10-K 1 d10k.htm FORM 10-K Form 10-K
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

[ X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

OR

[    ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                                          to                                         

Commission File Number 1-16417

LOGO

NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   74-2956831

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

2330 North Loop 1604 West   78248
San Antonio, Texas   (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices)  

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (210) 918-2000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Common units representing partnership interests listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [X] No [    ]

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

Yes [    ] No [X]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [    ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [    ]

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

Large accelerated filer   [X]    Accelerated filer [    ]
Non-accelerated filer   [    ]  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   [    ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [    ] No [X]

The aggregate market value of the common units held by non-affiliates was approximately $3,118 million based on the last sales price quoted as of June 30, 2010, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter.

The number of common units outstanding as of February 1, 2011 was 64,610,549.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I   

Items 1., 1A. & 2.

   Business, Risk Factors and Properties      3   
  

Overview

     3   
  

Recent Developments

     4   
  

Organizational Structure

     4   
  

Segments

     6   
  

Employees

     20   
  

Rate Regulation

     20   
  

Environmental and Safety Regulation

     20   
  

Risk Factors

     23   
  

Properties

     33   

Items 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments      34   

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings      34   

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders      35   
PART II   

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Units, Related Unitholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Common Units      36   

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data      37   

Item 7.

   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      38   

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data      61   

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure      111   

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures      111   

Item 9B.

   Other Information      111   
PART III   

Item 10.

   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance      112   

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation      116   

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Unitholder Matters      150   

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence      152   

Item 14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services      155   
PART IV   

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules      157   

Signatures

     167   

 

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PART I

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar Energy L.P.,” “the Partnership,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar Energy L.P., to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole. In the following Items 1., 1A. and 2., “Business, Risk Factors and Properties,” we make certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and resources. The words “forecasts,” “intends,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “goal,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking information. You are cautioned that such forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our disclosures beginning on page 38 of this report under the heading: “CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION.”

ITEM 1. BUSINESS, RISK FACTORS AND PROPERTIES

OVERVIEW

NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy), a Delaware limited partnership, completed its initial public offering of common units on April 16, 2001. Our common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “NS.” Our principal executive offices are located at 2330 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, Texas 78248 and our telephone number is (210) 918-2000.

We are engaged in the terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt refining and fuels marketing. We divide our operations into the following three operating segments: storage, transportation, and asphalt and fuels marketing. As of December 31, 2010, our assets included:

 

   

65 terminal and storage facilities providing approximately 80.4 million barrels of storage capacity;

 

   

5,605 miles of refined product pipelines with 21 associated terminals providing storage capacity of 4.6 million barrels and two tank farms providing storage capacity of 1.2 million barrels;

 

   

2,000 miles of anhydrous ammonia pipelines;

 

   

812 miles of crude oil pipelines with 16 associated storage tanks providing storage capacity of 1.9 million barrels; and

 

   

two asphalt refineries with a combined throughput capacity of 104,000 barrels per day and two associated terminal facilities with a combined storage capacity of 5.0 million barrels.

We conduct our operations through our wholly owned subsidiaries, primarily NuStar Logistics, L.P. (NuStar Logistics) and NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P. (NuPOP). Our revenues include:

 

   

tariffs for transporting crude oil, refined products and anhydrous ammonia through our pipelines;

 

   

fees for the use of our terminals and crude oil storage tanks and related ancillary services; and

 

   

sales of asphalt and other refined petroleum products.

Our business strategy is to increase per unit cash distributions to our partners through:

 

   

continuous improvement of our operations by improving safety and environmental stewardship, cost controls and asset reliability and integrity;

 

   

internal growth through enhancing the utilization of our existing assets by expanding our business with current and new customers as well as investments in strategic expansion projects;

 

   

external growth from acquisitions that meet our financial and strategic criteria;

 

   

complementary operations such as our product marketing and trading organization, which we created to capitalize on opportunities to optimize the use and profitability of our assets; and

 

   

growth and improvement of our asphalt operations to benefit from anticipated decreases in overall asphalt supply and higher asphalt margins.

The term “throughput” as used in this document generally refers to the crude oil or refined product barrels or tons of ammonia, as applicable, that pass through our pipelines, terminals, storage tanks or refineries.

 

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Our internet website address is http://www.nustarenergy.com. Information contained on our website is not part of this report. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K filed with (or furnished to) the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are available on our internet website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after we file or furnish such material (select the “Investors” link, then the “Financial Reports SEC Filings” link). We also post our corporate governance guidelines, code of business conduct and ethics, code of ethics for senior financial officers and the charters of our board’s committees on our internet website free of charge (select the “Investors” link, then the “Corporate Governance” link). Our governance documents are available in print to any unitholder that makes a written request to Corporate Secretary, NuStar Energy L.P., 2330 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, Texas 78248.

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On May 21, 2010, we acquired the capital stock of Asphalt Holdings, Inc. for $53.3 million, including liabilities assumed. The acquisition included three storage terminals with 24 storage tanks and an aggregate capacity of approximately 1.8  million barrels located in Alabama along the Mobile River.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Our operations are managed by NuStar GP, LLC, the general partner of our general partner. NuStar GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, is a consolidated subsidiary of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings) (NYSE: NSH).

 

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The following chart depicts our organizational structure at December 31, 2010.

LOGO

 

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SEGMENTS

Our three reportable business segments are storage, transportation, and asphalt and fuels marketing. Detailed financial information about our segments is included in Note 23 in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

The following map depicts our operations at December 31, 2010.

LOGO

 

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STORAGE

Our storage segment includes terminal and storage facilities that provide storage and handling services on a fee basis for petroleum products, specialty chemicals, crude oil and other liquids and crude oil storage tanks used to store and deliver crude oil. In addition, our terminals located on the island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean and Point Tupper, Nova Scotia provide services such as pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch service, emergency response services and other ship services. As of December 31, 2010, we owned and operated:

 

   

55 terminal and storage facilities in the United States, with a total storage capacity of approximately 50.6 million barrels;

 

   

A terminal on the island of St. Eustatius with a tank capacity of 13.0 million barrels and a transshipment facility;

 

   

A terminal located in Point Tupper with a tank capacity of 7.4 million barrels and a transshipment facility;

 

   

Six terminals located in the United Kingdom and one terminal located in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, having a total storage capacity of approximately 9.4 million barrels; and

 

   

A terminal located in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico.

Description of Largest Terminal Facilities

St. Eustatius. We own and operate a 13.0 million barrel petroleum storage and terminalling facility located on the island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean (formerly the Netherlands Antilles), which is located at a point of minimal deviation from major shipping routes. This facility is capable of handling a wide range of petroleum products, including crude oil and refined products, and it can accommodate the world’s largest tankers for loading and discharging crude oil and other petroleum products. A two-berth jetty, a two-berth monopile with platform and buoy systems, a floating hose station and an offshore single point mooring buoy with loading and unloading capabilities serve the terminal’s customers’ vessels. The St. Eustatius facility has a total of 59 tanks. The fuel oil and petroleum product facilities have in-tank and in-line blending capabilities, while the crude tanks have tank-to-tank blending capability and in-tank mixers. In addition to the storage and blending services at St. Eustatius, this facility has the flexibility to utilize certain storage capacity for both feedstock and refined products to support our atmospheric distillation unit. This unit is capable of processing up to 25,000 barrels per day of feedstock, ranging from condensates to heavy crude oil. We own and operate all of the berthing facilities at the St. Eustatius terminal. Separate fees apply for the use of the berthing facilities, as well as associated services, including pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch service, spill response services and other ship services.

Point Tupper. We own and operate a 7.4 million barrel terminalling and storage facility located at Point Tupper on the Strait of Canso, near Port Hawkesbury, Nova Scotia, which is located approximately 700 miles from New York City and 850 miles from Philadelphia. This facility is the deepest independent, ice-free marine terminal on the North American Atlantic coast, with access to the East Coast, Canada and the Midwestern United States via the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes system. With one of the premier jetty facilities in North America, the Point Tupper facility can accommodate substantially all of the world’s largest, fully laden very large crude carriers and ultra large crude carriers for loading and discharging crude oil, petroleum products and petrochemicals. Crude oil and petroleum product movements at the terminal are fully automated. Separate fees apply for the use of the jetty facility, as well as associated services, including pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch service, spill response services and other ship services. We also charter tugs, mooring launches and other vessels to assist with the movement of vessels through the Strait of Canso and the safe berthing of vessels at the terminal facility.

Piney Point, Maryland. Our terminal and storage facility in Piney Point is located on approximately 400 acres on the Potomac River. The Piney Point terminal has approximately 5.4 million barrels of storage capacity in 28 tanks and is the closest deep-water facility to Washington, D.C. This terminal competes with other large petroleum terminals in the East Coast water-borne market extending from New York Harbor to Norfolk, Virginia. The terminal currently stores petroleum products consisting primarily of fuel oils and asphalt. The terminal has a dock with a 36-foot draft for tankers and four berths for barges. It also has truck-loading facilities, product-blending capabilities and is connected to a pipeline that supplies residual fuel oil to two power generating stations.

St. James, Louisiana. Our St. James terminal has 26 crude oil storage tanks with a total capacity of approximately 5.0 million barrels. Additionally, the facility has a rail-loading facility and three docks with barge and ship access. The facility is located on almost 900 acres of land, some of which is undeveloped.

 

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Amsterdam. Our Amsterdam terminal has 44 storage tanks with a total capacity of approximately 3.8 million barrels. This facility is located at the Port of Amsterdam and primarily stores petroleum products including gasoline, diesel and fuel oil. This facility has two docks for vessels and five docks for inland barges.

Linden, New Jersey. We own 50% of ST Linden Terminal LLC, which owns a terminal and storage facility in Linden, New Jersey. The terminal is located on a 44-acre facility that provides it with deep-water terminalling capabilities at New York Harbor. This terminal primarily stores petroleum products, including gasoline, jet fuel and fuel oils. The facility has a total capacity of approximately 4.0 million barrels in 24 tanks and can receive and deliver products via ship, barge and pipeline. The terminal includes two docks and leases a third with draft limits of 36, 26 and 20 feet, respectively.

Terminal and Storage Facilities

The following table sets forth information about our terminal and storage facilities as of December 31, 2010:

 

Facility   

Tank

Capacity

  

Number of

Tanks

   Primary Products Handled
     (Barrels)                    
U.S. Terminals and Storage Facilities:               
Mobile, AL (Blakely Island)    1,100,000       8       Crude oil and feedstocks
Mobile, AL (Chickasaw)    286,000      

10

      Asphalt
Mobile, AL (Chickasaw North)    294,000       3       Crude oil
Montgomery, AL    162,000       7       Petroleum products
Moundville, AL    310,000       6       Petroleum products
Los Angeles, CA    606,000       19       Petroleum products
Benicia, CA    3,815,000       16       Crude oil and feedstocks
Pittsburg, CA    361,000       10       Asphalt
Selby, CA    2,829,000       22       Petroleum products, ethanol
Stockton, CA    713,000       28       Petroleum products, ethanol, fertilizer
Colorado Springs, CO    320,000       7       Petroleum products, ethanol
Denver, CO    100,000       8       Petroleum products, ethanol
Jacksonville, FL    2,505,000       34       Petroleum products, asphalt
Bremen, GA    178,000       8       Petroleum products
Macon, GA (a)    307,000       10       Petroleum products
Savannah, GA    857,000       21       Petroleum products, chemicals
Blue Island, IL    719,000       14       Petroleum products, ethanol
Indianapolis, IN    366,000       18       Petroleum products
St. James, LA    5,045,000       26       Crude oil and feedstocks
Andrews AFB, MD (a)    72,000       3       Petroleum products
Baltimore, MD    814,000       47       Chemicals, asphalt, petroleum products
Piney Point, MD    5,404,000       28       Petroleum products, asphalt
Salisbury, MD    177,000       14       Petroleum products
Wilmington, NC    304,000       12       Asphalt
Linden, NJ    353,000       9       Petroleum products
Linden, NJ (b)    3,957,000       24       Petroleum products
Paulsboro, NJ    69,000       9       Petroleum products
Alamogordo, NM (a)    120,000       5       Petroleum products
Albuquerque, NM    245,000       10       Petroleum products, ethanol
Rosario, NM    160,000       8       Asphalt
Catoosa, OK    340,000       24       Asphalt
Portland, OR    1,203,000       32       Petroleum products, ethanol
Abernathy, TX    155,000       7       Petroleum products
Amarillo, TX    255,000       8       Petroleum products
Corpus Christi, TX    327,000       10       Petroleum products
Corpus Christi, TX (North Beach)    1,600,000       4       Crude oil and feedstocks
Corpus Christi, TX    4,023,000       26       Crude oil and feedstocks
Edinburg, TX    267,000       6       Petroleum products
El Paso, TX (c)    343,000       12       Petroleum products, ethanol
Harlingen, TX    315,000       7       Petroleum products
Houston, TX (Hobby Airport)    106,000       4       Petroleum products
Houston, TX    85,000       5       Asphalt
Laredo, TX    320,000       7       Petroleum products
Placedo, TX    97,000       4       Petroleum products

 

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Facility   

Tank

Capacity

  

Number of

Tanks

   Primary Products Handled
     (Barrels)                    

San Antonio (east), TX

   148,000       5       Petroleum products

San Antonio (south), TX

   215,000       5       Petroleum products

Southlake, TX

   575,000       12       Petroleum products, ethanol

Texas City, TX

   125,000       10       Petroleum products

Texas City, TX

   2,775,000       67       Chemicals, petrochemicals, petroleum products

Texas City, TX

   3,087,000       14       Crude oil and feedstocks

Dumfries, VA

   548,000       14       Petroleum products, asphalt

Virginia Beach, VA (a)

   41,000       2       Petroleum products

Tacoma, WA

   359,000       14       Petroleum products, ethanol

Vancouver, WA

   328,000       48       Chemicals

Vancouver, WA

   408,000       7       Petroleum products
                  

Total U.S.

   50,593,000      

798

     
                  

Foreign Terminals and Storage Facilities:

              

St. Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles

   12,986,000       59       Petroleum products, crude oil and feedstocks

Point Tupper, Canada

   7,354,000       37       Petroleum products, crude oil and feedstocks

Grays, England

   1,956,000       53       Petroleum products

Eastham, England

   2,156,000       162       Chemicals, petroleum products

Runcorn, England

   145,000       4       Molten sulfur

Grangemouth, Scotland

   565,000       47       Petroleum products, chemicals

Glasgow, Scotland

   360,000       16       Petroleum products

Belfast, Northern Ireland

   440,000       41       Petroleum products

Amsterdam, the Netherlands

   3,848,000       44       Petroleum products

Nuevo Laredo, Mexico

   34,000       5       Petroleum products
                  

Total Foreign

   29,844,000       468      
                  

Total Terminals and Storage Facilities

   80,437,000      

1,266

     
                  

 

(a) Terminal facility also includes pipelines to U.S. government military base locations.
(b) We own 50% of this terminal through a joint venture.
(c) We own a 66.67% undivided interest in the El Paso refined product terminal. The tankage capacity and number of tanks represent the proportionate share of capacity attributable to our ownership interest.

Storage Operations

Revenues for the storage segment include fees for tank storage agreements, in which a customer agrees to pay for a certain amount of storage in a tank over a period of time (storage lease revenues), and throughput agreements, in which a customer pays a fee per barrel for volumes moving through our terminals (throughput revenues). Our terminals also provide blending, additive injections, handling and filtering services. We charge a fee for each barrel of crude oil and certain other feedstocks that we deliver to Valero Energy Corporation (Valero Energy)’s Benicia, Corpus Christi West and Texas City refineries from our crude oil storage tanks. Our facilities at Point Tupper and St. Eustatius charge fees to provide services such as pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch service, spill response services and other ship services.

Demand for Refined Petroleum Products

The operations of our refined product terminals depend in large part on the level of demand for products stored in our terminals in the markets served by those assets. The majority of products stored in our terminals are refined petroleum products. Demand for our terminalling services will generally increase or decrease with demand for refined petroleum products, and demand for refined petroleum products tends to increase or decrease with the relative strength of the economy.

Customers

We provide storage and terminalling services for crude oil and refined petroleum products to many of the world’s largest producers of crude oil, integrated oil companies, chemical companies, oil traders and refiners. In addition, our blending capabilities in our storage assets have attracted customers who have leased capacity primarily for blending purposes. The largest customer of our storage segment is Valero Energy, which accounted for approximately 20% of the total revenues

 

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of the segment for the year ended December 31, 2010. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of the revenues of the segment for this period.

Competition and Business Considerations

Many major energy and chemical companies own extensive terminal storage facilities. Although such terminals often have the same capabilities as terminals owned by independent operators, they generally do not provide terminalling services to third parties. In many instances, major energy and chemical companies that own storage and terminalling facilities are also significant customers of independent terminal operators. Such companies typically have strong demand for terminals owned by independent operators when independent terminals have more cost-effective locations near key transportation links, such as deep-water ports. Major energy and chemical companies also need independent terminal storage when their owned storage facilities are inadequate, either because of size constraints, the nature of the stored material or specialized handling requirements.

Independent terminal owners generally compete on the basis of the location and versatility of terminals, service and price. A favorably located terminal will have access to various cost-effective transportation modes both to and from the terminal. Transportation modes typically include waterways, railroads, roadways and pipelines. Terminals located near deep-water port facilities are referred to as “deep-water terminals,” and terminals without such facilities are referred to as “inland terminals,” although some inland facilities located on or near navigable rivers are served by barges.

Terminal versatility is a function of the operator’s ability to offer complex handling requirements for diverse products. The services typically provided by the terminal include, among other things, the safe storage of the product at specified temperature, moisture and other conditions, as well as receipt at and delivery from the terminal, all of which must be in compliance with applicable environmental regulations. A terminal operator’s ability to obtain attractive pricing is often dependent on the quality, versatility and reputation of the facilities owned by the operator. Although many products require modest terminal modification, operators with versatile storage capabilities typically require less modification prior to usage, ultimately making the storage cost to the customer more attractive.

The main competition at our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper locations for crude oil handling and storage is from “lightering,” which is the process by which liquid cargo is transferred from larger vessels to smaller vessels, usually while at sea. The price differential between lightering and terminalling is primarily driven by the charter rates for vessels of various sizes. Lightering generally takes significantly longer than discharging at a terminal. Depending on charter rates, the longer charter period associated with lightering is generally offset by various costs associated with terminalling, including storage costs, dock charges and spill response fees. However, terminalling is generally safer and reduces the risk of environmental damage associated with lightering, provides more flexibility in the scheduling of deliveries and allows our customers to deliver their products to multiple locations. Lightering in U.S. territorial waters creates a risk of liability for owners and shippers of oil under the U.S. Oil Pollution Act of 1990 and other state and federal legislation. In Canada, similar liability exists under the Canadian Shipping Act. Terminalling also provides customers with the ability to access value-added terminal services.

Our crude oil storage tanks are physically integrated with and serve refineries owned by Valero Energy. Additionally, we have entered into various agreements with Valero Energy governing the usage of these tanks. As a result, we believe that we will not face significant competition for our services provided to those refineries.

 

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TRANSPORTATION

Our pipeline operations consist of the transportation of refined petroleum products, crude oil and anhydrous ammonia. Refined product pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota cover approximately 5,605 miles. Our crude oil pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Illinois cover 812 miles. Our anhydrous ammonia pipeline in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska covers 2,000 miles. As of December 31, 2010, we owned and operated:

 

   

refined product pipelines with an aggregate length of 3,255 miles originating at Valero Energy’s McKee, Three Rivers and Corpus Christi refineries to certain of NuStar Energy’s terminals, or to interconnections with third-party pipelines or terminals for further distribution, including a 25-mile hydrogen pipeline (collectively, the Central West System);

 

   

a 1,910-mile refined product pipeline originating in southern Kansas and terminating at Jamestown, North Dakota, with a western extension to North Platte, Nebraska and an eastern extension into Iowa (the East Pipeline);

 

   

a 440-mile refined product pipeline originating at Tesoro Corporation’s Mandan, North Dakota refinery and terminating in Minneapolis, Minnesota (the North Pipeline);

 

   

crude oil pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Illinois with an aggregate length of 812 miles and crude oil storage facilities providing 1.9 million barrels of storage capacity in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado that are located along the crude oil pipelines; and

 

   

a 2,000-mile anhydrous ammonia pipeline originating at the Louisiana delta area that travels north through the midwestern United States forking east and west to terminate in Nebraska and Indiana (the Ammonia Pipeline).

We charge tariffs on a throughput basis for transporting refined products, crude oil, feedstocks and anhydrous ammonia.

Description of Pipelines

Central West System. The Central West System pipelines were constructed to support the refineries to which they are connected. These pipelines are physically integrated with and principally serve refineries owned by Valero Energy. The refined products transported in these pipelines include gasoline, distillates (including diesel and jet fuel), natural gas liquids and other products produced primarily by Valero Energy’s McKee, Three Rivers and Corpus Christi refineries. These pipelines deliver refined products to key markets in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. The Central West System transported approximately 112.5 million barrels for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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The following table lists information about each of our refined product pipelines included in the Central West System:

 

Origin and Destination    Refinery    Length      Ownership       Capacity
      (Miles)       (Barrels/Day)

McKee to El Paso, TX

   McKee       408         67%          40,000   

McKee to Colorado Springs, CO

   McKee       256         100%          38,000   

Colorado Springs, CO to Airport

   McKee       2         100%          14,000   

Colorado Springs to Denver, CO

   McKee       101         100%          32,000   

McKee to Denver, CO

   McKee       321         30%          9,870   

McKee to Amarillo, TX (6”) (a)

   McKee       49         100%          51,000   

McKee to Amarillo, TX (8”) (a)

   McKee       49         100%            

Amarillo to Abernathy, TX

   McKee       102         67%          11,733   

Amarillo, TX to Albuquerque, NM (b)

   McKee       293         50%          17,150   

Abernathy to Lubbock, TX

   McKee       19         46%          8,029   

McKee to Southlake, TX

   McKee       375         100%          27,300   

Three Rivers to San Antonio, TX

   Three Rivers       81         100%          33,600   

Three Rivers to US/Mexico International Border near Laredo, TX

   Three Rivers       108         100%          32,000   

Corpus Christi to Three Rivers, TX

   Corpus Christi       68         100%          32,000   

Three Rivers to Corpus Christi, TX

   Three Rivers       72         100%          15,000   

Three Rivers to Pettus to San Antonio, TX

   Three Rivers       103         100%          30,000   

Three Rivers to Pettus to Corpus Christi, TX (c)

   Three Rivers       87         100%          N/A   

El Paso, TX to Kinder Morgan

   McKee       12         67%          65,600   

Corpus Christi to Pasadena, TX

   Corpus Christi       208         100%          105,000   

Corpus Christi to Brownsville, TX

   Corpus Christi       194         100%          45,000   

US/Mexico International Border near Penitas, TX to Edinburg, TX

   N/A       33         100%          24,000   

Clear Lake, TX to Texas City, TX

   N/A       25         100%          N/A   

Other refined product pipeline (d)

   N/A       289         50%          N/A   
                           

Total

         3,255             631,282   
                           

 

(a) The capacity information disclosed above for the McKee to Amarillo, Texas 6-inch pipeline reflects both McKee to Amarillo, Texas pipelines on a combined basis.
(b) Included in this segment are three refined product tanks with a total capacity of 114,000 barrels located at Tucamcari, New Mexico along the 10-inch Amarillo, Texas to Albequerque, New Mexico refined product pipeline.
(c) The refined product pipeline from Three Rivers to Pettus to Corpus Christi, Texas is temporarily idled.
(d) This category consists of the temporarily idled 6-inch Amarillo, Texas to Albuquerque, New Mexico refined product pipeline.

East Pipeline. The East Pipeline covers 1,910 miles and moves refined products and natural gas liquids north in pipelines ranging in diameter from 6 inches to 16 inches. The East Pipeline system also includes storage capacity of approximately 1.2 million barrels at our two tanks farms at McPherson and El Dorado, Kansas. The East Pipeline transports refined petroleum products and natural gas liquids to NuStar Energy and third party terminals along the system and to receiving pipeline connections in Kansas. Shippers on the East Pipeline obtain refined petroleum products from refineries in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The East Pipeline transported approximately 51.2 million barrels for the year ended December 31, 2010.

North Pipeline. The North Pipeline originates at Tesoro’s Mandan refinery and runs from west to east approximately 440 miles from its origin in Mandan, North Dakota to the Minneapolis, Minnesota area. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the North Pipeline transported approximately 13.7 million barrels.

Pipeline-Related Terminals. The East and North Pipelines also include 21 truck-loading terminals through which refined petroleum products are delivered to storage tanks and then loaded into petroleum product transport trucks. Revenues earned at these terminals relate solely to the volumes transported on the pipeline. Separate fees are not charged for the use

 

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of these terminals. Instead, the terminalling fees are a portion of the transportation rate included in the pipeline tariff. As a result, these terminals are included in this segment instead of the storage segment.

The following table lists information about each of our refined product terminals connected to the East or North Pipelines:

 

Location of Terminals   

Tank Capacity

     Number of
Tanks
     Related Pipeline
System
 
     (Barrels)                           

Iowa:

                   

LeMars

      103,000         8         East   

Milford

      172,000         11         East   

Rock Rapids

      223,000         5         East   

Kansas:

                   

Concordia

      79,000         6         East   

Hutchinson

      114,000         5         East   

Salina

      86,000         8         East   

Minnesota:

                   

Moorhead

      518,000         10         North   

Sauk Centre

      116,000         7         North   

Roseville

      479,000         10         North   

Nebraska:

                   

Columbus

      171,000         8         East   

Geneva

      674,000         37         East   

Norfolk

      182,000         15         East   

North Platte

      247,000         23         East   

Osceola

      79,000         7         East   

North Dakota:

                   

Jamestown (North)

      139,000         6         North   

Jamestown (East)

      176,000         11         East   

South Dakota:

                   

Aberdeen

      181,000         12         East   

Mitchell

      63,000         6         East   

Sioux Falls

      381,000         12         East   

Wolsey

      148,000         20         East   

Yankton

      245,000         25         East   
                       

Total

      4,576,000         252      
                       

Ammonia Pipeline. The 2,000 mile pipeline originates in the Louisiana delta area, where it has access to three marine terminals and three anhydrous ammonia plants on the Mississippi River. It runs north through Louisiana and Arkansas into Missouri, where at Hermann, Missouri, one branch splits and goes east into Illinois and Indiana, while the other branch continues north into Iowa and then turns west into Nebraska. The Ammonia Pipeline is connected to multiple third-party-owned terminals, which include industrial facility delivery locations. Product is supplied to the pipeline from anhydrous ammonia plants in Louisiana and imported product delivered through the marine terminals. Anhydrous ammonia is primarily used as agricultural fertilizer. It is also used as a feedstock to produce other nitrogen derivative fertilizers and explosives. The Ammonia Pipeline transported approximately 1.5 million tons (or approximately 13.9 million barrels) for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Crude Oil Pipelines. Our crude oil pipelines primarily transport crude oil and other feedstocks from various points in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Colorado to Valero Energy’s McKee, Three Rivers and Ardmore refineries. We can use our crude oil storage facilities in Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado, located along the crude oil pipelines, to store and batch crude oil prior to shipment in the crude oil pipelines. Our crude oil pipelines also transport crude oil and other feedstocks

 

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to the ConocoPhillips Wood River refinery in Illinois. The crude pipelines transported approximately 135.7 million barrels for the year ended December 31, 2010.

The following table sets forth information about each of our crude oil pipelines:

 

Origin and Destination

  

Refinery

  

Length

  

Ownership

   

Capacity

 
          (Miles)          (Barrels/Day)  

Cheyenne Wells, CO to McKee

   McKee       210         100%         17,500   

Dixon, TX to McKee

   McKee       44         100%         63,600   

Hooker, OK to Clawson, TX (a)

   McKee       41         50%         22,000   

Clawson, TX to McKee

   McKee       31         100%         36,000   

Wichita Falls, TX to McKee

   McKee       272         100%         110,000   

Corpus Christi, TX to Three Rivers

   Three Rivers       70         100%         120,000   

Ringgold, TX to Wasson, OK

   Ardmore       44         100%         90,000   

Healdton to Ringling, OK (b)

   Ardmore       4         100%         N/A   

Wasson, OK to Ardmore (8”-10”) (c)

   Ardmore       24         100%         90,000   

Wasson, OK to Ardmore (8”)

   Ardmore       15         100%         40,000   

Patoka, IL to Wood River

   Wood River       57           24%         60,600   
                          

Total

         812            649,700   
                          

 

(a) We receive 50% of the tariff with respect to 100% of the barrels transported in the Hooker, Oklahoma to Clawson, Texas pipeline. Accordingly, the capacity is given with respect to 100% of the pipeline.
(b) The Healdton to Ringling, Oklahoma crude oil pipeline is temporarily idled.
(c) The Wasson, Oklahoma to Ardmore (8”- 10”) pipelines referred to above originate at Wasson as two pipelines but merge into one pipeline prior to reaching Ardmore.

The following table sets forth information about the crude oil storage facilities located along our crude oil pipelines:

 

Location

  

Refinery

    

Capacity

    

Number
of Tanks

    

Mode of

Receipt

    

Mode of

Delivery

      
                  (Barrels)                                            

Dixon, TX

     McKee         240,000         3         pipeline         pipeline      

Ringgold, TX

     Ardmore         600,000         2         pipeline         pipeline      

Wichita Falls, TX

     McKee         660,000         4         pipeline         pipeline      

Wasson, OK

     Ardmore         225,000         2         pipeline         pipeline      

Clawson, TX

     McKee         65,000         2         pipeline         pipeline      

Other (a)

     McKee         67,000         3         pipeline         pipeline      
                               

Total

        1,857,000         16            
                               

 

(a) This category includes crude oil tanks along the Cheyenne Wells, Colorado to McKee crude oil pipelines located at Carlton, Colorado, Sturgis, Oklahoma, and Stratford, Texas.

Other Pipelines. We also own three single-use pipelines, located near Umatilla, Oregon, Rawlins, Wyoming and Pasco, Washington, each of which supplies diesel fuel to a railroad fueling facility.

Pipeline Operations

Revenues for the pipelines are based upon origin-to-destination throughput volumes traveling through our pipelines and their related tariff rates.

In general, a shipper on our refined petroleum product pipelines delivers products to the pipeline from refineries or third-party pipelines. Shippers are required to supply us with a notice of shipment indicating sources of products and destinations. Shipments are tested or receive certifications to ensure compliance with our product specifications. We charge our shippers tariff rates based on transportation from the origination point on the pipeline to the point of delivery. We invoice our refined product shippers upon delivery for our Central West System and our North and Ammonia Pipelines, and we invoice our shippers on our East Pipeline when their product enters the line.

 

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Shippers on our crude oil pipelines deliver crude oil to the pipelines for transport to refineries that connect to the pipelines. The costs associated with the crude oil storage facilities located along the crude oil pipelines are considered in establishing the tariffs charged for transporting crude oil from the crude oil storage facilities to the refineries.

The pipelines in the Central West System, the East Pipeline, the North Pipeline and the Ammonia Pipeline and the crude oil pipelines are subject to federal regulation by one or more of the following governmental agencies or laws: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the FERC), the Surface Transportation Board (the STB), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Homeland Security Act. Additionally, the operations and integrity of the pipelines are subject to the respective state jurisdictions.

The majority of our pipelines are common carrier and are subject to federal and state tariff regulation. In general, we are authorized by the FERC to adopt market-based rates. Common carrier activities are those for which transportation through our pipelines is available, at published tariffs filed, in the case of interstate petroleum product shipments, with the FERC or, in the case of intrastate petroleum product shipments, with the relevant state authority, to any shipper of petroleum products who requests such services and satisfies the conditions and specifications for transportation. The Ammonia Pipeline is subject to federal regulation by the STB and state regulation by Louisiana.

We use Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition remote supervisory control software programs to continuously monitor and control our pipelines. The system monitors quantities of products injected in and delivered through the pipelines and automatically signals the appropriate personnel upon deviations from normal operations that require attention.

Demand for and Sources of Refined Products

The operations of our Central West System and the East and North Pipelines depend on the level of demand for refined products in the markets served by the pipelines and the ability and willingness of refiners and marketers having access to the pipelines to supply such demand by deliveries through the pipelines.

The majority of the refined products delivered through the pipelines in the Central West System are gasoline and diesel fuel that originate at refineries owned by Valero Energy. Demand for these products fluctuates as prices for these products fluctuate. Prices fluctuate for a variety of reasons including the overall balance in supply and demand, which is affected by general economic conditions and affects refinery utilization rates, among other factors. Prices for gasoline and diesel fuel tend to increase in the warm weather months when people tend to drive automobiles more often and further distances.

The majority of the refined products delivered through the North Pipeline are delivered to the Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area and consist of gasoline and diesel fuel. Demand for those products fluctuates based on general economic conditions and with changes in the weather as more people drive during the warmer months.

Much of the refined products and natural gas liquids delivered through the East Pipeline and volumes on the North Pipeline that are not delivered to Minneapolis are ultimately used as fuel for railroads, ethanol denaturant or in agricultural operations, including fuel for farm equipment, irrigation systems, trucks used for transporting crops and crop-drying facilities. Demand for refined products for agricultural use, and the relative mix of products required, is affected by weather conditions in the markets served by the East and North Pipelines. The agricultural sector is also affected by government agricultural policies and crop prices. Although periods of drought suppress agricultural demand for some refined products, particularly those used for fueling farm equipment, the demand for fuel for irrigation systems often increases during such times. The mix of refined products delivered for agricultural use varies seasonally, with gasoline demand peaking in early summer, diesel fuel demand peaking in late summer and propane demand higher in the fall. In addition, weather conditions in the areas served by the East Pipeline affect the mix of the refined products delivered through the East Pipeline, although historically any overall impact on the total volumes shipped has not been significant.

Our refined product pipelines are also dependent upon adequate levels of production of refined products by refineries connected to the pipelines, directly or through connecting pipelines. The refineries are, in turn, dependent upon adequate supplies of suitable grades of crude oil. The pipelines in the Central West System and our crude oil pipelines are connected to refineries owned by Valero Energy, and certain pipelines are subject to long-term throughput agreements with Valero Energy. Valero Energy refineries connected directly to our pipelines obtain crude oil from a variety of foreign and domestic sources. If operations at one of these refineries were discontinued or significantly reduced, it could

 

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have a material adverse effect on our operations, although we would endeavor to minimize the impact by seeking alternative customers for those pipelines.

The North Pipeline is heavily dependent on Tesoro’s Mandan, North Dakota refinery, which primarily runs North Dakota crude oil (although it has the ability to process other crude oils). If operations at the Tesoro refinery were interrupted, it could have a material effect on our operations. Other than the Valero Energy refineries described above and the Tesoro refinery, if operations at any one refinery were discontinued, we believe (assuming unchanged demand for refined products in markets served by the refined product pipelines) that the effects thereof would be short-term in nature and our business would not be materially adversely affected over the long term because such discontinued production could be replaced by other refineries or other sources.

The refineries connected directly to the East Pipeline obtain crude oil from producing fields located primarily in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, and, to a much lesser extent, from other domestic or foreign sources. In addition, refineries in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas are also connected to the East Pipeline by third party pipelines. These refineries obtain their supplies of crude oil from a variety of sources. The majority of the refined products transported through the East Pipeline are produced at three refineries located at McPherson and El Dorado, Kansas and Ponca City, Oklahoma, which are operated by the National Cooperative Refining Association (NCRA), Frontier Oil Corporation and ConocoPhillips Company, respectively. The NCRA and Frontier Oil Corporation refineries are connected directly to the East Pipeline. The East Pipeline also has access to Gulf Coast supplies of products through third party connecting pipelines that receive products originating on the Gulf Coast.

Demand for and Sources of Anhydrous Ammonia

The Ammonia Pipeline is one of two major anhydrous ammonia pipelines in the United States and the only one capable of receiving foreign production directly into the system and transporting anhydrous ammonia into the nation’s corn belt.

Our Ammonia Pipeline operations depend on overall nitrogen fertilizer use, management practices, the price of natural gas, which is the primary component of anhydrous ammonia, and the level of demand for direct application of anhydrous ammonia as a fertilizer for crop production (Direct Application). Demand for Direct Application is dependent on the weather, as Direct Application is not effective if the ground is too wet or too dry.

Corn producers have fertilizer alternatives to anhydrous ammonia, such as liquid or dry nitrogen fertilizers. Liquid and dry nitrogen fertilizers are both less sensitive to weather conditions during application but are generally more costly than anhydrous ammonia. In addition, anhydrous ammonia has the highest nitrogen content of any nitrogen-derivative fertilizer.

Customers

The largest customer of our transportation segment was Valero Energy, which accounted for approximately 47% of the total segment revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010. In addition to Valero Energy, we had a total of approximately 70 shippers for the year ended December 31, 2010, including integrated oil companies, refining companies, farm cooperatives, railroads and others. No other customer accounted for greater than 10% of the total revenues of transportation segment for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Competition and Business Considerations

Because pipelines are generally the lowest-cost method for intermediate and long-haul movement of refined petroleum products, our more significant competitors are common carrier and proprietary pipelines owned and operated by major integrated and large independent oil companies and other companies in the areas where we deliver products. Competition between common carrier pipelines is based primarily on transportation charges, quality of customer service and proximity to end users. We believe high capital costs, tariff regulation, environmental considerations and problems in acquiring rights-of-way make it unlikely that other competing pipeline systems comparable in size and scope to our pipelines will be built in the near future, as long as our pipelines have available capacity to satisfy demand and our tariffs remain at economically reasonable levels.

The costs associated with transporting products from a loading terminal to end users limit the geographic size of the market that can be served economically by any terminal. Transportation to end users from our loading terminals is conducted primarily by trucking operations of unrelated third parties. Trucks may competitively deliver products in some of the areas served by our pipelines. However, trucking costs render that mode of transportation uncompetitive for longer

 

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hauls or larger volumes. We do not believe that trucks are, or will be, effective competition to our long-haul volumes over the long-term.

Most of our refined product pipelines within the Central West System and our crude oil pipelines are physically integrated with and principally serve refineries owned by Valero Energy. As the pipelines are physically integrated with Valero Energy’s refineries, we believe that we will not face significant competition for transportation services provided to the Valero Energy refineries we serve.

The East and North Pipelines compete with an independent common carrier pipeline system owned by Magellan Midstream Partners, L.P. (Magellan) that operates approximately 100 miles east of and parallel to the East Pipeline and in close proximity to the North Pipeline. The Magellan system is a more extensive system than the East and North Pipelines. Competition with Magellan is based primarily on transportation charges, quality of customer service and proximity to end users. In addition, refined product pricing at either the origin or terminal point on a pipeline may outweigh transportation costs. Certain of the East Pipeline’s and the North Pipeline’s delivery terminals are in direct competition with Magellan’s terminals.

Competitors of the Ammonia Pipeline include another anhydrous ammonia pipeline that originates in Oklahoma and Texas and terminates in Minnesota. The competing pipeline has the same Direct Application demand and weather issues as the Ammonia Pipeline but is restricted to domestically produced anhydrous ammonia. Midwest production facilities, nitrogen fertilizer substitutes and barge and railroad transportation represent other forms of direct competition to the pipeline under certain market conditions.

ASPHALT AND FUELS MARKETING

Our asphalt and fuels marketing segment includes our asphalt refining operations and our fuels marketing operations. We refine crude oil to produce asphalt and certain other refined products from our asphalt operations. Additionally, we purchase gasoline and other refined petroleum products for resale. The results of operations for the asphalt and fuels marketing segment depend largely on the margin between our cost and the sales price of the products we market. Therefore, the results of operations for this segment are more sensitive to changes in commodity prices compared to the operations of the storage and transportation segments.

Asphalt Refining and Marketing Operations

Our asphalt refining operations acquired on March 20, 2008 diversified our customer base, expanded our geographic presence and complemented our preexisting asphalt marketing and terminals business. The following table lists information about our asphalt refineries and related terminals as of December 31, 2010. The tank capacity includes storage for asphalt, crude oil and other feedstocks.

 

    Production                   Number of

Facility

 

Capacity

  

Tank Capacity

  

Tanks

    (Barrels Per Day)    (Barrels)               

Paulsboro, NJ

    74,000         3,640,000          24   

Savannah, GA

    30,000         1,359,000          25   
                             

Total

    104,000         4,999,000          49   
                             

Paulsboro Refinery. The Paulsboro refinery is located in Paulsboro, New Jersey on the Delaware River. The refinery consists of two petroleum refining units, a liquid storage terminal for petroleum and chemical products, three marine docks, a polymer-modified asphalt production facility and a testing laboratory. The Paulsboro refinery supplies various asphalt grades and intermediate products by ship, barge, railcar and tanker trucks to a network of twelve asphalt terminals in the northeastern United States. These asphalt terminals provide us with an aggregate storage capacity of 4.0 million barrels that are either leased from third parties or owned by us. The Paulsboro refinery’s location on the Delaware River allows for direct access to receipts and shipments.

Savannah Refinery. The Savannah refinery is located in Savannah, Georgia adjacent to the Savannah River and is the only asphalt producer on the United States southeastern seaboard. The refinery includes two atmospheric towers, a tank farm, a marine dock, a polymer modified asphalt production facility, a testing laboratory and processing areas. The Savannah refinery supplies various asphalt grades by truck, rail and marine vessel to a network of nine asphalt terminals in the southeastern United States. These asphalt terminals provide us with an aggregate storage capacity of 1.9 million

 

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barrels that are either leased from third parties or owned by us. The Savannah refinery’s location on the Savannah River allows for direct access to receipts and shipments.

We have access to an aggregate asphalt storage capacity of almost 8.0 million barrels, which includes the network of asphalt terminals associated with the Savannah and Paulsboro refineries combined with seven other asphalt terminals.

The following table lists the throughputs and percentages of yields for each refinery for the year ended December 31, 2010:

 

    

Volumes

    

Percentage

 
     (barrels per day)         

Paulsboro:

     

Crude oil throughput

     40,782      

Yields:

     

Asphalt

     26,839         66%   

Naphtha

       1,165           3%   

Marine diesel oil

       3,445           9%   

Light marine gas oil

       4,169         10%   

Vacuum gas oil

       3,666           9%   

HS fuel oil

       1,181           3%   

Savannah:

     

Crude oil throughput

     18,159      

Yields:

     

Asphalt

     13,551         75%   

Naphtha

          650           3%   

Light marine gas oil

       3,945         22%   

Customers. We produce several grades of asphalt products for various applications. The asphalt we produce is for hot mix paving, which is used in road construction, roofing shingles for housing, asphalt emulsions and asphalt cutbacks used for street maintenance, as well as polymer-modified asphalt, which is a premium asphalt cement used for roads with heavy traffic in harsh weather conditions. The majority of our asphalt customers are road and bridge construction companies who operate asphalt hot mix plants that combine rock aggregate with asphalt to make road pavements. Our customers serve the private commercial sector by building residential roads, parking lots, asphalt paths and courts as well as the public sector by building highways and transportation infrastructure for the various state Departments of Transportation.

Crude Supply. Simultaneously with the acquisition of our asphalt operations, Petróleos de Venezuela S. A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of Venezuela, agreed to supply us with Boscan and Bachaquero BCF-13 crude oil as feedstocks for our refineries. Our cost of crude oil purchased under the supply agreement fluctuates based upon a market-based pricing formula using published market indices, subject to adjustment, based on the price of Mexican Maya crude. Our refineries are optimized to process Boscan and Bachaquero BCF-13 crude oil and doing so typically results in the best economic return. However, the refineries can also process alternative asphaltic crudes and other feedstocks.

Competition and Business Considerations. The asphalt industry is highly fragmented and regional in nature. Our competitors range in size from major oil companies and independent refiners to small family-owned businesses. It is considered a niche business with few integrated, asphalt-focused refiners that have production, logistics and wholesale and marketing capabilities. The top asphalt producers in the U.S. are refiners that produce asphalt as a by-product.

Over the long term, we expect to benefit from higher asphalt margins because many U.S. refiners are planning new coker projects or coker expansions, which should reduce the overall supply of asphalt. Cokers break down the heaviest fractions of crude oil into lighter, higher value products and elemental carbon, or coke. As a result, asphalts and heavy fuel oils are reprocessed into transportation fuels like gasoline and diesel. As the supply of asphalt decreases, asphalt margins are expected to increase.

 

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Fuels Marketing Operations

Our fuels marketing operations provide us the opportunity to generate additional gross margin while complementing the activities of our storage and transportation segments. Specifically, we purchase crude oil, gasoline, distillates and refinery feedstocks to take advantage of arbitrage opportunities and contango markets (when the price for future deliveries exceeds current prices). During a contango market, we can utilize storage at strategically located terminals, including our own terminals, to deliver products at favorable prices. Additionally, we may take advantage of geographic arbitrage opportunities by utilizing transportation and storage assets, including our own terminals and pipelines, to deliver products from one geographic region to another with more favorable pricing. We also purchase gasoline and distillates in spot markets from refiners and traders, which we then offer for sale to wholesale customers through terminals owned by us or third-parties. The gross margin we generate reflects the wholesale uplift above spot market prices, less terminalling and transportation fees.

As part of these operations, we may utilize storage space in certain of our refined products terminals and terminals operated by third parties. We may also obtain transportation services from our refined products pipelines and other third-party providers. Rates charged by our storage segment to the asphalt and fuels marketing segment are consistent with rates charged to third parties. Because the majority of our pipelines are common carrier pipelines, the tariffs charged to the asphalt and fuels marketing segment from the transportation segment are based upon the published tariff applicable to all shippers.

In addition, we sell bunker fuel from our terminal locations at St. Eustatius and Point Tupper where we also store bunker fuel for third parties. The strategic location of these two facilities and their storage capabilities provide us with a reliable supply of product and the ability to capture incremental sales margin. Also, the St. Eustatius terminal facility has six mooring locations that can supply bunkers to vessels up to 520,000 deadweight tons, and the Point Tupper facility has two mooring locations that can supply bunkers to vessels up to 400,000 deadweight tons. In 2009, we began limited bunkering operations at certain of our U.S. terminals, and in 2010, we increased our U.S. bunkering operations at our Texas City and Los Angeles terminals.

Since the operations of our asphalt and fuels marketing segment expose us to commodity price risk, we sometimes enter into derivative instruments to mitigate the effect of commodity price fluctuations on our operations. The derivative instruments we use consist primarily of futures contracts and swaps traded on the NYMEX for the purposes of hedging the price risk of our physical inventory.

Customers. Fuels marketing customers include major integrated refiners and trading companies, as well as various wholesale suppliers, unbranded retailers and large high volume retailers. Customers for our bunker fuel sales are ship owners, including cruise line companies.

Competition and Business Considerations. Our fuels marketing operations have numerous competitors, including large integrated refiners, marketing affiliates of other partnerships in our industry, as well as various international and domestic trading companies. In the sale of bunker fuel, we compete with ports offering bunker fuels that are along the route of travel of the vessel. We also compete with bunker fuel delivery locations around the world. In the Western Hemisphere, alternative bunker fuel locations include ports on the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast and in Panama, the Caribbean and Nova Scotia.

 

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EMPLOYEES

Our operations are managed by NuStar GP, LLC. As of December 31, 2010, NuStar GP, LLC had 1,413 employees performing services for our United States operations. Certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries had 389 employees performing services for our international operations. We believe that NuStar GP, LLC and our subsidiaries each have satisfactory relationships with their employees.

RATE REGULATION

Several of our petroleum pipelines are interstate common carrier pipelines, which are subject to regulation by the FERC under the Interstate Commerce Act (ICA) and the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (the EP Act). The ICA and its implementing regulations give the FERC authority to regulate the rates charged for service on interstate common carrier pipelines and generally require the rates and practices of interstate oil pipelines to be just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory. The ICA also requires tariffs that set forth the rates a common carrier pipeline charges for providing transportation services on its interstate common carrier liquids pipelines, as well as the rules and regulations governing these services, to be maintained on file with the FERC. The EP Act deemed certain rates in effect prior to its passage to be just and reasonable and limited the circumstances under which a complaint can be made against such “grandfathered” rates. The EP Act and its implementing regulations also allow interstate common carrier oil pipelines to annually index their rates up to a prescribed ceiling level. In addition, the FERC retains cost-of-service ratemaking, market-based rates and settlement rates as alternatives to the indexing approach.

The Ammonia Pipeline is subject to regulation by the STB under the current version of the ICA. The ICA and its implementing regulations give the STB authority to regulate the rates we charge for service on the Ammonia Pipeline and generally require that our rates and practices be reasonable and nondiscriminatory.

Additionally, the rates and practices for our intrastate common carrier pipelines are subject to regulation by state commissions in Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, North Dakota and Texas. Although the applicable state statutes and regulations vary, they generally require that intrastate pipelines publish tariffs setting forth all rates, rules and regulations applying to intrastate service, and generally require that pipeline rates and practices be just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory.

Shippers may challenge tariff rates rules and regulations on our pipelines. There are no pending challenges or complaints regarding our tariffs.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY REGULATION

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, waste management and pollution prevention measures. Our operations are also subject to extensive federal and state health and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to pipeline safety. The principal environmental and safety risks associated with our operations relate to unauthorized emissions into the air, unauthorized releases into soil, surface water or groundwater and personal injury and property damage. Compliance with these environmental and safety laws, regulations and permits increases our capital expenditures and our overall cost of business, and violations of these laws, regulations and/or permits can result in significant civil and criminal liabilities, injunctions or other penalties.

We have adopted policies, practices and procedures in the areas of pollution control, pipeline integrity, operator qualifications, public relations and education, product safety, process safety management, occupational health and the handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials that are designed to prevent material environmental or other damage, to ensure the safety of our pipelines, our employees, the public and the environment and to limit the financial liability that could result from such events. Future governmental action and regulatory initiatives could result in changes to expected operating permits and procedures, additional remedial actions or increased capital expenditures and operating costs that cannot be assessed with certainty at this time. In addition, contamination resulting from spills of crude oil and refined products occurs within the industry. Risks of additional costs and liabilities are inherent within the industry, and there can be no assurances that significant costs and liabilities will not be incurred in the future.

 

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Capital Expenditures Attributable to Compliance with Environmental Regulations. In 2010, our capital expenditures attributable to compliance with environmental regulations were $16.7 million, and are currently estimated to be approximately $3.4 million for 2011. The estimate for 2011 does not include amounts related to capital investments at our facilities that management has deemed to be strategic investments rather than expenditures relating to environmental regulatory compliance.

RENEWABLE ENERGY AND ALTERNATIVE FUEL MANDATES

Several federal and state programs require the purchase and use of renewable energy and alternative fuels, such as battery-powered engines, biodiesel, wind energy, and solar energy. These mandates could impact the demand for refined petroleum products. In December 2007, Congress enacted the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which, among things, mandated annually increasing levels for the use of renewable fuels such as ethanol, commencing in 2008 and escalating for 15 years, as well as increasing energy efficiency goals, including higher fuel economy standards for motor vehicles. These statutory mandates may over time offset projected increases or reduce the demand for refined petroleum products, particularly gasoline, in certain markets. The increased production and use of biofuels may also create opportunities for additional pipeline transportation and additional blending opportunities within the terminals division, although that potential cannot be quantified at present. Other legislative changes may similarly alter the expected demand and supply projections for refined petroleum products in ways that cannot be predicted.

WATER

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972, as amended, also known as the Clean Water Act, and analogous or more stringent state statutes impose restrictions and strict controls regarding the discharge of pollutants into state waters or waters of the United States. The discharge of pollutants into state waters or waters of the United States is prohibited, except in accordance with the terms of a permit issued by applicable federal or state authorities. The Oil Pollution Act, enacted in 1990, amends provisions of the Clean Water Act as they pertain to prevention and response to oil spills. Spill prevention control and countermeasure requirements of the Clean Water Act and some state laws require the use of dikes and similar structures to help prevent contamination of state waters or waters of the United States in the event of an overflow or release. Violations of any of these statutes and the related regulations could result in significant costs and liabilities.

AIR EMISSIONS

Our operations are subject to the Federal Clean Air Act, as amended, and analogous or more stringent state and local statutes. These laws and regulations regulate emissions of air pollutants from various industrial sources, including some of our operations, and also impose various monitoring and reporting requirements. Such laws and regulations may require a facility to obtain pre-approval for the construction or modification of certain projects or facilities expected to produce air emissions or result in the increase of existing air emissions, and obtain and strictly comply with the provisions of any air permits. It is possible that these statutes and the related regulations may be revised to be more restrictive in the future, necessitating additional capital expense to ensure our operations are in compliance. We are unable to estimate the effect on our financial condition or results of operations or the amount and timing of such required expenditures.

SOLID WASTE

We generate non-hazardous and minimal quantities of hazardous solid wastes that are subject to the requirements of the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and analogous or more stringent state statutes. We are not currently required to comply with a substantial portion of RCRA requirements because our operations generate minimal quantities of hazardous wastes. However, it is possible that additional wastes, which could include wastes currently generated during operations, will also be designated as “hazardous wastes.” Hazardous wastes are subject to more rigorous and costly disposal requirements than are non-hazardous wastes.

 

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HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, referred to as CERCLA and also known as Superfund, and analogous or more stringent state laws, impose liability, without regard to fault or the legality of the original act, on some classes of persons that contributed to the release of a “hazardous substance” into the environment. These persons include the owner or operator of the site and entities that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substances found at the site. CERCLA also authorizes the EPA and, in some instances, third parties to act in response to threats to the public health or the environment and to seek recovery from the responsible classes of persons for the costs that they incur. In the course of our ordinary operations, we may generate waste that falls within CERCLA’s definition of a “hazardous substance.”

We currently own or lease, and have in the past owned or leased, properties where hydrocarbons are being or have been handled. Although we believe that we have utilized operating and disposal practices that were standard in the industry at the time, hydrocarbons or other wastes may have been disposed of or released on or under the properties owned or leased by us or on or under other locations where these wastes have been taken for disposal. In addition, we acquired many of these properties from third parties, and we did not control those third parties’ treatment and disposal or release of hydrocarbons or other wastes was not under our control. These properties and wastes disposed thereon may be subject to CERCLA, RCRA and analogous state laws. Under these laws, we could be required to remove or remediate previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators), to clean up contaminated property (including contaminated groundwater) or to perform remedial operations to prevent future contamination. In addition, we may be exposed to joint and several liability under CERCLA for all or part of the costs required to clean up sites at which hazardous substances may have been disposed of or released into the environment.

While remediation of subsurface contamination is in process at several of our facilities, based on current available information, we believe that the cost of these activities will not materially affect our financial condition or results of operations. Such costs, however, are often unpredictable and, therefore, there can be no assurances that the future costs will not become material.

PIPELINE INTEGRITY AND SAFETY

Our pipelines are subject to extensive federal and state laws and regulations governing pipeline integrity and safety. The federal Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002 and its implementing regulations (collectively, PSIA) generally require pipeline operators to maintain qualification programs for key pipeline operating personnel, to review and update their existing pipeline safety public education programs, to provide information for the National Pipeline Mapping System, to maintain spill response plans, to conduct spill response training and to implement integrity management programs for pipelines that could affect high consequence areas (i.e., areas with concentrated populations, navigable waterways and other unusually sensitive areas). While compliance with PSIA and analogous or more stringent state laws may affect our capital expenditures and operating expenses, we believe that the cost of such compliance will not materially affect our competitive position or have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

The Pipeline Inspection, Protection, Enforcement, and Safety Act of 2006 (PIPES Act) became effective in December 2006. The PIPES Act included requirements to strengthen damage prevention measures designed to protect pipelines from excavation damage, eliminate an exemption from regulation for certain low-stress hazardous liquid pipelines, and require pipeline operators to manage human factors in pipeline control centers, including controller fatigue. While implementation of the PIPES Act is imposing additional operating requirements on pipeline operators, we do not believe that the costs of compliance with the PIPES Act will have a material effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

 

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RISK FACTORS

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash from operations to enable us to pay distributions at current levels to our unitholders every quarter.

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

 

   

throughput volumes transported in our pipelines;

 

   

lease renewals or throughput volumes in our terminals and storage facilities;

 

   

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

 

   

the results of our marketing, trading and hedging activities, which fluctuate depending upon the relationship between refined product prices and prices of crude oil and other feedstocks;

 

   

demand for crude oil, refined products and anhydrous ammonia;

 

   

the effect of worldwide energy conservation measures;

 

   

our operating costs;

 

   

weather conditions;

 

   

domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes; and

 

   

prevailing economic conditions.

In addition, the amount of cash that we will have available for distribution will depend on other factors, including:

 

   

our debt service requirements and restrictions on distributions contained in our current or future debt agreements;

 

   

the sources of cash used to fund our acquisitions;

 

   

our capital expenditures;

 

   

fluctuations in our working capital needs;

 

   

issuances of debt and equity securities; and

 

   

adjustments in cash reserves made by our general partner, in its discretion.

Because of these factors, we may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to continue paying distributions at their current level or at all. Furthermore, cash distributions to our unitholders depend primarily upon cash flow, including cash flow from financial reserves and working capital borrowings, and not solely on profitability, which is affected by non-cash items. Therefore, we may make cash distributions during periods when we record net losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when we record net income.

Reduced demand for refined products could affect our results of operations and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Any sustained decrease in demand for refined products in the markets served by our pipelines, terminals or refineries could result in a significant reduction in throughputs in our pipelines, storage in our terminals or sales of asphalt and other refined products, which would reduce our cash flow and our ability to make distributions to our unitholders. Factors that could lead to a decrease in market demand include:

 

   

a recession or other adverse economic condition that results in lower spending by consumers on gasoline, diesel and travel;

 

   

higher fuel taxes or other governmental or regulatory actions that increase, directly or indirectly, the cost of gasoline;

 

   

a decrease in spending on construction projects, including road paving and maintenance;

 

   

an increase in automotive engine fuel economy, whether as a result of a shift by consumers to more fuel-efficient vehicles or technological advances by manufacturers;

 

   

an increase in the market price of crude oil that leads to higher refined product prices, including asphalt prices, which may reduce demand for refined products and drive demand for alternative products. Market prices for crude oil and refined products, including asphalt, are subject to wide fluctuation in response to changes in global and regional supply that are beyond our control, and increases in the price of crude oil may result in a lower demand for refined products, including asphalt;

 

   

a decrease in corn acres planted, which may reduce demand for anhydrous ammonia; and

 

   

the increased use of alternative fuel sources, such as battery-powered engines.

 

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A decrease in lease renewals or throughputs in our assets would cause our revenues to decline and could adversely affect our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders.

A decrease in lease renewals or throughputs in our assets would cause our revenues to decline and could adversely affect our ability to make cash distributions to our unitholders. Such a decrease could result from a customer’s failure to renew a lease, a temporary or permanent decline in the amount of crude oil or refined products stored at and transported from the refineries we serve and own or construction by our competitors of new transportation or storage assets in the markets we serve. Factors that could result in such a decline include:

 

   

a material decrease in the supply of crude oil;

 

   

a material decrease in demand for refined products in the markets served by our pipelines, terminals and refineries;

 

   

scheduled refinery turnarounds or unscheduled refinery maintenance;

 

   

operational problems or catastrophic events at a refinery;

 

   

environmental proceedings or other litigation that compel the cessation of all or a portion of the operations at a refinery;

 

   

a decision by our current customers to redirect refined products transported in our pipelines to markets not served by our pipelines or to transport crude oil or refined products by means other than our pipelines;

 

   

increasingly stringent environmental regulations; or

 

   

a decision by our current customers to sell one or more of the refineries we serve to a purchaser that elects not to use our pipelines and terminals.

Our asphalt refineries are dependent upon a steady supply of crude oil from PDVSA, the national oil company of Venezuela, and decisions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to decrease production of crude oil, as well as the Venezuelan economic and political environment, may disrupt our supply of crude oil.

We have an agreement with PDVSA, pursuant to which PDVSA agrees to sell and we agree to purchase an annual average of 75,000 barrels per day of crude oil. OPEC cuts, coupled with Venezuela’s recent political, economic and social turmoil could have a severe impact on PDVSA’s production or delivery of crude oil. In the event PDVSA reduces its production or delivery of Boscán or Bachaquero BCF-13, the crude oil for which our refineries are currently optimized, we will be forced to replace all or a portion of the crude oil we would normally have purchased under our PDVSA crude oil supply contract with purchases of crude oil on the spot market, potentially at a price less favorable than we would have obtained under the PDVSA crude oil supply contract. It is possible that processing a more significant proportion of alternate crudes could result in reduced refinery run rates, significantly reduced production and additional capital expenditures, which could be material. Accordingly, any major disruption of our supply of crude oil from Venezuela could result in substantially lower revenues and additional volatility in our earnings and cash flow.

Our operations are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions, and we do not insure against all potential losses. Therefore, we could be seriously harmed by unexpected liabilities.

Our operations are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions such as natural disasters, adverse weather, accidents, fires, explosions, hazardous materials releases, mechanical failures and other events beyond our control. These events might result in a loss of equipment or life, injury or extensive property damage, as well as an interruption in our operations. In the event any of our facilities are forced to shut down for a significant period of time, it may have a material adverse effect on our earnings, our other results of operations and our financial condition as a whole.

We may not be able to maintain or obtain insurance of the type and amount we desire at reasonable rates. As a result of market conditions, premiums and deductibles for certain of our insurance policies have increased substantially and could escalate further. Certain insurance coverage could become unavailable or available only for reduced amounts of coverage and at higher rates. For example, our insurance carriers require broad exclusions for losses due to terrorist acts. If we were to incur a significant liability for which we are not fully insured, such a liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and our ability to make distributions to our unitholders and to meet our debt service requirements.

The price volatility of crude oil and refined products can reduce our revenues and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Revenues associated with our asphalt operations result from the refining of crude oil into asphalt and other products and the sale of those products. The price and market value of crude oil and refined products is volatile. Our revenues will be adversely affected by this volatility during periods of decreasing prices because of the reduction in the value and resale price of our inventory. Future price volatility could have an adverse impact on our results of operations, cash flow and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

 

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Our financial results are affected by volatile asphalt and intermediate product refining margins.

A large portion of our earnings from our asphalt operations are affected by the relationship, or margin, between asphalt and other intermediate product prices and the prices for crude oil and other feedstocks. Our cost to acquire feedstocks and the price at which we can ultimately sell asphalt and other intermediate products depend upon several factors beyond our control, including regional and global supply of and demand for crude oil, asphalt and other feedstocks and intermediate and refined products. These in turn depend on, among other things, the availability and quantity of imports, the production levels of domestic and foreign suppliers, levels of intermediate and refined product inventories, the United States relationships with foreign governments, political affairs and the extent of governmental regulation.

Additionally, crude oil prices and prices for the asphalt and intermediate products produced by our asphalt operations may not fluctuate consistently. Typically, increases in the prices of asphalt and intermediate products lag behind increases in the price of crude oil. Furthermore, much of the asphalt produced by our asphalt operations is marketed to satisfy governmental contracts. The governmental agencies with which we or our customers contract may have budgetary or other constraints that limit their ability to absorb increases to asphalt prices. Our results of operations in our asphalt and fuels marketing segment will suffer if the market prices of asphalt and intermediate products do not increase as much as the price of crude oil. Our increased exposure to unstable commodity prices will increase the volatility of our earnings.

The operating results for our asphalt operations are seasonal and generally lower in the first and fourth quarters of the year.

The selling prices of asphalt products we produce are seasonal. Asphalt demand is generally lower in the first and fourth quarters of the year as compared to the second and third quarters, due to the seasonality of road construction. In addition, our natural gas costs can be higher during the winter months. Our operating results for the first and fourth calendar quarters will likely be lower than those for the second and third calendar quarters of each year as a result of this seasonality.

Competition in the asphalt industry is intense, and such competition in the markets in which we sell our asphalt products could adversely affect our earnings and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Our asphalt operations compete with other refiners and with regional and national asphalt marketing companies. Many of these competitors are larger, more diverse companies with greater resources, providing them advantages in obtaining crude oil and other blendstocks and in competing through bidding process for asphalt supply contracts.

Our marketing and trading of crude oil and refined products may expose us to trading losses and hedging losses, and non-compliance with our risk management policies could result in significant financial losses.

Our marketing and trading of crude oil and refined products may expose us to price volatility risk for the purchase and sale of crude oil and petroleum products, including gasoline, distillates, fuel oil and asphalt. We attempt to mitigate this volatility risk through hedging, but we are still exposed to basis risk. We may also be exposed to inventory and financial liquidity risk due to the inability to trade certain products or rising costs of carrying some inventories. Further, our marketing and trading activities, including any hedging activities, may cause volatility in our earnings. In addition, we will be exposed to credit risk in the event of non-performance by counterparties.

Our risk management policies may not eliminate all price risk since open trading positions will expose us to price volatility. Further, there is a risk that our risk management policies will not be complied with. Although we have designed procedures to anticipate and detect non-compliance, we cannot assure you that these steps will detect and prevent all violations of our trading policies and procedures, particularly if deception and other intentional misconduct are involved.

As a result of the risks described above, the activities associated with our marketing and trading business may expose us to volatility in earnings and financial losses, which may adversely affect our financial condition and our ability to distribute cash to our unitholders.

Hedging transactions may limit our potential gains or result in significant financial losses.

In order to manage our exposure to commodity price fluctuations associated with our asphalt and fuels marketing segment, we may engage in crude oil and refined product hedges. While intended to reduce the effects of volatile crude oil and refined product prices, such transactions, depending on the hedging instrument used, may limit our potential gains if crude oil and refined product prices were to rise substantially over the price established by the hedge. In addition, such transactions may expose us to the risk of financial loss in certain circumstances, including instances in which:

 

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production is substantially less than expected;

 

   

the counterparties to our futures contracts fail to perform under the contracts; or

 

   

there is a change in the expected differential between the underlying price in the hedging agreement and the actual prices received.

The accounting standards regarding hedge accounting are complex, and even when we engage in hedging transactions that are effective economically, these transactions may not be considered effective for accounting purposes. Accordingly, our financial statements will reflect increased volatility due to these hedges, even when there is no underlying economic impact at that point. In addition, it is not possible for us to engage in a hedging transaction that completely mitigates our exposure to commodity prices. Our financial statements may reflect a gain or loss arising from an exposure to commodity prices for which we are unable to enter into an effective hedge.

We are exposed to counterparty credit risk. Nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers, vendors or derivative counterparties could reduce our revenues, increase our expenses or otherwise negatively impact our operating results, cash flows and ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

We are subject to risks of loss resulting from nonpayment or nonperformance by our customers to whom we extend credit. In addition, nonperformance by vendors who have committed to provide us with products or services could result in higher costs or interfere with our ability to successfully conduct our business. Furthermore, nonpayment by the counterparties to our interest rate and commodity derivatives could expose us to additional interest rate or commodity price risk. Weak economic conditions and widespread financial stress could reduce the liquidity of our customers, vendors or counterparties, making it more difficult for them to meet their obligations to us. Any substantial increase in the nonpayment and nonperformance by our customers, vendors or counterparties could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows and ability to make distributions to unitholders.

Our future financial and operating flexibility may be adversely affected by our significant leverage, our significant working capital needs, restrictions in our debt agreements and disruptions in the financial markets.

As of December 31, 2010, our consolidated debt was $2.1 billion. Among other things, our significant leverage may be viewed negatively by credit rating agencies, which could result in increased costs for us to access the capital markets. NuStar Logistics and NuPOP have senior unsecured ratings of Baa3 with Moody’s Investor Service and BBB minus with Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s have assigned NuStar Logistics and NuPOP a stable outlook. Any future downgrade of the debt issued by these wholly owned subsidiaries could significantly increase our capital costs and adversely affect our ability to raise capital in the future. Additionally, any ratings downgrade on the debt issued by NuStar Logistics could result in an adjustment to the interest rates on the bonds issued by NuStar Logistics in April 2008, which would significantly increase our capital costs and adversely affect our ability to raise capital in the future.

We require significant amounts of working capital to make purchases of crude oil and maintain necessary seasonal inventories to support our asphalt operations. We believe that our current sources of capital are adequate to meet our working capital needs. However, if our working capital needs increase more than anticipated, we may be forced to seek additional sources of capital, which may not be available or available on commercially reasonable terms.

Our five-year revolving credit agreement (the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement) contains restrictive covenants, including a requirement that, as of the end of each rolling period, which consists of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, we maintain a consolidated debt coverage ratio (consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement) not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00. Failure to comply with any of the restrictive covenants in the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement will result in a default under the terms of our credit agreement and could result in acceleration of this and possibly other indebtedness.

Debt service obligations, restrictive covenants in our credit facilities and the indentures governing our outstanding senior notes and maturities resulting from this leverage may adversely affect our ability to finance future operations, pursue acquisitions and fund other capital needs and our ability to pay cash distributions to our unitholders. In addition, this leverage may make our results of operations more susceptible to adverse economic or operating conditions. For example, during an event of default under any of our debt agreements, we would be prohibited from making cash distributions to our unitholders.

 

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If our lenders file for bankruptcy or experience severe financial hardship, they may not honor their pro rata share of our borrowing requests under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement, which may significantly reduce our available borrowing capacity and, as a result, materially adversely affect our financial condition and ability to pay distributions to our unitholders.

Additionally, we may not be able to access the capital markets in the future at economically attractive terms, which may adversely affect our future financial and operating flexibility and our ability to pay cash distributions at current levels.

Increases in interest rates could adversely affect our business and the trading price of our units.

We have significant exposure to increases in interest rates. At December 31, 2010, we had approximately $2.1 billion of consolidated debt, of which $1.0 billion was at fixed interest rates and $1.1 billion was at variable interest rates after giving effect to interest rate swap agreements. Our results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be materially adversely affected by significant increases in interest rates above current levels. Further, the trading price of our units is sensitive to changes in interest rates and any rise in interest rates could adversely impact such trading price.

We could be subject to damages based on claims brought against us by our customers or lose customers as a result of the failure of our products to meet certain quality specifications.

Our specialty asphalt products are produced to precise customer specifications. If a product fails to perform in a manner consistent with the detailed quality specifications required by the customer, the customer could seek replacement of the product or damages for costs incurred as a result of the product failing to perform as guaranteed. A successful claim or series of claims against us could result in a loss of one or more customers.

If we are unable to complete capital projects at their expected costs and/or in a timely manner, or if the market conditions assumed in our project economics deteriorate, our financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be affected materially and adversely.

Delays or cost increases related to capital spending programs involving construction of new facilities (or improvements and repairs to our existing facilities) could adversely affect our ability to achieve forecasted operating results. Although we evaluate and monitor each capital spending project and try to anticipate difficulties that may arise, such delays or cost increases may arise as a result of factors that are beyond our control, including:

 

   

denial or delay in issuing requisite regulatory approvals and/or permits;

 

   

unplanned increases in the cost of construction materials or labor;

 

   

disruptions in transportation of modular components and/or construction materials;

 

   

severe adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, or other events (such as equipment malfunctions, explosions, fires, spills) affecting our facilities, or those of vendors and suppliers;

 

   

shortages of sufficiently skilled labor, or labor disagreements resulting in unplanned work stoppages;

 

   

market-related increases in a project’s debt or equity financing costs; and/or

 

   

nonperformance by, or disputes with, vendors, suppliers, contractors, or sub-contractors involved with a project.

Our forecasted operating results also are based upon our projections of future market fundamentals that are not within our control, including changes in general economic conditions, availability to our customers of attractively priced alternative supplies of crude oil and refined products and overall customer demand.

Potential future acquisitions and expansions, if any, may increase substantially the level of our indebtedness and contingent liabilities, and we may be unable to integrate them effectively into our existing operations.

From time to time, we evaluate and acquire assets and businesses that we believe complement or diversify our existing assets and businesses. Acquisitions may require substantial capital or the incurrence of substantial indebtedness. If we consummate any future material acquisitions, our capitalization and results of operations may change significantly.

Acquisitions and business expansions involve numerous risks, including difficulties in the assimilation of the assets and operations of the acquired businesses, inefficiencies and difficulties that arise because of unfamiliarity with new assets and the businesses associated with them and new geographic areas. Further, unexpected costs and challenges may arise whenever businesses with different operations or management are combined and we may experience unanticipated delays in realizing the benefits of an acquisition. In some cases, we have indemnified the previous owners and operators of acquired assets.

 

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Following an acquisition, we may discover previously unknown liabilities associated with the acquired business for which we have no recourse under applicable indemnification provisions. In addition, the terms of an acquisition may require us to assume certain prior known or unknown liabilities for which we may not be indemnified or have adequate insurance.

Climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives may decrease demand for the products we store, transport and sell and increase our operating costs.

Recent scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, commonly referred to as “greenhouse gases” and including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. In response to such studies, the United States Congress is actively considering legislation to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, at least one-third of the states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily through the planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventories and/or greenhouse gas cap and trade programs. As an alternative to reducing emission of greenhouse gases under cap and trade programs, Congress may consider the implementation of a program to tax the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. In December 2009, the EPA issued an endangerment finding that greenhouse gases may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare and are a pollutant to be regulated under the Clean Air Act. Passage of climate change legislation or other regulatory initiatives by Congress or various states of the United States or the adoption of regulations by the EPA or analogous state agencies that regulate or restrict emissions of greenhouse gases in areas in which we conduct business, could result in changes to the demand for the products we store, transport and sell, and could increase the costs of our operations, including costs to operate and maintain our facilities, install new emission controls on our facilities, acquire allowances to authorize our greenhouse gas emissions, pay any taxes related to our greenhouse gas emissions and administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. We may be unable to recover any such lost revenues or increased costs in the rates we charge our customers, and any such recovery may depend on events beyond our control, including the outcome of future rate proceedings before the FERC and the provisions of any final legislation or regulations. Reductions in our revenues or increases in our expenses as a result of climate control initiatives could have adverse effects on our business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.

We may not be able to integrate effectively and efficiently with future businesses or operations we may acquire. Any future acquisitions may substantially increase the levels of our indebtedness and contingent liabilities.

Part of our business strategy includes acquiring additional assets that complement our existing asset base and distribution capabilities or provide entry into new markets. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisitions, or we may not be able to purchase or finance any acquisitions on terms that we find acceptable. Additionally, we compete against other companies for acquisitions, and we may not be successful in the acquisition of any assets or businesses appropriate for our growth strategy. Our capitalization and results of operations may change significantly as a result of future acquisitions, and you will not have the opportunity to evaluate the economic, financial and other relevant information that we will consider in connection with any future acquisitions. Unexpected costs or challenges may arise whenever businesses with different operations and management are combined. For example, the incurrence of substantial unforeseen environmental and other liabilities, including liabilities arising from the operation of an acquired business or asset prior to our acquisition for which we are not indemnified or for which indemnity is inadequate, may adversely affect our ability to realize the anticipated benefit from an acquisition. Inefficiencies and difficulties may arise because of unfamiliarity with new assets and new geographic areas of any acquired businesses. Successful business combinations will require our management and other personnel to devote significant amounts of time to integrating the acquired businesses with our existing operations. These efforts may temporarily distract their attention from day-to-day business, the development or acquisition of new properties and other business opportunities. If we do not successfully integrate any past or future acquisitions, or if there is any significant delay in achieving such integration, our business and financial condition could be adversely affected.

We may have liabilities from our assets that pre-exist our acquisition of those assets, but that may not be covered by indemnification rights we will have against the sellers of the assets.

Some of our assets have been used for many years to refine, transport and store crude oil and refined products. Releases may have occurred in the past that could require costly future remediation. If a significant release or event occurred in the past, the liability for which was not retained by the seller, or for which indemnification by the seller is not available, it could adversely affect our financial position and results of operations.

 

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Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and operational safety that could require us to make substantial expenditures.

Our operations are subject to increasingly stringent environmental and safety laws and regulations. Refining, transporting and storing petroleum and other products, such as specialty liquids, produces a risk that these products may be released into the environment, potentially causing substantial expenditures for a response action, significant government penalties, liability to government agencies for damages to natural resources, personal injury or property damages to private parties and significant business interruption. We own or lease a number of properties that have been used to store or distribute refined products for many years. Many of these properties were operated by third parties whose handling, disposal or release of hydrocarbons and other wastes was not under our control.

If we were to incur a significant liability pursuant to environmental or safety laws or regulations, such a liability could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, our ability to make distributions to our unitholders and our ability to meet our debt service requirements. Please read Item 3. “Legal Proceedings” and Note 13 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.”

Some of our pipelines are interstate common carrier pipelines, subject to regulation by the FERC.

The FERC regulates the tariff rates for interstate oil movements on our common carrier pipelines. Shippers may protest our pipeline tariff filings, and the FERC may investigate new or changed tariff rates. Further, other than for rates set under market-based rate authority, the FERC may order refunds of amounts collected under newly filed rates that are determined by the FERC to be in excess of a just and reasonable level when taking into consideration our pipeline system’s cost of service. In addition, shippers may challenge by complaint the lawfulness of tariff rates that have become final and effective. The FERC may also investigate such rates absent shipper complaint. If existing rates challenged by complaint are determined by the FERC to be in excess of a just and reasonable level when taking into consideration our pipeline system’s cost of service, a shipper may obtain reparations for damages sustained during the two years prior to the filing of a complaint.

We use various FERC-authorized rate change methodologies for our interstate pipelines, including indexing, cost-of-service rates, market-based rates and settlement rates. Typically, we annually adjust our rates in accordance with FERC indexing methodology, which currently allows a pipeline to change their rates within prescribed ceiling levels that are tied to an inflation index. The current index (which runs through June 30, 2011) is measured by the year-over-year change in the Bureau of Labor’s producer price index for finished goods, plus 1.3%. Shippers may protest rate increases made within the ceiling levels, but such protests must show that the portion of the rate increase resulting from application of the index is substantially in excess of the pipeline’s increase in costs from the previous year. However, if the index results in a negative adjustment, we are required to reduce any rates that exceed the new maximum allowable rate. In addition, changes in the index might not be large enough to fully reflect actual increases in our costs. If the FERC’s rate-making methodologies change, any such change or new methodologies could result in rates that generate lower revenues and cash flow and could adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders and to meet our debt service requirements. Additionally, competition constrains our rates in various markets. As a result, we may from time to time be forced to reduce some of our rates to remain competitive.

Changes to FERC rate-making principles could have an adverse impact on our ability to recover the full cost of operating our pipeline facilities and our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

In May 2005, the FERC issued a statement of general policy stating it will permit pipelines to include in cost of service a tax allowance to reflect actual or potential tax liability on their public utility income attributable to all partnership or limited liability company interests, if the ultimate owner of the interest has an actual or potential income tax liability on such income. Whether a pipeline’s owners have such actual or potential income tax liability will be reviewed by the FERC on a case-by-case basis. Although this policy is generally favorable for pipelines that are organized as pass-through entities, it still entails rate risk due to the case-by-case review requirement. This tax allowance policy and the FERC’s application of that policy were appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (D.C. Court), and, on May 29, 2007, the D.C. Court issued an opinion upholding the FERC’s tax allowance policy.

In December 2006, the FERC issued an order addressing income tax allowance in rates, in which it reaffirmed prior statements regarding its income tax allowance policy, but raised a new issue regarding the implications of the FERC’s policy statement for publicly traded partnerships. The FERC noted that the tax deferral features of a publicly traded partnership may cause some investors to receive, for some indeterminate duration, cash distributions in excess of their taxable income, creating an opportunity for those investors to earn additional return, funded by ratepayers. Responding to

 

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this concern, FERC adjusted the equity rate of return of the pipeline at issue downward based on the percentage by which the publicly traded partnership’s cash flow exceeded taxable income. Requests for rehearing of the order are currently pending before the FERC.

Because the extent to which an interstate oil pipeline is entitled to an income tax allowance is subject to a case-by-case review at the FERC, the level of income tax allowance to which we will ultimately be entitled is not certain. Although the FERC’s current income tax allowance policy is generally favorable for pipelines that are organized as pass-through entities, it still entails rate risks due to the case-by-case review requirement. How the FERC’s policy statement is applied in practice to pipelines owned by publicly traded partnerships could impose limits on our ability to include a full income tax allowance in cost of service.

The FERC instituted a rulemaking proceeding in July 2007 to determine whether any changes should be made to the FERC’s methodology for determining pipeline equity returns to be included in cost-of-service based rates. The FERC determined that it would retain its current methodology for determining return on equity but that, when stock prices and cash distributions of tax pass-through entities are used in the return on equity calculations, the growth forecasts for those entities should be reduced by 50%. Despite the FERC’s determination, some complainants in rate proceedings have advocated that the FERC disallow the full use of cash distributions in the return on equity calculation. If the FERC were to disallow the use of full cash distributions in the return on equity calculation, such a result might adversely affect our ability to achieve a reasonable return.

The rates that we may charge on our interstate ammonia pipeline are subject to regulation by the STB.

The STB, a part of the DOT, has jurisdiction over interstate pipeline transportation and rate regulations of anhydrous ammonia. Transportation rates must be reasonable, and a pipeline carrier may not unreasonably discriminate among its shippers. If the STB finds that a carrier’s rates violate these statutory commands, it may prescribe a reasonable rate. In determining a reasonable rate, the STB will consider, among other factors, the effect of the rate on the volumes transported by that carrier, the carrier’s revenue needs and the availability of other economic transportation alternatives. The STB does not provide rate relief unless shippers lack effective competitive alternatives. If the STB determines that effective competitive alternatives are not available and we hold market power, then we may be required to show that our rates are reasonable.

Increases in natural gas and power prices could adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Power costs constitute a significant portion of our operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2010, our power costs equaled approximately $52.1 million, or 11% of our operating expenses for the year. In addition, $17.6 million of power costs were capitalized into inventory related to our asphalt refineries, which will be expensed into cost of product sales as the inventory is sold. We use mainly electric power at our pipeline pump stations, terminals and refineries, and such electric power is furnished by various utility companies that use primarily natural gas to generate electricity. Accordingly, our power costs typically fluctuate with natural gas prices. Increases in natural gas prices may cause our power costs to increase further. If natural gas prices increase, our cash flows may be adversely affected, which could adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

Terrorist attacks and the threat of terrorist attacks have resulted in increased costs to our business. Continued hostilities in the Middle East or other sustained military campaigns may adversely impact our results of operations.

Increased security measures we have taken as a precaution against possible terrorist attacks have resulted in increased costs to our business. Uncertainty surrounding continued hostilities in the Middle East or other sustained military campaigns may affect our operations in unpredictable ways, including disruptions of crude oil supplies and markets for refined products, the possibility that infrastructure facilities could be direct targets of, or indirect casualties of, an act of terror and instability in the financial markets that could restrict our ability to raise capital.

Our cash distribution policy may limit our growth.

Consistent with the terms of our partnership agreement, we distribute our available cash to our unitholders each quarter. In determining the amount of cash available for distribution, our management sets aside cash reserves, which we use to fund our growth capital expenditures. Additionally, we have relied upon external financing sources, including commercial borrowings and other debt and equity issuances, to fund our acquisition capital expenditures. Accordingly, to the extent we do not have sufficient cash reserves or are unable to finance growth externally, our cash distribution policy will significantly impair our ability to grow. In addition, to the extent we issue additional units in connection with any acquisitions or growth capital expenditures, the payment of distributions on those additional units may increase the risk that we will be unable to maintain or increase our current per unit distribution level.

 

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NuStar GP Holdings may have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary responsibilities, which may permit it to favor its own interests to the detriment of our unitholders.

NuStar GP Holdings currently indirectly owns our general partner and as of December 31, 2010, an aggregate 15.6% limited partner interest in us. Conflicts of interest may arise between NuStar GP Holdings and its affiliates, including our general partner, on the one hand, and us and our limited partners, on the other hand. As a result of these conflicts, the general partner may favor its own interests and the interests of its affiliates over the interests of our unitholders. These conflicts include, among others, the following situations:

 

   

Our general partner is allowed to take into account the interests of parties other than us, such as NuStar GP Holdings, in resolving conflicts of interest, which has the effect of limiting its fiduciary duty to the unitholders;

 

   

Our general partner may limit its liability and reduce its fiduciary duties, while also restricting the remedies available to unitholders. As a result of purchasing our common units, unitholders have consented to some actions and conflicts of interest that might otherwise constitute a breach of fiduciary or other duties under applicable state law;

 

   

Our general partner determines the amount and timing of asset purchases and sales, capital expenditures, borrowings, issuance of additional limited partner interests and reserves, each of which can affect the amount of cash that is paid to our unitholders;

 

   

Our general partner determines in its sole discretion which costs incurred by NuStar GP Holdings and its affiliates are reimbursable by us;

 

   

Our general partner may cause us to pay the general partner or its affiliates for any services rendered on terms that are fair and reasonable to us or enter into additional contractual arrangements with any of these entities on our behalf;

 

   

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

 

   

In some instances, our general partner may cause us to borrow funds in order to permit the payment of distributions.

Our partnership agreement gives the general partner broad discretion in establishing financial reserves for the proper conduct of our business, including interest payments. These reserves also will affect the amount of cash available for distribution.

TAX RISKS TO OUR UNITHOLDERS

If we were treated as a corporation for federal or state income tax purposes, then our cash available for distribution to unitholders would be substantially reduced.

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

If we were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay federal income tax on our taxable income at the corporate tax rate, which is currently a maximum of 35%. Distributions to unitholders would generally be taxed again as corporate distributions, and no income, gains, losses, deductions or credits would flow through to unitholders. Thus, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in our anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to unitholders, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our units.

Current law may change, causing us to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or otherwise subjecting us to entity-level taxation. In addition, because of widespread state budget deficits, several states are evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise or other forms of taxation. Partnerships and limited liability companies, unless specifically exempted, are also subject to a state-level tax imposed on revenues. Imposition of any entity-level tax on us by states in which we operate will reduce the cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

A successful IRS contest of the federal income tax positions we take may adversely impact the market for our units, and the costs of any contest will reduce cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

The IRS may adopt positions that differ from the positions we take, even positions taken with the advice of counsel. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of the positions we take. A court may not agree with all of the positions we take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market

 

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for our units and the prices at which they trade. In addition, the costs of any contest between us and the IRS will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution to our unitholders. Moreover, the costs of any contest between us and the IRS will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution to our unitholders and thus will be borne indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner.

Even if unitholders do not receive any cash distributions from us, they will be required to pay taxes on their respective share of our taxable income.

Unitholders will be required to pay federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local income taxes on the unitholder’s respective share of our taxable income, whether or not such unitholder receives cash distributions from us. Unitholders may not receive cash distributions from us equal to the unitholder’s respective share of our taxable income or even equal to the actual tax liability that results from the unitholder’s respective share of our taxable income.

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

A termination would, among other things, result in the closing of our taxable year for all unitholders and would result in a deferral of depreciation and cost recovery deductions allowable in computing our taxable income. If our partnership were terminated for federal income tax purposes, a NuStar Energy unitholder would be allocated an increased amount of federal taxable income for the year in which the partnership is considered terminated and the subsequent years as a percentage of the cash distributed to the unitholder with respect to that period.

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

If a unitholder sells units, the unitholder will recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and that unitholder’s tax basis in those units. Prior distributions to the unitholder in excess of the total net taxable income the unitholder was allocated for a unit, which decreased the tax basis in that unit, will, in effect, become taxable income to the unitholder if the unit is sold at a price greater than the tax basis in that unit, even if the price the unitholder receives is less than the original cost. A substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not representing gain, may be ordinary income to the selling unitholder.

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

Investment in units by tax-exempt entities, such as individual retirement accounts (known as IRAs) and non-United States persons raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to organizations exempt from federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and will be taxable to them. Distributions to non-United States persons will be reduced by withholding taxes at the highest applicable effective tax rate, and non-United States persons will be required to file United States federal income tax returns and pay tax on their share of our taxable income.

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

Because we cannot match transferors and transferees of units, we will adopt depreciation and amortization positions that may not conform to all aspects of existing Treasury regulations. A successful IRS challenge to those positions could adversely affect the amount of tax benefits available to unitholders. It also could affect the timing of these tax benefits or the amount of gain from any sale of units and could have a negative impact on the value of our units or result in audit adjustments to a unitholder’s tax returns.

Unitholders will likely be subject to state and local taxes and return filing requirements as a result of investing in our units.

In addition to federal income taxes, unitholders will likely be subject to other taxes, such as state and local income taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by various jurisdictions in which we do business or own property. Unitholders will likely be required to file state and local income tax returns and pay state and local income taxes in some or all of these various jurisdictions. Further, unitholders may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. We may own property or conduct business in other states or foreign countries in the future. It is each unitholder’s responsibility to file all federal, state or local tax returns.

 

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

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

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

PROPERTIES

Our principal properties are described above under the caption “Segments,” and that information is incorporated herein by reference. We believe that we have satisfactory title to all of our assets. Although title to these properties is subject to encumbrances in some cases, such as customary interests generally retained in connection with acquisition of real property, liens related to environmental liabilities associated with historical operations, liens for current taxes and other burdens and easements, restrictions and other encumbrances to which the underlying properties were subject at the time of acquisition by us or our predecessors, we believe that none of these burdens will materially detract from the value of these properties or from our interest in these properties or will materially interfere with their use in the operation of our business. In addition, we believe that we have obtained sufficient right-of-way grants and permits from public authorities and private parties for us to operate our business in all material respects as described in this report. We perform scheduled maintenance on all of our refineries, pipelines, terminals, crude oil tanks and related equipment and make repairs and replacements when necessary or appropriate. We believe that our refineries, pipelines, terminals, crude oil tanks and related equipment have been constructed and are maintained in all material respects in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws and the regulations and standards prescribed by the American Petroleum Institute, the DOT and accepted industry practice.

 

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are named as a defendant in litigation relating to our normal business operations, including regulatory and environmental matters. We are insured against various business risks to the extent we believe is prudent; however, we cannot assure you that the nature and amount of such insurance will be adequate, in every case, to protect us against liabilities arising from future legal proceedings as a result of our ordinary business activity.

GRACE ENERGY CORPORATION MATTER

In 1997, Grace Energy Corporation (Grace Energy) sued subsidiaries of Kaneb Pipeline Partners, L.P. (KPP) and Kaneb Services LLC (KSL and collectively with KPP and their respective subsidiaries, Kaneb) in Texas state court. We acquired Kaneb on July 1, 2005. The complaint sought recovery of the cost of remediation of fuel leaks in the 1970s from a pipeline that had once connected a former Grace Energy terminal with Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts (Otis AFB). Grace Energy alleges the Otis AFB pipeline and related environmental liabilities had been transferred in 1978 to an entity that was part of Kaneb’s acquisition of Support Terminal Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries from Grace Energy in 1993. Kaneb contends that it did not acquire the Otis AFB pipeline and never assumed any responsibility for any associated environmental damage.

In 2000, the court entered final judgment that: (i) Grace Energy could not recover its own remediation costs of $3.5 million, (ii) Kaneb owned the Otis AFB pipeline and its related environmental liabilities and (iii) Grace Energy was awarded $1.8 million in attorney costs. Both Kaneb and Grace Energy appealed the final judgment of the trial court to the Texas Court of Appeals in Dallas. In 2001, Grace Energy filed a petition in bankruptcy, which created an automatic stay of actions against Grace Energy. In September 2008, Grace Energy filed its Joint Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement.

The Otis AFB is a part of a Superfund Site pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). The site contains a number of groundwater contamination plumes, two of which are allegedly associated with the Otis AFB pipeline. Relying on the final judgment of the Texas state court assigning ownership of the Otis AFB pipeline to Kaneb, the United States Department of Justice (the DOJ) advised Kaneb in 2001 that it intends to seek reimbursement from Kaneb for the remediation costs associated with the two plumes. In November 2008, the DOJ forwarded information to us indicating that the past and estimated future remediation expenses associated with one plume are $71.9 million. The DOJ has indicated that they will not seek recovery of remediation costs for the second plume. The DOJ has not filed a lawsuit against us related to this matter, and we have not made any payments toward costs incurred by the DOJ. We are currently in settlement discussions with other potentially responsible parties and the DOJ, and a change in our estimate of this liability may occur in the near term. However, any settlement agreement that is reached must be approved by multiple parties and requires the approval of the bankruptcy court and the federal district court. We cannot currently estimate when or if a settlement will be finalized.

ERES MATTER

In August 2008, Eres N.V. (Eres) forwarded a demand for arbitration to CITGO Asphalt Refining Company (CARCO), CITGO Petroleum Corporation (CITGO), NuStar Asphalt Refining, LLC (NuStar Asphalt) and NuStar Marketing LLC (NuStar Marketing, and together with CARCO, CITGO and NuStar Asphalt, the Defendants) contending that the Defendants are in breach of a tanker voyage charter party agreement, dated November 2004, between Eres and CARCO (the Charter Agreement). The Charter Agreement provides for CARCO’s use of Eres’ vessels for the shipment of asphalt. Eres contends that NuStar Asphalt and/or NuStar Marketing (together, the NuStar Entities) assumed the Charter Agreement when NuStar Asphalt purchased the CARCO assets, and that the Defendants have failed to perform under the Charter Agreement since January 1, 2008. Eres has valued its damages for the alleged breach of contract claim at approximately $78.1 million. Pursuant to a May 2010 ruling by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, the NuStar Entities were found to have assumed the Charter Agreement from CARCO and to be obligated to defend and indemnify CITGO and CARCO against Eres’ claims. The Defendants were ordered to proceed with arbitration. We intend to vigorously defend against Eres’ claims in arbitration.

 

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ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY COMPLIANCE MATTERS

With respect to the environmental proceeding listed below, if it was decided against us, we believe that it would not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position. However, it is not possible to predict the ultimate outcome of any of the proceeding or whether such ultimate outcome may have a material effect on our consolidated financial position. We are reporting this proceeding to comply with Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, which require us to disclose proceedings arising under federal, state or local provisions regulating the discharge of materials into the environment or protecting the environment if we reasonably believe that such proceedings will result in monetary sanctions of $100,000 or more.

In particular, our wholly owned subsidiary, Shore Terminals LLC (Shore) owns a refined product terminal in Portland, Oregon located adjacent to the Portland Harbor. The EPA has classified portions of the Portland Harbor, including the portion adjacent to our terminal, as a federal “Superfund” site due to sediment contamination (the Portland Harbor Site). Portland Harbor is contaminated with metals (such as mercury), pesticides, herbicides, polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated byphenyls, semi-volatile organics and dioxin/furans. Shore and more than 80 other parties have received a “General Notice” of potential liability from the EPA relating to the Portland Harbor Site. The letter advised Shore that it may be liable for the costs of investigation and remediation (which liability may be joint and several with other potentially responsible parties), as well as for natural resource damages resulting from releases of hazardous substances to the Portland Harbor Site. We have agreed to work with more than 65 other potentially responsible parties to attempt to negotiate an agreed method of allocating costs associated with the cleanup. The precise nature and extent of any clean-up of the Portland Harbor Site, the parties to be involved, the process to be followed for any clean-up and the allocation of any costs for the clean-up among responsible parties have not yet been determined. It is unclear to what extent, if any, we will be liable for environmental costs or damages associated with the Portland Harbor Site. It is also unclear to what extent natural resource damage claims or third party contribution or damage claims will be asserted against Shore.

We are also a party to additional claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity. It is possible that if one or more of the matters described in Item 3. were decided against us, the effects could be material to our results of operations in the period in which we would be required to record or adjust the related liability and could also be material to our cash flows in the periods we would be required to pay such liability.

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

No matters were submitted to a vote of the unitholders, through solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON UNITS, RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF COMMON UNITS

Market Information, Holders and Distributions

Our common units are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NS.” At the close of business on February 8, 2011, we had 737 holders of record of our common units. The high and low sales prices (composite transactions) by quarter for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

    

Price Range of

Common Unit

    
    

High

       

Low

  
Year 2010            

4th Quarter

   $71.69       $61.76   

3rd Quarter

   61.92       55.51   

2nd Quarter

   64.50       51.80   

1st Quarter

   60.79       51.49   

 

Year 2009

           

4th Quarter

   $57.34       $50.54   

3rd Quarter

   57.20       50.51   

2nd Quarter

   57.68       45.51   

1st Quarter

   50.88       40.45   

The cash distributions applicable to each of the quarters in the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 were as follows:

 

    

Record Date

    

Payment Date

    

Amount
Per Unit

      

Year 2010

           

4th Quarter

     February 8, 2011         February 14, 2011       $ 1.0750      

3rd Quarter

     November 1, 2010         November 5, 2010         1.0750      

2nd Quarter

     August 6, 2010         August 13, 2010         1.0650      

1st Quarter

     May 7, 2010         May 14, 2010         1.0650      

 

Year 2009

           

4th Quarter

     February 5, 2010         February 12, 2010       $ 1.0650      

3rd Quarter

     November 5, 2009         November 12, 2009         1.0650      

2nd Quarter

     August 6, 2009         August 13, 2009         1.0575      

1st Quarter

     May 8, 2009         May 15, 2009         1.0575      

Our general partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount that we distribute with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels shown below:

 

    

Percentage of Distribution

   
    Quarterly Distribution Amount per Unit   

Unitholders

 

General Partner

 

Up to $0.60

   98%     2%  

Above $0.60 up to $0.66

   90%   10%  

Above $0.66

   75%   25%  

Our general partner’s incentive distributions for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 totaled $33.3 million and $28.7 million, respectively. The general partner’s share of our distributions for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 was 12.7% and 12.6%, respectively, due to the impact of the incentive distributions.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following table contains selected financial data derived from our audited financial statements.

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2010      2009      2008 (a)      2007      2006  
     (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)  

Statement of Income Data:

              

Revenues

   $   4,403,061       $   3,855,871       $   4,828,770       $   1,475,014       $   1,137,261   

Operating income

     302,557         273,316         310,073         192,599         212,899   

Income from continuing operations

     238,970         224,875         254,018         150,298         149,906   

Income from continuing operations per unit applicable to limited partners (b)

     3.19         3.47         4.22         2.73         2.82   

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

     4.280         4.245         4.085         3.835         3.600   
     December 31,  
     2010      2009      2008 (a)      2007      2006  
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Balance Sheet Data:

              

Property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 3,187,457       $ 3,028,196       $ 2,941,824       $ 2,492,086       $ 2,345,135   

Total assets

     5,386,393         4,774,673         4,459,597         3,783,087         3,494,208   

Long-term debt (less current portion)

     2,136,248         1,828,993         1,872,015         1,445,626         1,353,720   

Partners’ equity

     2,702,700         2,484,968         2,206,997         1,994,832         1,875,681   

 

(a) The significant increase in revenues, operating income, income from continuing operations and balance sheet data are primarily due to the acquisition of our asphalt operations in March 2008.
(b) In 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board provided additional guidance regarding the application of the two-class method to calculate earnings per unit for master limited partnerships, which was effective January 1, 2009. As a result, income from continuing operations per unit applicable to limited partners for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 changed from $2.74 and $2.84, respectively, previously reported.

 

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following review of our results of operations and financial condition should be read in conjunction with Items 1., 1A. and 2. “Business, Risk Factors and Properties” and Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” included in this report.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This Form 10-K contains certain estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions and other forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. While these forward-looking statements, and any assumptions upon which they are based, are made in good faith and reflect our current judgment regarding the direction of our business, actual results will almost always vary, sometimes materially, from any estimates, predictions, projections, assumptions or other future performance suggested in this report. These forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” “budgets,” “projects,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “may” and similar expressions. These statements reflect our current views with regard to future events and are subject to various risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Please read Item 1A. “Risk Factors” for a discussion of certain of those risks.

If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those described in any forward-looking statement. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also have material adverse effects on our future results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is as of the date of the Form 10-K. We do not intend to update these statements unless it is required by the securities laws to do so, and we undertake no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to any such forward-looking statements that may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this report or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

OVERVIEW

NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy) (NYSE: NS) is engaged in the terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt refining and fuels marketing. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar Energy L.P.,” “the Partnership,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar Energy, to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole. NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings) (NYSE: NSH) owns our general partner, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., and owns a 17.6% total interest in us as of December 31, 2010. Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is presented in six sections:

 

   

Overview

 

   

Results of Operations

 

   

Outlook

 

   

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

   

Related Party Transactions

 

   

Critical Accounting Policies

Acquisitions

On May 21, 2010, we acquired the capital stock of Asphalt Holdings, Inc. for $53.3 million, including liabilities assumed (Asphalt Holdings Acquisition). The Asphalt Holdings Acquisition includes three storage terminals with 24 storage tanks and an aggregate capacity of approximately 1.8 million barrels located in Alabama along the Mobile River. The consolidated statements of income include the results of operations for Asphalt Holdings, Inc. commencing on May 21, 2010.

On March 20, 2008, we acquired CITGO Asphalt Refining Company’s asphalt operations and assets (the East Coast Asphalt Operations), which included a 74,000 barrels per day asphalt refinery in Paulsboro, New Jersey, a 30,000 barrels per day asphalt refinery in Savannah, Georgia and three asphalt terminals in Paulsboro, New Jersey, Savannah, Georgia and Wilmington, North Carolina.

 

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Operations

We conduct our operations through our wholly owned subsidiaries, primarily NuStar Logistics, L.P. (NuStar Logistics) and NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P. (NuPOP). Our operations are divided into three reportable business segments: storage, transportation, and asphalt and fuels marketing. For a more detailed description of our segments, please refer to Segments under Item 1. “Business.”

Storage. We own terminal and storage facilities in the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, including St. Eustatius in the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and Mexico providing approximately 80.4 million barrels of storage capacity.

Transportation. We own common carrier refined product pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota covering approximately 5,605 miles, consisting of the Central West System, the East Pipeline and the North Pipeline. In addition, we own a 2,000 mile anhydrous ammonia pipeline located in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska. We also own 812 miles of crude oil pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Illinois, as well as associated crude oil storage facilities providing storage capacity of 1.9 million barrels in Texas and Oklahoma that are located along the crude oil pipelines.

Asphalt and Fuels Marketing. Our asphalt and fuels marketing segment includes our asphalt refining operations and our fuels marketing operations. We refine crude oil to produce asphalt and certain other refined products from our asphalt operations. We own two asphalt refineries with a combined throughput capacity of 104,000 barrels per day and related terminal facilities providing storage capacity of 5.0 million barrels. Additionally, as part of our fuels marketing operations, we purchase gasoline and other refined petroleum products for resale. The results of operations for the asphalt and fuels marketing segment depend largely on the gross margin between our cost and the sales price of the products we market. Therefore, the results of operations for this segment are more sensitive to changes in commodity prices compared to the operations of the storage and transportation segments.

We enter into derivative contracts to mitigate the effect of commodity price fluctuations. The derivative instruments we use consist primarily of futures contracts and swaps traded on the NYMEX for the purposes of hedging the price risk of our physical inventory. Not all of our derivative instruments qualify for hedge accounting treatment under United States generally accepted accounting principles. In such cases, we record the changes in the fair values of these derivative instruments in cost of product sales. The changes in the fair values of these derivative instruments generally are offset, at least partially, by changes in the values of the hedged physical inventory. However, we do not recognize those changes in the value of the hedged inventory until the physical sale of such inventory takes place. Therefore, our earnings for a period may include the gain or loss related to derivative instruments without including the offsetting effect of the hedged item, which could result in greater earnings volatility.

In addition, we value our inventory at the lower of cost or market. If changes in commodity prices result in market prices below the cost of our inventory, we may be required to reduce the value of our inventory to market.

Demand for certain of the products we market fluctuates seasonally. For example, demand for gasoline and asphalt is typically higher in the summer months than the winter months, whereas demand for heating oil is higher in the winter months than the summer months. Prices for these commodities generally are highest during those times of higher demand. In addition to purchasing inventory for immediate resale, we have and expect to continue to employ a strategy of purchasing inventory during times of lower demand and lower prices and storing that inventory until it can be sold at higher prices, which can cause the working capital necessary for the asphalt and fuels marketing segment to fluctuate. The absolute increase in the level of working capital, as well as the seasonal fluctuations, may require us to borrow additional amounts or utilize other sources of liquidity.

 

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The following factors affect the results of our operations:

 

   

company-specific factors, such as integrity issues and maintenance requirements that impact the throughput rates of our assets;

 

   

seasonal factors that affect the demand for products transported by and/or stored in our assets and the demand for products we sell, particularly asphalt;

 

   

industry factors, such as changes in the prices of petroleum products that affect demand and operations of our competitors;

 

   

factors such as commodity price volatility and market structure that impact our asphalt and fuels marketing segment; and

 

   

other factors, such as refinery utilization rates and maintenance turnaround schedules, that impact our refineries as well as the operations of refineries served by our storage and transportation assets.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2010 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2009

Financial Highlights

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit and Per Unit Data)

 

        Year Ended December 31,            
        2010         2009         Change  

Statement of Income Data:

       

Revenues:

           

Service revenues

  $     791,314      $     745,349      $     45,965   

Product sales

      3,611,747          3,110,522          501,225   
                             

Total revenues

      4,403,061          3,855,871          547,190   
                             

Costs and expenses:

           

Cost of product sales

      3,350,429          2,883,187          467,242   

Operating expenses

      486,032          458,892          27,140   

General and administrative expenses

      110,241          94,733          15,508   

Depreciation and amortization expense

      153,802          145,743          8,059   
                             

Total costs and expenses

      4,100,504          3,582,555          517,949   
                             

Operating income

      302,557          273,316          29,241   

Equity earnings from joint ventures

      10,500          9,615          885   

Interest expense, net

      (78,280       (79,384       1,104   

Other income, net

      15,934          31,859          (15,925
                             

Income before income tax expense

      250,711          235,406          15,305   

Income tax expense

      11,741          10,531          1,210   
                             

Net income

  $     238,970      $     224,875      $     14,095   
                             

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners

  $     3.19      $     3.47      $     (0.28
                             

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

      62,946,987          55,232,467          7,714,520   
                             

Annual Highlights

Net income increased $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to increased segment operating income, which was partially offset by an increase in general and administrative expenses and a decrease in other income.

Segment operating income increased $45.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, mainly due to increased operating income from our asphalt and fuels marketing segment. Operating income in our transportation and storage segments also increased compared to last year.

 

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Segment Operating Highlights

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Barrel/Day Information)

 

         Year Ended December 31,            
         2010         2009         Change  

Storage:

            

Throughput (barrels/day)

       669,435          667,169          2,266   

Throughput revenues

   $     75,605      $     78,353      $     (2,748

Storage lease revenues

       444,233          409,219          35,014   
                              

Total revenues

       519,838          487,572          32,266   

Operating expenses

       263,820          245,439          18,381   

Depreciation and amortization expense

       77,071          70,888          6,183   
                              

Segment operating income

   $     178,947      $     171,245      $     7,702   
                              

Transportation:

            

Refined products pipelines throughput (barrels/day)

       529,946          573,778          (43,832

Crude oil pipelines throughput (barrels/day)

       371,726          351,888          19,838   
                              

Total throughput (barrels/day)

       901,672          925,666          (23,994

Throughput revenues

   $     316,072      $     302,070      $     14,002   

Operating expenses

       116,884          111,673          5,211   

Depreciation and amortization expense

       50,617          50,528          89   
                              

Segment operating income

   $     148,571      $     139,869      $     8,702   
                              

Asphalt and Fuels Marketing:

            

Product sales

   $     3,615,890      $     3,110,522      $     505,368   

Cost of product sales

       3,371,854          2,899,457          472,397   
                              

Gross margin

       244,036          211,065          32,971   

Operating expenses

       132,918          130,973          1,945   

Depreciation and amortization expense

       20,257          19,463          794   
                              

Segment operating income

   $     90,861      $     60,629      $     30,232   
                              

Consolidation and Intersegment Eliminations:

            

Revenues

   $     (48,739   $     (44,293   $     (4,446

Cost of product sales

       (21,425       (16,270       (5,155

Operating expenses

       (27,590       (29,193       1,603   
                              

Total

   $     276      $     1,170      $     (894
                              

Consolidated Information:

            

Revenues

   $     4,403,061      $     3,855,871      $     547,190   

Cost of product sales

       3,350,429          2,883,187          467,242   

Operating expenses

       486,032          458,892          27,140   

Depreciation and amortization expense

       147,945          140,879          7,066   
                              

Segment operating income

       418,655          372,913          45,742   

General and administrative expenses

       110,241          94,733          15,508   

Other depreciation and amortization expense

       5,857          4,864          993   
                              

Consolidated operating income

   $     302,557      $     273,316      $     29,241   
                              

 

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Storage

Although throughputs increased 2,266 barrels per day, throughput revenues decreased $2.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. Throughputs increased 11,114 barrels per day resulting in a net increase of only $0.3 million in revenues at our crude oil storage tank facilities, as these facilities have lower throughput fees per barrel. In addition, throughputs increased 7,958 barrels per day and revenues increased $1.7 million at our Amarillo and Albuquerque terminals. Throughputs at other terminals serving the McKee refinery decreased 13,888 barrels per day resulting in lower revenues of $4.1 million due to a shipper diverting throughput from our terminals.

Storage lease revenues increased $35.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to:

 

   

an increase of $18.8 million mainly at our Gulf Coast and West Coast terminals primarily due to rate escalations and new customer contracts, as well as higher throughput and related handling fees;

 

   

an increase of $7.1 million related to our acquisition of three terminals in Mobile County, Alabama in May 2010;

 

   

an increase of $5.2 million at our international terminals mainly due to rate escalations, new customer contracts and higher throughput and related handling fees; and

 

   

an increase of $3.9 million due to completed tank expansion projects at our Amsterdam, St. Eustatius and Texas City terminals.

Operating expenses increased $18.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to:

 

   

an increase of $10.9 million mainly related to higher salary and wage expenses resulting from increased headcount and increases in other employee benefit expenses;

 

   

an increase of $5.0 million related to our acquisition of three terminals in Mobile County, Alabama in May 2010;

 

   

an increase of $2.3 million in reimbursable expenses, primarily due to increases in tank cleaning, wharfage costs and other various projects. Reimbursable expenses are charged back to our customers and are offset by an increase in reimbursable revenues; and

 

   

an increase of $2.1 million related to higher environmental costs.

These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $2.5 million in maintenance expenses for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, mainly due to tank cleanings and repairs in 2009.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to the completion of various terminal upgrade and expansion projects and the Asphalt Holdings Acquisition.

Transportation

Although revenues increased, throughputs decreased for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, on pipelines with lower tariffs, including pipelines sold in 2009.

Revenues increased $14.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to:

 

   

an increase in throughputs of 7,936 barrels per day and an increase in revenues of $10.1 million on the Ammonia Pipeline due to more favorable weather conditions compared to the prior year;

 

   

an increase in throughputs of 3,979 barrels per day and an increase in revenues of $9.1 million on the East Pipeline, mainly due to increased long-haul deliveries resulting in a higher average tariff and higher throughputs resulting from more favorable economic conditions compared to 2009;

 

   

an increase in throughputs of 14,230 barrels per day and an increase in revenues of $2.4 million on our pipelines that serve a refinery in South Texas due to the completion of a turnaround in 2009, in addition to increased crude run rates resulting from more favorable economic conditions compared to 2009; and

 

   

an increase of 13,687 barrels per day and an increase of $2.2 million on our pipelines serving the Ardmore refinery, which experienced operational issues in the second quarter of 2009 and was shut down in the third quarter of 2009 following a lightning strike.

Despite the increase in revenues, throughputs decreased 23,994 barrels per day for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. This decrease in throughputs was mainly due to a decrease in

 

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throughputs of 31,421 barrels per day and a decrease in revenues of $6.9 million on the Houston pipeline mainly due to market conditions that favored exporting instead of shipping on our pipeline and a refinery project by one of our customers that limited the volumes shipped. In addition, we sold the Ardmore-Wynnewood and Trans-Texas pipelines in 2009, which resulted in decreased throughputs of 28,737 barrels per day and decreased revenues of $3.0 million in 2010, as these pipelines had lower throughput fees per barrel compared to other pipelines.

Operating expenses for this segment increased $5.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to lower gains in 2010 on product imbalances on the East Pipeline resulting mainly from an increase in prices.

Asphalt and Fuels Marketing

Sales and cost of product sales increased $505.4 million and $472.4 million, respectively, resulting in an increase in total gross margin of $33.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. The increase in total gross margin was primarily due to an increase of $17.2 million in the gross margin of our asphalt operations resulting primarily from a higher gross margin per barrel, partially offset by a decrease in sales volumes. For the year ended December 31, 2010, gross margin per barrel for our asphalt operations increased to $7.73 from $6.37 for the year ended December 31, 2009. In addition, the gross margin of our fuels marketing operations increased $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. Improved gross margins from our bunker fuel sales resulting from higher gross margin per barrel and increased sales volumes at our domestic bunkering locations contributed to the improved gross margin of our fuels marketing operations. The gross margin of our fuels marketing operations also benefitted from increased volumes in certain of our fuel oil markets in 2010.

Operating expenses increased $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to new storage and power costs at asphalt terminals leased by our asphalt operations for the full year of 2010 that we leased for only a portion of 2009.

Consolidation and Intersegment Eliminations

Revenue, cost of product sales and operating expense eliminations primarily relate to storage and transportation fees charged to the asphalt and fuels marketing segment by the transportation and storage segments. In 2010, the asphalt and fuels marketing segment utilized more terminal capacity from our storage segment than in 2009, resulting in higher eliminations for revenue and cost of product sales.

General

General and administrative expenses increased $15.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. This increase was primarily due to salary and wage expenses resulting from increased headcount and increases in other employee benefit expenses, as well as higher compensation expense associated with our long-term incentive plans.

Other income, net consisted of the following:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
    

2010

   

2009

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Gain from insurance recoveries

   $           13,500      $           9,382   

(Loss) gain from sale or disposition of assets

        (510        21,320   

Foreign exchange losses

        (1,507        (5,118

Other

        4,451           6,275   
                      

Other income, net

   $           15,934      $           31,859   
                      

For the year ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the gain from insurance recoveries resulted from insurance claims related to damage in the third quarter of 2008 primarily at our Texas City, Texas terminal caused by Hurricane Ike. For the year ended December 31, 2009, the gain from the sale or disposition of assets included a gain of $21.4 million related to the June 15, 2009 sale of the Ardmore-Wynnewood pipeline in Oklahoma and the Trans-Texas pipeline.

Income tax expense increased $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to increased expense resulting from higher taxable income, partially offset by the

 

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reversal of a deferred tax asset valuation allowance. The receipt of $13.5 million in insurance proceeds related to Hurricane Ike and the Asphalt Holdings Acquisition caused us to reevaluate the recorded valuation allowance related to certain net operating loss carryforwards previously expected to expire unused.

Year Ended December 31, 2009 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2008

Financial Highlights

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit and Per Unit Data)

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

              
   

2009

   

2008

   

Change

 

Statement of Income Data:

    

Revenues:

              

Service revenues

  $           745,349      $           740,630      $           4,719   

Product sales

       3,110,522           4,088,140           (977,618
                                

Total revenues

       3,855,871           4,828,770           (972,899
                                

Costs and expenses:

              

Cost of product sales

       2,883,187           3,864,310           (981,123

Operating expenses

       458,892           442,248           16,644   

General and administrative expenses

       94,733           76,430           18,303   

Depreciation and amortization expense

       145,743           135,709           10,034   
                                

Total costs and expenses

       3,582,555           4,518,697           (936,142
                                

Operating income

       273,316           310,073           (36,757

Equity earnings from joint ventures

       9,615           8,030           1,585   

Interest expense, net

       (79,384        (90,818        11,434   

Other income, net

       31,859           37,739           (5,880
                                

Income before income tax expense

       235,406           265,024           (29,618

Income tax expense

       10,531           11,006           (475
                                

Net income

  $           224,875      $           254,018      $           (29,143
                                

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners

  $           3.47      $           4.22      $           (0.75
                                

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

       55,232,467           53,182,741           2,049,726   
                                

Annual Highlights

Net income decreased $29.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses and a decrease in segment operating income. This was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense.

Segment operating income decreased $17.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to a $51.9 million decrease in operating income for the asphalt and fuels marketing segment, which was mainly due to higher operating expenses associated with our asphalt operations. The decrease in operating income from our asphalt and fuels marketing segment was partially offset by increased operating income from our storage and transportation segments.

 

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Segment Operating Highlights

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Barrel/Day Information)

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

              
   

2009

   

2008

   

Change

 

Storage:

              

Throughput (barrels/day)

       667,169           742,599           (75,430

Throughput revenues

  $           78,353      $           90,918      $           (12,565

Storage lease revenues

       409,219           363,171           46,048   
                                

Total revenues

       487,572           454,089           33,483   

Operating expenses

       245,439           246,304           (865

Depreciation and amortization expense

       70,888           66,706           4,182   
                                

Segment operating income

  $           171,245      $           141,079      $           30,166   
                                

Transportation:

              

Refined products pipelines throughput (barrels/day)

       573,778           673,687           (99,909

Crude oil pipelines throughput (barrels/day)

       351,888           392,110           (40,222
                                

Total throughput (barrels/day)

       925,666           1,065,797           (140,131

Throughput revenues

  $           302,070      $           317,778      $           (15,708

Operating expenses

       111,673           131,943           (20,270

Depreciation and amortization expense

       50,528           50,749           (221
                                

Segment operating income

  $           139,869      $           135,086      $           4,783   
                                

Asphalt and Fuels Marketing:

              

Product sales

  $           3,110,522      $           4,088,169      $           (977,647

Cost of product sales

       2,899,457           3,880,796           (981,339

Operating expenses

       130,973           80,133           50,840   

Depreciation and amortization expense

       19,463           14,734           4,729   
                                

Segment operating income

  $           60,629      $           112,506      $           (51,877
                                

Consolidation and Intersegment Eliminations:

              

Revenues

  $           (44,293   $           (31,266   $           (13,027

Cost of product sales

       (16,270        (16,486        216   

Operating expenses

       (29,193        (16,132        (13,061
                                

Total

  $           1,170      $           1,352      $           (182
                                

Consolidated Information:

              

Revenues

  $           3,855,871      $           4,828,770      $           (972,899

Cost of product sales

       2,883,187           3,864,310           (981,123

Operating expenses

       458,892           442,248           16,644   

Depreciation and amortization expense

       140,879           132,189           8,690   
                                

Segment operating income

       372,913           390,023           (17,110

General and administrative expenses

       94,733           76,430           18,303   

Other depreciation and amortization expense

       4,864           3,520           1,344   
                                

Consolidated operating income

  $           273,316      $           310,073      $           (36,757
                                

 

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Storage

Throughputs decreased 75,430 barrels per day for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, mainly due to the conversion of some throughput-based contracts to lease-based contracts in January 2009. Throughputs for these terminals are no longer reported, and revenues associated with these terminals are reported under storage lease revenues. In addition, throughputs decreased due to turnarounds in the first quarter of 2009 at a refinery served by our Texas City crude oil storage tanks and a turnaround at the McKee refinery in May 2009.

Total revenues increased by $33.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to higher storage revenues associated with:

 

   

an increase of $20.0 million due to completed tank expansion projects at our Amsterdam, St. James, Texas City and Jacksonville terminals;

 

   

an increase of $6.7 million at certain of our domestic terminals resulting from an increase in product throughput and associated handling fees;

 

   

an increase of $4.3 million mainly at our west coast terminals primarily due to higher negotiated storage rates; and

 

   

an increase of $3.1 million at our asphalt terminals primarily due to new storage-based contracts with the asphalt and fuels marketing segment.

These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $3.5 million due to the sales of our Westwego, Louisiana, Reno, Nevada and Milwaukee, Wisconsin terminals in December 2008.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to the completion of various terminal expansion projects.

Transportation

Throughputs decreased 140,131 barrels per day and revenues decreased $15.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to:

 

   

lower throughputs of 42,246 barrels per day and a decrease in revenues of $7.0 million on our pipelines serving the McKee refinery primarily due to a turnaround in May 2009 and lower overall demand resulting from the economic downturn. In addition, throughputs and revenues decreased due to a shipper using alternate pipelines in the third and fourth quarters of 2009, and a shipper acquiring our joint venture partner’s interest in a pipeline and shipping product on its purchased space rather than our space. These decreases were partially offset by higher revenue related to a new shipper with a minimum throughput agreement that began in late 2008;

 

   

a decrease in throughputs of 6,568 barrels per day and a decrease in revenues of $4.4 million on the Ammonia Pipeline due to high inventory levels of ammonia in the Midwest that carried over from the fall of 2008 and unseasonably wet and cold weather in the first half of 2009;

 

   

a decrease in throughputs of 28,132 barrels per day and a decrease in revenues of $1.7 million due to the sale of the Ardmore-Wynnewood pipeline in June 2009;

 

   

a decrease in throughputs of 14,651 barrels per day and a decrease in revenues of $1.0 million on our pipelines serving the Ardmore refinery due to operational issues at the refinery during the second and third quarters of 2009 and a refinery shut down in the third quarter of 2009 following a lightning strike;

 

   

a decrease in throughputs of 15,615 barrels per day on our pipelines serving the Three Rivers refinery due to a scheduled turnaround during the third quarter of 2009 and reduced crude run rates resulting from the economic downturn; and

 

   

a decrease of 11,338 barrels per day due to the sale of the Skelly-Belvieu pipeline in December 2008.

The tariff increase of 7.6% that became effective July 1, 2009 partially offset declines in revenues from the lower throughputs.

Operating expenses for this segment decreased $20.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to:

 

   

a decrease of $9.5 million due to a reduction in our product imbalance liability resulting from lower commodity prices associated with our product imbalances on the East Pipeline, partially offset by a hedging loss;

 

   

a decrease of $8.6 million in power costs resulting from lower throughputs and lower natural gas prices; and

 

   

a decrease of $1.5 million in maintenance and contractor expenses on certain of the refined product pipelines resulting from fewer repair projects in 2009.

 

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Asphalt and Fuels Marketing

Sales and cost of product sales decreased $977.6 million and $981.3 million, respectively, resulting in an increase in total gross margin of $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 due to the following:

 

   

an increase of $6.7 million from our asphalt operations mainly due to higher volumes sold and a slightly higher gross margin per barrel of $6.37 compared to $6.22. The gross margin per barrel for 2008 includes the negative impact of a $61.0 million hedging loss; and

 

   

a decrease of $3.0 million related to our fuels marketing operations mainly due to higher hedging losses, which were partially offset by increased volumes from entering new markets and increased bunker fuel sales.

Operating expenses increased by $50.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to:

 

   

an increase of $35.8 million mainly due to a full year of expenses related to the acquisition of our asphalt operations, which occurred in March 2008, the amortization of deferred maintenance costs, higher idle capacity costs and increased asphalt terminal rentals;

 

   

an increase of $5.9 million related to increased tug and barge costs associated with new vessels being received at our St. Eustatius facility throughout 2008 and 2009 and the addition of bunkering activities at certain domestic terminals; and

 

   

an increase of $4.4 million due to increased storage costs resulting from additional tank rentals.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, due to our acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations in March 2008.

Consolidation and Intersegment Eliminations

Revenue, cost of product sales and operating expense eliminations primarily relate to storage and transportation fees charged to the asphalt and fuels marketing segment by the transportation and storage segments. In 2009, the asphalt and fuels marketing segment utilized more terminal capacity from our storage segment, resulting in higher revenue and operating expense eliminations.

General

General and administrative expenses increased by $18.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008. This increase was primarily due to compensation expense associated with our long-term incentive plans resulting from an increase in our unit price during the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to a decrease in our unit price during the year ended December 31, 2008. In addition, general and administrative expenses increased due to higher external legal costs and other professional fees.

Interest expense, net decreased by $11.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, primarily due to decreases in interest rates, including the variable interest rate paid on our interest rate swaps. These decreases in interest expense were partially offset by increased interest expense from the issuance of $350.0 million of 7.65% senior notes in April 2008 and lower capitalized interest.

Other income, net consisted of the following:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
    

2009

   

2008

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Gain from sale or disposition of assets

   $           21,320      $           26,456   

Gain from insurance recoveries

        9,382           3,504   

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

        (5,118        5,888   

Other

        6,275           1,891   
                      

Other income, net

   $           31,859      $           37,739   
                      

See Note 18 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplemental Data” for further information regarding the other components of other income.

 

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OUTLOOK

Overall, we expect our operating income for 2011 to be higher than 2010 due mainly to increases in our storage segment. Our outlook could change depending on, among other things, the pace of the economic recovery, refinery maintenance schedules, and other factors that affect overall demand for the products we store, transport and sell as well as changes in commodity prices for the products we market.

Storage Segment

For 2011, we expect our earnings for the storage segment to increase compared to 2010. We expect to benefit from a full year’s contribution of terminal expansion projects completed in 2010 and from new internal growth projects, a portion of which should be completed in 2011. In addition, we expect to benefit from our Turkey terminal acquisition, which closed in February of 2011.

Transportation Segment

We expect the transportation segment earnings for 2011 to be lower than 2010. Throughputs for 2011 are forecasted to decrease compared to 2010 mainly due to planned turnaround activity at refineries served by our pipelines. However, the tariffs on our pipelines regulated by the FERC, which adjust annually based upon changes in the producer price index, should increase effective July 1, 2011, when the adjustment takes effect. In addition, we expect to benefit in 2011 from the completion of a pipeline expansion project that will serve Eagle Ford Shale production.

Asphalt and Fuels Marketing Segment

We expect the asphalt and fuels marketing segment results to increase for the full year 2011 compared to 2010. Our fuels marketing operations should benefit from a full year of heavy fuel and bunker fuel sales in new markets we entered into in 2010. Also, we expect the full year results from our asphalt operations to be slightly better than 2010 due to increases in both public and private demand driven by an improving economy. Our outlook could change if the prices of crude oil and the products produced by our asphalt operations fluctuate in response to factors such as changes in supply, demand, seasonality, market uncertainties and other factors.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

Our primary cash requirements are for distributions to partners, working capital requirements, including inventory purchases, debt service, capital expenditures, acquisitions and normal operating expenses. On an annual basis, we attempt to fund our operating expenses, interest expense, reliability capital expenditures and distribution requirements with cash generated from our operations. If we do not generate sufficient cash from operations to meet those requirements, we utilize available borrowing capacity under our revolving credit agreement and, to the extent necessary, funds raised through equity or debt offerings under our shelf registration statement. Additionally, we typically fund our strategic capital expenditures from external sources, primarily borrowings under our revolving credit agreement or funds raised through equity or debt offerings. However, our ability to raise funds by issuing debt or equity depends on many factors beyond our control. The volatility of the capital and credit markets could restrict our ability to issue debt or equity or may increase our cost of capital beyond rates acceptable to us.

Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
    

2010

   

2009

   

2008

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)   

Net cash provided by (used in):

               

Operating activities

   $           362,500      $           180,582      $           485,181   

Investing activities

        (300,215        (167,705        (956,517

Financing activities

        56,266           (2,672        440,063   

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

        564           6,426           (13,190
                                 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

   $           119,115      $           16,631      $           (44,463
                                 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $362.5 million, compared to $180.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, primarily due to higher investments in working capital in 2009. Working capital increased by $6.9 million in 2010, compared to $142.9 million in 2009. Within working capital, our inventory

 

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balances increased by $26.6 million in 2010 compared to an increase of $157.4 million in 2009. Net cash provided by operating activities also increased due to higher net income for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the year ended December 31, 2009. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2009 included the non-cash gain on the sale of the Ardmore-Wynnewood and Trans-Texas pipelines.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, net cash provided by operating activities was used to fund distributions to unitholders and the general partner in the aggregate amount of $305.2 million and reliability capital expenditures. The net proceeds of $245.2 million from our issuance of common units and the net proceeds of $445.4 million from the issuance of senior notes were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit agreement, fund the Asphalt Holdings Acquisition and fund our strategic capital expenditures. The capital expenditures were primarily related to projects at our St. Eustatius, St. James and Texas City terminals and our corporate office. Cash flows from investing activities also include insurance proceeds of $13.5 million related to damages caused by Hurricane Ike in the third quarter of 2008 primarily at our Texas City terminal.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, we generated cash from operations of $180.6 million compared to $485.2 million in the prior year. The decline resulted primarily from lower net income of $224.9 million in 2009 compared to $254.0 million in 2008 and higher investments in working capital in 2009 compared to 2008. In 2009, we increased our working capital by $142.9 million compared to a decrease of $133.0 million in 2008. Within working capital, our inventory balances increased by $157.4 million in 2009 compared to a decrease of $192.2 million in 2008. Because of our significant investment in working capital and lower earnings in 2009, our cash generated from operations did not exceed our cash requirements for reliability capital expenditures and distributions. As a result, we utilized borrowings under our revolving credit agreement as well as the proceeds from our equity offering to fund that shortfall and our strategic capital expenditures. Additionally, we received $41.1 million from the sale of assets and insurance proceeds, which is included in cash flows from investing activities.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 was used to fund distributions to unitholders and the general partner in the aggregate amount of $241.9 million. The proceeds from long-term and short-term debt borrowings, net of repayments, our issuance of common units and senior notes, combined with cash on hand, were used to fund the acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations and our strategic capital expenditures primarily related to various terminal expansion projects.

2007 Revolving Credit Agreement

NuStar Logistics is party to a $1.2 billion five-year revolving credit agreement (the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement). We had $724.9 million available for borrowing under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2010. The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement requires that we maintain certain financial ratios and includes other restrictive covenants, including a prohibition on distributions if any defaults, as defined in the agreements, exist or would result from the distribution. The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement requires us to maintain, as of the end of each four consecutive fiscal quarters, a consolidated debt coverage ratio (consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement) not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00, which may restrict the amount we can borrow without exceeding the maximum allowed limit to an amount less than the total amount available for borrowing. As of December 31, 2010, the consolidated debt coverage ratio was 4.6x.

The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement matures in December 2012, and we do not have any other significant debt maturing until 2012.

2010 Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds

In 2008 and 2010, the Parish of St. James, where our St. James, Louisiana, terminal is located, issued Revenue Bonds (NuStar Logistics, L.P. Project) Series 2008, Series 2010, Series 2010A and Series 2010B associated with our St. James terminal expansion pursuant to the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. The interest rate on these bonds is based on a weekly tax-exempt bond market interest rate, and interest is paid monthly. Following the issuance, the proceeds were deposited with a trustee and will be disbursed to us upon our request for reimbursement of expenditures related to our St. James terminal expansion. The amount remaining in trust is included in “Other long-term assets, net,” and the amount of bonds issued is included in “Long-term debt, less current portion” in our consolidated balance sheets.

NuStar Logistics is solely obligated to service the principal and interest payments associated with the bonds. Certain lenders under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement issued letters of credit on our behalf to guarantee the payment of

 

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interest and principal on the bonds. These letters of credit rank equally with existing senior unsecured indebtedness of NuStar Logistics.

The following table summarizes Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2010:

 

Date Issued    Maturity Date  

Amount
Outstanding

    Amount of
Letter of
Credit
   

Amount
Received from
Trustee

   

Amount
Remaining in
Trust

   

Average
Annual

Interest Rate

 
         (Thousands of Dollars)  

June 26, 2008

   June 1, 2038   $          55,440      $          56,169      $          55,440      $          -        0.3

July 15, 2010

   July 1, 2040       100,000          101,315          28,218          71,782        0.3

October 7, 2010

   October 1, 2040       50,000          50,658          581          49,419        0.3

December 29, 2010

   December 1, 2040       85,000          86,118          835          84,165        0.4
                                            
  

Total

  $          290,440      $          294,260      $          85,074      $          205,366     
                                            

Shelf Registration Statement

On May 13, 2010, the Securities and Exchange Commission declared effective our shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which permits us to offer and sell various types of securities, including NuStar Energy common units and debt securities of NuStar Logistics and NuPOP (the 2010 Shelf Registration Statement). We filed the 2010 Shelf Registration Statement to replace our three-year shelf registration statement, which was effective May 18, 2007.

If the capital markets become more volatile, our access to the capital markets may be limited, or we could face increased costs. In addition, it is possible that our ability to access the capital markets may be limited by these or other factors at a time when we would like or need to do so, which could have an impact on our ability to refinance maturing debt and/or react to changing economic and business conditions.

NuStar Logistics’ 4.80% Senior Notes

On August 12, 2010, NuStar Logistics issued $450.0 million of 4.80% senior notes under our 2010 Shelf Registration Statement for net proceeds of $445.4 million. The net proceeds were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement. The interest on the 4.80% senior notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year beginning on March 1, 2011. The notes will mature on September 1, 2020.

Issuance of Common Units

On May 19, 2010, we issued 4,400,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $56.55 per unit. We used the net proceeds from this offering of $245.2 million, including a contribution of $5.1 million from our general partner to maintain its 2% general partner interest, mainly to reduce outstanding borrowings under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement and for the acquisition of Asphalt Holdings, Inc.

Capital Requirements

Our operations are capital intensive, requiring significant investments to maintain, upgrade or enhance existing operations and to comply with environmental and safety laws and regulations. Our capital expenditures consist of:

 

   

reliability capital expenditures, such as those required to maintain equipment reliability and safety and to address environmental and safety regulations; and

 

   

strategic capital expenditures, such as those to expand and upgrade pipeline capacity or asphalt refinery operations and to construct new pipelines, terminals and storage tanks. In addition, strategic capital expenditures may include acquisitions of pipelines, terminals or storage tank assets, as well as certain capital expenditures related to support functions.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, our reliability capital expenditures totaled $54.0 million, including $50.6 million primarily related to maintenance upgrade projects at our terminals and refineries. Strategic capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2010 totaled $219.3 million and were primarily related to projects at our St. Eustatius, St. James and Texas City terminals and our corporate office.

For 2011, we expect to incur approximately $380.0 to $405.0 million of capital expenditures, including approximately $50.0 to $55.0 million for reliability capital projects and $330.0 to $350.0 million for strategic capital expenditures. We

 

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continue to evaluate our capital budget and make changes as economic conditions warrant. Depending upon current economic conditions, our actual capital expenditures for 2011 may exceed or be lower than the budgeted amounts. We believe cash generated from operations, combined with other sources of liquidity previously described, will be sufficient to fund our capital expenditures in 2011, and our internal growth projects can be accelerated or scaled back depending on the capital markets.

Working Capital Requirements

The operations of the asphalt and fuels marketing segment require us to invest substantial amounts in working capital. Our inventory balances can vary significantly due to production levels, demand for our products and the cost of crude oil. Within our asphalt operations, we typically employ a winterfill strategy that involves manufacturing and purchasing inventory at times when demand and prices are seasonally lower, and storing that inventory until it can be sold at higher prices. Our refined product inventory volumes may also fluctuate as a result of our strategy to take advantage of contango markets, which occur when future prices for products exceed current prices. At times when the market is in contango, we purchase inventory at low prices and store it until we can sell it at higher prices, which may require that we store inventory over an extended period of time.

In 2010, the amount of inventory increased slightly. Increases in inventory resulted from the expansion of our bunkering operations, increases in the price of crude oil and the timing of crude oil shipments. We sold a substantial amount of inventory acquired in 2009 as part of a contango strategy, which partially offset those increases.

In 2009, our inventory balances increased by $156.2 million due to higher volumes and higher average prices. Crude oil volumes increased substantially at December 31, 2009 over December 31, 2008 due to lower production in 2009. Additionally, the average cost of our crude oil inventory was significantly higher at December 31, 2009 compared to December 31, 2008 due to the collapse in crude oil prices in the fourth quarter of 2008.

Higher inventory balances would typically also result in higher amounts of accounts payable, offsetting the impact to working capital. However, with respect to our contango and asphalt winterfill strategies, which often involve storing inventory for an extended period, we typically pay for the inventory prior to selling it. Due to the potential for this discrepancy in timing between paying for and selling our inventory, increases in our accounts payable will not always offset increases in our inventory balances within our working capital. As a result, the volume of inventory we maintain and the average cost of those inventories associated with our contango and asphalt winterfill strategies can significantly affect our working capital balance.

In 2008, we acquired the East Coast Asphalt Operations, which included approximately $327.3 million allocated to inventories included in the purchase. The purchase of the inventories included with the East Coast Asphalt Operations was considered part of the acquisition price and recorded in the Statement of Cash Flows as an investing activity. Therefore, our cash flows from operations in 2008 reflect a reduction in inventories despite the fact that our inventory balance at December 31, 2008 increased compared to December 31, 2007.

Distributions

NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement, as amended, determines the amount and priority of cash distributions that our common unitholders and general partner may receive. The general partner receives a 2% distribution with respect to its general partner interest. The general partner is also entitled to incentive distributions if the amount we distribute with respect to any quarter exceeds $0.60 per unit. For a detailed discussion of the incentive distribution targets, please read Item 5. “Market for Registrant’s Common Units, Related Unitholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Common Units.”

 

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The following table reflects the allocation of total cash distributions to the general and limited partners applicable to the period in which the distributions are earned:

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2010

   

2009

   

2008

 
    (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)  

General partner interest

  $          6,227      $          5,430      $          5,058   

General partner incentive distribution

      33,304          28,712          25,294   
                             

Total general partner distribution

      39,531          34,142          30,352   

Limited partners’ distribution

      271,847          237,308          222,470   
                             

Total cash distributions

  $          311,378      $          271,450      $          252,822   
                             

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

  $          4.280      $          4.245      $          4.085   
                             

Actual distribution payments are made within 45 days after the end of each quarter as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter.

In January 2011, we declared a quarterly cash distribution of $1.075 that was paid on February 14, 2011 to unitholders of record on February 8, 2011. This distribution related to the fourth quarter of 2010 and totaled $79.6 million, of which $10.2 million represented our general partner’s interest and incentive distribution.

Long-Term Debt Obligations

We are a party to the following long-term debt agreements:

 

   

the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement due December 10, 2012, with a balance of $188.3 million as of December 31, 2010;

 

   

NuStar Logistics’ 6.875% senior notes due July 15, 2012 with a face value of $100.0 million, 6.05% senior notes due March 15, 2013 with a face value of $229.9 million, 7.65% senior notes due April 15, 2018 with a face value of $350.0 million and 4.80% senior notes due September 1, 2020 with a face value of $450.0 million;

 

   

NuPOP’s 7.75% senior notes due February 15, 2012 and 5.875% senior notes due June 1, 2013 with an aggregate face value of $500.0 million;

 

   

the $55.4 million revenue bonds due June 1, 2038, the $100.0 million revenue bonds due July 1, 2040, the $50.0 million revenue bonds due October 1, 2040 and the $85.0 million revenue bonds due December 1, 2040 associated with the St. James terminal expansion;

 

   

the £21 million term loan due December 11, 2012 (UK Term Loan); and

 

   

the $12.0 million note payable in annual installments through December 31, 2015 to the Port of Corpus Christi Authority of Nueces County, Texas, with a balance of $1.8 million as of December 31, 2010, associated with the construction of a crude oil storage facility in Corpus Christi, Texas (Port Authority of Corpus Christi Note Payable).

Management believes that, as of December 31, 2010, we are in compliance with all ratios and covenants of both the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement and the UK Term Loan, which has substantially the same covenants as the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement. Our other long-term debt obligations do not contain any financial covenants that are different than those contained in the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement. However, a default under any of our debt instruments would be considered an event of default under all of our debt instruments. Please refer to Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion of our long-term debt agreements.

 

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Credit Ratings

The following table reflects the outlook and ratings that have been assigned to the debt of our wholly owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010:

 

     Standard &
Poor’s
  

Moody’s

Investor Service

   Fitch

Outlook

   Stable    Stable    Stable

Ratings

   BBB-    Baa3    BBB-

Interest Rate Swaps

We are a party to interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. We have fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements that have an aggregate notional amount of $167.5 million, of which $60.0 million is tied to the maturity of the 6.875% senior notes and $107.5 million is tied to the maturity of the 6.05% senior notes. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, we will receive a fixed rate (6.875% and 6.05% for the $60.0 million and $107.5 million of interest rate swap agreements, respectively) and will pay a variable rate based on six month USD LIBOR plus a percentage that varies with each agreement. In September and October 2010, we entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $450.0 million related to the 4.80% senior notes issued on August 12, 2010. Under the terms of these interest rate swap agreements, we will receive a fixed 4.80% and will pay a variable rate based on six month USD LIBOR plus a percentage that varies with each agreement.

In August and September 2010, we also entered into forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $500.0 million related to forecasted probable debt issuances in 2012 and 2013. Under the terms of the swaps, we will pay a fixed rate and receive a rate based on three month USD LIBOR. We entered into the swaps in order to hedge the risk of changes in the interest payments attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate during the period from the effective date of the swap to the issuance of the forecasted debt.

The following table summarizes information about our forward-starting swaps:

 

Notional Amount   Period of Hedge  

Weighted-
Average

Fixed Rate

    Fair Value  

(Thousands of

Dollars)

            (Thousands of
Dollars)
 
$  125,000   03/13 – 03/23     3.5   $ 8,717   
    150,000   06/13 – 06/23     3.5     11,243   
    225,000   02/12 – 02/22     3.1     15,040   
$  500,000       3.3   $ 35,000   

Please refer to Note 2 and Note 15 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion on our interest rate swaps.

 

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Long-Term Contractual Obligations

The following table presents our long-term contractual obligations and commitments and the related payments due, in total and by period, as of December 31, 2010:

 

     Payments Due by Period                
     2011      2012      2013      2014      2015      There-
after
     Total  
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Long-term debt maturities

   $ 832       $ 571,969       $ 479,986       $ -       $ -       $ 1,090,440       $ 2,143,227   

Interest payments

     109,478         98,353         63,798         49,246         49,246         196,157         566,278   

Operating leases

     78,023         61,812         56,313         48,225         46,437         148,053         438,863   

Purchase obligations:

                    

Crude oil

     2,260,432         2,541,480         2,541,480         2,541,480         565,108         -         10,449,980   

Other purchase obligations

     19,446         3,341         1,950         743         -         -         25,480   

Long-term debt maturities in the table represent our scheduled future maturities of long-term debt principal for the periods indicated. The interest payments calculated for our variable-rate debt are based on the outstanding borrowings as of December 31, 2010 and the weighted-average interest rate paid for the year ended December 31, 2010. The interest payments on our fixed-rate debt are based on the stated interest rates, the outstanding balances as of December 31, 2010 and interest payment dates.

Our operating leases consist primarily of leases for tugs and barges utilized at our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper facilities, leases related to our asphalt and fuels marketing segment for tugs and barges and storage capacity at third-party terminals and land leases at various terminal facilities.

A purchase obligation is an enforceable and legally binding agreement to purchase goods or services that specifies significant terms, including (i) fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased, (ii) fixed, minimum or variable price provisions, and (iii) the approximate timing of the transaction.

Our crude oil purchase obligations result mainly from a crude supply agreement (CSA) we entered into simultaneously with the acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations. Under the CSA, we committed to purchase an annual average of 75,000 barrels per day of crude oil over a minimum seven-year period from an affiliate of Petróleos de Venezuela S. A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of Venezuela. Our crude oil purchase obligations also include a crude purchase/sale agreement with Statoil Brasil Oleo E Gas Limitada that we entered into on November 17, 2010. Under this agreement, we committed to purchase an average of 10,000 barrels per day of crude oil over a three-year period beginning when we are able to process the crude oil at our Paulsboro refinery. For purposes of the table above, we used January 1, 2012 as the start date for this agreement. The value of these two crude oil purchase obligations fluctuates according to a market-based pricing formula using published market indices, subject to adjustment based on the price of Mexican Maya crude. We estimated the value of the crude oil purchase obligations based on market prices as of December 31, 2010.

Environmental, Health and Safety

We are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, waste management, pollution prevention measures, pipeline integrity and operator qualifications, among others. Because more stringent environmental and safety laws and regulations are continuously being enacted or proposed, the level of future expenditures required for environmental, health and safety matters is expected to increase.

The balance of and changes in our accruals for environmental matters as of and for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 are included in Note 12 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplemental Data.” We believe that we have adequately accrued for our environmental exposures.

Contingencies

We are subject to certain loss contingencies, the outcomes of which could have an adverse effect on our cash flows and results of operations, as further disclosed in Note 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Our operations are managed by the general partner of our general partner, NuStar GP, LLC. The employees of NuStar GP, LLC perform services for our U.S. operations. We reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for all costs related to its employees, other than costs associated with NuStar GP Holdings under the services agreement described below and in Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” We had a payable of $10.3 million and $10.6 million, as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, with both amounts representing payroll, employee benefit plan expenses and unit-based compensation. We also had a long-term payable as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 of $10.1 million and $7.7 million, respectively, to NuStar GP, LLC related to amounts payable for retiree medical benefits and other post-employment benefits.

The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions with NuStar GP, LLC:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

      
    

2010

    

2009

    

2008

    
     (Thousands of Dollars)     

Operating expenses

   $   137,634       $   124,827       $   115,291      

General and administrative expenses

     71,554         58,878         44,988      

On April 24, 2008, the boards of directors of NuStar GP, LLC and NuStar GP Holdings approved (i) the termination of the administration agreement, dated July 16, 2006, between NuStar GP Holdings and NuStar GP, LLC and (ii) the adoption of a services agreement between NuStar GP, LLC and NuStar Energy (the GP Services Agreement). On July 19, 2006, we entered into a non-compete agreement with NuStar GP Holdings, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., and NuStar GP, LLC effective on December 22, 2006 (the Non-Compete Agreement). Please refer to Note 16 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion of agreements with NuStar GP Holdings.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to select accounting policies and to make estimates and assumptions related thereto that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The accounting policies below are considered critical due to judgments made by management and the sensitivity of these estimates to deviations of actual results from management’s assumptions. The critical accounting policies should be read in conjunction with Note 2 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplemental Data,” which summarizes our significant accounting policies.

Depreciation

We calculate depreciation expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment. Due to the expected long useful lives of our property, plant and equipment, we depreciate our property, plant and equipment over periods ranging from 10 years to 40 years. Changes in the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Goodwill

We test long-lived assets for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Goodwill must be tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related asset might be impaired. An impairment loss should be recognized only if the carrying amount of the asset/goodwill is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The goodwill impairment test is performed for each reporting unit to which goodwill has been allocated, consisting of the following:

 

   

crude oil pipelines;

 

   

refined product pipelines;

 

   

refined product terminals, excluding our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper facilities;

 

   

St. Eustatius and Point Tupper terminal operations;

 

   

bunkering activity at our St. Eustatius and Point Tupper facilities; and

 

   

asphalt operations.

In order to test for recoverability, management must make estimates of projected cash flows related to the asset which include, but are not limited to, assumptions about the use or disposition of the asset, estimated remaining life of the asset,

 

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and future expenditures necessary to maintain the asset’s existing service potential. In order to determine fair value, management must make certain estimates and assumptions including, among other things, an assessment of market conditions, projected cash flows, investment rates, interest/equity rates and growth rates, that could significantly impact the fair value of the long-lived asset or goodwill. Due to the subjectivity of the assumptions used to test for recoverability and to determine fair value, significant impairment charges could result in the future, thus affecting our future reported net income.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We record a liability, which is referred to as an asset retirement obligation, at fair value for the estimated cost to retire a tangible long-lived asset at the time we incur that liability, which is generally when the asset is purchased, constructed or leased. We record a liability for asset retirement obligations when we have a legal obligation to incur costs to retire the asset and when a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the obligation can be made. If a reasonable estimate cannot be made at the time the liability is incurred, we record the liability when sufficient information is available to estimate the fair value.

We have asset retirement obligations with regard to certain of our assets that have various legal obligations to clean and/or dispose of those assets at the time they are retired. However, these assets can be used for extended and indeterminate periods of time as long as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. It is our practice and current intent to maintain our assets and continue making improvements to those assets based on technological advances. As a result, we believe that our assets have indeterminate lives for purposes of estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of any asset, we estimate the cost of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of that cost using established present value techniques.

We also have legal obligations in the form of leases and right-of-way agreements, which require us to remove certain of our assets upon termination of the agreement. However, these lease or right-of-way agreements generally contain automatic renewal provisions that extend our rights indefinitely or we have other legal means available to extend our rights. We have recorded a liability of approximately $0.6 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, which is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in our consolidated balance sheets, for conditional asset retirement obligations related to the retirement of terminal assets with lease and right-of-way agreements.

Environmental Liabilities

Environmental remediation costs are expensed and an associated accrual established when site restoration and environmental remediation and cleanup obligations are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Accrued liabilities are based on estimates of probable undiscounted future costs over a 20-year time period using currently available technology and applying current regulations, as well as our own internal environmental policies. The environmental liabilities have not been reduced by possible recoveries from third parties. Environmental costs include initial site surveys, costs for remediation and restoration and ongoing monitoring costs, as well as fines, damages and other costs, when estimable. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded, from time to time, to reflect changing circumstances and estimates based upon additional information developed in subsequent periods. We believe that we have adequately accrued for our environmental exposures.

Contingencies

We accrue for costs relating to litigation, claims and other contingent matters, including tax contingencies, when such liabilities become probable and reasonably estimable. Such estimates may be based on advice from third parties or on management’s judgment, as appropriate. Due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, actual amounts paid may differ from amounts estimated, and such differences will be charged to income in the period when final determination is made.

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

We manage our exposure to changing interest rates principally through the use of a combination of fixed-rate debt and variable-rate debt. In addition, we utilize fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements to manage a portion of the exposure to changing interest rates by converting certain fixed-rate debt to variable-rate debt. We also enter into forward-starting interest rate swap agreements to lock in the rate on the interest payments related to forecasted debt issuances. Borrowings under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement and the Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds expose us to increases in the underlying interest rates.

The following tables provide information about our long-term debt and interest rate derivative instruments, all of which are sensitive to changes in interest rates. For long-term debt, principal cash flows and related weighted-average interest rates by expected maturity dates are presented. For our fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps, the table presents notional amounts and weighted-average interest rates by expected (contractual) maturity dates. Weighted-average variable rates are based on implied forward interest rates in the yield curve at the reporting date.

 

        December 31, 2010  
       

Expected Maturity Dates

       

Total

       

Fair

Value

 
       

2011

       

2012

       

2013

       

2014

       

2015

       

There-

after

         
        (Thousands of Dollars, Except Interest Rates)  

Long-term Debt:

                               

Fixed rate

  $     832      $     383,687      $     479,986      $     -      $     -      $     800,000      $     1,664,505      $     1,775,842   

Weighted-average interest rate

      8.0       7.4       6.0       -          -          6.0       6.3    

Variable rate

  $     -      $     188,282      $     -      $     -      $     -      $     290,440      $     478,722      $     473,348   

Weighted-average interest rate

      -          1.0       -          -          -          0.3       0.6    

Interest Rate Swaps Fixed–to-Floating:

                               

Notional amount

  $     -      $     60,000      $     107,500      $     -      $     -      $     450,000      $     617,500      $     (18,821

Weighted-average pay rate

      2.5       3.3       4.3       5.3       6.1       6.8       5.4    

Weighted-average receive rate

      5.2       5.2       5.0       4.8       4.8       4.8       4.9    
        December 31, 2009  
       

Expected Maturity Dates

       

Total

       

Fair

Value

 
       

2010

       

2011

       

2012

       

2013

       

2014

       

There-

after

             
        (Thousands of Dollars, Except Interest Rates)  

Long-term Debt:

                               

Fixed rate

  $     770      $     832      $     384,816      $     480,902      $     67      $     350,000      $     1,217,387      $     1,306,301   

Weighted-average interest rate

      8.0       8.0       7.4       6.0       8.0       7.7       6.9    

Variable rate

  $     -      $     -      $     525,126      $     -      $     -      $     56,200      $     581,326      $     551,072   

Weighted-average interest rate

      -          -          1.0       -          -          0.2       0.9    

Interest Rate Swaps Fixed–to-Floating:

                               

Notional amount

  $     -      $     -      $     60,000      $     107,500      $     -      $     -      $     167,500      $     8,623   

Weighted-average pay rate

      3.4       4.8       5.8       5.6       -          -          4.3    

Weighted-average receive rate

      6.3       6.3       6.3       6.1       -          -          6.3    

 

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In August and September 2010, we entered into forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $500.0 million. The following table presents information regarding our forward-starting interest rate swaps as of December 31, 2010:

 

Notional Amount   Period of Hedge  

Weighted-
Average

Fixed Rate

    Fair Value  

(Thousands of

Dollars)

            (Thousands of
Dollars)
 
$  125,000   03/13 – 03/23     3.5     $ 8,717   
    150,000   06/13 – 06/23     3.5     11,243   
    225,000   02/12 – 02/22     3.1     15,040   
$  500,000       3.3     $ 35,000   

 

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Commodity Price Risk

Since the operations of our asphalt and fuels marketing segment expose us to commodity price risk, we enter into derivative instruments to mitigate the effect of commodity price fluctuations. The derivative instruments we use consist primarily of futures contracts and swaps traded on the NYMEX. Please refer to our derivative financial instruments accounting policy in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplemental Data” for further information.

We have a risk management committee that oversees our trading controls and procedures and certain aspects of risk management. Our risk management committee also reviews all new risk management strategies in accordance with our risk management policy, which was approved by our board of directors.

The commodity contracts disclosed below represent only those contracts exposed to commodity price risk at the end of the period. Please refer to Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplemental Data” for the volume and related fair value of all commodity contracts.

 

     December 31, 2010      
    

Contract
Volumes

    

Weighted Average

    

Fair Value of
Current
Asset (Liability)

   
     

Pay Price

    

Receive Price

      
     (Thousands
of Barrels)
                   (Thousands of
Dollars)
   

Fair Value Hedges:

               

Futures – short:

               

(crude oil and refined products)

     436             N/A       $ 96.00         $ (1,015    

Swaps – long:

               

(refined products)

     380           $ 76.05         N/A         $ (557    

Swaps – short:

               

(refined products)

     823             N/A       $ 74.53         $ (2,541    

Economic Hedges and Other Derivatives:

               

Futures – long:

               

(crude oil and refined products)

     278           $ 93.80         N/A         $ 802       

Futures – short:

               

(crude oil and refined products)

     936             N/A       $ 100.74         $ (2,102    

Swaps – long:

               

(refined products)

     385           $ 76.27         N/A         $ 1,684       

Swaps – short:

               

(refined products)

     157             N/A       $ 73.22         $ (698    

Forward purchase contracts:

               

(crude oil)

     4,680           $ 85.81         N/A         $ 38,434       

Forward sales contracts:

               

(crude oil)

     4,680             N/A       $ 86.48         $ (38,989    
                     

Total fair value of open positions exposed to commodity price risk

            $ (4,982    
                     

 

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     December 31, 2009  
    

Contract
Volumes

    

Weighted Average

    

Fair Value of
Current
Asset (Liability)

 
     

Pay Price

    

Receive Price

    
     (Thousands
of Barrels)
                   (Thousands of
Dollars)
 

Fair Value Hedges:

             

Futures – short:

             

(refined products)

     1,184             N/A       $ 79.89         $ (9,528  

Cash Flow Hedges:

             

Futures – short:

             

(refined products)

     230             N/A       $ 94.13         $ (240  

Economic Hedges:

             

Futures – long:

             

(crude oil and refined products)

     454           $ 81.46         N/A         $ 2,327     

Futures – short:

             

(crude oil and refined products)

     745             N/A       $ 72.90         $ (10,692  

Swaps – long:

             

(crude oil and refined products)

     200           $ 70.34         N/A         $ 398     

Swaps – short:

             

(crude oil and refined products)

     600             N/A       $ 70.16         $ (1,316  
                   

Total fair value of open positions exposed to commodity price risk

            $ (19,051  
                   

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our management assessed the effectiveness of NuStar Energy L.P’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010. In its evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2010, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010 has been audited by KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. KPMG LLP’s attestation on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting appears on page 63.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC

and Unitholders of NuStar Energy L.P.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NuStar Energy L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) and subsidiaries (the Partnership) as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, partners’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NuStar Energy L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), NuStar Energy L.P. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 25, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

/s/ KPMG LLP

San Antonio, Texas

February 25, 2011

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC

and Unitholders of NuStar Energy L.P.:

We have audited NuStar Energy L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) and subsidiaries’ (the Partnership’s) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Partnership’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, NuStar Energy L.P. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2010, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of NuStar Energy L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related consolidated statements of income, partners’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2010, and our report dated February 25, 2011 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/s/ KPMG LLP

San Antonio, Texas

February 25, 2011

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data)

 

   

December 31,

 
   

2010

   

2009

 
Assets        

Current assets:

       

Cash and cash equivalents

  $          181,121      $          62,006   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,457 and $1,351 as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively

      302,053          211,797   

Inventories

      413,537          387,794   

Other current assets

      42,796          73,122   
                   

Total current assets

      939,507          734,719   
                   

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

      4,021,319          3,721,904   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

      (833,862       (693,708
                   

Property, plant and equipment, net

      3,187,457          3,028,196   

Intangible assets, net

      43,033          44,127   

Goodwill

      813,270          807,742   

Investment in joint venture

      69,603          68,728   

Deferred income tax asset

      8,138          13,893   

Other long-term assets, net

      325,385          77,268   
                   

Total assets

  $          5,386,393      $          4,774,673   
                   
Liabilities and Partners’ Equity        

Current liabilities:

       

Current portion of long-term debt

  $          832      $          770   

Accounts payable

      282,382          205,605   

Payable to related party

      10,345          10,639   

Notes payable

      0          20,000   

Accrued interest payable

      29,706          21,529   

Accrued liabilities

      57,953          64,651   

Taxes other than income tax

      10,718          15,534   

Income tax payable

      1,293          26   
                   

Total current liabilities

      393,229          338,754   
                   

Long-term debt, less current portion

      2,136,248          1,828,993   

Long-term payable to related party

      10,088          7,663   

Deferred income tax liability

      29,565          26,909   

Other long-term liabilities

      114,563          87,386   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

       

Partners’ equity:

       

Limited partners (64,610,549 and 60,210,549 common units outstanding as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively)

      2,598,873          2,423,689   

General partner

      57,327          53,469   

Accumulated other comprehensive income

      46,500          7,810   
                   

Total partners’ equity

      2,702,700          2,484,968   
                   

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

  $          5,386,393      $          4,774,673   
                   

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit and Per Unit Data)

 

          

Year Ended December 31,

 
          

2010

          

2009

          

2008

 

Revenues:

              

Services revenues

  $           791,314      $           745,349      $           740,630   

Product sales

       3,611,747           3,110,522           4,088,140   
                                

Total revenues

       4,403,061           3,855,871           4,828,770   
                                

Costs and expenses:

              

Cost of product sales

       3,350,429           2,883,187           3,864,310   

Operating expenses:

              

Third parties

       348,398           334,065           326,957   

Related party

       137,634           124,827           115,291   
                                

Total operating expenses

       486,032           458,892           442,248   

General and administrative expenses:

              

Third parties

       38,687           35,855           31,442   

Related party

       71,554           58,878           44,988   
                                

Total general and administrative expenses

       110,241           94,733           76,430   

Depreciation and amortization expense

       153,802           145,743           135,709   
                                

Total costs and expenses

       4,100,504           3,582,555           4,518,697   
                                

Operating income

       302,557           273,316           310,073   

Equity in earnings of joint venture

       10,500           9,615           8,030   

Interest expense, net

       (78,280        (79,384        (90,818

Other income, net

       15,934           31,859           37,739   
                                

Income before income tax expense

       250,711           235,406           265,024   

Income tax expense

       11,741           10,531           11,006   
                                

Net income

    $         238,970      $           224,875      $           254,018   
                                

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners
(Note 20)

    $         3.19      $           3.47      $           4.22   
                                

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

       62,946,987           55,232,467           53,182,741   
                                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

          

Year Ended December 31,

 
          

2010

          

2009

          

2008

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

              

Net income

  $           238,970      $           224,875      $           254,018   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

              

Depreciation and amortization expense

       153,802           145,743           135,709   

Amortization of debt related items

       (7,767        (7,122        (6,447

Gain on sale or disposition of assets, including insurance recoveries

       (12,990        (30,704        (26,456

Deferred income tax (benefit) expense

       (1,733        (2,037        37   

Equity in earnings of joint ventures

       (10,500        (9,615        (8,030

Distributions of equity in earnings of joint ventures

       9,625           9,700           2,835   

Changes in current assets and current liabilities (Note 21)

       (6,867        (142,898        133,017   

Other, net

       (40        (7,360        498   
                                

Net cash provided by operating activities

       362,500           180,582           485,181   
                                

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

              

Reliability capital expenditures

       (50,562        (44,951        (55,669

Strategic capital expenditures

       (219,268        (163,605        (146,474

East Coast Asphalt Operations acquisition

       0           0           (803,184

Other acquisitions

       (43,026        0           (7,027

Investment in other long-term assets

       (3,469        (211        0   

Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets

       2,610           29,680           50,813   

Proceeds from insurance recoveries

       13,500           11,382           5,000   

Other, net

       0           0           24   
                                

Net cash used in investing activities

       (300,215        (167,705        (956,517
                                

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

              

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings

       899,365           1,159,436           2,108,775   

Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings

       177,041           448,752           746,800   

Proceeds from senior note offering, net of issuance costs

       445,431           0           346,224   

Long-term debt repayments

       (1,204,313        (1,190,247        (2,025,784

Short-term debt repayments

       (197,041        (450,872        (736,037

Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs

       240,148           288,761           236,215   

Contributions from general partner

       5,078           6,155           5,025   

Distributions to unitholders and general partner

       (305,154        (263,896        (241,940

(Decrease) increase in cash book overdrafts

       (4,289        (761        945   

Other, net

       0           0           (160
                                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

       56,266           (2,672        440,063   
                                

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

       564           6,426           (13,190

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

       119,115           16,631           (44,463

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of year

       62,006           45,375           89,838   
                                

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of year

  $           181,121      $           62,006      $           45,375   
                                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data)

 

                                            Accumulated               
                                    Other        Total  
    

Limited Partners

       General        Comprehensive        Partners’  
    

Units

          

Amount

      

Partner

      

Income (Loss)

      

Equity

 

Balance as of January 1, 2008

     49,409,749      $           1,926,126      $           41,819      $           26,887      $           1,994,832   

Net income

     0           224,668           29,350           0           254,018   

Other comprehensive loss:

                      

Foreign currency translation

     0           0           0           (41,153        (41,153
                                                    

Total comprehensive income (loss)

     0           224,668           29,350           (41,153        212,865   
                                                    

Cash distributions to partners

     0           (213,547        (28,393        0           (241,940

Issuance of common units in April 2008 and related contribution from general partner

     5,050,800           236,215           5,025           0           241,240   
                                                    

Balance as of December 31, 2008

     54,460,549           2,173,462           47,801           (14,266        2,206,997   
                                                    

Net income

     0           192,239           32,636           0           224,875   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                      

Foreign currency translation

     0           0           0           22,316           22,316   

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges

     0           0           0           (240        (240
                                                    

Total comprehensive income

     0           192,239           32,636           22,076           246,951   
                                                    

Cash distributions to partners

     0           (230,773        (33,123        0           (263,896

Issuance of common units in November 2009 and related contribution from general partner

     5,750,000           288,761           6,155           0           294,916   
                                                    

Balance as of December 31, 2009

     60,210,549           2,423,689           53,469           7,810           2,484,968   
                                                    

Net income

     0           201,553           37,417           0           238,970   

Other comprehensive income (loss):

                      

Foreign currency translation

     0           0           0           3,450           3,450   

Net unrealized gain on cash flow hedges

     0           0           0           33,560           33,560   

Net loss reclassified into income on cash flow hedges

     0           0           0           1,680           1,680   
                                                    

Total comprehensive income

     0           201,553           37,417           38,690           277,660   
                                                    

Cash distributions to partners

     0           (266,517        (38,637        0           (305,154

Issuance of common units in May 2010 and related contribution from general partner

     4,400,000           240,148           5,078           0           245,226   
                                                    

Balance as of December 31, 2010

     64,610,549      $           2,598,873      $           57,327      $           46,500      $           2,702,700   
                                                    

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years Ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

Organization

NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy) (NYSE: NS) is engaged in the terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt and fuels marketing. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar Energy L.P.,” “the Partnership,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar Energy L.P., to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole. NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings) (NYSE: NSH) owns our general partner, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., and owns a 17.6% total interest in us as of December 31, 2010.

Operations

We conduct our operations through our subsidiaries, primarily NuStar Logistics, L.P. (NuStar Logistics) and NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P. (NuPOP). We have three business segments: storage, transportation, and asphalt and fuels marketing.

Storage. We own terminal and storage facilities in the United States, the Netherlands, including St. Eustatius in the Caribbean, Canada, the United Kingdom and Mexico providing approximately 80.4 million barrels of storage capacity. Our terminals provide storage and handling services on a fee basis for petroleum products, specialty chemicals and other liquids, including crude oil and other feedstocks.

Transportation. We own common carrier refined product pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota covering approximately 5,605 miles, consisting of the Central West System, the East Pipeline and the North Pipeline. The East and North Pipelines also include 21 terminals providing storage capacity of 4.6 million barrels, and the East Pipeline includes two tank farms providing storage capacity of 1.2 million barrels. In addition, we own a 2,000 mile anhydrous ammonia pipeline located in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska. We also own 812 miles of crude oil pipelines in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado and Illinois, as well as associated crude oil storage facilities providing storage capacity of 1.9 million barrels in Texas and Oklahoma that are located along the crude oil pipelines. We charge tariffs on a per barrel basis for transporting refined products, crude oil and other feedstocks in our refined product and crude oil pipelines and on a per ton basis for transporting anhydrous ammonia in our ammonia pipeline.

Asphalt and Fuels Marketing. Our asphalt and fuels marketing segment includes our asphalt refining operations and our fuels marketing operations. We refine crude oil to produce asphalt and certain other refined products from our asphalt operations. Our asphalt operations include two asphalt refineries with a combined throughput capacity of 104,000 barrels per day and related terminal facilities providing storage capacity of 5.0 million barrels. Additionally, as part of our fuels marketing operations, we purchase crude oil, gasoline and other refined petroleum products for resale. The activities of the asphalt and fuels marketing segment expose us to the risk of fluctuations in commodity prices, which has a direct impact on the results of operations for the asphalt and fuels marketing segment. We enter into derivative contracts to mitigate the effect of commodity price fluctuations.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements represent the consolidated operations of the Partnership and our subsidiaries. Inter-partnership balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The operations of certain pipelines and terminals in which we own an undivided interest are proportionately consolidated in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews their estimates based on currently available information. Management may revise estimates due to changes in facts and circumstances.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents are all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when acquired.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable represent valid claims against non-affiliated customers for products sold or services rendered. We extend credit terms to certain customers after review of various credit indicators, including the customer’s credit rating. Outstanding customer receivable balances are regularly reviewed for possible non-payment indicators and allowances for doubtful accounts are recorded based upon management’s estimate of collectability at the time of their review.

Inventories

Inventories consist of crude oil, refined petroleum products, and material and supplies. Inventories, except those associated with a qualifying fair value hedge, are valued at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average cost method. Our inventory, other than materials and supplies, consists of one end-product category, petroleum products, which we include in the asphalt and fuels marketing segment. Accordingly, we determine lower of cost or market adjustments on an aggregate basis. Inventories associated with qualifying fair value hedges are valued at current market prices. Materials and supplies are valued at the lower of average cost or market.

Property, Plant and Equipment

We record additions to property, plant and equipment, including reliability and strategic capital expenditures, at cost.

Reliability capital expenditures are capital expenditures to replace partially or fully depreciated assets to maintain the existing operating capacity of existing assets and extend their useful lives. Strategic capital expenditures are capital expenditures to expand or upgrade the operating capacity, increase efficiency or increase the earnings potential of existing assets, whether through construction or acquisition, along with certain capital expenditures related to support functions. Repair and maintenance costs associated with existing assets that are minor in nature and do not extend the useful life of existing assets are charged to operating expenses as incurred.

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Gains or losses on sales or other dispositions of property are recorded in income and are reported in “Other income, net” in the consolidated statements of income. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the difference between the carrying value and the net proceeds is recognized in the year retired.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. We use October 1 as our annual valuation date for the impairment test. Based on the results of the impairment tests performed as of October 1, 2010, 2009 and 2008, no impairment had occurred.

Intangible assets are recorded at cost and are assets that lack physical substance (excluding financial assets). Intangible assets with finite useful lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over five to 47 years.

Investment in Joint Venture

We account for our investment in the joint venture using the equity method of accounting.

ST Linden Terminals, LLC. The 44-acre facility provides deep-water terminalling capabilities at New York Harbor and primarily stores petroleum products, including gasoline, jet fuel and fuel oils. As part of our acquisition of Kaneb Services LLC (KSL) and Kaneb Pipe Line Partners, L.P. (KPP, and, together with KSL, Kaneb) on July 1, 2005 (the Kaneb Acquisition), we acquired an investment in ST Linden Terminals, LLC (Linden). Linden is owned 50% by the Partnership and 50% by NIC Holding Corp. In connection with the Kaneb Acquisition, we recorded our investment in

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Linden at fair value, which exceeded our 50% share of its members’ equity. This excess totaled $43.6 million and $43.9 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, of which $8.0 million is being amortized into expense over the average life of the assets held by Linden, or 25 years. The remaining balance not amortized represents goodwill of Linden.

Skelly-Belvieu Pipeline Company. The Skelly-Belvieu Pipeline Company (Skelly-Belvieu) owns a liquefied petroleum gas pipeline that begins in Skellytown, Texas and extends to Mont Belvieu, Texas near Houston. On December 1, 2008, we agreed to dispose of our interest in Skelly-Belvieu. See Note 4. Acquisitions and Dispositions below for further discussion on Skelly-Belvieu.

Other Long-Term Assets

“Other long-term assets, net” primarily include the following:

 

   

funds deposited with a trustee related to revenue bonds issued by the Parish of St. James associated with our St. James terminal expansion (see Note 11. Debt for additional information on the Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds);

 

   

asphalt tank heel inventory and ammonia pipeline linefill;

 

   

the fair value of our interest rate swap agreements;

 

   

deferred financing costs amortized over the life of the related debt obligation using the effective interest method;

 

   

deferred dry-docking costs incurred in connection with major maintenance activities on our marine vessels, which are amortized over the period of time estimated to lapse until the next dry-docking occurs;

 

   

deferred costs incurred in connection with acquiring a customer contract, which is amortized over the life of the contract; and

 

   

deferred refinery shutdown costs in connection with annual major maintenance on our asphalt production units, which are amortized based on units of production over the following year.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and investment in joint venture, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We perform the evaluation of recoverability using undiscounted estimated net cash flows generated by the related asset. If we deem an asset to be impaired, we determine the amount of impairment as the amount by which the net carrying value exceeds its fair value. We believe that the carrying amounts of our long-lived assets as of December 31, 2010 are recoverable.

Taxes Other than Income Taxes

Taxes other than income taxes include liabilities for ad valorem taxes, franchise taxes, sales and use taxes, excise fees and taxes and value added taxes.

Income Taxes

We are a limited partnership and generally are not subject to federal or state income taxes. Accordingly, our taxable income or loss, which may vary substantially from income or loss reported for financial reporting purposes, is generally included in the federal and state income tax returns of our partners. For transfers of publicly held units subsequent to our initial public offering, we have made an election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code to adjust the common unit purchaser’s tax basis in our underlying assets to reflect the purchase price of the units. This results in an allocation of taxable income and expenses to the purchaser of the common units, including depreciation deductions and gains and losses on sales of assets, based upon the new unitholder’s purchase price for the common units.

We conduct certain of our operations through taxable wholly owned corporate subsidiaries. We account for income taxes related to our taxable subsidiaries using the asset and liability method. Under this method, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred taxes using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

We recognize a tax position if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained, based on the technical merits of the position, upon examination. We record uncertain tax positions in the financial statements at the largest amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

NuStar Energy or certain of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state purposes, tax years subject to examination are 2006 through 2010 and for our major non-U.S. jurisdictions, tax years subject to examination are 2004 through 2010, both according to standard statute of limitations.

Asset Retirement Obligations

We record a liability for asset retirement obligations, at the fair value of the estimated costs to retire a tangible long-lived asset at the time we incur that liability, which is generally when the asset is purchased, constructed or leased, when we have a legal obligation to incur costs to retire the asset and when a reasonable estimate of the fair value of the obligation can be made. If a reasonable estimate cannot be made at the time the liability is incurred, we record the liability when sufficient information is available to estimate the fair value.

We have asset retirement obligations with respect to certain of our assets due to various legal obligations to clean and/or dispose of those assets at the time they are retired. However, these assets can be used for an extended and indeterminate period of time as long as they are properly maintained and/or upgraded. It is our practice and current intent to maintain our assets and continue making improvements to those assets based on technological advances. As a result, we believe that our assets have indeterminate lives for purposes of estimating asset retirement obligations because dates or ranges of dates upon which we would retire these assets cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. When a date or range of dates can reasonably be estimated for the retirement of any asset, we estimate the costs of performing the retirement activities and record a liability for the fair value of these costs.

We also have legal obligations in the form of leases and right-of-way agreements, which require us to remove certain of our assets upon termination of the agreement. However, these lease or right-of-way agreements generally contain automatic renewal provisions that extend our rights indefinitely or we have other legal means available to extend our rights. We have recorded a liability of approximately $0.6 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, which is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets, for conditional asset retirement obligations related to the retirement of terminal assets with lease and right-of-way agreements.

Environmental Remediation Costs

Environmental remediation costs are expensed and an associated accrual established when site restoration and environmental remediation and cleanup obligations are either known or considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. These environmental obligations are based on estimates of probable undiscounted future costs over a 20-year time period using currently available technology and applying current regulations, as well as our own internal environmental policies. The environmental liabilities have not been reduced by possible recoveries from third parties. Environmental costs include initial site surveys, costs for remediation and restoration and ongoing monitoring costs, as well as fines, damages and other costs, when estimable. Adjustments to initial estimates are recorded, from time to time, to reflect changing circumstances and estimates based upon additional information developed in subsequent periods.

Product Imbalances

We incur product imbalances as a result of variances in pipeline meter readings and volume fluctuations within the East Pipeline system due to pressure and temperature changes. We use quoted market prices as of the reporting date to value our assets and liabilities related to product imbalances. Product imbalance liabilities are included in “Accrued liabilities” and product imbalance assets are included in “Other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues for the storage segment include fees for tank storage agreements, whereby a customer agrees to pay for a certain amount of storage in a tank over a period of time (storage lease revenues), and throughput agreements, whereby a customer pays a fee per barrel for volumes moving through our terminals and tanks (throughput revenues). Our terminals also provide blending, handling and filtering services. Our facilities at Point Tupper and St. Eustatius also charge fees to provide ancillary services such as pilotage, tug assistance, line handling, launch service, emergency response services and other ship services. Storage lease revenues are recognized when services are provided to the customer. Throughput revenues are recognized as refined products are received in or delivered out of our terminal and as crude oil and certain other refinery feedstocks are received by the related refinery. Revenues for ancillary services are recognized as those services are provided.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Revenues for the transportation segment are derived from interstate and intrastate pipeline transportation of refined product, crude oil and anhydrous ammonia. Transportation revenues (based on pipeline tariffs) are recognized as the refined product, crude oil or anhydrous ammonia is delivered out of the pipelines.

Revenues from the sale of asphalt and other petroleum products, which are included in our asphalt and fuels marketing segment, are recognized when product is delivered to the customer and title and risk pass to the customer. Additionally, the revenues of our asphalt and fuels marketing segment include the mark-to-market impact of certain derivative instruments that are part of our limited trading program.

We collect taxes on certain revenue transactions to be remitted to governmental authorities, which may include sales, use, value added and some excise taxes. These taxes are not included in revenue.

Income Allocation

Our net income for each quarterly reporting period is first allocated to the general partner in an amount equal to the general partner’s incentive distribution calculated based upon the declared distribution for the respective reporting period. We allocate the remaining net income among the limited and general partners in accordance with their respective 98% and 2% interests.

Net Income per Unit Applicable to Limited Partners

We have identified the general partner interest and incentive distribution rights (IDR) as participating securities and use the two-class method when calculating the net income per unit applicable to limited partners, which is based on the weighted-average number of common units outstanding during the period.

In 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) provided additional guidance clarifying the application of the two-class method to calculate earnings per unit for master limited partnerships with IDR that are accounted for as equity interests. Under the new guidance, effective January 1, 2009, a master limited partnership must allocate earnings to its IDR in the calculation of earnings per unit. The terms of our partnership agreement limit distributions to the IDR holders to the amount of available cash calculated for the period. As a result, IDR are not allocated undistributed earnings or distributions in excess of earnings, thus the effect of adopting the additional guidance was not significant to our calculation of earnings per unit. Previous periods have been restated to conform to this presentation. Basic and diluted net income per unit applicable to limited partners are the same as we have no potentially dilutive securities outstanding.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income consists of net income and other gains and losses affecting partners’ equity that are excluded from net income, such as foreign currency translation adjustments and mark-to-market adjustments on derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges.

Derivative Financial Instruments

We record commodity derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value based on quoted market prices. We recognize mark-to-market adjustments for derivative instruments designated and qualifying as fair value hedges (Fair Value Hedges) and the related change in the fair value of the associated hedged physical inventory or firm commitment within “Cost of product sales.” For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges (Cash Flow Hedges), we record the effective portion of mark-to-market adjustments as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income” (AOCI) until the underlying hedged forecasted transactions occur and are recognized in income. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in “Cost of product sales.” Once a hedged transaction occurs, we reclassify the effective portion from AOCI to “Cost of product sales.” For derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting (Economic Hedges and Other Derivatives), we record the mark-to-market adjustments in “Cost of product sales” or “Operating expenses.”

We are a party to certain interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of hedging the interest rate risk associated with a portion of our fixed-rate senior notes. Under the terms of our fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements, we will receive a fixed rate and will pay a variable rate that varies with each agreement. We account for the fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps as fair value hedges and recognize the fair value of each interest rate swap in the consolidated balance sheets. The interest rate swap agreements qualify for the shortcut method of accounting. As a result, changes in the fair value of the swaps completely offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged debt.

 

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We are also a party to forward-starting interest rate swap agreements related to forecasted probable debt issuances. Under the terms of these swaps, we will pay a fixed rate and receive a rate based on three month USD LIBOR. We entered into the swaps in order to hedge the risk of changes in the interest payments attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate during the period from the effective date of the swap to the issuance of the forecasted debt. We account for the forward-starting interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges, and we recognize the fair value of each interest rate swap in the consolidated balance sheets. We record the effective portion of mark-to-market adjustments as a component of AOCI, and any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in “Interest expense, net.” The amount in AOCI will be amortized into “Interest expense, net” over the term of the forecasted debt.

From time to time, we also enter into derivative commodity instruments based on our analysis of market conditions in order to attempt to profit from market fluctuations. These derivative instruments are financial positions entered into without underlying physical inventory and are not considered hedges. We record these derivatives in the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value with mark-to-market adjustments recorded in “Product sales.”

We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items. This process includes identification of the hedging instrument and the hedged transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the hedging instrument’s effectiveness will be assessed. To qualify for hedge accounting, at inception of the hedge we assess whether the derivative instruments that are used in our hedging transactions are expected to be highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or the fair value of the hedged items. Throughout the designated hedge period and at least quarterly, we assess whether the derivative instruments are highly effective and continue to qualify for hedge accounting. To assess the effectiveness of the hedging relationship both prospectively and retrospectively, we use regression analysis to calculate the correlation of the changes in the fair values of the derivative instrument and related hedged item.

All cash flows associated with our commodity derivative instruments are classified as operating cash flows in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

See Note 15. Derivatives and Risk Management Activities for additional information regarding our derivative financial instruments.

Operating Leases

We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the impact of both scheduled rent increases and free or reduced rents (commonly referred to as “rent holidays”).

Unit-based Compensation

NuStar GP, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of NuStar GP Holdings, has adopted various long-term incentive plans, which provide the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC with the right to grant employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC providing services to NuStar Energy the right to receive NS common units. NuStar GP, LLC accounts for awards of NS common unit options, restricted units and performance awards at fair value as a derivative, whereby a liability for the award is recorded at inception. Subsequent changes in the fair value of the award are included in the determination of net income. NuStar GP, LLC determines the fair value of NS unit options using the Black-Scholes model at each reporting date. NuStar GP, LLC determines the fair value of NS restricted units and performance awards using the market price of NS common units at each reporting date. However, performance awards are earned only upon NuStar Energy’s achievement of an objective performance measure. NuStar GP, LLC records compensation expense each reporting period such that the cumulative compensation expense recognized equals the current fair value of the percentage of the award that has vested. NuStar GP, LLC records compensation expense related to NS unit options until such options are exercised, and compensation expense related to NS restricted units until the date of vesting.

NuStar GP Holdings has adopted a long-term incentive plan that provides the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of NuStar GP Holdings with the right to grant employees, consultants and directors of NuStar GP Holdings and its affiliates, including NuStar GP, LLC, rights to receive NuStar GP Holdings common units. NuStar GP Holdings accounts for awards of NSH restricted units and unit options granted to its directors or employees of NuStar GP, LLC at fair value. The fair value of NSH unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date, and the fair value of the NSH restricted unit equals the market price of NSH common units at the grant date. NuStar GP Holdings recognizes compensation expense for NSH restricted units and unit options ratably over the vesting period based on the fair value of the units at the grant date.

 

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We reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for the expenses resulting from NS and NSH awards to employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC. We include such compensation expense in “General and administrative expenses” on the consolidated statements of income. We do not reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for the expense resulting from NSH awards to non-employee directors of NuStar GP Holdings.

Margin Deposits

Margin deposits relate to our exchange-traded derivative contracts and generally vary based on changes in the value of the contracts. Margin deposits are included in “Other current assets” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign Currency Translation

The functional currencies of our foreign subsidiaries are the local currency of the country in which the subsidiary is located, except for our subsidiaries located in St. Eustatius in the Caribbean (formerly the Netherlands Antilles), whose functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries with local functional currencies are translated to U.S. dollars at period-end exchange rates, and income and expense items are translated to U.S. dollars at weighted-average exchange rates in effect during the period. These translation adjustments are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income” in the equity section of the consolidated balance sheets. Gains and losses on foreign currency transactions are included in “Other income, net” in the consolidated statements of income.

Reclassifications

Certain previously reported amounts in the 2009 and 2008 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2010 presentation.

3. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Goodwill Impairment

In December 2010, the FASB amended the goodwill impairment guidance for entities that have recognized goodwill and have reporting units that have a zero or negative carrying amount for purposes of performing step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level using a two step process. Step 1 compares the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying amount of the reporting unit. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, Step 2 is completed to measure the amount of impairment, if any. If the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, then no further steps are necessary and no impairment is recorded. For reporting units that have a zero or negative carrying amount, the amended guidance requires that step 2 be performed if qualitative factors indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill impairment exists. The amended guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2010. Accordingly, we will be required to comply with the amended guidance on January 1, 2011 and do not expect it to materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

Supplementary Pro Forma Information for Business Combinations

In December 2010, the FASB revised the guidance for pro forma disclosure requirements for business combinations. The accounting guidance for business combinations requires public entities to disclose certain pro forma financial information for material business combinations that occur during the period. Previously, public entities were required to disclose pro forma information as if the business combination had occurred as of the beginning of the year and had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior year. The revised guidance would require pro forma disclosures be presented as if the business combination occurred at the beginning of the prior annual period. The revised disclosure provisions are effective for business combinations with acquisition dates occurring in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. We adopted these provisions on January 1, 2011.

Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued additional guidance that requires new disclosures regarding significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and additional information on the roll forward of Level 3 fair value measurements. This guidance also clarified the existing provisions on determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities to be reported and disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. This additional guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, with the exception of the new requirements in the Level 3 roll forward, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. We adopted these provisions effective January 1, 2010,

 

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except the requirements related to the Level 3 roll forward, which we adopted January 1, 2011, and they did not have a material impact on our disclosures.

4. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

Asphalt Holdings, Inc.

On May 21, 2010, we acquired the capital stock of Asphalt Holdings, Inc. for $53.3 million, including liabilities assumed (Asphalt Holdings Acquisition). The acquisition includes three storage terminals with 24 storage tanks and an aggregate capacity of approximately 1.8 million barrels located in Alabama along the Mobile River. The consolidated statements of income include the results of operations for the Asphalt Holdings Acquisition commencing on May 21, 2010 in the storage segment. Since the effect of the Asphalt Holdings Acquisition was not significant, we have not presented pro forma financial information for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 that give effect to the Asphalt Holdings Acquisition as of January 1, 2008. The Asphalt Holdings Acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method. The purchase price has been preliminarily allocated based on the estimated fair values of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition pending completion of an independent appraisal and other evaluations.

CITGO Asphalt Refining Company Asphalt Operations and Assets

On March 20, 2008, we acquired CITGO Asphalt Refining Company’s asphalt operations and assets (the East Coast Asphalt Operations) for approximately $840.4 million. The East Coast Asphalt Operations include a 74,000 barrels-per-day (BPD) asphalt refinery in Paulsboro, New Jersey, a 30,000 BPD asphalt refinery in Savannah, Georgia and three asphalt terminals in Paulsboro, New Jersey, Savannah, Georgia and Wilmington, North Carolina.

We funded the acquisition with proceeds from our common unit offerings in November 2007 and April 2008, related contributions from our general partner to maintain its 2% interest, proceeds from our issuance of $350.0 million of senior notes and borrowings under our revolving credit agreement. The results of operations for the refineries, including the two related terminals in Paulsboro and Savannah, as well as the associated marketing activities, are included in the asphalt and fuels marketing segment. The results of operations for the Wilmington terminal are included in the storage segment.

The acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations complemented our existing asphalt marketing operations by giving us exposure to the largest asphalt market in the United States, diversifying our customer base and expanding our geographic presence.

The acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations was accounted for using the purchase method. The purchase price was allocated based on the estimated fair values of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition. The purchase price and final purchase price allocation were as follows (in thousands):

 

Cash paid for the East Coast Asphalt Operations

  $     801,686   

Transaction costs

      1,498   
         

Total cash paid

      803,184   

Fair value of liabilities assumed

      37,238   
         

Purchase price

  $     840,422   
         

Inventories

  $     327,312   

Other current assets

      1,439   

Property, plant and equipment

      450,310   

Goodwill

      22,132   

Intangible assets

      11,510   

Other long-term assets

      27,719   
         

Purchase price allocation

  $     840,422   
         

 

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The consolidated statements of income include the results of operations for the East Coast Asphalt Operations commencing on March 20, 2008. The unaudited pro forma financial information presented below combines the historical financial information for the East Coast Asphalt Operations and the Partnership for the year ended December 31, 2008. This information assumes that we:

 

   

completed the acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations on January 1, 2008;

 

   

issued approximately 7.7 million common units for net proceeds of $379.3 million;

 

   

received a contribution from our general partner of approximately $8.0 million to maintain its 2% interest;

 

   

issued $350.0 million of 7.65% senior notes; and

 

   

borrowed approximately $69.0 million under our revolving credit agreement.

The following unaudited pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of future operations:

 

   

Year Ended December 31, 2008

   

(Thousands of Dollars,

Except Per Unit Data)

Revenues

      $5,008,623  

Operating income

      318,626  

Net income

      254,539  

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners

      $          4.13  

Sale of Ardmore-Wynnewood and Trans-Texas Pipelines

On June 15, 2009, we sold the Ardmore-Wynnewood pipeline in Oklahoma and the Trans-Texas pipeline. We received proceeds of $29.0 million and recognized a gain of $21.4 million in “Other income, net” in the consolidated statements of income in 2009.

Sale of Investment in Skelly-Belvieu

On December 1, 2008, we agreed to dispose of our interest in the Skelly-Belvieu Pipeline Company, which owns a liquefied petroleum gas pipeline in Texas. We received proceeds of $36.0 million and recognized a gain of $18.9 million in “Other income, net” in the consolidated statements of income in 2008.

5. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

The changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts consisted of the following:

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
        2010         2009         2008  
    (Thousands of Dollars)  

Balance as of beginning of year

  $     1,351      $     1,174      $     365   

Increase in allowance

      506          613          973   

Accounts charged against the allowance, net of recoveries

      (396       (453       (119

Foreign currency translation

      (4       17          (45
                             

Balance as of end of year

  $     1,457      $     1,351      $     1,174   
                             

 

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6. INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

        December 31,  
        2010         2009  
    (Thousands of Dollars)  

Crude oil

  $     122,945      $     74,250   

Finished products

      281,197          302,980   

Materials and supplies

      9,395          10,564   
                   

Total

  $     413,537      $     387,794   
                   

We purchase crude oil for the production of asphalt and other refined products, as well as for resale. Our finished products consist of asphalt, intermediates, gasoline, distillates and other petroleum products. We purchase gasoline, distillates and other petroleum products for resale. Materials and supplies mainly consist of blending and additive chemicals and maintenance materials used in our transportation and storage segments.

7. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Other current assets consisted of the following:

 

        December 31,  
        2010         2009  
    (Thousands of Dollars)  

Prepaid expenses

  $     20,255      $     16,845   

Margin deposits

      17,787          38,650   

Product advances

      2,738          13,045   

Product imbalances

      991          2,096   

Other

      1,025          2,486   
                   

Other current assets

  $     42,796      $     73,122   
                   

8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant and equipment, at cost, consisted of the following:

 

     Estimated            
     Useful         December 31,  
         Lives             2010         2009  
     (Years)         (Thousands of Dollars)  

Land

     -      $     123,805      $     118,040   

Land and leasehold improvements

     10 - 35          105,055          98,272   

Buildings

     15 - 40          64,528          56,992   

Pipelines, storage and terminals

     20 - 35          3,044,538          2,843,163   

Refining equipment

     20 - 35          447,848          424,220   

Rights-of-way

     20 - 40          101,538          101,587   

Construction in progress

     -          134,007          79,630   
                      

Total

         4,021,319          3,721,904   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

         (833,862       (693,708
                      

Property, plant and equipment, net

     $     3,187,457      $     3,028,196   
                      

Capitalized interest costs added to property, plant and equipment totaled $3.7 million, $1.7 million and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for property,

 

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plant and equipment totaled $144.2 million, $136.1 million and $125.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

    December 31, 2010   December 31, 2009  
        Cost         Accumulated
Amortization
        Cost         Accumulated
Amortization
 
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

               

Customer relationships

  $     76,910      $     (35,983   $     70,410      $     (28,529

Non-compete agreements

      -          -          1,515          (1,515

Terminalling agreement

      -          -          1,000          (1,000

Other

      2,809          (703       2,809          (563
                                       

Total

  $     79,719      $     (36,686   $     75,734      $     (31,607
                                       

All of our intangible assets are subject to amortization. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $7.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:

 

    Amortization Expense     
    (Thousands of Dollars)     

2011

  $    7,843   

2012

        7,753   

2013

        7,753   

2014

        7,753   

2015

        7,753   

10. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

 

        

December 31,

 
        

2010

        

2009

 
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Employee wages and benefit costs

  $     21,216      $     15,959   

Derivative liabilities

      14,741          30,788   

Unearned income

      4,375          4,714   

Environmental costs

      2,659          2,798   

Product imbalances

      988          676   

Other

      13,974          9,716   
                   

Accrued liabilities

  $     57,953      $     64,651   
                   

 

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11. DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

        

December 31,

 
        

2010

        

2009

 
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

$1.2 billion revolving credit agreement

  $     188,282      $     525,126   

4.80% senior notes due 2020, net of unamortized discount of ($848) and a fair value adjustment of ($29,483)

      419,669          -   

7.65% senior notes due 2018, net of unamortized discount of ($556) in 2010 and ($610) in 2009

      349,444          349,390   

6.05% senior notes due 2013, net of unamortized discount of ($145) in 2010 and ($209) in 2009 and a fair value adjustment of $7,580 in 2010 and $5,885 in 2009

      237,367          235,608   

6.875% senior notes due 2012, net of unamortized discount of ($48) in 2010 and ($80) in 2009 and a fair value adjustment of $3,083 in 2010 and $2,738 in 2009

      103,035          102,658   

7.75% senior notes due 2012, including a fair value adjustment of $9,023 in 2010 and $16,148 in 2009

      259,023          266,148   

5.875% senior notes due 2013, including a fair value adjustment of $5,247 in 2010 and $7,178 in 2009

      255,247          257,178   

Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds

      290,440          56,200   

UK term loan

      32,789          33,917   

Port Authority of Corpus Christi note payable

      1,784          3,538   
                   

Total debt

      2,137,080          1,829,763   

Less current portion

      (832       (770
                   

Long-term debt, less current portion

  $     2,136,248      $     1,828,993   
                   

The long-term debt repayments are due as follows (in thousands):

 

2011

  $     832   

2012

      571,969   

2013

      479,986   

2014

      -   

2015

      -   

Thereafter

      1,090,440   
         

Total repayments

      2,143,227   

Net fair value adjustment and unamortized discount

      (6,147
         

Total debt

  $     2,137,080   
         

Interest payments totaled $91.4 million, $95.3 million and $103.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

NuStar Logistics’ Senior Notes

On August 12, 2010, NuStar Logistics issued $450.0 million of 4.80% senior notes under our shelf registration statement for net proceeds of $445.4 million. The net proceeds were used to reduce outstanding borrowings under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement. The interest on the 4.80% senior notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 1 and September 1 of each year beginning on March 1, 2011. The notes will mature on September 1, 2020.

The $350.0 million of 7.65% senior notes mature in 2018, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on April 15 and October 15 of each year. The interest rate payable on the notes is subject to adjustment if our debt rating is downgraded (or subsequently upgraded) by certain credit rating agencies.

The $229.9 million of 6.05% senior notes mature in 2013, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year.

 

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The $100.0 million of 6.875% senior notes mature in 2012, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on January 15 and July 15 of each year.

The 4.80%, 7.65%, 6.05% and the 6.875% senior notes do not have sinking fund requirements. These notes rank equally with existing senior unsecured indebtedness of NuStar Logistics and contain restrictions on NuStar Logistics’ ability to incur secured indebtedness unless the same security is also provided for the benefit of holders of the senior notes. In addition, the senior notes limit NuStar Logistics’ ability to incur indebtedness secured by certain liens and to engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions.

At the option of NuStar Logistics, the 4.80%, 7.65%, 6.05% and 6.875% senior notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at a redemption price, which includes a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. The 6.05% and the 6.875% senior notes also include a change-in-control provision, which requires that (1) an investment-grade entity own, directly or indirectly, 51% of our general partner interests; and (2) we (or an investment-grade entity) own, directly or indirectly, all of the general partner and limited partner interests in NuStar Logistics.

NuPOP’s Senior Notes

As a result of the Kaneb Acquisition, we assumed the outstanding senior notes issued by NuPOP, having an aggregate face value of $500.0 million, and an aggregate fair value of $555.0 million. We use the effective interest method to amortize the difference between the fair value and the face value of the senior notes as a reduction of interest expense over the remaining lives of the senior notes.

The senior notes were issued in two series, the first of which bears interest at 7.75% annually (due semi-annually on February 15 and August 15) and matures February 15, 2012. The second series bears interest at 5.875% annually (due on June 1 and December 1) and matures June 1, 2013.

The 7.75% and 5.875% senior notes do not contain sinking fund requirements. These notes contain restrictions on our ability to incur indebtedness secured by liens, to engage in certain sale-leaseback transactions, to engage in certain transactions with affiliates, as defined, and to utilize proceeds from the disposition of certain assets. At the option of NuPOP, the 7.75% and 5.875% senior notes may be redeemed in whole or in part at any time at a redemption price, which includes a make-whole premium, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

The senior notes issued by NuStar Logistics are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by NuStar Energy. In connection with the Kaneb Acquisition, NuStar Energy fully and unconditionally guaranteed the outstanding senior notes issued by NuPOP. Additionally, effective July 1, 2005, both NuStar Logistics and NuPOP fully and unconditionally guaranteed the outstanding senior notes of the other. NuPOP will be released from its guarantee of senior notes issued by NuStar Logistics when it no longer guarantees any obligations of NuStar Energy, or any of its subsidiaries, including NuStar Logistics, under any bank facility or public debt instrument.

2007 Revolving Credit Agreement

NuStar Logistics is party to a $1.2 billion five-year revolving credit agreement (the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement), which includes the ability to borrow up to the equivalent of $250.0 million in Euros. The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement matures on December 10, 2012. Obligations under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement are guaranteed by NuStar Energy and NuPOP. NuPOP will be released from its guarantee of the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement when it no longer guarantees NuStar Logistics’ public debt instruments.

The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement bears interest, at our option, based on either an alternative base rate or a LIBOR based rate, which was 1.0% as of December 31, 2010. The weighted-average interest rate related to borrowings under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2010 was 0.9%. We had $724.9 million available for borrowing under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2010.

The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement includes restrictive covenants, including a prohibition on distributions if any defaults, as defined in the agreements, exist or would result from the distribution. The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement also requires us to maintain, as of the end of each rolling period, consisting of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, a consolidated debt coverage ratio (consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the 2007

 

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Revolving Credit Agreement) not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00; provided, that if at any time NuStar Energy or any of its restricted subsidiaries consummates an acquisition for an aggregate net consideration of at least $100.0 million, then for two rolling periods, the last day of which immediately follows the day on which such acquisition is consummated, the maximum consolidated debt coverage ratio will increase to 5.50-to-1.00. This consolidated debt coverage ratio may restrict the amount we can borrow without exceeding the maximum allowed limit to an amount less than the total amount available for borrowing. As of December 31, 2010, the consolidated debt coverage ratio was 4.6x.

Letters of credit issued under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement totaled $298.8 million as of December 31, 2010. Letters of credit are limited to $500.0 million and also may restrict the amount we can borrow under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement.

Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds

In 2008 and 2010, the Parish of St. James, where our St. James, Louisiana, terminal is located, issued Revenue Bonds (NuStar Logistics, L.P. Project) Series 2008, Series 2010, Series 2010A and Series 2010B associated with our St. James terminal expansion pursuant to the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act of 2005. The interest rate on these bonds is based on a weekly tax-exempt bond market interest rate, and interest is paid monthly. Following the issuance, the proceeds were deposited with a trustee and will be disbursed to us upon our request for reimbursement of expenditures related to our St. James terminal expansion. The amount remaining in trust is included in “Other long-term assets, net,” and the amount of bonds issued is included in “Long-term debt, less current portion” in our consolidated balance sheets.

NuStar Logistics is solely obligated to service the principal and interest payments associated with the bonds. Certain lenders under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement issued letters of credit on our behalf to guarantee the payment of interest and principal on the bonds. These letters of credit rank equally with existing senior unsecured indebtedness of NuStar Logistics.

The following table summarizes Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds outstanding as of December 31, 2010:

 

Date Issued   Maturity Date      

Amount

Outstanding

     

Amount of
Letter of

Credit

      Amount
Received from
Trustee
       Amount
Remaining in
Trust
  

Average
Annual

Interest Rate

                (Thousands of Dollars)     
June 26, 2008   June 1, 2038   $   55,440   $   56,169   $   55,440   $    -    0.3%
July 15, 2010   July 1, 2040     100,000     101,315     28,218      71,782    0.3%
October 7, 2010   October 1, 2040     50,000     50,658     581      49,419    0.3%
December 29, 2010   December 1, 2040     85,000     86,118     835      84,165    0.4%
                             
 

Total

  $   290,440   $   294,260   $   85,074   $    205,366   
                             

UK Term Loan

NuPOP’s UK subsidiary, NuStar Terminals Limited, is the party to the £21 million amended and restated term loan agreement (the UK Term Loan), which bears interest at 6.65% annually and matures on December 11, 2012. Management believes that we are in compliance with all ratios and covenants of the UK Term Loan as of December 31, 2010, which are substantially the same as the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement.

Our other long-term debt obligations do not contain any financial covenants. However, a default under any of our debt instruments would be considered an event of default under all of our debt instruments.

Port Authority of Corpus Christi Note Payable

The proceeds from the original $12.0 million note payable due to the Port of Corpus Christi Authority of Nueces County, Texas (Port Authority of Corpus Christi) were used for the construction of a crude oil storage facility in Corpus Christi, Texas. The note payable is due in annual installments of $1.2 million through December 31, 2015 and is collateralized by the crude oil storage facility. Interest on the unpaid principal balance accrues at a rate of 8.0% per annum. The land on which the crude oil storage facility was constructed is leased from the Port Authority of Corpus Christi. The wharfage and dockage fees paid to the Port Authority of Corpus Christi in connection with the use of the crude oil storage facility

 

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have exceeded certain limits per the terms of the note, which have accelerated the repayment of the unpaid principal balance.

Line of Credit

As of December 31, 2010, we had one short-term line of credit with an uncommitted borrowing capacity of up to $20.0 million. The interest rate and maturity vary and are determined at the time of the borrowing. The interest rate fluctuates with the Federal Funds rate. We borrowed $177.0 million and repaid $197.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2010 under this line of credit based on liquidity needs. We had no outstanding borrowings on this line of credit as of December 31, 2010, and we had $20.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2009 at an interest rate of 2.4%. The weighted-average interest rate related to outstanding borrowings under this short-term line of credit during the year ended December 31, 2010 was 2.5%.

12. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

Our operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, including those relating to the discharge of materials into the environment, waste management, pollution prevention measures, pipeline integrity and operator qualifications, among others. Our operations are also subject to extensive federal and state health and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to pipeline safety. The principal environmental and safety risks associated with our operations relate to unauthorized emissions into the air, unauthorized releases into soil, surface water or groundwater, and personal injury and property damage. Compliance with these environmental and safety laws, regulations and permits increases our capital expenditures and our overall cost of business, and violations of these laws, regulations and/or permits can result in significant civil and criminal liabilities, injunctions or other penalties.

The pipelines in the Central West System, the East Pipeline, the North Pipeline and the Ammonia Pipeline are subject to federal regulation by one or more of the following governmental agencies or laws: the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (the FERC), the Surface Transportation Board (the STB), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Homeland Security Act. Additionally, the operations and integrity of the pipelines are subject to the respective state jurisdictions along the route of the systems.

We have adopted policies, practices and procedures in the areas of pollution control, pipeline integrity, operator qualifications, public relations and education, product safety, process safety, occupational health and the handling, storage, use and disposal of hazardous materials that are designed to prevent material environmental or other damage, to ensure the safety of our pipelines, our employees, the public and the environment and to limit the financial liability that could result from such events. Future governmental action and regulatory initiatives could result in changes to expected operating permits and procedures, additional remedial actions or increased capital expenditures and operating costs that cannot be assessed with certainty at this time. In addition, contamination resulting from spills of petroleum products occurs within the industry. Risks of additional costs and liabilities are inherent within the industry, and there can be no assurances that significant costs and liabilities will not be incurred in the future.

Environmental and safety exposures and liabilities are difficult to assess and estimate due to unknown factors such as the timing and extent of remediation, the determination of our liability in proportion to other parties, improvements in cleanup technologies and the extent to which environmental and safety laws and regulations may change in the future. Although environmental and safety costs may have a significant impact on the results of operations for any single period, we believe that such costs will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

The balance of and changes in the accruals for environmental matters were as follows:

 

        Year Ended December 31,  
        2010     2009  
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Balance as of beginning of year

  $     9,384      $     10,270   

Additions to accrual

      2,431          2,248   

Payments

      (3,210       (3,241

Foreign currency translation

      (36       107   
                   

Balance as of end of year

  $     8,569      $     9,384   
                   

 

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Accruals for environmental matters are included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:

 

        

December 31,

 
        

2010

        

2009

 
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Accrued liabilities

  $     2,659      $     2,798   

Other long-term liabilities

      5,910          6,586   
                   

Accruals for environmental matters

  $     8,569      $     9,384   
                   

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contingencies

We have contingent liabilities resulting from various litigation, claims and commitments, the most significant of which are discussed below. We record accruals for loss contingencies when losses are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Legal fees associated with defending the Partnership in legal matters are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2010, we have accrued $73.3 million for contingent losses. The amount that will ultimately be paid related to these matters may differ from the recorded accruals, and the timing of such payments is uncertain.

Grace Energy Corporation Matter. In 1997, Grace Energy Corporation (Grace Energy) sued subsidiaries of Kaneb Pipeline Partners, L.P. (KPP) and Kaneb Services LLC (KSL and collectively with KPP and their respective subsidiaries, Kaneb) in Texas state court. We acquired Kaneb on July 1, 2005. The complaint sought recovery of the cost of remediation of fuel leaks in the 1970s from a pipeline that had once connected a former Grace Energy terminal with Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts (Otis AFB). Grace Energy alleges the Otis AFB pipeline and related environmental liabilities had been transferred in 1978 to an entity that was part of Kaneb’s acquisition of Support Terminal Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries from Grace Energy in 1993. Kaneb contends that it did not acquire the Otis AFB pipeline and never assumed any responsibility for any associated environmental damage.

In 2000, the court entered final judgment that: (i) Grace Energy could not recover its own remediation costs of $3.5 million, (ii) Kaneb owned the Otis AFB pipeline and its related environmental liabilities and (iii) Grace Energy was awarded $1.8 million in attorney costs. Both Kaneb and Grace Energy appealed the final judgment of the trial court to the Texas Court of Appeals in Dallas. In 2001, Grace Energy filed a petition in bankruptcy, which created an automatic stay of actions against Grace Energy. In September 2008, Grace Energy filed its Joint Plan of Reorganization and Disclosure Statement.

The Otis AFB is a part of a Superfund Site pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). The site contains a number of groundwater contamination plumes, two of which are allegedly associated with the Otis AFB pipeline. Relying on the final judgment of the Texas state court assigning ownership of the Otis AFB pipeline to Kaneb, the United States Department of Justice (the DOJ) advised Kaneb in 2001 that it intends to seek reimbursement from Kaneb for the remediation costs associated with the two plumes. In November 2008, the DOJ forwarded information to us indicating that the past and estimated future remediation expenses associated with one plume are $71.9 million. The DOJ has indicated that they will not seek recovery of remediation costs for the second plume. The DOJ has not filed a lawsuit against us related to this matter, and we have not made any payments toward costs incurred by the DOJ. We are currently in settlement discussions with other potentially responsible parties and the DOJ, and a change in our estimate of this liability may occur in the near term. However, any settlement agreement that is reached must be approved by multiple parties and requires the approval of the bankruptcy court and the federal district court. We cannot currently estimate when or if a settlement will be finalized.

Eres Matter. In August 2008, Eres N.V. (Eres) forwarded a demand for arbitration to CITGO Asphalt Refining Company (CARCO), CITGO Petroleum Corporation (CITGO), NuStar Asphalt Refining, LLC (NuStar Asphalt) and NuStar Marketing LLC (NuStar Marketing, and together with CARCO, CITGO and NuStar Asphalt, the Defendants) contending that the Defendants are in breach of a tanker voyage charter party agreement, dated November 2004, between Eres and CARCO (the Charter Agreement). The Charter Agreement provides for CARCO’s use of Eres’ vessels for the shipment of asphalt. Eres contends that NuStar Asphalt and/or NuStar Marketing (together, the NuStar Entities) assumed the Charter

 

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Agreement when NuStar Asphalt purchased the CARCO assets, and that the Defendants have failed to perform under the Charter Agreement since January 1, 2008. Eres has valued its damages for the alleged breach of contract claim at approximately $78.1 million. Pursuant to a May 2010 ruling by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas, the NuStar Entities were found to have assumed the Charter Agreement from CARCO and to be obligated to defend and indemnify CITGO and CARCO against Eres’ claims. The Defendants were ordered to proceed with arbitration. We intend to vigorously defend against Eres’ claims in arbitration.

Other. We are also a party to additional claims and legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Due to the inherent uncertainty of litigation, there can be no assurance that the resolution of any particular claim or proceeding would not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial position or liquidity. It is possible that if one or more of the matters described above were decided against us, the effects could be material to our results of operations in the period in which we would be required to record or adjust the related liability and could also be material to our cash flows in the periods we would be required to pay such liability.

Commitments

Future minimum rental payments applicable to all noncancellable operating leases and purchase obligations as of December 31, 2010 are as follows:

 

        

Payments Due by Period

 
        

2011

        

2012

        

2013

        

2014

        

2015

        

There-
after

        

Total

 
    (Thousands of Dollars)  

Operating leases

  $     78,023      $     61,812      $     56,313      $     48,225      $     46,437      $     148,053      $     438,863   

Purchase obligations:

                           

Crude oil

      2,260,432          2,541,480          2,541,480          2,541,480          565,108          -          10,449,980   

Other purchase obligations

      19,446          3,341          1,950          743          -          -          25,480   

Rental expense for all operating leases totaled $63.7 million, $64.8 million and $45.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively. Our operating leases consist primarily of the following:

 

   

a ten-year lease for tugs and barges utilized at our St. Eustatius facility for bunker fuel sales, with two five-year renewal options;

 

   

a five-year lease for tugs utilized at our Point Tupper facility for bunker fuel sales, with a two-year renewal option;

 

   

two separate five-year leases related to our asphalt and fuels marketing segment for tugs and barges utilized on the East Coast, with no renewal options;

 

   

leases related to our asphalt and fuels marketing segment for storage capacity at third-party terminals with lease terms generally ranging from two to five years; and

 

   

land leases at various terminal facilities.

Our crude oil purchase obligations result mainly from a crude supply agreement (CSA) we entered into simultaneously with the acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations. Under the CSA, we committed to purchase an annual average of 75,000 barrels per day of crude oil over a minimum seven-year period from an affiliate of Petróleos de Venezuela S. A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of Venezuela. Our crude oil purchase obligations also include a crude purchase/sale agreement with Statoil Brasil Oleo E Gas Limitada that we entered into on November 17, 2010. Under this agreement, we committed to purchase an average of 10,000 barrels per day of crude oil over a three-year period beginning when we are able to process the crude oil at our Paulsboro refinery. For purposes of the table above, we used January 1, 2012 as the start date for this agreement. The value of these two crude oil purchase obligations fluctuates according to a market-based pricing formula using published market indices, subject to adjustment based on the price of Mexican Maya crude. We estimated the value of the crude oil purchase obligations based on market prices as of December 31, 2010.

 

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14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

We segregate the inputs used in measuring fair value into three levels: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.

The following assets and liabilities are measured at fair value:

 

    

December 31, 2010

 
    

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

    

Total

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Other current assets:

                     

Product imbalances

   $           991      $           -      $           -       $           991   

Other long-term assets, net:

                     

Interest rate swaps

        -           45,663           -            45,663   

Accrued liabilities:

                     

Product imbalances

        (988        -           -            (988

Commodity derivatives

        (14,741        -           -            (14,741

Other long-term liabilities:

                     

Interest rate swaps

        -           (29,483        -            (29,483
                                             

Total

   $           (14,738   $           16,180      $           -       $           1,442   
                                             
    

December 31, 2009

 
    

Level 1

   

Level 2

   

Level 3

    

Total

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Other current assets:

                     

Product imbalances

   $           2,096      $           -      $           -       $           2,096   

Other long-term assets, net:

                     

Interest rate swaps

        -           8,623           -            8,623   

Accrued liabilities:

                     

Derivatives

        (30,788        -           -            (30,788

Product imbalances

        (676        -           -            (676
                                             

Total

   $           (29,368   $           8,623      $           -       $           (20,745
                                             

Product Imbalances

We value our assets and liabilities related to product imbalances using quoted market prices as of the reporting date.

Interest Rate Swaps

We estimate the fair value of both our fixed-to-floating and forward-starting interest rate swaps using discounted cash flows, which use observable inputs such as time to maturity and market interest rates.

Commodity Derivatives

Our commodity derivative instruments consist of futures contracts and swaps traded on the NYMEX, and the fair values of these contracts are based on their quoted prices. We have consistently applied these valuation techniques in all periods presented. See Note 15. Derivatives and Risk Management Activities for a discussion of our derivative instruments.

 

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We do not record our outstanding debt at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet. The estimated fair value and carrying amount of our debt was as follows:

 

    

December 31,

 
    

2010

    

2009

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Fair value

   $ 2,249,190       $ 1,877,373   

Carrying amount

   $ 2,137,080       $ 1,849,763   

We estimated the fair values of our debt using a discounted cash flow analysis using current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

15. DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

We utilize various derivative instruments to: (i) manage our exposure to commodity price risk, (ii) engage in a trading program and (iii) manage our exposure to interest rate risk. Our risk management policies and procedures are designed to monitor interest rates, NYMEX and over-the-counter positions, as well as physical volumes, grades, locations and delivery schedules to help ensure that our hedging activities address our market risks. We have a risk management committee that oversees our trading controls and procedures and certain aspects of commodity and trading risk management. Our risk management committee also reviews all new commodity and trading risk management strategies in accordance with our risk management policy, as approved by our board of directors.

Interest Rate Risk

We are a party to interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. We have fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements that have an aggregate notional amount of $167.5 million, of which $60.0 million is tied to the maturity of the 6.875% senior notes and $107.5 million is tied to the maturity of the 6.05% senior notes. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, we will receive a fixed rate (6.875% and 6.05% for the $60.0 million and $107.5 million of interest rate swap agreements, respectively) and will pay a variable rate based on six month USD LIBOR plus a percentage that varies with each agreement. In September and October 2010, we entered into fixed-to-floating interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $450.0 million related to the 4.80% senior notes issued on August 12, 2010. Under the terms of these interest rate swap agreements, we will receive a fixed 4.80% and will pay a variable rate based on six month USD LIBOR plus a percentage that varies with each agreement. As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, the weighted-average interest rate that we paid under our fixed-to-floating interest rate swaps was 2.4% and 2.3%, respectively.

In August and September 2010, we also entered into seven forward-starting interest rate swap agreements with an aggregate notional amount of $500.0 million related to forecasted probable debt issuances in 2012 and 2013. Under the terms of the swaps, we will pay a fixed rate and receive a rate based on three month USD LIBOR. We entered into the swaps in order to hedge the risk of changes in the interest payments attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate during the period from the effective date of the swap to the issuance of the forecasted debt. The following table summarizes information about our forward-starting swaps:

 

Notional Amount

   Period of Hedge    Weighted-Average
Fixed Rate
(Thousands of Dollars)          
  $ 125,000           03/13 – 03/23          3.5 %
    150,000           06/13 – 06/23          3.5 %
    225,000           02/12 – 02/22          3.1 %
                       
  $ 500,000                3.3 %
                       

 

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Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to commodity price risk with respect to our product inventories and related firm commitments to purchase and/or sell such inventories. We utilize futures contracts and swaps traded on the NYMEX to manage our exposure to changes in commodity prices, with the objective of stabilizing cash flows. We also enter into forward contracts in order to attempt to profit from market fluctuations.

The volume of commodity contracts is based on open derivative positions and represents the combined volume of our long and short positions on an absolute basis, which totaled 12.8 million barrels and 11.8 million barrels as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

As of December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $17.8 million and $38.7 million, respectively, of margin deposits related to our derivative instruments.

The fair values of our derivative instruments included in our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:

 

               Asset Derivatives      Liability Derivatives  
    

  Balance Sheet    

  Location

        December 31,      December 31,  
             2010      2009      2010     2009  
                      (Thousands of Dollars)  

Derivatives Designated as

Hedging Instruments:

                          

Commodity contracts

   Other current assets     $           2,176       $           -       $           -      $           -   

Interest rate swaps – fair value hedges

   Other long-term assets, net          10,663            8,623            -           -   

Interest rate swaps – cash flow hedges

   Other long-term assets, net          35,000            -            -           -   

Commodity contracts

   Accrued liabilities          -            3,797            (2,522        (14,279

Interest rate swaps – fair value hedges

   Other long-term liabilities          -            -            (29,483        -   
                                                  

Total

            47,839            12,420            (32,005        (14,279
                                                  

Derivatives Not Designated

as Hedging Instruments:

                          

Commodity contracts

   Other current assets          46,632            -            -           -   

Commodity contracts

   Accrued liabilities          -            9,766            (61,027        (30,072
                                                  

Total

            46,632            9,766            (61,027        (30,072
                                                  

Total Derivatives

       $           94,471       $           22,186       $           (93,032   $           (44,351
                                                  

 

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No component of the associated derivative instruments’ gains or losses was excluded from our assessment of hedge ineffectiveness. The earnings impact of our derivative activity was as follows:

 

Derivatives

Designated as Fair

Value Hedging

Instruments

  

Income Statement
Location

      Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized
in Income  on
Derivative
(Effective Portion)
   Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Hedged Item
 

Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized

in Income on
Derivative

(Ineffective

Portion)

                  (Thousands of Dollars)

Year ended December 31, 2010:

                       

Interest rate swaps

   Interest expense, net     $      (27,443      $      27,443        $      -     

Commodity contracts

   Cost of product sales          (3,221           13,946             10,725     
                                            

Total

       $      (30,664      $      41,389        $      10,725     
                                            

Year ended December 31, 2009:

                       

Interest rate swaps

   Interest expense, net     $      (6,661      $      6,661        $      -     

Commodity contracts

   Cost of product sales          (22,939           35,512             12,573     
                                            

Total

       $      (29,600      $      42,173        $      12,573     
                                            

 

Derivatives

Designated as Cash

Flow Hedging

Instruments

  

Amount of Gain

(Loss) Recognized

in OCI on

Derivative

(Effective Portion)

       Income Statement
Location (a)
   Amount of Gain
(Loss) Reclassified
from
Accumulated OCI
into Income
(Effective Portion)
     Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized
in Income  on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion)
 
   (Thousands of Dollars)           (Thousands of Dollars)   

Year ended December 31, 2010:

          

Commodity contracts

   $   (1,440)      Cost of product sales      $(1,680)         $        -   

Interest rate swaps

       35,000      Interest expense, net                -                   -   

Year ended December 31, 2009:

          

Commodity contracts

   $      (240)      Cost of product sales      $        -         $        -   

 

  (a) Amounts are included in specified location for both the gain (loss) reclassified from accumulated OCI into income (effective portion) and the gain (loss) recognized in income on derivative (ineffective portion).

 

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Derivatives Not Designated

as Hedging Instruments

 

Income Statement
Location

     

Amount of Gain (Loss)

Recognized in Income

      (Thousands of Dollars)

Year ended December 31, 2010:

           

Commodity contracts

  Cost of product sales       $     (3,050  

Commodity contracts

  Operating expenses           (52  
                 

Total

        $     (3,102  
                 

Year ended December 31, 2009:

           

Commodity contracts

  Cost of product sales       $     (13,594  

Commodity contracts

  Operating expenses           (3,589  
                 

Total

        $     (17,183  
                 

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments, once a hedged transaction occurs, we reclassify the effective portion from AOCI to “Cost of product sales” or “Interest expense, net.” As of December 31, 2010, we had $35.0 million in AOCI related to our forward-starting swaps, none of which we expect to reclassify to “Interest expense” within the next twelve months as these swaps relate to debt we expect to issue in 2012 and 2013. As such, the maximum length of time over which we are hedging our exposure to the variability in future cash flows is two to three years for our forward-starting swaps.

Concentration of Credit Risk

We are exposed to credit risk on our hedging instruments in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. However, because our hedging activities are transacted only with highly rated institutions, we do not anticipate nonperformance by any of these counterparties.

16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Our operations are managed by NuStar GP, LLC, the general partner of our general partner. Employees of NuStar GP, LLC perform services for our U.S. operations. Certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries employ persons who perform services for our international operations. Employees of NuStar GP, LLC provide services to both NuStar Energy and NuStar GP Holdings; therefore, we reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for all costs related to its employees, other than costs associated with NuStar GP Holdings under the services agreement described below. We had a payable of $10.3 million and $10.6 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively, with both amounts representing payroll, employee benefit plan expenses and unit-based compensation. We also had a long-term payable as of December 31, 2010 and 2009 of $10.1 million and $7.7 million, respectively, to NuStar GP, LLC related to amounts payable for retiree medical benefits and other post-employment benefits.

The following table summarizes information pertaining to related party transactions with NuStar GP, LLC:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
    

2010

    

2009

    

2008

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Operating expenses

   $   137,634       $   124,827       $   115,291   

General and administrative expenses

     71,554         58,878         44,988   

Agreements with NuStar GP Holdings

GP Services Agreement. On April 24, 2008, the boards of directors of NuStar GP, LLC and NuStar GP Holdings approved (i) the termination of the administration agreement, dated July 16, 2006, between NuStar GP Holdings and NuStar GP, LLC (the Administration Agreement) and (ii) the adoption of a services agreement between NuStar GP, LLC and NuStar Energy (the GP Services Agreement). All employees providing services to both NuStar GP Holdings and NuStar Energy are employed by NuStar GP, LLC.

 

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Under the Administration Agreement, NuStar GP Holdings paid annual charges of $500,000, subject to certain adjustments, to NuStar GP, LLC in return for NuStar GP, LLC’s provision of all executive management, accounting, legal, cash management, corporate finance and other administrative services to NuStar GP Holdings. NuStar GP Holdings also reimbursed NuStar GP, LLC for all direct public company costs and any other direct costs, such as outside legal and accounting fees, that NuStar GP, LLC incurred while providing services to NuStar GP Holdings.

Effective as of January 1, 2008, NuStar Energy and NuStar GP, LLC entered into the GP Services Agreement. The GP Services Agreement provides that NuStar GP, LLC will furnish administrative and certain operating services necessary to conduct the business of NuStar Energy. All employees providing services to both NuStar GP Holdings and NuStar Energy are employed by NuStar GP, LLC; therefore, NuStar Energy reimburses NuStar GP, LLC for all employee costs, other than the expenses allocated to NuStar GP Holdings (the Holdco Administrative Services Expense).

For the 2009 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totals $1.1 million (as adjusted), plus 1.0% of NuStar GP, LLC’s domestic bonus and unit compensation expense, subject to certain other adjustments. For 2008, the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totaled $0.8 million, plus 1.0% of NuStar GP, LLC’s domestic bonus and unit compensation expense. The GP Services Agreement will terminate on December 31, 2012, with automatic two-year renewals unless terminated by either party upon six months’ prior written notice. The aggregate amounts allocated to NuStar GP Holdings related to the Administration Agreement and the GP Services Agreement were $1.5 million, $1.4 million and $0.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively.

Non-Compete Agreement. On July 19, 2006, we entered into a non-compete agreement with NuStar GP Holdings, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar GP, LLC (the Non-Compete Agreement). The Non-Compete Agreement became effective on December 22, 2006 when NuStar GP Holdings ceased to be subject to the Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement, dated March 31, 2006. Under the Non-Compete Agreement, we will have a right of first refusal with respect to the potential acquisition of assets that relate to the transportation, storage or terminalling of crude oil, feedstocks or refined petroleum products (including petrochemicals) in the United States and internationally. NuStar GP Holdings will have a right of first refusal with respect to the potential acquisition of general partner and other equity interests in publicly traded partnerships under common ownership with the general partner interest. With respect to any other business opportunities, neither the Partnership nor NuStar GP Holdings are prohibited from engaging in any business, even if the Partnership and NuStar GP Holdings would have a conflict of interest with respect to such other business opportunity.

17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

Employee Benefit Plans

We rely on employees of NuStar GP, LLC to provide the necessary services to conduct our U.S. operations. NuStar GP, LLC sponsors various employee benefit plans.

The NuStar Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that became effective July 1, 2006. The Pension Plan covers substantially all of NuStar GP, LLC’s employees and generally provides eligible employees with retirement income calculated under a defined benefit formula based on years of service and compensation during their period of service. Employees become fully vested in their Pension Plan benefits upon attaining five years of vesting service.

NuStar GP, LLC also maintains an excess pension plan (the Excess Pension Plan) and a supplemental executive retirement plan (the SERP). The Excess Pension Plan and the SERP are nonqualified deferred compensation plans that provide benefits to a select group of management or other highly compensated employees of NuStar GP, LLC. Benefits under the Excess Pension Plan and the SERP are generally payable in a single lump sum payment upon the employee’s separation from service.

The NuStar Thrift Plan (the Thrift Plan) is a qualified employee profit-sharing plan that became effective June 26, 2006. Participation in the Thrift Plan is voluntary and is open to substantially all NuStar GP, LLC employees upon their date of hire, except for part-time employees (as defined in the Thrift Plan), who become eligible upon completing one year of service (as defined in the Thrift Plan). Thrift Plan participants can contribute from 1% up to 30% of their total annual compensation to the Thrift Plan in the form of pre-tax and/or after tax employee contributions. NuStar GP, LLC makes matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of each participant’s employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s total annual compensation.

 

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NuStar GP, LLC also maintains an excess thrift plan (the Excess Thrift Plan) that became effective July 1, 2006. The Excess Thrift Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits to those employees of NuStar GP, LLC whose compensation and/or annual contributions under the Thrift Plan are subject to the limitations applicable to qualified retirement plans under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Benefits under the Excess Thrift Plan are generally payable in a single lump sum payment upon the employee’s separation from service.

NuStar GP, LLC also provides a post-retirement medical benefits plan for retired employees, referred to as other post-retirement benefits.

None of the Excess Thrift Plan, the Excess Pension Plan or the SERP is intended to constitute either a qualified plan under the provisions of Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code or a funded plan subject to the Employee Retirement Income Security Act.

We also maintain several other defined contribution plans for certain international employees located in Canada, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Our contributions to these plans for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 totaled $2.5 million, $2.2 million and $1.5 million, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Plans

NuStar GP, LLC also sponsors the following:

 

   

The Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2000 LTIP), under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 1,500,000 NuStar Energy common units. Awards under the 2000 LTIP can include unit options, restricted units, performance awards, distribution equivalent rights (DER) and contractual rights to receive common units. As of December 31, 2010, a total of 122,842 common units remained available to be awarded under the 2000 LTIP.

 

   

The 2003 Employee Unit Incentive Plan (the UIP) under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 500,000 NuStar Energy common units to employees of NuStar GP, LLC or its affiliates, excluding officers and directors of NuStar GP, LLC and its affiliates. Awards under the UIP can include unit options, restricted units and DER. As of December 31, 2010, a total of 247,526 common units remained available to be awarded under the UIP.

 

   

The 2002 Unit Option Plan (the UOP) under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 200,000 NuStar Energy unit options to officers and directors of NuStar GP, LLC or its affiliates, of which substantially all of the unit options have been awarded as of December 31, 2010.

 

   

The 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2006 LTIP) under which NuStar GP Holdings may award up to 2,000,000 units to employees, consultants and directors of NuStar GP Holdings and its affiliates, including us. Awards under the 2006 LTIP can include unit options, performance awards, DER, restricted units, phantom units, unit grants and unit appreciation rights of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC. As of December 31, 2010, a total of 1,571,605 NuStar GP Holdings units remained available to be awarded under the 2006 LTIP.

 

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The number of awards granted under the above-described plans were as follows:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
    

2010

    

2009

    

2008

 
    

Granted

    

Vesting

    

Granted

    

Vesting

    

Granted

    

Vesting

 

2000 LTIP:

                 

Performance awards

     21,380         (a)         23,233         (a)         14,470         (a)   

Unit options

     -         -         -         -         2,600         1/5 per year   

Restricted units

     191,430         1/5 per year         194,973         1/5 per year         236,868         1/5 per year   

Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP, LLC)

     3,938         1/3 per year         5,076         1/3 per year         5,625         1/3 per year   

UIP:

                 

Unit options

     -         -         -         -         795         1/5 per year   

Restricted units (b)

     11,520         1/5 per year         10,692         1/5 per year         16,321         1/5 per year   

2006 LTIP:

                 

Restricted units

     21,935         1/5 per year         24,290         1/5 per year         30,300         1/5 per year   

Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP Holdings) (c)

     6,156         1/3 per year         8,627         1/3 per year         10,308         1/3 per year   

 

  (a) Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met.
  (b) The UIP restricted unit grants include 2,460, 2,382 and 2,526 restricted unit awards granted to certain international employees for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008, respectively, that vest 1/3 per year, as defined in the award agreements.
  (c) We do not reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for compensation expense relating to these awards.

Our share of compensation expense related to the various long-term incentive plans and benefit plans described above is as follows:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
    

2010

    

2009

    

2008

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Long-term incentive plans

   $   20,349       $   15,060       $   5,254   

Benefit plans

     13,129         9,359         8,196   

18. OTHER INCOME

Other income consisted of the following:

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2010

   

2009

   

2008

 
          (Thousands of Dollars)  

Gain from insurance recoveries

  $          13,500      $          9,382      $          3,504   

(Loss) gain from sale or disposition of assets

      (510       21,320          26,456   

Foreign exchange (losses) gains

      (1,507       (5,118       5,888   

Other

      4,451          6,275          1,891   
                             

Other income, net

  $          15,934      $          31,859      $          37,739   
                             

The gain from insurance recoveries in both 2010 and 2009 resulted from insurance claims related to damage in the third quarter of 2008 primarily at our Texas City, Texas terminal caused by Hurricane Ike. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the gain from insurance recoveries related to business interruption insurance proceeds associated with lost earnings in

 

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2007 at our pipelines and terminals that serve Valero Energy’s McKee refinery, which experienced a fire in February 2007.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the gain from sale or disposition of assets includes a gain of $21.4 million related to the June 15, 2009 sale of the Ardmore-Wynnewood pipeline in Oklahoma and the Trans-Texas pipeline. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the gain from sale or disposition of assets includes a gain of $18.9 million related to the sale of interest in Skelly-Belvieu.

19. PARTNERS’ EQUITY

Issuance of Common Units

On May 19, 2010, we issued 4,400,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $56.55 per unit. We used the net proceeds from this offering of $245.2 million, including a contribution of $5.1 million from our general partner to maintain its 2% general partner interest, mainly to reduce outstanding borrowings under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement and for the acquisition of Asphalt Holdings, Inc.

In November 2009, we issued 5,750,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $52.45 per unit. We used the net proceeds from this offering of $294.9 million, including a contribution of $6.2 million from our general partner to maintain its 2% general partner interest, mainly to reduce the outstanding principal balance under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement.

In April 2008, we issued 5,050,800 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $48.75 per unit. We used the net proceeds from this offering of $241.2 million, including a contribution of $5.0 million from our general partner to maintain its 2% general partner interest, to repay the $124.0 million balance under a term loan agreement and a portion of the outstanding principal balance under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The balance of and changes in the components included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” were as follows:

 

     Foreign
Currency
Translation
    Commodity
Contracts
    Forward-
Starting
Interest Rate
Swaps
     Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
 

Balance as of January 1, 2008

   $           26,887      $           -      $           -       $          26,887   

Foreign currency translation

        (41,153        -           -           (41,153
                                            

Balance as of December 31, 2008

        (14,266        -           -           (14,266

Foreign currency translation

        22,316           -           -           22,316   

Net unrealized loss on cash flow hedges

        -           (240        -           (240
                                            

Balance as of December 31, 2009

        8,050           (240        -           7,810   
                                            

Foreign currency translation

        3,450           -           -           3,450   

Net unrealized (loss) gain on cash flow hedges

        -           (1,440        35,000           33,560   

Net loss reclassified into income on cash flow hedges

        -           1,680           -           1,680   
                                            

Balance as of December 31, 2010

   $           11,500      $           -      $           35,000       $          46,500   
                                            

There was no tax effect from foreign currency translation or the gain (loss) on cash flow hedges as these transactions related to non-taxable entities.

Allocations of Net Income

Our partnership agreement, as amended, sets forth the calculation to be used to determine the amount and priority of cash distributions that our unitholders and general partner will receive. The partnership agreement also contains provisions for the allocation of net income and loss to our unitholders and the general partner. For purposes of maintaining partner capital accounts, the partnership agreement specifies that items of income and loss shall be allocated among the partners

 

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in accordance with their respective percentage interests. Normal allocations according to percentage interests are made after giving effect, if any, to priority income allocations in an amount equal to incentive cash distributions allocated 100% to the general partner.

The following table details the calculation of net income applicable to the general partner:

 

         

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2010

    

2009

    

2008

 
          (Thousands of Dollars)  

Net income applicable to general partner and limited partners’ interest

  $          238,970       $          224,875       $          254,018   

Less general partner incentive distribution (a)

      33,304           28,712           24,764   
                               

Net income after general partner incentive distribution

      205,666           196,163           229,254   

General partner interest

      2%           2%           2%   
                               

General partner allocation of net income after general partner incentive distribution

      4,113           3,924           4,586   

General partner incentive distribution

      33,304           28,712           24,764   
                               

Net income applicable to general partner

  $          37,417       $          32,636       $          29,350   
                               

 

  (a) For the first quarter of 2008, our net income allocation to general and limited partners reflected a total cash distribution based on the partnership interests outstanding as of March 31, 2008. We issued approximately 5.1 million common units in April 2008. Actual distribution payments are made within 45 days after the end of each quarter as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter. Therefore, the general partner’s portion of the actual distribution made with respect to the first quarter 2008, including the IDR, which is shown in the distribution table below, exceeded the net income allocation to the general partner.

Cash Distributions

We make quarterly distributions of 100% of our available cash, generally defined as cash receipts less cash disbursements and cash reserves established by the general partner, in its sole discretion. These quarterly distributions are declared and paid within 45 days subsequent to each quarter-end. The limited partner unitholders are entitled to receive a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.60 per unit each quarter ($2.40 annualized). Our cash is first distributed 98% to the limited partners and 2% to the general partner until the amount distributed to our unitholders is equal to the minimum quarterly distribution and arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution for any prior quarter. Cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distributions is distributed to our unitholders and our general partner based on the percentages shown below.

Our general partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount we distribute with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels shown below:

 

    

Percentage of Distribution

Quarterly Distribution Amount per Unit

  

Unitholders

  

General Partner

Up to $0.60

   98%    2%

Above $0.60 up to $0.66

   90%    10%

Above $0.66

   75%    25%

 

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The following table reflects the allocation of total cash distributions to our general and limited partners applicable to the period in which the distributions are earned:

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
          

2010

         

2009

         

2008

 
    (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)  

General partner interest

  $           6,227      $          5,430      $          5,058   

General partner incentive distribution

       33,304          28,712          25,294   
                              

Total general partner distribution

       39,531          34,142          30,352   

Limited partners’ distribution

       271,847          237,308          222,470   
                              

Total cash distributions

  $           311,378      $          271,450      $          252,822   
                              

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

  $           4.280      $          4.245      $          4.085   
                              

In January 2011, we declared a quarterly cash distribution of $1.075 that was paid on February 14, 2011 to unitholders of record on February 8, 2011. This distribution related to the fourth quarter of 2010 and totaled $79.6 million, of which $10.2 million represented our general partner’s interest and incentive distribution.

20. NET INCOME PER UNIT

The following table details the calculation of earnings per unit:

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

      2010

   

2009

   

2008

 
          (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)  

Net income

  $          238,970      $          224,875      $          254,018   

Less general partner distribution (including IDR) (a)

      39,531          34,142          29,711   

Less limited partner distribution

      271,847          237,308          217,494   
                             

Distributions (greater than) less than earnings

  $          (72,408   $          (46,575   $          6,813   
                             

General partner earnings:

           

Distributions

  $          39,531      $          34,142      $          29,711   

Allocation of distributions (greater than) less than earnings (2%)

      (1,447       (932       136   
                             

Total

  $          38,084      $          33,210      $          29,847   
                             

Limited partner earnings:

           

Distributions

  $          271,847      $          237,308      $          217,494   

Allocation of distributions (greater than) less than earnings (98%)

      (70,961       (45,643       6,677   
                             

Total

  $          200,886      $          191,665      $          224,171   
                             

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

      62,946,987          55,232,467          53,182,741   

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners:

  $          3.19      $          3.47      $          4.22   
                             

 

  (a)

For the first quarter of 2008, the general partner distribution used in our calculation of earnings per unit was based on the partnership interests outstanding as of March 31, 2008. We issued approximately 5.1 million common units in April 2008. Actual distribution payments are made within 45 days after the end of each quarter as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter. Therefore, the general partner’s portion of

 

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the actual distribution made with respect to the first quarter 2008, including the IDR, which is shown in the distribution table below, exceeded the general partner distribution used in the calculation of earnings per unit.

21. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Changes in current assets and current liabilities were as follows:

 

       

Year Ended December 31,

 
       

2010

         

2009

         

2008

 
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Decrease (increase) in current assets:

           

Accounts receivable

  $     (90,369   $          (31,505   $          (52,372

Receivable from related party

      -          -          786   

Inventories

      (26,595       (157,439       192,236   

Other current assets

      31,373          (38,195       8,676   

Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:

           

Payable to related party

      (218       7,051          3,760   

Accounts payable

      80,980          59,284          (16,419

Accrued interest payable

      8,179          (969       4,781   

Accrued liabilities

      (6,488       26,874          (13,237

Taxes other than income tax

      (4,793       209          4,730   

Income tax payable

      1,064          (8,208       76   
                             

Changes in current assets and current liabilities

  $     (6,867   $          (142,898   $          133,017   
                             

The above changes in current assets and current liabilities differ from changes between amounts reflected in the applicable consolidated balance sheets due to current assets and current liabilities acquired in connection with the East Coast Asphalt Operations acquisition in 2008 and the effect of foreign currency translation.

Non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008 mainly consist of changes in the fair values of our fixed-to-floating and forward-starting interest rate swaps and the effect of foreign currency translation.

Cash flows related to interest and income taxes were as follows:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
    

2010

    

2009

    

2008

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized

   $   87,653       $   93,632       $   98,810   

Cash paid for income taxes, net of tax refunds received

   $ 13,062       $ 20,150       $ 12,231   

 

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22. INCOME TAXES

Components of income tax expense related to certain of our operations conducted through separate taxable wholly owned corporate subsidiaries were as follows:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

 
    

2010

   

2009

   

2008

 
           (Thousands of Dollars)  

Current:

            

U.S.

   $          2,010      $          2,424      $          1,059   

Foreign

       11,464          10,144          9,910   
                              

Total current

       13,474          12,568          10,969   
                              

Deferred:

            

U.S.

       (3,786       (1,466       (1,280

Foreign

       2,053          (571       1,317   
                              

Total deferred

       (1,733       (2,037       37   
                              

Total income tax expense

   $          11,741      $          10,531      $          11,006   
                              

The difference between income tax expense recorded in our consolidated statements of income and income taxes computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate (35% for all years presented) to income before income tax expense is due to the fact that the majority of our income is not subject to federal income tax due to our status as a limited partnership.

The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

         

December 31,

 
         

2010

         

2009

 
          (Thousands of Dollars)  

U.S.:

       

Net operating losses

  $          16,531      $          20,788   

Environmental and legal reserves

      14,774          14,234   

Other

      392          1,525   

Valuation allowance

      -          (9,457
                   

Deferred tax assets – U. S.

      31,697          27,090   
                   

Property, plant and equipment

      (23,559       (13,197
                   

Net deferred income tax asset – U.S.

  $          8,138      $          13,893   
                   

Foreign:

       

Net operating losses

  $          3,156      $          3,253   

Other

      732          687   

Capital loss

      1,264          2,166   

Valuation allowance

      (1,129       -   
                   

Deferred tax assets – foreign

      4,023          6,106   
                   

Property, plant and equipment

      (33,588       (33,015
                   

Net deferred income tax liability – foreign.

  $          (29,565   $          (26,909
                   

 

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As of December 31, 2010, our U.S. corporate operations have net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes totaling approximately $47.2 million, which are subject to various limitations on use and expire in years 2011 through 2029.

As of December 31, 2009, we recorded a valuation allowance to reduce our net U.S. deferred income tax asset to an amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We estimate the amount of valuation allowance based upon our expectations of taxable income in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and the period over which we can utilize those future deductions. The valuation allowance reflects uncertainties related to our ability to utilize certain federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire. During the year ended December 31, 2010, we received $13.5 million of proceeds resulting from insurance claims related to damage caused by Hurricane Ike primarily at our Texas City, Texas terminal in the third quarter of 2008, resulting in tax expense of approximately $4.7 million. Additionally, our corporate subsidiary that received the insurance proceeds was part of the federal consolidated group that acquired Asphalt Holdings, Inc, a corporation subject to income tax. The acquisition of Asphalt Holdings, Inc. included approximately $9.5 million of deferred tax liabilities related to temporary differences primarily related to property, plant and equipment. The receipt of the insurance proceeds and the acquisition of Asphalt Holdings, Inc. caused us to reevaluate the valuation allowance recorded related to certain net operating loss carryforwards previously expected to expire unused. We concluded that the income generated from the insurance proceeds, the deferred tax liability associated with Asphalt Holdings, Inc. and other tax planning strategies increased the likelihood of utilizing the net operating loss carryforwards, and we reduced the valuation allowance by $8.6 million in 2010.

The realization of net deferred income tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2010 is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in the United States. We believe it is more-likely-than not that the deferred income tax assets as of December 31, 2010 will be realized, based on expected future taxable income and potential tax planning strategies.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded a valuation allowance of $1.1 million to reduce our foreign deferred tax assets. The valuation reflects uncertainties related to our ability to utilize certain net operating losses before they expire.

St. Eustatius Tax Agreement

On June 1, 1989, the governments of the Netherlands Antilles and St. Eustatius approved a Free Zone and Profit Tax Agreement retroactive to January 1, 1989, which expired on December 31, 2000. This agreement required a subsidiary of Kaneb, which we acquired on July 1, 2005, to pay the greater of 2% of taxable income, as defined therein, or 500,000 Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $0.3 million) per year. The agreement further provided that any amounts paid in order to meet the minimum annual payment were available to offset future tax liabilities under the agreement to the extent that the minimum annual payment is greater than 2% of taxable income.

On February 22, 2006, we entered into a revised agreement (the 2005 Tax and Maritime Agreement) with the governments of St. Eustatius and the Netherlands Antilles. The 2005 Tax and Maritime Agreement is effective beginning January 1, 2005 and expires on December 31, 2014. Under the terms of the 2005 Tax and Maritime Agreement, we agreed to make a one-time payment of 5.0 million Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $2.8 million) in full and final settlement of all of our liabilities, taxes, fees, levies, charges, or otherwise (including settlement of audits) due or potentially due to St. Eustatius. We further agreed to pay an annual minimum profit tax to St. Eustatius of 1.0 million Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $0.6 million), beginning as of January 1, 2005. We agreed to pay the minimum annual profit tax in twelve equal monthly installments. To the extent the minimum annual profit tax exceeds 2% of taxable profit (as defined in the 2005 Tax and Maritime Agreement), we can carry forward that excess to offset future tax liabilities. If the minimum annual profit tax is less than 2% of taxable profit, we agreed to pay that difference.

Effective January 1, 2011, the Netherlands Antilles was dissolved, and St. Eustatius became part of the Netherlands. We are uncertain of the impact, if any, to our overall tax liability in St. Eustatius.

23. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our reportable business segments consist of storage, transportation, and asphalt and fuels marketing. Our segments represent strategic business units that offer different services. We evaluate the performance of each segment based on its respective operating income, before general and administrative expenses and certain non-segmental depreciation and amortization expense. General and administrative expenses are not allocated to the operating segments since those expenses relate primarily to the overall management at the entity level. Our principal operations include terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt and fuels marketing. Intersegment revenues result from storage and throughput agreements with related parties at lease rates

 

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consistent with rates charged to third parties for storage and at pipeline tariff rates based upon the published tariff applicable to all shippers.

Results of operations for the reportable segments were as follows:

 

          Year Ended December 31,  
     2010     2009     2008  
          (Thousands of Dollars)  

Revenues:

               

Storage:

               

Third party revenues

   $      475,624      $      444,535      $      423,730   

Intersegment revenues

        <