Q2 2024 Sunoco LP Earnings Call

Speaker Change: Thank you. We'll now be conducting...

Operator: Greetings and welcome to Sunoco LP's second quarter 2024 earnings call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A brief question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Scott Grischow, Senior Vice President, Finance, and Treasurer. Thank you, Scott. You may begin.

Operator: Greetings and welcome to the Sonoco LP's second quarter 2024 earnings call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A brief question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation.

Speaker Change: Greetings and welcome to the Sunoco LP's second quarter 2024 earnings call. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. A brief question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad.

Operator: If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded.

Scott Grischow: It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Scott Grischow, Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasure.

Speaker Change: As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. It is now my pleasure to introduce your host, Scott Grischow, Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasurer. Thank you, Scott. You may begin.

Scott Grischow: Thank you, Scott. You may be good.

Scott Grischow: Thank you and good morning everyone. On the call with me this morning are Joe Kim, Sunoco LP's President and Chief Executive Officer, Karl Fails, Chief Operating Officer, Dylan Bramhall, Chief Financial Officer, Austin Harkness, Chief Commercial Officer, and other members of the management team. Today's call will contain forward-looking statements that include expectations and assumptions regarding the partnership's future operations and financial performance. However, actual results could differ materially, and the partnership undertakes no obligation to update these statements based on subsequent events.

Scott Grischow: Thank you. Good morning, everyone. On the call with me this morning, our Joe Kim, Sonoco LP's president and chief executive officer, Karl Fails, chief operating officer, Dylan Bramhall, chief financial officer, Austin Harkness, chief commercial officer, and other members of the management team. Today's call will contain forward-looking statements that include expectations and assumptions regarding the partnerships, future operations, and financial performance. Actual results can differ materially, and the partnership undertakes no obligation to update these statements based on subsequent events. Please refer to our earnings release as well as our filings with the SEC for a list of these factors.

Scott Grischow: Thank you and good morning everyone. On the call with me this morning are Joe Kim, Sunoco LP's President and Chief Executive Officer, Karl Fails, Chief Operating Officer, Dylan Bramhall, Chief Financial Officer, Austin Harkness, Chief Commercial Officer, and other members of the management team.

Speaker Change: Today's call will contain forward-looking statements that include expectations and assumptions regarding the partnership's future operations and financial performance. Actual results could differ materially, and the partnership undertakes no obligation to update these statements based on subsequent events.

Scott Grischow: Please refer to our earnings release as well as our filings with the SEC for a list of these factors. During today's call, we will also discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures, including adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow as adjusted. Please refer to the Sunoco LP website for a reconciliation of each financial measure. It has been another busy quarter for the partnership, and I'd like to begin my remarks by providing a brief recap. First, on April 16th, we completed the divestiture of 204 convenience stores across West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma to 711 for approximately $1 billion.

Speaker Change: Please refer to our earnings release as well as our filings with the SEC for a list of these factors.

Scott Grischow: During today's call, we will also discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures, including Adjusted EVA DAW and Distributable Cash Flow as adjusted. Please refer to the Sonoco LP website for a reconciliation of each financial measure.

Speaker Change: During today's call we will also discuss certain non-GAAP financial measures including adjusted EBITDA and distributable cash flow as adjusted.

Speaker Change: Please refer to the Sunoco LP website for a reconciliation of each financial measure.

Scott Grischow: It has been another busy quarter for the partnership, and I'd like to begin my remarks by providing a brief recap. First, on April 16th, we completed the divestiture of 204 convened stores across West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma to $7.11 for approximately $1 billion. Next, on May 3rd, we closed the $7.3 billion acquisition of New Star Energy. We also completed several important financing activities related to the New Star Acquisition in the second quarter. On April 30th, we issued $1.5 billion in the Senior Unsecured Notes and used the proceeds to repay New Star's credit and receivable financing facilities and fully redeem New Star's preferred equity and subordinated notes.

Speaker Change: It has been another busy quarter for the partnership and I'd like to begin my remarks by providing a brief recap. First, on April 16th we completed the divestiture of 204 convenience stores across West Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma to 7-Eleven for approximately 1 billion dollars.

Scott Grischow: Next, on May 3rd, we closed the $7.3 billion acquisition of New Star Energy. We also completed several important financing activities related to the New Star Energy acquisition in the second quarter. On April 30th, we issued $1.5 billion in senior unsecured notes and used the proceeds to repay New Star's credit and receivable financing facilities and fully redeem New Star's preferred equity and subordinated notes. The reduction in interest expense from this refinancing activity will generate approximately $60 million in cash flow annually.

Speaker Change: Next, on May 3rd, we close the $7.3 billion acquisition of New Star Energy.

Speaker Change: We also completed several important financing activities related to the New Star Acquisition in the second quarter.

Speaker Change: On April 30th, we issued $1.5 billion in senior unsecured notes, and used the proceeds to repay New Star's credit and receivable financing facilities, and fully redeem New Star's preferred equity and subordinated notes.

Scott Grischow: The reduction in interest expense from this refinancing activity will generate approximately $60 million in cash flow annually.

Speaker Change: The reduction in interest expense from this refinancing activity will generate approximately $60 million in cash flow annually.

Scott Grischow: Before I turn to second quarter of 2024 operational financial results, I'd like to take a moment to discuss the changes in segment reporting we published in this quarter's earnings release. As we continue to grow and diversify our portfolio of stable income streams, it is now appropriate to modify the way we report our financial and operational results to give our stakeholders better clarity on the performance of the business. To that end, we will now report three segments: field distribution, pipeline systems, and terminals. As a reminder, the partnership previously reported two segments: field distribution and marketing, and all other.

Scott Grischow: Before I turn to the second quarter 2024 operational and financial results, I'd like to take a moment to discuss the changes in segment reporting we published in this quarter's earnings release. As we continue to grow and diversify our portfolio of stable income streams, it was now appropriate to modify the way we report our financial and operational results to give our stakeholders better clarity on the performance of the business. To that end, we will now report for three seconds.

Speaker Change: Before I turn to second quarter 2024 operational and financial results, I'd like to take a moment to discuss the changes in segment reporting we published in this quarter's earnings release.

Speaker Change: As we continue to grow and diversify our portfolio of stable income streams, it was now appropriate to modify the way we report our financial and operational results to give our stakeholders better clarity on the performance of the business.

Scott Grischow: Field Distribution, Pipeline Systems, and Terminal. As a reminder, the partnership previously reported two segments. Field Distribution and Marketing, and all others. The operations within those prior reportable segments have now been reallocated among the three new reportable segments, and prior periods have been adjusted accordingly to reflect the new segment presentation. In addition, certain operations within NewSTAR's prior standalone reporting have been reallocated based on the post-acquisition internal reporting and management structure. Therefore, segment operating results are not comparable to those previously reported by NewSTAR and its stand-alone pre-acquisition financial statement due to the reallocation of operations between the sectors.

Speaker Change: To that end, we will now report three segments.

Speaker Change: field distribution, pipeline systems, and terminals.

Speaker Change: As a reminder, the partnership previously reported two segments.

Speaker Change: Field Distribution and Marketing, and all other.

Scott Grischow: The operations within those prior reportable segments have now been reallocated among the three new reportable segments, and prior periods have been adjusted accordingly to reflect the new segment presentation. In addition, certain operations within New Star's prior standalone reporting have been reallocated based on the post-acquisition internal reporting and management stripping. Fischer. Therefore, segment operating results are not comparable to those previously reported by NewStar and its standalone pre-acquisition financial statements due to the reallocation of operations between the segments. In this quarter and moving forward, our field distribution segment will include the sale of fuel to third-party customers.

Speaker Change: The operations within those prior reportable segments have now been reallocated among the three new reportable segments and prior periods have been adjusted accordingly to reflect the new segment presentation.

Speaker Change: In addition, certain operations within NewSTAR's prior stand-alone reporting have been reallocated based on the post-acquisition internal reporting and management structure.

Speaker Change: Therefore, segment operating results are not comparable to those previously reported by NuSTAR.

Speaker Change: and its standalone pre-acquisition financial statements due to the reallocation of operations between the segments.

Scott Grischow: In this quarter and moving forward, our fuel distribution segment will include the sale of fuel to third-party customers. This segment will also include lease income, as well as income from our remaining retail operations in Hawaii and along the New Jersey Turnpike and other field distribution-related services, such as credit card processing and franchise royalties. Our pipeline system segment will include the operations of our refined product, crude oil, and ammonia pipelines, as well as other assets that are operated and managed on an integrated basis with our pipeline systems, including certain terminal and storage assets.

Speaker Change: In this quarter and moving forward our fuel distribution segment will include the sale of fuel to third-party customers.

Scott Grischow: This segment will also include lease income, as well as income from our remaining retail operations in Hawaii and along the New Jersey Turnpike, and other field distribution-related services such as credit card processing and franchise royalties. Our pipeline system segment will include the operations of our refined product, crude oil, and ammonia pipelines, as well as other assets that are operated and managed on an integrated basis with our pipeline systems, including certain terminal and storage assets. Finally, our terminal segment will include our storage facilities that provide storage, handling, and other services on a fee basis for fine products, crude oil, specialty chemicals, renewable fuels, and other liquids.

Speaker Change: This segment will also include lease income, as well as income from our remaining retail operations in Hawaii and along the New Jersey Turnpike, and other field distribution-related services such as credit card processing and franchise royalties.

Speaker Change: Our pipeline system segment will include the operations of our refined product, crude oil, and ammonia pipelines, as well as other assets that are operated and managed on an integrated basis with our pipeline systems, including certain terminal and storage assets.

Scott Grischow: Finally, our terminal segment will include our storage facilities that provide storage, handling, and other services on a fee basis for refined products, crude oil, specialty chemicals, renewable fuels, and other liquids. This segment will also include the operations of our four transmix processing facilities. However, terminals that are integrated within the operations of the pipeline system segment are not included in this segment.

Speaker Change: Finally, our terminal segment will include our storage facilities that provide storage, handling, and other services on a fee basis for refined products, crude oil, specialty chemicals, renewable fuels, and other liquids.

Scott Grischow: This segment will also include the operations of our Ford Transmixed Processing Facilities. Terminals that are integrated within the operations of the pipeline system segment are not included in this segment.

Speaker Change: This segment will also include the operations of our four transmix processing facilities.

Speaker Change: Terminals that are integrated within the operations of the pipeline system segment are not included in this segment.

Scott Grischow: Car will discuss the results for each of the segments later in the call, but I will first discuss the consolidated results for the partnership. As a reminder, our second quarter results include approximately two months of new star operations, given the May 3rd closed date. Now, it could deliver a record second quarter adjusted EBITDA of $400 million, excluding approximately $80 million of one-time transaction expenses. Total expenses in the second quarter were $285 million, which includes the $80 million in transaction expenses I just referenced. Roughly three-quarters of the transaction expenses this quarter were related to new star seven's payments, and we expect total transaction expenses will be approximately $100 million.

Scott Grischow: Karl will discuss the results for each of the segments later in the call, but I will first discuss the consolidated results for the partnership. As a reminder, our second quarter results include approximately two months of new start operations given the May 3rd close date. Sunoco delivered a record second quarter EBITDA of $400 million, excluding approximately $80 million of one-time transaction expenses.

Speaker Change: Carl will discuss the results for each of the segments later in the call, but I will first discuss the consolidated results for the partnership.

Carl: As a reminder, our second quarter results include approximately two months of New Star Operations.

Carl: given the May 3rd close date.

Speaker Change: Sunoco delivered a record second quarter just to EBITDA of $400 million excluding approximately $80 million of one-time transaction expenses.

Scott Grischow: Total expenses in the second quarter were $285 million, which included the $80 million in transaction expenses I just referenced. Roughly three quarters of the transaction expenses in this quarter were related to New Star Severance Payments, and we expect total transaction expenses will be approximately $100 million, the vast majority of which will be spent in 2024. In the second quarter, we spent $52 million on growth capital and $26 million on maintenance capital.

Speaker Change: Total expenses in the second quarter were 285 million dollars, which includes the 80 million dollars in transaction expenses I just referenced.

Scott Grischow: The vast majority of which will be spent in 2024. In the second quarter, we spent $52 million on growth capital and $26 million on maintenance capital. We expect to spend at least $300 million of growth capital in 2024 and approximately $120 million of maintenance capital. The second quarter, distributable cash flow as adjusted, was $295 million, yielding a current quarter coverage ratio of 1.9 times and a trailing 12-month ratio of 1.8 times. On July 25th, we declared an 87.56-cent per unit distribution, unchanged from last quarter. Our liquidity position and balance sheet remain strong. At the end of the second quarter, we had approximately $1.4 billion of liquidity remaining on our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility.

Speaker Change: In the second quarter, we spent $52 million on growth capital and $26 million on maintenance capital.

Scott Grischow: We expect to spend at least $300 million of growth capital in 2024 and approximately $120 million of maintenance capital. Second quarter distributable cash flow as adjusted was $295 million, yielding a current quarter coverage ratio of 1.9 times and a trailing 12-month ratio of 1.8 times. On July 25th, we declared an 87.56 cents per unit distribution, unchanged from last quarter.

Scott Grischow: Our liquidity position and balance sheet remain strong. At the end of the second quarter, we had approximately $1.4 billion of liquidity remaining on our $1.5 billion revolving credit facility. Following the completion of the refinancing activity I mentioned earlier, we now have a balanced debt maturity profile and a fully unsecured capital structure.

Scott Grischow: Following the completion of the refinancing activity I mentioned earlier, we now have a balanced debt maturity profile and a fully unsecured capital structure. Leverage at the end of the quarter was 4.1 times, positioning us to deliver on our commitment to a long-term leverage target of 4 times.

Scott Grischow: Leverage at the end of the quarter was 4.1 times, positioning us to deliver on our commitment to a long-term leverage target of 4 times. I'd now like to spend a few moments discussing the recent announcements we made following the end of the second quarter. First, on July 16th, we announced the formation of a joint venture with Energy Transfer, combining our respective crude oil and produced water gathering assets in the Permian Basin.

Scott Grischow: I now like to spend a few moments discussing the recent announcements we made following the end of the second quarter. and Porter. First, on July 16th, we announced the formation of a joint venture with Energy Transfer, combining our respective crude oil and produced water gathering assets in the Permian Basin. The joint venture will operate more than 5,000 miles of crude oil and water gathering pipelines with crude oil storage capacity and excess of 11 million barrels. Energy Transfer will serve as the operator of the joint venture and hold a 67.5 percent interest, with Sunoco holding a 32.5 percent interest.

Scott Grischow: The joint venture will operate more than 5,000 miles of crude oil and water gathering pipelines with crude oil storage capacity in excess of 11 million barrels. Energy Transfer will serve as the operator of the joint venture and hold a 67.5% interest, with Sunoco holding a 32.5% interest. The formation of the joint venture has an effective date of July 1st, 2024, and is expected to be immediately accretive to our unit. Next, on June 28th, we signed a definitive agreement to acquire a refined product terminal in Portland, Maine.

Speaker Change: I'd now like to spend a few moments discussing the recent announcements we made following the end of the second quarter.

Speaker Change: The joint venture will operate more than 5,000 miles of crude oil and water gathering pipelines with crude oil storage capacity in excess of 11 million barrels.

Scott Grischow: The formation of the joint venture has an effective date of July 1st, 2024, and is expected to be immediately accretive to our unit holders.

Scott Grischow: Next, on June 28th, we signed a definitive agreement to acquire a refined product terminal in Portland, Maine. This strategically located terminal provides refined product supply and logistics services to East Coast demand markets and will allow Sunoco to further expand its field distribution business in the region. Similar to our previous terminal acquisitions, we expect a mid-single digit synergized EBITDA wealth on this investment and to be immediately accretive to our unit holders. We expect the acquisition will close in the third quarter.

Scott Grischow: This strategically located terminal provides refined product supply and logistics services to East Coast demand markets and will allow Sunoco to further expand its fuel distribution business in the region. Similar to our previous terminal acquisitions, we expect a mid-single-digit synergized EBITDA multiple on this investment and it to be immediately accretive to our unit holdings. We expect the acquisition to close in the third quarter.

Speaker Change: This strategically located terminal provides refined product supply and logistics services to East Coast demand markets and will allow Sunoco to further expand its fuel distribution business in the region.

Scott Grischow: We remain confident in the strength of the legacy Sunoco business and the contribution from the new Star acquisition.

Scott Grischow: We remain confident in the strength of the legacy Sunoco business and the contribution from the new Star acquisition, and I'd like to take a moment to review the key elements of our 2024 business outlook we provided in June. First, we continue to expect 2024 adjusted EBITDA to be in a range of $1.46 billion to $1.52 billion. This guidance range excludes transaction expenses and synergies. Second, we increased our synergy expectations from the new star acquisition and now expect to achieve approximately $200 million in commercial and expense synergies annually, an increase from our initial estimate of $150 million.

Speaker Change: We remain confident in the strength of the legacy Sunoco business and the contribution from the new star acquisition. And I'd like to take a moment to review the key elements of our 2024 business outlook we provided in June .

Scott Grischow: And I'd like to take a moment to review the key elements of our 2024 business outlook we provided in June. First, we continue to expect 2024 adjusted EBITDA to be in a range of $1.46 billion to $1.52 billion. This guidance range excludes transaction expenses and synergies. Second, we increased our synergy expectations from the commercial and expense synergies annually, an increase from our initial estimate of $150 million. Expense synergies will account for over $100 million of this total amount. We expect to achieve approximately $50 million of synergies in 2024, $125 million in 2025, and the full $200 million run rate in 2026.

Scott Grischow: Expense synergies will account for over $100 million of this total amount. We expect to achieve approximately $50 million of synergies in 2024, $125 million in 2025, and the full $200 million run rate in 2026. I'd like to conclude my remarks by stating that our financial position continues to be stronger than at any time in Sunoco LP's history, which we believe will provide us with the continued flexibility to pursue high-return growth opportunities, maintain a healthy balance sheet, and target a secure and growing distribution for our unit holders. With that, I'll now turn it over to Karl to walk through some additional thoughts on our second quarter performance.

Speaker Change: We expect to achieve approximately $50 million of synergies in 2024, $125 million in 2025, and the full $200 million run rate in 2026.

Scott Grischow: I'd like to conclude my remarks by stating that our financial position continues to be stronger than at any time in Sunoco's peace history, which we believe will provide us with the continued flexibility to balance pursuing high return growth opportunities, maintaining a healthy balance sheet, and targeting its secure and growing distribution for our unit holders.

Speaker Change: I'd like to conclude my remarks by stating that our financial position continues to be stronger than at any time in Sunoco LP's history.

Speaker Change: which we believe will provide us with the continued flexibility to balance pursuing high return growth opportunities, maintaining a healthy balance sheet, and targeting a secure and growing distribution for our unit holders.

Karl Fails: With that, I'll now turn it over to Carl to walk through some additional thoughts on our second quarter performance.

Speaker Change: With that, I'll now turn it over to Karl to walk through some additional thoughts on our second quarter performance.

Karl Fails: Thanks, Scott. Good morning, everyone.

Karl Fails: Thanks, Scott.

Karl Fails: Good morning, everyone. As Scott just walked through, our teams have been very busy this quarter, and the operational and financial results highlight the strength of our business and the benefits that come from the new additions to our portfolio. Scott also provided some definitions for the three segments we will be using to report going forward. Let me walk through our results in each of those segments and provide some perspective on each business line. Starting with our fuel distribution segment, volumes remain strong in the second quarter. We distributed 2.2 billion gallons, up 4% versus last quarter and up 5% versus the second quarter of last year.

Karl Fails: As Scott just walked through, our teams have been very busy this quarter, and the operational and financial results highlight the strength of our business and the benefits that come from the new additions to our portfolio. Scott also provided some definitions for the three segments we will be using to report going forward. Let me walk through our results in each of those segments and provide some perspective on each business line, starting with our fuel distribution segment.

Carl: Thanks, Scott. Good morning, everyone. As Scott just walked through, our teams have been very busy this quarter, and the operational and financial results highlight the strength of our business and the benefits that come from the new additions to our portfolio.

Karl: Let me walk through our results in each of those segments and provide some perspective on each business line.

Karl Fails: Volumes remained strong in the second quarter. We distributed 2.2 billion gallons, up 4% versus the previous quarter and up 5% versus the second quarter of last year. Our volume growth continues to outpace industry trends as a result of our investments and profit optimization strategies. Reported margin for the quarter was $0.118 per gallon compared to $0.11 per gallon last quarter and $0.119 per gallon for the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $246 million, excluding $1 million of transaction expenses.

Karl: Starting with our fuel distribution segment.

Speaker Change: Volumes remained strong in the second quarter. We distributed 2.2 billion gallons, up 4% versus last quarter, and up 5% versus the second quarter of last year.

Karl Fails: Our volume growth continues to outpace industry trends as a result of our investments and profit optimization strategies. Reported margin for the quarter was 11.8 cents per gallon compared to 11 cents per gallon in the last quarter, and 11.9 cents per gallon for the second quarter of 2023. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $246 million, excluding $1 million of transaction expenses. This was an 8% increase over the second quarter of last year. There are two notable changes that impacted our segment fuel profit and CPG in the second quarter, and will be relevant going forward. First, is the divestiture of the West Texas retail assets to 7-Eleven.

Speaker Change: Our volume growth continues to outpace industry trends as a result of our investments and profit optimization strategies.

Speaker Change: Reported margin for the quarter was $0.118 per gallon compared to $0.11 per gallon last quarter and $0.119 per gallon for the second quarter of 2023.

Speaker Change: Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $246 million excluding $1 million of transaction expenses.

Karl Fails: This was an 8% increase over the second quarter of last year. There are two notable changes that impacted our segment fuel profit and CPG in the second quarter and will be relevant going forward. First is the divestiture of the West Texas retail assets to 7-Eleven.

Speaker Change: This was an 8% increase over the second quarter of last year.

Karl Fails: Since the margin on those gallons was above our average, removing them reduces our reported CPG following the sale. The second impact relates to our introduction of additional segments this quarter. In the past, the profit generated by processing transmix in our facilities was included in our reported fuel CPG. Beginning this quarter, those profit dollars are included in our terminal segment. The combined impact of these two factors means that on an apples-to-apples basis, our reported CPG will be lower by 80 to 120 basis points this quarter and going forward.

Karl Fails: Since the margin on those gallons was above our average, removing them reduces our reported CPG following the sale. The second impact relates to our introduction of additional segments this quarter. In the past, the profit generated by processing transmix in our facilities was included in our reported fuel CPG. Beginning this quarter, those profit dollars are included in our terminal segment. The combined impact of these two factors means that, on an apples-to-apples basis, our reported CPG will be lower by 80 to 120 basis points this quarter and going forward. This is simply a mixed impact and does not change our strategy or our view of the business.

Speaker Change: Since the margin on those gallons was above our average, removing them reduces our reported CPG following the sale.

Speaker Change: The second impact relates to our introduction of additional segments this quarter. In the past, the profit generated by processing transmix in our facilities was included in our reported fuel CPG.

Speaker Change: Beginning this quarter, those profit dollars are included in our terminal segment.

Speaker Change: The combined impact of these two factors means that on an apples-to-apples basis, our reported CPG will be lower by 80 to 120 basis points.

Karl Fails: This is simply a mixed impact and does not change our strategy or our view of the business. Even with these impacts, our fuel profit performance this quarter was very strong. In addition to continued higher break-even margins, there were various market tailwinds throughout the quarter that we were able to take advantage of, including improved blend margins and falling gasoline and diesel prices as opposed to rising prices in the first quarter. While market conditions can result in some quarter-to-quarter variation, we expect that our fuel profit optimization strategies, coupled with our growth plans, will continue to lead to increasing fuel profits over the long run. In our pipeline system segment, we reported nearly 1.3 million barrels per day of throughput. Segment-adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $111 million, excluding $58 million of transaction expenses.

Speaker Change: this quarter and going forward.

Speaker Change: This is simply a mixed impact and does not change our strategy or our view of the business.

Karl Fails: Even with these impacts, our fuel profit performance this quarter was very strong. In addition to continued higher breakeven margins, there were various market tailwinds throughout the quarter that we were able to take advantage of, including improved blend margins and falling gasoline and diesel prices, as opposed to rising prices in the first quarter. While market conditions can result in some quarter-to-quarter variation, we expect that our fuel profit optimization strategies, coupled with our growth plans, will continue to lead to increasing fuel profit over the long run. In our pipeline system segment, we reported nearly 1.3 million barrels per day of throughput.

Speaker Change: Even with these impacts, our fuel profit performance this quarter was very strong. In addition to continued higher break-even margins, there were various market tailwinds throughout the quarter that we were able to take advantage of.

Speaker Change: While market conditions can result in some quarter-to-quarter variation, we expect that our fuel profit optimization strategies, coupled with our growth plans, will continue to lead to increasing fuel profit over the long run.

Karl Fails: Segment adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $111 million, excluding $58 million of transaction expenses.

Speaker Change: Segment-adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter was $111 million excluding $58 million of transaction expenses.

Karl Fails: Given our change in reporting segments and the fact that the majority of the assets in this segment came as part of the recent New Star acquisition, there will not be comparisons to prior quarters or previous years until we cycle through the upcoming quarters. With only a couple of months of ownership, the segment performed in line with our expectations relative to our pre-acquisition analysis. As we look forward, we expect some impacts in the third quarter from planned refinery turnarounds on our system and revenue of a few MVC contracts that we won't recognize until the fourth quarter.

Karl Fails: Given our change in reporting segments and the fact that the majority of the assets in this segment came as part of the recent New Star acquisition, there will not be any comparisons to prior quarters or previous years until we cycle through the upcoming quarters. However, with only a couple of months of ownership, the segment performed in line with our expectations relative to our pre-acquisition analysis. As we look forward, we expect some impacts in the third quarter from planned refinery turnarounds on our system and revenue from a few MVC contracts that we won't recognize until the fourth quarter.

Speaker Change: Given our change in reporting segments and the fact that the majority of the assets in this segment came as part of the recent New Star acquisition, there will not be comparisons to prior quarters or previous year until we cycle through the upcoming quarters.

Speaker Change: As we look forward, we expect some impacts in the third quarter from planned refinery turnarounds on our system and revenue of a few MVC contracts that we won't recognize until the fourth quarter. Overall, as we look across a full year period, we like the stability of the business.

Karl Fails: Overall, as we look across a full year period, we like the stability of the business. In our terminal segment, we reported over 600,000 barrels per day of throughput and segment adjusted EBITDA of $43 million, excluding $21 million of transaction expenses. expenses. Both our legacy Sunoco and our legacy new star systems performed well with our throughputs and storage revenues in line with expectations. We also received the benefit of a full quarter of volumes and storage revenues from our acquisition of the Zenith Europe assets that we closed on in the first quarter. The overall integration process of our larger business is proceeding well.

Karl Fails: Overall, as we look across a full year period, we like the stability of the business. In our terminal segment, we reported over 600,000 barrels of throughput and segment-adjusted EBITDA of $43 million, excluding $21 million of transaction expenses.

Speaker Change: In our terminal segment, we reported over 600,000 barrels per day of throughput and segment adjusted EBITDA of $43 million, excluding $21 million of transaction expenses.

Karl Fails: Both our legacy Sunoco and our legacy NuStar systems performed well, with throughputs and storage revenues in line with expectations. We also received the benefit of a full quarter of volumes and storage revenues from our acquisition of the Zenith Europe assets that we closed on in the first quarter. The overall integration process of our larger business is proceeding well. Scott just reiterated our updated Synergy numbers that we shared in June. Most of the synergies that we will capture in 2024 are on the expense side, and we have already made significant progress on those efforts.

Speaker Change: The overall integration process of our larger business is proceeding well.

Karl Fails: Scott just reiterated our updated synergy numbers that we shared in June. Most of the synergies that we will capture in 2024 are on the expense side, and we have already made significant progress on those efforts. Now that we have operated the legacy New Star assets for a few months, we have been able to flip over from the planning process to execution mode on the commercial opportunities that are enabled by the ownership of these high quality assets. Any capital that we will spend this year to capture these synergies is incorporated in the numbers that Scott shared on our 2024 guidance.

Speaker Change: Scott just reiterated our updated Synergy numbers that we shared in June .

Scott Grischow: Most of the synergies that we will capture in 2024 are on the expense side and we have already made significant progress on those efforts.

Karl Fails: Now that we have operated the Legacy New Star assets for a few months, we have been able to flip over from the planning process to execution mode on the commercial opportunities that are enabled by the ownership of these high-quality assets. Any capital that we will spend this year to capture these synergies is incorporated in the numbers that Scott shared about our 2024 guide. One of the biggest steps on the commercial synergy front was the completion of the analysis of our crude system and the recent announcement of the joint venture we entered into with energy transfer in the Permian Basin.

Speaker Change: Now that we have operated the Legacy New Star assets for a few months, we have been able to flip over from the planning process to execution mode on the commercial opportunities that are enabled by the ownership of these high-quality assets.

Speaker Change: Any capital that we will spend this year to capture these synergies is incorporated in the numbers that Scott shared on our 2024 guidance.

Karl Fails: One of the biggest steps on the commercial synergy front was the completion of the analysis of our Creed system and the recent announcement of the joint venture we entered into with Energy Transfer in the Permian Basin. This partnership leverages our combined footprint to deliver more value to customers and provide additional commercial flexibility. This was a great deal for both Sun and ET, with incremental accretion and synergies above and beyond our original deal economics. It is one of the primary reasons we were able to increase our 2026 run rate synergy number to $200 million.

Karl Fails: This partnership leverages our combined footprint to deliver more value to customers and provide additional commercial flexibility. This was a great deal for both Sun and ET, with incremental accretion and synergies above and beyond our original deal economics. It is one of the primary reasons we were able to increase our 2026 run rate synergy number to $200 million. Before turning the time over to Joe, I will wrap up by emphasizing that we are off to a strong start this year.

Speaker Change: This partnership leverages our combined footprint to deliver more value to customers and provide additional commercial flexibility.

Speaker Change: This was a great deal for both Sun and ET with incremental accretion and synergies above and beyond our original deal economics.

Speaker Change: It is one of the primary reasons we were able to increase our 2026 run rate synergy number to $200 million.

Karl Fails: Before turning the time over to Joe, I will wrap up by emphasizing that we are off to a strong start to the year. Our fuel distribution business remains strong and resilient, and the focus on profit optimization and growth will continue going forward. We have already begun delivering on synergies in our pipeline systems and terminals businesses. As we fully integrate these business lines, we do expect some quarter-to-quarter variations as transaction expenses, seasonality, and various contract terms flow through our reported results. What we are very confident in is our ability to deliver on our overall adjusted EBITDA guidance.

Speaker Change: Before turning the time over to Joe, I will wrap up by emphasizing that we are off to a strong start to the year.

Karl Fails: Our fuel distribution business remains strong and resilient, and the focus on profit optimization and growth will continue going forward. We've already begun delivering on synergies in our pipeline systems and terminals businesses. As we fully integrate these business lines, we do expect some quarter-to-quarter variations as transaction expenses, seasonality, and various contract terms flow through our reported results. What we are very confident in is our ability to deliver on the overall adjusted EBITDA guidance we provided for the year, our ability to deliver on expense reductions, and hit our overall synergy targets. Joe?

Joe: Our fuel distribution business remains strong and resilient, and the focus on profit optimization and growth will continue going forward.

Joe: We've already begun delivering on synergies in our pipeline systems and terminals businesses.

Joe: As we fully integrate these business lines, we do expect some quarter-to-quarter variations as transaction expenses, seasonality, and various contract terms flow through our reported results.

Joe: What we are very confident in is our ability to deliver on our overall adjusted EBITDA guidance we provided for the year, our ability to deliver on expense reductions, and hit our overall synergy targets. Joe?

Karl Fails: We provided for the year our ability to deliver on expense reductions and hit our overall synergy targets.

Joseph Kim: Joe.

Joseph Kim: Thanks, Karl. Good morning, everyone.

Joseph Kim: Thanks, Carl.

Joseph Kim: Good morning, everyone. We are halfway through 2024 and, as expected, our business continues to perform very well. Scott and Carl have discussed the key details related to the second quarter results. Let me provide some additional perspectives about our business as a whole. Starting with our fuel distribution segment, year-to-date we had record volumes while margins continue to remain strong, especially in the second quarter. But most importantly, our fuel profit continues to grow. We have done this while always controlling expenses. Our performance in this segment has been a key driver of two consecutive record EBITDA quarters. Keep in mind, this has been accomplished even with the West Texas divestiture.

Joe: Thanks Karl, good morning everyone. We're halfway through 2024 and as expected our business continues to perform very well.

Speaker Change: Scott and Karl have discussed the key details related to the second quarter results. Let me provide some additional perspectives about our business as a whole.

Joseph Kim: We're halfway through 2024, and as expected, our business continues to perform very well. Scott and Karl have discussed the key details related to the second quarter results. Let me provide some additional perspectives about our business as a whole. Starting with our fuel distribution segment, year to date, we had record volumes while margins continued to remain strong, especially in the second quarter. But most importantly, our fuel profit continues to grow. We have done this while always controlling expenses.

Joe: Starting with our field distribution segment, year-to-date we had record volumes while margins continue to remain strong, especially in the second quarter. But most importantly, our field profit continues to grow. We have done this while always controlling expenses.

Joseph Kim: Our performance in this segment has been a key driver of two consecutive record EBITDA quarters. Keep in mind, this has been accomplished even with the West Texas Diversion Fund. Looking forward, we're confident that our strong performance will continue. Breakeven margins remain high, and we expect them to remain high in the future. At the same time, commodity volatility continues to provide fuel profit optimization opportunities. And finally, our growth capital continues to deliver expected results.

Joe: Our performance in this segment has been a key driver of two consecutive record EBITDA quarters.

Joe: Keep in mind, this has been accomplished even with the West Texas divestiture.

Joseph Kim: Looking forward, we're confident that our strong performance will continue. Break even margins remain high, and we expect them to remain high in the future. At the same time, commodity volatility continues to provide fuel profit optimization opportunities. And finally, our growth capital continues to deliver expected results. As for our terminal segment, in less than five years, we've grown Epidaw in this segment by over 500 percent. This growth has come from two areas: first by acquiring quality assets at reasonable valuations. This includes both single and multi-asset portfolios, as well as larger opportunities like Newstar. Second, we optimize the utilization of these assets, synergizing down to very attractive valuations.

Joe: Looking forward, we're confident that our strong performance will continue.

Joe: Breakeven margins remain high, and we expect them to remain high in the future. At the same time, commodity volatility continues to provide fuel profit optimization opportunities. And finally, our growth capital continues to deliver expected results.

Joseph Kim: As for our terminal segment, in less than five years, we've grown EBITDA in this segment by over 500%. This growth has come from two areas. First, by acquiring quality assets at a reasonable valuation. This includes both single and multi-asset portfolios, as well as larger opportunities like Newstart.

Joe: As for our terminal segment, in less than five years, we've grown EBITDA in this segment by over 500%.

Joseph Kim: Second, we optimize the utilization of these assets, synergizing down to very attractive valuations. Our team has done an outstanding job of delivering on synergies by being the low-cost operator and executing on commercial opportunities. We expect our growth from this segment to continue. As for our pipeline system segment, the NuSTAR assets are a great addition and will employ the same proven principles that have been used in the terminal segment to maximize their contribution value. The Permium JV with energy transfer is a good initial example.

Joseph Kim: Our team has done an outstanding job of delivering on synergies by being the low-cost operator and executing on commercial opportunities. We expect our growth from this segment to continue. As for our pipeline system segment, the Newstar assets are a great addition. We will employ the same proven principles that have been used in the terminal segment to maximize our contribution value. The Permium JV with Energy Transfer is a good initial example. It provides further stability and additional growth opportunities above the standalone case.

Joe: Our team has done an outstanding job of delivering on synergies by being the low-cost operator and executing on commercial opportunities.

Joe: We expect our growth in this segment to continue.

Joe: As for our pipeline system segment, the New Star assets are a great addition.

Joe: The Permium JV with energy transfer is a good initial example. It provides further stability and additional growth opportunities above the stand-alone case.

Joseph Kim: It provides further stability and additional growth opportunities above the standalone case. Now, let me wrap up. When we announced the New Star deal in January, I was confident that we would deliver on the economics. And with our integration efforts to date, I'm even more confident that we will deliver double-digit accretion while maintaining a strong balance sheet. We still have additional integration efforts to complete, but we are approaching business as usual. Bottom line, our business model remains strong and continues to deliver on growth, and we expect this to continue. Operator, that concludes our prepared remarks. You may open the line for questions. Thank you. We'll now be conducting a question and answer session,

Joseph Kim: Let me wrap up. When we announce the Newstar deal in January, I was confident that we will deliver on the economics. And with our integration efforts to date, I'm even more confident that we will deliver double-digit accretion while maintaining a strong balance sheet. We still have additional integration efforts to complete, but we are approaching business as usual. Bottom line, our business model remains strong and continues to deliver on growth, and we expect this to continue.

Joe: Let me wrap up. When we announced the New START deal in January , I was confident that we would deliver on the economics.

Joe: And with our integration efforts to date, I'm even more confident that we will deliver double-digit accretion while maintaining a strong balance sheet.

Joe: We still have additional integration efforts to complete, but we are approaching business as usual. Bottom line, our business model remains strong and continues to deliver on growth, and we expect this to continue. Operator, that concludes our prepared remarks. You may open the line for questions.

Joseph Kim: Operator, that concludes our prepared remarks.

Operator: You may open the line for questions. Thank you. We will now be conducting a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star 2 if you'd like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys. One moment, please, while we pull for questions. Thank you.

Operator: Thank you. We'll now be conducting a question and answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star 2 if you'd like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star key.

Speaker Change: Thank you. We'll now be conducting a question and answer session.

Speaker Change: If you would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press star 2 if you'd like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the star keys.

Operator: One moment, please, while we poll for questions. Thank you. Our first question is from Theresa Chen with Barclays. Please proceed with your question.

Theresa Chen: Our first question is from Teresa Chen with Barclays.

Speaker Change: Thank you. Our first question is from Theresa Chen with Barclays. Please proceed with your question.

Theresa Chen: Morning. Thank you for taking my question. Maybe first on the synergies.

Theresa Chen: Morning, and thank you for taking my questions. Maybe first on the synergies, can we get some more color on the project and execution and, you know, synergy outlook on the refined product side and on the crude side, when, in terms of your JV with ET, how would it mechanically work to kind of balance the downstream interest of ET across their long haul pipelines to Nederland as well as your asset in Corpus Christi?

Theresa Chen: Good morning and thank you for taking my questions.

Theresa Chen: Maybe first on the synergies.

Joseph Kim: Can we get some more color on the project in execution and synergy outlook on the assigned product side? How would it mechanically work to balance the downstream interest of ET across the long-haul pipelines to need our land as well as your asset in Corpus Christi? Yes, Teresa. Thanks for the question. I'll start with the crude side of the business. As you know, I shared my prepared remarks. We're really excited about the JV and the Permian with ET. I think the press release that we put out on that joint venture was pretty clear on the assets that were included in that.

Theresa Chen: Can we get some more color on the projects in execution and, you know, Synergy Outlook on the refined product side. And on the crude side, in terms of your JV with ET, how would it mechanically work to kind of balance

Theresa Chen: the downstream interest of ET across their long-haul pipelines to Nederland as well as your asset in Corpus Christi.

Karl Fails: Yeah, Theresa, thanks for the question. This is Karl.

Theresa Chen: Yeah, Theresa, thanks for the question. This is Karl. I think I'll start with the crude side of the business. As you know, I shared my prepared remarks. We're really excited about the JV and the Permian with ET.

Karl Fails: I think I'll start with the crude side of the business. As you know, I shared my prepared remarks. We're really excited about the JV and Permian with ET, and I think the press release that we put out on that joint venture was pretty clear about the assets that were included in that. And it's really the crude, the gathering on both the crude and the water side. And then ET and others obviously have long haul pipelines leaving the Permian to various destinations.

Speaker Change: And I think the press release that we put out on that joint venture was pretty clear on the assets that were included in that, and it's really the gathering on both the crude and the water side.

Joseph Kim: And it's really the gathering on both the crude and the water side. And then ET and others obviously have a long-haul pipes leaving the Permian to various destinations. So I think what the JV provides is the combination of those two gathering systems. Now, it provides more flexibility for all customers to really access multiple exit points, and the commercial team can really work with customers to provide the best value for both us in the JV and their opportunities. So, there are, you know, we have a terminal in North Beach and some pipes in South Texas, that South Texas crew system.

Theresa Chen: And then E.T. and others obviously have long-haul pipes leaving the Permian to various...

Karl Fails: So I think what the JV provides is the combination of those two gathering systems now provides more flexibility for all customers to really access multiple exit points, and the commercial team can really work with customers to provide the best value for both us in the JV and their opportunities.

Theresa Chen: destinations. So I think what the JV provides is the combination of those two gathering systems now provide more flexibility for all customers to to really access multiple exit points and the commercial team can really

Theresa Chen: We work with customers to provide the best value for both us in the JV and their opportunities.

Karl Fails: So there are, you know, we have a terminal in North Beach and some pipes in South Texas. That South Texas crude system, we think there's some opportunities there that we're still looking at. And I'll let, you know, I'll let ET talk about their crude system and what opportunities they think they're going to have on the rest of their. As far as the other synergies, whether it's in the refined product space, I've talked about in the past the areas that we're excited about, the vertical integration between the fuel distribution business and the midstream business.

Theresa Chen: There are, you know, we have a terminal in North Beach and some pipes in South Texas, that South Texas cruise system.

Joseph Kim: We think there's some opportunities there that we're still looking at, and I'll let ET talk about their crew system and what opportunities they think they're going to have. As far as the other synergies, whether it's from the refined products space, you know, I've talked about in the past the areas that we're excited about, the vertical integration between the fuel distribution business and the midstream business. So, the same geographies that I've hit on the past, whether it's a Midwest or the West Coast, I think we probably haven't talked enough about South Texas itself where, you know, if you remember, we built our terminal on Brownsville and stood up a nice export business into Northern Mexico where we were selling products on the US side and folks were exporting.

E.T.: We think there's some opportunities there that we're still looking at. And I'll let ET talk about their crude system and what opportunities they think they're going to have on the rest of their system.

E.T.: As far as the other synergies, whether it's from the refined products space, you know, I've talked about in the past the areas that we're excited about, the vertical integration between the fuel distribution business and the

Karl Fails: So the same geographies that I've hit on in the past, whether it's the Midwest or the West Coast, I think we probably haven't talked enough about South Texas itself, where, if you remember, we built our terminal in Brownsville and stood up a nice export business into northern Mexico where we were selling product on the U.S. side, and folks were exporting. Well, now we have a much bigger platform and more assets where we can grow that business and secure the utilization of the midstream assets that we have.

Speaker Change: Midstream Business. So the same geographies that I've hit on in the past, whether it's the Midwest or the West Coast, I think we probably haven't talked enough about South Texas itself where, you know, if you remember, we built our terminal in Brownsville and stood up a nice

Speaker Change: export business into northern Mexico where we were selling product on the U.S. side and folks were exporting.

Joseph Kim: Well, now we have a much bigger platform and more assets where we can grow that business and secure the utilization of the midstream assets that we have. Another area that we probably haven't talked about as much is, you know, a new star had a marine fuel distribution business. It was kind of small, but we think that fits perfectly in our strategy of being able to sell fuel to customers and utilize our midstream assets to distribute that fuel.

Speaker Change: Well, now we have a much bigger platform and more assets where we can grow that business and secure the utilization of the midstream assets that we have.

Karl Fails: Another area that we probably haven't talked about as much is, you know, New Star had a marine fuel distribution business. It was kind of small, but we think that fits perfectly into our strategy of being able to sell fuel to customers and utilize our midstream assets to distribute that fuel. So we think there's value creation in that marine fuel business as well.

Speaker Change: Another area that we probably haven't talked about as much is, you know, New Star had a marine fuel distribution business. It was kind of small.

Speaker Change: But we think that fits perfectly into our strategy of being able to sell fuel to customers and utilize our midstream assets to distribute that fuel. So we think there's value creation in that marine fuel business as well.

Joseph Kim: So, we think there's value creation in that marine fuel business as well.

Joseph Kim: And maybe turning to a different region, within the active pace of M&A that you have been doing for years now, you've built out a pretty comprehensive terminal network across the Atlantic Basin, whether it be domestically in Paduan or internationally, and with the Portland asset most recently. So my question is, how does this position Sun versus other large-scale, refined product marketers that compete across the Atlantic Basin? And are you close to being done with this terminal roll-up within this region? Or do you see other low-hanging fruit out there that would fit well within your portfolio? I would love to get your view here. Hey Theresa, this is Joe.

Joseph Kim: And maybe turning to a different region, you know, within the active pace of M&A that you have for years now, you build out a pretty comprehensive terminally network across the Atlantic basin, whether it be domestically Pad One or internationally, and with the Portland asset most recently. So my question is, how does this position fund versus other large scale refined product marketers that compete across the Atlantic Basin.

Speaker Change: Thank you. And maybe turning to a different region, within the active pace of M&A that you have for years now, you've built out a pretty comprehensive terminally network across the Atlantic Basin, whether it be domestically in Paduan or internationally, and with the Portland asset most recently.

Speaker Change: So my question is, how does this position Sun versus other large-scale, refined product marketers that compete?

Joseph Kim: And are you, you know, close to being done in this, you know, terminal roll up within this region, or do you see other low hanging fruit out there that would sit well within your portfolio? Would love to get your view here.

Speaker Change: across the Atlantic basin. And are you, you know, close to being done in this, you know, terminal roll up within this region? Or do you see other low hanging fruit out there that would fit well within your portfolio? I would love to get your view here.

Joseph Kim: Hey, Teresa, this is Joe. Simply put, are we done? No, we're not done. We think there's still ample opportunities. And, you know, as far as I think we've been the biggest player on doing roll-ups in the terminal space, especially on the refined products. And I don't see those opportunities diminishing. I think we're actually, I wouldn't say in even a better position than we were even a year ago or two years ago, because as we add to our network and we add our capability, especially on the field distribution side, we have a bigger platform and we have more synergy opportunities.

Joseph Kim: Hey, Theresa, this is Joe. Simply put, are we done? No, we're not done. We think there are still ample opportunities and, you know, as far as I think we've been the biggest player in doing roll-ups in the terminal space, especially on refined products, and I don't see those opportunities diminishing. I think we're actually, I wouldn't say, in a better position than we were even a year ago or two years ago because as we add to our network and we add our capabilities, especially on the field distribution side, we have a bigger platform, and we have more synergy opportunities. The way that we look at it is pretty simple.

Speaker Change: Hey Theresa, this is Joe. Simply put, are we done? No, we're not done.

Teresa Chen: We think there's still ample opportunities and, you know, as far as I think we've been the biggest player on doing roll-ups in the terminal space, especially on the refined products, and I don't see...

Speaker Change: those opportunities are diminishing.

Speaker Change: I think we're actually, I wouldn't say in even a better position than we were even a year ago or two years ago because as we add to our network and we add our capabilities, especially on the field distribution side, we have a bigger platform and we have more synergy opportunities. The way that we look at it is pretty simple.

Joseph Kim: The way that we look at it is pretty simple. You know, whenever we look for acquisitions, we're looking for, you know, a few things. Stable income. We're looking for growth opportunities. We're looking for the ability for son to bring synergy to table and finally, good valuations. And the market has yielded some very attractive valuations for us. And we've been able to synergize that down to the mid single-digit multiples. And we see that continuing.

Joseph Kim: You know, whenever we look for acquisitions, we're looking for, you know, a few things. Stable income. We're looking for growth opportunities, and we're looking for the ability for Sun to bring synergy to the table. And finally, good valuations. The market has yielded some very attractive valuations for us, and we've been able to synergize that down to the missed single-digit multiples, and we see that continuing.

Speaker Change: You know, whenever we look for acquisitions, we're looking for, you know, a few things.

Speaker Change: Stable income.

Speaker Change: We're looking for growth opportunities. We're looking for the ability for Sun to bring synergy to the table. And finally, good valuations.

Karl Fails: and just the competitive dynamic across the blanket space, please. Yeah, I think the value that Joe talks about really comes from the combination of our fuel distribution and the termiling assets. So the criteria that Joe used on the mainstream side, we want assets that are well-contracted. So you look at the Europe deal that we just did, right? If you look at it on a standalone mainstream basis, it's strong; they're well-contracted, the utilization is high, high quality customers. And so that's like a strong foundation. And then our commercial team, particularly on the refined product supply team, can look it.

Speaker Change: And just the competitive dynamic across the Atlantic Basin, please.

Karl Fails: Yeah, I think the value that Joe talks about really comes from the combination of our fuel distribution and the terminaling assets. So the criteria that Joe used on the midstream side, we want assets that are well-contracted. So you look at the Europe deal that we just did, right? If you look at it on a standalone midstream basis, it's strong, they're well-contracted, utilization is high, and they have high-quality customers. And so that's like a strong foundation.

Speaker Change: Yeah, I think the value that Joe talks about really comes from the combination of our fuel distribution and the terminaling assets.

Speaker Change: The criteria that Joe used on the midstream side, we want assets that are well-contracted. So you look at the Europe deal that we just did, right?

Joe: If you look at it on a stand-alone, midstream basis, it's strong, they're well-contracted, the utilization's high, high-quality customers, and so that's like a strong foundation. And then our...

Karl Fails: And then our commercial team, particularly the refined products supply team, can look at it as an option value, right? As they integrate that with the waterborne supply that's coming into the East Coast. When we did the deal, we fully expected that there were probably some opportunities commercially that we didn't even anticipate that we were going to be able to find as we looked at that. Joe talked about the criteria.

Joe: commercial team particularly on the refined products supply team can look at it provides option value right as they integrate that with the waterborne supply that's coming into the East Coast.

Karl Fails: It provides option value, right? As they integrate that with the waterborne supply that's coming into the East Coast. You know, when we did the deal, we fully expected that there were probably some opportunities commercially that we didn't even anticipate that we were going to be able to find as we looked at that. So Joe talked about the criteria. If there are additional assets in Europe where we can meet those same criteria and there are additional supply points that could either impact our primarily our East Coast business, we're going to look at that. As far as the competitive landscape, you know, we sell a commodity, right?

Joe: You know, when we did the deal, we fully expected that there were probably some opportunities commercially that we didn't even anticipate that we were going to be able to find as we looked at that.

Joe: Joe talked about the criteria if there are additional assets in Europe where we can

Joe: meet those same criteria and there are additional supply points that come in that could either impact our primarily our East Coast business. We're going to look at that. As far as the competitive landscape, you know,

Karl Fails: If there are additional assets in Europe where we can meet those same criteria and there are additional supply points that come in that could impact primarily our East Coast business, we're going to look at that. As far as the competitive landscape is concerned, we sell a commodity, right? So it's a pretty competitive market. There are a lot of participants in that market, but we like our position, and we think the vertical integration definitely gives us an advantage.

Karl Fails: So it's a pre-competitive market. There are a lot of participants in that market, but we like our position and we think the vertical integration definitely gives us an advantage.

Joe: We sell a commodity, right, so it's a pretty competitive market. There are a lot of participants in that market. But we like our position, and we think the vertical integration definitely gives us advantage.

Operator: Thank you all very much. Thank you.

Theresa Chen: Thank you all very much.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question is from Spiro Dounis with Citi. Please proceed with your question.

Spiro Dounis: Our next question is from Spiro Dunez with City.

Speaker Change: Thank you. Our next question is from Spiro Dounis with Citi. Please proceed with your question.

Joseph Kim: Please proceed with your question. Thanks, operator. One of the team wanted to go back to the joint venture with Energy Transfer. Joe, you've mentioned in your prepared remarks that this is potentially going to provide some additional growth opportunities. And so I know it's early days; it's just curious if you've been able to get in there and start to identify any potential growth projects available to you now under the new structure. Yes, is a short answer to Spiro, as we've worked with energy transfers, commercial team, and as we mentioned, they're going to be the operator. Yes, when we did the valuation and the negotiations of the joint venture, we had very concrete ideas, some requiring capital, some not requiring capital, and then we have structures that even additional ideas that come down the road, we're both going to participate in.

Spiro Dounis: Thanks, operator. Good morning, team.

Spiro Dunas: Thanks, operator. Morning, team. I wanted to go back to the joint venture with Energy Transfer. Joe, you've mentioned in your prepared remarks that this is potentially going to provide some additional growth opportunities, and so I know it's early days, but just curious if you've been able to get in there and start to identify any potential growth projects available to you now under the new structure.

Spiro Dounis: I wanted to go back to the joint venture with energy transfer. Joe, you mentioned in your prepared remarks that this is potentially going to provide some additional growth opportunities. And so, you know, I know it's early days, but just curious if you've been able to get in there and start to identify any potential growth projects available to you now under the new structure.

Joe: Yeah, yes is the short answer, Spiro, as we've worked with Energy Transfer's commercial team and

Joseph Kim: Yeah, yes is the short answer. Spiro, as we've worked with Energy Transfer's commercial team, and as we mentioned, they're going to be the operator. Yes, when we did the valuation and the negotiations of the joint venture, we had very concrete ideas, some requiring capital, some not requiring capital. And then we have structures that even additional ideas that come down the road, we're both going to participate in. So I don't know that there are a lot of specifics that I'd share other than that there are concrete things on the table that are already there.

Joe: As we mentioned, they're going to be the operator.

Speaker Change: Yes, when we did the valuation and the negotiations of the joint venture, we had very concrete

Speaker Change: Some requiring capital, some not requiring capital, and then we have structures that even additional ideas that come down the road.

Joseph Kim: So I don't know that there's a lot of specifics that I share other than there are concrete things on the table that are already in execution. Got it. We'll wait here more about that, then.

Speaker Change: You know, we're both going to participate in, so I don't know that there's a lot of specifics.

Speaker Change: that I'd share other than there are concrete things on the table that are already in execution.

Joseph Kim: Got it. Got it. We'll wait to hear more about that then. The second question is a bit of a macro question.

Spiro Dounis: The second question is a bit of a matter of question.

Speaker Change: Got it. Got it. We'll wait to hear more about that then. Second question is a bit of a macro question, you know, recession has entered the discussion in the last few days. I don't think that's going to surprise anybody at this point, based on some of the volatility. But, you know, just curious, can you just remind us, as we think about Sun and how you performed historically during any sort of downturns, maybe just walk us through kind of what the typical playbook is there.

Spiro Dounis: You know, recession has entered the discussion in the last few days. I don't think that's going to surprise anybody at this point, based on some of the volatility. But, you know, just curious, can you just remind us, as we think about Sun and how you've performed historically during any sort of downturns, maybe just walk us through kind of what the typical playbook is there?

Spiro Dounis: Recession has entered the discussion in the last few days. I don't think that's going to surprise anybody at this point based on sort of volatility.

Austin Harkness: But just curious, you just remind us, as you think about Sun and how you perform historically during any sort of downturns, maybe just walk us through kind of what the typical playbook is there. Yes, Spiro, this is often in terms of, you know, I think the second quarter is a good example. You know, as we've shared in the past, we really optimize around fuel profit versus solving for volume or CPG margin independently, right. And every quarter, you know, is going to be different, and some favor optimizing fuel profit by optimizing volume at the expense CPG or vice versa.

Austin Harkness: Yes, Spiro, this is Austin. In terms of, you know, I think the second quarter is a good example. As we've shared in the past, we really optimize around fuel profit versus solving for volume or CPG margin independently, right? And every quarter, you know, is going to be different, and some favor optimizing fuel profit by optimizing volume at the expense of CPG or vice versa, or in the case of the second quarter, it allows us to sort of optimize both.

Speaker Change: Yes, Spiro, this is Austin.

Austin: In terms of, you know, I think the second quarter is a good example.

Spiro Dunas: You know, as we've shared in the past, we really optimize around fuel profit versus solving for volume or CPG margin independently, right? And every quarter...

Speaker Change: You know it's going to be different and some favor optimizing fuel profit by optimizing volume at the expense of CPG or vice versa or in the case of the second quarter it allows us to sort of optimize both.

Austin Harkness: Or, in the case of the second quarter, it allows us to sort of optimize both. And as Karl mentioned, I think Q2 benefited from the continued backdrop of elevated brake evens, which we continue to see sustained, which creates a constructive margin environment to operate in. But it's never one thing or one variable that's going to drive our results. And so, you know, that's on the margin side of things. On the volume side, you know, we think there's, there's a couple things that play out here. From, from Sun standpoint, you know, our business has proven resilient and we're confident that we can perform across a range of scenarios.

Austin Harkness: And as Karl mentioned, I think Q2 benefited from the continued backdrop of elevated break-evens, which we continue to see sustained, which creates a constructive margin environment to operate in. But it's never one thing or one variable that's going to drive our results. And so, you know, that's on the margin side of things. On the volume side, we think there's a couple things at play here.

Carl: And as Karl mentioned, I think Q2 benefited from the continued backdrop of elevated break-evens, which we continue to see sustained, which creates a constructive margin environment to operate in. But it's never one thing or one variable that's going to drive our results.

Speaker Change: And so, you know, that's on the margin side of things. On the volume side, you know, we think there's a couple things at play here. From Sun's standpoint...

Austin Harkness: From Sun's standpoint, our business has proven resilient, and we're confident that we can perform across a range of scenarios. Our base case assumption is that the rest of the year from a macro fuel demand standpoint, it's going to look similar to the first half of this year as well as much of last year. But if our assumptions are optimistic, meaning, you know, there's demand destruction in the market, I think history has shown that that will elevate break evens and create a further constructive margin environment to operate in.

Speaker Change: You know, our business has proven resilient and we're confident that we can perform across a range of scenarios. Our base case assumption is that the rest of the year, from a macro fuel demand standpoint, it's going to look similar to the first half of this year as well as much of last year.

Austin Harkness: Our base case assumption is that the rest of the year, from a macro fuel demand standpoint, it's going to look similar to the first half of this year as well as much of last year. But if our assumptions are optimistic, meaning, you know, there's demand destruction in the market. I think history has shown that that will elevate brake evens and create a further constructive margin environment to operate in. On the flip side, if demand exceeds our base case, I think our business, our portfolio, and our commercial teams are well positioned to execute in that environment as well.

Speaker Change: But if our assumptions are optimistic, meaning there's demand destruction in the market, I think history has shown that that will elevate break-evens and create a further constructive margin environment to operate in.

Austin Harkness: On the flip side, if demand exceeds our base case, I think our business, our portfolio, and our commercial teams are well positioned to execute in that environment as well. So while we don't have a crystal ball on volume or margin, I think, you know, history has proven that that volatility can be constructive to our ability to optimize fuel profit, recognizing there's going to be quarter to quarter volatility going forward.

Speaker Change: On the flip side, if demand exceeds our base case, I think our business, our portfolio, our commercial teams are well positioned to execute in that environment as well.

Austin Harkness: So, well, we don't have a crystal ball on volume or margin. I think, you know, history has proven that that volatility can be constructive to our ability to optimize fuel profit. Recognize there's going to be quarter-to-quarter volatility going forward.

Speaker Change: So, while we don't have a crystal ball on volume or margin, I think, you know, history has proven that volatility can be constructive to our ability to optimize fuel profit, recognizing there's going to be quarter-to-quarter volatility going forward.

Joseph Kim: And Spiro, just to add on to what Austin said, you know, Austin talked about our fuel distribution business. I think our record kind of speaks for ourselves that we've been able to navigate and thrive in various macro environments. But just as importantly, the new star acquisition was big for us. We have diversified our portfolio where the pipeline systems and internal systems are a huge addition to our overall portfolio. If you look at the assets that we acquired, the vast majority of income is take-or-pay contracts or a term that New Star use, which I think is very appropriate, which is structurally exclusive, meaning that the refineries connected to it, they have one source in and out.

Joseph Kim: Spiro, just to add to what Austin said. Austin talked about our field distribution business. I think our record kind of speaks for itself, that we've been able to navigate and thrive in various macro environments. But just as importantly, the new star acquisition was big for us.

Spiro Dunas: Spiro, just to add on to what Austin said, you know Austin talked about our field distribution business. I think our record kind of speaks for itself that we've been able to navigate and thrive in various macro environments, but

Joseph Kim: We have diversified our portfolio so that the pipeline systems and terminal systems are a huge addition to our overall portfolio. If you look at the assets that we acquired, the vast majority of the income is take or pay contracts, or a term that New Star used, which I think is very appropriate, which is structurally exclusive, meaning that the refineries are connected to it. They have one source in and out, and that's us.

Speaker Change: Just as importantly, the New Star acquisition was big for us. We have diversified our portfolio where the pipeline systems and terminal systems are a huge addition to our overall portfolio. If you look at the assets that we acquired, the vast majority of income is take-or-pay contracts or a term that New Star used, which I think is very appropriate, which is structurally exclusive, meaning that

Joseph Kim: And that's us. So, we like in the top of that, I guess, a lot of the some of the rates are for regulators. So, in an inflationary period, we have the ability to absorb some of the inflation into our race on a going forward basis. So, if you add all that up and you add the fact that in a volatile macro environment, I think we've proven our ability to control expenses. So, if we're in an inflationary or recessionary period, obviously it's problematic for the US and for the global basis, but I think it also provides an opportunity for Sun to distinguish itself in the volatile environment.

Speaker Change: The refineries connected to it, they have one source.

Joseph Kim: So we liked it, and then on top of that, I guess some of the rates are FERC regulated. So in an inflationary period, we have the ability to absorb some of the inflation into our rates on a going forward basis. So if you add all that up, and you add the fact that, in a volatile macro environment, I think we've proven our ability to control expenses. So if we're in an inflationary or recessionary period, obviously it's problematic for the U.S. and for the global economy, but I think it also provides an opportunity for Sun to distinguish itself in these volatile environments.

In-N-Out: In-N-Out, and that's us.

In-N-Out: So we like, and on top of that I guess the

In-N-Out: some of the rates are FERC regulated. So in an inflationary period, we have the ability to absorb some of the inflation into our rates on a going forward basis. So if you add all that up, and you add the fact that in a volatile macro environment,

In-N-Out: I think we've proven our ability to control expenses, so.

In-N-Out: If we're in an inflationary or recessionary period, obviously it's problematic for the U.S. and for the global basis, but I think it also provides an opportunity for Sun to distinguish itself in these volatile environments.

Spiro Dounis: Perfect.

Spiro Dounis: Perfect. I'll leave it there for today. Thank you, gentlemen.

Spiro Dounis: I'll leave it there for today.

Operator: Thank you, gentlemen.

Speaker Change: Perfect. I'll leave it there for today. Thank you, gentlemen.

Operator: As a reminder, if you would like to ask a question, please press star one on your telephone keypad.

Operator: As a reminder, if you would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad. Our next question is from Ned Baramall with Wells Fargo. Please proceed with your question.

Speaker Change: As a reminder, if you would like to ask a question, please press star 1 on your telephone keypad.

Ned Baramov: Our next question is from Ned Baramov with Wells Fargo. Please proceed with your question. Hey, good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. Another one on the new star assets which are now part of the JV with Energy Transfer.

Speaker Change: Our next question is from Ned Baramah with Wells Fargo. Please proceed with your question.

Ned Baramov: Hey, good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. Another one on the NuStar assets, which are now part of the JV with energy transfer. Could you maybe talk about the credit ratings of producers you serve? And also whether you're on the hook for WellConnect CapEx? And if yes, is this part of your maintenance and or growth CapEx guidance?

Ned Baramah: Hey, good morning. Thanks for taking the questions. Another one on the New Star assets, which are now part of the JV with energy transfer. Could you maybe talk about the credit ratings of producers you serve?

Joseph Kim: Could you maybe talk about the credit ratings of producers you serve and also whether you're on the hook for a well-connected cap ex, and if yes, is this part of your maintenance or growth cap ex-guidance? So I'll take the last part on capital. Yes, the capital, our capital contribution to the joint ventures included in our guidance for the year. As far as details on the credit ratings of customers, I think I probably refer you to disclosures and energy transfers made in the past and/or new star made in the past. I mean, the producer portfolio has not changed just because we entered into the JV.

Speaker Change: and also whether you're on the hook for WellConnect CAPEX and if yes, is this part of your maintenance and or growth CAPEX guidance.

Karl Fails: So, I'll take the last part on capital. Yes, our capital contribution to the joint venture is included in our guidance for the year. As far as details on the credit ratings of customers, I think I'd probably refer you to disclosures that Energy Transfer has made in the past and or New Star made in the past. The producer portfolio hasn't changed just because we entered into the JV. And I think the strength of the JV and of both companies is that we should be able to provide services to very well-capitalized and high-credit customers, as well as some smaller ones that we should be able to create more value for. There you have it.

Speaker Change: As far as details on the credit ratings of customers, I think I'd probably refer you to disclosures that Energy Transfer has made in the past and or New Star made in the past. I mean, the

Joseph Kim: And I think the strength of the JV and of both companies is we should be able to provide services to very well capitalized and high credit customers as well as some smaller ones that you know, we should be able to create more value because of that.

Joseph Kim: Hey Ned, this is Joe. Let me add kind of more on a holistic basis. If you look at it all, as far as the addition of New Star is concerned, we got two credit upgrades by two of the agencies. And if you look at just the profile of the credit risk we have, we're in a better position. And then you look at the addition of ET's customer base, net net, any way you look at it, I think the conclusion is pretty simple: on a credit profile basis, we're in a better position because of New Star, and we're in an equally or better position because of the JV within Exchange.

Joseph Kim: Yeah, this is Joe. Let me add kind of more on a holistic basis. If you look at all this, as far as on the additional new star, we've got two credit upgrades by two of the agencies, and if you look at just the profile of the credit risk we have, we're in a better position. And then you look at the addition of of of ET's customer base net net. Anyway, you look at it. I think the conclusion is pretty simple: is that on a credit profile basis, we're in a better position because of the star, and we're in equal to your better position because of the JV within your transfer.

Speaker Change: And this is Joe. Let me add kind of more on a holistic basis.

Speaker Change: If you look at all, as far as on the...

Joe: of ET's customer base, net-net, any way you look at it, I think the conclusion is pretty simple, is that on a credit profile basis, we're in a better position because of New Star, and we're in equally or better position because of the JV within each transfer.

Joseph Kim: Understood.

Ned Baramov: understood. Thank you.

Dylan Bramhall: Thank you. And then you reaffirmed your synergy target for 2024 of 50 million. Could you maybe talk about how much of that was realized in the second quarter? Yeah, net almost all the synergy that we'll capture this year is really on the expense front. I mean, clearly we started on some of the commercial activities, but those will bear more fruit in 2025 and 2026. You saw the high transaction expense number that we reported in the second quarter. A lot of that is related to severance or other payments that enable us to capture synergies. So, you know, I'm not, I'm not going to be able to provide a number, but we're well on our way on hitting that 50 million.

Ned Baramov: And then you reaffirmed your synergy target for 2024 of 50 million. Could you maybe talk about how much of that was realized in the second quarter? Yeah, Ned, almost all the synergy that we'll capture this year is

Karl Fails: Yeah, Ned. Almost all the synergy that we'll capture this year is really on the expense front. I mean, clearly, we started on some of the commercial activities, but those will bear more fruit in 2025 and 2026. You saw the high transaction expense number that we reported in the second quarter. A lot of that is related to severance or other payments that enable us to capture synergies. So I'm not going to be able to provide a number, but we're well on our way to hitting that $50 million. We will ramp up through the year, just as the nature of the activities is once you get the expense, then you can keep it on an ongoing basis. But we've already made a really good start.

Joe: Yeah, Ned, almost all of the synergy that we'll capture this year is really on the expense front. I mean, clearly we started on some of the commercial activities, but those will...

Ned Baramah: Those will bear more fruit in 2025 and 2026.

Speaker Change: You saw the high transaction expense number that we reported in the second quarter. A lot of that is related to severance or other payments.

Speaker Change: that enable us to capture synergies. So, you know, I'm not going to be able to provide a number, but we're well on our way on hitting that 50 million. We will ramp up through the year, just as the nature of the activities is kind of once you get the expense and you can get it.

Dylan Bramhall: We will ramp up through the year just as the nature of the activities is kind of once you get the expense and you can get it on an ongoing basis. But we've already made a really good start. Thank you.

Speaker Change: on an ongoing basis, but we've already made a really good start.

Dylan Bramhall: That's all I had.

Ned Baramov: Thank you. Our next question is from Robert Mosca with Mizuho Securities. Please proceed with your question.

Robert Mosca: Our next question is from Robert Mosca with Mizzoujo Securities. Please proceed with your question. Hi, good morning, everyone.

Robert Mosca: Hi, good morning everyone. Maybe turning to pipeline systems, one of your peers recently announced a pretty sizable defined products pipeline project, and I was wondering if you're seeing any opportunities in that segment that perhaps weren't available for the legacy new start business last year?

Karl Fails: Maybe 20 pipeline systems, one of your peers recently announced a pretty sizable fine-product pipeline project. And wondering if you're seeing any opportunities in that segment that perhaps weren't available for the legacy new start business last year? Yeah, I think what I'd say on our growth opportunities in the pipeline systems as it relates to whether it's M&A activity or whether it is organic growth. Joe already talked about the criteria that we use. He gave the answer through the M&A lens, but frankly we use a similar approach as we look at organic growth capital projects. Do they provide synergies?

Speaker Change: Hi, good morning everyone. Maybe turning to pipeline systems, one of your peers recently announced a pretty sizable defined products pipeline project and wondering if you're seeing any opportunities in that segment that perhaps weren't available for the legacy New Start business last year?

Karl Fails: Yeah I think what I'd say on our growth opportunities in the pipeline systems as it relates to whether it's you know M&A activity or whether it is organic growth Joe already talked about the criteria that we use you know he gave the answer through the M&A lens but frankly we use a similar approach as we look at organic growth capital projects you know do they provide synergies what is the return on the project do they provide stable cash flow does it enable additional growth so you know a lot of this stuff as we look at it as a build versus buy so the short answer your question is by having a bigger platform and having the balance sheet that we bring to it yes there are more opportunities today for Sun versus before the new star acquisition and there are more opportunities for the new star assets than there were before the transaction as well but as we look at that that growth capital I think we're going to maintain the same focus that we've had which is higher return Synergies between our fuel distribution and our midstream operation, we're generally going to favor projects that have shorter time frames between when we spend capital and when we start getting EBITDA. So there's a bigger platform for us to invest in, but we're going to stick to the kind of formula that has brought us success over the last few years.

Speaker Change: Yeah, I think what I'd say on our growth opportunities in the pipeline systems as it relates to whether it's, you know, M&A activity or whether it is organic growth,

Speaker Change: Joe already talked about the criteria that we use.

Speaker Change: He gave the answer through the M&A lens, but frankly, we use a similar approach as we look at organic growth capital.

Karl Fails: What is the return on the project? Do they provide stable cash flow? Does it enable additional growth? So a lot of stuff, as we look at it, as a build versus buy. So the short answer question is, by having a bigger platform and having the balance sheet that we bring to it, yes, there are more opportunities today for Sun versus before the new start acquisition. And there are more opportunities for the new start assets than there were before the transaction as well. But as we look at that growth capital, I think we're going to maintain the same focus that we've had, which is higher return synergies between our fuel distribution and our midstream operation.

Joe: So, the short answer to your question is by having a bigger platform and having the balance sheet that we bring to it, yes, there are more opportunities.

Joe: Synergies between our fuel distribution and our midstream operation, we're generally going to favor projects that have shorter time frames between when we spend capital and when we start getting EBITDA.

Karl Fails: We're generally going to favor projects that have shorter timeframes between when we spend capital and when we start getting EBITDA. So there's a bigger platform for us to invest in, but we're going to stick to the kind of formula that has brought a success over the last few years.

Joe: There's is a bigger platform for us to invest in but we're going to stick to The the kind of formula that has brought us success over the last few years

Robert Mosca: No great appreciated, Carl.

Robert Mosca: No, great. Appreciate it, Karl. And, Joe, I think you referenced the credit rating upgrades. I'm wondering if becoming an investment-grade entity is part of a more formal capital allocation outlet for you guys. Is that something you're explicitly targeting now?

Scott Grischow: And Jill, I think you referenced the credit rating upgrades. Wondering if becoming an intervention grade entity is part of a more formal capital allocation outlook for you guys.

Speaker Change: If becoming an investment grade entity is part of a more formal capital allocation outlook for you guys, is that something you're explicitly targeting now?

Scott Grischow: Is that something you're explicitly targeting now? Yeah, Rob, this is Scott, and you laid it out well. The choice to go to investment grade, at its heart, is a capital allocation decision. And for us, the capital allocation policy really revolves around creating value for all of our stakeholders. So whether it's protecting our balance, providing a secure and growing distribution, or reinvesting in the business through some of the growth and M&A projects, those are really the fundamental decisions and things we evaluate when it comes to capital allocation. So if moving to investment grade would create additional value for all of our stakeholders, it's something we would pursue.

Scott Grischow: Yeah, Rob, this is Scott, and you laid it out well, the choice to go to investment grade at its heart is a capital allocation decision, and for us, the capital allocation policy really revolves around creating value for all of our stakeholders, so whether it's protecting our balance sheets, providing a secure and growing distribution, or reinvesting in the business through some of the growth and M&A projects, those are really the fundamental decisions and things we evaluate when it comes to capital allocation, so if moving to investment grade would create additional value for all of our stakeholders, it's something we would pursue, but at this point in time, we see reinvesting in the business, returning capital to our unit holders, and achieving our long-term leverage target of four times is the primary objective.

Speaker Change: Yeah, Rob, this is Scott, and you laid it out well, the choice to go to investment grade at its heart isn't a capital allocation decision, and for us...

Speaker Change: The capital allocation policy really revolves around creating value for all of our stakeholders. So whether it's protecting our balance sheets, providing a secure and growing distribution, or reinvesting in the business through some of the growth and M&A projects.

Speaker Change: Those are really the fundamental decisions and things we evaluate when it comes to capital allocation. So if moving to investment grade would create additional value for all of our stakeholders, it's something we would pursue. But at this point in time, we see reinvesting in the business.

Scott Grischow: But at this point in time, we see reinvesting in the business, returning capital to our unit holders, and achieving our long-term leverage chart at four times is the primary objective. Got it.

Speaker Change: Returning capital to our unit holders and achieving our long-term leverage target of four times is the primary objective.

Robert Mosca: Got it. Thanks, Scott. And appreciate the time, everyone.

Robert Mosca: Thanks, Scott, and I appreciate time, everyone.

Speaker Change: Got it. Thanks, Scott. And appreciate the time, everyone.

Operator: Thank you.

Scott Grischow: Thank you. There are no further questions at this time. I'd like to hand the floor back to Scott Grischow for any closing comments. Well, thanks, everybody.

Operator: There are no further questions at this time.

Scott Grischow: I'd like to hand the floor back to Scott Grisha for any closing comments. Well, thanks everyone for joining us on the call this morning. As always, if you have any follow-up questions, feel free to reach out.

Speaker Change: Thank you. There are no further questions at this time. I'd like to hand the floor back to Scott Grischow for any closing comments. Well, thanks everyone for joining us on the call this morning. As always, if you have any follow-up questions, feel free to reach out. Have a great day.

Scott Grischow: Well, thanks everyone for joining us on the call this morning. As always, if you have any follow-up questions, feel free to reach out. Have a great day.

Scott Grischow: Have a great day.

Operator: This concludes today's conference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.

Operator: This concludes today's conference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.

Speaker Change: This concludes today's conference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation.