieu prices assuming an NGL barrel of approximately 35 percent ethane, 35 percent
propane, six percent Iso-Butane, 12 percent normal butane and 12 percent natural gasoline.

78

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash Flows 

Our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash balance was $15 million at December 31, 2020 and 
December 31, 2019. Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, investing activities and financing 
activities for the past three years were as follows:

(In millions)

Net cash provided by/(used in):

Operating activities

Investing activities

Financing activities

Total

2020

2019

2018

$ 

4,521  $ 

4,082  $ 

(1,262) 

(3,259) 

(3,063) 

(1,089) 

$ 

—  $ 

(70) $

3,071 

(2,878) 

(117) 

76 

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities - Net cash provided by operating activities increased $439 
million in 2020 compared to 2019, primarily due to net income adjusted for non-cash items.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities - Net cash used in investing activities decreased $1,801 million in 
2020 compared to 2019 primarily due to decreased spending related to the capital budget, a return of capital 
primarily from our investments in Wink to Webster and Whistler and decreased contributions to equity 
method investments.

Cash Flows Used in and Provided by Financing Activities - Financing activities were a $3,259 million use 
of cash in 2020 compared to a $1,089 million use of cash in 2019. The primary reasons for the increase in 
the use of cash was due to lower net borrowings in 2020 for third-party obligations as well as net 
repayments on the loan agreement with MPC in 2020 compared to net borrowings in the prior year.

Free Cash Flow - For the year ended December 31, 2020, we generated excess cash flow after capital 
investments and distributions, allowing us the financial flexibility to repurchase $33 million of public 
common units during the fourth quarter of 2020. The table below provides a reconciliation of FCF and 
excess/deficit cash flow from net cash provided by operating activities for the twelve months ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. 

(In millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities(1)
Adjustments to reconcile net cash provided by operating 
activities to free cash flow

Net cash used in investing activities
Contributions from MPC
Contributions from noncontrolling interests
Distributions to noncontrolling interests

Free cash flow

Distributions to common and preferred unitholders(2)

2020

2019

2018

$ 

4,521  $ 

4,082  $ 

3,071 

(1,262) 
50 
— 
(37)
3,272 
(3,006) 

(3,063) 
74 
95 
(30)
1,158 
(3,039) 
(1,881)  $ 

(2,878) 
41 
11 
(17) 
228 
(2,129) 
(1,901) 

Excess (deficit) cash flow

$ 

266  $ 

(1) The year ended December 31, 2020, include a decrease in working capital of $204 million while the years ended December 31,

2019 and 2018 include an increase in working capital of $108 million and $31 million, respectively.

(2) For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, this amount includes distributions to common unitholders and Series B 

unitholders attributable to the Predecessor.

Debt and Liquidity Overview 

Credit Agreement

On July 30, 2019, in connection with the closing of the Merger, we amended our previously existing 
revolving credit facility (the “MPLX Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, increase the borrowing 
capacity from $2.25 billion to $3.5 billion and extend its maturity from July 2022 to July 2024. Borrowings 
under the MPLX Credit Agreement bear interest at either the Adjusted LIBOR or the Alternate Base Rate 

79

(as defined in the MPLX Credit Agreement), at our election, plus a specified margin. We are charged 
various fees and expenses in connection with the agreement, including administrative agent fees, 
commitment fees on the unused portion of the bank revolving credit facility and fees with respect to issued 
and outstanding letters of credit. The applicable margins to the benchmark interest rates and certain fees 
fluctuate based on the credit ratings in effect from time to time on MPLX’s long-term debt. 

The MPLX Credit Agreement includes letter of credit issuing capacity of up to $300 million and swingline 
capacity of up to $150 million. The borrowing capacity under the MPLX Credit Agreement may be 
increased by up to an additional $1.0 billion, subject to certain conditions, including the consent of lenders 
whose commitments would increase. In addition, the maturity date may be extended for up to two 
additional one-year periods subject to, among other conditions, the approval of lenders holding the majority 
of the commitments then outstanding, provided that the commitments of any non-consenting lenders will 
terminate on the then-effective maturity date. During 2020, we borrowed $3,815 million under the MPLX 
Credit Agreement, at an average interest rate of 1.490 percent, and repaid $3,640 million of these 
borrowings. At December 31, 2020, MPLX had $175 million outstanding borrowings under the new 
facility and less than $1.0 million in letters of credit outstanding, resulting in total availability of 
approximately $3,325 million, or approximately 95 percent of the borrowing capacity. 

The MPLX Credit Agreement contains certain representations and warranties, affirmative and negative 
covenants and events of default that we consider usual and customary for an agreement of that type and that 
could, among other things, limit our ability to pay distributions to our unitholders. The financial covenant 
requires us to maintain a ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as of the end of each fiscal quarter to 
Consolidated EBITDA (both as defined in the MPLX Credit Agreement) for the prior four fiscal quarters of 
no greater than 5.0 to 1.0 (or 5.5 to 1.0 for up to two fiscal quarters following certain acquisitions). 
Consolidated EBITDA is subject to adjustments for certain acquisitions completed and capital projects 
undertaken during the relevant period. Other covenants restrict us and/or certain of our subsidiaries from 
incurring debt, creating liens on our assets and entering into transactions with affiliates. As of 
December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with this financial covenant with a ratio of Consolidated Total 
Debt to Consolidated EBITDA of 3.8 to 1.0, as well as all other covenants contained in the MPLX Credit 
Agreement. 

Term Loan

On September 26, 2019, MPLX entered into a Term Loan Agreement, which provides for a committed 
term loan facility for up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion. Borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement bore 
interest, at MPLX’s election, at either (i) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) 
plus a margin ranging from 75.0 basis points to 100.0 basis points per annum, depending on MPLX’s credit 
ratings, or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement). On August 18, 2020 
MPLX fully repaid the $1.0 billion of outstanding borrowings on the Term Loan Agreement using proceeds 
from the August 2020 New Senior Notes as discussed below.  

Senior Notes

On December 29, 2020, MPLX announced the redemption of all the $750 million outstanding aggregate 
principal amount of 5.250 percent senior notes due January 15, 2025, including approximately $42 million 
aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by ANDX. The notes were redeemed on January 15, 
2021 at a price equal to 102.625 percent of the principal amount.

As of December 31, 2020, we had $20.35 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior notes outstanding. 
The increase compared to year-end 2019 resulted primarily from the issuance of an additional $1.5 billion 
aggregate principal amount of 1.750 percent senior notes due March 2026 and $1.5 billion of 2.650 percent 
senior notes due August 2030, offset by the redemption of $1.75 billion aggregate principal amount of 
senior notes, as discussed below. 

On August 18, 2020 MPLX issued $3 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in a public 
offering, consisting of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.750 percent senior notes due March 
2026 and $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.650 percent senior notes due August 2030 
(collectively, the “August 2020 New Senior Notes”). The August 2020 New Senior Notes were offered at a 
price to the public of 99.785 percent and 99.913 percent of par, respectively. Interest on each series of notes 
in the August 2020 New Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears, commencing on March 1, 2021 

80

for the senior notes due March 2026 and commencing on February 15, 2021 for the senior notes due 
August 2030. The net proceeds were used to repay the $1.0 billion of outstanding borrowings under the 
MPLX Term Loan Agreement, to repay the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes 
due September 2021, to redeem all of the $450 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375 percent senior 
notes due May 2024, $69 million of which was issued by ANDX, and to redeem the $300 million aggregate 
principal amount of 6.250 percent senior notes due October 2022, $34 million of which was issued by 
ANDX. Proceeds were also used to reduce amounts outstanding under the MPLX Credit Agreement at the 
time.

MPC Loan Agreement

MPLX is party to a loan agreement with MPC Investment (the “MPC Loan Agreement”). Under the terms 
of the agreement, MPC Investment extends loans to MPLX on a revolving basis as requested by MPLX and 
as agreed to by MPC Investment. On April 27, 2018, MPLX and MPC Investment entered into an 
amendment to the MPC Loan Agreement to increase the borrowing capacity under the MPC Loan 
Agreement from $500 million to $1 billion. In connection with the Merger, on July 31, 2019, MPLX and 
MPC Investment entered into a second amendment to the MPC Loan Agreement to increase the borrowing 
capacity under the MPC Loan Agreement to $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of all loans 
outstanding at any one time. The loan agreement is scheduled to expire, and borrowings under the loan 
agreement are scheduled to mature and become due and payable on July 31, 2024, provided that MPC 
Investment may demand payment of all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the loan, 
together with all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts (if any), at any time prior to the maturity 
date. Borrowings under the MPC Loan Agreement prior to July 31, 2019 bore interest at LIBOR plus 1.50 
percent, while borrowings as of and after July 31, 2019 will bear interest at the one-month LIBOR plus 
1.25 percent or such lower rate as would be applicable to such loans under the MPLX Credit Agreement. 
Activity on the MPC Loan Agreement for 2020 was as follows:

(In millions, except %)
Borrowings

Average interest rate of borrowings

Repayments

Outstanding balance at end of period

December 31, 2020

$ 

$ 

$ 

6,264 

 2.278 %

6,858 

— 

For further discussion, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 6 and Note 17.

Our intention is to maintain an investment grade credit profile. As of February 1, 2021, the credit ratings on 
our senior unsecured debt were at or above investment grade level as follows:

Rating Agency

Rating

Moody’s

Fitch

Standard & Poor’s

Baa2 (negative outlook)

BBB (negative outlook)

BBB (negative outlook)

The ratings shown above reflect the respective views of the rating agencies. Although it is our intention to 
maintain a credit profile that supports an investment grade rating, there is no assurance that these ratings 
will continue for any given period of time. The ratings may be revised or withdrawn entirely by the rating 
agencies if, in their respective judgments, circumstances so warrant.

The agreements governing our debt obligations do not contain credit rating triggers that would result in the 
acceleration of interest, principal or other payments in the event that our credit ratings are downgraded. 
However, any downgrades in the credit ratings of our senior unsecured debt ratings could, among other 
things, increase the applicable interest rates and other fees payable under the MPLX Credit Agreement, 
which may limit our flexibility to obtain future financing.

81

Our liquidity totaled $4.8 billion at December 31, 2020, consisting of:

(In millions)

MPLX LP - bank revolving credit facility expiring 2024

MPC Loan Agreement

Total

Cash and cash equivalents

Total liquidity

December 31, 2020

Total Capacity

Outstanding 
Borrowings

Available
Capacity

$ 

$ 

3,500  $ 

(175) $

1,500 

5,000  $ 

—

(175)

3,325 

1,500 

4,825

15 

$ 

4,840 

We expect our ongoing sources of liquidity to include cash generated from operations, borrowings under 
our revolving credit facilities and access to capital markets. We believe that cash generated from these 
sources will be sufficient to meet our short term and long-term funding requirements, including working 
capital requirements, capital expenditure requirements, contractual obligations and quarterly cash 
distributions. Our material future obligations include interest on debt, payments of debt principal, purchase 
obligations including contracts to acquire PP&E and our operating leases and service agreements. We may 
also, from time to time repurchase notes in the open market, in privately-negotiated transactions or 
otherwise in such volumes, at such prices and upon such other terms as we deem appropriate and execute 
unit repurchases under our unit repurchase program

MPC manages our cash and cash equivalents on our behalf directly with third-party institutions as part of 
the treasury services that it provides to us. From time to time, we may also consider utilizing other sources 
of liquidity, including the formation of joint ventures or sales of non-strategic assets.

Equity and Preferred Units Overview

The following table summarizes the changes in the number of units outstanding through December 31, 
2020:

(In units)
Balance at December 31, 2017

Unit-based compensation awards
Contribution of Refining Logistics and Fuels 
Distribution
Conversion of GP economic interests

Balance at December 31, 2018

Unit-based compensation awards
Issuance of units in connection with the Merger

Conversion of Series A preferred units

Balance at December 31, 2019

Unit-based compensation awards
Units redeemed in unit repurchase program

Wholesale Exchange

Balance at December 31, 2020

Common

General Partner

Total

407,130,020 
348,387 

8,308,773 
140 

415,438,793 
348,527 

111,611,111 
275,000,000 
794,089,518 
288,031 
262,829,592 
1,148,330 
 1,058,355,471 
478,438 
(1,473,843) 
(18,582,088) 
 1,038,777,978 

2,277,778 
(10,586,691) 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

113,888,889 
264,413,309 
794,089,518 
288,031 
262,829,592 
1,148,330 
 1,058,355,471 
478,438 
(1,473,843) 
(18,582,088) 
 1,038,777,978 

For more details on equity activity, see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Notes 8 and 
9.

Preferred Units

Series A Preferred Units - On May 13, 2016, MPLX completed the private placement of approximately 
30.8 million Series A preferred units for a cash purchase price of $32.50 per unit. The aggregate net 
proceeds of approximately $984 million from the sale of the preferred units were used for capital 
expenditures, repayment of debt and general business purposes.

82

The Series A preferred units rank senior to all common units with respect to distributions and rights upon 
liquidation. The holders of the Series A preferred units received cumulative quarterly distributions equal to 
$0.528125 per unit for each quarter prior to the second quarter of 2018. Beginning with the second quarter 
of 2018, the holders of the Series A preferred units are entitled to receive a quarterly distribution equal to 
the greater of $0.528125 per unit or the amount of distributions they would have received on an as 
converted basis. Distributions paid to Series A preferred unitholders during the years ended December 31, 
2020, 2019 and 2018 were $81 million, $81 million and $71 million, respectively. 

On September 20, 2019, certain holders exercised their right to convert a total of 1.2 million Series A 
preferred units into common units. As a result of the transaction, approximately 29.6 million Series A 
preferred units remain outstanding as of December 31, 2020.

Series B Preferred Units - Prior to the Merger, ANDX issued 600,000 units of 6.875 percent Fixed-to-
Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units representing limited partner interests of 
ANDX at a price to the public of $1,000 per unit. Upon completion of the Merger, the ANDX preferred 
units converted to preferred units of MPLX representing substantially equivalent limited partnership 
interests in MPLX. The Series B preferred units are pari passu with the Series A preferred units with 
respect to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation. Distributions on the Series B preferred units are 
payable semi-annually through February 15, 2023, and quarterly thereafter. Distributions paid to Series B 
preferred unitholders during the year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $41 million and $21 
million, respectively.

ATM Program

On March 13, 2018, MPLX entered into a Third Amended and Restated Distribution Agreement, which 
provided for the at-the-market issuances of common units having an aggregate offering price of up to 
approximately $1.7 billion, in amounts, at prices and on terms determined by market conditions and other 
factors at the time of the offerings. There were no issuances made under the ATM Program during the years 
ended December 31, 2020, 2019 or 2018.

Unit Repurchase Program

On November 2, 2020, MPLX announced the board authorization of a unit repurchase program for the 
repurchase of up to $1 billion of MPLX’s outstanding common units held by the public. MPLX may utilize 
various methods to effect the repurchases, which could include open market repurchases, negotiated block 
transactions, tender offers, accelerated unit repurchases or open market solicitations for units, some of 
which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. The timing and amount of repurchases will depend upon 
several factors, including market and business conditions, and repurchases may be initiated, suspended or 
discontinued at any time. The repurchase authorization has no expiration date. During the year ended 
December 31, 2020, 1,473,843 public common units had been repurchased at an average cost of $22.29 per 
unit. Total cash paid for units repurchased during the year was $33 million with $967 million outstanding 
under the program for future repurchases as of December 31, 2020.

Distributions

We intend to pay a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.2625 per unit, which equates to $273 million per 
quarter, or $1,091 million per year, based on the number of common units outstanding. On January 28, 
2021, we announced that the board of directors of our general partner had declared a distribution of 
$0.6875 per common unit, consistent with distributions made for each quarter since the fourth quarter of 
2019. The distribution was paid on February 12, 2021 to common unitholders of record on February 8, 
2021. Although our Partnership Agreement requires that we distribute all of our available cash each 
quarter, we do not otherwise have a legal obligation to distribute any particular amount per common unit.

The allocation of total quarterly cash distributions to general and limited partners is as follows for the years 
ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. Our distributions are declared subsequent to quarter end; 
therefore, the following table represents total cash distributions applicable to the period in which the 
distributions were earned. See additional discussion in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary 
Data - Note 7.

83

(In millions, except per unit data)

Distribution declared:

2020

2019

2018

Limited partner common units - public

$ 

1,079  $ 

988  $ 

Limited partner common units - MPC

Total GP & LP distribution declared

Series A preferred units

Series B preferred units

1,793 

2,872 

81 

41 

1,647 

2,635 

81 

42 

732 

1,253 

1,985 

75 

— 

Total distribution declared

$ 

2,994  $ 

2,758  $ 

2,060 

Cash distributions declared per limited partner common 
unit:

Quarter ended March 31,

Quarter ended June 30,

Quarter ended September 30,

Quarter ended December 31,

Year ended December 31,

$ 

0.6875  $ 

0.6575  $ 

0.6875 

0.6875 

0.6875 

0.6675 

0.6775 

0.6875 

$ 

2.7500  $ 

2.6900  $ 

0.6175 

0.6275 

0.6375 

0.6475 

2.5300 

The distribution on common units for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes the impact of the 
issuance of approximately 102 million units issued to public unitholders and approximately 161 million 
units issued to MPC in connection with the Merger. Due to the timing of the closing, distributions 
presented in the table above include second quarter 2019 distributions on MPLX common units issued to 
former ANDX unitholders in connection with the Merger. MPC waived $12.5 million in quarterly 
distributions under the terms of ANDX's historical partnership agreement, which was instituted in 2017 and 
was to remain in effect through 2019, the original term of the waiver agreement. As such, the distributions 
on common units exclude $12.5 million of waived distributions for the three months ended December 31, 
2019 and $37.5 million of waived distributions for the year ended December 31, 2019. Also included in the 
table above is $21 million of distributions on the Series B preferred units subsequent to the Merger as well 
as $21 million of distributions on the Series B units prior to the Merger and declared and paid by MPLX 
during the third quarter of 2019. 

Capital Expenditures

Our operations are capital intensive, requiring investments to expand, upgrade, enhance or maintain 
existing operations and to meet environmental and operational regulations. Our capital requirements consist 
of maintenance capital expenditures and growth capital expenditures. Examples of maintenance capital 
expenditures are those made to replace partially or fully depreciated assets, to maintain the existing 
operating capacity of our assets and to extend their useful lives, or other capital expenditures that are 
incurred in maintaining existing system volumes and related cash flows. In contrast, growth capital 
expenditures are those incurred for acquisitions or capital improvements that we expect will increase our 
operating capacity to increase volumes gathered, processed, transported or fractionated, decrease operating 
expenses within our facilities or increase operating income over the long term. Examples of growth capital 
expenditures include the acquisition of equipment or the construction costs and the development or 
acquisition of additional pipeline, processing or storage capacity. In general, growth capital includes costs 
that are expected to generate additional or new cash flow for MPLX.

84

Our capital expenditures for the past three years are shown in the table below:

(In millions)
Capital expenditures(1):

Growth capital expenditures

Growth capital reimbursements

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

Return of capital

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

Capitalized interest

Total growth capital expenditures

Maintenance capital expenditures

Maintenance capital reimbursements

Total maintenance capital expenditures

Total growth and maintenance capital expenditures

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates(2)
Return of capital(2)
Contributions from noncontrolling interests(3)
Growth and maintenance capital reimbursements(4)
Decrease/(increase) in capital accruals

Capitalized interest

2020

2019

2018

$ 

778  $ 

2,000  $ 

2,071 

(4)

266 

(123)

— 

(39)

878 

161 

(46)

115 

993 

(266)

123 

— 

50 

244 

39 

(21)

713

(18)

(95)

(51)

(16) 

341 

(16) 

(11)

(37)

2,528 

2,332 

262 

(53)

209 

2,737 

(713)

18 

95 

74 

146 

51 

175 

(8) 

167 

2,499 

(341) 

16 

11 

24 

(135) 

37 

$ 

1,183  $ 

2,408  $ 

2,111 

Additions to property, plant and equipment, net(2)
(1)
(2)

Includes capital expenditures of the Predecessor for all periods presented.
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates, return of capital and additions to property, plant and equipment, net are shown as
separate lines within investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

(3) Contributions from noncontrolling interests are shown as separate line within financing activities in the Consolidated Statements 

of Cash Flows. 

(4) Growth and maintenance capital reimbursements are included in the Contributions from MPC line within financing activities in

the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 

For 2021, we announced a growth and maintenance capital plan of $800 million and $165 million, 
respectively. Our capital plans are focused on investments in projects that deliver the highest returns as we 
continue to optimize our assets. The L&S growth capital plan includes investments in the Wink to Webster 
and Whistler pipelines, which are focused on crude oil and natural gas logistics systems to transport 
products from the Permian to the U.S. Gulf Coast and increase our export capabilities. This provides for 
additional flexibility and competitive advantages in how we operate our assets as these projects further 
enhance our L&S segment full value chain capture. The G&P segment growth capital plan includes the 
addition of approximately 400 MMcf/d of processing capacity at two gas processing plants, one in the 
Marcellus region, which is expected to be completed in 2021, and one in the Southwest region, which is 
expected to be completed in 2022. We continuously evaluate our capital plan and make changes as 
conditions warrant.

85

 
Contractual Cash Obligations

The table below provides aggregated information on our consolidated obligations to make future payments 
under existing contracts as of December 31, 2020:

 Total

2021

2022-2023

2024-2025

Later Years

$ 

202  $ 

8  $ 

15  $ 

179  $ 

(In millions)
Bank revolving credit facility(1)
Floating rate senior notes(1)
Long-term debt(1)(2)
Finance lease obligations
Operating leases(3)
Contracts to acquire property, plant & 
equipment(4)
Natural gas purchase obligations(5)
Transportation and terminalling(6)
Other long-term liabilities reflected on 
the Consolidated Balance Sheets:

AROs(7)
Other contracts(8)(9)

1,023 

30,608 

18 

1,030 

156 

13 

1,065 

29 

2,982 

14 

1,554 

1,009 

3,541 

3 

90 

97 

7 

103 

— 

107 

4 

152 

59 

6 

271 

— 

155 

— 

— 

— 

4,163 

21,350 

2 

82 

— 

— 

270 

— 

134 

9 

706 

— 

— 

421 

29 

2,586 

Total contractual cash obligations

$  37,126  $ 

1,983  $ 

5,212  $ 

4,830  $  25,101 

(1) Amounts represent outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2020, plus any commitment and administrative fees and interest.
(2) The 2021 column includes $750 million of long-term debt due within one year related to our 5.25 percent Senior Notes due on
January 15, 2025, which were redeemed on January 15, 2021. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data –
Note 17 for further discussion.

(3) Amounts relate primarily to facilities and equipment under leases, including ground leases, building space, office and field

equipment, storage facilities and transportation equipment. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 22
for further discussion about our lease obligations.

(4) Represents purchase orders and contracts related to the purchase or build out of property, plant and equipment.
(5) Natural gas purchase obligations consist primarily of a purchase agreement with a producer in our Southern Appalachia

Operations. The contract provides for the purchase of keep-whole volumes at a specific price and is a component of a broader
regional arrangement. The contract price is designed to share a portion of the frac spread with the producer and as a result, the
amounts reflected for the obligation exceed the cost of purchasing the keep-whole volumes at a market price. The contract is
considered an embedded derivative (see Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 16 for the fair value of the
frac spread sharing component). We use the estimated future frac spreads as of December 31, 2020 for calculating this
obligation. The counterparty to the contract has the option to renew the gas purchase agreement and the related keep-whole
processing agreement for two successive five-year terms after 2022, which is not included in the natural gas purchase obligations
line item.

(6) Represents transportation and terminalling agreements that obligate us to minimum volume, throughput or payment

commitments over the terms of the agreements, which will range from four to 12 years. We expect to pass any minimum 
payment commitments through to producer customers. Minimum fees due under transportation agreements do not include
potential fee increases as required by FERC.

(7) Excludes estimated accretion expense of $26 million. The total amount to be paid is approximately $55 million.
(8) Other contracts include various service agreements and easements including right of way obligations. 
(9) MPC incurs costs on our behalf related to reimbursable refining logistics projects under the Co-location Agreements, and we will
reimburse MPC based on actual purchase obligations up to a certain dollar amount. The estimate of these payments due in 2021 
are not included in the table above, as the amounts incurred during 2021 are billed to MPLX monthly, one month in arrears.

In addition to the obligations included in the table above, we have omnibus agreements and employee 
agreements with MPC. The omnibus agreements with MPC addresses our payment of a fixed annual fee to 
MPC for the provision of executive management services by certain executive officers of our general 
partner and our reimbursement to MPC for the provision of certain general and administrative services to 
us. 

We also pay MPC additional amounts based on the costs actually incurred by MPC in providing other 
services, except for the portion of the amount attributable to engineering services, which is based on the 
amounts actually incurred by MPC and its affiliates plus six percent of such costs. In addition, we are 
obligated to reimburse MPC for most out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by MPC on our behalf.

MPLX has various employee agreements with MPC under which MPLX reimburses MPC for employee 
benefit expenses, along with the provision of operational and management services in support of both our 
L&S and G&P segments’ operations. 

86

We incurred $1,647 million of costs under the omnibus and employee agreements for 2020, which is 
inclusive of restructuring expenses of $37 million. 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2020, our off-balance sheet arrangements comprise those arrangements that may 
potentially impact our liquidity, capital resources and results of operations, even though such arrangements 
are not recorded as liabilities under U.S. GAAP. Our off-balance sheet arrangements are limited to 
indemnities and guarantees that are described in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – 
Note 23. Although these arrangements serve a variety of our business purposes, we are not dependent on 
them to maintain our liquidity and capital resources, and we are not aware of any circumstances that are 
reasonably likely to cause the off-balance sheet arrangements to have a material adverse effect on our 
liquidity and capital resources.

Effects of Inflation

Inflation did not have a material impact on our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 
2020, 2019 or 2018. Although the impact of inflation has been insignificant in recent years, it is still a 
factor in the United States economy and may increase the cost to acquire, build or replace property, plant 
and equipment. It may also increase the costs of labor and supplies. To the extent permitted by competition, 
regulation and our existing agreements, we have and expect to continue to pass along all or a portion of 
increased costs to our customers in the form of higher fees.

TRANSACTIONS WITH RELATED PARTIES

As of December 31, 2020, MPC owned our general partner and an approximate 62.3 percent limited partner 
interest in us. We perform a variety of services for MPC related to the transportation of crude and refined 
petroleum products via pipeline, truck or marine as well as terminal services, storage services and fuels 
distribution and marketing services, among other. The services that we provide may be based on regulated 
tariff rates or on contracted rates. In addition, MPC performs certain services for us related to information 
technology, engineering, legal, accounting, treasury, human resources and other administrative services. 
We believe that transactions with related parties are conducted under terms comparable to those with 
unrelated parties. For further discussion of agreements and activity with MPC and related parties see 
Item 1. Business and Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 6.

Excluding revenues attributable to volumes shipped by MPC under joint tariffs with third parties that are 
treated as third-party revenues for accounting purposes, and excluding losses for impairment of equity 
method investments, MPC accounted for 55 percent, 53 percent and 48 percent of our total revenues and 
other income for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Of our total costs and expenses, excluding impairment 
expense, MPC accounted for 30 percent, 30 percent and 27 percent for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS AND COMPLIANCE COSTS

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. These laws, which 
change frequently, regulate the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relate to protection 
of the environment. Compliance with these laws and regulations may require us to remediate environmental 
damage from any discharge of hazardous, petroleum or chemical substances from our facilities or require 
us to install additional pollution control equipment on our equipment and facilities. Our failure to comply 
with these or any other environmental or safety-related regulations could result in the assessment of 
administrative, civil or criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory and remedial liabilities, and the 
issuance of injunctions that may subject us to additional operational constraints.

Future expenditures may be required to comply with the CAA and other federal, state and local 
requirements for our various facilities. The impact of these legislative and regulatory developments, if 
enacted or adopted, could result in increased compliance costs and additional operating restrictions on our 
business, each of which could have an adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and 
liquidity. MPC will indemnify us for certain of these costs.

If these expenditures, as with all costs, are not ultimately reflected in the fees and tariff rates we receive for 
our services, our operating results will be adversely affected. We believe that substantially all of our 

87

competitors must comply with similar environmental laws and regulations. However, the specific impact on 
each competitor may vary depending on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the age and 
location of its operating facilities. Our environmental expenditures for each of the past three years were: 

(In millions, except %)
Capital
Percent of total capital expenditures
Compliance:

Operating and maintenance
Remediation(1)
Total

2020

2019

2018

$ 

$ 

$ 

26 
 3 %

24 
4 
28 

$ 

$ 

$ 

39 
 2 %

40 
10 
50 

$ 

$ 

$ 

29 
 1 %

35 
9 
44 

(1) These amounts include spending charged against remediation reserves, where permissible, but exclude non-cash accruals for

environmental remediation.

We accrue for environmental remediation activities when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the 
amount of associated costs can be reasonably estimated. As environmental remediation matters proceed 
toward ultimate resolution or as additional remediation obligations arise, charges in excess of those 
previously accrued may be required.

New or expanded environmental requirements, which could increase our environmental costs, may arise in 
the future. We believe we comply with all legal requirements regarding the environment, but since not all 
of them are fixed or presently determinable (even under existing legislation) and may be affected by future 
legislation or regulations, it is not possible to predict all of the ultimate costs of compliance, including 
remediation costs that may be incurred and penalties that may be imposed.

Our environmental capital expenditures are expected to approximate $18 million in 2021. Actual 
expenditures may vary as the number and scope of environmental projects are revised as a result of 
improved technology or changes in regulatory requirements and could increase if additional projects are 
identified or additional requirements are imposed. 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and 
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and 
liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
expenses during the respective reporting periods. Accounting estimates are considered to be critical if 
(i) the nature of the estimates and assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment
necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change and (ii) the
impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material. Actual
results could differ from the estimates and assumptions used.

The policies and estimates discussed below are considered by management to be critical to an 
understanding of our financial statements because their application requires the most significant judgments 
from management in estimating matters for financial reporting that are inherently uncertain. See Item 8. 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 2 for additional information on these policies and 
estimates, as well as a discussion of additional accounting policies and estimates.

Fair Value Estimates

Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly 
transaction between market participants at the measurement date. There are three approaches for measuring 
the fair value of assets and liabilities: the market approach, the income approach and the cost approach, 
each of which includes multiple valuation techniques. The market approach uses prices and other relevant 
information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The 
income approach uses valuation techniques to measure fair value by converting future amounts, such as 
cash flows or earnings, into a single present value amount using current market expectations about those 
future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace the 
service capacity of an asset. This is often referred to as current replacement cost. The cost approach 

88

assumes that the fair value would not exceed what it would cost a market participant to acquire or construct 
a substitute asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence.

The fair value accounting standards do not prescribe which valuation technique should be used when 
measuring fair value and do not prioritize among the techniques. These standards establish a fair value 
hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in applying the various valuation techniques. Inputs broadly refer 
to the assumptions that market participants use to make pricing decisions, including assumptions about risk. 
Level 1 inputs are given the highest priority in the fair value hierarchy while Level 3 inputs are given the 
lowest priority. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

•

•

•

Level 1 - Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in
active markets as of the measurement date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the
asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an
ongoing basis.

Level 2 - Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market
data. These are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are
either directly or indirectly observable as of the measurement date.

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and may be used with
internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.

Valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs are favored. Assets and liabilities are 
classified in their entirety based on the lowest priority level of input that is significant to the fair value 
measurement. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement 
requires judgment and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the levels of the fair value 
hierarchy. We use an income or market approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavor to use 
the best information available. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15 for 
disclosures regarding our fair value measurements.

Significant uses of fair value measurements include:

•

•

•
•

assessment of impairment of long-lived assets, intangible assets, goodwill and equity method
investments;

assessment of values for assets in implicit leases;

recorded values for assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions; and
recorded values of derivative instruments.

Impairment Assessments of Long-Lived Assets, Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Equity Method 
Investments

Fair value calculated for the purpose of testing our long-lived assets, intangible assets, goodwill and equity 
method investments for impairment is estimated using the expected present value of future cash flows 
method and comparative market prices when appropriate. Significant judgment is involved in performing 
these fair value estimates since the results are based on forecasted assumptions. Significant assumptions 
include:

•

•

•

Future Operating Performance. Our estimates of future operating performance are based on our
analysis of various supply and demand factors, which include, among other things, industry-wide
capacity, our planned utilization rate, end-user demand, capital expenditures and economic
conditions as well as commodity prices. Such estimates are consistent with those used in our
planning and capital investment reviews.

Future volumes. Our estimates of future throughput of crude oil, natural gas, NGL and refined
product volumes are based on internal forecasts and depend, in part, on assumptions about our
customers’ drilling activity which is inherently subjective and contingent upon a number of
variable factors (including future or expected pricing considerations), many of which are difficult
to forecast. Management considers these volume forecasts and other factors when developing our
forecasted cash flows.

Discount rate commensurate with the risks involved. We apply a discount rate to our cash flows
based on a variety of factors, including market and economic conditions, operational risk,

89

regulatory risk and political risk. This discount rate is also compared to recent observable market 
transactions, if possible. A higher discount rate decreases the net present value of cash flows.

•

Future capital requirements. These are based on authorized spending and internal forecasts.

Assumptions about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the macroeconomic environment are 
inherently subjective and contingent upon the duration of the pandemic and its impact on the 
macroeconomic environment, which is difficult to forecast. We base our fair value estimates on projected 
financial information which we believe to be reasonable. However, actual results may differ from these 
projections.

The need to test for impairment can be based on several indicators, including a significant reduction in 
prices of or demand for commodities, a poor outlook for profitability, a significant reduction in pipeline 
throughput volumes, a significant reduction in natural gas or NGL volumes processed, other changes to 
contracts or changes in the regulatory environment in which the asset or equity method investment is 
located.

Long-lived assets used in operations are assessed for impairment whenever changes in facts and 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable based on the expected 
undiscounted future cash flow of an asset group. For purposes of impairment evaluation, long-lived assets 
must be grouped at the lowest level for which independent cash flows can be identified, which is at least at 
the segment level and in some cases for similar assets in the same geographic region where cash flows can 
be separately identified. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of an asset 
group, fair value is calculated, and the carrying value is written down if greater than the calculated fair 
value.

During the first quarter of 2020, we identified an impairment trigger relating to asset groups within our 
Western G&P reporting unit as a result of significant impacts to forecasted cash flows for these asset 
groups resulting from the first quarter events and circumstances as discussed in Item 8. Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 1. The cash flows associated with these assets were 
significantly impacted by forecasted volume declines reflecting decreased forecasted producer customer 
production as a result of lower commodity prices. After assessing each asset group within the Western 
G&P reporting unit for impairment, only the East Texas G&P asset group had a carrying value in excess of 
the fair value of its underlying assets. As a result, an impairment of $174 million of property, plant and 
equipment and $177 million of intangibles was recorded to “Impairment expense” on the Consolidated 
Statements of Income for the first quarter of 2020. Fair value of our PP&E was determined using a 
combination of an income and cost approach. The income approach utilized significant assumptions 
including management’s best estimates of the expected future cash flows and the estimated useful life of 
the asset group. The cost approach utilized assumptions for the current replacement costs of similar assets 
adjusted for estimated depreciation and deterioration of the existing equipment and economic obsolescence. 
The fair value of the intangibles was determined based on applying the multi-period excess earnings 
method, which is an income approach. Key assumptions included management’s best estimates of the 
expected future cash flows from existing customers, customer attrition rates and the discount rate. Fair 
value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions 
and factors. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of 
our impairment analysis will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future. The fair value measurements 
for the asset group fair values represent Level 3 measurements.

Unlike long-lived assets, goodwill must be tested for impairment at least annually, and between annual tests 
if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a 
reporting unit below its carrying amount. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. We 
have five reporting units, three of which have goodwill allocated to them. A goodwill impairment loss is 
measured as the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, without exceeding 
the recorded amount of goodwill. 

At December 31, 2020, MPLX had three reporting units with goodwill totaling approximately $7.7 billion. 
For the annual impairment assessment as of November 30, 2020, management performed only a qualitative 
assessment for one reporting unit as we determined it was more likely than not that the fair value of the 
reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. A quantitative assessment was last performed on this reporting 
unit at March 31, 2020 which indicated fair value exceeded carrying value by approximately 270 percent. A 
quantitative assessment was performed for the remaining two reporting units, which resulted in the fair 

90

value of the reporting units exceeding their carrying value by nine percent and 42 percent. The reporting 
unit whose fair value exceeded its carrying amount by nine percent, our Crude Gathering Reporting unit, 
had goodwill totaling $1.1 billion at December 31, 2020. The excess fair value over carrying value for this 
reporting unit is consistent with prior assessments. An increase of one percentage point to the discount rate 
used to estimate the fair value of this reporting unit would not have resulted in goodwill impairment as of 
November 30, 2020.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1 for a description of the effects that the 
outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic and the decline in commodity prices have had 
on our business. Due to these developments in the first quarter of 2020, we performed impairment 
assessments as discussed further below.

As a result of the events noted above, we performed an impairment assessment as of March 31, 2020, and 
as a result, MPLX recorded an impairment of $1.8 billion in the first quarter of 2020 related to our Eastern 
G&P reporting unit within the G&P operating segment, which brought the amount of goodwill recorded 
within this reporting unit to zero. The impairment was primarily driven by updated guidance related to the 
slowing of drilling activity which has reduced production growth forecasts from our producer customers. 
The interim impairment assessment of the remaining reporting units with goodwill resulted in the fair value 
of the reporting units exceeding their carrying value by percentages ranging from approximately 8.5 percent 
to 270.0 percent. The reporting unit whose fair value exceeded its carrying amount by 8.5 percent, our 
Crude Gathering reporting unit, had goodwill totaling $1.1 billion at March 31, 2020. The operations that 
make up this reporting unit were acquired through the Merger. MPC accounted for its October 1, 2018 
acquisition of Andeavor (through which it acquired control of ANDX), using the acquisition method of 
accounting, which required Andeavor assets and liabilities to be recorded by MPC at the acquisition date 
fair value. The Merger was closed on July 30, 2019 and has been treated as a common control transaction, 
which required the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed using MPC’s historical carrying 
value. As such, given the short amount of time from when fair value was established to the date of the 
impairment test, the amount by which the fair value exceeded the carrying value within this reporting unit 
is not unexpected. An increase of one percentage point to the discount rate used to estimate the fair value of 
this reporting unit would not have resulted in goodwill impairment as of March 31, 2020. No other 
reporting units had had fair values exceeding carrying values of less than 20 percent. 

Significant assumptions used to estimate the reporting units’ fair value included estimates of future cash 
flows and market information for comparable assets. Fair value determinations require considerable 
judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. As a result, there can be no 
assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the impairment tests will prove to be an 
accurate prediction of the future. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 14 for 
additional information relating to our reporting units and goodwill.

Equity method investments are assessed for impairment whenever factors indicate an other than temporary 
loss in value. Factors providing evidence of such a loss include the fair value of an investment that is less 
than its carrying value, absence of an ability to recover the carrying value or the investee’s inability to 
generate income sufficient to justify our carrying value. During the first quarter of 2020, we assessed 
certain of our equity method investments for impairment as a result of a number of first quarter events and 
circumstances as discussed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 1. As a result, 
we recorded an other than temporary impairment for three joint ventures in which we have an interest. 
Impairment of these investments was $1,264 million, of which $1,251 million was related to MarkWest 
Utica EMG, L.L.C. and its investment in Ohio Gathering Company, L.L.C. The fair value of the 
investments was determined based upon applying the discounted cash flow method, which is an income 
approach. The discounted cash flow fair value estimate is based on known or knowable information at the 
interim measurement date. The significant assumptions that were used to develop the estimate of the fair 
value under the discounted cash flow method include management’s best estimates of the expected future 
cash flows, including prices and volumes, the weighted average cost of capital and the long-term growth 
rate. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are sensitive to changes in underlying 
assumptions and factors. As such, the fair value of these equity method investments represents a Level 3 
measurement. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes 
of the impairment test will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future. The impairment was recorded 
through “Income from equity method investments.” The impairments were largely due to a reduction in 
forecasted volumes gathered and processed by the systems operated by the joint ventures. At December 31, 
2020 we had $4,036 million of equity method investments recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

91

An estimate of the sensitivity to net income resulting from impairment calculations is not practicable, given 
the numerous assumptions (e.g., pricing, volumes and discount rates) that can materially affect our 
estimates. That is, unfavorable adjustments to some of the above listed assumptions may be offset by 
favorable adjustments in other assumptions.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5 for additional information on our equity 
method investments and Note 14 for additional information on our goodwill and intangibles.

Leases

In accounting for leases, MPLX may be required to analyze new or existing leases for lease classification. 
One of the key inputs into the lease classification analysis is the fair value of the leased assets. Significant 
assumptions used to estimate the leased assets’ fair value included market information for comparable 
assets and cost estimates to replace the service capacity of an asset.

Acquisitions

In accounting for business combinations, acquired assets, assumed liabilities and contingent consideration 
are recorded based on estimated fair values as of the date of acquisition. The excess or shortfall of the 
purchase price when compared to the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets 
acquired, if any, is recorded as goodwill or a bargain purchase gain, respectively. A significant amount of 
judgment is involved in estimating the individual fair values of property, plant and equipment, intangible 
assets, contingent consideration and other assets and liabilities. We use all available information to make 
these fair value determinations and, for certain acquisitions, engage third-party consultants for assistance.

The fair value of assets and liabilities, including contingent consideration, as of the acquisition date are 
often estimated using a combination of approaches, including the income approach, which requires us to 
project related future cash inflows and outflows and apply an appropriate discount rate; the cost approach, 
which requires estimates of replacement costs and depreciation and obsolescence estimates; and the market 
approach, which uses market data and adjusts for entity-specific differences. The estimates used in 
determining fair values are based on assumptions believed to be reasonable but which are inherently 
uncertain. Accordingly, actual results may differ from the projected results used to determine fair value. 

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 4 for additional information on our 
acquisitions, which includes a discussion of common control transactions and the related impact of how 
such transactions are recorded. See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15 for 
additional information on fair value measurements.

Derivatives

We record all derivative instruments at fair value on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. To the extent that we 
have any, our crude oil and natural gas commodity derivatives are Level 2 financial instruments. Our NGL 
commodity derivatives and any option contracts are Level 3 financial instruments due to option volatilities 
and NGL prices that are interpolated and extrapolated due to inactive markets. Substantially all of our 
commodity derivative instruments are traded in OTC markets and are appropriately adjusted for non-
performance risk.  

We have a natural gas purchase commitment embedded in a keep-whole processing agreement with a 
producer customer in the Southern Appalachia region expiring in December 2022. The customer has the 
unilateral option to extend the agreements for two consecutive five-year terms through December 2032. For 
accounting purposes, the natural gas purchase commitment and term extending options have been 
aggregated into a single compound embedded derivative which is a Level 3 financial instrument and is 
appropriately adjusted for non-performance risk (the “Natural Gas Embedded Derivative”). The significant 
unobservable input to the valuation of the Natural Gas Embedded Derivative relates to commodity prices. 
Third-party forward price curves are not available after 2024, which requires us to extrapolate NGL and 
natural gas prices.

A ten percent difference in the estimated fair value of the Natural Gas Embedded Derivative at 
December 31, 2020 would have affected income before taxes by $6.3 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2020. If the commodity prices for the Natural Gas Embedded Derivative were changed such 

92

that the fractionation spread changed by approximately ten percent, the liability would change by 
approximately $8.5 million as of December 31, 2020. Fair value estimation for all our derivative 
instruments is discussed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 15 and Note 16. 
Additional information about derivatives and their valuation may be found in Item 7A. Quantitative and 
Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.

Variable Interest Entities

We evaluate all legal entities in which we hold an ownership or other pecuniary interest to determine if the 
entity is a VIE. Our interests in a VIE are referred to as variable interests. Variable interests can be 
contractual, ownership or other pecuniary interests in an entity that change with changes in the fair value of 
the VIE’s assets. When we conclude that we hold an interest in a VIE, we must determine if we are the 
entity’s primary beneficiary. A primary beneficiary is deemed to have a controlling financial interest in a 
VIE. This controlling financial interest is evidenced by both (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE 
that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses that 
could potentially be significant to the VIE or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be 
significant to the VIE. We consolidate any VIE when we determine that we are the primary beneficiary. We 
must disclose the nature of any interests in a VIE that is not consolidated. 

Significant judgment is exercised in determining that a legal entity is a VIE and in evaluating our interest in 
a VIE. We use primarily a qualitative analysis to determine if an entity is a VIE. We evaluate the entity’s 
need for continuing financial support; the equity holder’s lack of a controlling financial interest; and/or if 
an equity holder’s voting interests are disproportionate to its obligation to absorb expected losses or receive 
residual returns. We evaluate our interests in a VIE to determine whether we are the primary beneficiary. 
We use a primarily qualitative analysis to determine if we are deemed to have a controlling financial 
interest in the VIE, either on a standalone basis or as part of a related party group. We continually monitor 
our interests in legal entities for changes in the design or activities of an entity and changes in our interests, 
including our status as the primary beneficiary to determine if the changes require us to revise our previous 
conclusions. 

Changes in the design or nature of the activities of a VIE, or our involvement with a VIE, may require us to 
reconsider our conclusions on the entity’s status as a VIE and/or our status as the primary beneficiary. Such 
reconsideration requires significant judgment and understanding of the organization. This could result in 
the deconsolidation or consolidation of the affected subsidiary, which would have a significant impact on 
our financial statements. 

VIEs are discussed in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 5.

Contingent Liabilities

We accrue contingent liabilities for legal actions, claims, litigation, environmental remediation, tax 
deficiencies related to operating taxes and third-party indemnities for specified tax matters when such 
contingencies are both probable and estimable. We regularly assess these estimates in consultation with 
legal counsel to consider resolved and new matters, material developments in court proceedings or 
settlement discussions, new information obtained as a result of ongoing discovery and past experience in 
defending and settling similar matters. Actual costs can differ from estimates for many reasons. For 
instance, settlement costs for claims and litigation can vary from estimates based on differing 
interpretations of laws, opinions on degree of responsibility and assessments of the amount of damages. 
Similarly, liabilities for environmental remediation may vary from estimates because of changes in laws, 
regulations and their interpretation, additional information on the extent and nature of site contamination 
and improvements in technology.

We generally record losses related to these types of contingencies as cost of revenues or selling, general 
and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Income, except for tax deficiencies 
unrelated to income taxes, which are recorded as other taxes.

An estimate of the sensitivity to net income if other assumptions had been used in recording these liabilities 
is not practical because of the number of contingencies that must be assessed, the number of underlying 
assumptions and the wide range of reasonably possible outcomes, in terms of both the probability of loss 
and the estimates of such loss.

93

For additional information on contingent liabilities, see Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Environmental Matters and Compliance Costs and Item 8. 
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Note 23.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks related to the volatility of commodity prices. We employ various strategies, 
including the potential use of commodity derivative instruments, to economically hedge the risks related to 
these price fluctuations. We are also exposed to market risks related to changes in interest rates. As of 
December 31, 2020, we did not have any open financial derivative instruments to economically hedge the 
risks related to interest rate fluctuations or commodity derivative instruments to economically hedge the 
risks related to the volatility of commodity prices; however, we continually monitor the market and our 
exposure and may enter into these arrangements in the future. While there is a risk related to changes in fair 
value of derivative instruments we may enter into; such risk is mitigated by price or rate changes related to 
the underlying commodity or financial transaction.  

Commodity Price Risk

We may at times use a variety of commodity derivative instruments, including futures and options, as part 
of an overall program to economically hedge commodity price risk. A portion of our profitability is directly 
affected by prevailing commodity prices primarily as a result of purchasing and selling NGLs and natural 
gas at index-related prices. To the extent that commodity prices influence the level of drilling by our 
producer customers, such prices also indirectly affect profitability. We may enter into derivative contracts, 
which are primarily swaps traded on the OTC market as well as fixed price forward contracts. Our risk 
management policy does not allow us to enter into speculative positions with our derivative contracts. 
Execution of our hedge strategy and the continuous monitoring of commodity markets and our open 
derivative positions are carried out by our hedge committee, comprised of members of senior management.  

To mitigate our cash flow exposure to fluctuations in the price of NGLs, we may use NGL derivative swap 
contracts. A small portion of our NGL price exposure may be managed by using crude oil contracts. To 
mitigate our cash flow exposure to fluctuations in the price of natural gas, we may use natural gas 
derivative swap contracts, taking into account the partial offset of our long and short natural gas positions 
resulting from normal operating activities.

We would be exposed to additional commodity risk in certain situations such as if producers under-deliver 
or over-deliver products or if processing facilities are operated in different recovery modes. In the event 
that we have derivative positions in excess of the product delivered or expected to be delivered, the excess 
derivative positions may be terminated.

Management conducts a standard credit review on counterparties to derivative contracts, and we have 
provided the counterparties with a guaranty as credit support for our obligations. We use standardized 
agreements that allow for offset of certain positive and negative exposures in the event of default or other 
terminating events, including bankruptcy.

Outstanding Derivative Contracts 

We have a natural gas purchase commitment embedded in a keep-whole processing agreement with a 
producer customer in the Southern Appalachia region expiring in December 2022. The customer has the 
unilateral option to extend the agreement for two consecutive five-year terms through December 2032. For 
accounting purposes, the natural gas purchase commitment and the term extending options have been 
aggregated into a single compound embedded derivative. The probability of the customer exercising its 
options is determined based on assumptions about the customer’s potential business strategy decision 
points that may exist at the time they would elect whether to renew the contract. The changes in fair value 
of this compound embedded derivative are based on the difference between the contractual and index 
pricing, and the probability of the producer customer exercising its option to extend. The changes in fair 
value are recorded in earnings through “Purchased product costs” on the Consolidated Statements of 
Income. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the estimated fair value of this contract was a liability of $63 
million and $60 million, respectively.

94

Open Derivative Positions and Sensitivity Analysis

The estimated fair value of our Level 2 and 3 financial instruments are sensitive to the assumptions used in 
our pricing models. Sensitivity analysis of a ten percent difference in our estimated fair value of Level 2 
and 3 commodity derivatives (excluding embedded derivatives) as of December 31, 2020 would not have 
affected income before income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2020, given we had no open 
commodity derivative contracts during the year. We evaluate our portfolio of commodity derivative 
instruments on an ongoing basis and add or revise strategies in anticipation of changes in market conditions 
and in risk profiles.

Interest Rate Risk

Sensitivity analysis of the effect of a hypothetical 100-basis-point change in interest rates on long-term 
debt, excluding finance leases, is provided in the following table. Fair value of cash and cash equivalents, 
receivables, accounts payable and accrued interest approximate carrying value and are relatively insensitive 
to changes in interest rates due to the short-term maturity of the instruments. Accordingly, these 
instruments are excluded from the table.

(In millions)

Fair Value as of 
December 31, 2019(1)

Change in Fair Value (2)

Long-term debt (including amounts due within one year)

Change in Income before 
income taxes for the 
Year Ended 
December 31, 2019 (3)

Fixed-rate

Variable-rate

$ 

$ 

21,775  $ 

1,176  $ 

2,050 

17  $ 

N/A

26 

(1) Fair value was based on market prices, where available, or current borrowing rates for financings with similar terms and

maturities.

(2) Assumes a 100-basis-point decrease in the weighted average yield-to-maturity at December 31, 2020.
(3) Assumes a 100-basis-point change in interest rates. The change to net income was based on the weighted average balance of all 

outstanding variable-rate debt for the year ended December 31, 2020.

At December 31, 2020, our portfolio of long-term debt consisted of fixed-rate instruments and variable-rate 
instruments including our floating rate senior notes and our revolving credit facility. The fair value of our 
fixed-rate debt is relatively sensitive to interest rate fluctuations. Our sensitivity to interest rate declines and 
corresponding increases in the fair value of our debt portfolio unfavorably affects our results of operations 
and cash flows only when we elect to repurchase or otherwise retire fixed-rate debt at prices above carrying 
value. Interest rate fluctuations generally do not impact the fair value of borrowings under our bank 
revolving credit or loan facilities, but may affect our results of operations and cash flows. As of 
December 31, 2020, we did not have any financial derivative instruments to hedge the risks related to 
interest rate fluctuations; however, we continually monitor the market and our exposure and may enter into 
these agreements in the future.

Credit Risk

We are subject to risk of loss resulting from non-payment by our customers to whom we provide services, 
lease assets, or sell natural gas or NGLs. We believe that certain contracts would allow us to pass those 
losses through to our customers, thus reducing our risk, when we are selling NGLs and acting as our 
producer customers’ agent. Our credit exposure related to these customers is represented by the value of 
our trade receivables or lease receivables. Where exposed to credit risk, we analyze the customer’s financial 
condition prior to entering into a transaction or agreement, establish credit terms and monitor the 
appropriateness of these terms on an ongoing basis. In the event of a customer default, we may sustain a 
loss and our cash receipts could be negatively impacted. 

We would also be subject to risk of loss resulting from non-payment or non-performance by the 
counterparties to our derivative contracts. Our credit exposure related to commodity derivative instruments 
is represented by the fair value of contracts with a net positive fair value at the reporting date. Outstanding 
instruments expose us to credit loss in the event of non-performance by the counterparties to the 
agreements. Should the creditworthiness of one or more of our counterparties decline, our ability to 
mitigate non-performance risk is limited to a counterparty agreeing to either a voluntary termination and 
subsequent cash settlement or a novation of the derivative contract to a third party. In the event of a 
counterparty default, we may sustain a loss and our cash receipts could be negatively impacted. 

95

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

INDEX

Management’s Responsibilities for Financial Statements 
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Audited 
Consolidated Financial Statements:

Consolidated Statements of Income
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows 
Consolidated Statements of Equity

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Select Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

Page

97

97

98

101

102

103

104

105

106

158

96

Management’s Responsibilities for Financial Statements 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of MPLX LP and its subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) 
are the responsibility of management of the Partnership’s general partner, MPLX GP LLC, and have been 
prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. They 
necessarily include some amounts that are based on best judgments and estimates. The financial 
information displayed in other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is consistent with these 
consolidated financial statements.

MPLX GP LLC seeks to assure the objectivity and integrity of the Partnership’s financial records by 
careful selection of its managers, by organizational arrangements that provide an appropriate division of 
responsibility and by communications programs aimed at assuring that its policies and methods are 
understood throughout the organization.

The MPLX GP LLC Board of Directors pursues its oversight role in the area of financial reporting and 
internal control over financial reporting through its Audit Committee. This committee, composed solely of 
independent directors, regularly meets (jointly and separately) with the independent registered public 
accounting firm, management and internal auditors to monitor the proper discharge by each of their 
responsibilities relative to internal accounting controls and the consolidated financial statements.

/s/ Michael J. Hennigan
Michael J. Hennigan
Chairman of the Board, 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer of MPLX GP LLC
(the general partner of MPLX 
LP)

/s/ Pamela K.M. Beall
Pamela K.M. Beall
Director, Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial 
Officer of MPLX GP LLC
(the general partner of MPLX 
LP)

/s/ C. Kristopher Hagedorn
C. Kristopher Hagedorn
Vice President and Controller of
MPLX GP LLC
(the general partner of MPLX
LP)

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

MPLX LP’s management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over 
financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). 
An evaluation of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, based on the 
framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission, was conducted under the supervision and with the 
participation of management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Based on the 
results of this evaluation, MPLX LP’s management concluded that its internal control over financial 
reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020.

The effectiveness of MPLX LP’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 has 
been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated 
in their report which is included herein.

/s/ Michael J. Hennigan
Michael J. Hennigan
Chairman of the Board, 
President and Chief Executive 
Officer of MPLX GP LLC 
(the general partner of MPLX 
LP)

/s/ Pamela K.M. Beall
Pamela K.M. Beall
Director, Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial 
Officer of MPLX GP LLC 
(the general partner of MPLX 
LP)

97

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Partners of MPLX LP and the Board of Directors of MPLX GP LLC

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of MPLX LP and its subsidiaries (the 
“Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the related consolidated statements of income, 
comprehensive income, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2020, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We 
also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based 
on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of 
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).  

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material 
respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its 
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020 in 
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our 
opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting 
as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 
issued by the COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, 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. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated 
financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We 
are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United 
States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the 
U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange 
Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we 
plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial 
statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal 
control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of 
material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and 
performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, 
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also 
included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well 
as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. Our audit of internal control 
over financial reporting 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 audits also included performing such other 
procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of 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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, 
in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the 
company; (ii) 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 (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or 

98

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.

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the 
consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit 
committee and that (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial 
statements and (ii) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The 
communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing 
separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

Goodwill Impairment Tests - Crude Gathering and Eastern Gathering and Processing Reporting Units

As described in Notes 1 and 14 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated 
goodwill balance was $7,657 million as of December 31, 2020, which includes goodwill associated with 
the Crude Gathering reporting unit of $1.1 billion. As disclosed by management, the Company recorded an 
impairment charge of $1,814 million in the first quarter of 2020 related to the Eastern Gathering and 
Processing reporting unit, which brought the amount of goodwill recorded within this reporting unit to zero. 
Management annually evaluates goodwill for impairment as of November 30, as well as whenever events 
or changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit with 
goodwill is less than its carrying amount. During the first quarter of 2020, management performed an 
interim impairment assessment as a result of the overall deterioration in the economy and the environment 
in which MPLX and its customers operate, as well as a sustained decrease in the MPLX unit price. The fair 
value of each reporting unit is determined based on applying both a discounted cash flow method, or 
income approach, as well as a market approach. The significant assumptions that were used to develop the 
estimates of the fair values under the discounted cash flow method included management’s best estimates 
of the discount rate, as well as estimates of future cash flows, which are impacted primarily by producer 
customers’ development plans, which impact future volumes and capital requirements.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the goodwill 
impairment tests of the Company’s Crude Gathering and Eastern Gathering and Processing reporting units 
is a critical audit matter are the significant judgment by management when estimating the fair value of the 
reporting units, which led to a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing 
procedures and evaluating management’s significant assumption related to future volumes.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with 
forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the 
effectiveness of controls relating to management’s goodwill impairment tests, including controls over the 
estimation of the fair value of the Crude Gathering and Eastern Gathering and Processing reporting units. 
These procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for developing the fair value 
estimates; evaluating the appropriateness of the income and market approaches used; testing the 
completeness and accuracy of underlying data used by management in the approaches; and evaluating the 
reasonableness of the significant assumption related to future volumes. Professionals with specialized skill 
and knowledge were utilized to assist in evaluating the appropriateness of the Company’s income and 
market approaches. Evaluating the assumption related to future volumes involved (i) considering whether 
the assumption used was reasonable considering past performance of each reporting unit, producer 
customers’ historical and future production volumes, and industry outlook reports, and (ii) considering 
whether the assumption was consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. 

Equity Method Investment Impairment Test - MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C.

As described in Notes 1 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s consolidated equity 
method investment balance was $4,036 million as of December 31, 2020, which included a balance of $698 
million related to MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company recorded an 
impairment charge of $1,251 million related to MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C. As disclosed by 

99

management, equity method investments are assessed for impairment whenever factors indicate an other 
than temporary loss in value. The overall deterioration in the economy and the environment in which 
MPLX and its customers operate were considered triggering events, and management performed an 
impairment test in the first quarter of 2020, in which there was a reduction in forecasted volumes processed 
by the systems operated by MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C. The fair value of the investment is determined 
using a discounted cash flow method, an income approach. Significant assumptions used to estimate the 
fair value include management’s best estimates of the expected future cash flows, including prices and 
volumes, the weighted average cost of capital and the long-term growth rate.

The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impairment 
test of the Company’s equity method investment in MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C. is a critical audit matter 
are the significant judgment by management when estimating the fair value of the investment, which led to 
a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating 
management’s significant assumption related to future volumes.

Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with 
forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the 
effectiveness of controls relating to management’s equity method investment impairment test, including 
controls over the estimation of the fair value of the investment in MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C. These 
procedures also included, among others, testing management’s process for developing the fair value 
estimate; evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow method; testing the completeness and 
accuracy of underlying data used by management in the method; and evaluating the reasonableness of the 
significant assumption related to future volumes. Evaluating the assumption related to future volumes 
involved (i) considering whether the assumption used was reasonable considering past performance of 
MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C., producer customers’ historical and future production volumes, and industry 
outlook reports, and (ii) considering whether the assumption was consistent with evidence obtained in other 
areas of the audit. 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Toledo, Ohio
February 26, 2021

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012. 

100

MPLX LP
Consolidated Statements of Income

2020

2019

2018

$ 

2,397  $ 

2,498  $ 

(In millions, except per unit data)
Revenues and other income:

Service revenue

Service revenue - related parties

Service revenue - product related

Rental income

Rental income - related parties

Product sales

Product sales - related parties

(Loss)/income from equity method investments

Other income

Other income - related parties

Total revenues and other income

Costs and expenses:

Cost of revenues (excludes items below)

Purchased product costs

Rental cost of sales

Rental cost of sales - related parties

Purchases - related parties

Depreciation and amortization

Impairment expense

General and administrative expenses

Restructuring expenses

Other taxes

Total costs and expenses

Income from operations

Related party interest and other financial costs

Interest expense (net of amounts capitalized of $39 million, $51 
million and $37 million, respectively)

Other financial costs

(Loss)/income before income taxes

Provision for income taxes

Net (loss)/income

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Less: Net income attributable to Predecessor

Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP

Less: Series A preferred unit distributions
Less: Series B preferred unit distributions

Limited partners’ interest in net (loss)/income attributable to 
MPLX LP

Per Unit Data (See Note 7)

Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP per limited partner 
unit:

Common - basic

Common - diluted

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding:

$ 

$ 

$ 

Common - basic

Common - diluted

3,580 

155 

398 

952 

636 

128 

(936)

5 

254 

7,569 

1,326 

539 

135 

160 

1,116 

1,377 

2,165 

378 

37 

125 

7,358 

211 

5 

829 

62 

(685)

2 

(687)

33 

— 

(720)

81 

41 

3,455 

140 

388 

1,196 

806 

142 

290

12 

114 

9,041 

1,489 

686 

141 

165 

1,231 

1,254 

1,197 

388 

— 

113 

6,664 

2,377 

11 

851 

53 

1,462

—

1,462

28 

401 

1,033

81 

17 

1,856 

2,404 

220 

352 

846 

887 

87 

247 

7 

99 

7,005 

1,096 

824 

135 

31 

925 

867 

— 

316 

— 

83 

4,277 

2,728 

5 

590 

119 

2,014 

8 

2,006 

16 

172 

1,818 

75 

— 

(842) $

935  $ 

1,743 

(0.80)  $ 

(0.80)  $ 

1.00  $ 

1.00  $ 

1,051 

1,051 

906 

907 

2.29 

2.29 

761 

761 

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

101

 
MPLX LP
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(In millions)
Net (loss)/income

2020

2019

2018

$ 

(687) $

1,462  $ 

2,006 

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax:

Remeasurements of pension and other postretirement benefits 
related to equity method investments, net of tax

Comprehensive (loss)/income

Less comprehensive income attributable to:

Noncontrolling interests

Income attributable to Predecessor

— 

(687)

33 

— 

1 

1,463

28 

401 

(2) 

2,004 

16 

172 

Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP

$ 

(720) $

1,034  $ 

1,816 

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

102

MPLX LP
Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In millions)
Assets
Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents
Receivables, net
Current assets - related parties
Inventories
Other current assets
Assets held for sale

Total current assets

Equity method investments
Property, plant and equipment, net
Intangibles, net
Goodwill
Right of use assets, net
Noncurrent assets - related parties
Other noncurrent assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities:

Accounts payable
Accrued liabilities
Current liabilities - related parties
Accrued property, plant and equipment
Long-term debt due within one year
Accrued interest payable
Operating lease liabilities
Other current liabilities
Liabilities held for sale

Total current liabilities

Long-term deferred revenue
Long-term liabilities - related parties
Long-term debt
Deferred income taxes
Long-term operating lease liabilities
Deferred credits and other liabilities
Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 23)
Series A preferred units
Equity
Common unitholders - public (391 million and 392 million units issued and 
outstanding)
Common unitholder - MPC (647 million and 666 million units issued and 
outstanding)
Series B preferred units (.6 million and .6 million units issued and outstanding)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total MPLX LP partners’ capital

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity
Total liabilities, preferred units and equity

December 31,

2020

2019

15  $ 
452 
677 
118 
65 
188 
1,515 
4,036 
21,218 
959 
7,657 
309 
672 
48 
36,414 

152 
194 
356 
84 
764 
222 
63 
150 
101 
2,086 
314 
283 
19,375 
12 
244 
115 
22,429 

15 
593 
656 
110 
110 
— 
1,484 
5,275 
22,145 
1,270 
9,536 
365 
303 
52 
40,430 

242 
187 
1,008 
283 
9 
210 
66 
127 
— 
2,132 
217 
290 
19,704 
12 
302 
192 
22,849 

968 

968 

9,384 

2,792 
611 
(15)
12,772 
245 
13,017 
36,414  $ 

10,800 

4,968 
611 
(15)
16,364 
249 
16,613 
40,430 

$ 

$ 

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

103

MPLX LP
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In millions)
(Decrease)/increase  in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Operating activities:
Net (loss)/income
Adjustments to reconcile net income/(loss) to net cash provided by operating 
activities:

2020

2019

2018

$ 

(687)  $

1,462 

$ 

2,006 

Amortization of deferred financing costs

Depreciation and amortization

Impairment expense

Deferred income taxes

Asset retirement expenditures

Loss/(Gain) on disposal of assets
Loss/(income) from equity method investments
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates

Changes in:

Current receivables

Inventories

Fair value of derivatives
Current accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Current assets/current liabilities - related parties

Right of use assets/operating lease liabilities

Deferred revenue

All other, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities:

Additions to property, plant and equipment

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Disposal of assets

Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates - return of capital

All other, net

61 

1,377 

2,165 

(1) 

— 

4 

936 

459 

62 

(12) 

3 

36 

8 

(5) 

112 

3 

4,521 

42 

1,254 

1,197 

(2) 

(1) 

(6) 

(290) 

525 

17 

(9) 

2 

(59) 

(163) 

4

100

9 

55 

867 

— 

8 

(7) 

3 

(247) 

412 

(104) 

(5) 

(10) 

88

(61) 

— 

61 

5 

4,082 

3,071 

(1,183) 

(2,408) 

— 

56 

(266) 

123 

8 

6 

30 

(713) 

18 

4 

(2,111) 

(451) 

8 

(341) 

16 

1 

Net cash used in investing activities

(1,262) 

(3,063) 

(2,878) 

Financing activities:

Long-term debt - borrowings

- repayments

Related party debt - borrowings

- repayments

Debt issuance costs

Unit repurchases

Distributions to Series A preferred unitholders

Distributions to Series B preferred unitholders
Distributions to MPC for acquisitions

Distributions to unitholders and general partner

Distributions to common and Series B preferred unitholders from Predecessor

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

Contributions from MPC

Contributions from noncontrolling interests

All other, net

6,810 

(6,414) 

6,264 

(6,858) 

(25) 
(33)
(81) 

(41) 
— 

9,174 

(7,924) 

9,313 

(8,719) 

(20) 
—
(81) 

(21) 
— 

(2,884) 

(2,435) 

— 

(37) 

50 

— 

(10) 

(502) 

(30) 

74 

95 

(13) 

Net cash used in financing activities

(3,259) 

(1,089) 

Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

$ 

— 

15 

15 

$ 

(70) 

85 

15 

$ 

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

13,476 

(6,946) 

3,962 

(4,347) 

(76) 
— 
(71) 

— 
(4,111) 

(1,819) 

(239) 

(17) 

41 

11 

19 

(117) 

76 

9 

85 

104

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
MPLX LP
Consolidated Statements of Equity

Partnership

Common
Unit-holder
Public

Common
Unit-holder
MPC

Series B 
Preferred 
Unit-holders

General 
Partner
MPC

Accumulated 
Other 
Comprehensive 
Loss

Non-
controlling
Interests

Equity of 
Predecessor

Total

$  8,379  $  2,099  $ 

—  $ 

(637)  $ 

(14)  $ 

146  $

—  $  9,973 

(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2017

Net income (excludes amounts attributable to 
Series A preferred units)

Allocation of MPC's net investment at 
acquisition

Conversion of GP economic interests

Distributions to:

MPC for acquisition

667 

1,076 

— 

— 

5,172 

(7,926) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(4,126) 

7,926 

— 

(936) 

— 

  (3,164) 

Unitholders and general partner

(722) 

(1,097) 

Noncontrolling interests

Contributions from:

MPC

Noncontrolling interests

Other

Balance at December 31, 2018

Net income (excludes amounts attributable to 
Series A preferred units)

Allocation of MPC's net investment at 
acquisition

Conversion of Series A preferred units

Distributions to:

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

12 
8,336 

— 
(1,612) 

340 

595 

2,983 

7,199 

36 

— 

Unitholders and general partner

(907) 

(1,529) 

Noncontrolling interests

Contributions from:

MPC

Noncontrolling interests

Other

— 

— 

— 

12 

— 

315 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

17 

615 

— 

(21) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

Balance at December 31, 2019

10,800 

4,968 

611 

Net income (excludes amounts attributable to 
Series A preferred units)

Unit repurchases

Distributions to:

(307) 

(33) 

(535) 

—

Unitholders and general partner

(1,082) 

(1,799) 

Noncontrolling interests

Contributions from:

MPC

Wholesale Exchange

Other

— 

— 

— 

6 

— 

261 

(102) 

(1) 

41 

— 

(41) 

— 

— 

—

—

— 

— 

— 

— 

1 
— 

— 

— 

— 

—

—

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

—

—

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(2) 
(16) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

1 

16 

— 

— 

— 

— 

172 

1,931 

(1,046) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(4,100) 

(239) 

(2,058) 

(17) 

—

(17) 

— 

11 

—
156

28

— 

— 

— 

(30) 

— 

95 

— 

11,980 

11,980 

— 

11 

— 
10,867 

11 
17,731 

401 

1,381 

(10,797) 

— 

— 

36 

(502) 

(2,959) 

—

31 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

—

— 

— 

— 

(30) 

346 

95 

13 

16,613 

(768) 

(33) 

(2,922) 

(37) 

261 

(102) 

5 

(15) 

249

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

33

—

— 

(37) 

— 

— 

— 

Balance at Balance at December 31, 2020

$  9,384  $  2,792  $ 

611  $  —  $ 

(15)  $ 

245  $

—  $ 13,017 

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

105

 
 
 
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Description of the Business and Basis of Presentation

Description of the Business – MPLX LP is a diversified, large-cap master limited partnership formed by 
Marathon Petroleum Corporation (“MPC”) that owns and operates midstream energy infrastructure and 
logistics assets, and provides fuels distribution services. References in this report to “MPLX LP,” “MPLX,” 
“the Partnership,” “we,” “ours,” “us,” or like terms refer to MPLX LP and its subsidiaries. References to 
“MPC” refer collectively to Marathon Petroleum Corporation as our sponsor and its subsidiaries, other than 
the Partnership. We are engaged in the transportation, storage and distribution of crude oil, asphalt and 
refined petroleum products; the gathering, processing and transportation of natural gas; and the gathering, 
transportation, fractionation, storage and marketing of NGLs. MPLX’s principal executive office is located 
in Findlay, Ohio. MPLX was formed on March 27, 2012 as a Delaware limited partnership and completed 
its initial public offering on October 31, 2012.

MPLX’s business consists of two segments based on the nature of services it offers: Logistics and Storage 
(“L&S”), which relates primarily to crude oil, asphalt and refined petroleum products; and Gathering and 
Processing (“G&P”), which relates primarily to natural gas and NGLs. See Note 10 for additional 
information regarding the operations and results of these segments.

On July 31, 2020, MPLX completed the exchange of Western Refining Wholesale, LLC (WRW”) to 
Western Refining Southwest, Inc. (now known as Western Refining Southwest LLC) (“WRSW”), a wholly 
owned subsidiary of MPC, in exchange for the redemption of 18,582,088 MPLX common units held by 
WRSW (the “Wholesale Exchange”). See Note 4 for additional information regarding the Wholesale 
Exchange. These financial statements include the results of WRSW through July 31, 2020.

On July 30, 2019, MPLX completed its acquisition by merger (the “Merger”) of Andeavor Logistics LP 
(“ANDX”). At the effective time of the Merger, each common unit held by ANDX’s public unitholders was 
converted into the right to receive 1.135 MPLX common units. ANDX common units held by certain 
affiliates of MPC were converted into the right to receive 1.0328 MPLX common units. See Note 4 for 
additional information regarding the Merger.

Impairments – The outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic in March 2020 resulted in 
significant economic disruption globally. Actions taken by various governmental authorities, individuals 
and companies around the world to prevent the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing have 
restricted travel, many business operations, public gatherings and the overall level of individual movement 
and in-person interaction across the globe. Although there have been some signs of economic improvement, 
these events significantly reduced global economic activity and resulted in a decline in the demand for the 
midstream services we provide beginning with the first quarter of 2020. Macroeconomic conditions and 
global geopolitical events have also resulted in significant price volatility related to those aforementioned 
products.

During the first quarter of 2020, the overall deterioration in the economy and the environment in which 
MPLX and its customers operate, as well as a sustained decrease in unit price, were considered triggering 
events resulting in impairments of the carrying value of certain assets. We recognized impairments related 
to goodwill, certain equity method investments and certain long-lived assets (including intangibles), within 
our G&P segment. Many of our producer customers refined and updated production forecasts in response to 
the current environment, which impacted their current and expected future demand for our services, 
including the future utilization of our assets. Additionally, certain of our contracts have commodity price 
exposure, including NGL prices, which have experienced increased volatility as noted above. The table 
below provides information related to the impairments recognized during the first quarter of 2020 as well as 
the corresponding footnote where additional information can be found. No additional events or 
circumstances arose during the remainder of the year which would indicate the need for any additional 
impairment beyond those recognized during the first quarter.

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(In millions)

Goodwill

Equity method investments

Intangibles, net

Property, plant and equipment, net

Total impairments

Impairment

Footnote 
Reference

$ 

1,814 

1,264 

177 

174 

$ 

3,429 

14

5

14

13

Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements of MPLX have been prepared 
in accordance with GAAP. The consolidated financial statements include all majority-owned and controlled 
subsidiaries. For non-wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries, the interests owned by third parties have 
been recorded as “Noncontrolling interests” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. 
Intercompany investments, accounts and transactions have been eliminated. MPLX’s investments in which 
MPLX exercises significant influence but does not control and does not have a controlling financial interest 
are accounted for using the equity method. MPLX’s investments in a VIE in which MPLX exercises 
significant influence but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary are also accounted for using the 
equity method. 

In relation to the Merger described above and in Note 4, ANDX’s assets, liabilities and results of operations 
prior to the Merger are collectively included in what we refer to as the “Predecessor” from October 1, 2018, 
which was the date that MPC acquired Andeavor. MPLX’s acquisition of ANDX is considered a transfer 
between entities under common control due to MPC’s relationship with ANDX prior to the Merger. As an 
entity under common control with MPC, MPLX recorded the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on its 
consolidated balance sheets at MPC’s historical carrying value. For the acquiring entity, transfers of 
businesses between entities under common control require prior periods to be retrospectively adjusted for 
those dates that the entity was under common control. Accordingly, the accompanying financial statements 
and related notes of MPLX LP have been retrospectively adjusted to include the historical results of ANDX 
beginning October 1, 2018.

Certain prior period financial statement amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period 
presentation. 

2. Summary of Principal Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates – The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management 
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the 
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the consolidated financial statements and the 
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could 
differ materially from those estimates. Estimates are subject to uncertainties due to the levels of subjectivity 
and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to 
change and affect items such as valuing identified intangible assets; determining the fair value of derivative 
instruments; evaluating impairments of long-lived assets, goodwill and equity investments; establishing 
estimated useful lives for long-lived assets; acquisition accounting; recognizing share-based compensation 
expense; estimating revenues, expense accruals and capital expenditures; valuing AROs; and determining 
liabilities, if any, for environmental and legal contingencies.

Revenue Recognition – Revenue is measured based on consideration specified in a contract with a 
customer. MPLX recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over 
a product or providing services to a customer. 

MPLX enters into a variety of contract types in order to generate “Product sales” and “Service revenue.” 
MPLX provides services under the following types of arrangements:

•

Fee-based arrangements – Under fee-based arrangements, MPLX receives a fee or fees for one or
more of the following services: gathering, processing and transportation of natural gas; gathering,
transportation, fractionation, exchange and storage of NGLs; and transportation, storage and
distribution of crude oil, refined products and other hydrocarbon-based products. The revenue
MPLX earns from these arrangements is generally directly related to the volume of natural gas,

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NGLs, refined products or crude oil that is handled by or flows through MPLX’s systems and 
facilities and is not normally directly dependent on commodity prices. In certain cases, MPLX’s 
arrangements provide for minimum annual payments or fixed demand charges. 

Fee-based arrangements are reported as “Service revenue” on the Consolidated Statements of 
Income. Revenue is recognized over time as services are performed. In certain instances when 
specifically stated in the contract terms, MPLX purchases product after fee-based services have 
been provided. Revenue from the sale of products purchased after services are provided is reported 
as “Product sales” on the Consolidated Statements of Income and recognized on a gross basis, as 
MPLX takes control of the product and is the principal in the transaction.

Percent-of-proceeds arrangements – Under percent-of-proceeds arrangements, MPLX: gathers
and processes natural gas on behalf of producers; sells the resulting residue gas, condensate and
NGLs at market prices; and remits to producers an agreed-upon percentage of the proceeds. In
other cases, instead of remitting cash payments to the producer, MPLX delivers an agreed-upon
percentage of the residue gas and NGLs to the producer (take-in-kind arrangements) and sells the
volumes MPLX retains to third parties or related parties. Revenue is recognized on a net basis
when MPLX acts as an agent and does not have control of the gross amount of gas and/or NGLs
prior to it being sold. Percent-of-proceeds revenue is reported as “Service revenue - product
related” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Keep-whole arrangements – Under keep-whole arrangements, MPLX gathers natural gas from the
producer, processes the natural gas and sells the resulting condensate and NGLs to third parties at
market prices. Because the extraction of the condensate and NGLs from the natural gas during
processing reduces the Btu content of the natural gas, MPLX must either purchase natural gas at
market prices for return to producers or make cash payment to the producers equal to the value of
the energy content of this natural gas. Certain keep-whole arrangements also have provisions that
require MPLX to share a percentage of the keep-whole profits with the producers based on the oil
to gas ratio or the NGL to gas ratio. “Service revenue - product related” is recorded based on the
value of the NGLs received on the date the services are performed. Natural gas purchased to return
to the producer and shared NGL profits are recorded as a reduction of “Service revenue - product
related” on the Consolidated Statements of Income on the date the services are performed. Sales of
NGLs under these arrangements are reported as “Product sales” on the Consolidated Statements of
Income and are reported on a gross basis as MPLX is the principal in the arrangement and controls
the product prior to sale. The sale of the NGLs may occur shortly after services are performed at
the tailgate of the plant, or after a period of time as determined by MPLX.

Purchase arrangements – Under purchase arrangements, MPLX purchases natural gas at either the
wellhead or the tailgate of a plant. MPLX then gathers and delivers the natural gas to pipelines
where MPLX may resell the natural gas. Wellhead purchase arrangements represent an
arrangement with a supplier and are recorded in “Purchased product costs.” Often, MPLX earns
fees for services performed prior to taking control of the product in these arrangements and
“Service revenue” is recorded for these fees. Revenue generated from the sale of product obtained
in tailgate purchase arrangements is reported as “Product sales” on the Consolidated Statements of
Income and is recognized on a gross basis as MPLX purchases and takes control of the product
prior to sale and is the principal in the transaction.

•

•

•

In many cases, MPLX provides services under contracts that contain a combination of more than one of the 
arrangements described above. When fees are charged (in addition to product received) under percent-of-
proceeds arrangements, keep-whole arrangements or purchase arrangements, MPLX records such fees as 
“Service revenue” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The terms of MPLX’s contracts vary based 
on gas quality conditions, the competitive environment when the contracts are signed and customer 
requirements. Performance obligations are determined based on the specific terms of the arrangements, 
economics of the geographical regions, and the services offered and whether they are deemed distinct. 
MPLX allocates the consideration earned between the performance obligations based on the stand-alone 
selling price when multiple performance obligations are identified. 

Revenue from MPLX’s service arrangements will generally be recognized over time as the performance 
obligation is satisfied as services are provided. MPLX has elected to use the output measure of progress to 
recognize revenue based on the units delivered, processed or transported. The transaction price has fixed 
components related to minimum volume commitments and variable components which are primarily 
dependent on volumes. Variable consideration will generally not be estimated at contract inception as the 
transaction price is specifically allocable to the services provided each period. In instances in which tiered 

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pricing structures do not reflect our efforts to perform, MPLX will estimate variable consideration at 
contract inception. “Product sales” will be recognized at a point in time when control of the product 
transfers to the customer. 

Minimum volume commitments may create contract liabilities or deferred credits if current period 
payments can be used for future services. Breakage is estimated and recognized into service revenue in 
instances where it is probable the customer will not use the credit in future periods. 

Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling, electricity, and other costs to perform services are 
included in “Service revenue” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Shipping and handling costs 
associated with product sales are included in “Purchased product costs” on the Consolidated Statements of 
Income. Facility expenses, costs of revenues and depreciation represent those expenses related to operating 
our various facilities and are necessary to provide both “Product sales” and “Service revenue.”

Customers usually pay monthly based on the products purchased or services performed that month. Taxes 
collected from customers and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority are excluded from revenue.

Based on the terms of certain natural gas gathering, transportation and processing agreements, MPLX is 
considered to be the lessor under several implicit operating lease arrangements in accordance with GAAP. 
Revenue and costs related to the portion of the revenue earned under these contracts considered to be 
implicit leases are recorded as “Rental income” and “Rental cost of sales,” respectively, on the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. 

Revenue and Expense Accruals – MPLX routinely makes accruals based on estimates for both revenues 
and expenses due to the timing of compiling billing information, receiving certain third-party information 
and reconciling MPLX’s records with those of third parties. The delayed information from third parties 
includes, among other things, actual volumes purchased, transported or sold, adjustments to inventory and 
invoices for purchases, actual natural gas and NGL deliveries and other operating expenses. MPLX makes 
accruals to reflect estimates for these items based on its internal records and information from third parties. 
Estimated accruals are adjusted when actual information is received from third parties and MPLX’s internal 
records have been reconciled.

Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and on deposit and 
investments in highly liquid debt instruments with initial maturities of three months or less.

Restricted Cash – Restricted cash consists of cash and investments that must be maintained as collateral for 
letters of credit issued to certain third-party producer customers. The balances will be outstanding until 
certain capital projects are completed and the third party releases the restriction. Restricted cash also 
consists of cash advances to be used for the operation and maintenance of an operated pipeline system. 
Restricted cash is included in “Other current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Receivables – Receivables primarily consist of customer accounts receivable, which are recorded at the 
invoiced amount and generally do not bear interest. Allowances for doubtful accounts are generally 
recorded when it becomes probable that the receivable will not be collected and are recorded to bad debt 
expense. We review the allowance quarterly with past-due balances over 90 days and other higher-risk 
amounts being reviewed individually for collectability. Balances that remain outstanding after reasonable 
collection efforts have been unsuccessful are written off through a charge to the valuation allowance and a 
credit to accounts receivable.

Leases – As part of the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (“ASC 842”), we elected the package of 
practical expedients permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other 
things, allowed us to grandfather the historical accounting conclusions until a reassessment event is present. 
We also elected the practical expedient to not recognize short-term leases on the balance sheet, the practical 
expedient related to right of way permits and land easements which allows us to carry forward our 
accounting treatment for those existing agreements, and the practical expedient to combine lease and non-
lease components for the majority of our underlying classes of assets except for our third-party contractor 
service and equipment agreements and boat and barge equipment agreements in which we are the lessee. 
We did not elect the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components for arrangements in 
which we are the lessor. In instances where the practical expedient was not elected, lease and non-lease 
consideration is allocated based on relative standalone selling price.

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Right of use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset in which we obtain substantially 
all of the economic benefits and the right to direct the use of the asset during the lease term. Lease liabilities 
represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and 
lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments 
over the lease term. We recognize ROU assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for leases with a 
lease term of greater than one year. Payments that are not fixed at the commencement of the lease are 
considered variable and are excluded from the ROU asset and lease liability calculations. In the 
measurement of our ROU assets and lease liabilities, the fixed lease payments in the agreement are 
discounted using a secured incremental borrowing rate for a term similar to the duration of the lease, as our 
leases do not provide implicit rates. Operating lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the 
lease term.

As a lessor under ASC 842, MPLX may be required to re-classify existing operating leases to sales-type 
leases upon modification and related reassessment of the leases. See Note 22 for further information 
regarding our ongoing evaluation of the impacts of lease reassessments as modifications occur. The net 
investment in a sales-type lease is recorded within “Current assets - related parties” and “Noncurrent assets 
- related parties” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and is comprised of the present value of the sum of
the future minimum lease payments representing the value of the lease receivable and the unguaranteed
residual value of the leased assets. Management assesses the net investment in sales-type leases for
recoverability quarterly.

Inventories – Inventories consist primarily of natural gas, propane, other NGLs and materials and supplies 
to be used in operations. Natural gas, propane, and other NGLs are valued at the lower of cost or market 
value. Materials and supplies are stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost for materials and supplies 
are determined primarily using the weighted-average cost method. 

Imbalances – Within our pipelines and storage assets, we experience volume gains and losses due to 
pressure and temperature changes, evaporation and variances in meter readings and other measurement 
methods. Until settled, positive imbalances are recorded as other current assets and negative imbalances are 
recorded as accounts payable. Positive and negative product imbalances are settled in cash, settled by 
physical delivery of gas from a different source, or tracked and settled in the future.

Property, Plant and Equipment – Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and depreciated on a 
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures that extend the useful lives of 
assets are capitalized. Such assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in 
circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the 
expected undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than 
the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment assessment is performed and the excess of the book value 
over the fair value is recorded as an impairment loss. 

When items of property, plant and equipment are sold or otherwise disposed of, any gains or losses are 
reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Gains on the disposal of property, plant and equipment 
are recognized when they occur, which is generally at the time of closing. If a loss on disposal is expected, 
such losses are recognized when the assets are classified as held for sale. 

Interest costs for the construction or development of long-lived assets are capitalized and amortized over 
the related asset’s estimated useful life. 

Goodwill and Intangibles – Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair 
value of the net assets acquired in the acquisition of a business. Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is 
tested for impairment annually and when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a 
reporting unit with goodwill has been reduced below carrying value. The impairment test requires 
allocating goodwill and other assets and liabilities to reporting units. The fair value of each reporting unit is 
determined using an income and/or market approach which is compared to the carrying value of the 
reporting unit. The fair value under the income approach is calculated using the expected present value of 
future cash flows method. Significant assumptions used in the cash flow forecasts include future operating 
performance, future volumes, discount rates, and future capital requirements. If the fair value of the 
reporting unit is less than the carrying value, including goodwill, the excess, if any, of the book value over 

110

the fair value of the reporting unit up to the amount of goodwill recorded is charged to net income as an 
impairment expense.

Amortization of intangibles with definite lives is calculated using the straight-line method which is 
reflective of the benefit pattern in which the estimated economic benefit is expected to be received over the 
estimated useful life of the intangible asset. Intangibles subject to amortization are reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible may not be 
recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows related to the asset is less than the 
carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset. 
Intangibles not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually and when circumstances indicate 
that the fair value is less than the carrying amount of the intangible. If the fair value is less than the carrying 
value, an impairment is recorded for the difference.

Total goodwill at December 31, 2020 was $7.7 billion and no impairment was recorded as a result of our 
November 30, 2020 annual goodwill impairment analysis. As a result of MPLX’s interim goodwill 
impairment analysis at March 31, 2020 and annual goodwill impairment analysis at November 30, 2019, 
we recorded impairment charges of approximately $1.8 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively. See Note 14 
for further details.

Other Taxes – Other taxes primarily include real estate taxes.

Environmental Costs – Environmental expenditures are capitalized if the costs mitigate or prevent future 
contamination or if the costs improve environmental safety or efficiency of the existing assets. MPLX 
recognizes remediation costs and penalties when the responsibility to remediate is probable and the amount 
of associated costs can be reasonably estimated. The timing of remediation accruals coincides with 
completion of a feasibility study or the commitment to a formal plan of action. Remediation liabilities are 
accrued based on estimates of known environmental exposure and are discounted when the estimated 
amounts are reasonably fixed and determinable. If recoveries of remediation costs from third parties are 
probable, a receivable is recorded and is discounted when the estimated amount is reasonably fixed and 
determinable.

Asset Retirement Obligations – An ARO is a legal obligation associated with the retirement of tangible 
long-lived assets that generally result from the acquisition, construction, development or normal operation 
of the asset. AROs are recorded at fair value in the period in which they are incurred, if a reasonable 
estimate of fair value can be made, and added to the carrying amount of the associated asset. This 
additional carrying amount is then depreciated over the life of the asset. The liability is determined using a 
credit adjusted risk free interest rate and increases due to the passage of time based on the time value of 
money until the obligation is settled. MPLX recognizes a liability of a conditional ARO as soon as the fair 
value of the liability can be reasonably estimated. A conditional ARO is defined as an unconditional legal 
obligation to perform an asset retirement activity in which the timing and/or method of settlement are 
conditional on a future event that may or may not be within the control of the entity. AROs have not been 
recognized for certain assets because the fair value cannot be reasonably estimated since the settlement 
dates of the obligations are indeterminate. Such obligations will be recognized in the period when sufficient 
information becomes available to estimate a range of potential settlement dates. 

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates – Equity investments in which MPLX exercises significant 
influence, but does not control and is not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for using the equity 
method and are reported in “Equity method investments” on the accompanying Consolidated Balance 
Sheets. This includes entities in which we hold majority ownership but the minority shareholders have 
substantive participating rights. Differences in the basis of the investments and the separate net asset values 
of the investees, if any, are amortized into net income over the remaining useful lives of the underlying 
assets and liabilities, except for the excess related to goodwill.

MPLX believes the equity method is an appropriate means for it to recognize increases or decreases 
measured by GAAP in the economic resources underlying the investments. Regular evaluation of these 
investments is appropriate to evaluate any potential need for impairment. MPLX uses evidence of a loss in 
value to identify if an investment has an other than a temporary decline. During the first quarter of 2020, 
MPLX recorded an other than temporary impairment for three joint ventures totaling $1,264 million, of 
which $1,251 million was related to MarkWest Utica EMG and its investment in Ohio Gathering Company, 
L.L.C. The impairments were recorded through “Income from equity method investments”. The

111

impairments were largely due to a reduction in forecasted volumes gathered and processed by the systems 
operated by the joint ventures.

Deferred Financing Costs – Deferred financing costs are an asset for credit facility costs and netted against 
debt for senior notes. These costs are amortized over the contractual term of the related obligations using 
the effective interest method or, in certain circumstances, accelerated if the obligation is refinanced.

Derivative Instruments – MPLX may use commodity derivatives to economically hedge a portion of its 
exposure to commodity price risk. All derivative instruments (including derivatives embedded in other 
contracts) are recorded at fair value. Certain commodity derivatives are reflected on the consolidated 
balance sheets on a net basis by counterparty as they are governed by master netting arrangements. MPLX 
discloses the fair value of all derivative instruments under the captions “Other noncurrent assets,” “Other 
current liabilities” and “Deferred credits and other liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes 
in the fair value of derivative instruments are reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income in 
accounts related to the item whose value or cash flows are being managed. All derivative instruments are 
marked to market through “Product sales,” “Purchased product costs,” or “Cost of revenues” on the 
Consolidated Statements of Income. Revenue gains and losses relate to contracts utilized to manage the 
cash flow for the sale of a product, typically NGLs. Purchased product costs gains and losses relate to 
contracts utilized to manage the cost of natural gas purchases, typically related to keep-whole 
arrangements. Cost of revenues gains and losses relate to a contract utilized to manage electricity costs. 
Changes in risk management for unrealized activities are reported as an adjustment to net income in 
computing cash flow from operating activities on the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash 
Flows.

During the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, MPLX did not elect hedge accounting for any 
derivatives. MPLX has elected the normal purchases and normal sales designation for certain contracts 
related to the physical purchase of electric power and the sale of some commodities.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments – Management believes the carrying amount of financial instruments, 
including cash and cash equivalents, receivables, receivables from related parties, other current assets, 
accounts payable, accounts payable to related parties and accrued liabilities approximate fair value because 
of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The recorded value of the amounts outstanding under the 
bank revolving credit facility, if any, approximate fair value due to the variable interest rate that 
approximates current market rates (see Note 15). Derivative instruments are recorded at fair value, based on 
available market information (see Note 16).

Fair Value Measurement – Financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets are categorized based upon the fair value hierarchy established by GAAP, which classifies 
the inputs used to measure fair value into Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. A financial instrument’s 
categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the 
fair value measurement. The methods and assumptions utilized may produce a fair value that may not be 
realized in future periods upon settlement. Furthermore, while MPLX believes its valuation methods are 
appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or 
assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different estimate 
of fair value at the reporting date. For further discussion, see Note 15.

Equity-Based Compensation Arrangements – MPLX issues phantom units under its share-based 
compensation plan as described further in Note 21. A phantom unit entitles the grantee a right to receive a 
common unit upon the issuance of the phantom unit. The fair value of phantom unit awards granted to 
employees and non-employee directors is based on the fair market value of MPLX LP common units on the 
date of grant. The fair value of the units awarded is amortized into earnings using a straight-line 
amortization schedule over the period of service corresponding with the vesting period. For phantom units 
that vest immediately and are not forfeitable, equity-based compensation expense is recognized at the time 
of grant.

Performance units paying out in cash are accounted for as liability awards and recorded at fair value with a 
mark-to-market adjustment made each quarter. The performance units paying out in units are accounted for 
as equity awards. Equity-classified performance units with a market condition use a Monte Carlo valuation 
model to calculate a grant date fair value of market conditions. Equity-classified performance units with a 

112

performance condition are valued based on the grant date fair value of the payout deemed most probable to 
occur and is adjusted as the expectation for payout changes.

To satisfy common unit awards, MPLX may issue new common units, acquire common units in the open 
market or use common units already owned by the general partner.

Income Taxes – MPLX is not a taxable entity for United States federal income tax purposes or for the 
majority of the states that impose an income tax. Taxes on MPLX’s net income generally are borne by its 
partners through the allocation of taxable income. MPLX’s taxable income or loss, which may vary 
substantially from the net income or loss reported on the Consolidated Statements of Income, is includable 
in the federal income tax returns of each partner. MPLX and certain legal entities are, however, taxable 
entities under certain state jurisdictions.

MPLX accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are 
recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement 
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis, capital loss carryforwards 
and net operating loss and credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using 
enacted tax rates applied to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected 
to be recovered or settled. The effect of any tax rate change on deferred taxes is recognized as tax expense/
(benefit) from continuing operations in the period that includes the enactment date of the tax rate change. 
Realizability of deferred tax assets is assessed and, if not more likely than not, a valuation allowance is 
recorded to reflect the deferred tax assets at net realizable value as determined by management. All deferred 
tax balances are classified as long-term in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. All changes in 
the tax bases of assets and liabilities are allocated among operations and items charged or credited directly 
to equity.

Distributions – In preparing the Consolidated Statements of Equity, net income attributable to MPLX LP is 
allocated to Series A and Series B preferred unitholders based on a fixed distribution schedule, as discussed 
in Notes 8 and 9, and subsequently allocated to the general partner and limited partner unitholders. 
Distributions, although earned, are not accrued as a liability until declared. The allocation of net income 
attributable to MPLX LP for purposes of calculating net income per limited partner unit is described below.

Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit – MPLX uses the two-class method when calculating the net income 
per unit applicable to limited partners, because there is more than one class of participating security. The 
classes of participating securities include common units, Series A and Series B preferred units and certain 
equity-based compensation awards.

Net income attributable to MPLX LP is allocated to the unitholders differently for preparation of the 
Consolidated Statements of Equity and the calculation of net income per limited partner unit. In preparing 
the Consolidated Statements of Equity, net income attributable to MPLX LP is allocated to Series A and 
Series B preferred unitholders based on a fixed distribution schedule and subsequently allocated to 
remaining unitholders in accordance with their respective ownership percentages. The allocation of net 
income attributable to MPLX LP for purposes of calculating net income per limited partner unit is 
described in Note 7.

In preparing net income per limited partner units, during periods in which a net loss attributable to MPLX 
is reported or periods in which the total distributions exceed the reported net income attributable to 
MPLX’s unitholders, the amount allocable to certain equity-based compensation awards is based on actual 
distributions to the equity-based compensation awards. Diluted earnings per unit is calculated by dividing 
net income attributable to MPLX’s common unitholders, after deducting amounts allocable to other 
participating securities, by the weighted average number of common units and potential common units 
outstanding during the period. Potential common units are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings 
per unit during periods in which net income attributable to MPLX’s unitholders, after deducting amounts 
that are allocable to the outstanding equity-based compensation awards and preferred units, is a loss, as the 
impact would be anti-dilutive.

Business Combinations – MPLX recognizes and measures the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a 
business combination based on their estimated fair values at the acquisition date, with any remaining 
difference recorded as goodwill or gain from a bargain purchase. Depending on the nature of the 
transaction, management may engage an independent valuation specialist to assist with the determination of 

113

fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests, if any, and goodwill, based on 
recognized business valuation methodologies. If the initial accounting for the business combination is 
incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurs, an estimate will be 
recorded. Subsequent to the acquisition, and not later than one year from the acquisition date, MPLX will 
record any material adjustments to the initial estimate based on new information obtained that would have 
existed as of the acquisition date. An adjustment that arises from information obtained that did not exist as 
of the date of the acquisition will be recorded in the period of the adjustment. An income, market or cost 
valuation method may be utilized to estimate the fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and 
noncontrolling interests, if any, in a business combination. The income valuation method represents the 
present value of future cash flows over the life of the asset using: (i) discrete financial forecasts, which rely 
on management’s estimates of volumes, certain commodity prices, revenue and operating expenses; 
(ii) long-term growth rates; and (iii) appropriate discount rates. The market valuation method uses prices
paid for a reasonably similar asset by other purchasers in the market, with adjustments relating to any
differences between the assets. The cost valuation method is based on the replacement cost of a comparable
asset at prices at the time of the acquisition reduced for depreciation of the asset. Acquisition-related costs
are expensed as incurred in connection with each business combination.

Acquisitions in which the company or business being acquired by MPLX had an existing relationship with 
MPC may result in the transaction being considered a transfer between entities under common control. In 
this situations, MPLX records the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on its consolidated balance sheets 
at MPC’s historical carrying value. For the acquiring entity, transfers of businesses between entities under 
common control require prior periods to be retrospectively adjusted for those dates that the entity was under 
common control. See Note 4 for more information about the acquisitions.

3. Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted

ASU 2016-13, Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments 

Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2016-13 using the modified retrospective transition method. 
This ASU requires entities to consider a broader range of information to estimate expected credit losses, 
which may result in earlier recognition of losses. The ASU requires the company to utilize an expected loss 
methodology in place of the incurred loss methodology for financial instruments, including trade 
receivables, and off-balance sheet credit exposures. Adoption of the standard did not have a material impact 
on our financial statements. 

We are exposed to credit losses, primarily as a result of the midstream services that we provide. We assess 
each customer’s ability to pay through our credit review process, which considers various factors such as 
external credit ratings; a review of financial statements to determine liquidity, leverage, trends and business 
specific risks; market information; pay history and our business strategy. We monitor our ongoing credit 
exposure through timely review of customer payment activity. At December 31, 2020, we reported $452 
million of third-party accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1 million 

We also adopted the following ASUs during 2020, which did not have a material impact to our financial 
statements or financial statement disclosures:

ASU
2018-13

2020-04

Topic
Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - 
Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value 
Measurement

Effective Date
January 1, 2020

Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of 
Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting

April 1, 2020

114

4. Acquisitions and Dispositions

Javelina Held-for-Sale

On December 23, 2020, MarkWest Energy Operating Company, L.L.C., (“MarkWest Energy”) a wholly 
owned subsidiary of MPLX, entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement with a third party under which 
MarkWest Energy has agreed to sell all of MarkWest Energy’s equity interests in MarkWest Javelina 
Company L.L.C., MarkWest Javelina Pipeline Company L.L.C., and MarkWest Gas Services L.L.C. 
(collectively, “Javelina”). This agreement includes adjustments for working capital as well as an earnout 
provision based on the performance of the assets. This sale was closed on February 12, 2021. Javelina’s 
assets and liabilities to be sold are shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Assets held for sale” and 
“Liabilities held for sale”, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2020. Javelina is currently 
reported within the G&P segment. 

Wholesale Exchange

On July 31, 2020, MPLX entered into a Redemption Agreement (the “Redemption Agreement”) with 
WRSW, a wholly owned subsidiary of MPC, pursuant to which MPLX agreed to transfer to WRSW all of 
the outstanding membership interests in WRW in exchange for the redemption of MPLX common units 
held by WRSW. The transaction effects the transfer to MPC of the Western wholesale distribution business 
that MPLX acquired as a result of its acquisition of ANDX as described below. Per the terms of the 
Redemption Agreement, MPLX redeemed 18,582,088 common units (the “Redeemed Units”) held by 
WRSW on July 31, 2020. The number of Redeemed Units was calculated by dividing WRW’s aggregate 
valuation of $340 million by the simple average of the volume weighted average NYSE prices of an MPLX 
common unit for the ten trading days ending at market close on July 27, 2020. MPLX canceled the 
Redeemed Units immediately following the Wholesale Exchange. The carrying value of the net assets of 
WRW transferred to MPC was approximately $90 million as of July 31, 2020, resulting in $250 million 
being recorded to “Common Unit-holder MPC” within the Consolidated Statements of Equity, netted 
against the fair value of the redeemed units. Included within the $90 million carrying value of the WRW net 
assets was approximately $65 million of goodwill. 

Acquisition of Andeavor Logistics LP

On May 7, 2019, ANDX, Tesoro Logistics GP, LLC, then the general partner of ANDX, MPLX, MPLX 
GP LLC, the general partner of MPLX (“MPLX GP”), and MPLX MAX LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary 
of MPLX (“Merger Sub”), entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) that 
provided for, among other things, the merger of Merger Sub with and into ANDX. On July 30, 2019, the 
Merger was completed, and ANDX survived the Merger as a wholly owned subsidiary of MPLX. At the 
effective time of the Merger, each common unit held by ANDX’s public unitholders was converted into the 
right to receive 1.135 MPLX common units. ANDX common units held by certain affiliates of MPC were 
converted into the right to receive 1.0328 MPLX common units. See Note 8 for information on common 
units issued in connection with the Merger as well as Series B preferred units.

As a result of the Merger, the ANDX Special Limited Partner Interest outstanding immediately prior to the 
effective time of the Merger was converted into a right for WRSW, as the holder of all such interest, to 
receive a substantially equivalent special limited partner interest in MPLX (the “MPLX Special Limited 
Partner Interest”). By virtue of the conversion, the ANDX Special Limited Partner Interest was cancelled 
and ceased to exist as of the effective time of the Merger. For information on ANDX’s preferred units, 
please see Note 8.

The assets of ANDX consist of a network of owned and operated crude oil, refined product and natural gas 
pipelines; crude oil and water gathering systems; refining logistics assets; terminals with crude oil and 
refined products storage capacity; rail facilities; marine terminals including storage; bulk petroleum 
distribution facilities; a trucking fleet; and natural gas processing and fractionation complexes. The assets 
are located in the western and inland regions of the United States and complement MPLX’s existing 
business and assets. 

MPC accounted for its October 1, 2018 acquisition of Andeavor (through which it acquired control of 
ANDX) using the acquisition method of accounting, which required Andeavor assets and liabilities to be 
recorded by MPC at the acquisition date fair value. The Merger was closed on July 30, 2019, and the results 

115

of ANDX have been incorporated into the results of MPLX as of October 1, 2018, which is the date that 
common control was established. As a result of MPC’s relationship with both MPLX and ANDX, the 
Merger has been treated as a common control transaction, which requires the recasting of MPLX’s 
historical results and the recognition of assets acquired and liabilities assumed using MPC’s historical 
carrying value. The fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed shown below represents MPC’s 
historical carrying values as of October 1, 2018.

(In millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

Receivables, net

Inventories
Other current assets(2)
Equity method investments

Property, plant and equipment, net
Intangibles, net(3)
Other noncurrent assets(4)
Total assets acquired

Accounts payable
Other current liabilities(5)
Long-term debt
Deferred credits and other long-term liabilities(6)

Total liabilities assumed

Net assets acquired excluding goodwill

Goodwill

Total purchase price

As Originally 
Reported

Adjustments(1)

As Adjusted

$ 

83  $ 

(53) $

241 

21 

59 

731 

6,709 

960 

31 

8,835 

198 

188 

4,916 
75 

5,377 

3,458 

7,428 

259

—

(7)

(89)

(427)

74 

(8)

(251)

265 

(41)

— 
1 

225 

(476)

724 

30 

500 

21 

52

642

6,282

1,034

23

8,584

463

147

4,916 
76 

5,602 

2,982

8,152

$ 

10,886  $ 

248  $ 

11,134 

(1)

(2)
(3)

(4)
(5)

(6)

Inclusive of activity recorded subsequent to the acquisition of ANDX on July 30, 2019, a portion of which was recorded as a
non-cash contribution from MPC.
Includes both related party and third party other current assets.
Includes approximately $4 million of favorable lease assets. In connection with the implementation of ASC 842, this balance 
was reclassed to “Right of use assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets during 2019. 
Includes both related party and third party other noncurrent assets as well as right of use assets associated with leases.
Includes accrued liabilities, operating lease liabilities, long-term debt due within one year, as well as related party and third party
other current liabilities.
Includes deferred revenue and deferred income taxes, as well as related party and third party other noncurrent liabilities.

Details of our valuation methodology and significant inputs for fair value measurements are included by 
asset class below. The fair value measurements for equity method investments; property, plant and 
equipment; intangible assets and long-term debt are based on significant inputs that are not observable in 
the market and, therefore, represent Level 3 measurements.

Goodwill
The purchase consideration allocation resulted in the recognition of $8.2 billion in goodwill, which has 
been allocated between the L&S segment and the G&P segment at $7.2 billion and $1.0 billion, 
respectively. See Note 14 for further information related to goodwill.

Inventory
The fair value of inventory was recorded at cost as of October 1, 2018, as these items are related to spare 
parts as well as materials and supplies and approximate fair value.

Equity Method Investments
The fair value of the equity method investments was $642 million, which was determined based on 
applying income and market approaches. The income approach relied on the discounted cash flow method 
and the market approach relied on a market multiple approach considering historical and projected financial 
results. Discount rates for the discounted cash flow models were based on capital structures for similar 
market participants and included various risk premiums that account for risks associated with the specific 
investments. 

116

 
 
 
Property, Plant and Equipment
The fair value of property, plant and equipment was $6.3 billion, which was based primarily on the cost 
approach. Key assumptions in the cost approach include determining the replacement cost by evaluating 
recent purchases of similar assets or published data, and adjusting replacement cost for economic and 
functional obsolescence, location, normal useful lives, and capacity (if applicable).

Acquired Intangible Assets
The fair value of the acquired identifiable intangible assets was $1.0 billion, which represents the value of 
various customer contracts and relationships and other intangible assets. The fair value of customer 
contracts and relationships was $950 million, which was valued by applying the multi-period excess 
earnings method, which is an income approach. Key assumptions in the income approach include the 
underlying contract cash flow estimates, remaining contract term, probability of renewal, growth rates and 
discount rates. The intangible assets are all finite lived and will be amortized over two to 10 years.

Debt
The fair value of the ANDX notes was measured using a market approach, based upon the average of 
quotes for the acquired debt from major financial institutions and a third-party valuation service. 
Additionally, approximately $1.1 billion of borrowings under revolving credit agreements approximated 
fair value. The ANDX revolving credit facilities with total capacity of $2.1 billion were terminated upon 
closing of the Merger and were repaid with borrowings under the MPLX revolving credit facility.

Acquisition Costs
We recognized $14 million in acquisition costs during 2019, which are reflected in general and 
administrative expenses.

ANDX Revenue and Net Income
For the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized $2,400 million of revenues and other income related 
to ANDX and $266 million of net loss related to ANDX, which was impacted by the goodwill impairment 
discussed in Note 14. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized $580 million of revenues and 
other income related to ANDX and $172 million of net income related to ANDX. 

Pro Forma Financial Information
The following unaudited pro forma information combines the historical operations of MPLX and ANDX, 
giving effect to the Merger as if it had been consummated on January 1, 2018, the beginning of the earliest 
period presented.

(In millions)
Total revenues and other income
Net income attributable to MPLX LP

2019

2018

$ 
$ 

9,041  $ 
1,434  $ 

8,666 
2,446 

The pro forma information includes adjustments to align accounting policies, which include adjustments for 
capitalization of assets and treatment of planned major maintenance costs. The pro forma information also 
includes adjustments related to: eliminating transactions between MPLX and ANDX, which previously 
would have been recorded as transactions between related parties; basis differences on equity method 
investments as a result of recognition of MPC’s investments in ANDX’s equity method investments; 
depreciation and amortization expense to reflect the increased fair value of property, plant and equipment 
and increased amortization expense related to identifiable intangible assets, as well as adjustments to 
interest expense for the amortization of fair value adjustments over the remaining term of ANDX’s 
outstanding debt, reversal of ANDX’s historical amortization of debt issuance costs and debt discounts and 
to adjust for the difference in the weighted average interest rate between MPLX’s revolving credit facility 
and ANDX’s revolving credit facilities.

Mt. Airy Terminal

On September 26, 2018, MPLX acquired an eastern U.S. Gulf Coast export terminal (the “Mt. Airy 
Terminal”) from Pin Oak Holdings, LLC for total consideration of $451 million. At the time of the 
acquisition, the terminal included tanks with 4 million barrels of third-party leased storage capacity and a 
dock with 120 mbpd of capacity. The Mt. Airy Terminal is located on the Mississippi River between New 
Orleans and Baton Rouge, is in close proximity to several Gulf Coast refineries including MPC’s Garyville 

117

Refinery and is near numerous rail lines and pipelines. The Mt. Airy Terminal is accounted for within the 
L&S segment. In the first quarter of 2019, an adjustment to the initial purchase price was made for 
approximately $5 million related to the final settlement of the acquisition, which was paid in the first six 
months of 2019 as shown on the statement of cash flow. This reduced the total purchase price to $446 
million and resulted in $336 million of property, plant and equipment, $121 million of goodwill and the 
remainder being attributable to net liabilities assumed.

The amount of revenue and income from operations associated with the acquisition of the Mt. Airy 
Terminal included on the Consolidated Statement of Income since the September 26, 2018 acquisition date 
was not material to the financial statements. Assuming the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2018, the 
consolidated pro forma results would not have been materially different from the reported results.

Refining Logistics and Fuels Distribution Acquisition

On February 1, 2018, MPC and MPLX LP closed on an agreement for the dropdown of refining logistics 
assets and fuels distribution services to MPLX LP. MPC contributed these assets and services in exchange 
for $4.1 billion in cash and a fixed number of MPLX LP common units and general partner units of 
111,611,111 and 2,277,778, respectively. The fair value of the common and general partner units issued as 
of the acquisition date was $4.3 billion based on the closing common unit price as of February 1, 2018, as 
recorded on the Consolidated Statements of Equity, for a total purchase price of $8.4 billion. The equity 
issued consisted of: (i) 85,610,278 common units to MPLX GP, (ii) 18,176,666 common units to MPLX 
Logistics Holdings LLC and (iii) 7,824,167 common units to MPLX Holdings Inc. MPLX also issued 
2,277,778 general partner units to MPLX GP in order to maintain its two general partner interest (“GP 
Interest”) in MPLX. MPC agreed to waive approximately one-third of the first quarter 2018 distributions on 
the common units issued in connection with this transaction. As a result of this waiver, MPC did not 
receive $23.7 million of the distributions that would have otherwise accrued on such common units with 
respect to the first quarter 2018. Immediately following this transaction, the GP Interest was converted into 
a non-economic general partner interest as discussed in Note 8. 

MPLX recorded this transaction on a historical basis as required for transactions between entities under 
common control. No effect was given to the prior periods as these entities were not considered businesses 
prior to the February 1, 2018 dropdown. In connection with the dropdown, approximately $830 million of 
net property, plant and equipment was recorded in addition to $85 million and $130 million of goodwill 
allocated to MPLX Refining Logistics LLC (“Refining Logistics”) and MPLX Fuels Distribution LLC 
(“Fuels Distribution”), respectively. Both the Refining Logistics assets and the Fuels Distribution services 
are accounted for within the L&S segment.

As of the transaction date, the Refining Logistics assets included 619 tanks with approximately 56 million 
barrels of storage capacity (crude, finished products and intermediates), 32 rail and truck racks, 18 docks, 
and gasoline blenders. These assets generate revenue through storage services agreements with MPC. 
Refining Logistics provides certain services to MPC related to the receipt, storage, throughput, custody and 
delivery of petroleum products in and through certain storage and logistical facilities and assets associated 
with MPC’s refineries.

Fuels Distribution, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of MPLXT, generates revenue through a Fuels 
Distribution Services Agreement with MPC. Fuels Distribution is structured to provide a broad range of 
scheduling and marketing services as MPC’s agent. 

The amounts of revenue and income from operations associated with these investments included on the 
Consolidated Statements of Income, since the February 1, 2018 acquisition date, were as follows:

(In millions)

Revenues and other income
Income from operations

Twelve Months 
Ended 
 December 31, 2018

$ 
$ 

1,359 
874 

118

5. Investments and Noncontrolling Interests

The following table presents MPLX’s equity method investments at the dates indicated:

(In millions, except ownership percentages)

2020

2020

2019

Ownership as of

December 31,

Carrying value at

December 31,

L&S
MarEn Bakken Company LLC(1)
Illinois Extension Pipeline Company, L.L.C.

LOOP LLC
Andeavor Logistics Rio Pipeline LLC(2)(3)
Minnesota Pipe Line Company, LLC(2)
Whistler Pipeline LLC(3)
W2W Holdings LLC(3)(4)
Wink to Webster Pipeline LLC(3)(4)
Explorer Pipeline Company
Other(2)(3)

Total L&S

G&P
MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C.(3)
Sherwood Midstream LLC(3)
MarkWest EMG Jefferson Dry Gas Gathering Company, 
L.L.C.(3)
Rendezvous Gas Services, L.L.C.(2)(3)
Sherwood Midstream Holdings LLC(3)
Centrahoma Processing LLC
Other(2)(3)

Total G&P

Total

25%

35%

41%

67%

17%

38%

50%

15%

25%

57%

50%

67%

78%

51%

40%

$ 

465  $ 

254 

252 

194 

188 

185 

72 

— 

72 

103 

1,785 

698 

557 

307 

159 

148 

145 

237 

2,251 

$ 

4,036  $ 

481 

265 

238 

202 

190 

134 

— 

126 

83 

55 

1,774 

1,984 

537 

302 

170 

157 

153 

198 

3,501 

5,275 

(1) The investment in MarEn Bakken Company LLC includes our 9.19 percent indirect interest in a joint venture that owns and
operates the Dakota Access Pipeline and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline projects, collectively referred to as the Bakken
Pipeline system or DAPL.

(2) These investments as well as certain investments included within “Other” for both L&S and G&P are investments acquired as 

part of the Merger. The December 31, 2019 balance reflects all purchase accounting adjustments identified by MPC as part of its
acquisition of Andeavor.
Investments deemed to be VIEs. Some investments included within “Other” have also been deemed to be VIEs.

(3)
(4) During the year ended December 31, 2020, we contributed our ownership in Wink to Webster Pipeline LLC to W2W Holdings

LLC.

For those entities that have been deemed to be VIEs, neither MPLX nor any of its subsidiaries have been 
deemed to be the primary beneficiary due to voting rights on significant matters. While we have the ability 
to exercise influence through participation in the management committees which make all significant 
decisions, we have equal influence over each committee as a joint interest partner and all significant 
decisions require the consent of the other investors without regard to economic interest and as such we have 
determined that these entities should not be consolidated and apply the equity method of accounting with 
respect to our investments in each entity.

Sherwood Midstream LLC (“Sherwood Midstream”) has been deemed the primary beneficiary of 
Sherwood Midstream Holdings LLC (“Sherwood Midstream Holdings”) due to its controlling financial 
interest through its authority to manage the joint venture. As a result, Sherwood Midstream consolidates 
Sherwood Midstream Holdings. Therefore, MPLX also reports its portion of Sherwood Midstream 
Holdings’ net assets as a component of its investment in Sherwood Midstream. As of December 31, 2020, 
MPLX had a 24.5 percent indirect ownership interest in Sherwood Midstream Holdings through Sherwood 
Midstream.

119

MPLX’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with equity method investments includes 
its equity investment, any additional capital contribution commitments and any operating expenses incurred 
by the subsidiary operator in excess of its compensation received for the performance of the operating 
services. MPLX did not provide any financial support to equity method investments that it was not 
contractually obligated to provide during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

During the first quarter of 2020, we recorded an other than temporary impairment for three joint ventures in 
which we have an interest as discussed in Note 1. Impairment of these investments was $1,264 million, of 
which $1,251 million was related to MarkWest Utica EMG, L.L.C. and its investment in Ohio Gathering 
Company, L.L.C. The fair value of the investments was determined based upon applying the discounted 
cash flow method, which is an income approach. The discounted cash flow fair value estimate is based on 
known or knowable information at the interim measurement date. The significant assumptions that were 
used to develop the estimate of the fair value under the discounted cash flow method include management’s 
best estimates of the expected future cash flows, including prices and volumes, the weighted average cost 
of capital and the long-term growth rate. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are 
sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. As such, the fair value of these equity method 
investments represents a Level 3 measurement. As a result, there can be no assurance that the estimates and 
assumptions made for purposes of the impairment test will prove to be an accurate prediction of the future. 
The impairment was recorded through “Income from equity method investments.” The impairments were 
largely due to a reduction in forecasted volumes gathered and processed by the systems operated by the 
joint ventures. There were no additional impairments recorded during the remainder of 2020.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, two joint ventures in which we have an interest recorded impairments, 
which impacted the amount of income from equity method investments during the period by approximately 
$28 million and took the carrying value of one of the investments to zero. For the other joint venture, we 
had a basis difference recorded which was being amortized over the life of the underlying assets. As a result 
of the impairment recorded by the joint venture, we assessed our investment, including the related basis 
difference, for impairment and recorded an additional $14 million of impairment during the quarter related 
to our basis difference. The fair value of the investment was determined based upon applying the 
discounted cash flow method, which is an income approach. The discounted cash flow fair value estimate is 
based on known or knowable information at the interim measurement date. The significant assumptions 
that were used to develop the estimate of the fair value under the discounted cash flow method include 
management’s best estimates of the expected future results using a probability-weighted average set of cash 
flow forecasts and the discount rate. The impairment of the basis difference was also recorded through 
“Income from equity method investments” for a total impact during the quarter of approximately $42 
million. The impairments were largely due to a reduction in forecasted volumes of the joint ventures. 

Summarized financial information for MPLX’s equity method investments for the years ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows:

(In millions)

Revenues and other income

Costs and expenses

(Loss)/income from operations

Net (loss)/income
(Loss)/income from equity method investments(2)

December 31, 2020

Other VIEs

Non-VIEs

Total

$ 

298  $ 

1,208  $ 

1,506 

414 

(116)

(175)

531 

677

615

945 

561 

440 

$ 

(1,100)  $ 

164  $ 

(936) 

December 31, 2019(1)

(In millions)

Other VIEs

Non-VIEs

Total

Revenues and other income
Costs and expenses
Income from operations
Net income
Income from equity method investments(2)

$ 

$ 

650  $ 
375 
275 
215 
103  $ 

1,417  $ 
568 
849 
752 
187  $ 

2,067 
943 
1,124 
967 
290 

120

(In millions)

Revenues and other income

Costs and expenses

Income from operations

December 31, 2018(1)

Other VIEs

Non-VIEs

Total

$ 

484  $ 

1,421  $ 

286 

198 

738 

683 

1,905 

1,024 

881 

Net income
Income from equity method investments(2)
(1) The financial information for equity method investments for 2019 includes financial information of equity method investments
acquired as part of the Merger. The financial information for equity method investments for 2018 includes financial information
of equity method investments acquired as part of the Merger for the last three months of 2018. See Note 1 for additional
information.
“Income from equity method investments” includes the impact of any basis differential amortization or accretion. The 2020 and
2019 amounts include impairment of $1,264 million and $42 million, respectively. 

180  $ 

67  $ 

197 

606 

$ 

(2)

247 

803 

Summarized balance sheet information for MPLX’s equity method investments as of December 31, 2020 
and 2019 is as follows:

(In millions)

Current assets
Noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

(In millions)

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

December 31, 2020

Other VIEs

Non-VIEs

Total

$ 

530  $ 

318  $ 

6,889 

323 

4,997 

187 

$ 

1,904  $ 

830  $ 

848 
11,886 

510 

2,734 

December 31, 2019

Other VIEs

Non-VIEs

Total

$ 

$ 

534  $ 

330  $ 

5,862 

192 

5,134 

245 

305  $ 

822  $ 

864 

10,996 

437 

1,127 

As of December 31, 2020, the underlying net assets of MPLX’s investees in the G&P segment exceeded 
the carrying value of its equity method investments by approximately $57 million. At December 31, 2019, 
the carrying value of MPLX’s equity method investments in the G&P segment exceeded the underlying net 
assets of its investees by approximately $1.0 billion. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the carrying value 
of MPLX’s equity method investments in the L&S segment exceeded the underlying net assets of its 
investees by $331 million and $329 million, respectively. 

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the G&P basis difference was being amortized into net income over the 
remaining estimated useful lives of the underlying net assets, except for $31 million and $498 million of 
excess related to goodwill, respectively. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, the L&S basis difference was 
being amortized into net income over the remaining estimated useful lives of the underlying net assets, 
except for $167 million of excess related to goodwill, respectively.

6. Related Party Agreements and Transactions

MPLX engages in transactions with both MPC and certain of its equity method investments as part of its 
normal business; however, transactions with MPC make up the majority of MPLX’s related party 
transactions. Transactions with related parties are further described below.

MPLX has various long-term, fee-based commercial agreements with MPC. Under these agreements, 
MPLX provides transportation, terminal, fuels distribution, marketing, storage, management, operational 
and other services to MPC. MPC has committed to provide MPLX with minimum quarterly throughput 
volumes on crude oil and refined products and other fees for storage capacity; operating and management 
fees; as well as reimbursements for certain direct and indirect costs. MPC has also committed to provide a 
fixed fee for 100 percent of available capacity for boats, barges and third-party chartered equipment under 
the marine transportation service agreement. In addition, MPLX has obligations to MPC for services 

121

provided to MPLX by MPC under omnibus and employee services type agreements as well as other various 
agreements as discussed below.

The commercial agreements with MPC include:

• MPLX has a fuels distribution agreement with MPC under which MPC pays MPLX a tiered

monthly volume-based fee for marketing and selling MPC’s products. This agreement is subject to
a minimum quarterly volume and has an initial term of 10 years, subject to a 5-year renewal period
under terms to be renegotiated at that time.

• MPLX has various pipeline transportation agreements under which MPC pays MPLX fees for

transporting crude and refined products on MPLX’s pipeline systems. These agreements are
subject to minimum throughput volumes under which MPC will pay MPLX deficiency payments
for any period in which they do not ship the minimum committed volume. These deficiency
payments can be applied as credits to future periods in which MPC ships volumes in excess of the
minimum volume, subject to a limited period of time. These agreements are subject to various
terms and renewal periods.

• MPLX has a marine transportation agreement with an initial term of 6 years under which MPC

pays MPLX fees for providing marine transportation of crude oil, feedstock and refined petroleum
products, and related services. This agreement is subject to two automatic renewal periods of 5
years each.

• MPLX has various trucking transportation services agreements with terms ranging from month-to-

month to 10 years, under which MPC pays MPLX fees for gathering barrels and providing
trucking, dispatch, delivery and data services. Most of these agreements are subject to minimum
volume commitments and have various terms regarding carry-forward of deficiency payments as
credits towards excess volumes shipped in future periods. These agreements are subject to various
terms and renewal periods.

• MPLX has numerous storage services agreements governing storage services at various types of
facilities including terminals, pipeline tank farms, caverns and refineries, under which MPC pays
MPLX per-barrel fees for providing storage services. Some of these agreements provide MPC
with exclusive access to storage at certain locations, such as storage located at MPC’s refineries or
storage in certain caverns. Under these agreements, MPC pays MPLX a per-barrel fee for such
storage capacity, regardless of whether MPC fully utilizes the available capacity. Many of the
refinery storage agreements also contain provisions for logistical services to be provided by
MPLX, for which MPC pays monthly fees. These agreements are subject to various terms and
renewal periods.

• MPLX has a 10-year terminal services agreement governing certain terminals under which MPC
pays MPLX fees for terminal storage for refined petroleum products. Under this agreement MPC
pays MPLX agreed upon fees relating to MPC product deliveries as well as any viscosity
surcharges, loading, handling, transfers or other related charges. This agreement is subject to
minimum volume throughput commitments under which MPC pays a deficiency payment for any
period in which they do not meet the minimum committed volume. The terminal services
agreement with MPC includes automatic renewal terms ranging from one to five years. MPLX
also has numerous additional terminal services agreements governing terminals acquired through
the Merger. Under these agreements, MPC pays MPLX agreed upon fees relating to various
terminal activities including throughput, blending, on and offloading and additives. Many of these
agreements contain various minimum commitments for some or all of these activities. Some of
these agreements allow for deficiency payments to be applied as credits to future periods with
excess throughput volumes. These agreements have terms ranging from one to 10 years with
varying renewal terms.

• MPLX has a year to year keep-whole commodity agreement with MPC under which MPC pays us

a processing fee for NGLs related to keep-whole agreements and delivers shrink gas to the
producers on our behalf. We pay MPC a marketing fee in exchange for assuming the commodity
risk. The pricing structure under this agreement provides for a base volume subject to a base rate
and incremental volumes subject to variable rates which are calculated with reference to certain of
our costs incurred as processor of the volumes. The pricing for both the base and incremental
volumes are subject to revision each year.

122

In many cases, agreements are location-based hybrid agreements, containing provisions relating to multiple 
of the types of agreements and services described above.

Operating Agreements

MPLX operates various pipelines owned by MPC under operating services agreements. Under these 
operating services agreements, MPLX receives an operating fee for operating the assets and is reimbursed 
for all direct and indirect costs associated with operating the assets. Most of these agreements are indexed 
for inflation. These agreements range from one to five years in length and automatically renew unless 
terminated by either party.

Co-location Services Agreements

MPLX is party to co-location services agreements with MPC’s refineries, under which MPC provides 
management, operational and other services to the subsidiaries of Refining Logistics. Refining Logistics 
pays MPC monthly fixed fees and direct reimbursements for such services calculated as set forth in the 
agreements. These agreements have initial terms of 50 years. 

Ground Lease Agreements

MPLX is party to ground lease agreements with certain of MPC’s refineries under which MPLX is the 
lessor of certain sections of property which contain facilities owned by Refining Logistics and are within 
the premises of MPC’s refineries. Refining Logistics pays MPC monthly fixed fees under these ground 
leases. These agreements have initial terms of 50 years.  

Marine Services Agreements with MPC

MPLX has a management services agreement and a loss control agreement with MPC under which it 
provides management and loss control services to assist MPC in the oversight and management of the 
marine business. MPLX receives fixed annual fees for providing the required services, which are subject to 
predetermined annual escalation rates. These agreements are subject to an initial terms of five years and 
automatically renew for one additional five-year renewal period unless terminated by either party.

Omnibus Agreements

MPLX has omnibus agreements with MPC that address MPLX’s payment of fixed annual fees to MPC for 
the provision of executive management services by certain executive officers of the general partner and 
MPLX’s reimbursement of MPC for the provision of certain general and administrative services to it. They 
also provide for MPC’s indemnification to MPLX for certain matters, including environmental, title and tax 
matters; as well as our indemnification of MPC for certain matters under these agreements.  

Employee Services Agreements

MPLX has various employee services agreements and secondment agreements with MPC under which 
MPLX reimburses MPC for employee benefit expenses, along with the provision of operational and 
management services in support of both our L&S and G&P segments’ operations.

Loan Agreement

MPLX is party to a loan agreement with MPC Investment (the “MPC Loan Agreement”). Under the terms 
of the agreement, MPC Investment extends loans to MPLX on a revolving basis as requested by MPLX and 
as agreed to by MPC Investment. On April 27, 2018, MPLX and MPC Investment entered into an 
amendment to the MPC Loan Agreement to increase the borrowing capacity under the MPC Loan 
Agreement from $500 million to $1 billion. In connection with the Merger, on July 31, 2019, MPLX and 
MPC Investment entered into a second amendment to the MPC Loan Agreement to increase the borrowing 
capacity under the MPC Loan Agreement to $1.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of all loans 
outstanding at any one time. The loan agreement is scheduled to expire, and borrowings under the loan 
agreement are scheduled to mature and become due and payable on July 31, 2024, provided that MPC 
Investment may demand payment of all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of the loan, 
together with all accrued and unpaid interest and other amounts (if any), at any time prior to the maturity 

123

date. Borrowings under the MPC Loan Agreement prior to July 31, 2019 bore interest at LIBOR plus 1.50 
percent, while borrowings as of and after July 31, 2019 will bear interest at the one-month LIBOR plus 
1.25 percent or such lower rate as would be applicable to such loans under the MPLX Credit Agreement as 
discussed in Note 17. Activity on the MPC Loan Agreement was as follows:

(In millions, except %)
Borrowings

Average interest rate of borrowings

Repayments

Outstanding balance at end of period

December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019

$ 

$ 

$ 

6,264 

 2.278 %

6,858 

— 

$ 

$ 

$ 

8,540 

 3.441 %

7,946 

594 

Prior to the Merger, ANDX was also party to a loan agreement with MPC (“ANDX-MPC Loan 
Agreement”). This facility was entered into on December 21, 2018, with a borrowing capacity of $500 
million. In connection with the Merger, on July 31, 2019, MPLX repaid the entire outstanding balance and 
terminated the ANDX-MPC Loan Agreement. There was no activity on the ANDX-MPC Loan Agreement 
in 2018. Activity on the agreement during 2019 prior to the Merger was as follows:

(In millions, except %)
Borrowings

Average interest rate of borrowings

Repayments

Outstanding balance at end of period

Related Party Revenue

December 31, 2019

$ 

$ 

$ 

773 

 4.249 %
773 

— 

Related party sales to MPC consist of crude oil and refined products pipeline and trucking transportation 
services based on tariff/contracted rates; storage, terminal and fuels distribution services based on 
contracted rates; and marine transportation services. Related party sales to MPC also consist of revenue 
related to volume deficiency credits.

MPLX also has operating agreements with MPC under which it receives a fee for operating MPC’s retained 
pipeline assets and a fixed annual fee for providing oversight and management services required to run the 
marine business. MPLX also receives management fee revenue for engineering, construction and 
administrative services for operating certain of its equity method investments.

Revenue received from related parties included on the Consolidated Statements of Income was as follows:

(In millions)
Service revenue 

MPC

Other

Total Service revenue - related parties

2020

2019

2018

$ 

3,578  $ 
2 

3,580 

3,455  $ 
— 

3,455 

2,404 
— 

2,404 

Rental income

MPC

Product sales(1)

MPC

Other

Total Product sales - related parties

Other income

MPC
Other

952 

128 

— 

128 

192 

62 

1,196 

846 

140 

2 

142 

47 

67 

87 

— 

87 

41 

58 

99 

Total Other income - related parties

$ 

254  $ 

114  $ 

(1) There were additional product sales to MPC that net to zero within the consolidated financial statements as the transactions are 

recorded net due to the terms of the agreements under which such product was sold. For 2020, 2019 and 2018, these sales totaled 
$462 million, $1,120 million and $607 million, respectively.

124

Related Party Expenses

MPC provides executive management services and certain general and administrative services to MPLX 
under the terms of our omnibus agreements. Omnibus charges included in “Rental cost of sales - related 
parties” primarily relate to services that support MPLX’s rental operations and maintenance of assets 
available for rent. Omnibus charges included in “Purchases - related parties” primarily relate to services 
that support MPLX’s operations and maintenance activities, as well as compensation expenses. Omnibus 
charges included in “General and administrative expenses” primarily relate to services that support 
MPLX’s executive management, accounting and human resources activities. MPLX also obtains employee 
services from MPC under employee services agreements (“ESA charges”). ESA charges for personnel 
directly involved in or supporting operations and maintenance activities related to rental services are 
classified as “Rental cost of sales - related parties.” ESA charges for personnel directly involved in or 
supporting operations and maintenance activities related to other services are classified as “Purchases - 
related parties.” ESA charges for personnel involved in executive management, accounting and human 
resources activities are classified as “General and administrative expenses.” In addition to these 
agreements, MPLX purchases products from MPC, makes payments to MPC in its capacity as general 
contractor to MPLX, and has certain rent and lease agreements with MPC.  

MPC has also been advancing certain strategic priorities to lay a foundation for long-term success, 
including plans to optimize its assets and structurally lower costs in 2021 and beyond, which included an 
involuntary workforce reduction plan. The workforce reduction plan, together with employee reductions 
resulting from MPC's indefinite idling of its Martinez, California and Gallup, New Mexico refineries, 
affected approximately 2,050 employees. All of the employees that conduct MPLX’s business are directly 
employed by affiliates of MPC, and certain of those employees were affected by MPC’s workforce 
reductions. During 2020, MPLX reimbursed MPC for $37 million related to severance and employee 
benefits related expenses that MPC recorded in connection with its workforce reductions. These costs are 
shown on the Consolidated Statements of Income as “Restructuring expenses.”

Expenses incurred from MPC under the omnibus and employee services agreements as well as other 
purchases from MPC included on the Consolidated Statements of Income are as follows:

(In millions)

2020

2019

2018

Rental cost of sales - related parties

$ 

160  $ 

165  $ 

31 

Purchases - related parties

MPC

Other

Total Purchases - related parties

General and administrative expenses

MPC

Restructuring expenses

MPC

1,099 

17 

1,116 

1,210 

21 

1,231 

254 

243 

919 

6 

925 

199 

$ 

37  $ 

—  $ 

— 

Some charges incurred under the omnibus and employee service agreements are related to engineering 
services and are associated with assets under construction. These charges are added to “Property, plant and 
equipment, net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For 2020, 2019 and 2018, these charges totaled $97 
million, $169 million and $152 million, respectively.

125

Related Party Assets and Liabilities

(In millions)
Current assets - related parties

Receivables - MPC

Receivables - Other

Prepaid - MPC

Other - MPC

Lease Receivables - MPC

Total

Noncurrent assets - related parties

Long-term receivables - MPC

Right of use assets - MPC

Long-term lease receivables - MPC

Unguaranteed residual asset - MPC

Total

Current liabilities - related parties

Payables - MPC

Payables - Other

Operating lease liabilities - MPC

Deferred revenue - Minimum volume deficiencies - MPC

Deferred revenue - Project reimbursements - MPC

Deferred revenue - Project reimbursements - Other

Total

Long-term liabilities - related parties

Long-term operating lease liabilities - MPC

Long-term deferred revenue - Project reimbursements - MPC

Long-term deferred revenue - Project reimbursements - Other

December 31,

2020

2019

$ 

615  $ 

621 

27 

4 

1 

30 

677 

32 

231 

386 

23 

672 

215 

43 

1 

66 

30 

1 

356 

229 

47 

7 

22 

9 

— 

4 

656 

21 

232 

43 

7 

303 

911 

37 

1 

42 

16 

1 

1,008 

230 

53 

7 

290 

Total

$ 

283  $ 

7. Net Income/(Loss) Per Limited Partner Unit

Net income/(loss) per unit applicable to common limited partner units is computed by dividing net income/
(loss) attributable to MPLX LP less income/(loss) allocated to participating securities by the weighted 
average number of common units outstanding. Additional MPLX common units and MPLX Series B 
preferred units were issued on July 30, 2019 as a result of the merger with ANDX as discussed in Note 4. 
Distributions declared on these newly issued common and Series B preferred units are a reduction to 
income available to MPLX common unit holders due to their participation in distributions of income. 

Classes of participating securities for 2020, 2019 and 2018 include:

Common Units

Equity-based compensation awards
Series A preferred units

Series B preferred units

2020
P
P
P
P

2019
P
P
P
P

2018
P
P
P

The Merger was a transfer between entities under common control as discussed in Note 4. As entities under 
common control with MPC, prior periods were retrospectively adjusted to furnish comparative information. 
Accordingly, the prior period earnings have been allocated to the general partner and do not affect the net 

126

income/(loss) per unit calculation. The earnings for the entities acquired under common control will be 
included in the net income/(loss) per unit calculation prospectively as described above.

In 2020, 2019 and 2018, MPLX had dilutive potential common units consisting of certain equity-based 
compensation awards. Potential common units omitted from the diluted earnings per unit calculation for the 
years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were less than 1 million.

(In millions)
Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP
Less: Distributions declared on Series A preferred units(1)
Distributions declared on Series B preferred units(1)
Limited partners’ distributions declared on MPLX 
common units (including common units of general 
partner)(1)(2)

Undistributed net loss attributable to MPLX LP

$ 

2020

2019

2018

$ 

(720) $
81
41

1,033  $ 
81 
42 

1,818 
75 
— 

2,872 
(3,714)  $ 

2,635 
(1,725)  $ 

1,985 
(242) 

(1) See Note 8 for distribution information.
(2) Distributions on common units exclude $37.5 million of waived distributions for the year ended December 31, 2019, with

respect to units held by MPC and its affiliates.

(In millions, except per unit data)
Basic and diluted net (loss)/income 
attributable to MPLX LP per unit:
Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX 
LP:

Distributions declared

Undistributed net loss attributable to 
MPLX LP

Net (loss)/income attributable to 
MPLX LP(1)

Weighted average units outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

Net loss attributable to MPLX LP per 
limited partner unit:

Basic

Diluted

2020

Limited 
Partners’
Common 
Units

Series A 
Preferred 
Units

Series B 
Preferred 
Units

Total

$ 

2,872  $ 

81  $ 

41  $ 

2,994 

(3,714) 

— 

— 

(3,714) 

$ 

(842) $

81  $ 

41  $ 

(720) 

1,051 

1,051 

$ 

$ 

(0.80) 

(0.80) 

1,051 

1,051 

127

(In millions, except per unit data)
Basic and diluted net income attributable 
to MPLX LP per unit:
Net income attributable to MPLX LP:

Distributions declared

Undistributed net loss attributable to 
MPLX LP

Net income attributable to MPLX 
LP(1)

Weighted average units outstanding:

Basic(2)
Diluted(2)

Net income attributable to MPLX LP per 
limited partner unit:

Basic
Diluted

2019

Limited 
Partners’
Common 
Units

Series A 
Preferred 
Units

Series B 
Preferred 
Units

Total

$ 

2,635  $ 

81  $ 

42  $ 

2,758 

(1,725) 

— 

— 

(1,725) 

$ 

910  $ 

81  $ 

42  $ 

1,033 

906 

907 

1.00 

1.00 

$ 

$ 

906 

907 

(In millions, except per unit data)
Basic and diluted net income attributable to MPLX LP per 
unit:
Net income attributable to MPLX LP:

Distribution declared

Undistributed net loss attributable to MPLX LP
Net income attributable to MPLX LP(1)

Weighted average units outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

Net income attributable to MPLX LP per limited partner 
unit:

Basic

Diluted

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

Limited 
Partners’
Common 
Units

2018

Series A 
Preferred 
Units

Total

2,060 

(242) 
1,818 

761 

761 

1,985  $ 

(242)
1,743  $ 

75  $ 

—
75  $ 

761 

761 

2.29 

2.29 

(1) Allocation of net income/(loss) attributable to MPLX LP assumes all earnings for the period had been distributed based on the 

distribution priorities applicable to the period.

(2) The Series B preferred units and the MPLX common units issued in connection with the Merger were not outstanding during the

entire year. See Notes 4 and 8 for additional information about the treatment of these units.

8. Equity

Units Outstanding 

MPLX had 1,038,777,978 common units outstanding as of December 31, 2020. Of that number, 
647,415,452 were owned by MPC, which also owns the non-economic GP Interest as described below. 
MPLX had 600,000 Series B preferred units outstanding as of December 31, 2020. The sections below 
describe activities and events which impacted our unit balances throughout the year.

Unit Repurchase Program

On November 2, 2020,MPLX announced the board authorization of a unit repurchase program for the 
repurchase of up to $1 billion of MPLX’s outstanding common units held by the public. MPLX may utilize 

128

various methods to effect the repurchases, which could include open market repurchases, negotiated block 
transactions, tender offers, accelerated unit repurchases or open market solicitations for units, some of 
which may be effected through Rule 10b5-1 plans. The timing and amount of repurchases will depend upon 
several factors, including market and business conditions, and repurchases may be initiated, suspended or 
discontinued at any time. The repurchase authorization has no expiration date. During the year ended 
December 31, 2020, 1,473,843 public common units were repurchased at an average cost per unit of $22.29 
per unit. Total cash paid for units repurchased during the year was $33 million with $967 million remaining 
available under the program for future repurchases as of December 31, 2020. As of December 31, 2020, we 
had agreements to acquire 99,406 additional common units for $2 million, which settled in early January 
2021.

Wholesale Exchange and Merger

In connection with the Wholesale Exchange as discussed in Note 4, 18,582,088 units were redeemed by 
MPC in exchange for all of the outstanding membership interests in WRW. These units were cancelled by 
MPLX immediately following the transaction.

In connection with the Merger and as discussed in Note 4, each common unit held by ANDX’s public 
unitholders was converted into the right to receive 1.135 MPLX common units while ANDX common units 
held by certain affiliates of MPC were converted into the right to receive 1.0328 MPLX common units. 
This resulted in the issuance of MPLX common units of approximately 102 million units to public 
unitholders and approximately 161 million units to MPC in connection with MPLX's acquisition of ANDX 
on July 30, 2019. 

Series A Redeemable Preferred Unit Conversions - During 2019, certain holders of Series A preferred 
units exercised their rights to convert their Series A preferred units into approximately 1.2 million common 
units as discussed in Note 9.

ATM Program – On March 13, 2018, MPLX entered into a Third Amended and Restated Distribution 
Agreement, which provided for the at-the-market issuances of common units having an aggregate offering 
price of up to approximately $1.7 billion, in amounts, at prices and on terms determined by market 
conditions and other factors at the time of the offerings (such continuous offering program, or at-the-market 
program is referred to as the “ATM Program”). At December 31, 2020, the ATM Program remains in 
effect, although MPLX has not issued any units under this program during 2020, 2019 or 2018.

The table below summarizes the changes in the number of units outstanding for the years ended 
December 31, 2018, 2019, and 2020:

(In units)
Balance at December 31, 2017

Unit-based compensation awards
Contribution of Refining Logistics and Fuels 
Distribution (See Note 4)
Conversion of GP economic interests

Balance at December 31, 2018

Unit-based compensation awards
Issuance of units in connection with the Merger (See 
Note 4)
Conversion of Series A preferred units

Balance at December 31, 2019

Unit-based compensation awards
Wholesale Exchange
Units redeemed in unit repurchase program

Balance at December 31, 2020

Common

407,130,020 
348,387 

General Partner(1)
8,308,773 
140 

111,611,111 
275,000,000 
794,089,518 
288,031 

2,277,778 
(10,586,691) 
— 
— 

Total

415,438,793 
348,527 

113,888,889 
264,413,309 
794,089,518 
288,031 

262,829,592 
1,148,330 
 1,058,355,471 
478,438 
(18,582,088) 
(1,473,843) 
 1,038,777,978 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

262,829,592 
1,148,330 
 1,058,355,471 
478,438 
(18,582,088) 
(1,473,843) 
 1,038,777,978 

(1) Changes to the number of general partner units outstanding, other than changes due to contributions made to MPC for the

acquisition of Refining Logistics and Fuels Distribution, are the result of cash contributions made by the general partner in order
to maintain its two GP Interest.

129

Series B Preferred Units - Prior to the Merger, ANDX issued 600,000 units of 6.875 percent Fixed-to-
Floating Rate Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Units representing limited partner interests of 
ANDX at a price to the public of $1,000 per unit. Upon completion of the Merger, the ANDX preferred 
units converted to preferred units of MPLX representing substantially equivalent limited partnership 
interests in MPLX. The Series B preferred units are pari passu with the Series A preferred units with 
respect to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation. Distributions on the Series B preferred units are 
payable semi-annually in arrears on the 15th day, or the first business day thereafter, of February and 
August of each year up to and including February 15, 2023. After February 15, 2023, the holders of Series 
B preferred units are entitled to receive cumulative, quarterly distributions payable in arrears on the 15th 
day of February, May, August and November of each year, or the first business day thereafter, based on a 
floating annual rate equal to the three-month LIBOR plus 4.652 percent.

The changes in the Series B preferred unit balance from the Merger through December 31, 2020 are 
summarized below and are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of 
Equity within “Equity of Predecessor” for the period prior to the Merger and within “Series B preferred 
units” for the period following the Merger. The Series B preferred units are recorded at fair value as of July 
30, 2019.

(In millions)

Balance at beginning of period

Balance acquired at Merger

Net income allocated

Distributions received by Series B preferred unitholders

Balance at end of period

2020

2019

$ 

611  $ 

41 

(41)

$ 

611  $ 

— 

615 

17 

(21)

611 

Issuance of Additional Securities – The Partnership Agreement authorizes MPLX to issue an unlimited 
number of additional securities for the consideration and on the terms and conditions determined by the 
general partner without the approval of the unitholders. 

Net Income Allocation – In preparing the Consolidated Statements of Equity, net income attributable to 
MPLX LP is allocated to Series A and Series B preferred unitholders first and subsequently allocated to the 
limited partner unitholders in accordance with their respective ownership percentages. 

Cash Distributions – The Partnership Agreement sets forth the calculation to be used to determine the 
amount and priority of cash distributions that the common unitholders and preferred unitholders will 
receive. On January 28, 2021, MPLX declared a quarterly cash distribution, based on the results of the 
fourth quarter of 2020, totaling $714 million, or $0.6875 per common unit. This rate was also received by 
Series A preferred unitholders. These distributions were paid on February 12, 2021 to unitholders of record 
on February 8, 2021. Distributions for the fourth quarter of 2019 were $0.6875 per common unit while 
distributions for the twelve months ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $2.7500 and $2.6900 per 
common unit, respectively. 

Additionally, in accordance with the distribution rights discussed above, MPLX made a cash distribution to 
holders of the Series B preferred unitholders on February 16, 2021 for approximately $21 million.

The allocation of total quarterly cash distributions to general, limited, and preferred unitholders is as 
follows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018. MPLX’s distributions are declared 
subsequent to quarter end; therefore, the following table represents total cash distributions applicable to the 
period in which the distributions were earned. 

(In millions)

Limited partners' distributions:

2020

2019

2018

Common unitholders, includes common units of general 
partner
Series A preferred unit distributions
Series B preferred unit distribution

Total cash distributions declared

$ 

$ 

2,872  $ 
81 
41 
2,994  $ 

2,635  $ 
81 
42 
2,758  $ 

1,985 
75 
— 
2,060 

130

The distribution on common units for the year ended December 31, 2019 includes the impact of the 
issuance of approximately 102 million units issued to public unitholders and approximately 161 million 
units issued to MPC in connection with the Merger. Due to the timing of the closing, distributions 
presented in the table above include second quarter distributions on MPLX common units issued to former 
ANDX unitholders in connection with the Merger. The distributions on common units exclude $12.5 
million of waived distributions for the three months ended December 31, 2019 and $37.5 million of waived 
distributions for the year ended December 31, 2019. This waiver was instituted in 2017 under the terms of 
ANDX’s historical partnership agreement with Andeavor. The waiver is no longer applicable after 2019 
based on the original term in the waiver agreement. Also included in the table above is $21 million of 
distributions earned by the Series B preferred units for 2019 as well as $21 million of distributions earned 
on the Series B units prior to the Merger and declared and paid by MPLX during the third quarter of 2019. 

9. Series A Preferred Units

Private Placement of Preferred Units – On May 13, 2016, MPLX completed the private placement of 
approximately 30.8 million 6.5 percent Series A Convertible preferred units for a cash purchase price of 
$32.50 per unit. The aggregate net proceeds of approximately $984 million from the sale of the Series A 
preferred units were used for capital expenditures, repayment of debt and general business purposes.

Preferred Unit Distribution Rights - The Series A preferred units rank senior to all common units and pari 
passu with all Series B preferred units with respect to distributions and rights upon liquidation. The holders 
of the Series A preferred units received cumulative quarterly distributions equal to $0.528125 per unit for 
each quarter prior to the second quarter of 2018. Beginning with the second quarter of 2018, the holders of 
the Series A preferred units are entitled to receive, when and if declared by the board, a quarterly 
distribution equal to the greater of $0.528125 per unit or the amount of distributions they would have 
received on an as converted basis. On January 28, 2021, MPLX declared a quarterly cash distribution of 
$0.6875 per common unit for the fourth quarter of 2020. Holders of the Series A preferred units will 
receive the common unit rate in lieu of the lower $0.528125 base amount. 

The holders may convert their Series A preferred units into common units at any time, in full or in part, 
subject to minimum conversion amounts and conditions. After the fourth anniversary of the issuance date, 
MPLX may convert the Series A preferred units into common units at any time, in whole or in part, subject 
to certain minimum conversion amounts and conditions, if the closing price of MPLX common units is 
greater than $48.75 for the 20-day trading period immediately preceding the conversion notice date. The 
conversion rate for the Series A preferred units shall be the quotient of (a) the sum of (i) $32.50, plus (ii) 
any unpaid cash distributions on the applicable preferred unit, divided by (b) $32.50, subject to adjustment 
for unit distributions, unit splits and similar transactions. The holders of the Series A preferred units are 
entitled to vote on an as-converted basis with the common unitholders and have certain other class voting 
rights with respect to any amendment to the MPLX partnership agreement that would adversely affect any 
rights, preferences or privileges of the preferred units. In addition, upon certain events involving a change 
of control, the holders of preferred units may elect, among other potential elections, to convert their Series 
A preferred units to common units at the then applicable change of control conversion rate.

On September 20, 2019, certain holders exercised their right to convert a total of 1.2 million Series A 
preferred units into common units. As a result of the transaction, approximately 29.6 million Series A 
preferred units remain outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.

The changes in the redeemable preferred balance for 2020 and 2019 are summarized below:

(In millions)

Balance at beginning of period
Net income allocated
Distributions received by preferred unitholders
Conversion of preferred units to common units
Balance at end of period

2020

2019

968  $ 
81 
(81)
— 
968  $ 

1,004 
81 
(81)
(36)
968 

$ 

$ 

131

 
The Series A preferred units are considered redeemable securities under GAAP due to the existence of 
redemption provisions upon a deemed liquidation event, which is outside MPLX’s control. Therefore, they 
are presented as temporary equity in the mezzanine section of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Series 
A preferred units have been recorded at their issuance date fair value, net of issuance costs. Income 
allocations increase the carrying value and declared distributions decrease the carrying value of the Series 
A preferred units. As the Series A preferred units are not currently redeemable and not probable of 
becoming redeemable, adjustment to the initial carrying amount is not necessary and would only be 
required if it becomes probable that the Series A preferred units would become redeemable.

10. Segment Information

MPLX’s chief operating decision maker is the chief executive officer (“CEO”) of its general partner. The 
CEO reviews MPLX’s discrete financial information, makes operating decisions, assesses financial 
performance and allocates resources on a type of service basis. MPLX has two reportable segments: L&S 
and G&P. Each of these segments is organized and managed based upon the nature of the products and 
services it offers.

•

•

L&S – transports, stores, distributes and markets crude oil, asphalt, refined petroleum products and
water. Also includes an inland marine business, terminals, rail facilities, storage caverns and
refining logistics.

G&P – gathers, processes and transports natural gas; gathers, transports, fractionates, stores and
markets NGLs.

Our CEO evaluates the performance of our segments using Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Amounts included 
in net income and excluded from Segment Adjusted EBITDA include: (i) depreciation and amortization; 
(ii) provision/(benefit) for income taxes; (iii) amortization of deferred financing costs; (iv) extinguishment
of debt; (v) non-cash equity-based compensation; (vi) impairment expense; (vii) net interest and other
financial costs; (viii) income/(loss) from equity method investments; (ix) distributions and adjustments
related to equity method investments; (x) unrealized derivative gains/(losses); (xi) acquisition costs; (xii)
noncontrolling interests; and (xiii) other adjustments as deemed necessary. These items are either: (i)
believed to be non-recurring in nature; (ii) not believed to be allocable or controlled by the segment; or (iii)
are not tied to the operational performance of the segment.

132

The tables below present information about revenues and other income, capital expenditures and 
investments in unconsolidated affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 as well as 
total assets for our reportable segments as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

(In millions)
L&S

Service revenue

Rental income

Product related revenue

Income from equity method investments

Other income

Total segment revenues and other income(1)

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2)
Restructuring expenses
Capital expenditures(3)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

G&P

Service revenue

Rental income

Product related revenue

(Loss)/income from equity method investments

Other income

Total segment revenues and other income(1)

Segment Adjusted EBITDA(2)
Restructuring expenses
Capital expenditures(3)
Investments in unconsolidated affiliates

2020

2019

2018

$ 

3,889  $ 

3,765  $ 

2,575 

985 

51 

154 

206 

5,285 

3,488 

29 

498 

141 

2,088 

365 

868 

(1,090) 

53 

2,284 

1,723 

8 

441 

1,235 

91 

200 

61 

5,352 

2,748 

— 

1,060 

289 

2,188 

349 

997 

90 

65 

3,689 

1,586 

— 

1,203 

$ 

125  $ 

424  $ 

856 

23 

171 

47 

3,672 

2,057 

— 

708 

3 

1,685 

342 

1,171 

76 

59 

3,333 

1,418 

— 

1,545 

338 

(1) Within the total segment revenues and other income amounts presented above, third party revenues for the L&S segment were
$567 million, $660 million and $371 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Third party revenues for the G&P segment
were $2,088 million, $3,474 million and $3,198 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

(2) See below for the reconciliation from Segment Adjusted EBITDA to “Net income.”
(3) Capital expenditures do not include adjustments for asset retirement expenditures.

(In millions)

Segment Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

L&S

G&P

Total assets

December 31,

2020

2019

$ 

15  $ 

20,938 

15,461 

$ 

36,414  $ 

15 

20,810 

19,605 

40,430 

133

The table below provides a reconciliation between “Net income” and Segment Adjusted EBITDA.

(In millions)

Reconciliation to Net (loss)/income:

L&S Segment Adjusted EBITDA

G&P Segment Adjusted EBITDA

Total reportable segments
Depreciation and amortization(1)
Provision for income taxes

Amortization of deferred financing costs

Gain/(loss) on extinguishment of debt

Non-cash equity-based compensation

Impairment expense

Net interest and other financial costs

(Loss)/income from equity method investments
Distributions/adjustments related to equity method 
investments
Unrealized derivative (losses)/gains(2)
Acquisition costs

Restructuring expenses

Other
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to noncontrolling 
interests
Adjusted EBITDA attributable to Predecessor(3)

2020

2019

2018

$ 

3,488  $ 

2,748  $ 

1,723 

5,211 

1,586 

4,334 

(1,377) 

(1,254) 

(2)

(61)

19 

(14)

—

(42)

—

(22)

(2,165) 

(1,197)

(854)

(936)

(499)

(3)

— 

(37)

(6)

37 

— 

(873)

290

(562)

1

(14)

—

(1)

32

770

2,057 

1,418 

3,475 

(867) 

(8) 

(55) 

(46) 

(23) 

— 

(613) 

247 

(458) 

5 

(4)

—

—

18

335

Net (loss)/income

$ 

(687) $

1,462  $ 

2,006 

(1) Depreciation and amortization attributable to L&S was $633 million, $503 million and $308 million for the years ended 2020,
2019 and 2018, respectively. Depreciation and amortization attributable to G&P was $744 million, $751 million and $559 
million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. 

(2) MPLX makes a distinction between realized or unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative 
contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative
contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the
contract is recorded.

(3) The Adjusted EBITDA adjustments related to Predecessor are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP prior

to the acquisition date.

11. Major Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk

The table below shows, by segment, the percentage of operating revenues as well as total revenues and 
other income with MPC which is our most significant customer and our largest concentration of credit risk.

Operating revenues(2)

L&S

G&P

Total

Total revenues and other income(3)

L&S

G&P

Total

2020(1)

2019(1)

2018(1)

 92 %

 4 %

 56 %

 89 %

 4 %

 55 %

 91 %

 4 %

 56 %

 88 %

 4 %

 53 %

 94 %

 3 %

 50 %

 90 %

 2 %

 48 %

(1) The percent calculations exclude revenues attributable to volumes shipped by MPC under joint tariffs with third parties, which

are treated as third-party revenue for accounting purposes.

(2) Operating revenues consist of service revenue, service revenue - product related, rental income and product sales. 
(3) The percent calculations exclude losses attributable to the impairment of equity method investments.

134

 
MPLX has a concentration of trade receivables due from customers in the same industry: MPC, integrated 
oil companies, independent refining companies and other pipeline companies. These concentrations of 
customers may impact MPLX’s overall exposure to credit risk as they may be similarly affected by changes 
in economic, regulatory and other factors. MPLX manages its exposure to credit risk through credit 
analysis, credit limit approvals and monitoring procedures; and for certain transactions, it may request 
letters of credit, prepayments or guarantees.

12. Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

(In millions)

NGLs

Line fill

Spare parts, materials and supplies

Total inventories

13. Property, Plant and Equipment

December 31,

2020

2019

$ 

$ 

5  $ 

13 

100 

118  $ 

5 

10 

95 

110 

Property, plant and equipment with associated accumulated depreciation is shown below:

(In millions)
L&S

Pipelines

Refining logistics

Terminals

Marine

Land, building and other

Construction-in progress

Estimated
Useful Lives

December 31,

2020

2019

2-51 years

$

6,026  $ 

13-40 years

4-40 years

15-20 years

1-61 years

2,333 

1,643 

965 

1,584 

262 

5,572 

2,870 

1,109 

906 

1,817 

660 

Total L&S property, plant and equipment

12,813 

12,934 

G&P

Gathering and transportation

Processing and fractionation

Land, building and other

Construction-in-progress

Total G&P property, plant and equipment

Total property, plant and equipment
Less accumulated depreciation(1)
Property, plant and equipment, net

5-40 years

10-40 years

3-40 years

7,547 

5,721 

507 

287 

14,062 
26,875 

5,657 

7,159 

5,545 

484 

745 

13,933 
26,867 

4,722 

$ 

21,218  $ 

22,145 

(1) The December 31, 2020 balance includes property, plant and equipment impairment charges recorded during the first quarter of

2020 as discussed below.

Long-lived assets used in operations are assessed for impairment whenever changes in facts and 
circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable based on the expected 
undiscounted future cash flow of an asset group. For purposes of impairment evaluation, long-lived assets 
must be grouped at the lowest level for which independent cash flows can be identified, which is at least at 
the segment level and in some cases for similar assets in the same geographic region where cash flows can 
be separately identified. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of an asset 
group, fair value is calculated, and the carrying value is written down if greater than the calculated fair 
value.

During the first quarter of 2020, we identified an impairment trigger relating to asset groups within our 
Western G&P reporting unit as a result of significant impacts to forecasted cash flows for these asset 

135

groups resulting from the first quarter events and circumstances as discussed in Note 1. The cash flows 
associated with these assets were significantly impacted by volume declines reflecting decreased forecasted 
producer customer production as a result of lower commodity prices. After assessing each asset group 
within the Western G&P reporting unit for impairment, only the East Texas G&P asset group resulted in 
the fair value of the underlying assets being less than the carrying value. As a result, an impairment of $174 
million was recorded to “Impairment expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Income. Fair value of the 
assets was determined using a combination of an income and cost approach. The income approach utilized 
significant assumptions including management’s best estimates of the expected future cash flows, the 
estimated useful life of the asset group and discount rate. The cost approach utilized assumptions for the 
current replacement costs of similar assets adjusted for estimated depreciation and deterioration of the 
existing equipment and economic obsolescence. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment 
and are sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. As a result, there can be no assurance 
that the estimates and assumptions made for purposes of our impairment analysis will prove to be an 
accurate prediction of the future. The fair value measurements for the asset group fair values represent 
Level 3 measurements.

14. Goodwill and Intangibles

Goodwill 

MPLX annually evaluates goodwill for impairment as of November 30, as well as whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit with 
goodwill is less than its carrying amount.  

Our reporting units are one level below our operating segments and are determined based on the way in 
which segment management operates and reviews each operating segment. We have five reporting units, 
three of which have goodwill allocated to them. For the annual impairment assessment as of November 30, 
2020, management performed only a qualitative assessment for one reporting unit as we determined it was 
more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded the carrying value. The fair value of 
the two remaining reporting units for which a quantitative assessment was performed was determined based 
on applying both a discounted cash flow or income approach as well as a market approach which resulted 
in the fair value of the reporting units exceeding their carrying value by nine percent and 42 percent. The 
reporting unit whose fair value exceeded its carrying amount by nine percent, our Crude Gathering 
Reporting unit, had goodwill totaling $1.1 billion at December 31, 2020. The excess fair value over 
carrying value for this reporting unit is consistent with prior assessments. The discounted cash flow fair 
value estimate is based on known or knowable information at the measurement date. The significant 
assumptions that were used to develop the estimates of the fair values under the discounted cash flow 
method included management’s best estimates of the discount rate of 7.8 percent as well as estimates of 
future cash flows, which are impacted primarily by producer customers’ development plans, which impact 
future volumes and capital requirements. Fair value determinations require considerable judgment and are 
sensitive to changes in underlying assumptions and factors. As a result, there can be no assurance that the 
estimates and assumptions made for purposes of the interim goodwill impairment test will prove to be an 
accurate prediction of the future. The fair value measurements for the individual reporting units represent 
Level 3 measurements.   

During the first quarter of 2020, we determined that an interim impairment analysis of the goodwill 
recorded was necessary based on consideration of a number of first quarter events and circumstances as 
discussed in Note 1. Our producer customers in our Eastern G&P region reduced production forecasts and 
drilling activity in response to the global economic downturn. Additionally, a decline in NGL prices 
impacted our future revenue forecast. After performing our evaluations related to the interim impairment of 
goodwill during the first quarter of 2020, we recorded an impairment of $1,814 million within the Eastern 
G&P reporting unit, which was recorded to “Impairment expense” on the Consolidated Statements of 
Income. The impairment was primarily driven by additional guidance related to the slowing of drilling 
activity, which reduced production growth forecasts from our producer customers. The interim impairment 
assessment of the remaining reporting units with goodwill resulted in the fair value of the reporting units 
exceeding their carrying value. The fair value of our reporting units was determined based on applying both 
a discounted cash flow or income approach as well as a market approach. The discounted cash flow fair 
value estimate is based on known or knowable information at the measurement date. The significant 
assumptions that were used to develop the estimates of the fair values under the discounted cash flow 
method included management’s best estimates of the discount rate, which ranged from 9.5 percent to 11.5 

136

percent, as well as estimates of future cash flows, which are impacted primarily by producer customers’ 
development plans, which impact future volumes and capital requirements.  

After performing our evaluations related to the impairment of goodwill during the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2019, we recorded an impairment of $1,197 million within the Western G&P reporting unit. 
The remainder of the reporting units’ fair values were in excess of their carrying values. The impairment 
was primarily driven by updated guidance related to the slowing of drilling activity, which has reduced 
production growth forecasts from our producer customers. This resulted in goodwill totaling approximately 
$9.5 billion as of December 31, 2019.

The changes in carrying amount of goodwill were as follows for the periods presented:

(In millions)

L&S

G&P

Total

Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2018

$ 

7,234  $ 

2,912  $ 

10,146 

Accumulated impairment losses

Balance as of December 31, 2018

Impairment losses
Acquisitions(1)

Balance as of December 31, 2019

Impairment losses

Wholesale Exchange (Note 4)

Balance as of December 31, 2020

Gross goodwill as of December 31, 2020

Accumulated impairment losses

Balance as of December 31, 2020

— 

7,234 

— 

488 

7,722 

— 

(65)

7,657 

7,657 

— 

(130)

2,782 

(1,197) 

229 

1,814 

(1,814) 

—

— 

3,141 

(3,141) 

(130)

10,016 

(1,197) 

717 

9,536 

(1,814) 

(65) 

7,657 

10,798 

(3,141) 

$ 

7,657  $ 

—  $ 

7,657 

(1) Acquisitions in 2019 are inclusive of measurement period adjustments related to the Merger and Mt. Airy Terminal acquisition.

Intangible Assets

During the first quarter of 2020, we also determined that an impairment analysis of intangibles within our 
Western G&P reporting unit was necessary. See Note 13 for additional information regarding our 
assessment around the Western G&P reporting unit, and more specifically our East Texas G&P asset group. 
The fair value of the intangibles in our East Texas G&P asset group were determined based on applying the 
multi-period excess earnings method, which is an income approach. Key assumptions included 
management’s best estimates of the expected future cash flows from existing customers, customer attrition 
rates and the discount rate. After performing our evaluations related to the impairment of intangible assets 
associated with our East Texas G&P asset group during the first quarter of 2020, we recorded an 
impairment of $177 million to “Impairment expense” on the Consolidated Statements of Income related to 
our customer relationships.

MPLX’s intangible assets are comprised of customer contracts and relationships. The weighted average 
amortization period for intangible assets acquired during 2019 was approximately nine years. Gross 
intangible assets with accumulated amortization as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 is shown below:

(In millions)

Useful Life

Gross

December 31, 2020

Accumulated 
Amortization(1)(2)

Net

Gross

December 31, 2019

Accumulated 
Amortization(1)

Net

L&S

G&P

6 - 8 years

$ 

283  $ 

(81) $ 

202  $ 

283  $

(45) $ 

238

6 - 25 years

1,288 
$  1,571  $ 

(531)
(612) $ 

1,288 

757
959  $  1,571  $

(256)
1,032
(301) $  1,270

(1) Amortization expense attributable to the G&P segment for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 was $98 million and
$127 million, respectively. Amortization expense attributable to the L&S segment for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 
2019 was $36 million and $31 million, respectively. 
Impairment charge of $177 million is included within the G&P accumulated amortization.

(2)

137

Estimated future amortization expense related to the intangible assets at December 31, 2020 is as follows:

(In millions)

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Thereafter

Total

15. Fair Value Measurements

Fair Values – Recurring

$ 

$ 

127 

127 

127 

127 

113 

338 

959 

Fair value measurements and disclosures relate primarily to MPLX’s derivative positions as discussed in 
Note 16. The following table presents the financial instruments carried at fair value on a recurring basis as 
of December 31, 2020 and 2019 by fair value hierarchy level. MPLX has elected to offset the fair value 
amounts recognized for multiple derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty.

December 31,

2020

2019

(In millions)

Assets

Liabilities

Assets

Liabilities

Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Embedded derivatives in commodity 
contracts

Total carrying value on Consolidated 
Balance Sheets

$ 

$ 

—  $ 

(63) $

—  $ 

—  $ 

(63) $

—  $ 

(60) 

(60) 

Level 3 instruments include an embedded derivative in commodity contracts. The embedded derivative 
liability relates to a natural gas purchase commitment embedded in a keep-whole processing agreement. 
The fair value calculation for these Level 3 instruments used significant unobservable inputs including: (1) 
NGL prices interpolated and extrapolated due to inactive markets ranging from $0.47 to $1.09 per gallon 
with a weighted average of $0.59 per gallon and (2) the probability of renewal of 100 percent for the first 
and second five-year term of the gas purchase commitment and related keep-whole processing agreement, 
respectively. Increases or decreases in the fractionation spread result in an increase or decrease in the fair 
value of the embedded derivative liability, respectively. Beyond the embedded derivative discussed above, 
we had no outstanding commodity contracts as of December 31, 2020 or December 31, 2019.   

138

Changes in Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The following table is a reconciliation of the net beginning and ending balances recorded for net assets and 
liabilities classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

(In millions)

Fair value at beginning of period
Total losses (realized and unrealized) 
included in earnings(1)
Settlements

Fair value at end of period
The amount of total losses for the period 
included in earnings attributable to the 
change in unrealized gains or losses 
relating to liabilities still held at end of 
period

2020

2019

Commodity 
Derivative 
Contracts (net)

Embedded 
Derivatives in 
Commodity 
Contracts (net)

Commodity 
Derivative 
Contracts (net)

Embedded 
Derivatives in 
Commodity 
Contracts (net)

$ 

—  $ 

(60) $

—  $ 

— 

— 

— 

(9)

6 

(63)

—

—

—

(61) 

(5) 

6 

(60) 

$ 

—  $ 

(4) $

—  $ 

(5) 

(1) Gains and losses on commodity derivatives classified as Level 3 are recorded in “Product sales” on the Consolidated Statements 
of Income. Gains and losses on derivatives embedded in commodity contracts are recorded in “Purchased product costs” and 
“Cost of revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair Values – Reported

MPLX’s primary financial instruments are cash and cash equivalents, receivables, receivables from related 
parties, lease receivables from related parties, accounts payable, payables to related parties and long-term 
debt. MPLX’s fair value assessment incorporates a variety of considerations, including (1) the duration of 
the instruments, (2) MPC’s investment-grade credit rating and (3) the historical incurrence of and expected 
future insignificance of bad debt expense, which includes an evaluation of counterparty credit risk. MPLX 
believes the carrying values of its current assets and liabilities approximate fair value. The recorded value 
of the amounts outstanding under the bank revolving credit facility, if any, approximates fair value due to 
the variable interest rate that approximates current market rates. Derivative instruments are recorded at fair 
value, based on available market information (see Note 16).

The fair value of MPLX’s long-term debt is estimated based on recent market non-binding indicative 
quotes. 

(In millions)
Long-term debt (including amounts due 
within one year)

16. Derivative Financial Instruments

December 31,

2020

2019

Fair Value

Carrying Value

Fair Value

Carrying Value

$ 

22,951  $ 

20,244  $ 

21,054  $ 

19,800 

As of December 31, 2020, MPLX had no outstanding commodity contracts.

Embedded Derivative - MPLX has a natural gas purchase commitment embedded in a keep-whole 
processing agreement with a producer customer in the Southern Appalachia region expiring in December 
2022. The customer has the unilateral option to extend the agreement for two consecutive five-year terms 
through December 2032. For accounting purposes, the natural gas purchase commitment and term 
extending options have been aggregated into a single compound embedded derivative. The probability of 
the customer exercising its options is determined based on assumptions about the customer’s potential 
business strategy decision points that may exist at the time they would elect whether to renew the contract. 
The changes in fair value of this compound embedded derivative are based on the difference between the 
contractual and index pricing, the probability of the producer customer exercising its option to extend and 
the estimated favorability of these contracts compared to current market conditions. The changes in fair 
value are recorded in earnings through “Purchased product costs” on the Consolidated Statements of 

139

 
Income. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the estimated fair value of this contract was a liability of $63 
million and $60 million, respectively.

Certain derivative positions are subject to master netting agreements; therefore, MPLX has elected to offset 
derivative assets and liabilities that are legally permissible to be offset. As of December 31, 2020 and 2019, 
there were no derivative assets or liabilities that were offset on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The 
impact of MPLX’s derivative instruments on its Consolidated Balance Sheets is summarized below:

(In millions)

Derivative contracts not designated as hedging 
instruments and their balance sheet location
Commodity contracts(1)

Other current assets /Other current 
liabilities
Other noncurrent assets /Deferred credits 
and other liabilities

Total

$ 

$ 

December 31,

2020

2019

Asset

Liability

Asset

Liability

—  $ 

(7) $

—  $ 

— 

—  $ 

(56)

(63) $

—

—  $ 

(5) 

(55) 

(60) 

(1)

Includes embedded derivatives in commodity contracts as discussed above.

For further information regarding the fair value measurement of derivative instruments, including the effect 
of master netting arrangements or collateral, see Note 15. See Note 2 for a discussion of derivatives MPLX 
may use and the reasons for them. 

The impact of MPLX’s derivative contracts not designated as hedging instruments and the location of gains 
and losses recognized on the Consolidated Statements of Income is summarized below:

(In millions)

Product sales

Realized gains

Unrealized gains

Total derivative gains related to product sales

Purchased product costs

Realized losses

Unrealized (losses)/gains

Total derivative loss related to purchased product costs

2020

2019

2018

$ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

— 

— 

(6)

(3)

(9)

— 

— 

(6)

1

(5)

Total derivative losses

$ 

(9) $

(5) $

4 

2 

6 

(12) 

3 

(9) 

(3) 

140

17. Debt

MPLX’s outstanding borrowings at December 31, 2020 and 2019 consisted of the following:

(In millions)
MPLX LP:

Bank revolving credit facility due July 30, 2024
Term loan facility due September 26, 2021
Floating rate senior notes due September 9, 2021
Floating rate senior notes due September 9, 2022
6.250% senior notes due October 15, 2022

$ 

3.500% senior notes due December 1, 2022
3.375% senior notes due March 15, 2023
4.500% senior notes due July 15, 2023
6.375% senior notes due May 1, 2024

4.875% senior notes due December 1, 2024
5.250% senior notes due January 15, 2025
4.000% senior notes due February 15, 2025
4.875% senior notes due June 1, 2025
1.750% senior notes due March 1, 2026
4.125% senior notes due March 1, 2027
4.250% senior notes due December 1, 2027
4.000% senior notes due March 15, 2028
4.800% senior notes due February 15, 2029
2.650% senior notes due August 15, 2030
4.500% senior notes due April 15, 2038
5.200% senior notes due March 1, 2047
5.200% senior notes due December 1, 2047
4.700% senior notes due April 15, 2048
5.500% senior notes due February 15, 2049
4.900% senior notes due April 15, 2058

Consolidated subsidiaries:

MarkWest - 4.500% - 4.875% senior notes, due 2023-2025
ANDX - 3.500% - 5.250% senior notes, due 2022-2047
Financing lease obligations(1)

Total

Unamortized debt issuance costs
Unamortized discount/premium
Amounts due within one year

Total long-term debt due after one year

$ 

(1) See Note 22 for lease information.

December 31,

2020

2019

175  $ 
— 
— 
1,000 
— 
486 
500 
989 
— 
1,149 
708 
500 
1,189 
1,500 
1,250 
732 
1,250 
750 
1,500 
1,750 
1,000 
487 
1,500 
1,500 
500 

— 
1,000 
1,000 
1,000 
266 
486 
500 
989 
381 
1,149 
708 
500 
1,189 
— 
1,250 
732 
1,250 
750 
— 
1,750 
1,000 
487 
1,500 
1,500 
500 

23 
87 
11 
20,536 
(116)
(281)
(764)
19,375  $ 

23 
190 
19 
20,119 
(106)
(300)
(9)
19,704 

The following table shows five years of scheduled debt payments, including payments on finance lease 
obligations:

(In millions)
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025

$ 

$ 

753 

1,502 

1,502 

1,326 
1,701 

141

Credit Agreements

MPLX Credit Agreement

Effective July 30, 2019, in connection with the closing of the Merger, MPLX amended and restated its 
existing revolving credit facility (the “MPLX Credit Agreement”) to, among other things, increase 
borrowing capacity to up to $3.5 billion, extend its term from July 2022 to July 2024, increase the letter of 
credit issuing capacity to $300 million and increase the swingline capacity to $150 million. The financial 
covenants and the interest rate terms contained in the new credit agreement are substantially the same as 
those contained in the previous bank revolving credit facility. 

The borrowing capacity under the MPLX Credit Agreement may be increased by up to an additional $1 
billion, subject to certain conditions, including the consent of lenders whose commitments would increase. 
In addition, the maturity date may be extended, for up to two additional one year periods, subject to, among 
other conditions, the approval of lenders holding the majority of the commitments then outstanding, 
provided that the commitments of any non-consenting lenders will terminate on the then-effective maturity 
date. Borrowings under the MPLX Credit Agreement bear interest at either the Adjusted LIBOR or the 
Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the MPLX Credit Agreement), at our election, plus a specified margin. 
MPLX is charged various fees and expenses in connection with the agreement, including administrative 
agent fees, commitment fees on the unused portion of the facility and fees with respect to issued and 
outstanding letters of credit. The applicable margins to the benchmark interest rates and certain fees 
fluctuate based on the credit ratings in effect from time to time on MPLX’s long-term debt.

The MPLX Credit Agreement contains certain representations and warranties, affirmative and restrictive 
covenants and events of default that MPLX considers to be usual and customary for an agreement of this 
type, including a financial covenant that requires MPLX to maintain a ratio of Consolidated Total Debt as 
of the end of each fiscal quarter to Consolidated EBITDA (both as defined in the MPLX Credit Agreement) 
for the prior four fiscal quarters of no greater than 5.0 to 1.0 (or 5.5 to 1.0 for up to two fiscal quarters 
following certain acquisitions). Consolidated EBITDA is subject to adjustments for certain acquisitions and 
dispositions completed and capital projects undertaken during the relevant period. Other covenants restrict 
MPLX and/or certain of its subsidiaries from incurring debt, creating liens on our assets and entering into 
transactions with affiliates. As of December 31, 2020, MPLX was in compliance with the covenants 
contained in the MPLX Credit Agreement.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, MPLX borrowed $3,815 million under the MPLX Credit 
Agreement, at a weighted average interest rate of 1.490 percent, and repaid $3,640 million of these 
borrowings. At December 31, 2020, MPLX had $175 million outstanding borrowings under the new 
facility and less than $1 million in letters of credit outstanding under this facility, resulting in total 
availability of $3,325 million, or approximately 95.0 percent of the borrowing capacity.

During the year ended December 31, 2019, MPLX borrowed $5,310 million under the MPLX Credit 
Agreement, at a weighted average interest rate of 3.547 percent, and repaid $5,310 million of these 
borrowings. At December 31, 2019, MPLX had no outstanding borrowings and less than $1 million in 
letters of credit outstanding under this facility, resulting in total availability of $3.5 billion, or almost 100 
percent of the borrowing capacity.

ANDX Credit Facilities

Prior to the Merger, ANDX had revolving credit facilities (the “ANDX credit facilities”) totaling $2.1 
billion in borrowing capacity, which were set to mature January 29, 2021. The ANDX credit facilities were 
terminated upon closing of the Merger and repaid with borrowings under the MPLX revolving credit 
facility. During the year ended December 31, 2019, there were borrowings of $864 million under the 
ANDX credit facilities, at an average interest rate of 4.129 percent, and repayments of $2.1 billion. 

Term Loan Agreement

On September 26, 2019, MPLX entered into a Term Loan Agreement, which provides for a committed 
term loan facility for up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion. Borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement bear 
interest, at MPLX’s election, at either (i) the Adjusted LIBO Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement) 

142

plus a margin ranging from 75.0 basis points to 100.0 basis points per annum, depending on MPLX’s credit 
ratings, or (ii) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Term Loan Agreement). The proceeds from 
borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement are to be used to fund the repayment of MPLX’s existing 
indebtedness and/or for general business purposes. On August 18, 2020 MPLX fully repaid the $1.0 billion 
of outstanding borrowings on the Term Loan Agreement, which resulted in the recognition of $1 million of 
unamortized issuance costs, which is included on the Consolidated Statements of Income as “Other 
financial costs.” 

Floating Rate Senior Notes

On September 9, 2019, MPLX issued $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes 
in a public offering, consisting of $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of notes due September 2021 and 
$1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of notes due September 2022 (collectively, the “Floating Rate 
Senior Notes”). The Floating Rate Senior Notes were offered at a price to the public of 100 percent of par. 
The Floating Rate Senior Notes are callable, in whole or in part, at par plus accrued and unpaid interest at 
any time on or after September 10, 2020. The net proceeds were used to repay MPLX’s existing 
indebtedness and/or for general business purposes. Interest on the Floating Rate Senior Notes is payable 
quarterly in March, June, September and December, commencing on December 9, 2019. The interest rate 
applicable to the floating rate senior notes due September 2021 is LIBOR plus 0.9 percent per annum. The 
interest rate applicable to the floating rate senior notes due September 2022 is LIBOR plus 1.1 percent per 
annum.

On September 14, 2020, MPLX redeemed, at par value, all of the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount 
of notes due September 2021, which resulted in the recognition of $3 million of unamortized issuance 
costs, which is included on the Consolidated Statements of Income as “Other financial costs.” 

Fixed Rate Senior Notes

Interest on each series of MPLX LP, MarkWest and ANDX senior notes is payable semi-annually in 
arrears, according to the table below.

Senior Notes

Interest payable semi-annually in arrears

3.500% senior notes due December 1, 2022

3.375% senior notes due March 15, 2023

4.500% senior notes due July 15, 2023

4.875% senior notes due December 1, 2024

5.250% senior notes due January 15, 2025

4.000% senior notes due February 15, 2025

4.875% senior notes due June 1, 2025

1.750% senior notes due March 1, 2026
4.125% senior notes due March 1, 2027

4.250% senior notes due December 1, 2027

4.000% senior notes due March 15, 2028

4.800% senior notes due February 15, 2029

2.650% senior notes due August 15, 2030

4.500% senior notes due April 15, 2038

5.200% senior notes due March 1, 2047

5.200% senior notes due December 1, 2047

4.700% senior notes due April 15, 2048

5.500% senior notes due February 15, 2049

4.900% senior notes due April 15, 2058

June 1st and December 1st
March 15th and September 15th
January 15th and July 15th
June 1st and December 1st
January 15th and July 15th
February 15th and August 15th
June 1st and December 1st
March 1st and September 1st
March 1st and September 1st
June 1st and December 1st
March 15th and September 15th
February 15th and August 15th
February 15th and August 15th
April 15th and October 15th
March 1st and September 1st
June 1st and December 1st
April 15th and October 15th
February 15th and August 15th
April 15th and October 15th

On December 29, 2020, MPLX announced the redemption of all the $750 million outstanding aggregate 
principal amount of 5.250 percent senior notes due January 15, 2025, including approximately $42 million 
aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by Andeavor Logistics LP. These amounts are included 

143

on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as “Long-term debt due within one year”. The notes were redeemed on 
January 15, 2021 at a price equal to 102.625 percent of the principal amount.

On August 18, 2020, MPLX issued $3.0 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes in a public 
offering, consisting of $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 1.750 percent senior notes due March 
2026 and $1.5 billion aggregate principal amount of 2.650 percent senior notes due August 2030 
(collectively, the “August 2020 New Senior Notes”). The August 2020 New Senior Notes were offered at a 
price to the public of 99.785 percent and 99.913 percent of par, respectively. Interest on each series of notes 
in the August 2020 New Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears, commencing on March 1, 2021 
for the senior notes due March 2026 and commencing on February 15, 2021 for the senior notes due 
August 2030. The net proceeds were used to repay the $1.0 billion of outstanding borrowings under the 
MPLX Term Loan Agreement; to repay the $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of floating rate notes 
due September 2021; to redeem all of the $450 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375 percent senior 
notes due May 2024, $69 million of which was issued by ANDX; and to redeem all of the $300 million 
aggregate principal amount of 6.250 percent senior notes due October 2022, of which $34 million was 
issued by ANDX. Proceeds were also used to reduce amounts outstanding under the MPLX Credit 
Agreement at the time. 

The 6.375 percent senior notes due May 2024 were redeemed at 103.2 percent of the aggregate principal 
amount, which resulted in a payment of $14 million related to the note premium offset by the immediate 
recognition of $18 million of unamortized debt premium/discount and issuance costs, both of which are 
included on the Consolidated Statements of Income as “Other financial costs.” The 6.250 percent senior 
notes due October 2022 were redeemed at par, and resulted in the immediate recognition of $4 million of 
unamortized debt premium and issuance costs, which is included on the Consolidated Statements of Income 
as “Other financial costs.” 

In connection with the Merger, MPLX assumed ANDX’s outstanding senior notes, which had an aggregate 
principal amount of $3.75 billion, interest rates ranging from 3.5 percent to 6.375 percent and maturity 
dates ranging from 2019 to 2047. On September 23, 2019, $3.06 billion aggregate principal amount of 
ANDX’s outstanding senior notes were exchanged for an aggregate principal amount of $3.06 billion 
unsecured senior notes (the “Exchange Notes”) issued by MPLX in an exchange offer and consent 
solicitation undertaken by MPLX, leaving $690 million aggregate principal of outstanding senior notes 
issued by ANDX. Of this, $500 million aggregate principal amount was related to ANDX 5.5 percent 
senior notes due 2019. The aggregate principal amount of $500 million and accrued interest of $13.75 
million was paid on October 15, 2019 using net proceeds from the Floating Rate Senior Notes and 
borrowings under the Term Loan Agreement discussed above and includes interest through the payoff date.

The Exchange Notes consist of $266 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25 percent senior notes due 
October 2022, $486 million in aggregate principal amount of 3.5 percent senior notes due December 2022, 
$381 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.375 percent senior notes due May 2024, $708 million in 
aggregate principal amount of 5.25 percent senior notes due January 2025, $732 million in aggregate 
principal amount of 4.25 percent senior notes due December 2027 and $487 million in aggregate principal 
amount of 5.2 percent senior notes due December 2047. Interest on each series of Exchange Notes is 
payable semi-annually in arrears according to the table above.

18. Revenue

Disaggregation of Revenue 

The following table represents a disaggregation of revenue for each reportable segment for the years ended 
December 31, 2020 and 2019:

144

Total revenues from contracts with customers

$ 

3,940  $ 

2,956 

Total revenues from contracts with customers

$ 

3,856  $ 

3,185 

(In millions)

Revenues and other income:

Service revenue

Service revenue - related parties

Service revenue - product related
Product sales(1)
Product sales - related parties

Non-ASC 606 revenue(2)
Total revenues and other income

(In millions)

Revenues and other income:

Service revenue
Service revenue - related parties
Service revenue - product related
Product sales(1)
Product sales - related parties

Non-ASC 606 revenue(2)
Total revenues and other income

(In millions)

Revenues and other income:

Service revenue

Service revenue - related parties

Service revenue - product related
Product sales(1)
Product sales - related parties

L&S

2020

G&P

Total

$ 

333  $ 

2,064  $ 

3,556 

— 

39 

12 

24 

155 

597 

116 

$ 

$ 

L&S

2019

G&P

Total

$ 

346  $ 

2,152  $ 

3,419 

— 
65 

26 

36 

140 
741 

116 

L&S

2018

G&P

Total

$ 

174  $ 

1,682  $ 

2,401 

— 
12 

11 

3 

220 
870 

76 

2,397 

3,580 

155 

636 

128 

6,896 

673 

7,569 

2,498 

3,455 

140 
806 

142 

7,041 

2,000 

9,041 

1,856 

2,404 

220 
882 

87 

5,449 

1,556 

7,005 

Total revenues from contracts with customers

$ 

2,598  $ 

2,851 

Non-ASC 606 revenue(2)
Total revenues and other income

$ 

(1) G&P “Product sales” for the year ended December 31, 2018 was adjusted in the table above by $5 million related to derivative

gains and mark-to-market adjustments. There were no adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

(2) Non-ASC 606 Revenue includes rental income, income from equity method investments, derivative gains and losses, mark-to-

market adjustments, and other income. 

Contract Balances

Contract assets typically relate to aid in construction agreements where the revenue recognized and 
MPLX’s rights to consideration for work completed exceeds the amount billed to the customer. Contract 
assets are included in “Other current assets” and “Other noncurrent assets” on the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets.

Contract liabilities, which we refer to as “Deferred revenue” and “Long-term deferred revenue,” typically 
relate to advance payments for aid in construction agreements and deferred customer credits associated 
with makeup rights and minimum volume commitments. Related to minimum volume commitments, 

145

breakage is estimated and recognized into service revenue in instances where it is probable the customer 
will not use the credit in future periods. We classify contract liabilities as current or long-term based on the 
timing of when we expect to recognize revenue.

“Receivables, net” primarily relate to our commodity sales. Portions of the “Receivables, net” balance are 
attributed to the sale of commodity product controlled by MPLX prior to sale while a significant portion of 
the balance relates to the sale of commodity product on behalf of our producer customers. The sales and 
related “Receivables, net” are commingled and excluded from the table below. MPLX remits the net sales 
price back to our producer customers upon completion of the sale. Each period end, certain amounts within 
accounts payable relate to our payments to producer customers. Such amounts are not deemed material at 
period end as a result of when we settle with each producer. 

The table below reflects the changes in our contract balances for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 
2019:

(In millions)

Contract assets

Long-term contract asset

Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue - related parties

Long-term deferred revenue
Long-term deferred revenue - related 
parties

Balance at 
December 31, 
2019(1)

Additions/ 
(Deletions)

Revenue 
Recognized(2)

Balance at 
December 31, 
2020

$ 

39  $ 

3  $ 

(2) $

— 

23 

53 

90 

55 

2 

22 

121 

29 

(7)

6  $ 

—

(8)

(83)

— 

—

—  $ 

40 

2 

37

91

119 

48 

6 

Long-term contract liability

$ 

—  $ 

(In millions)

Contract assets

Deferred revenue

Deferred revenue - related parties

Long-term deferred revenue
Long-term deferred revenue - related 
parties

Balance at 
December 31, 
2018(1)

Additions/ 
(Deletions)

Revenue 
Recognized(2)

Balance at 
December 31, 
2019

$ 

36  $ 

5  $ 

(2) $

13 

65 

56 

17 

55 

34 

(7)

(67)

— 

$ 

52  $ 

3  $ 

—  $ 

39 

23

53

90 

55 

(1) Balance represents ASC 606 portion of each respective line item.
(2) No significant revenue was recognized related to past performance obligations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019.

Remaining Performance Obligations

The table below includes estimated revenue expected to be recognized in the future related to performance 
obligations that are unsatisfied (or partially unsatisfied) at the end of the reporting period. 

As of December 31, 2020, the amounts allocated to contract assets and contract liabilities on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets are $293 million and are reflected in the amounts below. This will be 
recognized as revenue as the obligations are satisfied, which is expected to occur over the next 23 years. 
Further, MPLX does not disclose variable consideration due to volume variability in the table below. 

(In millions)
2021

2022
2023
2024
2025 and thereafter

Total revenue on remaining performance obligations(1)(2)(3)

146

$ 

1,891 

1,822 

1,666 

1,540 

4,555 

$ 

11,474 

(1) All fixed consideration from contracts with customers is included in the amounts presented above. Variable consideration that is 

constrained or not required to be estimated as it reflects our efforts to perform is excluded.

(2) Arrangements deemed implicit leases are included in “Rental income” and are excluded from this table.
(3) Only minimum volume commitments that are deemed fixed are included in the table above. MPLX has various minimum

volume commitments in processing arrangements that vary based on the actual Btu content of the gas received. These amounts 
are deemed variable consideration and are excluded from the table above.

We do not disclose information on the future performance obligations for any contract with an original 
expected duration of one year or less.

19. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

(In millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities included:

2020

2019

2018

Interest paid (net of amounts capitalized)

$ 

821  $ 

835  $ 

Income taxes paid

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement 
of lease liabilities

Payments on operating leases
Interest payment under finance lease obligations

Net cash provided by financing activities included

Principal payments under finance lease obligations

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

Net transfers of property, plant and equipment from 
materials and supplies inventories
MPLX terminal lease classification change

ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating 
lease obligations
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new finance 
lease obligations
Fair value of common units redeemed for Wholesale 
Exchange
Contribution - common units issued(1)

2 

87 

1 

9 

— 

— 

17 

1 

1 

85 

1 

5 

2 

21 

26 

4 

568 

1 

— 

— 

— 

2 

— 

— 

— 

340 
—  $ 

— 
7,722  $ 

— 
4,236 

$ 

(1) For 2018, includes limited and general partner units issued to MPC as consideration in the acquisition of Refining Logistics and 
Fuels Distribution. For 2019, includes limited partner units issued to MPC and public unitholders as consideration in the Merger. 
See Note 4. 

The Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows exclude changes to the Consolidated Balance Sheets that did 
not affect cash. The following is the change of additions to property, plant and equipment related to capital 
accruals:

(In millions)
(Decrease)/increase in capital accruals

2020

2019

2018

$ 

(244) $

(146) $

135 

20. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

MPLX records an accumulated other comprehensive loss on the Consolidated Balance Sheets relating to 
pension and other post-retirement benefits provided by LOOP and Explorer to their employees. MPLX is 
not a sponsor of these benefit plans. 

The following table shows the changes in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” by component during 
the period December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2020:

147

(In millions)
Balance at December 31, 2018(1)

Pension Benefits

Other Post-
Retirement 
Benefits

Total

$ 

(14) $

(2) $

Other comprehensive income - remeasurements(2)

Balance as of December 31, 2019(1)

Other comprehensive income/(loss) - remeasurements(2)

—

(14)

1 

1

(1)

(1)

(16) 

1 

(15) 

—

Balance as of December 31, 2020(1)
(1) These components of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” are included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost by

(13) $

(2) $

$ 

(15) 

LOOP and Explorer and are therefore included on the Consolidated Statements of Income under the caption “Income/(loss) from
equity method investments.” 

(2) Components of other comprehensive loss - remeasurements relate to actuarial gains and losses as well as amortization of prior 

service costs. MPLX records an adjustment to “Comprehensive income” in accordance with its ownership interest in LOOP and 
Explorer. 

21. Equity-Based Compensation

Description of the Plan

Effective March 15, 2018, the MPLX LP 2012 Incentive Compensation Plan (“MPLX 2012 Plan”) was 
replaced by the MPLX LP 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan (“MPLX 2018 Plan”). The MPLX 2018 Plan 
will continue in effect until February 28, 2028, unless terminated earlier. Subject to customary anti-dilution 
adjustments, the MPLX 2018 Plan allows for no more than 16 million common units representing limited 
partnership interests in MPLX to be delivered under the plan. The MPLX LP 2012 Plan allowed for no 
more than 2.75 million MPLX LP common limited partner units to be delivered.

Consistent with the MPLX 2012 Plan, the MPLX 2018 Plan authorizes the MPLX GP board of directors 
(the “Board”) to grant unit options, unit appreciation rights, restricted units and phantom units, distribution 
equivalent rights, unit awards, profits interest units, performance units and other unit-based awards to the 
employees, officers and directors of the General Partner, MPLX, or any of their affiliates, including MPC. 
Common units delivered pursuant to an award granted under the MPLX 2018 Plan may be newly issued 
common units or acquired in the open market or from any other person, including an affiliate of MPLX, as 
determined by the Board. 

Unit-based Awards under the Plan

MPLX expenses all unit-based payments to employees and non-employee directors based on the grant date 
fair value of the awards over the requisite service period, adjusted for estimated forfeitures.

Phantom Units – MPLX has granted phantom units under the MPLX 2018 Plan and the MPLX 2012 Plan 
to non-employee directors of MPLX LP’s general partner and of MPC. Awards to non-employee directors 
are accounted for as non-employee awards. Phantom units granted to non-employee directors vest 
immediately at the time of the grant, as they are non-forfeitable, but are not issued until the director’s 
departure from the board of directors. Prior to issuance, non-employee directors do not have the right to 
vote such units and cash distribution equivalents accrue in the form of additional phantom units and will be 
issued when the director departs from the board of directors.

MPLX has granted phantom units under the MPLX 2018 Plan and the MPLX 2012 Plan to certain officers 
and non-officers of MPLX, MPLX’s general partner and MPC who make significant contributions to our 
business. These grants are accounted for as employee awards. In general, these phantom units will vest over 
a requisite service period of up to three years. Prior to vesting, these phantom unit recipients will not have 
the right to vote such units and cash distributions declared will be accrued and paid upon vesting. The 
accrued distributions at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $3 million and $6 million, respectively.

The fair values of phantom units are based on the fair value of MPLX common units on the grant date.

Performance Units – MPLX has granted performance units under the MPLX 2018 Plan and the MPLX 
2012 Plan to certain officers of the general partner and certain eligible MPC officers who make significant 
contributions to our business. Performance units are designed to pay out 75 percent in cash and 25 percent 
in MPLX common units. The performance units paying out in cash are accounted for as liability awards 

148

 
and recorded at fair value with a mark-to-market adjustment made each quarter. The performance units 
paying out in units are accounted for as equity awards.

The performance units granted in 2020 are hybrid awards having a three-year performance period of 
January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The payout of the award is dependent on two independent 
conditions, each constituting 50 percent of the overall target units granted. The awards have a performance 
condition based on MPLX LP’s distributable cash flow, and a market condition based on MPLX LP’s total 
unitholder return. The market condition was valued using a Monte Carlo valuation, resulting in a grant date 
fair value of $0.80 per unit for the 2020 equity-classified performance units. Grant date fair value of the 
performance condition is based on potential payouts per unit of up to $2.00 per unit. Compensation cost 
associated with the performance condition is based on the grant date fair value of the payout deemed most 
probable to occur and is adjusted as the expectation for payout changes. 

The performance units granted in 2019 are hybrid awards having a three-year performance period of 
January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2021. The payout of the award is dependent on two independent 
conditions, each constituting 50 percent of the overall target units granted. The awards have a performance 
condition based on MPLX’s DCF during the performance period and a market condition based on MPLX’s 
total unitholder return over the performance period. The market condition was valued using a Monte Carlo 
valuation, resulting in a grant date fair value of $0.68 per unit for the 2019 equity-classified performance 
units. Grant date fair value of the performance condition is based on potential payouts per unit of up to 
$2.00 per unit. Compensation cost associated with the performance condition is based on the grant date fair 
value of the payout deemed most probable to occur and is adjusted as the expectation for payout changes.

During the first quarter of 2018, a performance award was granted; however, due to the nature of the award 
terms, the grant date for this award was not established until the first quarter of 2020 and we began 
recognizing units and expense related to this award at that time. The performance units granted in 2018 are 
hybrid awards having a three-year performance period of January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2020. The 
payout of the award is dependent on two independent conditions, each constituting 50 percent of the overall 
target units granted. The awards have a performance condition based on an average of MPLX LP’s 
distributable cash flow and a market condition based on MPLX LP’s total unitholder return. The market 
condition was valued using a Monte Carlo valuation, resulting in a grant date fair value of $0.45 per unit 
for the 2018 equity-classified performance units. Grant date fair value of the performance condition is 
based on potential payouts per unit of up to $2.00 per unit. Compensation cost associated with the 
performance condition is based on the grant date fair value of the payout deemed most probable to occur 
and is adjusted as the expectation for payout changes.

Outstanding Phantom Unit Awards

The following is a summary of phantom unit award activity of MPLX common units in 2020:

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

Granted

Settled

Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2020

Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2020
Non-forfeitable at December 31, 2020(1)

Phantom Units

Number
of Units

1,109,568  $ 

238,238 

(686,382) 

(17,401) 

644,023 

640,885 

362,682  $ 

Weighted
Average
Fair Value

Aggregate 
Intrinsic Value 
(In millions)

35.97 

19.08 

37.04 

33.65 

28.65 

28.69  $ 

29.66  $ 

14 

8 

(1) Represents a subset of phantom units held by our non-employee directors and certain of our officers and non-officer employees

that are generally non-forfeitable and that would be paid out as common units upon the holder’s separation from service, or upon
a predetermined date.

149

The following is a summary of the values related to phantom units:

2020

2019

2018

Phantom Units

Intrinsic Value 
of Units Issued 
During the 
Period (in 
millions)

Weighted 
Average Grant 
Date Fair Value 
of Units Granted 
During the 
Period

$ 

$ 

12  $ 

14 

18  $ 

19.08 

32.62 

33.84 

As of December 31, 2020, unrecognized compensation cost related to phantom unit awards was $2 million, 
which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.8 years.

Outstanding Performance Unit Awards

The following table presents a summary of the 2020 activity for performance unit awards to be settled in 
MPLX common units:

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

Granted

Settled

Forfeited

Outstanding at December 31, 2020

Performance Units

Number of Units

2,157,347  $ 

2,147,211 

(1,169,354) 

(42,918) 

3,092,286  $ 

Weighted
Average
Fair Value

0.84 

0.86 

0.90 

0.84 

0.83 

The number of common units that would be issued upon target vesting, using the closing price of our 
common units on December 31, 2020 would be 142,831 common units.

As of December 31, 2020, unrecognized compensation cost related to equity-classified performance unit 
awards was $1 million which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.0 years.

Performance units paying out in MPLX common units have a grant date fair value calculated using a Monte 
Carlo valuation model, which requires the input of subjective assumptions. The following table provides a 
summary of the weighted average inputs used for these assumptions:

Risk-free interest rate

Look-back period

 2020

1.29%

 2019

2.51%

1.62 years

2.84 years

Expected volatility
Grant date fair value of performance units granted(1)
(1) Performance units granted includes units subject to both the market condition and performance condition.

22.32%

25.01%

$0.76

$0.86

 2018

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

The assumption for expected volatility of our unit price reflects the historical volatility of MPLX common 
units. The look-back period reflects the remaining performance period at the grant date. The risk-free 
interest rate for the remaining performance period as of the grant date is based on the U.S. Treasury yield 
curve in effect at the time of the grant.

Total Unit-Based Compensation Expense

Total unit-based compensation expense for awards settling in MPLX common units was $14 million in 
2020, $22 million in 2019 and $24 million in 2018.

150

MPC’s Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expenses charged to MPLX under our employee services agreement with MPC 
were $13 million, $10 million and $8 million for 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

22. Leases

Lessee

We lease a wide variety of facilities and equipment under leases from third parties, including land and 
building space, office and field equipment, storage facilities and transportation equipment, while our related 
party leases primarily relate to ground leases associated with our refining logistics assets. Our remaining 
lease terms range from less than one to 58 years. Some long-term leases include renewal options ranging 
from one to 50 years and, in certain leases, also include purchase options. Renewal options and termination 
options were not included in the measurement of ROU assets and lease liabilities since it was determined 
they were not reasonably certain to be exercised. 

Under ASC 840, operating lease costs were $89 million in 2018. Under ASC 842, the components of lease 
cost were as follows:

(In millions)

Components of lease costs:
Operating lease costs

Finance lease cost:

Amortization of ROU assets

Interest on lease liabilities 

Total finance lease cost

Variable lease cost

Short-term lease cost

Total lease cost

2020

2019

Related Party

Third Party

Related Party

Third Party

$ 

14  $ 

78  $ 

14  $ 

75 

— 

— 

— 

1 

— 

3 

1 

4 

10 

52 

— 

— 

— 

1 

— 

$ 

15  $ 

144  $ 

15  $ 

5 

1 

6 

11 

80 

172 

151

Supplemental balance sheet data related to leases were as follows:

(In millions, except % and years)

Related Party

Third Party

Related Party

Third Party

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Operating leases
Assets

Right of use assets

Liabilities

$ 

231 

$ 

309 

$ 

232 

$ 

365 

Operating lease liabilities
Long-term operating lease liabilities

Total operating lease liabilities

$ 

1 

229 

230 

$ 

63 

244 

307 

$ 

1 

230 

231 

$ 

66 

302 

368 

Weighted average remaining lease term

46.23 years

8.04 years

47.20 years

8.59 years

Weighted average discount rate

 5.80 %

 4.33 %

 5.80 %

 4.38 %

Finance leases

Assets

Property, plant and equipment, gross
Less: Accumulated depreciation

Property, plant and equipment, net

Liabilities

Other current liabilities
Long-term debt

Total finance lease liabilities

Weighted average remaining lease term

Weighted average discount rate

$ 

17 

8 

9 

2 

9 

$ 

11 

16.87 years

 5.95 %

$ 

$ 

46 

19 

27 

9 

10 

19 

10.16 years

 5.87 %

As of December 31, 2020, maturities of lease liabilities for operating lease obligations and finance lease 
obligations having initial or remaining non-cancellable lease terms in excess of one year are as follows:

(In millions)
2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 and thereafter

Gross lease payments

Less: Imputed interest

Total lease liabilities

Lessor 

Related Party 
Operating
Leases

Third Party 
Operating
Leases 

Finance
Leases

$ 

14  $ 

76  $ 

14 

14 

14 

14 

591 

661 

431 

67 

57 

35 

19 

115 

369 

62 

$ 

230  $ 

307  $ 

3 

2 

2 

1 

1 

9 

18 

7 

11 

Based on the terms of fee-based transportation and storage services agreements with MPC and third parties, 
MPLX is considered to be the lessor under several operating lease arrangements in accordance with GAAP. 
These agreements have remaining terms ranging from less than one year to 12 years with renewal options 
ranging from one year to 10 years, with some agreements having multiple renewal options. We are also 
considered to be the lessor under operating lease agreements related to certain fee-based natural gas 
gathering, transportation and processing agreements. MPLX’s primary natural gas lease operations relate to 
a natural gas gathering agreement in the Marcellus Shale for which it earns a fixed-fee for providing 
gathering services to a single producer using a dedicated gathering system. As the gathering system is 
expanded, the fixed-fee charged to the producer is adjusted to include the additional gathering assets in the 

152

lease. The primary term of the natural gas gathering arrangement expires in 2038 and will continue 
thereafter on a year-to-year basis until terminated by either party. Other significant natural gas implicit 
leases relate to a natural gas processing agreement in the Marcellus Shale and a natural gas processing 
agreement in the Southern Appalachia region for which MPLX earns minimum monthly fees for providing 
processing services to a single producer using a dedicated processing plant. The primary term of these 
natural gas processing agreements expires during 2027 and 2023, respectively, these contracts will continue 
thereafter on a year-to-year basis until terminated by either party. 

MPLX did not elect to use the practical expedient to combine lease and non-lease components for lessor 
arrangements. The tables below represent the portion of the contract allocated to the lease component based 
on relative standalone selling price. Lessor agreements are currently deemed operating, as we elected the 
practical expedient to carry forward historical classification conclusions. If and when a modification of an 
existing agreement occurs and the agreement is required to be assessed under ASC 842, MPLX assesses the 
amended agreement and makes a determination as to whether a reclassification of the lease is required. 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, reimbursements for projects at certain MPLX refining logistics 
locations were agreed to between MPLX and MPC. These reimbursements relate to the storage services 
agreements between MPLX and MPC at these locations and required the embedded leases within these 
agreements to be reassessed under the leasing standard. As a result of the reassessment, one of our leases 
was reclassified from an operating lease to a sales-type lease. As a result, the underlying assets previously 
shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheets associated with the sales-type lease were derecognized and the 
net investment in the lease (i.e., the sum of the present value of the future lease payments and the 
unguaranteed residual value of the assets) was recorded as a lease receivable. See Note 6 for the location of 
lease receivables and unguaranteed residual assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The difference 
between the net book value of the underlying assets and the net investment in the lease has been recorded as 
a Contribution from MPC in the Consolidated Statements of Equity given that the transaction related to 
Refining Logistics was a common control transaction. During the first quarter of 2020, MPLX 
derecognized approximately $171 million of property, plant and equipment, recorded a lease receivable of 
approximately $370 million, recorded an unguaranteed residual asset of approximately $10 million and a 
Contribution from MPC of $209 million. 

During the year ended December 31, 2019, there was a modification to MPLX terminal agreements with 
MPC. Based on the modification, certain terminals within the MPLX terminal agreement were reclassified 
from operating leases to sales-type leases. As a result, the underlying assets previously shown on the 
Consolidated Balance Sheets associated with the sales-type leases were derecognized and the net 
investment in the lease (i.e., the sum of the present value of the future lease payments and the unguaranteed 
residual value of the assets) was recorded as a lease receivable. When determining the net investment in the 
lease, certain variable payments were excluded from the total contract consideration, primarily related to 
fees for which there are no minimum volume commitments. The difference between the net book value of 
the underlying assets and the net investment in the lease has been recorded through equity given that the 
dropdown of MPLXT was a common control transaction. During the year, MPLX derecognized 
approximately $29 million of property, plant and equipment, derecognized approximately $3 million of 
existing deferred rent receivable, recorded a lease receivable of approximately $47 million, recorded an 
unguaranteed residual asset of approximately $6 million and equity of $21 million. 

Under ASC 840, MPLX’s revenue from its implicit lease arrangements, excluding executory costs, totaled 
approximately $1,032 million in 2018. Lease revenues included on the Consolidated Statements of Income 
during 2020 and 2019 were as follows:

153

(In millions)

Operating leases:
Operating lease revenue(1)

Sales-type leases:
Profit/(loss) recognized at the 
commencement date
Interest income (Sales-type rental revenue- 
fixed minimum)
Interest income (Revenue from variable 
lease payments)

2020

2019

Related Party

Third Party

Related Party

Third Party

$ 

787  $ 

268  $ 

1,020  $ 

257 

— 

151 

— 

— 

— 

6 

$ 

1  $ 

—  $ 

1  $ 

— 

— 

— 

(1) These amounts are presented net of executory costs.

The following is a schedule of minimum future rental revenue on the non-cancellable operating leases as of 
December 31, 2020:

(In millions)

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 and thereafter

Related Party

Third Party

Total

$ 

919  $ 

186  $ 

913 

869 

815 

791 

1,300 

181 

178 

174 

142 

999 

1,105 

1,094 

1,047 

989 

933 

2,299 

7,467 

Total minimum future rentals

$ 

5,607  $ 

1,860  $ 

The following is a schedule of minimum future revenue on sales-type leases as of December 31, 2020:

(In millions)

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 and thereafter

Total minimum future rentals 

Less: present value discount

Lease receivable

Related Party

$ 

$ 

157 

157 

158 

158 

158 

315 

1,103 

687 

416 

154

The following schedule summarizes MPLX’s investment in assets held for operating lease by major classes 
as of December 31, 2020 and 2019:

(In millions)

Pipelines

Refining logistics

Terminals

Marine

Gathering and transportation

Processing and fractionation

Land, building and other

Total property, plant and equipment

Less: accumulated depreciation

Property, plant and equipment, net

December 31,

2020

2019

$ 

834  $ 

1,680 

1,276 

129 

990 

867 

171 

5,947 

2,007 

$ 

3,940  $ 

745 

2,320 

943 

906 

980 

855 

198 

6,947 

2,355 

4,592 

See Note 6 for additional information on where related party lease assets are recorded in the Consolidated 
Balance Sheets. Third-party lease assets are less than $1 million as of December 31, 2020 and are included 
within the “Receivables, net” and “Other noncurrent assets” captions within the Consolidated Balance 
Sheets.

23. Commitments and Contingencies

MPLX is the subject of, or a party to, a number of pending or threatened legal actions, contingencies and 
commitments involving a variety of matters, including laws and regulations relating to the environment. 
Some of these matters are discussed below. For matters for which MPLX has not recorded a liability, 
MPLX is unable to estimate a range of possible loss because the issues involved have not been fully 
developed through pleadings, discovery or court proceedings. However, the ultimate resolution of some of 
these contingencies could, individually or in the aggregate, be material.

Environmental Matters – MPLX is subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the 
environment. These laws generally provide for control of pollutants released into the environment and 
require responsible parties to undertake remediation of hazardous waste disposal sites. Penalties may be 
imposed for non-compliance.

At December 31, 2020 and 2019, accrued liabilities for remediation totaled $17 million and $19 million, 
respectively. It is not presently possible to estimate the ultimate amount of all remediation costs that might 
be incurred or the penalties, if any, that may be imposed. At December 31, 2020 and 2019, there were no 
balances with MPC for indemnification of environmental costs.

MPLX is involved in environmental enforcement matters arising in the ordinary course of business. While 
the outcome and impact to MPLX cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes the resolution 
of these environmental matters will not, individually or collectively, have a material adverse effect on its 
consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

MPLX is also a party to a number of other lawsuits and other proceedings arising in the ordinary course of 
business. While the ultimate outcome and impact to MPLX cannot be predicted with certainty, management 
believes the resolution of these other lawsuits and proceedings will not, individually or collectively, have a 
material adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Guarantees – Over the years, MPLX has sold various assets in the normal course of its business. Certain of 
the related agreements contain performance and general guarantees, including guarantees regarding 
inaccuracies in representations, warranties, covenants and agreements, and environmental and general 
indemnifications that require MPLX to perform upon the occurrence of a triggering event or condition. 
These guarantees and indemnifications are part of the normal course of selling assets. MPLX is typically 
not able to calculate the maximum potential amount of future payments that could be made under such 
contractual provisions because of the variability inherent in the guarantees and indemnities. Most often, the 
nature of the guarantees and indemnities is such that there is no appropriate method for quantifying the 

155

exposure because the underlying triggering event has little or no past experience upon which a reasonable 
prediction of the outcome can be based.

In connection with our approximate 9.19 percent indirect interest in a joint venture (“Dakota Access”) that 
owns and operates the Dakota Access Pipeline and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline projects, 
collectively referred to as the Bakken Pipeline system or DAPL, we have entered into a Contingent Equity 
Contribution Agreement. MPLX LP, along with the other joint venture owners in the Bakken Pipeline 
system, has agreed to make equity contributions to the joint venture upon certain events occurring to allow 
the entities that own and operate the Bakken Pipeline system to satisfy their senior note payment 
obligations. The senior notes were issued to repay amounts owed by the pipeline companies to fund the cost 
of construction of the Bakken Pipeline system. In March 2020, the U.S. District Court for the District of 
Columbia (the “D.D.C.”) ordered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (“Army Corps”), which granted 
permits and an easement for the Bakken Pipeline system, to conduct a full environmental impact statement 
(“EIS”), and further requested briefing on whether an easement necessary for the operation of the Bakken 
Pipeline system should be vacated while the EIS is being prepared. 

On July 6, 2020, the D.D.C. ordered vacatur of the easement to cross Lake Oahe during the pendency of an 
EIS and further ordered a shut down of the pipeline by August 5, 2020. The D.D.C. denied a motion to stay 
that order. Dakota Access and the Army Corps appealed the D.D.C.’s orders to the U.S. Court of Appeals 
for the District of Columbia Circuit (the “Court of Appeals”). On July 14, 2020, the Court of Appeals 
issued an administrative stay while the court considered Dakota Access and the Army Corps’ emergency 
motion for stay pending appeal. On August 5, 2020, the Court of Appeals stayed the D.D.C.’s injunction 
that required the pipeline be shutdown and emptied of oil by August 5, 2020. The Court of Appeals denied 
a stay of the D.D.C.’s March order, which required the EIS, and further denied a stay of the D.D.C.’s July 
order, which vacated the easement. On January 26, 2021, the Court of Appeals upheld the D.D.C.’s order 
vacating the easement while the Army Corps prepares the EIS. The Court of Appeals reversed the D.D.C.’s 
order to the extent it directed that the pipeline be shutdown and emptied of oil. In the D.D.C., briefing has 
been completed for a renewed request for an injunction. The pipeline remains operational.

If the pipeline is temporarily shut down pending completion of the EIS, MPLX would have to contribute its 
9.19 percent pro rata share of funds required to pay interest accruing on the notes and any portion of the 
principal that matures while the pipeline is shutdown. MPLX also expects to contribute its 9.19 percent pro 
rata share of any costs to remediate any deficiencies to reinstate the permit and/or return the pipeline into 
operation. If the vacatur of the easement permit results in a permanent shutdown of the pipeline, MPLX 
would have to contribute its 9.19 percent pro rata share of the cost to redeem the bonds (including the one 
percent redemption premium required pursuant to the indenture governing the notes) and any accrued and 
unpaid interest. As of December 31, 2020, our maximum potential undiscounted payments under the 
Contingent Equity Contribution Agreement were approximately $230 million.

Other Legal Proceedings – In early July, MPLX received a Notification of Trespass Determination from 
the Bureau of Indian Affairs (“BIA”) relating to a portion of the Tesoro High Plains Pipeline (“THPP”) that 
crosses the Fort Berthold Reservation in North Dakota. The notification covered the rights of way for 23 
tracts of land and demanded the immediate cessation of pipeline operations. The notification also assessed 
trespass damages of approximately $187 million. We appealed this determination, which triggered an 
automatic stay of the requested pipeline shutdown and payment. On October 29, the Assistant Secretary - 
Indian Affairs issued an order vacating the BIA’s trespass order and requiring the Regional Director for the 
BIA Great Plains Region to issue a new decision on or before December 15 covering all 34 tracts at issue. 
On December 15, 2020, the Regional Director of BIA issued a new trespass notice to THPP consistent with 
the Assistant Secretary of Indian Affairs order vacating the prior trespass order. The new order found that 
THPP was in trespass and assessed trespass damages of approximately $4 million (including interest), 
which has been paid. The order also required THPP to immediately cease and desist use of the portion of 
the pipeline that crosses the property at issue. THPP has complied with the Regional Director’s December 
15, 2020 notice. On February 12, 2021, landowners filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the District of 
North Dakota, requesting, among other things, that decisions by the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs 
and the Interior Board of Indian Appeals be vacated as to the award of damages to plaintiffs. We continue 
to work towards a settlement of this matter with holders of the property rights at issue. 

Contractual Commitments and Contingencies – At December 31, 2020, MPLX’s contractual 
commitments to acquire property, plant and equipment totaled $156 million. These commitments were 
primarily related to G&P plant expansion, terminal and pipeline projects. In addition, from time to time and 
in the ordinary course of business, MPLX and its affiliates provide guarantees of MPLX’s subsidiaries 
payment and performance obligations in the G&P segment. Certain natural gas processing and gathering 

156

arrangements require MPLX to construct new natural gas processing plants, natural gas gathering pipelines 
and NGL pipelines and contain certain fees and charges if specified construction milestones are not 
achieved for reasons other than force majeure. In certain cases, certain producers may have the right to 
cancel the processing arrangements if there are significant delays that are not due to force majeure. As of 
December 31, 2020, management does not believe there are any indications that MPLX will not be able to 
meet the construction milestones, that force majeure does not apply or that such fees and charges will 
otherwise be triggered.

Other Contractual Obligations – MPLX executed transportation and terminalling agreements that obligate 
us to minimum volume, throughput or payment commitments over the original terms of the agreements, 
which range from four to 12 years. After the minimum volume commitments are met in the transportation 
and terminalling agreements, MPLX pays additional amounts based on throughput. There are escalation 
clauses in the transportation and terminalling agreements, which are based on Consumer Price Index 
adjustments. The minimum future payments under these agreements as of December 31, 2020 are as 
follows:

(In millions)

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026 and thereafter

Total

24. Subsequent Events

$ 

103 

117 

154 

146 

124 

421 

$ 

1,065 

On February 12, 2021, MarkWest Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of MPLX, closed the sale of its 
Javelina assets and liabilities to a third party. See Note 4 for further discussion related to this transaction. 

On January 15, 2021, MPLX redeemed all the $750 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of 
5.250 percent senior notes due January 15, 2025. See Note 17 for further discussion of this redemption.

157

Select Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

(In millions, except per unit data)
Total revenues and other income

(Loss)/income from operations

Net (loss)/income

Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP

Net (loss)/income attributable to MPLX LP per 
limited partner unit:
Common - basic

Common - diluted

Cash distributions declared per limited partner 
common unit

Distributions declared:

Limited partner units - Public

Limited partner units - MPC

Series A preferred units

Series B preferred units

2020

1st Qtr.

2nd Qtr.

3rd Qtr.

4th Qtr.

$ 

992  $ 

2,081  $ 

2,247  $ 

2,249 

(2,486) 

(2,716) 

(2,724) 

(2.60) 

(2.60) 

878 

655 

648 

0.58 

0.58 

899 

674 

665 

0.61 

0.61 

920 

700 

691 

0.63 

0.63 

0.6875 

0.6875 

0.6875 

0.6875 

270 

458 

20 

11 

270 

445 

21 

10 

270 

445 

20 

10 

269 

445 

20 

10 

Total distributions declared

$ 

759  $ 

746  $ 

745  $ 

744 

(In millions, except per unit data)
Total revenues and other income

Income/(loss) from operations

Net income/(loss)

Net income/(loss) attributable to MPLX LP

Net income/(loss) attributable to MPLX LP per 
limited partner unit:
Common - basic

Common - diluted

Cash distributions declared per limited partner 
common unit

Distributions declared:

Limited partner units - Public

Limited partner units - MPC

Series A preferred units

Series B preferred units

2019

1st Qtr.

2nd Qtr.

3rd Qtr.

4th Qtr.

$ 

2,235  $ 

2,210  $ 

2,280  $ 

2,316 

912 

689 

503 

0.61 

0.61 

885 

657 

482 

0.56 

0.55 

926 

689 

629 

0.61 

0.61 

(346) 

(573) 

(581) 

(0.58) 

(0.58) 

0.6575 

0.6675 

0.6775 

0.6875 

191 

332 

20 

— 

261 

431 

21 

21 

266 

438 

20 

10 

270 

446 

20 

11 

Total distributions declared

$ 

543  $ 

734  $ 

734  $ 

747 

158

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosures

None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

An evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as 
defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) was carried out under 
the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and 
chief financial officer. Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer 
concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of 
December 31, 2020, the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended December 31, 2020, there were no changes in our internal control over financial 
reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control 
over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None

Part III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

MANAGEMENT OF MPLX LP

MPLX GP LLC, our general partner, is a wholly owned subsidiary of MPC. Our general partner manages 
our operations and activities through its directors and executive officers. Our unitholders do not nominate 
candidates for, or vote for the election of, the directors of our general partner. Through its indirect 
ownership of all of the membership interests in our general partner, MPC elects all members of our general 
partner’s board of directors (the “Board”). Directors are elected by the sole member of our general partner 
and hold office until their successors have been elected or qualified or until their earlier death, resignation, 
removal or disqualification. Our general partner’s executive officers are appointed by, and serve at the 
discretion of, the Board.  

References in this Part III to our “Board,” “directors” or “officers” refer to the Board, directors and officers 
of our general partner.

Neither we nor our subsidiaries directly employ any employees. Our general partner has the sole 
responsibility for providing the employees and other personnel necessary to conduct our operations. All of 
the employees who conduct our business are directly employed by affiliates of our general partner, but we 
sometimes refer to these individuals as our employees for ease of reference.

159

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF MPLX GP LLC

The executive and corporate officers of MPLX GP LLC are as follows: 

Name
Michael J. Hennigan

Pamela K.M. Beall

Michael L. Beatty

Christopher A. Helms

Maryann T. Mannen

Garry L. Peiffer

Dan D. Sandman

Frank M. Semple

J. Michael Stice

John P. Surma

Donald C. Templin

Timothy J. Aydt

Gregory S. Floerke

Suzanne Gagle
Raymond L. Brooks*
Rick D. Hessling*
Thomas Kaczynski
Brian K. Partee*
Molly R. Benson*

C. Kristopher Hagedorn
Kristina A. Kazarian*
Shawn M. Lyon*

*

Corporate officer

Age as of 
February 1, 
2021
61

64

73

66

58

69

72

69

61

66

57

57

57

55

60

54

59

47

54

44

38

53

Position with MPLX GP LLC
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief 
Executive Officer
Director, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer 

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer 

General Counsel

Executive Vice President

Senior Vice President

Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer

Senior Vice President

Vice President, Chief Securities, Governance & Compliance 
Officer and Corporate Secretary
Vice President and Controller

Vice President, Investor Relations

Vice President, Operations

Mr. Hennigan was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective November 2019 and has served as 
President since June 2017. He has served on the Board of Directors since June 2017 and was appointed 
Chairman of the Board effective April 2020. He has served as MPC’s President and Chief Executive 
Officer since March 2020, and on its Board of Directors since April 2020. Prior to joining us in 2017, Mr. 
Hennigan was President, Crude, NGL and Refined Products of the general partner of Energy Transfer 
Partners L.P., an energy service provider. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Sunoco 
Logistics Partners L.P., an oil and gas transportation, terminalling and storage company, from 2012 to 
2017, President and Chief Operating Officer beginning in 2010, and Vice President, Business Development 
beginning in 2009. Mr. Hennigan holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Drexel 
University.

Qualifications: Mr. Hennigan brings to the Board a unique perspective and valued guidance gained from 
nearly 40 years of industry experience, including as the president and chief executive officer of a successful 
growth-oriented master limited partnership.

Other Public Company Directorships: Marathon Petroleum Corporation (since 2020); Tesoro Logistics GP, 
LLC (2018-2019); Sunoco Partners LLC (2010-2017); Niska Gas Storage Partners LLC (2014-2016)

Ms. Beall was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer effective 2016, and was 
elected a member of the Board in January 2014. Ms. Beall began her career with Marathon in 1978 as an 
auditor. She then served as General Manager, Treasury Services, at USX Corporation; Vice President and 
Treasurer at NationsRent, Inc. and OHM Corporation; and as a member of the boards of directors of 
System One Services, Inc. and Boyle Engineering. Ms. Beall rejoined Marathon in 2002, serving in areas of 

160

increasing responsibility, including as Director, Corporate Affairs; Organizational Vice President, Business 
Development - Downstream; Vice President of Global Procurement, Marathon Oil Company; and Vice 
President of Products, Supply & Optimization. She served as MPC’s Vice President, Investor Relations and 
Government & Public Affairs from 2011 to 2014, when she was named President of MPLX GP. Ms. Beall 
was also named Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning and Strategy of MPLX GP in 2016. She 
serves on the University of Findlay Board of Trustees and is a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs. Ms. 
Beall holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Findlay and a master’s degree in 
business administration from Bowling Green State University, and she has attended the Oxford Institute for 
Energy Studies. She is licensed as a certified public accountant in Ohio.

Qualifications: Ms. Beall brings to the Board extensive energy industry experience, specifically in the areas 
of finance and accounting, business development, risk management, procurement, investor relations and 
government affairs. In addition, her service as a senior executive in the environmental remediation and 
industrial product rental sectors equips her to contribute valuable insight into our business and operations.

Other Public Company Directorships: National Retail Properties, Inc. (since 2016); Tesoro Logistics GP, 
LLC (2018-2019) 

Mr. Beatty was elected a member of the Board in December 2015, at the time of the MarkWest Merger. 
Mr. Beatty served on the board of directors of MarkWest’s general partner from 2008 to 2015, and prior to 
that, on the board of directors of MarkWest Hydrocarbon. Mr. Beatty is a former Chairman of the law firm 
of Beatty & Wozniak, P.C., with a practice focused exclusively on energy, including oil and gas 
exploration, regulatory affairs, public lands, litigation and title. He began his career in the energy industry 
as in-house counsel for Colorado Interstate Gas Company, and ultimately became Executive Vice 
President, General Counsel and Director of The Coastal Corporation. He also served as Chief of Staff to 
Governor Roy Romer of Colorado. Mr. Beatty holds an undergraduate degree from the University of 
California, Berkeley and a juris doctor degree from Harvard Law School. He also serves on the board of 
directors of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Qualifications: Mr. Beatty brings to the Board extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, including 
significant experience in energy policy and energy regulation gained through his experience as a director, 
officer and legal counsel of various energy companies, as well as extensive historical knowledge of 
MarkWest.

Other Public Company Directorships: None within the last five years

Mr. Helms was elected a member of the Board effective October 2012. Mr. Helms is President and Chief 
Executive Officer of US Shale Management Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Shale Energy 
Advisors LLC. Mr. Helms is the co-founder of US Shale Energy Advisors LLC, a privately owned entity 
engaged in the development, ownership and operation of midstream energy assets. Through subsidiaries it 
owns and operates Rocky Mountain Crude Oil LLC, a crude oil logistics company focused on the 
transportation of crude oil produced in the great plains and Rocky Mountain regions of the U.S. From 2005 
until his retirement in 2011, Mr. Helms served in various capacities with NiSource Inc. and its affiliate, 
NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage, including as Executive Vice President and Group Chief Executive 
Officer. He was Group President, Pipeline of NiSource Inc. from 2005 to 2008, where he was also a 
member of the Executive Council and the Corporate Risk Management Committee. He served as Chief 
Executive Officer and Executive Director of NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage from 2008 to 2011. 
At NiSource, Mr. Helms was responsible for leading the company’s interstate gas transmission, storage and 
midstream businesses. Prior to joining NiSource, Mr. Helms held senior executive positions with CMS 
Energy Corporation, and subsidiaries of Duke Energy Corporation and PanEnergy Corp. from 1990 to 
2005. Mr. Helms holds a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and a juris 
doctor degree from the Tulane University School of Law.

Qualifications: Mr. Helms brings to the Board considerable midstream energy expertise, particularly in 
operations and business combinations, as well as experience in finance, accounting, compliance, strategic 
planning and risk oversight. His background also includes overseeing joint ventures and mergers and 
acquisitions within the midstream energy sector and supervising financial reporting functions.

Other Public Company Directorships: Range Resources Corporation (2014-2019); Questar Corporation 
(2013-2016)

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Ms. Mannen was elected a member of the Board in February 2021. She was appointed Executive Vice 
President and Chief Financial Officer of MPC effective January 25, 2021. Before joining MPC, she served 
as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of TechnipFMC (a successor to FMC 
Technologies, Inc.), a global leader in subsea, onshore/offshore, and surface projects for the energy 
industry, since 2017, having previously served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of 
FMC Technologies, Inc. since 2014, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since 2011, and in 
various positions of increasing responsibility with FMC Technologies, Inc. since 1986. Ms. Mannen holds a 
bachelor's degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration from Rider University.

Qualifications: Ms. Mannen brings to the Board significant leadership experience in finance, operations 
and management. Her experience as Chief Financial Officer at large, publicly traded energy sector 
companies enables her to contribute important insights regarding finance, risk management, public 
company financial reporting requirements and related matters. 

Other Public Company Directorships: Owens Corning (since 2014) 

Mr. Peiffer was elected a member of the Board in June 2012, and served as our President from 2012 until 
his retirement in 2014. He also served as MPC’s Executive Vice President, Corporate Planning and 
Investor & Government Relations from 2011 until his retirement. He is a member of the board of directors 
of Fifth Third Bank (Northern Ohio) and Roppe Corporation, a privately held company. Mr. Peiffer is also 
a member of the boards of trustees of the Blanchard Valley Health System and the Findlay-Hancock 
County Community Foundation and serves on the Blanchard Valley Port Authority Board. He began his 
career with Marathon in 1974, where he held a variety of management positions with increasing 
responsibility, including as Supervisor of Employee Savings and Retirement Plans, Controller of Speedway 
Petroleum Corporation and numerous other marketing and logistics positions. In 1987, Mr. Peiffer was 
appointed to the President’s Commission on Executive Exchange serving for a year in the Pentagon as 
Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Production and Logistics. In 1988, he returned to 
Marathon and was named Vice President of Finance and Administration for Emro Marketing Company. He 
served as Assistant Controller, Refining, Marketing and Transportation beginning in 1992. He was named 
Senior Vice President of Finance and Commercial Services for Marathon Ashland Petroleum LLC in 1998 
and Executive Vice President of MPC in 2011. Mr. Peiffer holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from 
Bowling Green State University and passed the certified public accountant exam in Ohio.

Qualifications: As the retired President of our general partner and retired Executive Vice President, 
Corporate Planning and Investor & Government Relations of MPC, Mr. Peiffer brings to the Board 
extensive experience in the energy industry gained from his roles at MPC and its affiliates. His significant 
career accomplishments include leading us through the initial public offering process and our first year of 
operations, leading finance organizations, successfully completing several joint ventures and corporate 
reorganizations and implementing new information technology solutions.

Other Public Company Directorships: None within the last five years

Mr. Sandman was elected a member of the Board effective October 2012. Mr. Sandman is an adjunct 
professor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, where he has taught corporate governance 
law since 2007. He has served on the board of directors of Roppe Corporation, a privately held company, 
since 1987. Additionally, Mr. Sandman serves on the boards of directors of the Carnegie Science Center, 
the Carnegie Hero Commission and Grove City College. He has served as a court-appointed mediator of 
commercial cases pending in U.S. federal courts and has lectured on corporate governance law at Oxford 
University. Mr. Sandman began his career with Marathon in 1973, serving in various legal positions of 
increasing responsibility, ultimately being named General Counsel and Secretary of Marathon in 1986. In 
1993, he was named General Counsel and Secretary of USX Corporation. Upon the spinoff of United States 
Steel Corporation from USX in 2002, Mr. Sandman was named Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors 
and Chief Legal and Administrative Officer of United States Steel, where he served until his retirement in 
2007. During his time with United States Steel, Mr. Sandman was also responsible at various times for 
management and oversight of aspects of Human Resources, Executive Compensation, Public Relations, 
Environmental and Government Affairs, the Law Organization and the Corporate Secretary’s office. Mr. 
Sandman holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a juris doctor degree from The 
Ohio State University College of Law, and he attended the Stanford Executive Program in 1989.

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Qualifications: Mr. Sandman brings to the Board considerable experience in legal and business affairs, 
transactional law, regulatory compliance and corporate governance, ethics and risk management matters, as 
well as an energy industry background.

Other Public Company Directorships: CONSOL Coal Resources GP LLC (2017-2020)

Mr. Semple was elected a member of the Board effective December 2015, at the time of the MarkWest 
Merger. He was appointed our Vice Chairman at the close of the MarkWest Merger and served in that 
position until his retirement in October 2016. He also served on the MPC Board of Directors from 
December 2015 until October 2018. Prior to joining us, Mr. Semple served as President and Chief 
Executive Officer of MarkWest beginning in 2003, and as Chairman of the Board beginning in 2008. Prior 
to his time at MarkWest, he served 22 years with The Williams Companies, Inc. and WilTel 
Communications, including as Chief Operating Officer of WilTel Communications, Senior Vice President/
General Manager of Williams Natural Gas Company, Vice President of Operations and Engineering for 
Northwest Pipeline Company and division manager for Williams Pipe Line Company. Prior to joining 
Williams, Mr. Semple served in the United States Navy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical 
engineering from the United States Naval Academy and has completed the Program for Management 
Development at Harvard Business School.

Qualifications: Mr. Semple brings to the Board proven leadership ability in managing a complex business 
and a deep understanding of the midstream sector gained from his experience as Chairman and Chief 
Executive Officer of MarkWest, as well as significant experience regarding operations, strategic planning, 
finance and corporate governance matters.

Other Public Company Directorships: Tortoise Acquisition Corp (2019-2020); Tesoro Logistics GP, LLC 
(2018-2019); Marathon Petroleum Corporation (2015-2018)

Mr. Stice was elected a member of the Board effective April 2018, and as a member of the MPC Board of 
Directors in February 2017. He has served as the Dean of the Mewbourne College of Earth & Energy at 
The University of Oklahoma since 2015. Mr. Stice retired as the Chief Executive Officer of Access 
Midstream Partners L.P., a gathering and processing master limited partnership, in 2014 and from its board 
of directors in 2015. He had served as Chief Executive Officer of Access Midstream and previously, 
Chesapeake Midstream Partners, L.P., since 2009, and as President and Chief Operating Officer of 
Chesapeake Midstream Development, L.P. and Senior Vice President of natural gas projects of Chesapeake 
Energy Corporation since 2008. Mr. Stice began his career in 1981 with Conoco, serving in a variety of 
positions of increasing responsibility. He was named President of ConocoPhillips Qatar in 2003. Mr. Stice 
holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in 
business from Stanford University and a doctorate in education from George Washington University.

Qualifications: Mr. Stice brings to the Board extensive experience with MLPs, including as Chief 
Executive Officer of one of the largest publicly traded gathering and processing MLPs, and previously 
served on the board of directors of MarkWest, which we acquired in 2015. He has 35 years of experience in 
the upstream and midstream gas businesses.

Other Public Company Directorships: Marathon Petroleum Corporation (since 2017); U.S. Silica Holdings, 
Inc. (since 2013); Spartan Energy Acquisition Corporation (since 2018); SandRidge Energy, Inc. 
(2015-2016)

Mr. Surma was elected a member of the Board effective October 2012, and as a member of the MPC 
Board of Directors in July 2011. He is Chairman of the Board of MPC. Mr. Surma retired as the Chief 
Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of United States Steel Corporation, an integrated steel producer, 
in 2013. Prior to joining United States Steel, he served in several executive positions with Marathon, 
including as Senior Vice President, Finance & Accounting of Marathon Oil Company in 1997; President, 
Speedway SuperAmerica LLC in 1998; Senior Vice President, Supply & Transportation of Marathon 
Ashland Petroleum LLC in 2000; and President of Marathon Ashland Petroleum in 2001. Prior to joining 
Marathon, Mr. Surma worked for Price Waterhouse LLP, becoming a partner in 1987. In 1983, he 
participated in the President’s Executive Exchange Program in Washington, D.C., serving as Executive 
Staff Assistant to the Federal Reserve Board’s Vice Chairman. Mr. Surma is on the board of the University 
of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and formerly chaired the boards of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland 
and the National Safety Council. He was appointed by President Barack Obama to the President’s Advisory 

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Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations, serving from 2010 to 2014, including as Vice Chairman. 
Mr. Surma holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Pennsylvania State University.

Qualifications: Mr. Surma brings to the Board a broad range of experience as the retired chairman and 
chief executive officer of a large industrial firm and provides valuable input on our strategic direction and 
operations. He also has significant experience in public accounting and in executive leadership in the 
energy and steel industries.

Other Public Company Directorships: Marathon Petroleum Corporation (since 2011); Trane Technologies 
plc (formerly Ingersoll-Rand plc) (since 2013); Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (since 2019); Concho 
Resources Inc. (2014-2020)

Mr. Templin was elected a member of the Board in June 2012. He served as Executive Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer of MPC from July 2019 to January 2021. Prior to this appointment, he served as 
President, Refining, Marketing and Supply of MPC beginning in October 2018, President of MPC 
beginning in 2017, President of MPLX GP and Executive Vice President of MPC beginning in 2016, 
Executive Vice President, Supply, Transportation and Marketing of MPC beginning in 2015, Vice 
President and Chief Financial Officer of MPLX GP beginning in 2012, and Senior Vice President and 
Chief Financial Officer of MPC beginning in 2011. Prior to joining MPC, Mr. Templin was a managing 
partner of the audit practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP with more than 25 years of providing auditing 
and advisory services to a wide variety of private, public and multinational companies. He is a member of 
the Grove City College Board of Trustees and past Chairman of the Downstream Committee of API. Mr. 
Templin is a graduate of Grove City College, a certified public accountant, a member of the American 
Institute of Certified Public Accountants and has attended the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies.

Qualifications: Mr. Templin brings to the Board direct insight into all aspects of our business, from an 
operational and commercial perspective, and in the areas of accounting, audit and financial management. 
His long and successful background in public accounting for energy sector clients affords him insight into 
public company financial reporting requirements and related matters.

Other Public Company Directorships: Tesoro Logistics GP, LLC (2018-2019); Calgon Carbon Corporation 
(2013-2018) 

Mr. Aydt was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer effective August 2020. 
Prior to this appointment, he served as Vice President, Business Development, beginning in November 
2018, Vice President, Operations, and President of Marathon Pipe Line LLC beginning in January 2017, 
MPC’s Terminal, Transport and Rail General Manager beginning in 2013, and Project Director for the $2.2 
billion Detroit Heavy Oil Upgrade Project beginning in 2008. Mr. Aydt chairs the board of the Louisiana 
Offshore Oil Port (LOOP).

Mr. Floerke was appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer effective August 2020. 
Prior to this appointment, he served as Executive Vice President, Gathering and Processing, beginning in 
2018, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, MarkWest Operations, beginning in July 
2017, and Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, MarkWest Assets, beginning in 2015, 
at the time of the MarkWest Merger. Before joining us, Mr. Floerke was Executive Vice President and 
Chief Commercial Officer at MarkWest beginning in 2015, and Senior Vice President, Northeast region, at 
MarkWest beginning in 2013. Previously, Mr. Floerke held senior management positions at Access 
Midstream Partners, L.P., a gathering and processing master limited partnership, from 2011 until 2013.

Ms. Gagle was appointed General Counsel effective October 2017. She was appointed MPC’s General 
Counsel and Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, effective February 24, 2021. Prior to this 
appointment, Ms. Gagle served as MPC’s General Counsel beginning in March 2016, Assistant General 
Counsel, Litigation and Human Resources, beginning in 2011, Senior Group Counsel, Downstream 
Operations, beginning in 2010, and Group Counsel, Litigation, beginning in 2003.

Mr. Brooks was appointed Executive Vice President effective February 2021. Prior to this appointment, he 
served as Senior Vice President beginning in February 2018, and MPC’s Executive Vice President, 
Refining, beginning in October 2018, MPC’s Senior Vice President, Refining, beginning in March 2016, 
General Manager of MPC’s Galveston Bay, Texas, refinery beginning in 2013, General Manager of MPC’s 

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Robinson, Illinois, refinery beginning in 2010, and General Manager of MPC’s St. Paul Park, Minnesota, 
refinery beginning in 2006.

Mr. Hessling was appointed Senior Vice President effective October 2018. He was appointed MPC’s 
Senior Vice President, Global Feedstocks, effective February 24, 2021, having served as MPC’s Senior 
Vice President, Crude Oil Supply and Logistics since October 2018. Prior to this appointment, Mr. 
Hessling served as MPC’s Manager, Crude Oil & Natural Gas Supply and Trading beginning in 2014, and 
Crude Oil Logistics & Analysis Manager beginning in 2011.

Mr. Kaczynski was appointed Senior Vice President, Finance, and Treasurer effective February 24, 2021, 
having served as Vice President, Finance and Treasurer since December 2020. He was appointed MPC’s 
Senior Vice President, Finance, and Treasurer effective February 24, 2021, having served as MPC’s Vice 
President, Finance, and Treasurer since 2015. Prior to joining MPC, Mr. Kaczynski was Vice President and 
Treasurer of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, one of the world’s largest tire manufacturers, beginning 
in 2014, and Vice President, Investor Relations beginning in 2013. 

Mr. Partee was appointed Senior Vice President effective October 2018. He was appointed MPC’s Senior 
Vice President, Global Clean Products, effective February 24, 2021, having served as MPC’s Senior Vice 
President, Marketing, since October 2018. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Partee served as MPC’s Vice 
President, Business Development, beginning in February 2018, Director of Business Development 
beginning in January 2017, Manager of Crude Oil Logistics beginning in 2014, and Vice President, 
Business Development and Franchise, at Speedway beginning in 2012.

Ms. Benson was appointed Vice President, Chief Securities, Governance & Compliance Officer and 
Corporate Secretary for MPC and us effective June 2018, having previously served as Vice President, Chief 
Compliance Officer and Corporate Secretary for MPC and us since March 2016. Prior to her 2016 
appointment, Ms. Benson was MPC’s Assistant General Counsel, Corporate and Finance beginning in 
2012, and Group Counsel, Corporate and Finance beginning in 2011.

Mr. Hagedorn was appointed Vice President and Controller effective October 2017. Prior to this 
appointment, he was Vice President and Controller at CONSOL Energy Inc., a Pennsylvania-based coal 
producer and exporter, beginning in 2015, Assistant Controller beginning in 2014 and Director, Financial 
Accounting, beginning in 2012. Mr. Hagedorn was Chief Accounting Officer for CONE Midstream 
Partners LP, a publicly traded master limited partnership with gathering assets in the Appalachian Basin, 
from 2014 to 2015. Previously, he served in positions of increasing responsibility with Pricewaterhouse-
Coopers LLP beginning in 1998.

Ms. Kazarian was appointed Vice President, Investor Relations, for MPC and us effective April 2018. 
Prior to this appointment, she was Managing Director and head of the MLP, Midstream and Refining 
Equity Research teams at Credit Suisse, a global investment bank and financial services company, 
beginning in September 2017. Previously, Ms. Kazarian was Managing Director of MLP, Midstream and 
Natural Gas Equity Research at Deutsche Bank, a global investment bank and financial services company, 
beginning in 2014, and an analyst specializing on various energy industry subsectors with Fidelity 
Management & Research Company, a privately held investment manager, beginning in 2005.

Mr. Lyon was appointed Vice President, Operations, and President, Marathon Pipe Line LLC, effective 
November 2018. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Operations for Marathon Pipe Line LLC beginning 
in 2011.

GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

Our Governance Principles provide the functional framework of our Board. They address, among other 
things, the primary roles, responsibilities and oversight functions of the Board and its committees, director 
independence, committee composition, the process for director selection and director qualifications, 
director compensation and director retirement and resignation. Our Governance Principles provide that 
directors generally must retire from service once they reach age 73, unless otherwise approved by the 
general partner’s sole member. The sole member has approved extensions of up to one year for each of Mr. 
Beatty (ending in 2021) and Mr. Sandman (ending in 2022).

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Our Code of Business Conduct, which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, defines our 
expectations for ethical decision-making, accountability and responsibility. Our Code of Ethics for Senior 
Financial Officers, which is specifically applicable to our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, 
Controller, and other leaders performing similar roles, affirms the principle that the honesty, integrity and 
sound judgment of our senior executives with responsibility for preparation and certification of our 
financial statements are essential to the proper functioning and success of our company. Printed copies of 
these documents are available upon request to our Corporate Secretary. We would post on our website any 
amendments to, or waivers from, either of these codes requiring disclosure under applicable rules within 
four business days following any such amendment or waiver.

Our Whistleblowing as to Accounting Matters Policy establishes procedures for the receipt, retention and 
treatment of complaints we receive regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, 
and provides for the confidential, anonymous submission of concerns by employees or others regarding 
questionable accounting or auditing matters. 

Copies of the Governance Principles, the Code of Business Conduct, the Code of Ethics for Senior 
Financial Officers, and the Whistleblowing as to Accounting Matters Policy are available on the “Corporate 
Governance” page of our website at www.mplx.com/Investors/Corporate_Governance/.

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The Board currently consists of eleven directors. The NYSE does not require a publicly traded limited 
partnership like us to have a majority of independent directors on our Board. We are, however, required to 
have an Audit Committee comprised of at least three independent directors. The Board considered all 
relevant facts and circumstances including, without limitation, transactions between the director directly or 
organizations with which the director is affiliated and us, any service by the director on the board of a 
company with which we conduct business, and the frequency and dollar amounts associated with these 
transactions, and has determined that each of Messrs. Beatty, Helms, Peiffer, Sandman, Semple, Stice and 
Surma meets the independence standards in our Governance Principles, has no material relationship with us 
other than as a director, and satisfies the independence requirements of the NYSE and applicable SEC 
rules. 

BOARD LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE 

Our Governance Principles provide the Board with the flexibility to determine from time to time the 
optimal leadership for the Board depending upon our particular needs and circumstances. The Board has 
determined that Mr. Hennigan is in the best position at this time to serve as Chairman due to his extensive 
knowledge of all aspects of our business, as well as our continued relationship with MPC.

When the CEO or another management director is elected Chairman, the Board has appointed an 
independent director as “Lead Director” to provide independent director oversight and preside over 
executive sessions of the Board or other Board meetings when the Chairman is absent. 

Mr. Sandman, an independent director, currently serves as Lead Director of the Board. The Board believes 
that this leadership structure is in the best interests of our unitholders and us at this time because it strikes 
an effective balance between management and independent director participation in the Board process.

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD 

Our Board has a standing Audit Committee and Conflicts Committee, and may have such other committees 
as the Board shall determine from time to time. Each committee operates under a written charter, which is 
available on the “Corporate Governance” page of our website at www.mplx.com/Investors/
Corporate_Governance/. Each charter requires the applicable committee to annually assess and report to the 
Board on the adequacy of the charter. 

We have additionally established an executive committee of the board, comprised of Messrs. Hennigan and 
Sandman, to address matters that may arise between meetings of the Board. This executive committee may 
exercise the powers and authority of the Board subject to specific limitations consistent with applicable 
law. 

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Because we are a limited partnership, we are not required to have a compensation committee or a 
nominating/corporate governance committee.

Audit Committee

Our Audit Committee assists the Board in its oversight of the integrity of our financial statements, and our 
compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and our disclosure controls and procedures. Our Audit 
Committee has the sole authority to retain and terminate our independent registered public accounting firm, 
approve all auditing services and related fees and the terms thereof and pre-approve any non-audit services 
to be rendered by our independent registered public accounting firm. Our Audit Committee also is 
responsible for confirming the independence and objectivity of our independent registered public 
accounting firm. Our independent registered public accounting firm has unrestricted access to our Audit 
Committee.

Our Audit Committee is comprised of Messrs. Peiffer (Chair), Beatty, Helms and Sandman. The Board has 
determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the independence requirements of the NYSE 
and the SEC, as applicable, and that each is financially literate. The Board also has determined that Mr. 
Peiffer qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by SEC rules, based on the attributes, 
education and experience further described in his biography under “Directors and Executive Officers of 
MPLX GP LLC,” above.

Audit Committee Report

The Audit Committee has reviewed and discussed MPLX’s audited financial statements and its report on 
internal control over financial reporting for 2020 with the management of MPLX GP LLC, MPLX’s 
general partner. The Audit Committee discussed with the independent auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers 
LLP, the matters required to be discussed by the applicable requirements of the Public Company 
Accounting Oversight Board and the SEC. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and 
the letter from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP required by the applicable requirements of the Public 
Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP’s communications with the 
Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP its 
independence. Based on the review and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended 
to the Board that the audited financial statements and the report on internal control over financial reporting 
for MPLX LP be included in MPLX’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 
2020, for filing with the SEC.

Garry L. Peiffer, Chair
Michael L. Beatty
Christopher A. Helms
Dan D. Sandman

Conflicts Committee

Our Conflicts Committee reviews specific matters that may involve conflicts of interest in accordance with 
the terms of our Partnership Agreement. Any matters approved by our Conflicts Committee in good faith 
will be deemed to be approved by all of our partners and not a breach by our general partner of any duties it 
may owe our unitholders or us. The members of our 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 
and experience standards established by the NYSE and the SEC to serve on an audit committee. In 
addition, the members of our Conflicts Committee may not own any interest in our general partner or any 
interest in us, our subsidiaries or our affiliates other than common units or awards under our incentive 
compensation plan.

Our Conflicts Committee is comprised of Messrs. Helms (Chair), Beatty and Sandman. The Board has 
determined that each member of the Conflicts Committee meets the independence requirements of the 
NYSE and the SEC, as applicable.

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COMMUNICATING WITH THE BOARD

All interested parties, including unitholders, may communicate directly with the Board, the Chairs of the 
Board’s standing committees and the independent directors as follows:

Mail:   Attn: Corporate Secretary, MPLX GP LLC, 200 East Hardin Street, Findlay, OH 45840.

Email: 
•
•
•

Independent Directors (individually or as a group): non-managedirectors@mplx.com
Audit Committee Chair: auditchair@mplx.com
Conflicts Committee Chair: conflictschair@mplx.com

Our Corporate Secretary will forward to the directors all communications that, in her judgment, are 
appropriate for consideration by the directors. Examples of communications that would not be considered 
appropriate include commercial solicitations and matters not relevant to the Partnership’s affairs.

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Item 11. Executive Compensation 

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (“CD&A”) provides an overview of our executive 
compensation program and explains how and why 2020 compensation decisions were made for our named 
executive officers listed below (our “NEOs”). We recommend that this section be read together with the 
tables and related disclosures in the “Executive Compensation Tables” section of this Item 11.

NAMED EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 

This CD&A focuses on the compensation for our NEOs, which for 2020 included our Chairman, President 
and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), three other most highly 
compensated executive officers, and one former highly compensated executive officer: 

Name

 Title 

Michael J. Hennigan

Pamela K.M. Beall

Suzanne Gagle

Gregory S. Floerke

Timothy J. Aydt

John S. Swearingen

Chairman, President and CEO

Executive Vice President and CFO

General Counsel

Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer 

Former Executive Vice President, Logistics and Storage (retired 
effective August 28, 2020)

COMPENSATION DECISIONS AND ALLOCATION 

Compensation Allocation 

We do not directly employ any of the personnel responsible for managing and operating our business, 
including our NEOs. Instead, we contract with MPC to provide the necessary personnel, all of whom are 
directly employed by MPC or one of its affiliates. Under the terms of an omnibus agreement, described in 
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 6 of this report, we pay MPC a fixed amount in 
return for services provided by our NEOs, which totaled approximately $8.8 million for 2020. The only 
direct compensation we provide our NEOs is in the form of long-term equity incentive awards, which are 
shown in detail in the “2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table and accompanying narrative below.

This CD&A generally reports the non-equity components of compensation for Mr. Hennigan, Ms. Gagle 
and Mr. Swearingen on a prorated basis at 55%, 50% and 75%, respectively, to reflect the portion of each 
executive’s time allocated to us for 2020 under our omnibus agreement. As Ms. Beall and Messrs. Floerke 
and Aydt devoted most of their total business time to us in 2020, this CD&A reports the non-equity 
components of their compensation at 100%. 

Compensation Decisions

We maintain the MPLX LP 2018 Incentive Compensation Plan (the “MPLX 2018 Plan”) for the benefit of 
eligible officers, employees and directors of our general partner and its affiliates, including MPC, who 
provide services to our business. The Compensation and Organization Development Committee of MPC’s 
board of directors (“MPC’s Compensation Committee”), currently comprised of five independent directors, 
recommends awards under the MPLX 2018 Plan for our NEOs, subject to approval by our Board, which 
typically considers such awards on an annual basis. Our Board makes all final determinations with respect 
to awards under this plan. All other compensation decisions for our NEOs are made by MPC's 
Compensation Committee and are not subject to approval by our Board or us.

Compensation Consultant

Our Board does not have a standing compensation committee and has not hired its own compensation 
consultant. MPC’s Compensation Committee engages an independent compensation consultant to provide 
compensation consulting services and comparative compensation information. 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM FOR 2020

2020 Base Salary

MPC pays our NEOs a base salary for their services to MPC and its affiliates, including us. In setting base 
salary, MPC’s Compensation Committee evaluated peer group and other market data, each individual’s 
experience and contributions over the prior year, demonstrated performance and skills acquired over the 
course of each NEO’s career and MPC’s succession-planning needs. Taking these matters into 
consideration, MPC’s Compensation Committee made the following adjustments to our NEOs’ base 
salaries for 2020: 

Name

Hennigan*

Beall

Gagle*

Floerke

Aydt
Swearingen*

Previous Base 
Salary ($)

Base Salary 
Effective 
Apr. 1, 2020 ($)

Increase (%)

577,500 

560,000 

312,500 

540,000 

360,000 

405,000 

880,000 

575,000 

350,000 

560,000 

400,000 

420,000 

 52.4 

 2.7 

 12.0 

 3.7 

 11.1 

 3.7 

* As noted above in “Compensation Decisions and Allocation,” the non-equity elements, including base salary, of Mr. Hennigan’s, 

Ms. Gagle’s and Mr. Swearingen’s compensation are reflected in this table and in the “2020 Summary Compensation Table” below 
at 55%, 50% and 75%, respectively, to reflect the portions of their time allocated to us for 2020 under our omnibus agreement.

Mr. Hennigan, who was already serving as our President and CEO, was also appointed as MPC’s President 
and CEO effective March 17, 2020, and MPC’s Compensation Committee increased his base salary 
effective the same date in recognition of the additional responsibilities he assumed upon his appointment. 
Following the increase, his salary is slightly below the market median for the CEO role. He did not receive 
a further increase on April 1, 2020. The MPC Compensation Committee’s decisions to increase Ms. 
Gagle’s and Mr. Aydt’s base salaries were based on each NEO’s continued strong performance and the 
MPC Compensation Committee’s determination to bring each NEO closer to the market median for her or 
his position. Base salary changes for Ms. Beall, Mr. Floerke and Mr. Swearingen reflect annual merit 
program increases to maintain market competitiveness.

2020 Annual Cash Bonus Program

Our current NEOs were eligible to participate in MPC’s 2020 Annual Cash Bonus (“ACB”) program, 
which MPC’s Compensation Committee approved in February 2020, as part of their compensation for the 
services they provide to MPC and its affiliates, including us. MPC determined awards to our NEOs under 
the ACB program without input from our Board or us. Under our omnibus agreement, no portion of any 
bonus paid to our NEOs under the ACB is charged back to us. Awards under the ACB program for our 
NEOs were calculated as follows:

Eligible Earnings

×

Bonus Target

×

Performance

=

Final Award

Eligible Earnings generally refers to the NEO’s year-end base salary rate. In an NEO’s year of hire or 
separation, eligible earnings is calculated as the sum of base wages paid during the year plus 
compensation deferred during the year, which has the effect of prorating the award.

Bonus Target is a percentage of each NEO’s base salary. MPC’s Compensation Committee generally 
approves bonus target opportunities for our NEOs based on analysis of market-competitive data for 
MPC’s compensation peer group, while also taking into consideration each executive’s experience, 
relative scope of responsibility and potential, other market data and any other information MPC’s 
Compensation Committee deems relevant in its discretion.

170

Performance metrics and levels are established by MPC’s Compensation Committee at the beginning of 
the performance year. Once the performance year has ended, MPC’s Compensation Committee reviews 
and assesses company performance against the performance metrics and levels, as well as other factors 
MPC’s Compensation Committee deems relevant in its discretion, including the NEOs’ organizational and 
individual performance.

•
•

•

There is no guaranteed minimum ACB payout.
Payout results may be above or below target based on actual company and individual
performance.
Payouts are capped at 200% of each NEO’s target award.

2020 MPC Company Metrics and Performance (80% of ACB Program)

MPC's 2020 ACB program emphasized pre-established financial, operational, sustainability and safety 
performance measures, collectively weighted at 80%. The following table provides the target weighting for 
each metric, performance levels and MPC’s actual performance achieved in 2020 ($ in millions): 

Performance Metric

50% FINANCIAL

Target 
Weighting

Threshold
50% Payout

Target
100% Payout

Maximum
200% Payout

Result

Performance 
Achieved

Operating Income 
Per Barrel

20%

5th or 6th 
Position

3rd or 4th 
Position

1st or 2nd 
Position

3rd or 4th Position

20%

(100% of target)

EBITDA

20%

$6,700

$11,100

$13,100

$3,750

0%

Distributable Cash 
Flow at MPLX

10% OPERATIONAL
Mechanical 
Availability

20% SUSTAINABILITY

10%

$3,774

$4,194

$4,403

$4,327

16.36%

(163.64% of target)

(0% of target)

10%

95%

96%

97%

96.8%

18%

(180% of target)

Greenhouse Gas 
Intensity

Designated 
Environmental 
Incidents

Marathon Safety 
Performance Index

Process Safety 
Events Rate

5%

5%

5%

5%

80% Total Target Weighting

24.2

110

1.00

0.53

23.6

22.8

23.7

4.58%

90

75

50

10%

 (91.67% of target)

0.65

0.35

0.40

0.25

(200% of target)

0.80

3.93%

(78.57% of target)

0.25

10%

(200% of target)

Total Achieved:

82.87%

TOTAL ACHIEVED AS A PERCENTAGE OF TOTAL TARGET: 104%

Operating Income Per Barrel of crude oil throughput compared to a group of MPC’s peer companies: BP p.l.c.; 
Chevron Corporation; Exxon Mobil Corporation; HollyFrontier Corporation; PBF Energy Inc.; Phillips 66; and 
Valero Energy Corporation.

EBITDA is a non-GAAP performance metric derived from MPC’s consolidated financial statements. It is calculated 
as MPC’s earnings before interest and financing costs, interest income, income taxes, depreciation and amortization 
expense, adjusted for certain items, including impairment expenses, inventory market valuation adjustments, effects 
of acquisitions and divestitures, and certain other non-cash charges and credits.

Distributable Cash Flow at MPLX is a non-GAAP measure reflecting cash flow available to be paid to our common 
unitholders, as disclosed in our consolidated financial statements. See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Non-GAAP Financial Information for more information about this 
non-GAAP measure. 

171

Mechanical Availability measures the availability of the processing equipment in MPC’s refineries and the critical 
equipment in MPC’s midstream assets.

Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Intensity measures how efficiently MPC operates its facilities and implements a business 
plan that promotes a less carbon-intensive future. GHG intensity is based on Scope 1 and Scope 2 GHG emissions 
divided by the manufacturing inputs processed at MPC’s petroleum refineries, renewable fuel refineries and natural 
gas processing and fractionation plants.

Designated Environmental Incidents measures certain internal environmental performance metrics.

Marathon Safety Performance Index measures MPC’s success and commitment to employee safety. Goals are set 
annually at best-in-class industry performance, focusing on continual improvement and include common industry 
metrics.

Process Safety Events Rate measures MPC’s ability to identify, understand and control certain process hazards.

The performance levels for each metric were established by evaluating factors such as performance 
achieved in the prior year(s), anticipated challenges for 2020, MPC's business plan and MPC’s overall 
strategy. The performance levels were set with threshold levels viewed as likely achievable, target levels 
viewed as challenging but achievable, and maximum levels viewed as extremely difficult to achieve. 

MPC’s Compensation Committee determined to make no pandemic-related adjustments to or relaxing of 
performance levels under the 2020 ACB program.

2020 MPC Compensation Committee Discretion (20% of ACB Program)

The primary purpose of the discretionary component is to recognize instances where, due to unforeseen 
circumstances, the company performance metrics results are not entirely indicative of overall company 
results. For 2020, MPC’s Compensation Committee evaluated this component of the ACB based upon its 
discretionary assessment of company performance and our NEOs’ contributions to the successful execution 
of our business objectives and enhancement of value for our shareholders. Key achievements considered 
for 2020 included:

•

Negotiating and progressing MPC’s $21 billion sale of Speedway.

• Managing through the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated downturn in

demand for MPC’s and our products and services.

•

•

•

•

•

Focusing on reductions in cost structure to position the company for through-cycle resiliency.

Strengthening the competitive position of MPC’s assets through advancing its investments in
renewables, including the successful startup of MPC’s Dickinson renewable fuels facility and
advancing the conversion of MPC’s Martinez refinery into a renewable diesel facility.

Delivery by MPLX of strong business performance, supported by strict capital discipline and
generation of excess cash flow for 2020 after capital investments and distributions.

Excellence in environmental, personal safety and process safety improvement.

Progress on diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Following this review, MPC’s Compensation Committee determined to exercise its discretion by applying 
the calculation derived from the pre-established metrics component to the 20% of the ACB program.

ACB Payments for 2020 

In February 2021, MPC's Compensation Committee certified the results under the performance metrics for 
the 2020 ACB program and, taking into consideration MPC's performance relative to the pre-established 
metrics (assessed at 104%), the key achievements discussed above and each NEO's organizational and 

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individual performance, awarded the following amounts under the ACB program to our participating NEOs 
for 2020: 

Name

Hennigan*

Beall

Gagle*

Floerke

Aydt

2020 Year-End 
Base Salary ($)

Bonus Target 
as a % of 
Base Salary

Target 
Bonus ($)

Final Award 
as a % of 
Target

880,000 

575,000 
350,000 

560,000 

400,000 

 150 

  1,320,000 

 70 

 70 

 70 

 60 

402,500 

245,000 

392,000 

240,000 

104

104

104

104

104

Final Award 
($)

1,372,800 

419,000 

255,000 

408,000 

250,000 

* As noted above in “Compensation Decisions and Allocation,” the non-equity elements, including base salary and ACB payouts, of 
Mr. Henningan’s and Ms. Gagle’s compensation are reflected in this table and in the “2020 Summary Compensation Table” below 
at 55% and 50%, respectively, to reflect the portions of their time allocated to us for 2020 under our omnibus agreement.

Upon his retirement in August 2020, Mr. Swearingen received a $276,285 lump sum cash payout 
attributable to his target bonus under the ACB program and prorated for his service during 2020. This 
amount is included in the “Other” column of the “2020 Summary Compensation Table” below.

2020 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Program

MPC’s long-term incentive (“LTI”) compensation program is designed to promote achievement of MPC’s 
and our long-term business objectives by linking our NEOs’ compensation directly to long-term company 
and equity performance, thereby strengthening alignment between the interests of our NEOs, MPC’s 
shareholders and our unitholders. 

Under MPC’s 2020 LTI program, MPC’s Compensation Committee awarded our NEOs MPC performance 
units, MPC stock options, MPC restricted stock units (“RSUs”), MPLX performance units and MPLX 
phantom units. The MPC awards were granted by MPC’s Compensation Committee, and the MPLX awards 
were granted by a committee of our Board comprised of the independent directors (the “MPLX 
Committee”) following a recommendation by MPC's Compensation Committee. For 2020, MPC’s 
Compensation Committee determined the following mix of LTI awards was appropriate for our NEOs*: 

80% MPC LTI AWARDS

20% MPLX LTI AWARDS

50% Performance Units

30% Stock Options

20% RSUs

50% 
Performance 
Units

50% 
Phantom 
Units

MPC Performance Units align our NEOs’ long-term interests with MPC’s shareholders’ long-term interests by 
conditioning payout on the performance of MPC’s Total Shareholder Return (“TSR”) relative to that of MPC’s peers 
over a three-year period. 

MPC Stock Options drive behaviors and actions that enhance long-term shareholder value and are inherently 
performance-based, as MPC’s stock price must increase before the NEO can recognize any benefit. Awards generally 
vest ratably over three years and have a 10-year term until expiration.

MPC RSUs promote our NEOs’ ownership of MPC’s common stock, aid in retention and help our NEOs comply 
with MPC’s stock ownership guidelines. Awards generally vest ratably over three years.

MPLX Performance Units align our NEOs’ long-term interests with the long-term interests of our unitholders by 
conditioning payout on the performance of our total unitholder return relative to our peers and our distributable cash 
flow, in each case over a three-year period.

MPLX Phantom Units promote our NEOs’ ownership of our common units, strengthening alignment between our 
NEOs’ interests and our unitholders’ interests, and help them comply with our unit ownership guidelines. Awards 
generally vest ratably over three years.

* The MPLX Committee determines the mix of MPLX awards between performance units and phantom units.

Annual 2020 LTI awards were made to our NEOs on March 1, 2020. See the “2020 Grants of Plan-Based 
Awards” table and accompanying narrative below for more information about the specific awards granted 
to our NEOs in 2020.  

173

CEO Promotion Award

On March 17, 2020, MPC’s Board appointed Mr. Hennigan as MPC’s President and CEO, and MPC’s 
Compensation Committee awarded him an additional grant of MPC RSUs to meet the LTI target it had set 
for the CEO role, which for 2020 was 15% below the market median. This resulted in an aggregate 2020 
LTI award mix for Mr. Hennigan of 18% MPC performance units, 11% MPC stock options, 63% MPC 
RSUs, 4% MPLX performance units and 4% MPLX phantom units. For 2021, his LTI award mix will 
consist of 60% performance-based LTI consistent with the other NEOs.

MPC Performance Units 

MPC performance units pay out based on MPC’s three-year TSR relative to the peer group shown in the 
following table. Each MPC performance unit has a target value of $1.00, and the actual payout can vary 
from $0.00 to $2.00 (0% to 200% of target). MPC performance units settle 25% in MPC common stock and 
75% in cash. 

MPC TSR PAYOUT PERCENTAGE CALCULATION

MPC’s relative TSR performance percentile is determined for each of four measurement periods, with linear 
interpolation used for results between target levels:

MPC TSR Percentile

Payout (% of Target) 

Below Threshold
Below 30th

0%

Threshold
30th

50%

Target
50th

100%

Maximum
100th (Highest)

200%

TSR CALCULATION

MEASUREMENT PERIODS

(Ending Stock Price - Beginning Stock Price) + Cumulative Cash 
Dividends
Beginning Stock Price

The beginning and ending stock price is the average of each company’s 
closing stock price for the 20 trading days immediately preceding each 
applicable date.

First 12 months
Second 12 months
Third 12 months
Entire 36-month period

MPC PERFORMANCE UNIT PEER GROUPS

2018 Performance Units
(1/1/2018 – 12/31/2020 
Performance Period)

Chevron Corporation
HollyFrontier Corporation
PBF Energy Inc.
Phillips 66
Valero Energy Corporation
S&P 500 Energy Index

2019 Performance Units
(1/1/2019 – 12/31/2021 
Performance Period)

BP p.l.c.
Chevron Corporation
Exxon Mobil Corporation
HollyFrontier Corporation
PBF Energy Inc.
Phillips 66
Valero Energy Corporation
S&P 500 Energy Index

2020 Performance Units
(1/1/2020 – 12/31/2022 
Performance Period)

BP p.l.c.
Chevron Corporation
CVR Energy, Inc.
Delek US Holdings, Inc.
Exxon Mobil Corporation
HollyFrontier Corporation
PBF Energy Inc.
Phillips 66
Valero Energy Corporation
S&P 500 Energy Index

In January 2021, MPC’s Compensation Committee certified the final TSR results for the MPC 2018 
performance units as follows:

TSR Measurement 
Period

1/1/2018–12/31/2018

1/1/2019–12/31/2019

1/1/2020–12/31/2020

1/1/2018–12/31/2020

Actual TSR (%)

Position Relative to 
Peer Group

Percentile Ranking 
(%)

-4.62

3.16

-26.97

-26.56

4th of 7

4th of 7

2nd of 7

4th of 7

50.00

50.00

83.33 *

50.00

Average:

TSR Payout 
Percentage 
(% of Target)

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

* Although MPC’s performance percentile ranking of 83.33% relative to its peers for the January 1, 2020, through December 31,
2020, performance period would have resulted in a payout percentage higher than 100%, MPC’s program is designed such that
payout is capped at 100% in years when TSR is negative to provide alignment with MPC’s shareholders.

174

MPC’s Compensation Committee determined to make no pandemic-related adjustments to or relaxing of 
performance levels under the MPC 2018 performance units. The average payout above was applied to each 
NEO’s target award value as follows: 

Hennigan

Beall

Gagle

Floerke

Aydt

Swearingen

MPC 2018 Performance 
Units Granted (#)

875,000

250,000

400,000

250,000

Payout ($)

875,000

250,000

400,000

250,000

—

—

250,000

250,000

MPC performance units granted to our current NEOs in 2019 and 2020 remain outstanding. See the “2020 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards” and “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End” tables below for 
additional information about these awards. 

MPLX Performance Units 

MPLX performance units pay out based 50% on our total unitholder return (“TUR”) relative to a peer 
group of midstream companies and 50% on distributable cash flow (“DCF”) attributable to MPLX, 
measured over a three-year performance cycle. Each MPLX performance unit has a target value of $1.00, 
and the actual payout can vary from $0.00 to $2.00 (0% to 200% of target). MPLX performance units settle 
25% in MPLX common units and 75% in cash. 

MPLX TUR PAYOUT PERCENTAGE CALCULATION

Our relative TUR performance percentile is determined for each of four measurement periods, with linear 
interpolation used for results between target levels:

MPLX TUR Percentile

Payout (% of Target)

Below Threshold
Below 30th

0%

Threshold
30th

50%

Target
50th

100%

Maximum
100th (Highest)

200%

TUR CALCULATION

MEASUREMENT PERIODS

(Ending Unit Price - Beginning Unit Price) + Cumulative Cash Distributions
Beginning Unit Price

The beginning and ending unit price is the average of each company’s 
closing unit price for the 20 trading days immediately preceding each 
applicable date.

First 12 months
Second 12 months
Third 12 months
Entire 36-month period

MPLX PERFORMANCE UNIT PEER GROUPS

2018 and 2019 Performance Units
(1/1/2018 – 12/31/2020 and 1/1/2019 – 
12/31/2021 Performance Periods)

Andeavor Logistics LP*
Buckeye Partners, L.P.*
Enterprise Products Partners L.P.
Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.
Phillips 66 Partners LP
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.
Valero Energy Partners LP*
Western Gas Partners, LP

* Removed effective January 1, 2019

due to industry consolidation.

2020 Performance Units
(1/1/2020 – 12/31/2022 Performance Period)

Ten companies in the Alerian MLP Index with the highest market 
capitalization as determined on the last day of each measurement period. 
For the 1/1/2020–12/31/2020 measurement period, these were:

Cheniere Energy Partners LP
DCP Midstream LP
Enable Midstream Partners, LP
Enterprise Products Partners LP
Energy Transfer LP

Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P.
Phillips 66 Partners LP
Plains All American Pipeline, L.P.
Shell Midstream Partners, L.P.
Western Midstream Operating, LP.

175

MPLX DCF PAYOUT PERCENTAGE CALCULATION

DCF attributable to MPLX is measured for each year of a three-year performance cycle, with each year’s target based 
on our annual business plan as approved by the MPLX Board at the beginning of the year. Our DCF metric threshold, 
target and maximum levels are calculated as 90%, 100% and 105%, respectively, of the annual business plan DCF 
target. Linear interpolation is used for results between target levels ($ in millions):

Performance Periods

Below Threshold
(No Payout)

Threshold
(50% Payout)

Target
(100% Payout)

Maximum
(200% Payout)

DCF Attributable to MPLX for 2020

Below $3,775

$3,775

DCF Attributable to MPLX for 2021

Below $3,757

$3,757

$4,194

$4,174

$4,404

$4,383

DCF Attributable to MPLX for 2022

To be submitted for approval January 2022

<90% of Annual 
Business Plan 
DCF

90% of Annual 
Business Plan 
DCF

100% of Annual 
Business Plan 
DCF

105% of Annual 
Business Plan 
DCF

In January 2021, the MPLX Committee certified the final relative TUR and DCF results for the 2018 
MPLX performance units as follows ($ in millions):

TUR Measurement 
Period

1/1/2018–12/31/2018

1/1/2019–12/31/2019

1/1/2020–12/31/2020

1/1/2018–12/31/2020

Actual TUR (%)

-4.16

-13.83

0.17

-16.35

Position

6th of 9

5th of 6

1st of 6

2nd of 6

Percentile Ranking 
(%)

TUR Payout 
Percentage 
(% of Target)

37.50 

20.00

100.00

80.00 *

Average:

68.75

—

200.00

100.00

92.19

* Although our performance percentile ranking of 80.00% relative to our peers for the January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020,
performance period would have resulted in a payout percentage higher than 100%, our program is designed such that payout is
capped at 100% in years when TUR is negative to provide alignment with our unitholders.

DCF 
Performance Period

Below 
Threshold

Threshold

Target Maximum

1/1/2018-12/31/2018

Below $2,335

1/1/2019-12/31/2019

Below $3,797

1/1/2020-12/31/2020

Below $3,775

$2,335

$3,797

$3,775

$2,595

$4,219

$4,194

$2,725

$4,430

$4,404

Actual DCF 
Attributable to 
MPLX

DCF Payout 
Percentage 
(% of Target)

$2,781

$4,100

$4,327

Average:

200.00

85.90

163.42

149.77

The MPLX Committee determined to make no pandemic-related adjustments to or relaxing of performance 
levels under the MPLX 2018 performance units. The average TUR payout percentage and the average DCF 
payout percentage were averaged (120.98%) and applied to each NEO’s target award as follows: 

Hennigan

Beall

Gagle

Floerke

Aydt

Swearingen

MPLX 2018 Performance 
Units Granted (#)

Payout ($)

875,000

250,000

400,000

250,000

100,000

250,000

1,058,575

302,450

483,920

302,450

120,980

302,450

MPLX performance units granted to our current NEOs in 2019 and 2020 remain outstanding. See the “2020 
Grants of Plan-Based Awards” and “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End” tables below for 
additional information about these awards. 

MPC Synergy Performance Units

In January 2019, MPC’s Compensation Committee awarded our NEOs synergy performance units under a 
performance unit incentive program designed to promote MPC’s realization (or “capture”) of annual run-
rate synergies in connection with the integration of Andeavor, which MPC acquired on October 1, 2018. 

176

The MPC synergy performance units are payable in cash upon the achievement of the following 
performance targets during each applicable performance period, with the payout for performance between 
levels determined using linear interpolation. 

October 1, 2018 through 
December 31, 2019

January 1, 2020 through 
December 31, 2020

January 1, 2021 through 
December 31, 2021

Performance Level

Synergy Capture 
Performance

Payout 
Percentage

Synergy Capture 
Performance

Payout 
Percentage

Synergy Capture 
Performance

Payout 
Percentage

Maximum

Target

Threshold 
Below threshold 

$960 million

$480 million

$240 million

Below $240 
million

200%

100%

50%

0%

$1,420 million

$710 million

$355 million

Below $355 
million

200%

100%

50%

0%

$2,000 million

$1,000 million

$500 million

Below $500 
million

200%

100%

50%

0%

The MPC synergy performance units generally vest and are payable following completion of each 
performance period. Earlier vesting may occur in the event of a participant’s death or termination of 
employment, a change in control or if the captured synergies reach $2.0 billion prior to the completion of 
the final performance period. Each MPC synergy performance unit had a target value of $1.00, and the 
actual payout could vary from $0.00 to $2.00 (0% to 200% of target). 

In January 2021, MPC’s Compensation Committee certified the final synergy capture performance for the 
January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2020, performance period at $1,189 million, resulting in an initial 
payout percentage of 168%. However, taking into consideration the demand destruction caused by the 
global COVID-19 pandemic, overall 2020 business results, and the consequent impact on MPC’s share 
price, MPC’s and our CEO recommended that MPC’s Compensation Committee exercise its negative 
discretion, and MPC’s Compensation Committee determined it was appropriate to reduce the payout 
percentage for the 2020 performance period from 168% to 100%, approving the following payouts to our 
NEOs:       

Hennigan

Beall

Gagle

Floerke

Aydt

Swearingen*

Target Number of MPC 
Synergy Performance 
Units for 2020

Payout ($)

320,833

166,667

133,334

166,667

100,000

83,334

320,833

166,667

133,334

166,667

100,000

83,334

* Mr. Swearingen’s target award for this performance period was prorated to reflect eight months of service in 2020 due to his

retirement in August 2020. He will not participate in the 2021 performance period.

As noted above in “Compensation Decisions and Allocation,” the non-equity elements, including the MPC 
synergy performance unit payouts, of Mr. Hennigan’s, Ms. Gagle’s and Mr. Swearingen’s compensation 
are reflected in this table and in the “2020 Summary Compensation Table” below at 55%, 50% and 75%, 
respectively, to reflect the portions of their time allocated to us for 2020 under our omnibus agreement.

The following synergy performance units granted to our current NEOs in 2019 for the January 1, 2021, 
through December 31, 2021, performance period remain outstanding: Mr. Hennigan, 320,834; Ms. Beall, 
166,667; Ms. Gagle, 133,334; Mr. Floerke, 166,667; and Mr. Aydt, 100,000.  

OTHER BENEFITS

We do not sponsor any benefit plans, programs or policies such as healthcare, life insurance, income 
protection or retirement benefits for our NEOs, and we do not provide perquisites. However, those types of 
benefits are generally provided to our NEOs by MPC. MPC makes all determinations with respect to such 
benefits without input from our Board or us. MPC bears the full cost of these programs, and no portion is 
charged back to us. We have summarized the material elements of these programs below.

Retirement Benefits

Retirement benefits provided to our NEOs are designed by MPC to be consistent in value and aligned with 
benefits offered by the other companies with which MPC competes for talent. Benefits under MPC’s 
qualified and nonqualified plans are described in more detail in “Post-Employment Benefits for 2020” and 
“2020 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.”

177

Severance Benefits

We and MPC maintain change in control plans designed to (i) preserve executives’ economic motivation to 
consider a business combination that might result in job loss and (ii) compete effectively in attracting and 
retaining executives in an industry that features frequent mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Our change 
in control benefits are described further in “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control.”

Perquisites 

Our NEOs receive limited perquisites, which are consistent with those offered by MPC’s peer group 
companies. 

Tax and Financial Planning Services

• MPC generally reimburses our NEOs for certain tax, estate and financial planning services up to $15,000
per year while serving as an executive officer and $3,000 in the year following retirement or death.

Health and Well-being

•

Under MPC’s enhanced annual physical health program, our senior management, including our NEOs, are
eligible for a comprehensive physical (generally in the form of a one-day appointment), with procedures
similar to those available to all other employees under MPC’s health program.

Reportable values for these perquisite programs, based on the incremental costs to MPC, are included in the 
“All Other Compensation” column of the “2020 Summary Compensation Table.”

COMPENSATION GOVERNANCE

Unit Ownership Guidelines

Our unit ownership guidelines align our executive officers’ long-term interests with those of our 
unitholders. These guidelines require the executive officers in the positions shown below to hold a specified 
level of MPLX common units. The targeted levels vary depending upon the executive’s position and 
responsibilities:

Position

Number of Units to Be Held

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Executive Vice Presidents

General Counsel

Senior Vice Presidents

Vice Presidents

25,000

15,000

10,000

10,000

5,000

Each executive is expected to meet these guidelines within five years of his or her assumption of the 
applicable position. The guidelines also require that these officers hold all common units distributed in 
settlement of phantom units or performance units for a minimum of one year following the vesting date. 

Prohibition on Derivatives and Hedging

Under our policy on trading of securities, none of our directors, officers (including our NEOs) or certain 
MPC employees designated under the policy may purchase or sell any financial instrument, including but 
not limited to put or call options, the price of which is affected in whole or in part by changes in the price of 
our securities, unless such financial instrument was issued by us to such director, officer or covered 
employee. Further, no director, officer or covered employee may participate in any hedging transaction 
related to our securities. This policy ensures that our directors, officers and covered employees bear the full 
risk of MPLX common unit ownership.  

Recoupment/Clawback Policy

MPC’s ACB and LTI programs provide for recoupment in the case of certain forfeiture events. In addition, 
our incentive compensation plans provide that all awards granted thereunder will be subject to clawback or 

178

recoupment in the case of certain forfeiture events. If the SEC or our Audit Committee requires us to 
prepare a material accounting restatement due to noncompliance with any financial reporting requirement 
under applicable securities laws as a result of misconduct, the Audit Committee may determine that a 
forfeiture event has occurred based on an assessment of whether an executive officer: (i) knowingly 
engaged in misconduct; (ii) was grossly negligent with respect to misconduct; (iii) knowingly failed or was 
grossly negligent in failing to prevent misconduct; or (iv) engaged in fraud, embezzlement or other similar 
misconduct materially harmful to us.

If it is determined that a forfeiture event has occurred, an executive officer’s unvested phantom units and 
performance units would be subject to immediate forfeiture. If a forfeiture event occurred either while the 
executive officer was employed, or within three years after termination of employment, and the executive 
officer has received any payment in settlement of performance units, we may recoup an amount in cash or 
units up to the amount paid in settlement of the performance units.

These recoupment provisions are in addition to any clawback provisions under Section 304 of the 
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, NYSE 
listing standards and other applicable law.

Compensation-Based Risk Assessment 

The independent members of our Board regularly review our policies and practices in compensating our 
service providers (including both executive officers and non-executives, if any) as they relate to our risk 
management profile. At the most recent review of our compensation program, our independent directors 
concluded that any risks arising from our compensation policies and practices were not reasonably likely to 
have a material adverse effect on our financial statements.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation 

Compensation matters are determined by the independent directors of our Board, with input from Mr. 
Hennigan, our Chairman, President and CEO. See “Director Independence” in Item 10. Directors, 
Executive Officers and Corporate Governance for more information about our independent directors. Mr. 
Hennigan is also an executive officer and director of MPC. Mr. Heminger, our former Chairman (until 
April 29, 2020), also served as President and CEO (until March 17, 2020) and Chairman (until April 29, 
2020) of MPC. During 2020, none of our other executive officers served as a member of a compensation 
committee or board of directors of another entity that has an executive officer serving as a member of our 
Board. 

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

Our independent directors have reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis for 
2020 with management and, based on such review and discussions, recommended to the Board that the 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended 
December 31, 2020.

Michael L. Beatty
Christopher A. Helms
Garry L. Peiffer
Dan D. Sandman
Frank M. Semple
J. Michael Stice
John P. Surma

179

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION TABLES

2020 SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE

The following table provides information regarding compensation for our 2020 NEOs for the years shown: 

Name and 
Principal Position

Year

Salary 
($)

Stock
Awards 
($)

Option 
Awards 
($)

Non-Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Compensation 
($)

Change in 
Pension Value 
and Nonqualified 
Deferred 
Compensation 
Earnings 
($)

All Other 
Compensation 
($)

Total
($)

Michael J. 
Hennigan

Chairman, 
President and 
CEO of MPLX

Pamela K.M. 
Beall

Executive Vice 
President and 
CFO

Suzanne 
Gagle

 2020    653,125 

8,988,339   1,104,000 

1,693,633 

242,057 

195,426 

12,876,580 

 2019    954,167 

2,215,393 

888,005 

3,166,666 

245,801 

186,835 

7,656,867 

 2018    875,000 

1,949,566 

525,008 

1,600,000 

152,366 

161,740 

5,263,680 

 2020    563,750 

671,413 

240,000 

585,667 

194,300 

118,937 

2,374,067 

 2019    556,250 

598,772 

240,009 

1,008,332 

197,733 

98,844 

2,699,940 

 2018    540,000 

557,058 

150,007 

670,000 

178,266 

96,657 

2,191,988 

 2020    321,875 

1,342,778 

480,000 

388,334 

196,900 

75,690 

2,805,577 

General Counsel

 2019    306,250 

1,077,758 

432,007 

641,666 

218,049 

61,176 

2,736,906 

Gregory S. 
Floerke

Executive Vice 
President and 
Chief Operating 
Officer 

 2020    545,000 

671,413 

240,000 

574,667 

161,979 

114,411 

2,307,470 

 2019    536,250 

598,772 

240,009 

953,332 

125,985 

87,453 

2,541,801 

 2018    506,250 

557,058 

150,007 

610,000 

93,153 

84,350 

2,000,818 

 2020    370,000 

Timothy J. 
Aydt
Executive Vice President and Chief 
Commercial Officer 
John S. 
Swearingen

 2020    273,750 

402,861 

144,000 

350,000 

348,188 

74,307 

1,689,356 

2,355,226 

240,000 

83,334 

197,021 

806,366 

3,955,697 

Former 
Executive Vice 
President, 
Logistics and 
Storage

 2019    402,188 

598,772 

240,009 

714,999 

783,720 

63,084 

2,802,772 

 2018    389,063 

557,058 

150,007 

457,500 

— 

61,608 

1,615,236 

Salary shows the actual amount earned during the year. Mr. Hennigan’s 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounts are 
shown at 55%, 100% and 100%, respectively, to reflect the portion of his time allocated to us under our 
omnibus agreement for each applicable year. Amounts for Ms. Gagle and Mr. Swearingen are shown at 
50% and 75%, respectively, to reflect the portions of their time allocated to us under our omnibus 
agreement for each applicable year. See the base salary overview in the CD&A for additional information 
on base salaries for 2020. 

Stock Awards and Option Awards reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of LTI awarded in the 
applicable year calculated in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards 
Codification 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation (“FASB ASC Topic 718”). See Item 8. Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data, Note 21 of this report and Note 27 to MPC’s financial statements 
included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020, for assumptions used 
to determine the values of these awards. 

MPC’s Compensation Committee and the MPLX Committee approved a modification, effective July 29, 
2020, to the MPC RSUs/restricted stock, MPC performance units, MPLX phantom units and MPLX 
performance units awarded to certain officers in 2018, 2019 and 2020, providing for full vesting of such 
awards in the event of an officer’s approved voluntary retirement. On August 10, 2020, Mr. Swearingen 
notified us of his intent to retire effective August 28, 2020. Accordingly, the 2020 amount shown for Mr. 

180

Swearingen under “Stock Awards” includes (i) the grant date fair value of LTI awarded to him in March 
2020 (the grant date fair value of which was $911,413), plus (ii) the July 29, 2020, modification fair value 
associated with the 2018, 2019 and 2020 awards that vested upon his retirement in August, in each case 
calculated in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718. See the “2020 Grants of Plan-Based Awards” table 
below for detailed information about the reportable amounts regarding each award.

Performance Units granted in 2020 are included in the Stock Awards column for 2020. Their maximum 
value at grant date, assuming the highest level of performance achieved, is:

Hennigan

Beall

Gagle

Floerke

Aydt

Swearingen

MPC Performance Units ($)

3,680,000

800,000

1,600,000

800,000

480,000

MPLX Performance Units ($)

920,000

200,000

400,000

200,000

120,000

800,000

200,000

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation reflects the total ACB award earned for the year indicated, 
paid the following year. Amounts for 2019 and 2020 also include payouts under the synergy performance 
units for the performance periods from October 1, 2018, through December 31, 2019, and January 1, 2020, 
through December 31, 2020, respectively. Mr. Hennigan’s 2020, 2019 and 2018 amounts are shown at 
55%, 100% and 100%, respectively, of the total value of his awards to reflect the portions of his time 
allocated to us under the omnibus agreement for each applicable year. Amounts for Ms. Gagle and Mr. 
Swearingen are shown at 50% and 75%, respectively, of the total value of their awards to reflect the 
portions of their time allocated to us under the omnibus agreement for each applicable year. The lump sum 
cash payout Mr. Swearingen received upon his retirement in August 2020, which includes a portion 
attributable to his prorated target bonus under the 2020 ACB program, is included in the “Other” column 
and discussed in further detail below. 

Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings reflects the annual 
change in actuarial present value of accumulated benefits under the MPC retirement plans. See “Post-
Employment Benefits for 2020” for more information about the defined benefit plans and the assumptions 
used to calculate these amounts. No deferred compensation earnings are reported as our nonqualified 
deferred compensation plans do not provide above-market or preferential earnings. Mr. Hennigan’s 2020, 
2019 and 2018 amounts are shown at 55%, 100% and 100%, respectively, to reflect the portion of his time 
allocated to us under the omnibus agreement for each applicable year. Amounts for Ms. Gagle and Mr. 
Swearingen are shown at 50% and 75%, respectively, to reflect the portions of their time allocated to us 
under the omnibus agreement for each applicable year. 

All Other Compensation aggregates contributions to defined contribution plans and the limited perquisites 
MPC offers to our NEOs, which are described in more detail in the perquisites overview in the CD&A. 

Company 
Physicals
($)

Tax and Financial 
Planning 
($)

Company 
Contributions to 
Defined 
Contribution Plans 
($)

3,879 
3,879 
3,879 
3,879 
3,879 
3,879 

10,521 
2,667 
2,030 
3,200 
1,735 
15,000 

181,026 
112,391 
69,781 
107,332 
68,693 
71,427 

Other 
($)

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
716,060 

Total All Other 
Compensation 
($)

195,426 
118,937 
75,690 
114,411 
74,307 
806,366 

Name

Hennigan
Beall
Gagle
Floerke
Aydt
Swearingen

Company Contributions to Defined Contribution Plans reflect MPC’s contributions under its tax-
qualified retirement plans and related nonqualified deferred compensation plans. For Mr. Hennigan, Ms. 
Gagle and Mr. Swearingen, these amounts are shown at 55%, 50% and 75%, respectively, to reflect the 
portions of their time allocated to us for 2020 under the omnibus agreement. See “Post-Employment 
Benefits for 2020” and “2020 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation” for more information.

Other for Mr. Swearingen includes a $707,983 lump sum payment upon his retirement, which consisted of 
62 weeks of salary ($500,769) and an amount attributable to his target bonus ($207,214) under the 2020 
ACB program based on his eligible earnings for 2020, and a $8,077 lump sum payment for his earned but 
unused vacation benefit upon his retirement. These amounts are shown at 75% to reflect the portion of his 
time allocated to us for 2020 under the omnibus agreement.

181

2020 GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS
The following table provides information regarding MPC plan-based awards, including cash-based 
incentive awards and equity-based awards, granted by MPC’s Compensation Committee to our NEOs in 
2020, as well as all MPLX plan-based awards granted by the MPLX Committee to our NEOs in 2020. 

Estimated Possible Payouts Under 
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards 

Estimated Future Payouts Under 
Equity Incentive Plan Awards 

Type of 
Award

Grant 
Date 

Threshold 
($)

Target 
($)

Maximum 
($)

Threshold 
($)

Target 
($)

Maximum 
($)

Name

Hennigan

MPC Annual Cash Bonus

—

 1,320,000 

 2,640,000 

MPC Stock Options

3/1/2020

MPC RSUs

3/1/2020

MPC RSUs 3/17/2020 *

MPC Performance Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Phantom Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Performance Units

3/1/2020

Beall

MPC Annual Cash Bonus

—

402,500 

805,000 

MPC Stock Options

3/1/2020

MPC RSUs

3/1/2020

MPC Performance Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Phantom Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Performance Units

3/1/2020

Gagle

MPC Annual Cash Bonus

—

245,000 

490,000 

MPC Stock Options

3/1/2020

MPC RSUs

3/1/2020

MPC Performance Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Phantom Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Performance Units

3/1/2020

Floerke

MPC Annual Cash Bonus

—

392,000 

784,000 

MPC Stock Options

3/1/2020

MPC RSUs

3/1/2020

MPC Performance Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Phantom Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Performance Units

3/1/2020

Aydt

MPC Annual Cash Bonus

—

240,000 

480,000 

MPC Stock Options

3/1/2020

MPC RSUs

3/1/2020

MPC Performance Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Phantom Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Performance Units

3/1/2020

Swearingen

MPC Annual Cash Bonus

—

294,000 

588,000 

MPC Stock Options

3/1/2020

MPC RSUs

3/1/2020

MPC RSUs 7/29/2020

MPC Performance Units

3/1/2020

MPC Performance Units 7/29/2020

MPLX Phantom Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Phantom Units 7/29/2020

MPLX Performance Units

3/1/2020

MPLX Performance Units 7/29/2020

230,000 

 1,840,000   3,680,000 

28,750 

460,000 

920,000 

50,000 

400,000 

800,000 

6,250 

100,000 

200,000 

100,000 

800,000 

 1,600,000 

12,500 

200,000 

400,000 

50,000 

400,000 

800,000 

6,250 

100,000 

200,000 

30,000 

240,000 

480,000 

3,750 

60,000 

120,000 

50,000 

400,000 

800,000 

131,250 

 1,050,000   2,100,000 

6,250 

100,000 

200,000 

28,125 

450,000 

900,000 

All 
Other 
Stock 
Awards: 
Number 
of 
Shares 
of Stock 
or Units 
(#)

  15,421 

 290,641 

  22,920 

All Other 
Option 
Awards: 
Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Options 
(#)

Exercise 
or Base 
Price of 
Option 
Awards 
($/Sh)

Grant 
Date Fair 
Value of 
Stock and 
Option 
Awards 
($) 

112,999 

47.73 

 1,104,000 

736,044 

 5,900,012 

 1,631,344 

460,004 

260,935 

3,353 

4,983 

6,705 

9,966 

3,353 

4,983 

2,012 

2,990 

3,353 

5,570 

4,983 

9,382 

24,565 

47.73 

240,000 

160,039 

354,640 

100,009 

56,725 

49,130 

47.73 

480,000 

320,030 

709,280 

200,018 

113,450 

24,565 

47.73 

240,000 

160,039 

354,640 

100,009 

56,725 

14,739 

47.73 

144,000 

96,033 

212,784 

60,009 

34,035 

24,565 

47.73 

240,000 

160,039 

222,299 

354,640 

887,405 

100,009 

174,224 

56,725 

399,885 

* As discussed above under “Long-Term Incentive (“LTI”) Compensation Program,” Mr. Hennigan was appointed as MPC’s

President and CEO effective March 17, 2020. On that date, MPC’s Compensation Committee awarded him an additional grant of 
MPC RSUs to meet the LTI target it had set for the CEO role, which for 2020 was 15% below the market median.

182

Approval Dates. The MPC awards granted on March 1, 2020, and March 17, 2020, were approved by 
MPC’s Compensation Committee on February 25, 2020, and March 17, 2020, respectively. The MPLX 
awards granted on March 1, 2020, were approved by the MPLX Committee on February 25, 2020. 

MPC’s Compensation Committee and the MPLX Committee approved a modification, effective July 29, 
2020, to the MPC RSUs, MPC performance units, MPLX phantom units and MPLX performance units 
awarded to certain officers, including Mr. Swearingen, in 2018, 2019 and 2020, providing for full vesting 
of such awards in the event of such officer’s approved voluntary retirement. On August 10, 2020, Mr. 
Swearingen notified us of his intent to retire effective August 28, 2020. Accordingly, the July 29, 2020, 
awards shown for Mr. Swearingen represent the modification fair values associated with the 2018, 2019 
and 2020 awards that vested on August 31, 2020, pursuant to his approved voluntary retirement.

MPC Stock Options generally vest in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the 
grant date and expire 10 years after the grant date. The exercise price is equal to the closing price of MPC’s 
common stock on the grant date, or the next business day if the grant date did not fall on a business day. 
Option holders do not have voting rights or receive dividends on the underlying stock. 

MPC RSUs generally vest in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant 
date. Unvested RSUs accrue dividend equivalents, which are paid on the scheduled vesting dates. Holders 
of unvested RSUs do not have voting rights. 

MPC Performance Units generally vest following a 36-month performance period and are settled 25% in 
MPC common stock and 75% in cash. Unvested performance units do not accrue dividends or dividend 
equivalents and do not have voting rights. The target amounts shown reflect the number of performance 
units granted, each of which has a target value of $1.00. The threshold, which is the minimum possible 
payout, is achieved when the payout percentage is 50% for one TSR measurement period and 0% for the 
other three TSR measurement periods, resulting in an average payout percentage of 12.5%. The maximum 
payout is 200% of target. 

MPLX Phantom Units generally vest in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of 
the grant date and are settled in MPLX common units. Distribution equivalents accrue on the phantom unit 
awards and are paid on the scheduled vesting dates. Holders of unvested phantom units have no voting 
rights. 

MPLX Performance Units generally vest following a 36-month performance period and are settled 25% 
in MPLX common units and 75% in cash. Unvested performance units do not accrue cash distributions or 
distribution equivalents or have voting rights. The target amounts shown reflect the number of performance 
units granted, each of which has a target value of $1.00. The threshold, which is the minimum possible 
payout, is achieved when the payout percentage is 0% for the DCF metric, 50% for one TUR measurement 
period and 0% for the other three TUR measurement periods, resulting in an average payout percentage of 
6.25%. The maximum payout is 200% of target.

Grant Date Fair Value reflects the total grant date fair value of each equity award calculated in 
accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, as discussed further in Note 21 to our financial statements included 
in Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data and in Note 27 to MPC’s financial statements 
included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020. The Black-Scholes 
value used for the MPC stock options was $9.77 per share. The MPC RSU values are based on the MPC 
common stock closing price on the grant (or modification) date, or the next business day if the grant (or 
modification) date did not fall on a business day, which was $47.73, $20.30 and $39.91 for the March 1, 
2020, March 17, 2020, and July 29, 2020 awards, respectively. The MPC performance units value was 
$0.8866 per unit (for the July 29, 2020, awards, $0.9037, $0.8508 and $0.8029 per unit for the respective 
2018, 2019 and 2020 performance years), using a Monte Carlo valuation model. The MPLX phantom unit 
value is based on the MPLX common unit closing price on the grant (or modification) date, or the next 
business day if the grant (or modification) date did not fall on a business day, which was $20.07 and $18.57 
for the March 1, 2020, and July 29, 2020, awards, respectively. The portion (50%) of the MPLX 
performance units attributable to the TUR metric has a value of $0.8012 per unit (for the July 29, 2020, 
awards, $0.7174, $0.7200 and $0.9842 per unit for the respective 2018, 2019 and 2020 performance years) 
using a Monte Carlo valuation model, and the portion (50%) attributable to the DCF metric has values of 
$1.00, $0.00 and $0.00 for the respective 2020, 2021 and 2022 performance years (for the July 29, 2020 
awards originally granted in 2018, 2019 and 2020, $1.00 for each performance year).

183

OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT 2020 FISCAL YEAR-END

The following table provides information regarding the outstanding equity awards held by our NEOs as of 
December 31, 2020.

Name

Hennigan

Beall

Gagle

Option Awards 

Stock Awards

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#)
 Exercisable

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#)
 Unexercis-
able

Grant 
Date

3/1/2018

30,225 

3/1/2019

61,925 

— 

— 

Number 
of Shares 
or Units 
of Stock 
That 
Have Not 
Vested  
(#)

Market 
Value of 
Shares or 
Units of 
Stock That 
Have Not 
Vested ($)

Equity 
Incentive 
Plan Awards: 
Number of 
Unearned 
Shares, Units 
or Other 
Rights that 
Have Not 
Vested  (#)

Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Market or 
Payout Value 
of Unearned 
Shares, Units 
or Other 
Rights that 
Have Not 
Vested  ($)

Option 
Exercise 
Price
($)

Option 
Expiration 
Date

64.79 

3/1/2028 MPC

62.68 

3/1/2029

310,608 

 12,846,747 

3,320,000 

6,640,000 

3/1/2020

— 

112,999 

47.73 

3/1/2030 MPLX

92,150 

112,999 

38,080 

824,432 

830,000 

1,660,000 

3/1/2014

21,874 

3/1/2015

20,150 

3/1/2016

17,052 

3/1/2017

3/1/2018

4,776 

8,636 

3/1/2019

16,737 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

41.69 

3/1/2024

50.89 

3/1/2025

34.63 

3/1/2026

50.99 

3/1/2027

64.79 

3/1/2028 MPC

62.68 

3/1/2029

4,597 

190,132 

800,000 

1,600,000 

3/1/2020

— 

24,565 

47.73 

3/1/2030 MPLX

89,225 

24,565 

9,205 

199,288 

200,000 

400,000 

5/25/2011

12/5/2011

4/2/2012

4/1/2013

4/1/2014

4/1/2015

3/1/2016

3/1/2017

3/1/2018

3/1/2019

3/1/2020

8,080 

1,310 

4,210 

2,370 

3,006 

4,120 

25,678 

26,967 

13,817 

30,126 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

22.36  5/25/2021

17.20  12/5/2021

21.72 

4/2/2022

44.92 

4/1/2023

44.77 

4/1/2024

50.88 

4/1/2025

34.63 

3/1/2026

50.99 

3/1/2027

64.79 

3/1/2028 MPC

62.68 

3/1/2029

8,858 

366,367 

1,520,000 

3,040,000 

— 

49,130 

47.73 

3/1/2030 MPLX

119,684 

49,130 

17,101 

370,237 

380,000 

760,000 

Floerke

3/1/2017

3/1/2018

4,495 

8,636 

3/1/2019

16,737 

— 

— 

— 

50.99 

3/1/2027

64.79 

3/1/2028 MPC

62.68 

3/1/2029

4,594 

190,008 

800,000 

1,600,000 

3/1/2020

— 

24,565 

47.73 

3/1/2030 MPLX

29,868 

24,565 

45,680 

988,972 

200,000 

400,000 

Aydt

12/5/2011

4/2/2012

4/1/2013

4/1/2014

4/1/2015

4/1/2016

4/1/2017

3,390 

4,210 

3,746 

4,810 

6,556 

9,106 

7,589 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

17.20 12/5/2021

21.72

4/2/2022

44.92

4/1/2023

44.77

4/1/2024

50.88

4/1/2025

36.39

4/1/2026

49.94

4/1/2027

184

Option Awards 

Stock Awards

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#)
 Exercisable

Number of 
Securities 
Underlying 
Unexercised 
Options (#)
 Unexercis-
able

Option 
Exercise 
Price
($)

Option 
Expiration 
Date

Number 
of Shares 
or Units 
of Stock 
That 
Have Not 
Vested  
(#)

Market 
Value of 
Shares or 
Units of 
Stock That 
Have Not 
Vested ($)

Name

Grant 
Date

Equity 
Incentive 
Plan Awards: 
Number of 
Unearned 
Shares, Units 
or Other 
Rights that 
Have Not 
Vested  (#)

Equity 
Incentive Plan 
Awards: 
Market or 
Payout Value 
of Unearned 
Shares, Units 
or Other 
Rights that 
Have Not 
Vested  ($)

4/1/2018

5,907 

3/1/2019

10,042 

— 

— 

71.80

4/1/2028 MPC

62.68

3/1/2029

3,094 

127,968 

480,000 

960,000 

3/1/2020

— 

14,739 

47.73

3/1/2030 MPLX

Swearingen 2/29/2012

2/27/2013

3/1/2014

3/1/2015

3/1/2016

3/1/2017

3/1/2018

3/1/2019

3/1/2020

55,356 

33,614 

16,610 

17,372 

20,150 

32,097 

14,045 

8,636 

16,737 

24,565 

183,826 

14,739 

5,125 

110,956 

120,000 

240,000 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

20.78 

3/1/2022

41.37  2/27/2023

41.69 

3/1/2024

50.89 

3/1/2025

34.63  8/31/2025

50.99  8/31/2025

64.79  8/31/2025 MPC

62.68  8/31/2025

4,571 

189,057 

800,000 

1,600,000 

47.73  8/31/2025 MPLX

9,031 

195,521 

200,000 

400,000 

MPC Stock Options generally vest in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the 
grant date and expire 10 years after the grant date. Pursuant to award agreement amendments made in 2019 
for retention purposes (as further amended in December 2020 for administrative purposes), stock options 
granted to the NEOs (other than Mr. Swearingen) in 2018 and 2019 became non-forfeitable on December 
28, 2020. Mr. Swearingen’s unvested stock options became non-forfeitable upon his retirement and are 
exercisable for a period of five years following that date.

Unvested Shares and Units reflect the number of unvested MPC RSUs/shares of restricted stock and 
MPLX phantom units held on December 31, 2020. MPC RSUs/restricted stock and MPLX phantom units 
generally vest in equal installments on the first, second and third anniversaries of the grant date. 

Pursuant to award agreement amendments made in 2019 for retention purposes (as further amended in 
December 2020 for administrative purposes), MPC restricted stock and MPLX phantom unit awards 
granted to the NEOs (other than Mr. Swearingen) in 2018 and 2019 became “non-forfeitable” for tax 
purposes on December 28, 2020. Similarly, Mr. Swearingen’s 2018, 2019 and 2020 MPC restricted stock/
RSUs and MPLX phantom unit awards became “non-forfeitable” for tax purposes upon his retirement in 
August 2020. When an award becomes non-forfeitable, certain taxes are immediately due. So that the 
participants do not have an out-of-pocket expense for these awards that have not yet distributed, the award 
is instead reduced to cover the tax obligation. These awards continue to be reflected in the following table 
as they remain subject to distribution on their original vesting dates; however, the portion used to pay the 
associated taxes has been excluded from this table and is instead included in the “Option Exercises and 
Stock Vested in 2020” table below. 

185

Name

Hennigan

Beall

Gagle

Floerke

Aydt

Swearingen

Grant 
Date

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020
3/17/2020

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

4/1/2018
11/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

MPC RSUs/Restricted Stock

MPLX LP Phantom Units

Number of 
Unvested 
Shares

Vesting Dates

1,011  3/1/2021
3,535  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
15,421  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
290,641  3/17/2021, 3/17/2022, 3/17/2023
310,608 

289  3/1/2021
955  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022

3,353  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
4,597 

456  3/1/2021

1,697  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
6,705  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
8,858 

288  3/1/2021
953  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022

3,353  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
4,594

257  4/1/2021
259  11/1/2021
566  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022

2,012  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
3,094 

312  3/1/2021

1,032  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
3,227  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
4,571 

Grant 
Date

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

12/18/2015
3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

4/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

3/1/2018
3/1/2019
3/1/2020

Number of 
Unvested 
Units

Vesting Dates

8,024  3/1/2021
7,136  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
22,920  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
38,080 

2,293  3/1/2021
1,929  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
4,983  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
9,205 
3,666  3/1/2021
3,469  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
9,966  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
17,101 
36,476  Upon termination without cause
2,292  3/1/2021
1,929  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
4,983  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
45,680 

979  4/1/2021

1,156  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
2,990  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
5,125 

2,299  3/1/2021
1,935  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022
4,797  3/1/2021, 3/1/2022, 3/1/2023
9,031 

Market Value of Unvested Shares and Units reflects the aggregate value of all shares of unvested MPC 
RSUs/restricted stock and MPLX phantom units held on December 31, 2020, using the MPC closing stock 
price of $41.36 and the MPLX closing unit price of $21.65 on that date. 

Unvested Equity Incentive Plan Awards reflect the number of unvested MPC performance units and 
MPLX performance units held on December 31, 2020. MPC and MPLX performance units generally vest 
following a 36-month performance period; however, pursuant to award agreement amendments made in 
2019 for retention purposes (as further amended in December 2020 for administrative purposes), the 2019 
MPC and MPLX performance units shown in the table below for our NEOs became non-forfeitable for tax 
purposes on December 28, 2020. The 2019 and 2020 MPC and MPLX performance units shown for Mr. 
Swearingen became non-forfeitable for tax purposes upon his retirement. The performance cycles for the 
2019 and 2020 awards remain unchanged.

MPC Performance Units

MPLX Performance Units

Name

Grant Date

Number of 
Unvested Units

Performance Cycle

Grant 
Date

Number of 
Unvested Units

Performance Cycle

Hennigan

Beall

Gagle

3/1/2019

3/1/2020

3/1/2019

3/1/2020

3/1/2019

3/1/2020

1,480,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

3/1/2019

370,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

1,840,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

3/1/2020

460,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

3,320,000 

830,000 

400,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

3/1/2019

100,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

400,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

3/1/2020

100,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

800,000 

200,000 

720,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

3/1/2019

180,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

800,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

3/1/2020

200,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

1,520,000 

380,000 

186

Name
Floerke

Aydt

Swearingen

Grant Date

3/1/2019

3/1/2020

3/1/2019

3/1/2020

3/1/2019

3/1/2020

MPC Performance Units

MPLX Performance Units

Number of 
Unvested Units

Performance Cycle

Grant 
Date

Number of 
Unvested Units

Performance Cycle

400,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

3/1/2019

100,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

400,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

3/1/2020

100,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

800,000 

200,000 

240,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

3/1/2019

60,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

240,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

3/1/2020

60,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

480,000 

120,000 

400,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

3/1/2019

100,000 

1/1/2019 - 12/31/2021

400,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

3/1/2020

100,000 

1/1/2020 - 12/31/2022

800,000 

200,000 

Market Value of Unvested Equity Incentive Plan Awards. Amounts shown for MPC awards reflect the 
aggregate value of all MPC performance units held on December 31, 2020, assuming payouts of 200% and 
200% per unit for the 2019 and 2020 awards, respectively, which is the next higher performance 
achievement that exceeds the performance for these awards’ measurement period ended December 31, 
2020. Amounts shown for MPLX awards reflect the aggregate value of all MPLX performance units held 
on December 31, 2020, assuming payouts of 200% and 200% per unit for the 2019 and 2020 awards, 
respectively, which is the next higher performance achievement that exceeds the performance for these 
awards’ measurement period ended December 31, 2020.  

OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED IN 2020 

The following table provides information regarding MPC stock options exercised by our NEOs in 2020, as 
well as shares of MPC RSUs/restricted stock and MPLX phantom units vested in 2020. 

Option Awards

Stock/Unit Awards

Number of Shares 
Acquired on 
Exercise (#)

Value Realized on 
Exercise ($)

Number of Shares/
Units Acquired on 
Vesting (#)

Value Realized on 
Vesting ($)

Name

Hennigan

Beall

Gagle

Floerke

Aydt

MPC

MPLX

MPC

MPLX

MPC

MPLX

MPC

MPLX

MPC

MPLX

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

15,148 

295,013 

Swearingen

MPC

40,750 

705,619 

MPLX

22,312 

98,383 

2,562 

6,551 

5,345 

6,987 

2,552 

6,377 

3,404 

2,563 

3,019 

5,936 

884,898 

1,742,551 

114,282 

131,795 

240,243 

140,731 

113,794 

128,303 

119,207 

34,877 

135,558 

120,160 

Value Realized on Exercise reflects the actual pre-tax gain realized by our NEOs upon exercise of stock 
options, which is the fair market value of the shares at exercise less the per share grant price. The stock 
options reflected in this table were due to expire in May 2021.

Number of Shares/Units Acquired on Vesting includes the following numbers of shares/units used to pay 
the taxes associated with the vesting of certain awards held by the NEOs due to certain awards and award 
amendments, as discussed further under “Outstanding Equity Awards at 2020 Fiscal Year-End”: Mr. 
Hennigan, 3,552 shares of MPC restricted stock and 635 MPLX phantom units; Ms. Beall, 973 shares of 
MPC restricted stock and 177 MPLX phantom units; Ms. Gagle, 1,735 shares of MPC restricted stock and 
304 MPLX phantom units; Mr. Floerke, 976 shares of MPC restricted stock and 178 MPLX phantom units; 

187

Mr. Aydt, 874 shares of MPC restricted stock and 92 MPLX phantom units; Mr. Swearingen, 999 shares of 
MPC RSUs/restricted stock and 351 MPLX phantom units. 

Value Realized on Vesting reflects the actual pre-tax gain realized upon vesting of MPC RSUs/restricted 
stock and MPLX phantom units, which is the fair market value of the shares/units on the vesting date.

POST-EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS FOR 2020

2020 Pension Benefits

MPC provides tax-qualified retirement benefits to its employees, including our NEOs, under the MPC 
Retirement Plan. In addition, MPC sponsors the MPC Excess Benefit Plan for the benefit of a select group 
of management or highly compensated employees.

The following table reflects the actuarial present value of accumulated benefits payable to our NEOs under 
the MPC Retirement Plan and the defined benefit portion of the MPC Excess Benefit Plan as of 
December 31, 2020. These values have been determined using actuarial assumptions consistent with those 
used in MPC’s financial statements.

Name

Plan Name

Hennigan*

MPC Retirement Plan

MPC Excess Benefit Plan

Beall

MPC Retirement Plan

MPC Excess Benefit Plan

Gagle*

MPC Retirement Plan

MPC Excess Benefit Plan

Floerke

MPC Retirement Plan

MPC Excess Benefit Plan

Aydt

MPC Retirement Plan

MPC Excess Benefit Plan

Swearingen*

MPC Retirement Plan

MPC Excess Benefit Plan

Number of Years 
Credited Service 
(#) 

Present Value of 
Accumulated 
Benefit 
($)

Payments 
During Last 
Fiscal Year 
($)

3.58

3.58

18.67

18.67

27.67

27.67

5.00

5.00

35.58

35.58

39.25

39.25

57,464 

473,062 

930,661 

1,950,842 

653,259 

407,678 

133,919 

388,795 

1,941,150 

1,125,031 

1,795,561 

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

2,857,556 

178,979

* Dollar values for Mr. Hennigan, Ms. Gagle and Mr. Swearingen are shown at 55%, 50% and 75%, respectively, to reflect the

portions of their time allocated to us for 2020 under our omnibus agreement.

Number of Years Credited Service shows the number of years the NEO has participated in each plan. 
Plan participation service used to calculate each participant’s benefit under the MPC Retirement Plan 
legacy final average pay formula was frozen as of December 31, 2009. 

Present Value of Accumulated Benefit for the MPC Retirement Plan was calculated assuming a weighted 
average discount rate of 2.55%, the RP2000 mortality table for lump sums, a 90% lump sum election rate 
and retirement at age 62 (or current age, if later). Under the MPC Retirement Plan provisions and actuarial 
assumptions, the discount rate for lump sum calculations was 0.00%. See “MPC Retirement Plan” below 
for more detail on the formulas. 

188

MPC Retirement Plan

In general, our NEOs are eligible to participate in the MPC Retirement Plan, which is a tax-qualified 
defined benefit retirement plan primarily designed to provide participants with income after retirement. The 
plan has both a “legacy” retirement benefit and a “cash balance” retirement benefit. Prior to 2010, the 
monthly benefit was determined under the MPC legacy benefit formula.

MPC Legacy Benefit Formula

1.6%

× Monthly Final
Average Pay

× Years of
Participation

– 1.33% ×

Monthly Estimated
Primary Social 
Security Benefit 

× Years of
Participation

Monthly Benefit

Effective January 1, 2010, the formula was amended to (i) cease future accruals of additional participation 
years, and (ii) as applied to eligible NEOs, cease further compensation updates. No more than 37.5 
participation years may be recognized under the formula. Eligible earnings include, but are not limited to, 
pay for hours worked, pay for allowed hours, military leave allowance, commissions, 401(k) contributions 
to the MPC Thrift Plan and incentive compensation bonuses. Age continues to be updated under the 
formula.

Starting in 2010, benefit accruals are determined under a cash balance formula. 

MPC Cash Balance Formula

Annual 

Compensation ×

+ Account Balance × Interest Credit

Rate

Pay Credit
Percentage ð Participants receive pay credit percentages based on the sum of
70 Points or 
More

their age and cash balance service:

Fewer than 50 
Points

Participant 
Points 

50-69 Points
9%

11%

Cash Balance Benefit

Pay Credit 
Percentage

7%

Participants in the plan become fully vested upon completing three years of vesting service. Normal 
retirement age under the plan is 65. 

For the plan’s legacy retirement benefit, a vested participant who is at least age 62 may retire prior to age 
65 and receive an unreduced benefit. Ms. Beall has vested legacy retirement benefits under the plan and, 
based on her age, is eligible to retire and receive an unreduced benefit. Each of Ms. Gagle and Messrs. Aydt 
and Swearingen have vested legacy retirement benefits under the plan that remain subject to reduction as 
they have not yet reached age 62. Available benefits include various annuity options and a lump sum 
distribution option. Participants are eligible for early retirement upon reaching age 50 and completing 10 
years of vesting service. If a participant retires between the ages of 50 and 62 with sufficient vesting 
service, the amount of benefit under the legacy benefit formula is reduced as follows:

Age at Retirement

62 

 61 

 60 

 59 

 58 

 57 

 56 

 55 

 54 

 53 

 52 

 51 

 50 

Early Retirement Factor

 100 %  97 %  94 %  91 %  87 %  83 %  79 %  75 %  71 %  67 %  63 %  59 %  55 %

For the plan’s cash balance retirement benefit, a vested participant may retire at any age prior to 65 and 
receive an unreduced benefit. Each NEO has vested cash balance retirement benefits under the plan that are 
not subject to reduction upon retirement. Under the cash balance formula, plan participants receive pay 
credits based on age and cash balance service. For 2020, Mses. Beall and Gagle and Messrs. Swearingen 
and Aydt received pay credits equal to 11% of compensation, which is the highest level of pay credit 
available under the plan. Messrs. Hennigan and Floerke received pay credits equal to 9% of compensation. 
There are no early retirement subsidies under the cash balance formula. 

189

 
MPC Excess Benefit Plan (Defined Benefit Portion)

The MPC Excess Benefit Plan is an unfunded, nonqualified deferred compensation plan maintained for the 
benefit of a select group of management or highly compensated employees. This plan generally provides 
benefits that participants, including our NEOs, would have otherwise received under the tax-qualified MPC 
Retirement Plan were it not for Internal Revenue Code limitations. For our NEOs, eligible earnings under 
the plan include the items listed above, excluding bonuses, for the MPC Retirement Plan, as well as 
deferred compensation contributions, for the highest consecutive 36-month period over the 10-year period 
up to December 31, 2012. This plan also provides an enhancement for executive officers using the three 
highest bonuses earned over the 10-year period up to December 31, 2012, instead of the consecutive bonus 
formula in place for non-officers. MPC believes this enhancement is appropriate in light of the greater 
volatility of executive officer bonuses. As Messrs. Hennigan and Floerke have not accrued a benefit under 
the Marathon legacy benefit formula, they are not eligible for this enhancement.

Tax-Qualified Defined Contribution Retirement Plan

The MPC Thrift Plan is a tax-qualified, defined contribution retirement plan. In general, all of MPC’s 
employees, including our NEOs, are immediately eligible to participate in the plan. The purpose of the plan 
is to assist employees in maintaining a steady program of savings to supplement their retirement income 
and to meet other financial needs.

The MPC Thrift Plan allows eligible employees, such as our NEOs, to make elective deferral contributions 
to their plan accounts on a pre-tax or after-tax “Roth” basis from 1% to a maximum of 75% of their plan-
considered gross pay, with such gross pay limited to the applicable Internal Revenue Code annual 
compensation limit ($285,000 for 2020). Eligible employees who are “highly compensated employees” as 
determined under the Internal Revenue Code, such as our NEOs, may additionally make after-tax 
contributions to their plan accounts from 1% to 2% of their plan-considered gross pay limited to the 
applicable Internal Revenue Code annual compensation limit ($285,000 for 2020). Employer matching 
contributions are made on such elective deferrals at a rate of 117% up to a maximum of 6% of an 
employee’s plan-considered gross pay. All employee elective deferrals and after-tax contributions, and all 
employer matching contributions made, are fully vested.

190

2020 NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

The following table provides information regarding MPC’s nonqualified savings and deferred 
compensation plans.

Name

Plan

Executive 
Contributions 
in Last Fiscal 
Year 
($) 

MPC 
Company 
Contributions 
in Last Fiscal 
Year 
($)

Aggregate 
Earnings in 
Last Fiscal 
Year
($)

Aggregate 
Withdrawals/
Distributions
($) 

Aggregate 
Balance at 
Last Fiscal 
Year-End
($) 

Hennigan* MPC Deferred 

515,745 

170,023 

443,490 

— 

2,080,117 

Beall

Gagle*

Floerke

Aydt

Compensation Plan
MPC 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2018 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPC Excess Benefit Plan

MPC Deferred 
Compensation Plan
MPC 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2018 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPC Excess Benefit Plan

MPC Deferred 
Compensation Plan
MPC 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2018 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPC Deferred 
Compensation Plan
MPC 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2018 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPC Excess Benefit Plan

MPC Deferred 
Compensation Plan

MPC 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan

MPLX LP 2018 Incentive 
Compensation Plan

Swearingen* MPC Excess Benefit Plan

MPC Deferred 
Compensation Plan
MPC 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2012 Incentive 
Compensation Plan
MPLX LP 2018 Incentive 
Compensation Plan

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

2,822 

92,384 

159,724 

— 

— 

— 

— 

59,777 

— 

— 

— 

5,936 

8,212 

6,218 

1,053 

31,031 

5,193 

6,569 

5,595 

11,912 

776 

11,136 

15,806 

1,345 

14,461 

12,651 

781 

11,870 

— 

— 

388 

699 

384 

— 

— 

341 

566 

350 

145,302 

1,425,147 

5,548 

7,513 

5,834 

54,204 

196,869 

4,852 

6,003 

5,245 

87,325 

101,063 

— 

436,613 

— 

— 

— 

— 

48,686 

— 

— 

— 

56,422 

— 

— 

— 

5,936 

8,212 

6,218 

3,413 

24,054 

6,191 

7,241 

2,709 

67,730 

8,827 

6,159 

12,371 

389 

700 

385 

— 

— 

366 

536 

35,774 

— 

433 

487 

555 

5,547 

7,512 

5,833 

175,714 

106,305 

5,825 

6,705 

108,311 

479,848 

8,394 

5,672 

11,816 

* Amounts for Mr. Hennigan, Ms. Gagle and Mr. Swearingen are shown at 55%, 50% and 75%, respectively, to reflect the portions

of their time allocated to us for 2020 under our omnibus agreement.

191

Executive Contributions are also included in the “Salary” and “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” 
columns of the “2020 Summary Compensation Table.”

Company Contributions are also included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the “2020 
Summary Compensation Table.” 

Aggregate Earnings for long-term incentive and incentive compensation plans include accrued dividends/
dividend equivalents and distribution equivalents on non-forfeitable MPC restricted stock/RSUs and MPLX 
phantom unit awards.

Aggregate Withdrawals/Distributions represent the payment of dividends/dividend equivalents and 
distribution equivalents accrued on non-forfeitable awards. 

Aggregate Balance at Last Fiscal Year-End. Of the amounts shown, the following amounts have been 
reported in our “Summary Compensation Table” for previous years: 

Hennigan

Beall

MPC Deferred Compensation Plan

1,460,246

241,684

MPC Excess Benefit Plan (Defined Contribution Portion)

Gagle

36,174

Floerke

Swearingen

193,774

87,876

Certain highly compensated non-officer employees (and, prior to January 1, 2006, executive officers who 
elected not to participate in the MPC Deferred Compensation Plan), are eligible for the MPC Excess 
Benefit Plan’s defined contribution portion. Participants receive employer matching contributions equal to 
the amount they would have otherwise received under the tax-qualified MPC Thrift Plan were it not for 
Internal Revenue Code limitations.

Defined contribution accruals in the MPC Excess Benefit Plan are credited with interest equal to that paid 
in a specified investment option of the MPC Thrift Plan, which was 1.98% for the year ended 
December 31, 2020. All plan distributions are paid in a lump sum following the participant’s separation 
from service. Our NEOs no longer participate in the defined contribution portion of the MPC Excess 
Benefit Plan. All nonqualified employer matching contributions for our NEOs now accrue under the MPC 
Deferred Compensation Plan.

MPC Deferred Compensation Plan

The MPC Deferred Compensation Plan is an unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation plan 
maintained for the benefit of a select group of management or highly compensated employees, including 
our NEOs. Participants may defer up to 20% of their salary and bonus each year in a tax-advantaged 
manner. Deferral elections are made in December of each year for amounts to be earned in the following 
year and are irrevocable. The plan credits matching contributions on a participant’s deferrals equal to the 
match under the MPC Thrift Plan (currently 117%) plus an amount equal to the matching contributions the 
participant would have received, but for Internal Revenue Code limitations and compensation limits, under 
the MPC Thrift Plan. Participants are fully vested in their deferrals and matching contributions. Participants 
may make notional investments of their notional plan accounts from among certain investment options 
offered under the MPC Thrift Plan, and participants’ notional plan accounts are credited with notional 
earnings and losses based on the result of those investment elections. Participants generally receive 
payment of their plan benefits in a lump sum following separation from service. Effective January 1, 2021, 
the MPC Deferred Compensation Plan was frozen as to entry of new participants, and with respect to MPC 
participants (including our NEOs) was frozen effective on that date as to any future salary and bonus 
deferrals and the crediting of matching contributions.

Section 409A Compliance

All of MPC’s nonqualified deferred compensation plans in which our NEOs participate are intended to 
comply with, or be exempt from, Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. As a result, distribution of 
amounts subject to Section 409A may be delayed for six months following retirement or other separation 
from service where the participant is considered a “specified employee” for purposes of Section 409A. All 
of our NEOs are “specified employees” for purposes of Section 409A.

192

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON A TERMINATION OR CHANGE IN CONTROL

The following table provides information regarding the amount of compensation payable to our NEOs 
under the specified termination scenarios, assuming that the applicable termination event occurred on 
December 31, 2020, based on the plans and agreements in place on that date. The actual payments to which 
an NEO would be entitled may only be determined based upon the actual occurrence and circumstances 
surrounding the termination.

Name

Scenario

Hennigan

Retirement

Resignation

Involuntary Termination without 
Cause or with Good Reason

Involuntary Termination for 
Cause

Change in Control with 
Qualified Termination

Beall

Death

Retirement

Resignation

Involuntary Termination without 
Cause or with Good Reason

Involuntary Termination for 
Cause

Change in Control with 
Qualified Termination

Gagle

Death

Retirement

Resignation

Involuntary Termination without 
Cause or with Good Reason

Involuntary Termination for 
Cause

Change in Control with 
Qualified Termination

Death

Floerke

Retirement

Resignation

Involuntary Termination without 
Cause or with Good Reason

Involuntary Termination for 
Cause

Change in Control with 
Qualified Termination

Death

Aydt

Retirement

Resignation
Involuntary Termination without 
Cause or with Good Reason

Involuntary Termination for 
Cause

Change in Control with 
Qualified Termination

Additional 
Pension 
Benefits 
($)

Stock 
Options 
Vested
 ($)

Severance  
($)

RSUs/
Restricted 
Stock 
Vested 
($)

Performance 
Units Vested
($)

Other 
Benefits  
($)

Total
($)

— 

— 

— 

— 

 10,800,000 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

 13,154,942 

2,883,334 

— 

 16,038,276 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

 13,154,942 

2,883,334 

 18,541 

 26,856,817 

— 

 13,154,942 

2,883,334 

— 

 16,038,276 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

246,562 

666,667 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

913,229 

— 

793,011 

 2,499,820 

— 

246,562 

666,667 

9,122 

4,215,182 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

246,562 

666,667 

— 

— 

— 

— 

493,083 

1,266,667 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

913,229 

— 

— 

1,759,750 

— 

 4,350,000 

 9,430,285 

— 

493,083 

1,266,667 

 11,624 

 15,551,659 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

 3,540,000 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

493,083 

1,266,667 

— 

789,705 

— 

— 

— 

  1,036,267 

666,667 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

1,759,750 

— 

789,705 

1,702,934 

— 

— 

  1,036,267 

666,667 

8,315 

5,251,249 

— 

  1,036,267 

666,667 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
147,950 

— 

— 
400,000 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

1,702,934 

— 

— 
547,950 

— 

 2,325,000 

 5,302,176 

— 

147,950 

400,000 

6,771 

8,181,897 

Death

— 

— 

— 

147,950 

400,000 

— 

547,950 

Severance. Under the MPLX LP Executive Change in Control Severance Benefits Plan, as further 
described below, cash severance will only be paid upon a change in control if the NEO experiences a 
Qualified Termination (as defined below). If the Qualified Termination occurs within three years prior to 
the date the NEO reaches age 65, the NEO’s benefit will be limited to a pro rata portion of the benefit. Ms. 
Beall’s benefit has been reduced as she is within three years of reaching age 65.

193

 
 
 
Pension Benefits for our NEOs are reflected in the “2020 Pension Benefits Table” above. Amounts in this 
table represent additional pension benefits attributable solely to the final average pay formula in the 
applicable plans. The incremental retirement benefits included in these amounts were calculated using the 
following assumptions: individual life expectancies using the RP2000 Combined Healthy Table weighted 
75% male and 25% female; a discount rate of 0.25% for NEOs who are retirement eligible (taking into 
account the additional three years of age and service credit) and 0.25% for NEOs who are not retirement 
eligible; the current lump-sum interest rate for the relevant plans; and a lump-sum form of benefit. Only 
Mses. Beall and Gagle and Mr. Aydt are eligible for this enhanced benefit. 

Stock Options Vested. Vesting of MPC stock options is accelerated upon retirement or a change in control 
with a Qualified Termination. Amounts shown reflect the value realized if accelerated stock options were 
exercised on December 31, 2020, taking into account the spread (if any) between the options’ exercise 
prices and the closing price of MPC’s common stock ($41.36) on December 31, 2020. 

RSUs/Restricted Stock Vested. Vesting of MPC RSUs/restricted stock and MPLX phantom units is 
accelerated upon a change in control with a Qualified Termination. Amounts shown reflect the value 
realized if MPC RSUs/restricted stock and MPLX phantom unit awards vested on December 31, 2020, 
taking into account the closing price of MPC’s common stock ($41.36) and MPLX common units ($21.65) 
on December 31, 2020. In the event of Mr. Floerke’s termination of employment for any reason other than 
for cause, the MPLX phantom units he received as part of his retention award in 2015 will become payable. 

Performance Units Vested. In the event of a change in control and a Qualified Termination, unvested 
MPC performance units and MPLX performance units will vest and be paid out based on actual 
performance for the period from the grant date to the change in control date, and target performance for the 
period from the change in control date to the end of the performance cycle. Unvested MPC synergy 
performance units will vest and be paid out at the greater of target or actual synergy capture performance. 
Amounts reflect the MPC and MPLX performance unit and MPC synergy performance unit target amounts 
payable in each scenario, with each performance unit having a target value of $1.00.

Other Benefits include 36 months of continued health, dental and life insurance coverage. In the event of 
death, life insurance would be paid out to the estates of our NEOs in the following amounts: Mr. Hennigan, 
$1.9 million; Ms. Beall, $1.1 million; Ms. Gagle $1.3 million; Mr. Floerke, $1.1 million; Mr. Aydt, $0.7 
million. 

Retirement 

MPC’s employees, including our NEOs, generally are eligible for retirement once they reach age 50 and 
have at least 10 years of vesting service with MPC or its subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2020, Mses. 
Beall and Gagle and Mr. Aydt were retirement eligible. If a retirement-eligible NEO retires on or after 
July 1 of the performance year, eligibility for a bonus under MPC’s ACB program is at the discretion of 
MPC’s Compensation Committee. Upon retirement, our NEOs are entitled to receive their vested benefits 
that have accrued under MPC’s employee and executive benefit programs. For more information about 
these retirement and deferred compensation programs, see “2020 Pension Benefits” and “2020 
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.” 

In addition, upon retirement, our NEOs’ unvested MPC stock options become exercisable according to the 
grant terms. Unvested MPC RSUs/restricted stock and MPLX phantom units are forfeited upon retirement 
(except in the case of a mandatory retirement at age 65, when they vest in full). If an NEO has worked more 
than nine months of the performance cycle, performance awards may vest on a prorated basis at the 
discretion of the MPLX Committee (MPC’s Compensation Committee, in the case of MPC performance 
units). In the case of mandatory retirement, performance units will fully vest; however, payout will occur 
following the full performance cycle based on its certified results.

Mr. Swearingen retired effective August 28, 2020. He received a lump sum payout, which consisted of 62 
weeks of salary ($667,692) and an amount attributable to his target bonus under the 2020 ACB program 
based on his eligible earnings for 2020 ($276,285). As discussed above under “Outstanding Equity Awards 
at 2020 Fiscal Year-End,” Mr. Swearingen’s outstanding MPC stock options, MPC restricted stock/RSUs, 
MPC performance units, MPLX phantom units and MPLX performance units became non-forfeitable upon 
his retirement but remain subject to distribution on their original vesting dates. The July 29, 2020 
modification fair values associated with these awards are described above under “2020 Grants of Plan-
Based Awards” and aggregate $1,683,813. Amounts Mr. Swearingen received under our qualified 

194

retirement and nonqualified deferred compensation plans as a result of his retirement are described above 
under “Post-Employment Benefits for 2020” and “2020 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.” 

Other Termination 

Neither MPC nor we generally enter into employment or severance agreements with our NEOs. An NEO 
whose employment is terminated without cause, or who terminates his employment with good reason, is 
eligible for the same termination allowance plan available to all other MPC employees, which would pay (i) 
an amount between eight and 62 weeks of salary based either on service or salary level, and (ii) in the case 
of our NEOs, an additional amount equal to the NEO’s target bonus under MPC’s ACB program prorated 
for service up to the termination date. 

Upon an NEO’s voluntary resignation, or involuntary termination for cause, unvested LTI awards, 
including vested but unexercised MPC stock options, generally are forfeited unless provided otherwise in 
the applicable award agreement. Upon involuntary termination of an NEO without cause, vested MPC 
stock options are exercisable for 90 days following termination. Our NEOs’ award agreements for MPC 
stock options, MPC restricted stock, MPC performance units, MPLX phantom units and MPLX 
performance units granted in 2018 and 2019 were amended in October 2019 for retention purposes (and 
further amended in December 2020 for administrative purposes) such that any such unvested awards 
became non-forfeitable on December 28, 2020. The performance cycles for the MPC and MPLX 
performance units remain unchanged.

Death 

In the event of death or disability, our NEOs (or their beneficiaries) are entitled to the vested benefits they 
have accrued under MPC’s employee benefits programs. In the event of the death of an NEO during the 
ACB performance period, unless otherwise determined by MPC’s Compensation Committee, a target bonus 
will be paid. LTI awards immediately vest in full upon death, with performance units vesting at the target 
level. 

Change in Control Plans

Our NEOs participate in two change in control severance plans: the MPC Amended and Restated Executive 
Change in Control Severance Benefits Plan (“MPC CIC Plan”) and the MPLX Executive Change in 
Control Severance Benefits Plan (“MPLX CIC Plan”). Benefits under each plan are payable only upon a 
change in control and a Qualified Termination. The following table shows the benefits for which our NEOs 
would be eligible upon a change in control of MPC or MPLX and a Qualified Termination with the 
applicable entity:

195

CHANGE IN CONTROL OF MPC

CHANGE IN CONTROL OF MPLX

A cash payment of up to three times the sum of the NEO’s current annualized base salary plus three times the highest 
bonus paid in the three years before the termination or change in control.

Life and health insurance benefits for up to 36 months 
after termination at the lesser of the current cost or the 
active employee cost.

Life and health insurance benefits for up to 36 months 
after termination at the active employee cost.

An additional three years of service credit and three years of age credit for purposes of retiree health and life 
insurance benefits.

A cash payment equal to the actuarial equivalent of the difference between amounts receivable by the NEO under the 
final average pay formula in our pension plans and those payable if: (i) the NEO had an additional three years of 
participation service credit; (ii) the NEO’s final average pay were the higher of the NEO’s salary at the time of the 
change in control event or Qualified Termination plus the NEO’s highest annual bonus from the preceding three years 
(for purposes of determining early retirement commencement factors, the NEO is credited with three additional years 
of vesting service and three additional years of age); and (iii) the NEO’s pension had been fully vested.

A cash payment equal to the difference between amounts receivable under our tax-qualified and nonqualified defined 
contribution type retirement and deferred compensation plans and amounts that would have been received if the 
NEO’s defined contribution plan account had been fully vested.

Accelerated vesting of all outstanding MPC LTI awards. Accelerated vesting of all outstanding MPLX LTI awards.

In the event of a change in control and Qualified Termination under both plans, our NEOs would receive 
benefits under only one plan: whichever provides the greater benefits at that time. The MPLX CIC Plan 
also provides that NEOs who don’t technically incur a Qualified Termination but separate from service 
with MPLX as a result of an MPLX change in control (in other words, where the NEO remains employed 
with MPC but no longer provides services to MPLX) will become fully vested in all outstanding MPLX 
LTI awards. NEOs who receive an offer for comparable employment from an acquirer or successor entity 
in an MPLX change in control will not be eligible to receive benefits under the MPLX CIC Plan.

A “Qualified Termination” generally occurs when an NEO’s employment with our affiliates and us ends in 
connection with, or within two years after, a change in control. Exceptions include:
● Separation due to death or disability
● Termination for cause
● Termination after age 65

● Voluntary termination without good reason (“good reason”
includes a material reduction in roles, responsibilities, pay
or benefits, or being required to relocate more than 50 miles
from one’s current location)

CEO PAY RATIO

We do not determine the total compensation of our CEO or of any of the other personnel responsible for 
managing and operating our business, all of whom are employed by MPC and not by our general partner or 
us. Because we do not directly employ any employees and do not determine or pay total compensation to 
the employees of MPC who manage and operate our business, we do not have a median employee whose 
total compensation can be compared to the total compensation of our CEO.

196

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION 

Officers or employees of our general partner or MPC who also serve as our directors do not receive 
additional compensation for their service as our director. Directors who are not officers or employees of our 
general partner or MPC receive compensation as “non-employee directors.”

Compensation Program for Non-Employee Directors

Following is the compensation package established for our non-employee directors for 2020:

Role

Lead Director

Audit Committee Chair

Conflicts Committee Chair

MLP Representative Board 
Observer

90,000

90,000

90,000

90,000

110,000

110,000

110,000

110,000

Cash 
Retainer 
($)

Deferred 
Phantom Unit 
Equity Award 
($)

Lead 
Director 
Retainer 
($)

Committee 
Chair 
Retainer 
($)

MLP 
Representative 
Retainer 
($)

15,000

—

—

—

—

—

15,000

15,000

—

—

—

—

—

62,500

Total 
($)

215,000

215,000

215,000

262,500

All Other Directors

90,000

110,000

—

200,000

The cash retainer, lead director retainer and committee chair retainers are paid in equal installments on a 
quarterly basis. Members of the Conflicts Committee also receive a meeting fee of $1,500 for each 
Conflicts Committee meeting attended in excess of six meetings per year.

The equity retainer, in the form of phantom units, is granted in equal installments on a quarterly basis. 
Directors receive MPLX distribution equivalents in the form of additional MPLX phantom units. The 
phantom units, including those received as distribution equivalents, are deferred, payable in common units 
only upon a director’s departure from the Board. 

Under MPC’s matching gifts program, non-employee directors may elect to have MPC match up to 
$10,000 of their contributions to certain tax-exempt educational institutions each year. The annual limit is 
applied based on the date of the director’s gift to the institution. Due to processing delays, the actual 
amount paid out on behalf of a director may exceed $10,000 in a given year. 

2020 Director Compensation Table

The following table shows compensation earned by or paid to our non-employee directors during 2020.

Name

Michael L. Beatty

Christopher A. Helms

Garry L. Peiffer

Dan D. Sandman

Frank M. Semple

J. Michael Stice

John P. Surma

Fees Earned or Paid 
in Cash 
($)

Unit Awards 
($)

All Other 
Compensation 
($)

90,000 

105,000 

105,000 

105,000 

152,500 

90,000 

90,000 

110,000 

110,000 

110,000 

110,000 

110,000 

110,000 

110,000 

10,000 

— 

8,500 

— 

10,000 

— 

— 

Total 
($)

210,000 

215,000 

223,500 

215,000 

272,500 

200,000 

200,000 

Fees Earned or Paid in Cash reflect (i) cash retainers earned for Board service in 2020, and (ii) for Mr. 
Semple, $62,500 in compensation for service as our Representative Observer, in which role he attends 
certain MPC Board and committee meetings as a liaison between the MPC Board and us. Mr. Semple also 
received a $25,000 cash retainer for his service in 2019 and 2020 in the same capacity with respect to an 
MPC Board special committee, which we previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the 
year ended December 31, 2019.

Unit Awards reflect the aggregate grant date fair value of phantom units, calculated in accordance with 
FASB ASC Topic 718. Non-employee directors generally received grants each quarter of phantom units 
valued at $27,500 based on the closing price of our common units on each grant date. The aggregate 

197

number of phantom units in respect of Board service outstanding for each non-employee director as of 
December 31, 2020 is: Messrs. Helms, Sandman, and Surma, 29,360; Mr. Peiffer, 25,816; Mr. Beatty, 
22,217; Mr. Semple, 19,073; and Mr. Stice, 13,971.

All Other Compensation reflects contributions to educational institutions under MPC’s matching gifts 
program. 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters 

Security Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers

The following table sets forth the number of our common units and shares of MPC common stock 
beneficially owned as of February 1, 2021 by each director and NEO, and by all directors and executive 
officers as a group. The address for each person named below is c/o MPLX LP, 200 East Hardin Street, 
Findlay, Ohio 45840. Unless otherwise indicated, to our knowledge, each person or member of the group 
listed has sole voting and investment power with respect to the securities shown, and none of the shares or 
units shown is pledged as security. As of February 1, 2021, there were 1,037,860,097 MPLX common units 
outstanding (including 647,415,452 common units held by MPC and its affiliates) and 651,009,027 shares 
of MPC common stock outstanding.

Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership

Percent of Total 
Outstanding (%)

MPLX Common Units MPC Common Stock MPLX MPC

18,823 
44,469 
50,839 

78,659 

33,534 

41,612 

124,710 

— 

95,565 

111,242 

597,754 

19,063 

43,583 

28,767 

117,177 
1,394,893 

71,953 
137,497 
— 

57,664 

161,105 

— 

468,996 

78,900 

63,394 

— 

5,213 

13,742 

55,387 

236,928 

747,871 
1,961,907 

*
*
*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*
*

*
*
*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*
*

Name of Beneficial Owner
Timothy J. Aydt
Pamela K.M. Beall
Michael L. Beatty
Gregory S. Floerke

Suzanne Gagle

Christopher A. Helms

Michael J. Hennigan

Maryann T. Mannen

Garry L. Peiffer

Dan D. Sandman

Frank M. Semple

J. Michael Stice

John P. Surma

John S. Swearingen
Donald C. Templin
All current Directors and 
Executive Officers as a group 
(16 individuals)

*

Less than 1% of common units or common shares outstanding, as applicable.

MPLX Common Unit beneficial ownership amounts include:

•

•

•

Phantom unit awards, which settle in common units upon a director’s retirement from service on the
Board, as follows: Mr. Beatty, 23,469; Mr. Helms, 30,612; Mr. Peiffer, 27,068; Mr. Sandman, 30,612;
Mr. Semple, 21,460; Mr. Stice, 18,363; Mr. Surma, 36,083.

Phantom unit awards, which may be forfeited under certain conditions, as follows: Mr. Aydt, 5,125;
Ms. Beall, 9,205; Mr. Floerke, 45,680; Ms. Gagle, 17,101; Mr. Hennigan, 38,080; Mr. Templin,
31,314; all other executives, 5,962.

For Mr. Swearingen, who retired from MPC and all affiliated entities effective August 28, 2020,
amounts reported above including 9,031 phantom unit awards no longer subject to forfeiture because
Mr. Swearingen has retired, reflect beneficial ownership of MPLX common units based on information
last known or reasonably available to us.

198

•

•

Common units indirectly beneficially held in trust as follows: Ms. Beall, 10,000; Mr. Peiffer, 68,497;
Mr. Semple, 527,517; Mr. Stice, 700.

For Messrs. Semple and Templin, includes common units held by or with spouse or by trust for the
benefit of spouse.

MPC Common Stock beneficial ownership amounts include:

•

•

•

•

•

•

All stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 1, 2021 as follows: Mr. Aydt, 60,269; Ms.
Beall, 97,413; Mr. Floerke, 38,056; Ms. Gagle, 136,060; Mr. Hennigan, 129,816; Mr. Swearingen,
183,826; Mr. Templin, 637,558; all other executive officers, 75,533. Includes 735,103 stock options
exercisable by the applicable executive officers but not in the money as of February 1, 2021.

Shares of common stock indirectly beneficially held in trust as follows: Ms. Beall, 32,208; Mr. Peiffer,
63,394; Mr. Surma, 10,000.

For Messrs. Surma and Templin, includes shares of MPC common stock held by or with spouse or by
trust for the benefit of spouse.

Restricted stock unit awards, which vest upon the director’s retirement from service on the MPC Board
or observer status, as follows: Mr. Semple, 5,213; Mr. Stice, 13,742; Mr. Surma, 45,387.

Restricted stock unit awards which may be forfeited under certain conditions, as follows: Mr. Aydt,
2,012; Ms. Beall, 3,353; Mr. Floerke, 3,353; Ms. Gagle, 6,705; Mr. Hennigan, 306,062; Ms. Mannen,
78,900; Mr. Templin, 13,409; all other executives, 6,492.

For Mr. Swearingen, who retired from MPC and all affiliated entities effective August 28, 2020,
amounts reported above including 3,227 restricted stock unit awards no longer subject to forfeiture
because Mr. Swearingen has retired, reflect beneficial ownership of shares of MPC common stock
based on information last known or reasonably available to us.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners 

The following table sets forth information as to each unitholder of whom we are aware that, based on 
filings with the SEC, beneficially owns 5% or more of our outstanding common units as of December 31, 
2020:

Name and Address
of Beneficial Owner
Marathon Petroleum Corporation

539 S. Main Street
Findlay, Ohio 45840

The Blackstone Group Inc.

345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154

Number of Common Units
Representing Limited Partner 
Interests
647,415,452 

67,919,543 

Percent of Common Units
Representing Limited Partner
Interests

 62.4 %

 6.5 %

Percent of Common Units is based on 1,037,169,607 common units representing limited partner interests 
(“MPLX LP common units”) outstanding as of February 12, 2021.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The MPLX common units are directly held by MPC Investment LLC, 
MPLX GP LLC, MPLX Logistics Holdings LLC and Giant Industries, Inc. Marathon Petroleum 
Corporation is the ultimate parent company of MPC Investment LLC, MPLX GP LLC, MPLX Logistics 
Holdings LLC and Giant Industries, Inc. and may be deemed to beneficially own the MPLX LP common 
units directly held by these entities. 

The Blackstone Group Inc. Amounts derived from a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 16, 
2021. Per the Schedule 13G/A, the MPLX common units reported above reflect MPLX common units held 
by funds or accounts that may be deemed to be indirectly controlled by The Blackstone Group Inc. The sole 
holder of the Class C common stock of The Blackstone Group Inc. is Blackstone Group Management 
L.L.C. Blackstone Group Management L.L.C. is wholly-owned by Blackstone’s senior managing directors
and controlled by its founder, Stephen A. Schwarzman.

199

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information as of December 31, 2020, with respect to common units that may 
be issued under the MPLX LP 2012 Plan and the MPLX LP 2018 Plan:

Number of securities 
to be issued upon
exercise of 
outstanding options,
warrants and rights

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding 
options, warrants
and rights

Number of securities
remaining available 
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans 
(excluding securities 
reflected in the first 
column)

976,154 

— 

976,154 

N/A

— 

14,914,455 

— 

14,914,455 

Plan category
Equity compensation plans 
approved by security holders
Equity compensation plans not 
approved by security holders

Total

Number of Securities to Be Issued includes:

•

•

644,023 phantom unit awards granted pursuant to the MPLX 2012 Plan and the MPLX 2018 Plan for
common units unissued and not forfeited, cancelled or expired as of December 31, 2020.

332,131 units as the maximum potential number of common units that could be issued in settlement of
performance units outstanding as of December 31, 2020, pursuant to the MPLX 2012 Plan and the
MPLX 2018 Plan based on the closing price of our common units on December 31, 2020, of $21.65
per unit. The number of units reported for this award vehicle may overstate dilution. See Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 21 for more information on performance unit
awards granted under the MPLX 2012 Plan and the MPLX 2018 Plan.

Weighted Average Exercise Price. There is no exercise price associated with phantom unit awards or 
performance unit awards.

Number of Securities Remaining Available reflects the common units available for issuance pursuant to 
the MPLX 2018 Plan. The number of units reported in this column assumes 209,990 as the maximum 
potential number of common units that could be issued in settlement of performance units outstanding as of 
December 31, 2020, pursuant to the MPLX 2018 Plan based on the closing price of our common units on 
December 31, 2020, of $21.65 per unit. The number of units assumed for this award vehicle may understate 
the number of common units available for issuance pursuant to the MPLX 2018 Plan. See Item 8. Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data – Note 21 for more information on performance unit awards issued 
pursuant to the MPLX 2018 Plan.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Policy and Procedures with Respect to Related Person Transactions

The Board has adopted a formal written related person transactions policy establishing procedures for the 
notification, review, approval, ratification and disclosure of related person transactions. Under the policy, a 
“related person” includes any director, nominee for director, executive officer, or a known beneficial holder 
of more than five percent of any class of our voting securities (other than MPC or its affiliates) or any 
immediate family member of a director, nominee for director, executive officer or more than five percent 
owner. This procedure applies to any transaction, arrangement or relationship and any series of similar 
transactions, arrangements or relationships in which (i) we are a participant, (ii) the amount involved 
exceeds $120,000, and (iii) a related person has a direct or indirect material interest. 

The Board has provided its standing pre-approval for the following transactions, arrangements and 
relationships:

•

•

Payment of compensation to an executive officer or director of our general partner if the compensation
is otherwise required to be disclosed in our filings with the SEC;

Any transaction where the related person’s interest arises solely from the ownership of securities;

200

•

•

Any ongoing employment relationship provided that such employment relationship will be subject to
initial review and approval; and

Any transaction between any of our subsidiaries and us, on the one hand, and our general partner or
any of its affiliates, on the other hand; provided, however, that such transaction is approved consistent
with our Partnership Agreement.

Any related person transaction identified prior to its consummation must be approved in advance by the 
Board. If the related person transaction is identified after it commences, it will be promptly submitted to the 
Board or the Chairman for ratification, amendment or rescission. If the transaction has been completed, the 
Board or the Chairman will evaluate the transaction to determine if rescission is appropriate. Transactions 
entered into prior to the closing of our initial public offering, when this policy was adopted, were approved 
by the Board apart from the policy.

In determining whether to approve or ratify a related person transaction, the Board or the Chairman will 
consider all relevant facts and circumstances, including but not limited to:

•

•

•

•

The benefits to us, including the business justification;

If the related person is a director or an immediate family member of a director, the impact on the
director’s independence;

The availability of other sources for comparable products or services;

The terms of the transaction and the terms available to unrelated third parties or to employees
generally; and

• Whether the transaction is consistent with our Code of Business Conduct.

This policy is available on the “Corporate Governance” page of our website at www.mplx.com/Investors/
Corporate_Governance/Policies_and_Guidelines/. 

Our Relationship with MPC

As of February 12, 2021, MPC owned through its affiliates 647,415,452 of our common units, representing 
approximately 62% of our common units outstanding, and 100% of MPLX GP, our general partner. MPLX 
GP manages our operations and activities through its officers and directors. In addition, various of our 
officers and directors also serve as officers and/or directors of MPC. Accordingly, we view transactions 
between MPC and us as related party transactions and have provided the following disclosures with respect 
to such transactions during 2020. Unless the context otherwise requires, references in the following 
discussion to “we” or “us” refer to our affiliates and us.

Merger, Purchase and Sale Transactions

On July 31, 2020, we entered into a Redemption Agreement with Western Refining Southwest, Inc. (now 
known as Western Refining Southwest LLC) (“WRSW”), a wholly owned subsidiary of MPC, pursuant to 
which we transferred to WRSW the Western wholesale distribution business, which we acquired as a result 
of our acquisition of ANDX in 2019, in exchange for the redemption of 18,582,088 MPLX common units 
(valued at $340 million) held by WRSW. The transaction resulted in a minor decrease in MPC’s indirect 
ownership interest in us.

Distributions and Reimbursements to MPC

Pursuant to our Partnership Agreement, we make cash distributions to our unitholders, including MPC. 
During 2020, we distributed to MPC approximately $1,794 million and $5 million with respect to the 
common units and TexNew Mex units it holds. The TexNew Mex units were eliminated effective February 
1, 2021.

Under our Partnership Agreement, we reimburse MPLX GP and its affiliates, including MPC, for all costs 
and expenses incurred on our behalf. The amount we reimbursed in 2020 was $2.4 million.

201

Transactions and Commercial and Other Agreements with MPC

We have multiple long-term, fee-based transportation and storage services agreements, as well as a variety 
of operating services agreements, management services agreements, licensing agreements, employee 
services agreements, omnibus agreements, a loan agreement, and an aircraft time-sharing agreement with 
MPC and its consolidated subsidiaries. See “Our L&S Contracts with MPC and Third Parties - 
Transportation Services Agreements, Storage Services Agreements, Terminal Services Agreements and 
Fuels Distribution Services Agreement with MPC” in Item 1. Business, and Item 8. Financial Statements 
and Supplementary Data – Note 6, for information regarding related party activities with MPC.

Director Independence

The information appearing under “Director Independence” in Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and 
Corporate Governance is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services 

Auditor Independence

Our Audit Committee has considered whether PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP is independent for purposes of 
providing external audit services to us and has determined that it is.  

Auditor Fees

Following are the aggregate fees for professional services provided to us by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
for the years ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019:

(In thousands)
Audit 

Audit-Related

Tax 

All Other

Total

2020

2019

$ 

4,725  $ 

6,208 

— 

1,580 

10 

— 

2,312 

10 

$ 

6,315  $ 

8,530 

Audit fees for the years ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, were primarily for professional 
services rendered for the audit of the financial statements and of internal control over financial reporting, 
the performance of regulatory audits, issuance of comfort letters, the provision of consents and the review 
of documents filed with the SEC. 

Tax fees for the years ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, were for professional services 
rendered for the preparation of IRS Schedule K-1 tax forms for MPLX LP unitholders and for income tax 
consultation services. 

All Other fees for the years ended December 31, 2020, and December 31, 2019, were for subscriptions and 
licenses for online accounting resources provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

Pre-Approval of Audit Services

Among other things, our Pre-Approval of Audit, Audit-Related, Tax and Permissible Non-Audit Services 
Policy sets forth the procedure for the Audit Committee to pre-approve all audit, audit-related, tax and 
permissible non-audit services, other than as provided under a de minimis exception. Under the policy, the 
Audit Committee may pre-approve any services to be performed by our independent auditor up to twelve 
months in advance and may approve in advance services by specific categories pursuant to a forecasted 
budget. Annually, the executive vice president and chief financial officer of our general partner will present 
a forecast of audit, audit-related, tax and permissible non-audit services for the ensuing fiscal year to the 
Audit Committee for approval in advance. The executive vice president and chief financial officer of our 
general partner, in coordination with the independent auditor, will provide an updated budget to the Audit 
Committee, as needed, throughout the ensuing fiscal year.

202

For unbudgeted items, the Audit Committee has delegated pre-approval authority of up to $250,000 to the 
Chair of the Audit Committee; such items are reported to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled 
meeting. 

In 2020 and 2019, the Audit Committee pre-approved all audit, audit-related, tax and permissible non-audit 
services pursuant to this policy and did not use the de minimis exception.

Part IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

A. Documents Filed as Part of the Report

1. Financial Statements (see Part II, Item 8. of this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding financial
statements)

2. Financial Statement Schedules

Financial statement schedules required under SEC rules but not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-
K are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is contained in the consolidated 
financial statements or notes thereto.

203

Exhibits:

Exhibit
Number
2.1 †

3.1

3.2

3.3

Exhibit Description
Agreement and Plan 
of Merger, dated as of 
May 7, 2019, by and 
among Andeavor 
Logistics LP, Tesoro 
Logistics GP, LLC, 
MPLX LP, MPLX GP 
LLC and MPLX MAX 
LLC. 

Certificate of 
Limited Partnership 
of MPLX LP

Amendment to the 
Certificate of 
Limited Partnership 
of MPLX LP

Sixth Amended and 
Restated Agreement 
of Limited Partnership 
of MPLX LP, dated as 
of February 1, 2021

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

Exhibit
2.1

Filing Date
5/8/2019

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

S-1

3.1

7/2/2012

333-182500

S-1/A

3.2

10/9/2012

333-182500

8-K

3.1

2/3/2021

001-35714

Pursuant to Item 601(b)(4) of Regulation S-K, certain instruments with respect to long-term debt issues 
have been omitted where the amount of securities authorized under such instruments does not exceed 10 
percent of the total consolidated assets of the Registrant. The Registrant hereby agrees to furnish a copy 
of any such instrument to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request.
001-35714
8-K
4.1

2/12/2015

4.1

Indenture, dated 
February 12, 2015, 
between MPLX LP 
and The Bank of New 
York Mellon Trust 
Company, N.A., as 
Trustee

8-K

4.1

5/16/2016

001-35714

X

S-1/A

10.3

10/9/2012

333-182500

8-K

10.2

11/6/2012

001-35714

4.2

4.3

10.1*

10.2

Registration Rights 
Agreement, dated as of 
May 13, 2016, by and 
between MPLX LP 
and the Purchasers 
party thereto

Description of 
Securities
MPLX LP 2012 
Incentive 
Compensation Plan

Omnibus Agreement, 
dated as of October 31, 
2012, among Marathon 
Petroleum Corporation, 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP, MPL 
Investment LLC, 
MPLX Operations 
LLC, MPLX Terminal 
and Storage LLC, 
MPLX Pipe Line 
Holdings LP, 
Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC, Ohio River Pipe 
Line LLC, MPLX LP 
and MPLX GP LLC

204

Exhibit
Number
10.3

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

Exhibit Description
Employee Services 
Agreement, dated 
effective as of October 
1, 2012, by and among 
Marathon Petroleum 
Logistics Services 
LLC, MPLX GP LLC 
and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Employee Services 
Agreement, dated 
effective as of October 
1, 2012, by and among 
Catlettsburg Refining 
LLC, MPLX GP LLC 
and MPLX Terminal 
and Storage LLC

Management Services 
Agreement, dated 
effective as of 
September 1, 2012, by 
and between Hardin 
Street Holdings LLC 
and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC
Management 
Services Agreement, 
dated effective as of 
October 10, 2012, by 
and between MPL 
Louisiana Holdings 
LLC and Marathon 
Pipe Line LLC
Amended and Restated 
Operating Agreement, 
dated as of October 
31, 2012, between 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP and 
Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC
Storage Services 
Agreement, dated 
effective as of October 
1, 2012, by and 
between Marathon 
Pipe Line LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP (Patoka 
tank farm)

Storage Services 
Agreement, dated 
effective as of October 
1, 2012, by and 
between Marathon 
Pipe Line LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP 
(Martinsville tank 
farm)

Incorporated by Reference

Form
S-1/A

Exhibit
10.6

Filing Date
10/9/2012

SEC File No.
333-182500

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

S-1/A

10.7

10/9/2012

333-182500

S-1/A

10.8

9/7/2012

333-182500

S-1/A

10.9

10/18/2012

333-182500

8-K

10.3

11/6/2012

001-35714

S-1/A

10.13

10/9/2012

333-182500

S-1/A

10.14

10/9/2012

333-182500

205

Exhibit
Number
10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16

Exhibit Description

Storage Services 
Agreement, dated 
effective as of October 
1, 2012, by and 
between Marathon 
Pipe Line LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP 
(Lebanon tank farm)

Storage Services 
Agreement, dated 
effective as of October 
1, 2012, by and 
between Marathon 
Pipe Line LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP (Wood 
River tank farm)

Storage Services 
Agreement, dated 
effective as of 
October 1, 2012, by 
and between MPLX 
Terminal and 
Storage LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP (Neal 
butane cavern)

Transportation 
Services Agreement 
(Patoka to Lima Crude 
System), dated as of 
October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Transportation 
Services Agreement 
(Catlettsburg and 
Robinson Crude 
System), dated as of 
October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Transportation Services 
Agreement (Detroit 
Crude System), dated as 
of October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company LP 
and Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC
Transportation 
Services Agreement 
(Wood River to Patoka 
Crude System), dated 
as of October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Incorporated by Reference

Form
S-1/A

Exhibit
10.15

Filing Date
10/9/2012

SEC File No.
333-182500

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

S-1/A

10.16

10/9/2012

333-182500

S-1/A

10.17

10/9/2012

333-182500

8-K

10.4

11/6/2012

001-35714

8-K

10.5

11/6/2012

001-35714

8-K

10.6

11/6/2012

001-35714

8-K

10.7

11/6/2012

001-35714

206

Exhibit
Number
10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22*

10.23*

10.24

Exhibit Description

Transportation 
Services Agreement 
(Garyville Products 
System), dated as of 
October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Transportation 
Services Agreement 
(Texas City Products 
System), dated as of 
October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Transportation Services 
Agreement (ORPL 
Products System), dated 
as of October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company LP 
and Ohio River Pipe Line 
LLC
Transportation 
Services Agreement 
(Robinson Products 
System), dated as of 
October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Transportation 
Services Agreement 
(Wood River Barge 
Dock), dated as of 
October 31, 2012, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

MPC Non-Employee 
Director Phantom 
Unit Award Policy

MPLX GP LLC 
Amended and Restated 
Non-Management 
Director Compensation 
Policy and Equity 
Award Terms

First Amendment to 
Amended and 
Restated Operating 
Agreement, dated as 
of January 1, 2015, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

Exhibit
10.8

Filing Date
11/6/2012

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

8-K

10.9

11/6/2012

001-35714

8-K

10.10

11/6/2012

001-35714

8-K

10.11

11/6/2012

001-35714

8-K

10.12

11/6/2012

001-35714

10-K

10.26

3/25/2013

001-35714

10-K

10.30

2/24/2017

001-35714

10-Q

10.2

5/4/2015

001-35714

207

Exhibit
Number
10.25

10.26

10.27

10.28

10.29+

10.30

10.31

Exhibit Description
Operating Agreement, 
dated as of January 1, 
2015, between Hardin 
Street Transportation 
LLC and Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC

Transportation 
Services Agreement 
(Cornerstone Pipeline 
System and Utica 
Build-Out Projects), 
effective as of June 11, 
2015, by and between 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP and 
Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC
First Amendment to 
Storage Services 
Agreement, dated as of 
September 17, 2015, 
by and between 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP and 
Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC

Employee Services 
Agreement, dated 
December 28, 2015, by 
and between MPLX 
LP and MW Logistics 
Services LLC

Second Amended 
and Restated Limited 
Liability Company 
Agreement of 
MarkWest Utica 
EMG, L.L.C. dated 
December 4, 2015, 
between MarkWest 
Utica Operating 
Company, L.L.C. 
and EMG Utica, LLC
Amended and Restated 
Transportation 
Services Agreement, 
dated January 1, 2015, 
between Hardin Street 
Marine LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP
First Amendment to 
the Amended and 
Restated 
Transportation 
Services Agreement, 
dated March 31, 2016, 
between Hardin Street 
Marine LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-Q

Exhibit
10.3

Filing Date
5/4/2015

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

8-K

10.1

6/17/2015

001-35714

8-K

10.1

9/23/2015

001-35714

8-K

10.1

1/4/2016

001-35714

10-K

10.48

2/26/2016

001-35714

8-K

10.1

4/6/2016

001-35714

8-K

10.2

4/6/2016

001-35714

208

Exhibit
Number
10.32

10.33

10.34*

10.35*

10.36*

10.37*

10.38

10.39

10.40

Exhibit Description

Amended and 
Restated Management 
Services Agreement, 
dated January 1, 2015, 
between Hardin Street 
Marine LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP
Second Amended and 
Restated Employee 
Services Agreement, 
dated January 1, 2015, 
between Hardin Street 
Marine LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Logistics Services LLC
Form of MPLX LP 
Performance Unit 
Award Agreement - 
Marathon Petroleum 
Corporation Officer
Form of MPLX LP 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement - Marathon 
Petroleum 
Corporation Officer
Form of MPLX LP 
Performance Unit 
Award Agreement

Form of MPLX LP 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement - Officer

Series A Preferred 
Unit Purchase 
Agreement, dated as of 
April 27, 2016, by and 
among MPLX LP and 
the Purchasers party 
thereto

Second Amendment to 
Amended and Restated 
Operating Agreement, 
dated August 1, 2016, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company LP 
and Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC
First Amendment to 
Employee Services 
Agreement, dated May 
10, 2016, by and 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Logistics 
Services LLC, MPLX 
GP LLC and 
Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

Exhibit
10.3

Filing Date
4/6/2016

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

8-K

10.4

4/6/2016

001-35714

10-Q

10.9

5/1/2017

001-35714

10-Q

10.7

5/2/2016

001-35714

10-Q

10.8

5/1/2017

001-35714

10-Q

10.9

5/2/2016

001-35714

8-K

10.1

4/29/2016

001-35714

10-Q

10.2

10/31/2016

001-35714

10-Q

10.1

8/3/2016

001-35714

209

Exhibit
Number
10.41

10.42

10.43

10.44

10.45

10.46

10.47

Exhibit Description
First Amendment to 
Amended and Restated 
Transportation Services 
Agreement, effective as 
of April 1, 2016, by and 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company LP 
and Hardin Street Marine 
LLC

First Amendment to 
Amended and 
Restated Management 
Services Agreement, 
effective as of 
November 1, 2016, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Hardin Street 
Marine LLC

First Amendment to 
Transportation Services 
Agreement, dated 
November 1, 2016, 
between Marathon 
Pipeline LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP (Texas City 
Products System)

Second Amended and 
Restated Employee 
Services Agreement, 
dated March 1, 2017, 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Logistics 
Services LLC, 
Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC and MPLX GP 
LLC
Transportation 
Services Agreement, 
dated January 1, 2015, 
between Hardin Street 
Transportation LLC 
and Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP
First Amendment to 
Transportation 
Services Agreement, 
dated December 1, 
2016, between Hardin 
Street Transportation 
LLC and Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP

Second Amendment to 
Transportation 
Services Agreement, 
dated January 1, 2017, 
between Hardin Street 
Transportation LLC 
and Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-Q

Exhibit
10.2

Filing Date
8/3/2016

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

10-K

10.62

2/24/2017

001-35714

10-K

10.63

2/24/2017

001-35714

8-K

10.1

3/2/2017

001-35714

8-K

10.2

3/2/2017

001-35714

8-K

10.3

3/2/2017

001-35714

8-K

10.4

3/2/2017

001-35714

210

Exhibit
Number
10.48

10.49

10.50

10.51*

10.52*

10.53*

10.54

10.55

10.56+

Exhibit Description
Third Amendment to 
Transportation 
Services Agreement, 
dated January 1, 2017, 
between Hardin Street 
Transportation LLC 
and Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP

Third Amended and 
Restated Terminal 
Services Agreement, 
dated March 1, 2017, 
between MPLX 
Terminals LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP
Third Amended and 
Restated Employee 
Services Agreement, 
effective December 21, 
2015, between MPLX 
Terminals LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Logistics Services LLC
Form of MPLX LP 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement - Officer, 
Cliff Vesting
Amended 
Restricted Stock 
Award Agreement

MPLX LP 
Executive Change in 
Control Severance 
Benefits Plan
Transportation Services 
Agreement, dated 
November 1, 2017, 
between Marathon Pipe 
Line LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP

Fourth Amendment to 
Transportation 
Services Agreement, 
dated November 1, 
2017, between Hardin 
Street Transportation 
LLC and Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP

Storage Services 
Agreement, dated as of 
October 1, 2017, by 
and between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP, Blanchard 
Refining Company 
LLC and Galveston 
Bay Refining Logistics 
LLC.

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

Exhibit
10.5

Filing Date
3/2/2017

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

8-K

10.6

3/2/2017

001-35714

8-K

10.7

3/2/2017

001-35714

10-Q

10.1

8/3/2017

001-35714

10-Q

10.2

10/30/2017

001-35714

10-Q

10.3

10/30/2017

001-35714

8-K

10.1

11/7/2017

001-35714

8-K

10.2

11/7/2017

001-35714

8-K

10.1

2/2/2018

001-35714

211

Exhibit
Number
10.57+

10.58

10.59+

10.60

10.61*

10.62*

10.63*

10.64*

10.65*

10.66*

Exhibit Description

Storage Services 
Agreement, dated as 
of October 1, 2017, by 
and between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and Garyville 
Refining Logistics 
LLC.
Master Amendment to 
Storage Services 
Agreements, dated as 
of October 1, 2017, by 
and between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP, Blanchard Refining 
Company LLC, 
Galveston Bay 
Refining Logistics 
LLC and the other 
parties named therein.

Fuels Distribution 
Services Agreement, 
dated as of September 
26, 2017, by and 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and MPLX Fuels 
Distribution LLC.

First Amendment to 
Fuels Distribution 
Services Agreement, 
dated as of September 
26, 2017, by and 
between Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP and MPLX Fuels 
Distribution LLC.
MPLX LP 2018 
Incentive 
Compensation Plan

Form of MPLX LP 
Performance Unit 
Award Agreement - 
Marathon Petroleum 
Corporation Officer
Form of MPLX LP 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement - Marathon 
Petroleum 
Corporation Officer
Form of MPLX LP 
Performance Unit 
Award Agreement

Form of MPLX LP 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement - Officer

Form of MPLX LP 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement - Officer - 
Three Year Cliff 
Vesting

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

Exhibit
10.2

Filing Date
2/2/2018

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

8-K

10.3

2/2/2018

001-35714

8-K

10.4

2/2/2018

001-35714

8-K

10.5

2/2/2018

001-35714

8-K

10.1

3/5/2018

001-35714

10-Q

10.8

4/30/2018

001-35714

10-Q

10.9

4/30/2018

001-35714

10-Q

10.10

4/30/2018

001-35714

10-Q

10.11

4/30/2018

001-35714

10-Q

10.12

4/30/2018

001-35714

212

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-K

Exhibit
10.78

Filing Date
2/28/2019

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

10-K

10.79

2/28/2019

001-35714

10-K

10.75

2/28/2020

001-35714

10-Q

10.1

5/9/2019

001-35714

10-Q

10.2

5/9/2019

001-35714

10-Q

10.3

5/9/2019

001-35714

10-Q

10.4

5/9/2019

001-35714

Exhibit
Number
10.67*

10.68*

10.69*

10.70*

Exhibit Description

MPLX LP 2018 
Incentive 
Compensation Plan 
MPC Non-Employee 
Director Phantom 
Unit Award Policy

MPLX GP LLC 
Amended and Restated 
Non-Management 
Director Compensation 
Policy and Director 
Equity Award Terms
First Amendment to the 
MPLX 2018 Incentive 
Compensation Plan

MPLX LP 2018 
Incentive 
Compensation Plan 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement Officer 
Grant (3-year pro-
rata vesting)

10.71*  MPLX LP 2018 

Incentive 
Compensation Plan 
Performance Unit 
Award Agreement 
2019-2021 
Performance Cycle

10.72*

10.73*

MPLX LP 2018 
Incentive 
Compensation Plan 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement Marathon 
Petroleum Corporation 
Officer (3-year pro-
rata vesting)
2018 Incentive 
Compensation Plan 
Performance Unit 
Award Agreement 
2019-2021 
Performance Cycle 
Marathon 
Petroleum 
Corporation Officer

213

Exhibit
Number
10.74

10.75

10.76

Exhibit Description
Amended and Restated 
Credit Agreement, 
dated as of July 26, 
2019, by and among 
MPLX, as borrower, 
Wells Fargo Bank, 
National Association, 
as administrative agent, 
each of Wells Fargo 
Securities, LLC, 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, 
N.A., Barclays Bank 
PLC, BofA Securities, 
Inc., Citigroup Global 
Markets Inc., Mizuho 
Bank, Ltd., MUFG 
Bank, Ltd. and Royal 
Bank of Canada, as 
joint lead arrangers and 
joint bookrunners, 
JPMorgan Chase Bank, 
N.A., as syndication 
agent, each of Bank of 
America, N.A., 
Barclays Bank PLC, 
Citigroup Global 
Markets Inc., Mizuho 
Bank, Ltd., MUFG 
Bank, Ltd. and Royal 
Bank of Canada, as 
documentation agents, 
and the other lenders 
and issuing banks that 
are parties thereto

Amended and Restated 
Loan Agreement dated 
as of July 31, 2019 by 
and between MPLX 
LP and MPC 
Investment LLC.

Fourth Amended and 
Restated Omnibus 
Agreement, dated as of 
October 30, 2017, 
among Andeavor, 
Tesoro Refining & 
Marketing Company 
LLC, Tesoro 
Companies, Inc., 
Tesoro Alaska 
Company LLC, 
Tesoro Logistics LP 
and Tesoro Logistics 
GP, LLC

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

Exhibit
10.1

Filing Date
8/1/2019

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

8-K

10.2

8/1/2019

001-35714

8-K

10.2

10/31/2017

001-35143
(ANDX)

214

Exhibit
Number
10.77

10.78

10.79

10.80*

10.81*

Exhibit Description
First Amendment to 
Fourth Amended and 
Restated Omnibus 
Agreement, dated as of 
January 30, 2019, 
among Andeavor LLC, 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP, Tesoro 
Refining & Marketing 
Company LLC, Tesoro 
Companies, Inc., 
Tesoro Alaska 
Company LLC, 
Andeavor Logistics LP 
and Tesoro Logistics 
GP, LLC

Waiver and Second 
Amendment to Fourth 
Amended and 
Restated Omnibus 
Agreement, dated as 
of July 29, 2019, by 
and among MPC, 
Andeavor Logistics 
LP, Tesoro Logistics 
GP, LLC, Tesoro 
Refining & Marketing 
Company LLC, 
Tesoro Companies, 
Inc., Tesoro Alaska 
Company LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP.
Third Amended and 
Restated Schedules to 
Fourth Amended and 
Restated Omnibus 
Agreement, effective 
August 6, 2018, by 
and among Andeavor, 
Tesoro Refining & 
Marketing Company 
LLC, Tesoro 
Companies, Inc., 
Tesoro Alaska 
Company LLC, 
Andeavor Logistics LP 
and Tesoro Logistics 
GP, LLC

Form of MPLX LP 
Replacement Award 
for 2017 ANDX Award

Form of MPLX LP 
Replacement Award 
for 2018 ANDX Award

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-K

Exhibit
10.77

Filing Date
2/28/2019

SEC File No.
001-35054

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

8-K

10.3

8/1/2019

001-35054

10-Q

10.2

11/17/2018

001-35143
(ANDX)

10-Q

10.47

11/4/2019

10-Q

10.48

11/4/2019

001-35143
(ANDX)

001-35143
(ANDX)

215

Exhibit
Number
10.82

10.83

10.84

10.85

10.86

10.87

Exhibit Description

Keep-Whole 
Commodity Fee 
Agreement, dated as of 
December 7, 2014, 
among Tesoro 
Refining & Marketing 
Company LLC, QEP 
Field Services, LLC, 
QEPM Gathering I, 
LLC and Green River 
Processing, LLC 
First Amendment to 
Keep-Whole 
Commodity Fee 
Agreement, dated as 
of February 1, 2016, 
among QEP Field 
Services, LLC, QEPM 
Gathering I, LLC, 
Green River 
Processing, LLC, and 
Tesoro Refining & 
Marketing Company 
LLC 
Amendment No. 1 to 
Fuel Distribution and 
Supply Agreement, 
dated October 15, 
2014, by and between 
Western Refining 
Wholesale, LLC and 
Western Refining 
Southwest, Inc.

Product Supply 
Agreement, dated 
October 15, 2014, by 
and among Western 
Refining Southwest, 
Inc., Western Refining 
Company, L.P. and 
Western Refining 
Wholesale, LLC 

Amendment No. 1 to 
Product Supply 
Agreement, dated 
October 15, 2014, by 
and among Western 
Refining Southwest, 
Inc., Western Refining 
Company, L.P. and 
Western Refining 
Wholesale, LLC
Amendment No. 2 to 
Product Supply 
Agreement, dated 
October 15, 2014, by 
and among Western 
Refining Southwest, 
Inc., Western 
Refining Company, 
L.P. and Western 
Refining Wholesale, 
LLC

Incorporated by Reference

Form
8-K

Exhibit
10.9

Filing Date
12/8/2014

SEC File No.
001-35143
(ANDX)

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

8-K

10.3

2/3/2016

001-35143
(ANDX)

10-Q

10.20

8/7/2018

001-35143
(ANDX)

8-K

10.1

10/16/2014

001-36114
(WNRL)

10-Q

10.7

8/7/2018

001-35143
(ANDX)

10-Q

10.8

8/7/2018

001-35143
(ANDX)

216

Exhibit
Number
10.88

10.89

10.90

10.91

10.92

10.93

10.94*

Exhibit Description
Amendment No. 3 to 
Product Supply 
Agreement, dated 
October 15, 2014, by 
and among Western 
Refining Southwest, 
Inc., Western Refining 
Company, L.P. and 
Western Refining 
Wholesale, LLC

Amendment No. 4 to 
Product Supply 
Agreement, dated 
October 15, 2014, by 
and among Western 
Refining Southwest, 
Inc., Western Refining 
Company, L.P. and 
Western Refining 
Wholesale, LLC
Amendment No. 5 to 
Product Supply 
Agreement, dated 
October 15, 2014, by 
and among Western 
Refining Southwest, 
Inc., Western Refining 
Company, L.P. and 
Western Refining 
Wholesale, LLC

Fourth Amendment to 
Third Amended and 
Restated Terminal 
Services Agreement, 
dated March 1, 2017, 
between MPLX 
Terminals LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP

Fifth Amendment to 
Third Amended and 
Restated Terminal 
Services Agreement, 
dated March 1, 2017, 
between MPLX 
Terminals LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP

Sixth Amendment to 
Third Amended and 
Restated Terminal 
Services Agreement, 
dated March 1, 2017, 
between MPLX 
Terminals LLC and 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP

Form of 2020 
MPLX LP Phantom 
Unit Award 
Agreement - MPLX 
Officer

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-Q

Exhibit
10.9

Filing Date
8/7/2018

SEC File No.
001-35143
(ANDX)

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

10-Q

10.10

8/7/2018

001-35143
(ANDX)

10-Q

10.11

8/7/2018

001-35143
(ANDX)

10-K

10.102

2/28/2020

001-35714

10-K

10.103

2/28/2020

001-35714

10-Q

10.2

11/6/2020

001-35714

10-Q

10.1

5/7/2020

001-35714

217

Exhibit
Number
10.95*

10.96*

10.97*

10.98

10.99

10.100

10.101

10.102

Exhibit Description
Form of 2020 MPLX 
LP Phantom Unit 
Award Agreement - 
MPC Officer

Form of 2020 MPLX 
LP Performance Unit 
Award Agreement 
2020-2022 
Performance Cycle - 
MPLX Officer

Form of MPLX LP 
Performance Unit 
Award Agreement 
2020-2022 
Performance Cycle 
- MPC Officer

Redemption 
Agreement, dated July 
31, 2020, between 
MPLX LP and 
Western Refining 
Southwest, Inc.

Terminal Services 
Agreement, dated as of 
November 1, 2020, by 
and among the MPLX 
LP and Marathon 
Petroleum Corporation 
subsidiaries party 
thereto.
Amendment to 
Amended and Restated 
Transportation Services 
Agreement, executed 
as of September 10, 
2020, by and between 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP and 
Hardin Street Marine 
LLC
Notice of and Consent 
to Assignment, 
effective October 1, 
2020, by and among 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP, 
Marathon Petroleum 
Trading and Supply 
LLC and Hardin Street 
Transportation LLC

Notice of and 
Consent to 
Assignment, effective 
October 1, 2020, by 
and among Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP, Marathon 
Petroleum Trading 
and Supply LLC and 
Marathon Pipe Line 
LLC

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-Q

Exhibit
10.2

Filing Date
5/7/2020

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

10-Q

10.3

5/7/2020

001-35714

10-Q

10.4

5/7/2020

001-35714

10-Q

10.1

8/3/2020

001-35714

8-K

10.1

11/5/2020

001-35714

10-Q

10.3

11/6/2020

001-35714

10-Q

10.4

11/6/2020

001-35714

10-Q

10.5

11/6/2020

001-35714

218

Exhibit
Number
10.103

10.104

10.105* 

10.106

21.1

23.1

24.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

Exhibit Description
Notice of and Consent 
to Assignment, 
effective October 1, 
2020, by and among 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP, 
Marathon Petroleum 
Trading and Supply 
LLC and Marathon 
Pipe Line LLC 
(Commingled)
HSM Services 
Agreement, dated as 
of October 1, 2020, by 
and among Marathon 
Petroleum Company 
LP, Marathon 
Petroleum Trading and 
Supply LLC and 
Hardin Street Marine 
LLC
Form of MPLX LP 
Phantom Unit Award 
Agreement 2021-2023 
Performance Cycle - 
MPLX Officer
Amendment to 
Amended and Restated 
Transportation Services 
Agreement, executed 
as of February 15, 
2021, by and between 
Marathon Petroleum 
Company LP and 
Hardin Street Marine 
LLC
List of Subsidiaries

Consent of 
Independent Registered 
Public Accounting 
Firm
Power of Attorney of 
Directors and Officers 
of MPLX GP LLC

Certification of Chief 
Executive Officer 
pursuant to Rule 
13(a)-14 and 15(d)-14 
under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934

Certification of Chief 
Financial Officer 
pursuant to Rule 
13(a)-14 and 15(d)-14 
under the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934

Certification of Chief 
Executive Officer 
pursuant to 18 
U.S.C. Section 1350

Incorporated by Reference

Form
10-Q

Exhibit
10.6

Filing Date
11/6/2020

SEC File No.
001-35714

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

219

Exhibit
Number
32.2

101.INS

Exhibit Description
Certification of Chief 
Financial Officer 
pursuant to 18 
U.S.C. Section 1350

Inline XBRL Instance
Document

101.SCH Inline XBRL

Taxonomy Extension 
Schema

101.PRE Inline XBRL

Taxonomy Extension 
Presentation Linkbase

101.CAL Inline XBRL

101.DEF

Taxonomy Extension 
Calculation Linkbase

Inline XBRL
Taxonomy Extension 
Definition Linkbase

101.LAB Inline XBRL

Incorporated by Reference

Form

Exhibit

Filing Date

SEC File No.

Filed
Herewith

Furnished
Herewith
X

X

X

X

X

X

X

104

† 

*

+

Taxonomy Extension 
Label Linkbase

Cover Page Interactive 
Data File (formatted as 
Inline XBRL and 
contained in Exhibit 
101)

The exhibits and schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K and 
will be provided to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.

Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which one or
more directors or executive officers of the Registrant may be participants.

Application has been made to the Securities and Exchange Commission for confidential treatment
of certain provisions of these exhibits. Omitted material for which confidential treatment has been
requested and has been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

220

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary

Not applicable.

221

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant 
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. 

Date: February 26, 2021

MPLX LP

By: MPLX GP LLC

Its general partner

By:

/s/ C. Kristopher Hagedorn
C. Kristopher Hagedorn
Vice President and Controller of MPLX GP LLC
(the general partner of MPLX LP)

222

 
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by 
the following persons on February 26, 2021 on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated. 

Signature

/s/ Michael J. Hennigan

Michael J. Hennigan

/s/ Pamela K.M. Beall

Pamela K.M. Beall

Title
Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive 
Officer of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP) (principal executive officer)

Director, Executive Vice President and Chief 
Financial Officer of MPLX GP LLC (the general 
partner of MPLX LP) (principal financial officer)

/s/ C. Kristopher Hagedorn

C. Kristopher Hagedorn

Vice President and Controller of MPLX GP LLC (the 
general partner of MPLX LP) (principal accounting 
officer)

*

Michael L. Beatty

*

Christopher A. Helms

*

Maryann T. Mannen

*

Garry L. Peiffer

*

Dan D. Sandman

*

Frank M. Semple

*

J. Michael Stice

*

John P. Surma

*

Donald C. Templin

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

Director of MPLX GP LLC (the general partner of 
MPLX LP)

*

The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does sign and execute this report pursuant to the Power
of Attorney executed by the above-named directors and officers of the general partner of the registrant,
which is being filed herewith on behalf of such directors and officers.

By:

/s/ Michael J. Hennigan

February 26, 2021

Michael J. Hennigan
Attorney-in-Fact

223