** **

 

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**WASHINGTON, DC 20549**

 

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**FORM 10-Q**

 

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**(Mark One)**

 
| **ý** | ** ** | **QUARTERLY   REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**                                                                                                                  | ** ** |
|------------|------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** ** | ** ** | ** **                                                                                                                                                                                                     | ** ** |
| ** ** | ** ** | **For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2011**                                                                                                                                                              | ** ** |
| ** ** | ** ** | ** **                                                                                                                                                                                                     | ** ** |
| ** ** | ** ** | **OR**                                                                                                                                                                                                         | ** ** |
| ** ** | ** ** | ** **                                                                                                                                                                                                     | ** ** |
| **o**      | ** ** | **TRANSITION   REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**                                                                                                                 | ** ** |
| ** ** | ** ** | ** **                                                                                                                                                                                                     | ** ** |
| ** ** | ** ** | **For the transition period   from              to              ** | ** ** |

 

**Commission file number****001-32593**

 

**Global Partners LP**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

| **Delaware**                                  | ** ** | **74-3140887**                       |
|-----------------------------------------------|------------|--------------------------------------|
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation |       | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| or organization)                              |       |                                 |

 

**P.O. Box 9161 800 South Street Waltham, Massachusetts 02454-9161** (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

**(781) 894-8800******(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

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 ý No o

 

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

 

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 Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 
| Large accelerated   filer  o | Accelerated   filer  x | Non-accelerated   filer  o            | Smaller reporting   company  o |
|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|
|                                   |                             | (Do not check if a   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 o No ý

 

The issuer had 21,580,563 common units outstanding as of May 4, 2011.

 

 

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

 
| **PART I.          FINANCIAL   INFORMATION**                                                          |   |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|--------|
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **Item 1.        Financial Statements**                                                                         |   |
|                                                                                                                                               |   |
| Consolidated Balance Sheets as of   March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010                                                                           |   |
|                                                                                                                                               |   |
| Consolidated   Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010                                                             |   |
|                                                                                                                                               |   |
| Consolidated   Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010                                                         |   |
|                                                                                                                                               |   |
| Consolidated   Statements of Partners’ Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2011                                                       |   |
|                                                                                                                                               |   |
| Notes to   Consolidated Financial Statements                                                                                                       |   |
|                                                                                                                                               |   |
| **Item 2.        Management’s Discussion and Analysis   of Financial Condition and Results of Operations** |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **Item 3.        Quantitative and Qualitative   Disclosures about Market Risk**                                 |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **Item 4.        Controls and Procedures**                                                                      |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION**                                                                                                               |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **Item 1.        Legal Proceedings**                                                                            |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **Item 1A.     Risk Factors**                                                                                                  |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **Item 6.        Exhibits**                                                                                     |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **SIGNATURES**                                                                                                                                     |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                         |   |
| **INDEX TO EXHIBITS**                                                                                                                              |   |

 

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**Item 1.    Financial Statements**

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**

**(In thousands, except unit data)**

**(Unaudited)**

** **
| ** **                                                                                                                                                                                | ** ** | **March 31,** | ** ** | **December 31,** | ** ** |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|--------------------|------------|-----------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                                                                                                                                                | ** ** | **2011**           | ** ** | **2010**              | ** ** |
| **Assets**                                                                                                                                                                                | ** ** | ** **         | ** ** | ** **            | ** ** |
| Current assets:                                                                                                                                                                           |       |               |       |                  |       |
| Cash and cash equivalents                                                                                                                                                                 |       | $                  | 5,847      |                  | $          | 2,361 |   |
| Accounts receivable, net                                                                                                                                                                  |       | 479,593            |       | 553,066               |       |
| Accounts receivable—affiliates                                                                                                                                                       |       | 1,096              |       | 1,230                 |       |
| Inventories                                                                                                                                                                               |       | 618,321            |       | 586,831               |       |
| Brokerage margin deposits                                                                                                                                                                 |       | 14,567             |       | 15,501                |       |
| Fair value of forward fixed price contracts                                                                                                                                               |       | 2,343              |       | 1,942                 |       |
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                                                                                                                                 |       | 42,629             |       | 36,714                |       |
| Total current assets                                                                                                                                                                      |       | 1,164,396          |       | 1,197,645             |       |
|                                                                                                                                                                                      |       |               |       |                  |       |
| Property and equipment, net                                                                                                                                                               |       | 418,521            |       | 422,684               |       |
| Intangible assets, net                                                                                                                                                                    |       | 38,902             |       | 40,065                |       |
| Other assets                                                                                                                                                                              |       | 11,509             |       | 11,922                |       |
| Total assets                                                                                                                                                                              |       | $                  | 1,633,328  |                  | $          | 1,672,316 |   |
| ** **                                                                                                                                                                                | ** ** | ** **         | ** ** | ** **            | ** ** |
| **Liabilities and partners’   equity**                                                                                                                                               | ** ** | ** **         | ** ** | ** **            | ** ** |
| Current liabilities:                                                                                                                                                                      |       |               |       |                  |       |
| Accounts payable                                                                                                                                                                          |       | $                  | 337,204    |                  | $          | 443,469 |   |
| Working capital revolving credit facility—current   portion                                                                                                                          |       | 178,652            |       | 193,198               |       |
| Environmental liabilities—current portion                                                                                                                                            |       | 4,980              |       | 5,535                 |       |
| Trustee taxes payable                                                                                                                                                                     |       | 72,758             |       | 69,828                |       |
| Accrued expenses and other current liabilities                                                                                                                                            |       | 28,277             |       | 30,494                |       |
| Obligations on forward fixed price contracts and   other derivatives                                                                                                                      |       | 4,539              |       | 9,157                 |       |
| Total current liabilities                                                                                                                                                                 |       | 626,410            |       | 751,681               |       |
|                                                                                                                                                                                      |       |               |       |                  |       |
| Working capital revolving credit facility—less   current portion                                                                                                                     |       | 364,348            |       | 293,502               |       |
| Revolving credit facility                                                                                                                                                                 |       | 250,000            |       | 300,000               |       |
| Environmental liabilities—less current portion                                                                                                                                       |       | 28,455             |       | 28,970                |       |
| Other long-term liabilities                                                                                                                                                               |       | 17,744             |       | 21,347                |       |
| Total liabilities                                                                                                                                                                         |       | 1,286,957          |       | 1,395,500             |       |
| ** **                                                                                                                                                                                | ** ** | ** **         | ** ** | ** **            | ** ** |
| **Partners’ equity**                                                                                                                                                                 | ** ** | ** **         | ** ** | ** **            | ** ** |
| Common unitholders (21,580,563 units issued and   21,565,207 units outstanding at March 31, 2011 and 13,293,139 units   issued and 13,232,629 outstanding at December 31, 2010) |       | 358,364            |       | 292,267               |       |
| Subordinated unitholders (5,642,424 units issued and   outstanding at December 31, 2010)                                                                                             |       | —             |       | (1,623                | )          |
| General partner interest (1.06% and 1.20% interest   with 230,303 equivalent units outstanding at March 31, 2011 and   December 31, 2010, respectively)                         |       | (89                | )          | (66                   | )          |
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss                                                                                                                                                      |       | (11,904            | )          | (13,762               | )          |
| Total partners’ equity                                                                                                                                                               |       | 346,371            |       | 276,816               |       |
| Total liabilities and partners’ equity                                                                                                                                               |       | $                  | 1,633,328  |                  | $          | 1,672,316 |   |

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

1

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME**

**(In thousands, except per unit data)**

**(Unaudited)**

 
| ** **                                                                                     | ** ** | **Three Months Ended   March 31,** | ** ** |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                                                     | ** ** | **2011**                                          | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Sales                                                                                          |       | $                                                 | 3,551,072  |   | $ | 1,964,745 |   |
| Cost of sales                                                                                  |       | 3,494,822                                         |       | 1,916,977 |   |
| Gross profit                                                                                   |       | 56,250                                            |       | 47,768 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Costs and operating expenses:                                                                  |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses                                                   |       | 21,110                                            |       | 16,578 |   |
| Operating expenses                                                                             |       | 17,804                                            |       | 8,659 |   |
| Amortization expenses                                                                          |       | 1,163                                             |       | 691 |   |
| Total costs and operating expenses                                                             |       | 40,077                                            |       | 25,928 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Operating income                                                                               |       | 16,173                                            |       | 21,840 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Interest expense                                                                               |       | (7,880                                            | )          | (4,064 | ) |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Income before income tax expense                                                               |       | 8,293                                             |       | 17,776 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Income tax expense                                                                             |       | —                                            |       | (387 | ) |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Net income                                                                                     |       | 8,293                                             |       | 17,389 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Less: General partner’s interest in net income, including   incentive distribution rights |       | (200                                              | )          | (339 | ) |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Limited partners’ interest in net income                                                  |       | $                                                 | 8,093      |   | $ | 17,050 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Basic net income per limited partner unit                                                      |       | $                                                 | 0.40       |   | $ | 1.26 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Diluted net income per limited partner unit                                                    |       | $                                                 | 0.39       |   | $ | 1.23 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Basic weighted average limited partner units   outstanding                                     |       | 20,424                                            |       | 13,585 |   |
|                                                                                           |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Diluted weighted average limited partner units   outstanding                                   |       | 20,643                                            |       | 13,838 |   |

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

2

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

**(In thousands)**

**(Unaudited)**

 
| ** **                                                                                    | ** ** | **Three Months Ended   March 31,** | ** ** |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                                                    | ** ** | **2011**                                          | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| **Cash flows from operating   activities**                                                    |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Net income                                                                                    |       | $                                                 | 8,293      |   | $ | 17,389 |   |
| Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash   (used in) provided by operating activities: |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Depreciation and amortization                                                                 |       | 7,505                                             |       | 3,662 |   |
| Amortization of deferred financing fees                                                       |       | 1,097                                             |       | 387 |   |
| Bad debt expense                                                                              |       | 1,590                                             |       | 190 |   |
| Stock-based compensation expense                                                              |       | 73                                                |       | 128 |   |
| Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                                                  |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Accounts receivable                                                                           |       | 71,883                                            |       | 67,375 |   |
| Accounts receivable – affiliate                                                          |       | 134                                               |       | (2,657 | ) |
| Inventories                                                                                   |       | (31,490                                           | )          | 22,664 |   |
| Broker margin deposits                                                                        |       | 934                                               |       | 7,758 |   |
| Prepaid expenses, all other current assets and   other assets                                 |       | (6,599                                            | )          | 2,554 |   |
| Accounts payable                                                                              |       | (106,265                                          | )          | (55,801 | ) |
| Income taxes payable                                                                          |       | —                                            |       | (334 | ) |
| Trustee taxes payable                                                                         |       | 2,930                                             |       | (1,881 | ) |
| Change in fair value of forward fixed price   contracts                                       |       | (5,019                                            | )          | (11,375 | ) |
| Accrued expenses, all other current liabilities   and other long-term liabilities             |       | (5,032                                            | )          | (4,565 | ) |
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating   activities                                         |       | (59,966                                           | )          | 45,494 |   |
|                                                                                          |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| **Cash flows from investing   activities**                                                    |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Capital expenditures                                                                          |       | (2,179                                            | )          | (1,930 | ) |
| Proceeds from sale of property and equipment                                                  |       | —                                            |       | 16 |   |
| Net cash used in investing activities                                                         |       | (2,179                                            | )          | (1,914 | ) |
|                                                                                          |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| **Cash flows from financing   activities**                                                    |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Proceeds from public offering, net                                                            |       | 69,666                                            |       | 84,792 |   |
| Borrowings from (payments on) credit facilities,   net                                        |       | 6,300                                             |       | (121,400 | ) |
| Repurchased units withheld for tax obligations                                                |       | (675                                              | )          | (404 | ) |
| Distributions to partners                                                                     |       | (9,660                                            | )          | (6,480 | ) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing   activities                                         |       | 65,631                                            |       | (43,492 | ) |
|                                                                                          |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Increase in cash and cash equivalents                                                         |       | 3,486                                             |       | 88 |   |
| Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period                                              |       | 2,361                                             |       | 662 |   |
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of period                                                    |       | $                                                 | 5,847      |   | $ | 750 |   |
|                                                                                          |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| **Supplemental information**                                                                  |       |                                              |       |   |   |
| Cash paid during the period for interest                                                      |       | $                                                 | 7,749      |   | $ | 4,071 |   |
| Non-cash conversion of subordinated unitholders                                               |       | $                                                 | 1,623      |   | $ | — |   |

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

3

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY**

**(In thousands)**

**(Unaudited)**

 
| ** **                                                                | ** ** | ** **      | ** ** | ** **       | ** ** | ** **   | ** ** | **Accumulated**   | ** ** | ** **         | ** ** |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|-----------------|------------|------------------|------------|--------------|------------|-------------------|------------|--------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                                | ** ** | ** **      | ** ** | ** **       | ** ** | **General**  | ** ** | **Other**         | ** ** | **Total**          | ** ** |
| ** **                                                                | ** ** | **Common**      | ** ** | **Subordinated** | ** ** | **Partner**  | ** ** | **Comprehensive** | ** ** | **Partners’** | ** ** |
| ** **                                                                | ** ** | **Unitholders** | ** ** | **Unitholders**  | ** ** | **Interest** | ** ** | **Loss**          | ** ** | **Equity**         | ** ** |
|                                                                      |       |            |       |             |       |         |       |              |       |               |       |
| **Balance at December 31,   2010**                                   |       | $               | 292,267    |             | $          | (1,623       | )          | $                 | (66        | )                  | $          | (13,762 | ) | $ | 276,816 |   |
| Conversion of subordinated units to common units                          |       | (1,623          | )          | 1,623            |       | —       |       | —            |       | —             |       |
| Proceeds from public offering, net                                        |       | 69,666          |       | —           |       | —       |       | —            |       | 69,666             |       |
| Stock-based compensation                                                  |       | 73              |       | —           |       | —       |       | —            |       | 73                 |       |
| Distributions to partners                                                 |       | (9,437          | )          | —           |       | (223         | )          | —            |       | (9,660             | )          |
| Repurchased units withheld for tax obligations                            |       | (675            | )          | —           |       | —       |       | —            |       | (675               | )          |
| Comprehensive income:                                                     |       |            |       |             |       |         | ** ** | ** **        |       |               |       |
| Net income                                                                |       | 8,093           |       | —           |       | 200          |       | —            |       | 8,293              |       |
| Other comprehensive income:                                               |       |            |       |             |       |         | ** ** | ** **        |       |               |       |
| Change in fair value of interest rate collars and   forward starting swap |       | —          |       | —           |       | —       |       | 1,718             |       | 1,718              |       |
| Change in pension liability                                               |       | —          |       | —           |       | —       |       | 140               |       | 140                |       |
| Total comprehensive income                                                |       | —          |       | —           |       | —       |       | —            |       | 10,151             |       |
| **Balance at March 31, 2011**                                             |       | $               | 358,364    |             | $          | —       |       | $                 | (89        | )                  | $          | (11,904 | ) | $ | 346,371 |   |

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

4

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 1.****                     ****Organization and Basis of Presentation**

 

**Organization**

 

Global Partners LP (the “Partnership”) is a publicly traded master limited partnership that engages in the wholesale and commercial distribution of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels (such as ethanol) and small amounts of natural gas and also provides ancillary services to companies.  The Partnership also receives revenue from retail sales of gasoline, convenience store sales and gas station rental income.

 

The Partnership has five operating subsidiaries:  Global Companies** **LLC, its subsidiary, Glen Hes Corp., Global Montello Group Corp. (“GMG”), Chelsea Sandwich** **LLC and Global Energy Marketing** **LLC (“Global Energy”) (the five operating subsidiaries, collectively, the “Companies”).  The Companies (other than Glen Hes Corp.) are wholly owned by Global Operating** **LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership.  GMG conducts the Partnership’s end user business, including certain aspects of its retail gasoline business.  Global Energy was formed to conduct the Partnership’s natural gas operations.  In addition, GLP** **Finance Corp. (“GLP** **Finance”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Partnership.  GLP** **Finance has no material assets or liabilities.  Its activities will be limited to co-issuing debt securities and engaging in other activities incidental thereto.

 

**Recent Developments**

 

***Conversion of Subordinated Units*****—** On February 18, 2011 and based upon meeting certain distribution and performance tests provided in the Partnership’s partnership agreement, all 5,642,424 subordinated units converted to common units.

 

***Public Offering of Common Units*****—**On February 8, 2011, the Partnership completed a public offering of 2,645,000 common units at a price of $27.60 per common unit.  Net proceeds were approximately $69.7 million after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses.  The Partnership used the net proceeds to reduce indebtedness under its credit agreement.  See Note 14 for additional information related to the public offering.

 

The Partnership’s 1.06% general partner interest (discussed in Note 8) is held by Global** **GP** **LLC, the Partnership’s general partner (the “General Partner”).  The General Partner, which is owned by affiliates of the Slifka family, manages the Partnership’s operations and activities and employs its officers and substantially all of its personnel.  As of March 31, 2011, affiliates of the General Partner, including its directors and executive officers, own 5,410,490 common units, representing a 25% limited partner interest.

 

**Basis of Presentation**

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 and for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 reflect the accounts of the Partnership.  All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition and operating results for the interim periods.  The interim financial information, which has been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for the year ended December** **31, 2010 and notes thereto contained in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form** **10-K.  The significant accounting policies described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” of such Annual Report on Form 10-K are the same used in preparing the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

 

5

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 1.****                     ****Organization and Basis of Presentation (continued)**

 

The results of operations for the three months ended March** **31, 2011 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that will be realized for the entire year ending December** **31, 2011.  The consolidated balance sheet at December** **31, 2010 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form** **10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

As demand for some of the Partnership’s refined petroleum products, specifically home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes, is generally greater during the winter months, sales are generally higher during the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year which may result in significant fluctuations in the Partnership’s quarterly operating results.

 

The following table presents the Partnership’s products as a percentage of total sales for the periods presented:

 
| ** **                                                | ** ** | **Three Months Ended   March 31,** | ** ** |
|-----------------------------------------------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                | ** ** | **2011**                                          | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| Gasoline sales                                            |       | 56%                                               |       | 45% |   |
| Distillate sales: home heating oil, diesel and   kerosene |       | 40%                                               |       | 50% |   |
| Residual oil sales                                        |       | 4%                                                |       | 5% |   |
|                                                      |       | 100%                                              |       | 100% |   |

 

The Partnership had one significant customer, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation (“ExxonMobil”), who accounted for approximately 20% and 17% of total sales for the three months ended March** **31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

**Note 2.****                     ****Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit**

 

Under the Partnership’s partnership agreement, for any quarterly period, the incentive distribution rights (“IDRs”) participate in net income only to the extent of the amount of cash distributions actually declared, thereby excluding the IDRs from participating in the Partnership’s undistributed net income or losses.  Accordingly, the Partnership’s undistributed net income is assumed to be allocated to the common and subordinated unitholders, or limited partners’ interest, and to the General Partner’s general partner interest.  On February 18, 2011, all subordinated units converted to common units.

 

On January 19, 2011, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per unit for the period from October 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.  On April 20, 2011, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per unit for the period from January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011.  These declared cash distributions resulted in incentive distributions to the General Partner, as the holder of the IDRs, and enabled the Partnership to exceed its first target level distribution with respect to such IDRs.  See Note 8, “Cash Distributions” for further information.

 

6

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 2.****                     ****Net Income Per Limited Partner Unit (continued)**

 

The following table provides a reconciliation of net income and the assumed allocation of net income to the limited partners’ interest for purposes of computing net income per limited partner unit for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands, except per unit data):

 
| ** **                                                       | ** ** | **Three Months Ended March 31, 2011** | ** ** |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                       | ** ** | ** **                                                     | ** ** | **Limited** | ** ** | **General** | ** ** | ** ** | ** ** |
| ** **                                                       | ** ** | ** **                                                     | ** ** | **Partner** | ** ** | **Partner** | ** ** | ** ** | ** ** |
| **Numerator:**                                                   | ** ** | **Total**                                                      | ** ** | **Interest** | ** ** | **Interest** | ** ** | **IDRs** | ** ** |
| Net income (1)                                                   |       | $                                                              | 8,293      |   | $ | 8,093 |   | $ | 200 |   | $ | — |   |
|                                                             |       |                                                           |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Declared distribution                                            |       | $                                                              | 11,028     |   | $ | 10,790 |   | $ | 116 |   | $ | 122 |   |
| Assumed allocation of undistributed net income                   |       | (2,735                                                         | )          | (2,697 | ) | (38 | ) | — |   |
| Assumed allocation of net income                                 |       | $                                                              | 8,293      |   | $ | 8,093 |   | $ | 78 |   | $ | 122 |   |
|                                                             |       |                                                           |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| **Denominator:**                                                 |       |                                                           |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Basic weighted average limited partner units   outstanding (2)   |       |                                                           |       | 20,424 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Dilutive effect of phantom units                                 |       |                                                           |       | 219 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Diluted weighted average limited partner units   outstanding (2) |       |                                                           |       | 20,643 |   |   |   |   |   |
|                                                             |       |                                                           |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Basic net income per limited partner unit                        |       |                                                           |       | $ | 0.40 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Diluted net income per limited partner unit                      |       |                                                           |       | $ | 0.39 |   |   |   |   |   |

 

 
| ** **                                                       | ** ** | **Three months ended March 31, 2010** | ** ** |
|------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                       | ** ** | ** **                                                     | ** ** | **Limited** | ** ** | **General** | ** ** | ** ** | ** ** |
| ** **                                                       | ** ** | ** **                                                     | ** ** | **Partner** | ** ** | **Partner** | ** ** | ** ** | ** ** |
| **Numerator:**                                                   | ** ** | **Total**                                                      | ** ** | **Interest** | ** ** | **Interest** | ** ** | **IDRs** | ** ** |
| Net income (3)                                                   |       | $                                                              | 17,389     |   | $ | 17,050 |   | $ | 339 |   | $ | — |   |
|                                                             |       |                                                           |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Declared distribution                                            |       | $                                                              | 8,455      |   | $ | 8,278 |   | $ | 112 |   | $ | 65 |   |
| Assumed allocation of undistributed net income                   |       | 8,934                                                          |       | 8,772 |   | 162 |   | — |   |
| Assumed allocation of net income                                 |       | $                                                              | 17,389     |   | $ | 17,050 |   | $ | 274 |   | $ | 65 |   |
|                                                             |       |                                                           |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| **Denominator:**                                                 |       |                                                           |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Basic weighted average limited partner units   outstanding (2)   |       |                                                           |       | 13,585 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Dilutive effect of phantom units                                 |       |                                                           |       | 253 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Diluted weighted average limited partner units   outstanding (2) |       |                                                           |       | 13,838 |   |   |   |   |   |
|                                                             |       |                                                           |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Basic net income per limited partner unit                        |       |                                                           |       | $ | 1.26 |   |   |   |   |   |
| Diluted net income per limited partner unit                      |       |                                                           |       | $ | 1.23 |   |   |   |   |   |

 

----

(1)             On February 8, 2011, the general partner interest was reduced to 1.06% as a result of the November 2010 and February 2011 public offerings (see Note 14).  This calculation includes the effect of these public offerings and is based on a weighted average of 1.11% for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

(2)             Limited partner units outstanding exclude common units held on behalf of the Partnership pursuant to its Repurchase Program and for future satisfaction of the General Partner’s Obligations (as defined in Note 12).  These units are not deemed outstanding for purposes of calculating net income per limited partner unit (basic and diluted).

(3)             On March 19, 2010, the general partner interest was reduced to 1.34% as a result of the March 2010 public offering (see Note 14).  This calculation includes the effect of this public offering and is based on a weighted average of 1.66% for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

 

7

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 3.****                     ****Comprehensive Income**

 

The components of comprehensive income consisted of the following (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                                                | ** ** | **Three Months Ended** | ** ** |
|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                                | ** ** | **March 31,**               | ** ** |
| ** **                                                                | ** ** | **2011**                         | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| Net income                                                                |       | $                                | 8,293      |   | $ | 17,389 |   |
| Change in fair value of interest rate collars and   forward starting swap |       | 1,718                            |       | (2,232 | ) |
| Change in pension liability                                               |       | 140                              |       | 121 |   |
| Total comprehensive income                                                |       | $                                | 10,151     |   | $ | 15,278 |   |

 

**Note 4.****                     ****Inventories**

 

Except for its convenience store inventory, the Partnership hedges substantially all of its inventory purchases through futures contracts and swap agreements.  Hedges are executed when inventory is purchased and are identified with that specific inventory.  Changes in the fair value of these contracts, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged inventory item, are recognized in earnings as an increase or decrease in cost of sales.  All hedged inventory is valued using the lower of cost, as determined by specific identification, or market.  Prior to sale, hedges are removed from specific barrels of inventory, and the then unhedged inventory is sold and accounted for on a first-in, first-out basis.  In addition, the Partnership has convenience store inventory which is carried at the lower of historical cost or market.

 

Inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                         | ** ** | **March 31,   2011** | ** ** | **December 31,   2010** | ** ** |
|----------------------------------------------------|------------|---------------------------|------------|------------------------------|------------|
| Distillates: home heating oil, diesel and kerosene |       | $                         | 279,667    |                         | $          | 377,123 |   |
| Gasoline                                           |       | 174,403                   |       | 115,542                      |       |
| Residual oil                                       |       | 40,650                    |       | 35,749                       |       |
| Blend stock                                        |       | 121,002                   |       | 55,919                       |       |
| Total                                              |       | 615,722                   |       | 584,333                      |       |
| Convenience store inventory                        |       | 2,599                     |       | 2,498                        |       |
| Total                                              |       | $                         | 618,321    |                         | $          | 586,831 |   |

 

In addition to its own inventory, the Partnership has exchange agreements with unrelated third-party suppliers, whereby it may draw inventory from these other suppliers and suppliers may draw inventory from the Partnership.  Positive exchange balances are accounted for as accounts receivable and amounted to $62.1 million and $126.8 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  Negative exchange balances are accounted for as accounts payable and amounted to $50.3 million and $115.2 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.  Exchange transactions are valued using current quoted market prices.

 

**Note 5.****                     ****Derivative Financial Instruments**

 

Accounting and reporting guidance for derivative instruments and hedging activities requires that an entity recognize derivatives as either assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and measure the instruments at fair value.  Changes in the fair value of the derivative are to be recognized currently in earnings, unless specific hedge accounting criteria are met.

 

8

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 5.****                     ****Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)**

 

The following table presents the volume of activity related to the Partnership’s derivative financial instruments at March** **31, 2011:

 
| ** **            | ** ** | **Units(1)** | ** ** | **Unit of Measure** | ** **          |
|-----------------------|------------|--------------|------------|-------------------------------|---------------------|
| Product Contracts     |       |         |       |                          |                |
| Long                  |       | 5,197        |       | Thousands of barrels          |                |
| Short                 |       | (10,825      | )          | Thousands of barrels          |                |
|                  |       |         |       |                          |                |
| Natural Gas Contracts |       |         |       |                          |                |
| Long                  |       | 17,141       |       | Thousands of decatherms       |                |
| Short                 |       | 17,141       |       | Thousands of decatherms       |                |
|                  |       |         |       |                          |                |
| Interest Rate Collars |       | $            | 200        |                          | Millions of dollars |   |
|                  |       |         |       |                          |                |
| Forward Starting Swap |       | $            | 100        |                          | Millions of dollars |   |

 

(1)             Number of open positions and gross notional amounts do not quantify risk or represent assets or liabilities of the Partnership, but are used in the calculation of cash settlements under the contracts.

 

***Fair Value Hedges***

 

The fair value of the Partnership’s derivatives is determined through the use of independent markets and is based upon the prevailing market prices of such instruments at the date of valuation.  The Partnership enters into futures contracts for the receipt or delivery of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels in future periods.  The contracts are entered into in the normal course of business to reduce risk of loss of inventory on hand, which could result through fluctuations in market prices.  Changes in the fair value of these contracts, as well as the offsetting gain or loss on the hedged inventory item, are recognized in earnings as an increase or decrease in cost of sales.  Ineffectiveness related to these hedging activities was immaterial for the three months ended March** **31, 2011 and 2010.

 

The Partnership also uses futures contracts and swap agreements to hedge exposure under forward purchase and sale commitments.  These agreements are intended to hedge the cost component of virtually all of the Partnership’s forward purchase and sale commitments.  Changes in the fair value of these contracts, as well as offsetting gains or losses on the forward fixed price purchase and sale commitments, are recognized in earnings as an increase or decrease in cost of sales.  Gains and losses on net product margin from forward fixed price purchase and sale contracts are reflected in earnings as an increase or decrease in cost of sales as these contracts mature.  Ineffectiveness related to these hedging activities was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

9

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 5.****                     ****Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)**

 

The following table presents the gross fair values of the Partnership’s derivative instruments and firm commitments and their location in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                                             | ** ** | ** **              | ** ** | **March 31,**  | ** ** | **December 31,** | ** ** |
|------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|-------------------------|------------|---------------------|------------|-----------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                             | ** ** | **Balance Sheet**  | ** ** | **2011**            | ** ** | **2010**              | ** ** |
| **Asset Derivatives**                                             | ** ** | **Location (Net)** | ** ** | **Fair Value** | ** ** | **Fair Value**   | ** ** |
| *Derivatives designated as   hedging instruments and firm commitments* |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
| Product   contracts(1)                                                 |       | (2)                     |       | $                   | 6,283      |                  | $          | 3,896 |   |
|                                                                   |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
| *Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments*                    |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
| Product   and natural gas contracts                                    |       | (2)                     |       | 3,278               |       | 3,049                 |       |
|                                                                   |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
|  Total   asset derivatives                                        |       |                    |       | $                   | 9,561      |                  | $          | 6,945 |   |
|                                                                   |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
| **Liability Derivatives**                                              | ** ** | ** **              | ** ** | ** **          | ** ** | ** **            | ** ** |
| *Derivatives designated as   hedging instruments and firm commitments* |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
| Product   contracts(1)                                                 |       | (3)                     |       | $                   | 11,506     |                  | $          | 13,538 |   |
|                                                                   |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
| *Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments*                    |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
| Product   and natural gas contracts                                    |       | (3)                     |       | 3,313               |       | 2,896                 |       |
|                                                                   |       |                    |       |                |       |                  |       |
|  Total   liability derivatives                                    |       |                    |       | $                   | 14,819     |                  | $          | 16,434 |   |

 

(1)      Includes forward fixed price purchase and sale contracts as recognized in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.

(2)      Fair value of forward fixed price contracts and prepaid expenses and other current assets.

(3)      Obligations on forward fixed price contracts and other derivatives and accrued expenses and other current liabilities.

 

10

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 5.****                     ****Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)**

 

The following table presents the amount of gains and losses from derivatives involved in fair value hedging relationships recognized in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                      | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **Amount   of Gain (Loss)**   | ** ** |
|-------------------------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                      | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **Recognized   in Income on** | ** ** |
| ** **                                      | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **Derivatives**               | ** ** |
| ** **                                      | ** ** | **Location   of Gain (Loss)** | ** ** | **Three   Months Ended**      | ** ** |
| **Derivatives in Fair Value**                   | ** ** | **Recognized   in**           | ** ** | **March 31,**            | ** ** |
| **Hedging Relationship**                        | ** ** | **Income   on Derivative**    | ** ** | **2011**                      | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
|                                            |       |                          |       |                          |       |   |   |
| Product   contracts                             |       | Cost of sales                 |       | $                             | (114,809   | ) | $ | (27 | ) |
|                                            |       |                          |       |                          |       |   |   |   |   |
| ** **                                      | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **Amount   of Gain (Loss)**   | ** ** |
| ** **                                      | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **Recognized   in Income on** | ** ** |
| ** **                                      | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **Hedged   Items**            | ** ** |
| ** **                                      | ** ** | **Location   of Gain (Loss)** | ** ** | **Three   Months Ended**      | ** ** |
| **Hedged Items in Fair Value**                  | ** ** | **Recognized   in Income**    | ** ** | **March 31,**            | ** ** |
| **Hedge Relationships**                         | ** ** | **on   Related Hedged Item**  | ** ** | **2011**                      | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
|                                            |       |                          |       |                          |       |   |   |
| Inventories and forward   fixed price contracts |       | Cost of sales                 |       | $                             | 115,061    |   | $ | 27 |   |

 

The Partnership’s derivative financial instruments do not contain credit risk related to other contingent features that could cause accelerated payments when these financial instruments are in net liability positions.

 

The table below presents the composition and fair value of forward fixed price purchase and sale contracts on the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheet being hedged by the following derivative instruments (in thousands):

 
| ** **           | ** ** | **March 31,   2010** | ** ** | **December 31,   2010** | ** ** |
|----------------------|------------|---------------------------|------------|------------------------------|------------|
| Futures contracts    |       | $                         | (1,469     | )                            | $          | (6,480 | ) |
| Swaps and other, net |       | (727                      | )          | (735                         | )          |
| Total                |       | $                         | (2,196     | )                            | $          | (7,215 | ) |

 

The total balances of $2.2 million and $7.2 million reflect the fair value of the forward fixed price contract liability net of the corresponding asset in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

The Partnership formally documents all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items after its risk management objectives and strategy for undertaking the hedge are determined.  The Partnership calculates hedge effectiveness on a quarterly basis.  This process includes specific 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.  Both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, the Partnership assesses whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of hedged items.  The derivative instruments that qualify for hedge accounting are fair value hedges.

 

The Partnership also markets and sells natural gas.  The Partnership generally conducts business by entering into forward purchase commitments for natural gas only when it simultaneously enters into arrangements for the sale of product for physical delivery to third-party users.  The Partnership generally takes delivery under its purchase commitments at the same location as it delivers to third-party users.  Through these transactions, which establish an immediate margin, the Partnership seeks to maintain a position that is substantially balanced between firm forward purchase and sales commitments.  Natural gas is generally purchased and sold at fixed prices and quantities.  Current price quotes from actively traded markets are used in all cases to determine the contracts’ fair value.  Changes in the fair value of these contracts are recognized in earnings as an increase or decrease in cost of sales.

 

11

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 5.****                     ****Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)**

 

The Partnership has a daily margin requirement with its broker based on the prior day’s market results on open futures contracts.  The brokerage margin balance was $14.6 million and $15.5 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively.

 

The Partnership is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties of forward purchase and sale commitments, futures contracts, options and swap agreements, but the Partnership has no current reason to expect any material nonperformance by any of these counterparties.  Futures contracts, the primary derivative instrument utilized by the Partnership, are traded on regulated exchanges, greatly reducing potential credit risks.  The Partnership utilizes primarily one clearing broker, a major financial institution, for all New York Mercantile Exchange****(“NYMEX”) derivative transactions and the right of offset exists.  Accordingly, the fair value of all derivative instruments is presented on a net basis in the consolidated balance sheets.  Exposure on forward purchase and sale commitments and swap and certain option agreements is limited to the amount of the recorded fair value as of the balance sheet dates.

 

The Partnership generally enters into master netting arrangements to mitigate counterparty credit risk with respect to its derivatives.  Master netting arrangements are standardized contracts that govern all specified transactions with the same counterparty and allow the Partnership to terminate all contracts upon occurrence of certain events, such as a counterparty’s default or bankruptcy.  Because these arrangements provide the right of offset, and the Partnership’s intent and practice is to offset amounts in the case of contract terminations, the Partnership records fair value of derivative positions on a net basis.

 

***Cash Flow Hedges***

 

The Partnership links all hedges that are designated as cash flow hedges to forecasted transactions.  To the extent such hedges are effective, the changes in the fair value of the derivative instrument are reported as a component of other comprehensive income and reclassified into interest expense in the same period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings.

 

The Partnership executed two zero premium interest rate collars with major financial institutions.  Each collar is designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge.  The first collar, which became effective on May 14, 2007 and expires on May 14, 2011, is used to hedge the variability in interest payments due to changes in the three-month LIBOR rate with respect to $100.0 million of three-month LIBOR-based borrowings.  Under the first collar, the Partnership capped its exposure at a maximum three-month LIBOR rate of 5.75% and established a minimum floor rate of 3.75%.  As of March 31, 2011, the three-month LIBOR rate of 0.31% was lower than the floor rate.  As a result, in May 2011, the Partnership will remit to the respective financial institution the difference between the floor rate and the current rate which amounted to approximately $439,300 and, at March 31, 2011, such amount was recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The fair values of the first collar, excluding accrued interest, were liabilities of approximately $0.4 million and $1.2 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and were recorded in both other long-term liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income.  Hedge effectiveness was assessed at inception and is assessed quarterly, prospectively and retrospectively.  The changes in the fair value of the first collar are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in interest rate payments attributable to fluctuations in the three-month LIBOR rate above and below the first collar’s strike rates.

 

12

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 5.****                     ****Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)**

 

On September 29, 2008, the Partnership executed its second zero premium interest rate collar.  The second collar, which became effective on October 2, 2008 and expires on October 2, 2013, is used to hedge the variability in cash flows in monthly interest payments made on the Partnership’s $100.0 million one-month LIBOR-based borrowings (and subsequent refinancings thereof) due to changes in the one-month LIBOR rate.  Under the second collar, the Partnership capped its exposure at a maximum one-month LIBOR rate of 5.50% and established a minimum floor rate of 2.70%.  As of March 31, 2011, the one-month LIBOR rate of 0.26% was lower than the floor rate.  As a result, in April 2011, the Partnership remitted to the respective financial institution the difference between the floor rate and the current rate which amounted to approximately $203,250 and, at March 31, 2011, such amount was recorded in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.  The fair values of the second collar, excluding accrued interest, were liabilities of approximately $4.2 million and $4.8 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and were recorded in both other long-term liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Hedge effectiveness was assessed at inception and is assessed quarterly, prospectively and retrospectively, using the regression analysis.  The changes in the fair value of the second collar are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in interest rate payments attributable to fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR rate above and below the second collar’s strike rates.

 

In addition, in October 2009, the Partnership executed a forward starting swap with a major financial institution.  The swap, which will become effective on May 16, 2011 and expire on May 16, 2016, will be used to hedge the variability in interest payments due to changes in the one-month LIBOR swap curve with respect to $100.0 million of one-month LIBOR-based borrowings at a fixed rate of 3.93%.  The fair values of the swap were liabilities of approximately $7.0 million and $7.3 million as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and were recorded in other long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Hedge effectiveness was assessed at inception and will be assessed quarterly, prospectively and retrospectively, using regression analysis.  The changes in the fair value of the swap are expected to be highly effective in offsetting the changes in interest rate payments attributable to fluctuations in the one-month LIBOR swap curve.

 

The following table presents the fair value of the Partnership’s derivative instruments and their location in the Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
| ** **                    | ** ** | ** **                                     | ** ** | **March** **31,** | ** ** | **December** **31,** | ** ** |
|-------------------------------|------------|------------------------------------------------|------------|------------------------|------------|---------------------------|------------|
| **Derivatives Designated as** | ** ** | **Balance   Sheet**                            | ** ** | **2011**               | ** ** | **2010**                  | ** ** |
| **Hedging Instruments**       | ** ** | **Location**                                   | ** ** | **Fair   Value**       | ** ** | **Fair   Value**          | ** ** |
|                          |       |                                           |       |                   |       |                      |       |
| *Asset derivatives*           |       |                                           |       | $                      | —     |                      | $          | — |   |
|                          |       |                                           |       |                   |       |                      |       |
| *Liability derivatives*       |       |                                           |       |                   |       |                      |       |
| Interest rate collar          |       | Accrued expenses and other current liabilities |       | $                      | 407        |                      | $          | — |   |
| Interest rate collar          |       | Other   long-term liabilities                  |       |                   | 4,171      |                      |       | 6,042 |   |
| Forward starting swap         |       | Other   long-term liabilities                  |       | 7,041                  |       | 7,296                     |       |
| Total liability derivatives   |       |                                           |       | $                      | 11,619     |                      | $          | 13,338 |   |

 

13

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 5.****                     ****Derivative Financial Instruments (continued)**

 

The following table presents the amount of gains and losses from derivatives involved in cash flow hedging relationships recognized in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income and partners’ equity for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 
|                         |       |                        |       | **Recognized   in Income**        | ** ** |
|------------------------------|------------|-----------------------------|------------|-----------------------------------|------------|
|                         | ** ** | **Amount   of Gain (Loss)** |       | **on   Derivatives**              | ** ** |
|                         | ** ** | **Recognized   in Other**   |       | **(Ineffectiveness   Portion**    | ** ** |
|                         | ** ** | **Comprehensive   Income**  |       | **and   Amount Excluded**         | ** ** |
|                         | ** ** | **on   Derivatives**        |       | **from   Effectiveness Testing)** | ** ** |
|                         | ** ** | **Three   Months Ended**    | ** ** | **Three   Months Ended**          |       |
| **Derivatives in Cash Flow** | ** ** | **March 31,**          | ** ** | **March 31,**                | ** ** | **March 31,** | ** ** | **March 31,** | ** ** |
| **Hedging Relationship**     | ** ** | **2011**                    | ** ** | **2010**                          | ** ** | **2011** | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
|                         |       |                        |       |                              |       |   |   |   |   |
| Interest   rate collars      |       | $                           | 1,464      |                              | $          | (368 | ) | $ | — |   | $ | — |   |
| Forward   starting swap      |       | 254                         |       | (1,864                            | )          | — |   | — |   |
| Total                        |       | $                           | 1,718      |                              | $          | (2,232 | ) | $ | — |   | $ | — |   |

 

Ineffectiveness related to the interest rate collars and forward starting swap is recognized as interest expense and was immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.  The effective portion related to the interest rate collars that was originally reported in other comprehensive income and reclassified to earnings was $1.5 million for each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

 

***Derivatives Not Involved in a Hedging Relationship***

 

While the Partnership seeks to maintain a position that is substantially balanced within its product purchase activities, it may experience net unbalanced positions for short periods of time as a result of variances in daily sales and transportation and delivery schedules as well as logistical issues inherent in the business, such as weather conditions. In connection with managing these positions and maintaining a constant presence in the marketplace, both necessary for its business, the Partnership engages in a controlled trading program for up to an aggregate of 250,000 barrels of refined petroleum and renewable fuels products at any one point in time.

 

The following table presents the amount of gains and losses from derivatives not involved in a hedging relationship recognized in the Partnership’s consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 (in thousands):

 
| ** **                        | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **Amount   of Gain (Loss)** | ** ** |
|-----------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------|------------|-----------------------------|------------|
| ** **                        | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **Recognized   in Income**  | ** ** |
| ** **                        | ** ** | ** **                    | ** ** | **on   Derivatives**        | ** ** |
| ** **                        | ** ** | **Location   of Gain (Loss)** | ** ** | **Three   Months Ended**    | ** ** |
| **Derivatives Not Designated as** | ** ** | **Recognized   in**           | ** ** | **March 31,**          | ** ** | **March 31,** | ** ** |
| **Hedging Instruments**           | ** ** | **Income   on Derivatives**   | ** ** | **2011**                    | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
|                              |       |                          |       |                        |       |   |   |
| Product   contracts               |       | Cost of sales                 |       | $                           | 1,456      |   | $ | (522 | ) |
|                                   |            |                               |            |                             |            |  |  |  |  |

 

14

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 6.****                     ****Debt**

 

On January 26, 2011, the Partnership requested an increase in the working capital revolving credit facility in an amount equal to $100.0 million, and on February 11, 2011, certain lenders under the Partnership’s Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated May 14, 2010, as amended (the “Credit Agreement”) committed to the $100.0 million increase which increased the total available commitments under the Credit Agreement to $1.25 billion.  The Credit Agreement will mature on May 14, 2014.

 

There are two facilities under the Credit Agreement:

 

·              a working capital revolving credit facility to be used for working capital purposes and letters of credit in the principal amount equal to the lesser of the Partnership’s borrowing base and $900.0 million; and

 

·              a $350.0 million revolving credit facility to be used for acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

 

In addition, the Credit Agreement has an accordion feature whereby the Partnership may request on the same terms and conditions of its then existing Credit Agreement, provided no Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) then exists, an increase to the revolving credit facility, the working capital revolving credit facility, or both, by up to another $100.0 million, for a total credit facility of up to $1.35 billion.  Any such request for an increase by the Partnership must be in a minimum amount of $5.0 million, and the revolving credit facility may not be increased by more than $50.0 million.  The Partnership cannot provide assurance, however, that its lending group will agree to fund any request by the Partnership for additional amounts in excess of the total available commitments of $1.25 billion.

 

Availability under the Partnership’s working capital revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base which is redetermined from time to time and based on specific advance rates on eligible current assets.  Under the Credit Agreement, the Partnership’s borrowings under the working capital revolving credit facility cannot exceed the then current borrowing base.  Availability under the Partnership’s borrowing base may be affected by events beyond the Partnership’s control, such as changes in refined petroleum product prices, collection cycles, counterparty performance, advance rates and limits, and general economic conditions.  These and other events could require the Partnership to seek waivers or amendments of covenants or alternative sources of financing or to reduce expenditures.  The Partnership can provide no assurance that such waivers, amendments or alternative financing could be obtained or, if obtained, would be on terms acceptable to the Partnership.

 

During the period from January 1, 2010 through May 13, 2010, borrowings under the working capital revolving credit facility bore interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.75% to 2.25%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 1.75% to 2.25%, or (3) the base rate plus 0.75% to 1.25%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the previous credit agreement, which in turn depended upon the Combined Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the previous credit agreement).  Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bore interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 2.25% to 2.75%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 1.75% to 2.25%, or (3) the base rate plus 0.75% to 1.25%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the previous credit agreement, which in turn depended upon the Combined Interest Coverage Ratio under the previous credit agreement.

 

Commencing May 14, 2010, borrowings under the working capital revolving credit facility bear interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 2.50% to 3.00%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 2.50% to 3.00%, or (3) the base rate plus 1.50% to 2.00%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the Credit Agreement, which in turn depends upon the Utilization Amount (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

 

15

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 6.****                     ****Debt (continued)**

 

During the period from May 14, 2010 through September 7, 2010, borrowings under the revolving credit facility bore interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 3.00% to 3.25%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 3.00% to 3.25%, or (3) the base rate plus 2.00% to 2.25%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the Credit Agreement, which in turn depended upon the Combined Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  Commencing September 8, 2010, borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 3.00% to 3.875%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 3.00% to 3.875%, or (3) the base rate plus 2.00% to 2.875%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the Credit Agreement, which in turn depends upon the Combined Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement).

 

The average interest rates for the Credit Agreement were 4.1% and 3.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

The Partnership executed two zero premium interest rate collars and a forward starting swap which are used to hedge the variability in interest payments under the Credit Agreement due to changes in LIBOR rates.  See Note 5 for additional information on the interest rate collars and the forward starting swap.

 

The Partnership incurs a letter of credit fee of 2.50% – 3.00% per annum for each letter of credit issued.  In addition, the Partnership incurs a commitment fee on the unused portion of each facility under the Credit Agreement equal to 0.50% per annum.

 

The Partnership classifies a portion of its working capital revolving credit facility as a long-term liability because the Partnership has a multi-year, long-term commitment from its bank group.  The long-term portion of the working capital revolving credit facility was $364.3 million and $293.5 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, representing the amounts expected to be outstanding during the year.  In addition, the Partnership classifies a portion of its working capital revolving credit facility as a current liability because it repays amounts outstanding and reborrows funds based on its working capital requirements.  The current portion of the working capital revolving credit facility was approximately $178.7 million and $193.2 million at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, representing the amounts the Partnership expects to pay down during the course of the year.

 

As of March 31, 2011, the Partnership had total borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement of $793.0 million, including $250.0 million outstanding on the revolving credit facility.  In addition, the Partnership had outstanding letters of credit of $151.1 million.  Subject to borrowing base limitations, the total remaining availability for borrowings and letters of credit at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $305.9 million and $252.6 million, respectively.

 

The Credit Agreement is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Partnership and each of the Companies and is guaranteed by the General Partner.  The Credit Agreement imposes certain requirements including, for example, a prohibition against distributions if any potential default or Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) would occur as a result thereof, and limitations on the Partnership’s ability to grant liens, make certain loans or investments, incur additional indebtedness or guarantee other indebtedness, make any material change to the nature of the Partnership’s business or undergo a fundamental change, make any material dispositions, acquire another company, enter into a merger, consolidation, sale leaseback transaction or purchase of assets, or make capital expenditures in excess of specified levels.

 

16

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 6.       Debt (continued)**

 

The Credit Agreement imposes financial covenants that require the Partnership to maintain certain minimum working capital amounts, capital expenditure limits, a minimum EBITDA, a minimum combined interest coverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a maximum total leverage ratio.  The Partnership was in compliance with the foregoing covenants at March 31, 2011.  The Credit Agreement also contains a representation whereby there can be no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the Credit Agreement).  In addition, the Credit Agreement limits distributions by the Partnership to its unitholders to the amount of the Partnership’s Available Cash (as defined in its partnership agreement).

 

The lending group under the Credit Agreement is comprised of the following institutions: Bank of America, N.A.; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.; Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.; Societe Generale; Standard Chartered Bank; RBS Citizens, National Association; BNP Paribas; Cooperative Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland” New York Branch; Sovereign Bank; Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank; Keybank National Association; Toronto Dominion (New York); RB International Finance (USA) LLC (formerly known as RZB Finance LLC); Royal Bank of Canada; Raymond James Bank, FSB; Barclays Bank plc; Webster Bank, National Association; Natixis, New York Branch; DZ Bank AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank Frankfurt Am Main; Branch Banking & Trust Company; and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

 

**Note 7.****                     ****Related Party Transactions**

 

The Partnership is a party to a First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Terminal Storage Rental and Throughput Agreement with Global Petroleum Corp. (“GPC”), an affiliate of the Partnership, which extends through July 31, 2014 with annual renewal options thereafter.  The agreement is accounted for as an operating lease.  The expenses under this agreement totaled approximately $2.2** **million for each of the three month periods ended March** **31,****2011 and 2010.

 

Pursuant to an Amended and Restated Services Agreement with GPC, GPC provides certain terminal operating management services to the Partnership and uses certain administrative, accounting and information processing services of the Partnership.  The expenses from these services totaled approximately $24,000 and $21,870 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These charges were recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  The agreement is for an indefinite term, and either party may terminate its receipt of some or all of the services thereunder upon 180 days’ notice at any time.  As of March 31, 2011, no such notice of termination was given by either party.

 

Pursuant to the Partnership’s Amended and Restated Services Agreement with Alliance Energy LLC (“Alliance”), the Partnership also provides certain administrative, accounting and information processing services, and the use of certain facilities, to Alliance, an affiliate of the Partnership that is wholly owned by AE Holdings Corp., which is approximately 95% owned by members of the Slifka family.  The income from these services was approximately $47,000 and $49,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  These fees were recorded as an offset to selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  The agreement is for an indefinite term, and Alliance may terminate its receipt of some or all of the services thereunder upon 180 days’ notice at any time.  As of March 31, 2011, no such notice of termination was given by Alliance.

 

17

----

** **

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 7.****                     ****Related Party Transactions (continued)**

 

The Partnership sells refined petroleum products and renewable fuels to Alliance at prevailing market prices at the time of delivery.  Sales to Alliance were approximately $15.4 million and $7.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 included sales of Mobil-branded fuel to Alliance pursuant to the Mobil franchise agreement entered into by Global Companies LLC and Alliance, effective March 1, 2011.

 

In addition, Global Companies LLC and GMG, wholly owned subsidiaries of the Partnership, entered into management agreements with Alliance in connection with the Partnership’s September 2010 acquisition of retail gas stations from ExxonMobil (see Note 10).  The management fee and overhead reimbursement were approximately $650,000 and $479,000, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

The General Partner employs substantially all of the Partnership’s employees and charges the Partnership for their services.  The expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, including payroll, payroll taxes and bonus accruals, were $14.7 million and $10.4 million, respectively.  The Partnership also reimburses the General Partner for its contributions under the General Partner’s 401(k) Savings and Profit Sharing Plan and the General Partner’s qualified and non-qualified pension plans.

 

The table below presents trade receivables with Alliance, receivables incurred in connection with the services agreements between Alliance and the Partnership and GPC and the Partnership, as the case may be, and receivables from the General Partner (in thousands):

 
| ** **                               | ** ** | **March 31,** | ** ** | **December 31,** | ** ** |
|------------------------------------------|------------|--------------------|------------|-----------------------|------------|
| ** **                               | ** ** | **2011**           | ** ** | **2010**              | ** ** |
| Receivables from Alliance                |       | $                  | 113        |                  | $          | 296 |   |
| Receivables from GPC                     |       | 255                |       | 224                   |       |
| Receivables from the General Partner (1) |       | 728                |       | 710                   |       |
| Total                                    |       | $                  | 1,096      |                  | $          | 1,230 |   |

 

(1)   Receivables from the General Partner reflect the Partnership’s prepayment of payroll taxes and payroll accruals to the General Partner.

 

**Note 8.****                     ****Cash Distributions**

 

The Partnership intends to consider regular cash distributions to unitholders on a quarterly basis, although there is no assurance as to the future cash distributions since they are dependent upon future earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other factors.  The Credit Agreement prohibits the Partnership from making cash distributions if any potential default or Event of Default, as defined in the Credit Agreement, occurs or would result from the cash distribution.

 

Within 45 days after the end of each quarter, the Partnership will distribute all of its Available Cash (as defined in its partnership agreement) to unitholders of record on the applicable record date.  The amount of Available Cash is all cash on hand on the date of determination of Available Cash for the quarter; less the amount of cash reserves established by the General Partner to provide for the proper conduct of the Partnership’s business, to comply with applicable law, any of the Partnership’s debt instruments, or other agreements or to provide funds for distributions to unitholders and the General Partner for any one or more of the next four quarters.

 

18

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 8.****                     ****Cash Distributions (continued)**

 

The Partnership will make distributions of Available Cash from distributable cash flow for any quarter in the following manner: 98.94% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.06% to the General Partner, until the Partnership distributes for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; and thereafter, cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distribution is distributed to the unitholders and the General Partner based on the percentages as provided below.

 

As holder of the IDRs, the General Partner is entitled to incentive distributions if the amount that the Partnership distributes with respect to any quarter exceeds specified target levels shown below:

 
| ** **                     | ** ** | **Total Quarterly Distribution** | ** ** | **Marginal Percentage Interest in   Distributions** | ** ** |
|--------------------------------|------------|--------------------------------------------|------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                     | ** ** | **Target Amount**                     | ** ** | **Unitholders**                                                    | ** ** | **General Partner** | ** ** |
| Minimum Quarterly Distribution |       | $0.4625                                    |       | 98.94%                                                             |       |   | 1.06% |   |   |
| First Target Distribution      |       | $0.4625                                    |       | 98.94%                                                             |       |   | 1.06% |   |   |
| Second Target Distribution     |       | above $0.4625 up to $0.5375                |       | 85.94%                                                             |       |   | 14.06% |   |   |
| Third Target Distribution      |       | above $0.5375 up to $0.6625                |       | 75.94%                                                             |       |   | 24.06% |   |   |
| Thereafter                     |       | above $0.6625                              |       | 50.94%                                                             |       |   | 49.06% |   |   |

 

The Partnership paid the following cash distribution during 2011 (in thousands, except per unit data):

 
| **Cash   Distribution   Payment Date** | ** ** | **Per Unit   Cash   Distribution** | ** ** | **Common   Units** | ** ** | **Subordinated   Units** | ** ** | **General   Partner** | ** ** | **Incentive   Distribution** | ** ** | **Total Cash   Distribution** | ** ** |
|---------------------------------------------|------------|-----------------------------------------|------------|--------------------|------------|--------------------------|------------|-----------------------|------------|------------------------------|------------|------------------------------------|------------|
|                                        |       |                                    |       |               |       |                     |       |                  |       |                         |       |                               |       |
| 02/14/11 (1)(2)                             |       | $                                       | 0.5000     |               | $          | 6,647                    |       | $                     | 2,821      |                         | $          | 115                                |       | $ | 108 |   | $ | 9,691 |   |
|                                             |            |                                         |            |                    |            |                          |            |                       |            |                              |            |                                    |            |  |  |  |  |  |  |

 

(1)    On February 18, 2011, based upon meeting certain distribution and performance tests provided in the Partnership’s partnership agreement, all 5,642,424 subordinated units converted to common units.  Prior to the conversion and the February 2011 offering, the Partnership made this distribution in the following manner:  firstly, 98.80% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.20% to the General Partner, until the Partnership distributed for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter; secondly, 98.80% to the common unitholders, pro rata, and 1.20% to the General Partner, until the Partnership distributed for each outstanding common unit an amount equal to any arrearages in payment of the minimum quarterly distribution on the common units for any prior quarters during the subordination period; thirdly, 98.80% to the subordinated unitholders, pro rata, and 1.20% to the General Partner, until the Partnership distributed for each subordinated unit an amount equal to the minimum quarterly distribution for that quarter.

(2)    This distribution of $0.50 per unit resulted in the Partnership exceeding its first target level distribution for the fourth quarter of 2010.  As a result, the General Partner, as the holder of the IDRs, received an incentive distribution.

 

In addition, on April 20, 2011, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per unit ($2.00 per unit on an annualized basis) for the period from January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011.  On May 13, 2011, the Partnership will pay this cash distribution to its common unitholders of record as of the close of business May 4, 2011.  This distribution will result in the Partnership exceeding its first target level distribution for the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

 

19

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 9.****                     ****Segment Reporting**

 

The Partnership engages in the wholesale and commercial distribution of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels (such as ethanol) and small amounts of natural gas.  The Partnership’s primary business is organized within two reporting segments, Wholesale and Commercial, based on the way the chief operating decision maker (CEO) manages the business and on the similarity of customers and expected long-term financial performance of each segment.  The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Partnership’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

In the Wholesale segment, the Partnership sells gasoline, home heating oil, diesel, kerosene and residual oil to unbranded and Mobil-branded retail gasoline stations and other resellers of transportation fuels, home heating oil retailers and wholesale distributors.  Generally, customers use their own vehicles or contract carriers to take delivery of the product at bulk terminals and inland storage facilities that the Partnership owns or controls or with which it has throughput arrangements.

 

The Commercial segment includes (1) sales and deliveries of unbranded gasoline, home heating oil, diesel, kerosene, residual oil and small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels to end user customers in the public sector and to large commercial and industrial end users (in the case of commercial and industrial end user customers, the Partnership sells products either through a competitive bidding process or through contracts of various terms), (2) sales of custom blended distillates and residual oil delivered by barges or from a terminal dock through bunkering activity, and (3) sales of Mobil-branded gasoline to end users.  Commercial segment end user customers include Mobil-branded gasoline customers at the Partnership’s directly operated gas stations, federal and state agencies, municipalities, large industrial companies, many autonomous authorities such as transportation authorities and water resource authorities, colleges and universities and a group of small utilities.  Unlike the Wholesale segment, in the Commercial segment, the Partnership generally arranges the delivery of the product to the customer’s designated location, typically hiring third-party common carriers to deliver the product.

 

The Partnership evaluates segment performance based on net product margins before allocations of corporate and indirect operating costs, depreciation, amortization (including non-cash charges) and interest.  Based on the way the CEO manages the business, it is not reasonably possible for the Partnership to allocate the components of operating costs and expenses between the reportable segments.  There were no intersegment sales for any of the periods presented below.

 

20

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 9.****                     ****Segment Reporting (continued)**

 

Summarized financial information for the Partnership’s reportable segments is presented in the table below (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                   | ** ** | **Three Months Ended** | ** ** |
|----------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                   | ** ** | **March 31,**               | ** ** |
| ** **                                   | ** ** | **2011**                         | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| **Wholesale Segment:**                       |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Sales                                        |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Gasoline                                     |       | $                                | 1,897,296  |   | $ | 874,687 |   |
| Distillates                                  |       | 1,370,062                        |       | 959,257 |   |
| Residual oil                                 |       | 16,224                           |       | 12,129 |   |
| Total                                        |       | $                                | 3,283,582  |   | $ | 1,846,073 |   |
| Net product margin (1)                       |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Gasoline                                     |       | $                                | 21,362     |   | $ | 8,711 |   |
| Distillates                                  |       | 20,942                           |       | 34,020 |   |
| Residual oil                                 |       | 2,929                            |       | 2,856 |   |
| Total                                        |       | $                                | 45,233     |   | $ | 45,587 |   |
| **Commercial Segment:**                      |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Sales                                        |       | $                                | 253,771    |   | $ | 118,672 |   |
| Net product margin (1)                       |       | $                                | 9,535      |   | $ | 4,918 |   |
| **All Other (2):**                           |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Sales                                        |       | $                                | 13,719     |   | $ | — |   |
| Net product margin (1)                       |       | $                                | 7,552      |   | $ | — |   |
| **Combined sales and net product   margin:** |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Sales                                        |       | $                                | 3,551,072  |   | $ | 1,964,745 |   |
| Net product margin (1)                       |       | $                                | 62,320     |   | $ | 50,505 |   |
| Depreciation allocated to cost of sales      |       | 6,070                            |       | 2,737 |   |
| **Combined gross profit**                    |       | $                                | 56,250     |   | $ | 47,768 |   |

 

----

(1)   Net product margin is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management and external users of the Partnership’s consolidated financial statements to assess the Partnership’s business.  The table above reconciles net product margin on a combined basis to gross profit, a directly comparable GAAP measure.

(2)   Results from segments below the quantitative thresholds are attributable to one operating segment of the Partnership (retail), which consists primarily of convenience stores sales at the Partnership’s directly operated stores and rental income from the Partnership’s gas station dealers.  This segment does not meet the quantitative thresholds for determining reportable segments.

 

21

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 9.****                     ****Segment Reporting (continued)**

 

A reconciliation of the totals reported for the reportable segments to the applicable line items in the consolidated financial statements is as follows (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                                              | ** ** | **Three Months Ended** | ** ** |
|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                              | ** ** | **March 31,**               | ** ** |
| ** **                                                              | ** ** | **2011**                         | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| **Combined gross profit**                                               |       | $                                | 56,250     |   | $ | 47,768 |   |
| **Operating   costs and expenses not allocated to operating segments:** |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Selling, general and administrative expenses                            |       | 21,110                           |       | 16,578 |   |
| Operating expenses                                                      |       | 17,804                           |       | 8,659 |   |
| Amortization expenses                                                   |       | 1,163                            |       | 691 |   |
| **Total operating costs and   expenses**                                |       | 40,077                           |       | 25,928 |   |
| Operating income                                                        |       | 16,173                           |       | 21,840 |   |
| Interest expense                                                        |       | (7,880                           | )          | (4,064 | ) |
| Income tax expense                                                      |       | —                           |       | (387 | ) |
| **Net income**                                                          |       | $                                | 8,293      |   | $ | 17,389 |   |

 

There were no foreign sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.  The Partnership has no foreign assets.

 

***Segment Assets***

 

In connection with its acquisition of retail gas stations from ExxonMobil (see Note 10), the Partnership acquired assets of approximately $232.3 million, of which approximately $152.2 million of property and equipment has been allocated to the Wholesale segment at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010.  Due to the commingled nature and uses of the remainder of the Partnership’s assets, it is not reasonably possible for the Partnership to allocate these assets between its reportable segments.

 

**Note 10.****              ****Acquisitions**

 

***Retail Gas Stations/Fuel Supply Acquisition***—On September 30, 2010, the Partnership completed its acquisition of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil for cash consideration of approximately $202.3 million, plus the assumption of certain environmental liabilities (see Note 11).  In addition, the Partnership purchased approximately $4.2 million of convenience store inventory and gasoline and diesel inventory in the ordinary course of business that was stored at the acquired sites.  The Partnership acquired Mobil-branded retail gas stations located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.  Additionally, the Partnership acquired the right to supply Mobil-branded fuel to such stations and to Mobil-branded stations that are owned and operated by independent dealers in these states.  The Partnership outsources the day-to-day management and operations of these locations to Alliance.

 

The Partnership financed the acquisition through borrowings under its Credit Agreement.  This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination.

 

22

----

 

**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 10.****              ****Acquisitions (continued)**

 

The allocation of the purchase price will be finalized as the Partnership receives additional information relevant to the acquisition, including a final valuation of the assets purchased and further information with respect to the fair value of the environmental liabilities assumed.  The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the cash consideration to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and environmental liabilities assumed (in thousands):

 
| Assets purchased:                        |   |    |    |
|------------------------------------------|--------|---------|---------|
| Buildings and improvements               |   | $       | 59,271  |   |
| Land                                     |   | 118,634 |    |
| Fixtures and equipment                   |   | 47,008  |    |
| Intangibles                              |   | 7,400   |    |
| Total assets purchased                   |   | 232,313 |    |
| Less environmental   liabilities assumed |   | (30,000 | )       |
| Total cash consideration                 |   | $       | 202,313 |   |

 

The intangible assets acquired in the transaction consist of the following (in thousands):

 
| **Description**  | ** ** | **Gross   Carrying   Amount** | ** ** | **Accumulated   Amortization** | ** ** | **Net   Intangible   Assets** | ** ** | **Amortization   Period** | ** ** |
|------------------|------------|-------------------------------|------------|--------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------|------------|---------------------------|------------|
| Supply contracts |       | $                             | 7,400      |                           | $          | (863                          | )          | $                         | 6,537      |   | 5 years |   |
|                  |            |                               |            |                                |            |                               |            |                           |            |  |  |  |

 

Amortization expense was approximately $370,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

***Warex Terminals***— On June 2, 2010, the Partnership completed its acquisition of three refined petroleum products terminals located in Newburgh, New York from Warex Terminals Corporation (the “Warex Terminals”) for cash consideration of $46.0 million plus the assumption of certain environmental liabilities (see Note 11).  In addition, the Partnership purchased approximately $9.5 million of inventory in the normal course of business that was stored in the acquired terminals.

 

The Partnership financed the acquisition through borrowings under its Credit Agreement.  This acquisition was accounted for as a business combination.

 

The allocation of the purchase price will be finalized as the Partnership receives additional information relevant to the acquisition, including a final valuation of the assets purchased and further information with respect to the fair value of the environmental liabilities assumed.  The following table presents the preliminary allocation of the cash consideration to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired and environmental liabilities assumed (in thousands):

 
| Assets purchased:                                        |   |   |   |
|----------------------------------------------------------|--------|--------|--------|
| Buildings, docks, terminal facilities and   improvements |   | $      | 34,887 |   |
| Land                                                     |   | 4,500  |   |
| Fixtures, equipment and automobiles                      |   | 525    |   |
| Intangibles                                              |   | 7,634  |   |
| Total assets purchased                                   |   | 47,546 |   |
| Less environmental   liabilities assumed                 |   | (1,500 | )      |
| Total cash consideration                                 |   | $      | 46,046 |   |

 

23

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 10.****              ****Acquisitions (continued)**

 

The intangible assets acquired in the transaction consist of the following (in thousands):

 
| **Description**         | ** ** | **Gross   Carrying   Amount** | ** ** | **Accumulated   Amortization** | ** ** | **Net   Intangible   Assets** | ** ** | **Amortization   Period** | ** ** |
|-------------------------|------------|-------------------------------|------------|--------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------|------------|---------------------------|------------|
| Customer relationships  |       | $                             | 6,524      |                           | $          | (362                          | )          | $                         | 6,162      |   | 15 years |   |
| Supply contracts        |       | 1,110                         |       | (62                            | )          | 1,048                         |       | 15 years                  |       |
| Total intangible assets |       | $                             | 7,634      |                           | $          | (424                          | )          | $                         | 7,210      |   |   |   |

 

Amortization expense was approximately $127,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

***Valuation of Intangible Assets*** — The estimated purchase price for each of the above acquisitions has been allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair values.  The Partnership has then allocated the purchase price in excess of net tangible assets acquired to identifiable intangible assets, based upon a detailed valuation that uses information and assumptions provided by management.

 

As part of the preliminary purchase price allocations, identifiable intangible assets include supply contracts and, in the case of the Warex Terminals, customer relationships.  The Partnership primarily used the income approach to value the intangibles.  This approach calculates fair value by estimating future cash flows attributable to each intangible asset and discounting them to present value at a risk-adjusted discount rate.

 

The Partnership utilized accounting guidance related to intangible assets which lists the pertinent factors to be considered when estimating the useful life of an intangible asset.  These factors include, in part, a review of the expected use by the Partnership of the assets acquired, the expected useful life of another asset (or group of assets) related to the acquired assets and legal, regulatory or other contractual provisions that may limit the useful life of an acquired asset.  The Partnership expects to amortize these intangible assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives using a consistent method that is based on estimated future cash flows.

 

The estimated remaining amortization expense for intangible assets acquired in 2010 for each of the five succeeding years and thereafter is as follows (in thousands):

 
| 2011       |   | $     | 1,492  |   |
|------------|--------|-------|--------|--------|
| 2012       |   | 1,989 |   |
| 2013       |   | 1,989 |   |
| 2014       |   | 1,989 |   |
| 2015       |   | 1,496 |   |
| Thereafter |   | 4,792 |   |
| Total      |   | $     | 13,747 |   |

 

**Note 11.****              ****Environmental Liabilities**

 

The Partnership currently owns or leases properties where refined petroleum products and renewable fuels are being or have been handled.  These properties and the refined petroleum products and renewable fuels handled thereon may be subject to federal and state environmental laws and regulations.  Under such laws and regulations, the Partnership could be required to remove or remediate containerized hazardous liquids or associated generated wastes (including wastes disposed of or abandoned by prior owners or operators), to clean up contaminated property arising from the release of liquids or wastes into the environment, including contaminated groundwater, or to implement best management practices to prevent future contamination.

 

24

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 11.****              ****Environmental Liabilities (continued)**

 

The Partnership maintains insurance of various types with varying levels of coverage that it considers adequate under the circumstances to cover its operations and properties.  The insurance policies are subject to deductibles that the Partnership considers reasonable and not excessive.  In addition, the Partnership has entered into indemnification agreements with various sellers in conjunction with several of its acquisitions.  Allocation of environmental liability is an issue negotiated in connection with each of the Partnership’s acquisition transactions.  In each case, the Partnership makes an assessment of potential environmental liability exposure based on available information.  Based on that assessment and relevant economic and risk factors, the Partnership determines whether to, and the extent to which it will, assume liability for existing environmental conditions.

 

In connection with the September 2010 acquisition of the retail gas stations from ExxonMobil (see Note 10), the Partnership assumed certain environmental liabilities, including ongoing environmental remediation at approximately 70 of the acquired sites and future remediation activities required by applicable federal, state or local law or regulation.  Remedial action plans are in place with the applicable state regulatory agencies for the majority of these locations, including plans for soil and groundwater treatment systems at eight sites. Based on consultations with environmental engineers, the Partnership’s estimated cost of the remediation is expected to be approximately $30.0 million to be expended over an extended period of time.  As a result, the Partnership recorded, on an undiscounted basis, total environmental liabilities of approximately $30.0 million.

 

In connection with the June 2010 acquisition of the Warex Terminals (see Note 10), the Partnership assumed certain environmental liabilities, including certain ongoing remediation efforts.  As a result, the Partnership recorded, on an undiscounted basis, a total environmental liability of approximately $1.5 million.

 

In connection with the November 2007 acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Glenwood Landing and Inwood, New York terminals, the Partnership assumed certain environmental liabilities, including the remediation obligations under remedial action plans submitted by ExxonMobil to and approved by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (“NYDEC”) with respect to both terminals.  As a result, the Partnership recorded, on an undiscounted basis, total environmental liabilities of approximately $1.2 million.

 

In connection with the May 2007 acquisition of ExxonMobil’s Albany and Newburgh, New York and Burlington, Vermont terminals, the Partnership assumed certain environmental liabilities, including the remediation obligations under a proposed remedial action plan submitted by ExxonMobil to NYDEC with respect to the Albany, New York terminal.  As a result, the Partnership recorded, on an undiscounted basis, total environmental liabilities of approximately $8.0** **million.  In June 2008, the Partnership submitted a remedial action work plan to NYDEC, implementing NYDEC’s conditional approval of the remedial action plan submitted by ExxonMobil.  The Partnership responded to NYDEC’s requests for additional information and conducted pilot tests for the remediation outlined in the work plan.  Based on the results of such pilot tests, the Partnership changed its estimate and reduced the environmental liability by $2.8** **million during the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2008.  In July 2009, NYDEC approved the remedial action work plan, and the Partnership signed a Stipulation Agreement with NYDEC to govern implementation of the approved plan.

 

25

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 11.****              ****Environmental Liabilities (continued)**

 

The following table presents a summary roll forward of the Partnership’s environmental liabilities at March** **31, 2011 (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                             | ** ** | **Balance at**   | ** ** | ** **   | ** ** | **Balance at** | ** ** |
|--------------------------------------------------------|------------|-----------------------|------------|--------------|------------|---------------------|------------|
| ** **                                             | ** ** | **December 31,** | ** ** | **2011**     | ** ** | **March 31,**  | ** ** |
| **Environmental Liability Related to:** | ** ** | **2010**              | ** ** | **Payments** | ** ** | **2011**            | ** ** |
| Retail Gas Stations                                    |       | $                     | 29,766     |         | $          | 501                 |       | $ | 29,265 |   |
| Warex Terminals                                        |       | 1,500                 |       | —       |       | 1,500               |       |
| Glenwood Landing and Inwood                            |       | 468                   |       | 13           |       | 455                 |       |
| Albany and Newburgh                                    |       | 2,771                 |       | 556          |       | 2,215               |       |
| Total environmental liabilities                        |       | $                     | 34,505     |         | $          | 1,070               |       | $ | 33,435 |   |
|                                                   |       |                  |       |         |       |                |       |
| Current portion                                        |       | $                     | 5,535      |         |       |                | $          | 4,980 |   |
| Long-term portion                                      |       | 28,970                |       |         |       | 28,455              |       |
| Total environmental liabilities                        |       | $                     | 34,505     |         |       |                | $          | 33,435 |   |

 

The Partnership’s estimates used in these reserves are based on all known facts at the time and its assessment of the ultimate remedial action outcomes.  Among the many uncertainties that impact the Partnership’s estimates are the necessary regulatory approvals for, and potential modification of, its remediation plans, the amount of data available upon initial assessment of the impact of soil or water contamination, changes in costs associated with environmental remediation services and equipment and the possibility of existing legal claims giving rise to additional claims.  Therefore, although the Partnership believes that these reserves are adequate, no assurances can be made that any costs incurred in excess of these reserves or outside of indemnifications or not otherwise covered by insurance would not have a material adverse effect on the Partnership’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

**Note 12.****              ****Long-Term Incentive Plan**

 

The General Partner has a Long-Term Incentive Plan (“LTIP”) whereby 564,242 common units were initially authorized for issuance.  Any units delivered pursuant to an award under the LTIP may be acquired in the open market or from any affiliate, be newly issued units or any combination of the foregoing.  The LTIP provides for awards to employees, consultants and directors of the General Partner and employees and consultants of affiliates of the Partnership who perform services for the Partnership.  The LTIP allows for the award of unit options, unit appreciation rights, restricted units, phantom units and distribution equivalent rights.

 

The Partnership granted phantom unit awards in 2009 and 2008 for which it recorded compensation expenses of approximately $73,000 and $128,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  The total compensation cost related to the non-vested awards not yet recognized at March 31, 2011 was approximately $497,300.

 

26

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 12.****              ****Long-Term Incentive Plan (continued)**

 

*Repurchase Program*

 

In May 2009, the board of directors of the General Partner authorized the repurchase of the Partnership’s common units (the “Repurchase Program”) for the purpose of meeting the General Partner’s anticipated obligations to deliver common units under the LTIP and meeting the General Partner’s obligations under existing employment agreements and other employment related obligations of the General Partner (collectively, the “General Partner’s Obligations”).  The Partnership is authorized to acquire up to 445,000 of its common units in the aggregate, over an extended period of time, consistent with the General Partner’s Obligations.  Common units of the Partnership may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions, including block purchases, or in privately negotiated transactions.  Such authorized unit repurchases may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time, and are subject to price, economic and market conditions, applicable legal requirements and available liquidity.  Through March 31, 2011, the General Partner repurchased 229,191 common units pursuant to the Repurchase Program for approximately $4.8 million.

 

At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, common units outstanding as reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements excluded 15,356 and 60,510 common units, respectively, held on behalf of the Partnership pursuant to its Repurchase Program and for future satisfaction of the General Partner’s Obligations.

 

**Note 13.****              ****Fair Value Measurements**

 

Certain of the Partnership’s assets and liabilities are measured at fair value.  Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) established a fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into the following three levels:

 
| Level 1 | — | Observable   inputs such as quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or   liabilities.                                                                                                                                                                                                                |
|---------|--------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|    |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| Level 2 | — | Inputs   other than the quoted prices in active markets that are observable for assets   or liabilities, either directly or indirectly. These include quoted prices   for similar assets or liabilities in active markets and quoted prices for   identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets. |
|    |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              |
| Level 3 | — | Unobservable   inputs based on the entity’s own assumptions.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |

 

27

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 13.****              ****Fair Value Measurements (continued)**

 

The following table presents those financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                      | ** ** | **Fair Value as of March 31, 2011** | ** ** | **Fair Value as of December 31, 2010** | ** ** |
|-------------------------------------------------|------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                      | ** ** | **Total**                                                         | ** ** | **Level 1**                                                     | ** ** | **Level 2** | ** ** | **Level 3** | ** ** | **Total** | ** ** | **Level 1** | ** ** | **Level 2** | ** ** | **Level 3** | ** ** |
| **Assets:**                                     |       |                                                              |       |                                                                 |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Hedged inventories                              |       | $                                                                 | 576,220    |                                                                 | $          | — |   | $ | 576,220 |   | $ | — |   | $ | 585,323 |   | $ | — |   | $ | 585,323 |   | $ | — |   |
| Fair value of forward fixed price contracts     |       | 2,343                                                             |       | —                                                               |       | 2,343 |   | — |   | 1,942 |   | — |   | 1,942 |   | — |   |
| Swap agreements and options                     |       | 186                                                               |       | 156                                                                  |       | 30 |   | — |   | 211 |   | 152 |   | 59 |   | — |   |
| Total                                           |       | $                                                                 | 578,749    |                                                                 | $          | 156 |   | $ | 578,593 |   | $ | — |   | $ | 587,476 |   | $ | 152 |   | $ | 587,324 |   | $ | — |   |
|                                            |       |                                                              |       |                                                                 |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| **Liabilities:**                                |       |                                                              |       |                                                                 |       |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |   |
| Obligations on forward fixed price contracts    |       | $                                                                 | (4,539     | )                                                                    | $          | — |   | $ | (4,539 | ) | $ | — |   | $ | (9,157 | ) | $ | — |   | $ | (9,157 | ) | $ | — |   |
| Swap agreements and option contracts            |       | (3,249                                                            | )          | (145                                                                 | )          | (3,104 | ) | — |   | (2,446 | ) | (150 | ) | (2,296 | ) | — |   |
| Interest rate collars and forward starting swap |       | (11,619                                                           | )          | —                                                               |       | (11,619 | ) | — |   | (13,338 | ) | — |   | (13,338 | ) | — |   |
| Total liabilities                               |       | $                                                                 | (19,407    | )                                                                    | $          | (145 | ) | $ | (19,262 | ) | $ | — |   | $ | (24,941 | ) | $ | (150 | ) | $ | (24,791 | ) | $ | — |   |

 

The majority of the Partnership’s derivatives outstanding are reported at fair value based market quotes that are deemed to be observable inputs in an active market for similar assets and liabilities and are considered Level 2 inputs for purposes of fair value disclosures.  Specifically, the fair values of the Partnership’s financial assets and financial liabilities provided above were derived from NYMEX and New York Harbor quotes for the Partnership’s hedged inventories, forward fixed price contracts, swap agreements and option contracts and from the LIBOR rates for the Partnership’s interest rate collars and forward starting swap.  The Partnership has not changed its valuation techniques or inputs during the three month period ended March 31, 2011.

 

For assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis during the period, accounting guidance requires quantitative disclosures about the fair value measurements separately for each major category.  See Note 10 for acquired assets and liabilities measured on a non-recurring basis during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010.  There were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the quarter ended March 31, 2011.

 

*Financial Instruments*

 

The fair value of the Partnership’s financial instruments approximated the carrying value as of March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, in each case due to the short-term and the variable interest rate nature of the financial instruments.

 

28

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 14.****              ****Unitholders’ Equity**

 

On March 19, 2010, the Partnership completed a public offering of 3,910,000 common units at a price of $22.75 per common unit.  Net proceeds were approximately $84.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses.

 

On November 16, 2010, the Partnership completed a public offering of 1,955,000 common units at a price of $25.57 per common unit.  Net proceeds were approximately $47.7 million, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses.

 

On February 8, 2011, the Partnership completed a public offering of 2,645,000 common units at a price of $27.60 per common unit.  Net proceeds were approximately $69.7 million, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses.

 

The Partnership used the net proceeds from each of these offerings to reduce indebtedness outstanding under its Credit Agreement.

 

**Note 15.****              ****Income Taxes**

 

Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that publicly-traded partnerships are, as a general rule, taxed as corporations.  However, an exception, referred to as the “Qualifying Income Exception,” exists under Section 7704(c) with respect to publicly-traded partnerships of which 90% or more of the gross income for every taxable year consists of “qualifying income.”  Qualifying income includes income and gains derived from the transportation, storage and marketing of crude oil, natural gas and products thereof.  Other types of qualifying income include interest (other than from a financial business), dividends, gains from the sale of real property and gains from the sale or other disposition of capital assets held for the production of income that otherwise constitutes qualifying income.

 

Substantially all of the Partnership’s income is “qualifying income” for federal and state income tax purposes and, therefore, is not subject to federal and state income taxes at the partnership level.  Accordingly, no provision has been made for income taxes on the qualifying income in the Partnership’s financial statements and the effective tax rate is not meaningful.

 

One of the Partnership’s wholly owned subsidiaries, GMG, is a taxable entity for federal and state income tax purposes.  Current and deferred income taxes are recognized on the separate earnings of GMG.  The after-tax earnings of GMG are included in the earnings of the Partnership.

 

**Note 16.****              ****Legal Proceedings**

 

***General***

 

Although the Partnership may, from time to time, be involved in litigation and claims arising out of its operations in the normal course of business, the Partnership does not believe that it is a party to any litigation that will have a material adverse impact on its financial condition or results of operations.  Except as described below and in Note 11 included herein, the Partnership is not aware of any significant legal or governmental proceedings against it, or contemplated to be brought against it.  The Partnership maintains insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles as its general partner believes are reasonable and prudent.  However, the Partnership can provide no assurance that this insurance will be adequate to protect it from all material expenses related to potential future claims or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economically acceptable prices.

 

29

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**GLOBAL PARTNERS LP**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**(Unaudited)**

 

**Note 16.****              ****Legal Proceedings (continued)**

 

***Other***

 

In January 2011, the trustee administering the post-bankruptcy litigation trust of Lyondell Chemical Company (“Lyondell”) and certain of its affiliates brought an action against the Partnership to recover payments totaling approximately $6.0 million made to the Partnership by an affiliate of Lyondell that the trustee claims were paid shortly before the Lyondell bankruptcy and at a time when the affiliate was insolvent, allegedly permitting the avoidance or recovery of those payments pursuant to bankruptcy law.  The Partnership believes that the payments were made by the affiliate in the ordinary course of both its and the Partnership’s business as contemporaneous payment for its receipt of a volume of product of a value equivalent to the payments.  The litigation is in its early stages, and the Partnership believes it has meritorious defenses.  Therefore, no provision for losses has been recorded in connection with this matter.

 

In April 2011, seven operations personnel at the Partnership’s terminal in Chelsea, Massachusetts voted to be represented by the incumbent union representing certain other employees at this facility (“Local 25”).  The Partnership expects to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with Local 25 for these employees and does not believe the results of these negotiations will have a material adverse effect on its operations.

 

**Note 17.****              ****Subsequent Events**

 

On April 8, 2011, the Partnership executed a rate cap transaction (the “rate cap”) with a major financial institution.  The rate cap, which became effective on April 13, 2011 and expires on April 13, 2016, hedges the variability in interest payments due to changes in the one-month LIBOR rate above 5.5% with respect to $100.0 million of one-month LIBOR-based borrowings.

 

On April 20, 2011, the board of directors of the General Partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per unit ($2.00 per unit on an annualized basis) for the period from January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011.  On May 13, 2011, the Partnership will pay this cash distribution to its common unitholders of record as of the close of business May 4, 2011.

 

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**Item 2.****                      ****Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations**

 

The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations of Global Partners LP should be read in conjunction with the historical consolidated financial statements of Global Partners LP and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

**Forward-Looking Statements**

 

Some of the information contained in or incorporated by reference in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may contain forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements do not relate strictly to historical or current facts and include, without limitation, any statement that may project, indicate or imply future results, events, performance or achievements, and may contain the words “may,” “believe,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “continue,” “will likely result,” or other similar expressions.  In addition, any statement made by our management concerning future financial performance (including future revenues, earnings or growth rates), ongoing business strategies or prospects, and possible actions by us are also forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance.  Although we believe these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, statements made regarding future results are subject to a number of assumptions, uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control, which may cause future results to be materially different from the results stated or implied in this document.  These risks and uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders, include, among other things:

 

·              We may not have sufficient cash from operations to enable us to pay the minimum quarterly distribution or maintain distributions at current levels following establishment of cash reserves and payment of fees and expenses, including payments to our general partner.

 

·              A significant decrease in demand for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels in the areas served by our storage facilities and/or our retail gasoline business could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

 

·              Our sales of home heating oil and residual oil could be significantly reduced by conversions to natural gas.

 

·              Erosion of the value of the Mobil brand could adversely affect our gasoline sales and customer traffic.

 

·              Our gas station and convenience store business could expose us to an increase in consumer litigation and result in an unfavorable outcome or settlement of one or more lawsuits where insurance proceeds are insufficient or otherwise unavailable.

 

·              Our gasoline sales could be significantly reduced by a reduction in demand due to higher prices and to new technologies and alternative fuel sources, such as electric, hybrid or battery powered motor vehicles.

 

·              Changes to government usage mandates and tax credits could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which could negatively impact our gasoline sales.

 

·              Warmer weather conditions could adversely affect us.

 

·             Our risk management policies cannot eliminate all commodity risk.  In addition, any noncompliance with our risk management policies could result in significant financial losses.

 

·              Our results of operations are influenced by the overall forward market for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels.

 

·              Increases and/or decreases in the prices of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels may adversely impact the amount of borrowing available for working capital under our credit agreement, which credit agreement has borrowing base limitations and advance rates.

 

·              We are exposed to trade credit risk in the ordinary course of our business activities.

 

·              We are exposed to risk associated with our trade credit support in the ordinary course of our business activities.

 

·              The condition of credit markets may adversely affect us.

 

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·              Due to our lack of asset and geographic diversification, adverse developments in the terminals that we use or in our operating areas could reduce our ability to make distributions to our unitholders.

 

·              A serious disruption to our information technology systems could significantly limit our ability to manage and operate our business efficiently.

 

·              We are exposed to performance risk in our supply chain.

 

·              Our retail gasoline business and terminal operations are subject to both federal and state environmental and non-environmental regulations which could have a material adverse effect on such businesses.

 

·              Our general partner and its affiliates have conflicts of interest and limited fiduciary duties, which may permit them to favor their own interests to the detriment of unitholders.

 

·              Unitholders have limited voting rights and are not entitled to elect our general partner or its directors or to remove our general partner without the consent of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding units (including units held by our general partner and its affiliates), which could lower the trading price of our common units.

 

·              Our tax treatment depends on our status as a partnership for federal income tax purposes.

 

·              Unitholders may be required to pay taxes on their share of our income even if they do not receive any cash distributions from us.

 

Additional information about risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking statements is contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 and Part II, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

All forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q and all subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements.  The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Form 10-Q, and we expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update these statements to reflect any change in our expectations or beliefs or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement is based.

 

**Overview**

 

***General***

 

We own, control or have access to one of the largest terminal networks of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania (collectively, the “Northeast”).  We are one of the largest wholesale distributors of gasoline, distillates (such as home heating oil, diesel and kerosene), residual oil and renewable fuels (such as ethanol) to wholesalers, retailers and commercial customers in the New England states and New York.  We own and supply fuel to Mobil-branded retail gas stations in New England and also supply Mobil-branded fuel to independently-owned stations.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we sold approximately $3.6 billion of refined petroleum products, renewable fuels and small amounts of natural gas.  In addition, we had revenues of approximately $13.7 million, primarily from convenience store sales at our directly operated stores and gas station rental income.

 

We purchase our refined petroleum products and renewable fuels primarily from domestic and foreign refiners and ethanol producers, major and independent oil companies and trading companies and sell these products in two segments, Wholesale and Commercial.  Like most independent marketers, we base our pricing on spot physical prices and routinely use the NYMEX or other derivatives to hedge our commodity risk inherent in buying and selling energy commodities.  Through the use of regulated exchanges or derivatives, we maintain a position that is substantially balanced between purchased volumes and sales volumes or future delivery obligations.  We earn a margin by selling the product for physical delivery to third parties.

 

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***Products and Operational Structure***

 

Our products primarily include unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil and renewable fuels.  We sell gasoline to unbranded and Mobil-branded retail gasoline stations and other resellers of transportation fuels.  The distillates we sell are used primarily for fuel for trucks and off-road construction equipment and for space heating of residential and commercial buildings.  We sell residual oil to major housing units, such as public housing authorities, colleges and hospitals and large industrial facilities that use processed steam in their manufacturing processes.  In addition, we sell bunker fuel, which we can custom blend, to cruise ships, bulk carriers and fishing fleets.  We have increased our sales in the non-weather sensitive components of our business, such as transportation fuels; however, we are still subject to the impact that warmer weather conditions may have on our home heating oil and residual oil sales.

 

Our business is divided into three operating segments:

 

·              *Wholesale.*This segment includes sales of unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil and small amounts of renewable fuels to retail gasoline stations and other resellers of transportation fuels, home heating oil retailers and wholesale distributors.

 

·              *Commercial.*This segment includes sales and deliveries of unbranded gasoline, distillates, residual oil and small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels to end user customers in the public sector and to large commercial and industrial end user customers.  In the case of commercial and industrial end user customers, we sell our products primarily either through a competitive bidding process or through contracts of various terms.  Our commercial segment sales also include sales of Mobil-branded gasoline to end users at our directly operated gas stations.  This segment also purchases, custom blends, sells and delivers bunker fuel and diesel to cruise ships, bulk carriers and fishing fleets generally by barges.

 

·              *Other.***This segment includes convenience store, car wash and other ancillary sales and rental income from our dealer leased sites.

 

Our business is substantially comprised of purchasing, storing, terminalling and selling refined petroleum products and renewable fuels.  In a contango market (when product prices for future deliveries are higher than for current deliveries), we may use our storage capacity to improve our margins by storing products we have purchased at lower prices in the current market for delivery to customers at higher prices in the future.  In a backward market (when product prices for future deliveries are lower than current deliveries), we attempt to minimize our inventories to reduce commodity risk and maintain or increase net product margins.  See Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010 for additional information related to commodity risk.

 

***Outlook***

 

This section identifies certain risks and certain economic or industry-wide factors that may affect our financial performance and results of operations in the future, both in the short term and in the long term.  Our results of operations and financial condition depend, in part, upon the following:

 

·             *The condition of credit markets may adversely affect our liquidity. *In the recent past, world financial markets experienced a severe reduction in the availability of credit.  Although we were not negatively impacted by this condition, possible negative impacts in the future could include a decrease in the availability of borrowings under our credit agreement, increased counterparty credit risk on our derivatives contracts and our contractual counterparties requiring us to provide collateral.  In addition, we could experience a tightening of trade credit from our suppliers.

 

·              *We commit substantial resources to pursuing acquisitions, though there is no certainty that we will successfully complete any acquisitions or receive the economic results we anticipate from completed acquisitions.*  Consistent with our business strategy, we are continuously engaged in discussions with potential sellers of terminalling, storage and/or marketing assets and related businesses.  Our growth largely depends on our ability to make accretive acquisitions.  We may be unable to make such accretive acquisitions for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to, the following:  (1) we are unable to identify attractive acquisition candidates or negotiate acceptable purchase contracts; (2) we are unable to raise financing for such acquisitions on economically acceptable terms; or (3) we are outbid by competitors.  In addition, we may

 

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consummate acquisitions that at the time of consummation we believe will be accretive, but that ultimately may not be accretive.  If any of these events were to occur, our future growth would be limited.  We can give no assurance that our acquisition efforts will be successful or that any such acquisition will be completed on terms that are favorable to us.

 

·              *Our financial results are generally better in the first and fourth quarters of the calendar year. *Demand for some refined petroleum products, specifically home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes, is generally higher during November through March than during April through October.  We obtain a significant portion of these sales during these winter months.  Therefore, our results of operations for the first and fourth calendar quarters are generally better than for the second and third quarters.  With lower cash flow during the second and third calendar quarters, we may be required to borrow money in order to maintain current levels of distributions to our unitholders.

 

·              *Warmer weather conditions could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. *Weather conditions generally have an impact on the demand for both home heating oil and residual oil.  Because we supply distributors whose customers depend on home heating oil and residual oil for space heating purposes during the winter, warmer-than-normal temperatures during the first and fourth calendar quarters in the Northeast can decrease the total volume we sell and the gross profit realized on those sales.

 

·              *Energy efficiency, higher prices, new technology and alternative fuels could reduce demand for our products.*  Increased conservation and technological advances have adversely affected the demand for home heating oil and residual oil.  Consumption of residual oil has steadily declined over the last three decades.  We could face additional competition from alternative energy sources as a result of future government-mandated controls or regulation further promoting the use of cleaner fuels.  End users who are dual-fuel users have the ability to switch between residual oil and natural gas.  Other end users may elect to convert to natural gas.  During a period of increasing residual oil prices relative to the prices of natural gas, dual-fuel customers may switch and other end users may convert to natural gas.  Residential users of home heating oil may also convert to natural gas.  Such switching or conversion could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.  In addition, higher prices and new technologies and alternative fuel sources, such as electric, hybrid or battery powered motor vehicles, could reduce the demand for gasoline and adversely impact our gasoline sales.  A reduction in gasoline sales could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

 

·              *Our financial condition and results of operations are influenced by the overall forward market for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels, and increases and/or decreases in the prices of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels may adversely impact the amount of borrowing available for working capital under our credit agreement, which credit agreement has borrowing base limitations and advance rates as well as access to trade credit*.  Results from our purchasing, storing, terminalling and selling operations are influenced by prices for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels, pricing volatility and the market for such products.  Prices in the overall forward market for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels may impact our ability to execute advantageous purchasing opportunities.  In a contango market (when product prices for future deliveries are higher than for current deliveries), we may use our storage capacity to improve our margins by storing products we have purchased at lower prices in the current market for delivery to customers at higher prices in the future.  In a backward market (when product prices for future deliveries are lower than current deliveries), we attempt to minimize our inventories to reduce commodity risk and maintain or increase net product margins.  When prices for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels rise, some of our customers may have insufficient credit to purchase supply from us at their historical purchase volumes, and their customers, in turn, may adopt conservation measures which reduce consumption, thereby reducing demand for product.  Furthermore, when prices increase rapidly and dramatically, we may be unable to promptly pass our additional costs on to our customers, resulting in lower margins for us which could adversely affect our results of operation.  Lastly, higher prices for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels may (1) diminish our access to trade credit support and/or cause it to become more expensive and (2) decrease the amount of borrowings available for working capital under our credit agreement as a result of total available commitments, borrowing base limitations and advance rates thereunder.  In addition, when prices for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels decline, our exposure to risk of loss in the event of nonperformance by our customers of our forward contracts may be increased as they and/or their customers

 

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may breach their contracts and purchase refined petroleum products and renewable fuels at the then lower spot and/or retail market price.  Furthermore, lower prices for refined petroleum products and renewable fuels may diminish the amount of borrowings available for working capital under our working capital revolving credit facility as a result of borrowing base limitations.

 

·              *Changes in government usage mandates and tax credits could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which could negatively impact our gasoline sales.*  Future demand for ethanol will be largely dependent upon the economic incentives to blend based upon the relative value of gasoline and ethanol, taking into consideration the Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (the “blender’s credit”) and the EPA’s regulations on the Renewable Fuels Standard (“RFS”) program and oxygenate blending requirements.  A reduction or waiver of the RFS mandate or oxygenate blending requirements or the failure to extend the blender’s credit could adversely affect the availability and pricing of ethanol, which in turn could adversely affect our future gasoline and ethanol sales.

 

·              *New, stricter environmental laws and regulations could significantly increase our costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.*  Our operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations regulating product quality specifications and other environmental matters.  The trend in environmental regulation is towards more restrictions and limitations on activities that may affect the environment.  Our business may be adversely affected by increased costs and liabilities resulting from such stricter laws and regulations.  We try to anticipate future regulatory requirements that might be imposed and plan accordingly to remain in compliance with changing environmental laws and regulations and to minimize the costs of such compliance.  However, there can be no assurances as to the timing and type of such changes in existing laws or the promulgation of new laws or the amount of any required expenditures associated therewith.

 

***ExxonMobil Acquisition***

 

On September 30, 2010, we completed our acquisition of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil for cash consideration of approximately $202.3 million, plus the assumption of certain environmental liabilities.  We acquired Mobil-branded retail gas stations located in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.  Additionally, we acquired the right to supply Mobil-branded fuel to such stations and to Mobil-branded stations that are owned and operated by independent dealers in these states.  We outsource the day-to-day management and operations of these locations to Alliance Energy LLC, which is approximately 95% owned by members of the Slifka family, who also own our general partner.  Pursuant to the brand fee agreement executed in connection with the acquisition, we also have the right to provide Mobil-branded fuel to other Mobil distributors (“Sub-jobbers”) in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine and Vermont.

 

We receive revenues from dealer leased sites pursuant to the terms of the franchise agreements from (a) rent paid by the dealers, and (b) the wholesale supply of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel sold to the dealer leased sites.  From company operated sites, we receive revenues from (a) the wholesale supply of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel to these sites, (b) the sale of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel to retail end-users, and (c) convenience store, car wash and other ancillary sales.  In addition, we receive revenues solely from the wholesale supply of Mobil-branded gasoline and diesel fuel to dealer owned and operated sites and to Sub-jobbers.

 

For further information regarding the retail gas stations and related supply rights acquired from ExxonMobil, please see Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Overview—ExxonMobil Acquisition” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

 

**Results of Operations**

 

***Evaluating Our Results of Operations***

 

Our management uses a variety of financial and operational measurements to analyze our performance.  These measurements include: (1) net product margin, (2) gross profit, (3) selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A”), (4) operating expenses, (5) degree days, (6) net income per diluted limited partner unit, (7) earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) and (8) distributable cash flow.

 

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*Net Product Margin*

 

We view net product margin as an important performance measure of the core profitability of our operations.  We review net product margin monthly for consistency and trend analysis.  We define net product margin as our sales minus product costs.  Sales primarily include sales of unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil, small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels and convenience store sales and gas station rental income.  Product costs include the cost of acquiring the refined petroleum products, renewable fuels and natural gas that we sell and all associated costs including shipping and handling costs to bring such products to the point of sale.  We also look at net product margin on a per unit basis (net product margin divided by volume).  Net product margin is a non-GAAP financial measure used by management and external users of our consolidated financial statements to assess our business.  Net product margin should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP.  In addition, our net product margin may not be comparable to net product margin or a similarly titled measure of other companies.

 

*Gross Profit*

 

We define gross profit as our sales minus product costs and terminal depreciation expense allocated to cost of sales.  Sales primarily include sales of unbranded and Mobil-branded gasoline, distillates, residual oil and small amounts of natural gas and renewable fuels.  Product costs include the cost of acquiring the refined petroleum products, renewable fuels and natural gas that we sell and all associated costs to bring such products to the point of sale.

 

*Selling, General and Administrative Expenses*

 

Our SG&A expenses include, among other things, marketing costs, corporate overhead, employee salaries and benefits, pension and 401(k) plan expenses, discretionary bonuses, non-interest financing costs, professional fees and information technology expenses.  Employee-related expenses including employee salaries, discretionary bonuses and related payroll taxes, benefits, and pension and 401(k) plan expenses are paid by our general partner which, in turn, is reimbursed for these expenses by us.

 

*Operating Expenses*

 

Operating expenses are costs associated with the operation of the terminals and gasoline stations used in our business.  Lease payments and storage expenses, maintenance and repair, utilities, taxes, labor and labor-related expenses comprise the most significant portion of our operating expenses.  These expenses remain relatively stable independent of the volumes through our system but fluctuate slightly depending on the activities performed during a specific period.

 

*Degree Day*

 

A “degree day” is an industry measurement of temperature designed to evaluate energy demand and consumption.  Degree days are based on how far the average temperature departs from a human comfort level of 65°F.  Each degree of temperature above 65°F is counted as one cooling degree day, and each degree of temperature below 65°F is counted as one heating degree day.  Degree days are accumulated each day over the course of a year and can be compared to a monthly or a long-term (multi-year) average, or normal, to see if a month or a year was warmer or cooler than usual.  Degree days are officially observed by the National Weather Service and officially archived by the National Climatic Data Center.  For purposes of evaluating our results of operations, we use the normal heating degree day amount as reported by the National Weather Service at its Logan International Airport station in Boston, Massachusetts.

 

*Net Income Per Diluted Limited Partner Unit*

 

We use net income per diluted limited partner unit to measure our financial performance on a per-unit basis.  Net income per diluted limited partner unit is defined as net income, divided by the weighted average number of outstanding diluted common units, or limited partner units, during the period.

 

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*EBITDA*

 

EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure used as a supplemental financial measure by management and external users of our consolidated financial statements, such as investors, commercial banks and research analysts, to assess:

 

·              our compliance with certain financial covenants included in our debt agreements;

 

·              our financial performance without regard to financing methods, capital structure, income taxes or historical cost basis;

 

·              our ability to generate cash sufficient to pay interest on our indebtedness and to make distributions to our partners;

 

·              our operating performance and return on invested capital as compared to those of other companies in the wholesale, marketing and distribution of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels, without regard to financing methods and capital structure; and

 

·              the viability of acquisitions and capital expenditure projects and the overall rates of return of alternative investment opportunities.

 

EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income, operating income, cash flow from operating activities or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.  EBITDA excludes some, but not all, items that affect net income, and this measure may vary among other companies.  Therefore, EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies.

 

*Distributable Cash Flow*

 

Distributable cash flow is an important non-GAAP financial measure for our limited partners since it serves as an indicator of our success in providing a cash return on their investment.  Distributable cash flow means our net income plus depreciation and amortization minus maintenance capital expenditures, as well as adjustments to eliminate items approved by the audit committee of the board of directors of our general partner that are extraordinary or non-recurring in nature and that would otherwise increase distributable cash flow.  Specifically, this financial measure indicates to investors whether or not we have generated sufficient earnings on a current or historic level that can sustain or support an increase in our quarterly cash distribution.  Distributable cash flow is a quantitative standard used by the investment community with respect to publicly traded partnerships.  Distributable cash flow should not be considered as an alternative to net income, cash flow from operations, or any other measure of financial performance presented in accordance with GAAP.  In addition, our distributable cash flow may not be comparable to distributable cash flow or similarly titled measures of other companies.

 

***Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010***

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we experienced the following events:

 

·              Refined petroleum product prices were significantly higher during the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

 

·              Our aggregate volume of product sold increased by approximately 39% for the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010, primarily due to our gasoline business.

 

·              Temperatures for the first quarter of 2011 were 1% colder than normal and 11% colder than the first quarter of 2010.

 

·              We increased our reserve for bad debt to approximately $1.6 million for the first quarter of 2011, substantially due to specific risks related to one customer, compared to $190,000 for the first quarter of 2010.

 

·              We believe heating oil conservation continued during the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

·              We believe our results for the first quarter of 2011 were negatively impacted due, in part, to less favorable market conditions and fewer advantageous purchasing opportunities primarily in our distillates business.  These factors, which we continue to believe are not of a long-term nature, affected our distillate net product margin, not our distillate volume sold which increased for the quarter due to colder temperatures.

 

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The following table provides the prices of and percentage increases in refined petroleum product and natural gas prices at the end of the first quarter in 2011 as compared to the comparable quarter in 2010:

 
|                |   | **Heating**            | ** ** | ** **             | ** ** | **Residual**           | ** ** | **Natural**                       |
|---------------------|--------|------------------------|------------|------------------------|------------|------------------------|------------|-----------------------------------|
|                |   | **Oil**                | ** ** | **Gasoline**           | ** ** | **Oil**                | ** ** | **Gas**                           |
| **Period:**         |   | $ per   gallon(1) |       | $ per   gallon(1) |       | $ per   gallon(2) |       | $ per gallon   equivalent(3) |
|                |   |                   |       |                   |       |                   |       |                              |
| At   March 31, 2010 |   | $2.16                  |       | $2.31                  |       | $1.76                  |       | $0.63                             |
| At   March 31, 2011 |   | $3.09                  |       | $3.11                  |       | $2.45                  |       | $0.73                             |
| Change              |   | 43%                    |       | 35%                    |       | 39%                    |       | 16%                               |
|                |   |                   |       |                   |       |                   |       |                              |

 

(1)   Source:  New York Mercantile Exchange (closing price)

(2)   Source:  Platts Oilgram Price Report (6-1% New York Harbor; average)

(3)   Source:  Platts Gas Daily Report (Tennessee zone delivered)

 

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***Key Performance Indicators***

 

The following table provides a summary of some of the key performance indicators that may be used to assess our results of operations.  These comparisons are not necessarily indicative of future results (gallons and dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts):

 
|                                                    | ** ** | **Three   Months Ended** |       |
|---------------------------------------------------------|------------|--------------------------|------------|
|                                                    | ** ** | **March 31,**       |       |
|                                                    | ** ** | **2011**                 | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| Net income                                              |       | $                        | 8,293      |   | $ | 17,389 |   |
|                                                    |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Net income per diluted limited partner unit (1)         |       | $                        | 0.39       |   | $ | 1.23 |   |
|                                                    |       |                     |       |   |   |
| EBITDA (2)                                              |       | $                        | 24,775     |   | $ | 25,889 |   |
|                                                    |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Distributable cash flow (3)                             |       | $                        | 15,743     |   | $ | 20,954 |   |
|                                                    |       |                     |       |   |   |
| **Wholesale Segment:**                                  |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Volume (gallons)                                        |       | 1,221,132                |       | 891,032 |   |
| Sales                                                   |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Gasoline                                                |       | $                        | 1,897,296  |   | $ | 874,687 |   |
| Distillates                                             |       | 1,370,062                |       | 959,257 |   |
| Residual oil                                            |       | 16,224                   |       | 12,129 |   |
| Total                                                   |       | $                        | 3,283,582  |   | $ | 1,846,073 |   |
| Net product margin (4)                                  |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Gasoline                                                |       | $                        | 21,362     |   | $ | 8,711 |   |
| Distillates                                             |       | 20,942                   |       | 34,020 |   |
| Residual oil                                            |       | 2,929                    |       | 2,856 |   |
| Total                                                   |       | $                        | 45,233     |   | $ | 45,587 |   |
| **Commercial Segment:**                                 |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Volume (gallons)                                        |       | 112,315                  |       | 68,301 |   |
| Sales                                                   |       | $                        | 253,771    |   | $ | 118,672 |   |
| Net product margin (4)                                  |       | $                        | 9,535      |   | $ | 4,918 |   |
| **All Other:**                                          |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Sales                                                   |       | $                        | 13,719     |   | $ | — |   |
| Net product margin (4)                                  |       | $                        | 7,552      |   | $ | — |   |
| **Combined sales and net product   margin:**            |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Sales                                                   |       | $                        | 3,551,072  |   | $ | 1,964,745 |   |
| Net product margin (4)                                  |       | $                        | 62,320     |   | $ | 50,505 |   |
| Depreciation allocated to cost of sales                 |       | 6,070                    |       | 2,737 |   |
| **Combined gross profit**                               |       | $                        | 56,250     |   | $ | 47,768 |   |
|                                                    |       |                     |       |   |   |
| **Weather conditions:**                                 |       |                     |       |   |   |
| Normal heating degree days                              |       | 2,870                    |       | 2,870 |   |
| Actual heating degree days                              |       | 2,913                    |       | 2,624 |   |
| Variance from normal heating degree days                |       | 1%                       |       | (9% | ) |
| Variance from prior period actual heating degree   days |       | 11%                      |       | (12% | ) |

 

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(1)             See Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for net income per diluted limited partner unit calculation.

(2)             EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure which is discussed above under “—Evaluating Our Results of Operations.”  The table below presents reconciliations of EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

(3)             Distributable cash flow is a non-GAAP financial measure which is discussed above under “—Evaluating Our Results of Operations.”  The table below presents reconciliations of distributable cash flow to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

(4)             Net product margin is a non-GAAP financial measure which is discussed above under “—Evaluating Our Results of Operations.”  The table above reconciles net product margin on a combined basis to gross profit, a directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

 

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The following table presents reconciliations of EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a historical basis for each period presented (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                                                             | ** ** | **Three Months Ended** | ** ** |
|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                                             | ** ** | **March 31,**               | ** ** |
| ** **                                                                             | ** ** | **2011**                         | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| **Reconciliation of net income to   EBITDA:**                                          |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Net income                                                                             |       | $                                | 8,293      |   | $ | 17,389 |   |
| Depreciation and amortization and amortization of   deferred financing fees            |       | 8,602                            |       | 4,049 |   |
| Interest expense                                                                       |       | 7,880                            |       | 4,064 |   |
| Income tax expense                                                                     |       | —                           |       | 387 |   |
| EBITDA                                                                                 |       | $                                | 24,775     |   | $ | 25,889 |   |
|                                                                                   |       |                             |       |   |   |
| **Reconciliation of net cash   (used in) provided by operating activities to EBITDA:** |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities                                    |       | $                                | (59,966    | ) | $ | 45,494 |   |
| Net changes in operating assets and liabilities   and certain non-cash items           |       | 76,861                           |       | (24,056 | ) |
| Interest expense                                                                       |       | 7,880                            |       | 4,064 |   |
| Income tax expense                                                                     |       | —                           |       | 387 |   |
| EBITDA                                                                                 |       | $                                | 24,775     |   | $ | 25,889 |   |

 

The following table presents reconciliations of distributable cash flow to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measures on a historical basis for each period presented (in thousands):

 
| ** **                                                                                                | ** ** | **Three Months Ended** | ** ** |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|------------|----------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                                                                                                | ** ** | **March 31,**               | ** ** |
| ** **                                                                                                | ** ** | **2011**                         | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| **Reconciliation of net income to   distributable cash flow:**                                            |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Net income                                                                                                |       | $                                | 8,293      |   | $ | 17,389 |   |
| Depreciation and amortization and amortization of   deferred financing fees                               |       | 8,602                            |       | 4,049 |   |
| Amortization of routine bank refinancings (1)                                                             |       | (783                             | )          | — |   |
| Maintenance capital expenditures                                                                          |       | (369                             | )          | (484 | ) |
| Distributable cash flow                                                                                   |       | $                                | 15,743     |   | $ | 20,954 |   |
|                                                                                                      |       |                             |       |   |   |
| **Reconciliation   of net cash (used in) provided by operating activities to distributable cash   flow:** |       |                             |       |   |   |
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating   activities                                                     |       | $                                | (59,966    | ) | $ | 45,494 |   |
| Net changes in operating assets and liabilities   and certain non-cash items                              |       | 76,861                           |       | (24,056 | ) |
| Amortization of routine bank refinancings (1)                                                             |       | (783                             | )          | — |   |
| Maintenance capital expenditures                                                                          |       | (369                             | )          | (484 | ) |
| Distributable cash flow                                                                                   |       | $                                | 15,743     |   | $ | 20,954 |   |

 

(1)             Commencing with the quarter ended March 31, 2011, our calculation of distributable cash flow will exclude non-cash amortization of deferred financing fees related to routine bank refinancings.  Amortization of deferred financing fees in connection with our expansion-related activities will continue to be included.  We believe that this provides a more conservative methodology to this non-GAAP financial measure.  Had this methodology been used previously, it would not have affected distribution decisions or the outcome of the recent conversion of subordinated units to common units.  Had this methodology been used for the quarter ended March 31, 2010, distributable cash flow would have been lower by approximately $387,000.

 

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***Consolidated Results***

 

Our total sales for the first quarter of 2011 increased by $1,586.4 million, or 81%, to $3,551.1 million compared to $1,964.7 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase was primarily due to our acquisitions in June 2010 of the Warex Terminals and in September 2010 of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil (see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and to higher refined petroleum product prices for first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010.  Our aggregate volume of product sold increased by approximately 374 million gallons, or 39%, to 1,333** **million gallons.  The increase in volume sold primarily includes increases of approximately 322 million gallons in gasoline, due primarily to our acquisitions in June 2010 of the Warex Terminals and in September 2010 of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil, 35 million gallons in distillates due to colder temperatures during the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010 and 7 million gallons in residual oil.  The number of actual heating degree days increased 11% to 2,913 for the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010.  Our gross profit for first quarter of 2011 was $56.3** **million, an increase of $8.6** **million, or 18%, compared to $47.7** **million for first quarter of 2011, due primarily to strong unit margins for gasoline offset by lower unit margins in distillate products.

 

*Wholesale Segment*

 

Gasoline.  Wholesale gasoline sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $1,897.3 million compared to $874.6 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase of $1,022.7 million, or 117%, was due primarily to our acquisitions in June 2010 of the Warex Terminals and in September 2010 of retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil (see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements), as well as to higher gasoline prices and an increase in gasoline volume sold in the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010.  The increase in gasoline volume sold was primarily due to our 2010 acquisitions.  Our net product margin from gasoline sales increased by $12.7 million to $21.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $8.7 million for the same period in 2010.  This increase was primarily attributable to improved unit margins and the increase in gasoline volume sold for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the same period in 2010.

 

Distillates.  Wholesale distillate sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $1,370.1 million compared to $959.3 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase of $410.8 million, or 43%, was primarily due to increased refined petroleum product prices.  Despite an increase in volume sold for the first quarter of 2011 compared to the same period in 2010 due to colder temperatures, our net product margin from distillate sales decreased by $13.1 million, or 38%, to $20.9 million compared to $34.0 million for the same period in 2010.  This decrease was primarily due to less favorable market conditions and fewer advantageous purchasing opportunities.

 

Residual Oil.  Wholesale residual oil sales for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $16.2 million compared to $12.1 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase of $4.1 million, or 34%, was primarily due to the increase in refined petroleum product prices and an increase in volume sold due to colder temperatures.  Our net product margin contributions from residual oil sales were $2.9 million and $2.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

*Commercial Segment*

 

In our Commercial segment, residual oil accounted for approximately 38% and 54% of total commercial volume sold for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Distillates, gasoline and natural gas accounted for the remainder of the total volume sold.  Commercial residual oil sales increased by approximately 42% due to a 15% increase in volume sold and increased refined petroleum product prices for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

 

*Selling, General and Administrative Expenses*

 

SG&A expenses increased by $4.5 million, or 27%, to $21.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $16.6 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase was primarily due to increases of $1.8 million in management costs associated with the retail gas stations and supply rights acquired from ExxonMobil, $1.6 million in bank fees and amortization of deferred financing fees largely related to the expansions of our bank facilities, $1.4 million in bad debt and $0.4 million in overhead (including information technology, natural gas personnel and project management).  The overall increase was offset by a decrease of approximately $0.7 million in professional and consulting fees.

 

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*Operating Expenses*

 

Operating expenses increased by $9.1 million, or 106%, to $17.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to $8.7 million for the same period in 2010.  The increase was primarily due to $8.0 million in additional costs related to the operations of the retail gas stations acquired from ExxonMobil, $0.7 million in costs related to the Warex Terminals and $0.4 million in various other operating expenses.  The $8.0 million in costs related to the retail gas stations primarily included $2.3 million in staff costs reimbursed to our management company, $1.3 million various maintenance expenses, $1.2 million in credit card fees, $0.9 million in property taxes, $0.8 million in rent expense and $1.5 million in various other operating expenses.

 

*Interest Expense*

 

Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2011 increased by $3.8 million, or 94%, to $7.9 million compared to $4.1 million for same period in 2010.  We attribute the increase primarily to additional borrowing costs as a result of the acquisitions of the Warex Terminals and retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil (see Note 10 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and to higher average balances on our working capital revolving credit facility from carrying higher average balances of inventories and accounts receivable reflecting increased refined petroleum product prices.  In addition, the costs of borrowings under the credit agreement were increased in connection with the May and August 2010 amendments to the credit agreement and the January 2011 increase in the working capital revolving credit facility.

 

**Liquidity and Capital Resources**

 

***Liquidity***

 

Our primary liquidity needs are to fund our working capital requirements, capital expenditures and distributions.  Cash generated from operations and our working capital revolving credit facility provide our primary sources of liquidity.  Working capital increased by $92.1 million to $538.0 million at March 31, 2011 compared to $445.9 million at December 31, 2010, primarily as a result of the public offering discussed below.

 

On February 14, 2011, we paid a cash distribution to our common and subordinated unitholders and our general partner of approximately $9.7 million for the fourth quarter of 2010.  On April 20, 2011, the board of directors of our general partner declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.50 per unit for the period from January 1, 2011 through March 31, 2011 ($2.00 per unit on an annualized basis) to our common unitholders of record as of the close of business May 4, 2011.  We expect to pay the cash distribution of approximately $11.0 million on May 13, 2011.

 

On February 8, 2011, we completed a public offering of 2,645,000 common units at a price of $27.60 per common unit.  Net proceeds were approximately $69.7 million, after deducting underwriting fees and offering expenses.  The Partnership used the net proceeds to reduce indebtedness outstanding under our credit agreement.

 

***Capital Expenditures***

 

Our operations require investments to expand, upgrade and enhance existing operations and to meet environmental and operations regulations.  We categorize our capital requirements as either maintenance capital expenditures or expansion capital expenditures.  Maintenance capital expenditures represent capital expenditures to repair or replace partially or fully depreciated assets to maintain the operating capacity of, or revenues generated by, existing assets and extend their useful lives.  Maintenance capital expenditures include expenditures required to maintain equipment reliability, tankage and pipeline integrity and safety and to address certain environmental regulations.  We anticipate that maintenance capital expenditures will be funded with cash generated by operations.  We had approximately $0.4 million and $0.5 million in maintenance capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, which are included in capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.  Repair and maintenance expenses 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.

 

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Expansion capital expenditures include expenditures to acquire assets to grow our business or expand our existing facilities, such as projects that increase our operating capacity or revenues by increasing tankage, diversifying product availability at various terminals and adding terminals.  We have the ability to fund our expansion capital expenditures through cash from operations or our credit agreement or by issuing additional equity.  We had approximately $1.8 million and $1.4 million in expansion capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.  Specifically, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, expansion capital expenditures included $1.0 million in costs related to information technology, including increases in storage and computing capacity and hardware and software related to our branded gasoline business, $0.2 million in costs related to our Albany, New York terminal, $0.2 million in costs related to our Newburgh, New York facilities, $0.2 million in gas station equipment and $0.2 million in other expansion capital expenditures, which are included in capital expenditures in the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

Comparatively, for the three months ended March 31, 2010, expansion capital expenditures consisted of approximately $1.1 million in expenditures related to our Albany, New York terminal and rail ethanol expansion project and $0.3 million in bio-fuel conversion costs at our Chelsea, Massachusetts terminal.  The $1.1 million in expenditures related to our Albany terminal include costs related to our continuing program to bring previously out-of-permit tanks back online, the installation of a marine vapor recovery system to allow for barge/vessel loading of gasoline and ethanol and the continuing effort to convert two distillate storage tanks to gasoline.

 

We believe that we will have sufficient cash flow from operations, borrowing capacity under our credit agreement and the ability to issue additional common units and/or debt securities to meet our financial commitments, debt service obligations, contingencies and anticipated capital expenditures.  However, we are subject to business and operational risks that could adversely affect our cash flow.  A material decrease in our cash flows would likely produce an adverse effect on our borrowing capacity as well as our ability to issue additional common units and/or debt securities.

 

***Cash Flow***

 

The following table summarizes cash flow activity (in thousands):

 
|                                                  | ** ** | **Three   Months Ended** | ** ** |
|-------------------------------------------------------|------------|--------------------------|------------|
|                                                  | ** ** | **March 31,**       | ** ** |
|                                                  | ** ** | **2011**                 | ** ** | **2010** | ** ** |
| Net cash (used in) provided by operating   activities |       | $                        | (59,966    | ) | $ | 45,494 |   |
| Net cash used in investing activities                 |       | $                        | (2,179     | ) | $ | (1,914 | ) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   |       | $                        | 65,631     |   | $ | (43,492 | ) |

 

Cash flow from operating activities generally reflects our net income, depreciation and amortization levels, as well as balance sheet changes arising from inventory purchasing patterns, the timing of collections on our accounts receivable, the seasonality of our business, fluctuations in refined petroleum product prices, our working capital requirements and general market conditions.

 

Net cash used in operating activities was $60.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $45.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010, for a quarter-over-quarter increase in cash used in operating activities of $105.5 million.

 

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we experienced increases in refined petroleum products prices and we funded additional working capital requirements due to our acquisitions of the Warex Terminals and retail gas stations and supply rights from ExxonMobil.  For the three months ended March 31, 2011, we had decreases in the carrying values of accounts receivable of $73.4 million and accounts payable of $106.3 million, reflecting the change in activity as we exit the heating season, and an increase in the carrying value of inventories of $31.5 million reflecting higher commodity prices for the first quarter of 2011 compared to the first quarter of 2010.  Comparatively, for the three months ended March 31, 2010, we had decreases in the carrying values of accounts receivable of $67.6 million, inventories of $22.7 million and accounts payable of $55.8 million.

 

In addition, through the use of regulated exchanges or derivatives, we maintain a position that is substantially hedged with respect to our inventories.  Specifically, for the three months ended March 31, 2011, the contracts supporting our forward fixed price hedge program required margin payments of $5.0 million to the NYMEX due to market direction, compared to required margin payments of $11.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010.  The increase in cash used in operating activities also reflects the $9.1 million decrease in net income.

 

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Net cash used in investing activities was $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and included $0.4 million in maintenance capital expenditures and $1.8 million in expansion capital expenditures consisting of $1.0 million in costs related to information technology, including increases in storage and computing capacity and hardware and software related to our branded gasoline business, $0.2 million in costs related to our Albany, New York terminal, $0.2 million in costs related to our Newburgh, New York facilities, $0.2 million in gas station equipment and $0.2 million in other expansion capital expenditures.

 

Comparatively, net cash used in investing activities was $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and included $0.5 million in maintenance capital expenditures and $1.4 million in expansion capital expenditures ($1.1 million in expenditures related to our Albany, New York terminal and rail ethanol expansion project and $0.3 million in bio-fuel conversion costs at our Chelsea, Massachusetts terminal).  The $1.1 million in expenditures related to our Albany terminal include costs related to our continuing program to bring previously out-of-permit tanks back online, the installation of a marine vapor recovery system to allow for barge/vessel loading of gasoline and ethanol and the continuing effort to convert two distillate storage tanks to gasoline.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities was $65.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and included $69.7 million in net proceeds from our February 2011 public offering of common units and $6.3 million in net borrowings on our credit facilities, offset by $9.7 million in cash distributions to our common and subordinated unitholders and our general partner and $0.7 million in repurchased units held for tax obligations related to units distributed under the LTIP.

 

Comparatively, net cash used in financing activities was $43.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2010 and included net payments on our credit facilities of $121.4 million, $6.5 million in cash distributions to our common and subordinated unitholders and our general partner and $0.4 million in repurchased units held for tax obligations related to units distributed under the LTIP, offset by $84.8 million in net proceeds from our March 2010 public offering.

 

***Credit Agreement***

 

On January 26, 2011, we requested an increase in the working capital revolving credit facility in an amount equal to $100.0 million, and on February 11, 2011, certain lenders under the credit agreement committed to the $100.0 million increase which increased the total available commitments under the credit agreement to $1.25 billion.  We repay amounts outstanding and reborrow funds based on our working capital requirements and, therefore, classify as a current liability the portion of the working capital revolving credit facility we expect to pay down during the course of the year.  The long-term portion of the working capital revolving credit facility is the amount we expect to be outstanding during the entire year.  The credit agreement will mature on May 14, 2014.

 

There are two facilities under our credit agreement:

 

·              a working capital revolving credit facility to be used for working capital purposes and letters of credit in the principal amount equal to the lesser of our borrowing base and $900.0 million; and

 

·              a $350.0 million revolving credit facility to be used for acquisitions and general corporate purposes.

 

In addition, the credit agreement has an accordion feature whereby we may request on the same terms and conditions of our then existing credit agreement, provided no Event of Default (as defined in the credit agreement) then exists, an increase to the revolving credit facility, the working capital revolving credit facility, or both, by up to another $100.0 million, for a total credit facility of up to $1.35 billion.  Any such request for an increase by us must be in a minimum amount of $5.0 million, and the revolving credit facility may not be increased by more than $50.0 million.  We cannot provide assurance, however, that our lending group will agree to fund any request by us for additional amounts in excess of the total available commitments of $1.25 billion.

 

Availability under our working capital revolving credit facility is subject to a borrowing base which is redetermined from time to time and based on specific advance rates on eligible current assets.  Under the credit agreement, our borrowings under the working capital revolving credit facility cannot exceed the then current borrowing base.  Availability under our borrowing base may be affected by events beyond our control, such as changes in refined petroleum product prices, collection cycles, counterparty performance, advance rates and limits and general economic conditions.  These and other events could require us to seek waivers or amendments of covenants or alternative sources

 

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of financing or to reduce expenditures.  We can provide no assurance that such waivers, amendments or alternative financing could be obtained, or, if obtained, would be on terms acceptable to us.

 

During the period from January 1, 2010 through May 13, 2010, borrowings under the working capital revolving credit facility bore interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 1.75% to 2.25%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 1.75% to 2.25%, or (3) the base rate plus 0.75% to 1.25%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the previous credit agreement, which in turn depended upon the Combined Interest Coverage Ratio (as defined in the previous credit agreement).  Borrowings under the revolving credit facility bore interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 2.25% to 2.75%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 1.75% to 2.25%, or (3) the base rate plus 0.75% to 1.25%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the previous credit agreement, which in turn depended upon the Combined Interest Coverage Ratio under the previous credit agreement.

 

Commencing May 14, 2010, borrowings under the working capital revolving credit facility bear interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 2.50% to 3.00%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 2.50% to 3.00%, or (3) the base rate plus 1.50% to 2.00%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the credit agreement, which in turn depends upon the Utilization Amount (as defined in the credit agreement).

 

During the period from May 14, 2010 through September 7, 2010, borrowings under the revolving credit facility bore interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 3.00% to 3.25%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 3.00% to 3.25%, or (3) the base rate plus 2.00% to 2.25%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the credit agreement, which in turn depended upon the Combined Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (as defined in the credit agreement).  Commencing September 8, 2010, borrowings under the revolving credit facility bear interest at (1) the Eurodollar rate plus 3.00% to 3.875%, (2) the cost of funds rate plus 3.00% to 3.875%, or (3) the base rate plus 2.00% to 2.875%, each depending on the pricing level provided in the Credit Agreement, which in turn depends upon the Combined Total Leverage Ratio (as defined in the credit agreement).  The average interest rates for the credit agreement were 4.1% and 3.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

 

We incur a letter of credit fee of 2.50% - 3.00% per annum for each letter of credit issued.  In addition, we incur a commitment fee on the unused portion of each facility under the credit agreement equal to 0.50% per annum.

 

As of March 31, 2011, we had total borrowings outstanding under the credit agreement of $793.0 million, including $250.0 million outstanding on our revolving credit facility.  In addition, we had outstanding letters of credit of $151.1 million.  Subject to borrowing base limitations, the total remaining availability for borrowings and letters of credit at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was $305.9 million and $252.6 million, respectively.

 

The credit agreement imposes financial covenants that require us to maintain certain minimum working capital amounts, capital expenditure limits, a minimum EBITDA, a minimum combined interest coverage ratio, a maximum senior secured leverage ratio and a maximum total leverage ratio.  We were in compliance with the foregoing covenants at March 31, 2011.  The credit agreement also contains a representation whereby there can be no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect (as defined in the credit agreement).  In addition, the credit agreement limits distributions by us to our unitholders to the amount of our Available Cash (as defined in the partnership agreement).

 

Our obligations under the credit agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of our operating company and operating subsidiaries.

 

The lending group under the credit agreement is comprised of the following institutions: Bank of America, N.A.; JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.; Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.; Societe Generale; Standard Chartered Bank; RBS Citizens, National Association; BNP Paribas; Cooperative Centrale Raiffeisen-Boerenleenbank B.A., “Rabobank Nederland” New York Branch; Sovereign Bank; Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank; Keybank National Association; Toronto Dominion (New York); RB International Finance (USA) LLC (formerly known as RZB Finance LLC); Royal Bank of Canada; Raymond James Bank, FSB; Barclays Bank plc; Webster Bank, National Association; Natixis, New York Branch; DZ Bank AG Deutsche Zentral-Genossenschaftsbank Frankfurt Am Main; Branch Banking & Trust Company; and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation.

 

***Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements***

 

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

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**Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates**

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations discusses our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The preparation of these consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

 

These estimates are based on our knowledge and understanding of current conditions and actions that we may take in the future.  Changes in these estimates will occur as a result of the passage of time and the occurrence of future events.  We have identified the following estimates that, in our opinion, are subjective in nature, require the exercise of judgment, and involve complex analysis:  inventory, leases, revenue recognition, derivative financial instruments, valuation of intangibles and other long-lived assets, environmental and other liabilities and related party transactions.

 

The significant accounting policies and estimates that we have adopted and followed in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements are detailed in Note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.  There have been no subsequent changes in these policies and estimates that had a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations for the periods covered in this report.

 

**Item 3.        Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk**

 

Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices.  The principal market risks to which we are exposed are interest rate risk and commodity risk.  We utilize two interest rate collars and a forward starting swap to manage exposure to interest rate risk and various derivative instruments to manage exposure to commodity risk.

 

***Interest Rate Risk***

 

We utilize variable rate debt and are exposed to market risk due to the floating interest rates on our credit agreement.  Therefore, from time to time, we utilize interest rate collars and swaps to hedge interest obligations on specific and anticipated debt issuances.

 

On January 26, 2011, the total available commitments under our credit agreement were increased to $1.25 billion.  Please read Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Liquidity and Capital Resources——Credit Agreement” for information on interest rates related to our borrowings.

 

As of March 31, 2011, we had total borrowings outstanding under the credit agreement of $793.0 million.  The impact of a 1% increase in the interest rate on this amount of debt would have resulted in an increase in interest expense, and a corresponding decrease in our results of operations, of approximately $7.9 million annually, assuming, however, that our indebtedness remained constant throughout the year.

 

We executed two zero premium interest rate collars with major financial institutions.  Each collar is designated and accounted for as a cash flow hedge.  The first collar, which became effective on May 14, 2007 and expires on May 14, 2011, is used to hedge the variability in interest payments due to changes in the three-month LIBOR rate with respect to $100.0 million of three-month LIBOR-based borrowings.  Under the first collar, we capped our exposure at a maximum three-month LIBOR rate of 5.75% and established a minimum floor rate of 3.75%.  Whenever the three-month LIBOR rate is greater than the cap, we receive from the respective financial institution the difference between the cap and the current three-month LIBOR rate on the $100.0 million of three-month LIBOR-based borrowings.  Conversely, whenever the three-month LIBOR rate is lower than the floor, we remit to the respective financial institution the difference between the floor and the current three-month LIBOR rate on the $100.0 million of three-month LIBOR-based borrowings.  As of March 31, 2011, the three-month LIBOR rate of 0.31% was lower than the floor rate.  As a result, in May 2011 we will remit to the respective financial institution the difference between the floor rate and the current rate which amounted to approximately $439,300.

 

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On September 29, 2008, we executed our second zero premium interest rate collar.  The second collar, which became effective on October 2, 2008 and expires on October 2, 2013, is used to hedge the variability in cash flows in monthly interest payments made on our $100.0 million one-month LIBOR-based borrowings (and subsequent refinancings thereof) due to changes in the one-month LIBOR rate.  Under the second collar, we capped our exposure at a maximum one-month LIBOR rate of 5.50% and established a minimum floor rate of 2.70%.  Whenever the one-month LIBOR rate is greater than the cap, we receive from the respective financial institution the difference between the cap and the current one-month LIBOR rate on the $100.0 million of one-month LIBOR-based borrowings.  Conversely, whenever the one-month LIBOR rate is lower than the floor, we remit to the respective financial institution the difference between the floor and the current one-month LIBOR rate on the $100.0 million of one-month LIBOR-based borrowings.  As of March 31, 2011, the one-month LIBOR rate of 0.26% was lower than the floor rate.  As a result, in April 2011, we remitted to the respective financial institution the difference between the floor rate and the current rate which amounted to approximately $203,250.

 

In addition, in October 2009, we executed a forward starting swap with a major financial institution.  The swap, which will become effective on May 16, 2011 and expire on May 16, 2016, will be used to hedge the variability in interest payments due to changes in the one-month LIBOR swap curve with respect to $100.0 million of one-month LIBOR-based borrowings at a fixed rate of 3.93%.  See Note 5 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the interest rate collars and the forward starting swap.

 

***Commodity Risk***

 

We hedge our exposure to price fluctuations with respect to refined petroleum products and blendstocks in storage and expected purchases and sales of these commodities.  The derivative instruments utilized consist primarily of futures contracts traded on the NYMEX and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and over-the-counter transactions, including swap agreements entered into with established financial institutions and other credit-approved energy companies.  Our policy is generally to purchase only products for which we have a market and to structure our sales contracts so that price fluctuations do not materially affect our profit.  While our policies are designed to minimize market risk, some degree of exposure to unforeseen fluctuations in market conditions remains.  Except for the controlled trading program discussed below, we do not acquire and hold futures contracts or other derivative products for the purpose of speculating on price changes that might expose us to indeterminable losses.

 

While we seek to maintain a position that is substantially balanced within our product purchase activities, we may experience net unbalanced positions for short periods of time as a result of variances in daily sales and transportation and delivery schedules as well as logistical issues associated with inclement weather conditions.  In connection with managing these positions and maintaining a constant presence in the marketplace, both necessary for our business, we engage in a controlled trading program for up to an aggregate of 250,000 barrels of refined petroleum products and blendstocks at any one point in time.

 

We enter into futures contracts to minimize or hedge the impact of market fluctuations on our purchases and forward fixed price sales of refined petroleum products and renewable fuels.  Any hedge ineffectiveness is reflected in our results of operations.  We utilize regulated exchanges, including the NYMEX and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, which are regulated exchanges for energy products that it trades, thereby reducing potential delivery and supply risks.  Generally, our practice is to close all exchange positions rather than to make or receive physical deliveries.  With respect to other energy products, which may not have a correlated exchange contract, we enter into derivative agreements with counterparties that we believe have a strong credit profile, in order to hedge market fluctuations and/or lock-in margins relative to our commitments.

 

At March 31, 2011, the fair value of all of our commodity risk derivative instruments and the change in fair value that would be expected from a 10% price increase or decrease are shown in the table below (in thousands):

 
| ** **                    | ** ** | ** **                                             | ** ** | **Gain (Loss)**                              | ** ** |
|-------------------------------|------------|--------------------------------------------------------|------------|---------------------------------------------------|------------|
| ** **                    | ** ** | **Fair Value at   March 31, 2011** | ** ** | **Effect of 10%   Price Increase** | ** ** | **Effect of 10%   Price Decrease** | ** ** |
| NYMEX contracts               |       | $                                                      | (32,439    | )                                                 | $          | (65,336 | ) | $ | 65,336 |   |
| Swaps, options and other, net |       | (3,064                                                 | )          | (5,315                                            | )          | (1,204 | ) |
|                          |       | $                                                      | (35,503    | )                                                 | $          | (70,651 | ) | $ | 64,132 |   |

 

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The fair values of the futures contracts are based on quoted market prices obtained from the NYMEX.  The fair value of the swaps and option contracts are estimated based on quoted prices from various sources such as independent reporting services, industry publications and brokers.  These quotes are compared to the contract price of the swap, which approximates the gain or loss that would have been realized if the contracts had been closed out at March 31, 2010.  For positions where independent quotations are not available, an estimate is provided, or the prevailing market price at which the positions could be liquidated is used.  All hedge positions offset physical exposures to the spot market; none of these offsetting physical exposures are included in the above table.  Price-risk sensitivities were calculated by assuming an across-the-board 10% increase or decrease in price regardless of term or historical relationships between the contractual price of the instruments and the underlying commodity price.  In the event of an actual 10% change in prompt month prices, the fair value of our derivative portfolio would typically change less than that shown in the table due to lower volatility in out-month prices.  We have a daily margin requirement to maintain a cash deposit with our broker based on the prior day’s market results on open futures contracts.  The balance of this deposit will fluctuate based on our open market positions and the commodity exchange’s requirements.  The brokerage margin balance was $14.6 million at March 31, 2011.

 

We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties of futures contracts, forward contracts and swap agreements.  We anticipate some nonperformance by some of these counterparties which, in the aggregate, we do not believe at this time will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash available for distribution to our unitholders.  Futures contracts, the primary derivative instrument utilized, are traded on regulated exchanges, greatly reducing potential credit risks.  Exposure on swap and certain option agreements is limited to the amount of the recorded fair value as of the balance sheet dates.  We utilize primarily one clearing broker, a major financial institution, for all NYMEX derivative transactions and the right of offset exists.  Accordingly, the fair value of all derivative instruments is displayed on a net basis.

 

**Item 4.        Controls and Procedures**

 

***Disclosure Controls and Procedures***

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, management evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act).  Based on that evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2011.

 

***Internal Control over Financial Reporting***

 

There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2011 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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**PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION**

 

**Item 1.        Legal Proceedings**

 

***General***

 

Although we may, from time to time, be involved in litigation and claims arising out of our operations in the normal course of business, we do not believe that we are a party to any litigation that will have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or results of operations.  Except as described below and in Note 11 in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, we are not aware of any significant legal or governmental proceedings against us, or contemplated to be brought against us.  We maintain insurance policies with insurers in amounts and with coverage and deductibles as our general partner believes are reasonable and prudent.  However, we can provide no assurance that this insurance will be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to potential future claims or that these levels of insurance will be available in the future at economically acceptable prices.

 

***Other***

 

In January 2011, the trustee administering the post-bankruptcy litigation trust of Lyondell Chemical Company (“Lyondell”) and certain of its affiliates brought an action against us to recover payments totaling approximately $6.0 million made to us by an affiliate of Lyondell that the trustee claims were paid shortly before the Lyondell bankruptcy and at a time when the affiliate was insolvent, allegedly permitting the avoidance or recovery of those payments pursuant to bankruptcy law.  We believe that the payments were made by the affiliate in the ordinary course of both its and our business as contemporaneous payment for its receipt of a volume of product of a value equivalent to the payments.  The litigation is in its early stages, and we believe it has meritorious defenses.  Therefore, no provision for losses has been recorded in connection with this matter.

 

In April 2011, seven operations personnel at our terminal in Chelsea, Massachusetts voted to be represented by the incumbent union representing certain other employees at this facility (“Local 25”).  We expect to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with Local 25 for these employees and do not believe the results of these negotiations will have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 

**Item 1A.     Risk Factors**

 

In addition to other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results.

 

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**Item 6.        Exhibits**

 
| 3.1        | — |   | Third   Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Global   Partners LP dated as of December 9, 2009 (incorporated herein by   reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on   December 15, 2009). |
|------------|--------|--------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|       |   |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 10.1       | — |   | Letter   Agreement for 2011 Shares Services Fee Structure, dated as of March 9,   2011 between Global Companies LLC and Alliance Energy LLC.                                                                                                     |
|       |   |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 10.2       | — |   | License   Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2011 between Global Companies LLC and   Alliance Energy LLC.                                                                                                                                             |
|       |   |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 31.1       | — |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification   of Principal Executive Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of Global   Partners LP.                                                                                                                    |
|       |   |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 31.2       | — |   | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification   of Principal Financial Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of Global   Partners LP.                                                                                                                    |
|       |   |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 32.1† | — |   | Section 1350   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of   Global Partners LP.                                                                                                                                         |
|       |   |   |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 32.2† | — |   | Section 1350   Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of   Global Partners LP.                                                                                                                                         |

 

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**†****                     **Not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

 

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**SIGNATURES**

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 
| ** **                      | **GLOBAL PARTNERS LP** |
|---------------------------------|------------------------|
|                            | By:                    | Global   GP LLC, |
|                            |                   | its   general partner |
|                            |                   |   |
|                            |                   |   |
| Dated:    May 6, 2011 |                   | By: | /s/   Eric Slifka |   |
|                            |                   |   | Eric   Slifka |
|                            |                   |   | President   and Chief Executive Officer |
|                            |                   |   | (Principal   Executive Officer) |
|                            |                   |   |
|                            |                   |   |
| Dated:    May 6, 2011 |                   | By: | /s/   Thomas J. Hollister |   |
|                            |                   |   | Thomas   J. Hollister |
|                            |                   |   | Chief   Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer |
|                            |                   |   | (Principal   Financial Officer) |

 

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**INDEX TO EXHIBITS**

 
| **Exhibit Number** | ** ** | ** ** | **Description**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |
|--------------------|------------|------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
|               |       |       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 3.1                | —     |       | Third   Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Global   Partners LP dated as of December 9, 2009 (incorporated herein by   reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on   December 15, 2009). |
|               |       |       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 10.1               | —     |       | Letter   Agreement for 2011 Shares Services Fee Structure, dated as of March 9,   2011 between Global Companies LLC and Alliance Energy LLC.                                                                                                     |
|               |       |       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 10.2               | —     |       | License   Agreement, dated as of May 2, 2011 between Global Companies LLC and   Alliance Energy LLC.                                                                                                                                             |
|               |       |       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 31.1               | —     |       | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification   of Principal Executive Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of Global   Partners LP.                                                                                                                    |
|               |       |       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 31.2               | —     |       | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification   of Principal Financial Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of Global   Partners LP.                                                                                                                    |
|               |       |       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 32.1†         | —     |       | Section 1350   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of   Global Partners LP.                                                                                                                                         |
|               |       |       |                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| 32.2†         | —     |       | Section 1350   Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Global GP LLC, general partner of   Global Partners LP.                                                                                                                                         |

 

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**†****                     **Not deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise subject to the liability of that section.

 

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