Attached files

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EX-99.01 - AUDIT COMMITTEE PRE-APPROVAL POLICY - NuStar GP Holdings, LLCdex9901.htm
EX-23.01 - CONSENT OF KPMG LLP - NuStar GP Holdings, LLCdex2301.htm
EX-10.12 - PERFORMANCE UNIT AGREEMENT - NuStar GP Holdings, LLCdex1012.htm
EX-31.01 - SECTION 302 CERTIFICATIONS - NuStar GP Holdings, LLCdex3101.htm
EX-32.01 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATIONS - NuStar GP Holdings, LLCdex3201.htm
EX-21.01 - LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES - NuStar GP Holdings, LLCdex2101.htm
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

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

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009

OR

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

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 1-32940

LOGO

NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   85-0470977

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

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

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Units representing limited liability company membership interests listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

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

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

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

Yes [    ] No [X]

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

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

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

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

 

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

Smaller reporting company [    ]

 

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

The aggregate market value of units held by non-affiliates was approximately $819 million based on the last sales price quoted as of June 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter.

The number of units outstanding as of February 1, 2010 was 42,547,294.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

   PART I   

Items 1., 1A. and 2.

   Business, Risk Factors and Properties    3
  

Overview

   3
  

Recent Developments

   4
  

Organizational Structure

   4
  

Employees

   5
  

Environmental and Safety Regulation

   5
  

Properties

   5
  

Risk Factors

   5

Item 1B.

   Unresolved Staff Comments    22

Item 3.

   Legal Proceedings    22

Item 4.

   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    25

Item X.

   Executive Officers of the Registrant    25
   PART II   

Item 5.

   Market for Registrant’s Common Units, Related Unitholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Common Units    26

Item 6.

   Selected Financial Data    29

Item 7.

   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations    30

Item 7A.

   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    42

Item 8.

   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data    42

Item 9.

   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure    119

Item 9A.

   Controls and Procedures    119

Item 9B.

   Other Information    119
   PART III   

Item 10.

   Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant    120

Item 11.

   Executive Compensation    120

Item 12.

   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Unitholder Matters    120

Item 13.

   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence    120

Item 14.

   Principal Accountant Fees and Services    120
   PART IV   

Item 15.

   Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules    120

Signatures

      129

 

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PART I

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar GP Holdings, LLC,” “NuStar GP Holdings,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole. In the following Items 1., 1A. and 2., “Business, Risk Factors and Properties,” we make certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding our plans, strategies, objectives, expectations, intentions and resources. The words “forecasts,” “intends,” “believes,” “expects,” “plans,” “scheduled,” “goal,” “may,” “anticipates,” “estimates” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update, revise or correct any of the forward-looking information. You are cautioned that such forward-looking statements should be read in conjunction with our disclosures beginning on page 30 of this report under the heading: “CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION.”

ITEMS 1., 1A. and 2. BUSINESS, RISK FACTORS AND PROPERTIES

OVERVIEW

NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings), a Delaware limited liability company, was formed in June 2000. Our units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “NSH.” Our principal executive offices are located at 2330 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, Texas 78248 and our telephone number is (210) 918-2000.

Our only cash generating assets are our ownership interests in NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy), a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership (NYSE: NS). NuStar Energy is engaged in the terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt and fuels marketing. NuStar Energy has terminal facilities in the United States, the Netherlands Antilles, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2009, our aggregate ownership interests in NuStar Energy consisted of the following:

 

   

the 2% general partner interest;

   

100% of the incentive distribution rights issued by NuStar Energy, which entitle us to receive increasing percentages of the cash distributed by NuStar Energy, currently at the maximum percentage of 23%; and

   

10,257,207 common units of NuStar Energy representing a 16.7% limited partner interest.

Our primary objective is to increase per unit distributions to our unitholders by actively supporting NuStar Energy in executing its business strategy, which includes continued growth through expansion projects and strategic acquisitions. We may facilitate NuStar Energy’s growth through the use of our capital resources, which could involve capital contributions, loans or other forms of financial support.

NuStar Energy is required by its partnership agreement to distribute all of its available cash at the end of each quarter, less reserves established by its general partner, in its sole discretion, to provide for the proper conduct of NuStar Energy’s business or to provide funds for future distributions. Similarly, we are required by our limited liability company agreement to distribute all of our available cash at the end of each quarter, less reserves established by our board of directors. However, unlike NuStar Energy, we do not have a general partner or incentive distribution rights. Therefore, all of our distributions are made on our units, which are our only class of securities outstanding.

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

 

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RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

In November 2009, NuStar Energy issued 5,750,000 common units at a price of $52.45 per unit. NuStar Energy received net proceeds of $288.8 million. In conjunction with NuStar Energy’s issuance of common units, we contributed $6.2 million to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest and our ownership in NuStar Energy was reduced from 20.5% at December 31, 2008 to 18.7% at December 31, 2009.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

The following chart depicts our organizational structure and relationship with NuStar Energy as of December 31, 2009:

LOGO

 

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EMPLOYEES

Our wholly owned subsidiary, NuStar GP, LLC, provides administrative services to us. Employees of NuStar GP, LLC also provide services to NuStar Energy pursuant to the GP Services Agreement (defined in Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”). As of December 31, 2009, NuStar GP, LLC had 1,379 employees. We believe that NuStar GP, LLC’s relationship with these employees is satisfactory.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY REGULATION

Our only cash generating assets are our indirect ownership interests in NuStar Energy. We have no independent operations.

PROPERTIES

Our only cash generating assets are our indirect ownership interests in NuStar Energy. We have no independent operations.

RISK FACTORS

RISKS INHERENT IN AN INVESTMENT IN US

Our only cash generating assets are our ownership interests in NuStar Energy. Our cash flow and ability to make distributions is therefore completely dependent upon the ability of NuStar Energy to make cash distributions to its partners, including us. If NuStar Energy does not make cash distributions or reduces the level of cash distributions to its partners, we may not have sufficient cash to pay distributions.

Our operating cash flow is currently completely dependent upon NuStar Energy making cash distributions to its partners, including us. The amount of cash that NuStar Energy can distribute to its partners each quarter principally depends upon the amount of cash it generates from its operations, which will fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on, among other things:

 

   

the amount of throughput volumes transported in its pipelines;

   

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

   

tariff rates and fees it charges and the returns it realizes for its services;

   

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

   

demand for crude oil, refined products and anhydrous ammonia;

   

the effect of worldwide energy conservation measures;

   

its operating costs;

   

weather conditions;

   

domestic and foreign governmental regulations and taxes; and

   

prevailing economic conditions.

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

 

   

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

   

the sources of cash used to fund its acquisitions;

   

its capital expenditures;

   

fluctuations in its working capital needs;

   

issuances of debt and equity securities; and

   

adjustments in cash reserves made by NuStar Energy’s general partner, in its discretion.

Because of these factors, NuStar Energy may not have sufficient available cash each quarter to continue paying distributions at its current level or at all. Furthermore, cash distributions to NuStar Energy unitholders depend

 

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primarily upon cash flow, and not solely on profitability, which is affected by non-cash items. Therefore, NuStar Energy may make cash distributions during periods when it records losses and may not make cash distributions during periods when it records net income.

In the future, we may not have sufficient cash to pay distributions at our current quarterly distribution level or to increase distributions.

Because our only source of operating cash flow consists of cash distributions from NuStar Energy, the amount of distributions we are able to make to our unitholders may fluctuate based on the level of distributions NuStar Energy makes to its unitholders, including us. We cannot assure you that NuStar Energy will continue to make quarterly distributions at its current level of $1.065 per unit, or any other amount, or increase its quarterly distributions in the future. In addition, while we would expect to increase or decrease distributions to our unitholders if NuStar Energy increases or decreases distributions to us, the timing and amount of such changes in distributions, if any, will not necessarily be comparable to the timing and amount of any changes in distributions made by NuStar Energy to us. Our ability to distribute cash received from NuStar Energy to our unitholders is limited by a number of factors, including:

 

   

interest expense and principal payments on any indebtedness we may incur;

   

restrictions on distributions contained in any future debt agreements;

   

our general and administrative expenses, including expenses we incur as a public company;

   

expenses of our subsidiaries, including tax liabilities of our corporate subsidiaries;

   

reserves necessary for us to make the necessary capital contributions to maintain our 2% general partner interest in NuStar Energy, as required by the partnership agreement of NuStar Energy upon the issuance of additional partnership securities by NuStar Energy; and

   

reserves our board of directors believes prudent for us to maintain for the proper conduct of our business or to provide for future distributions.

We cannot guarantee that in the future we will be able to pay distributions or that any distributions NuStar Energy pays to us will allow us to pay distributions at or above our current quarterly distribution of $0.435 per unit. The actual amount of cash that is available for distribution to our unitholders will depend on numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control or the control of NuStar Energy. Therefore, a reduction in the amount of cash distributed by NuStar Energy per unit or on the incentive distribution rights, or an increase in our expenses, may result in our not being able to pay our current quarterly distribution of $0.435 per unit.

NuStar Energy’s unitholders, excluding the owner of NuStar Energy’s general partner, have the right to remove NuStar Energy’s general partner by a simple majority vote, which would cause us to divest our general partner interest and incentive distribution rights in NuStar Energy in exchange for cash or common units of NuStar Energy and cause us to lose our ability to manage NuStar Energy.

We currently manage NuStar Energy through Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., NuStar Energy’s general partner and our indirect, wholly owned subsidiary. NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement, however, gives unitholders of NuStar Energy the right to remove the general partner of NuStar Energy upon the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of outstanding NuStar Energy common units, excluding the common units owned by us. As of December 31, 2009, we own a 16.7% limited partner interest in NuStar Energy, and the public unitholders own 81.3%. If Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. were removed as the general partner of NuStar Energy, it would receive cash or common units in exchange for its 2% general partner interest and its incentive distribution rights and would lose its ability to manage NuStar Energy. While the common units or cash that Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. would receive are intended under the terms of NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement to fully compensate it in the event it is removed as general partner, these common units or the investments made with the cash over time may not provide us with as much distributable cash as or be as valuable as the 2% general partner interest and incentive distribution rights had we retained them.

NuStar Energy’s general partner, with our consent, may limit or modify the incentive distributions we are entitled to receive in order to facilitate the growth strategy of NuStar Energy. Our board of directors can give this consent without a vote of our unitholders.

We indirectly own NuStar Energy’s general partner, which owns the incentive distribution rights in NuStar Energy that entitle us to receive increasing percentages, up to a maximum of 23%, of any cash distributed by NuStar Energy as it exceeds a distribution of $0.60 per NuStar Energy common unit in any quarter. A substantial portion of the cash

 

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flows we receive from NuStar Energy is provided by these incentive distributions. Our limited liability company agreement provides that our board of directors may consent to the elimination, reduction or modification of the incentive distribution rights without our unitholders’ approval if our board determines that the elimination, reduction or modification will not adversely affect our unitholders in any material respect.

Restrictions in our credit facility limit our ability to make distributions to our unitholders; credit facility matures in July 2010.

Our credit facility contains covenants limiting our ability to incur indebtedness, grant liens, engage in transactions with affiliates and make distributions to our unitholders. The credit facility also contains covenants requiring NuStar Energy to maintain certain financial ratios. Our and NuStar Energy’s ability to comply with any restrictions and covenants may be affected by events beyond our control, including prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions. If we or NuStar Energy are unable to comply with these restrictions and covenants, a significant portion of any indebtedness under our credit facility may become immediately due and payable, and our lenders’ commitment to make loans to us under our credit facility may terminate. We might not have, or be able to obtain, sufficient funds to make these accelerated payments.

Our payment of principal and interest on any future indebtedness will reduce our cash available for distribution on our units. Our credit facility limits our ability to pay distributions to our unitholders during an event of default or if an event of default would result from the distribution.

In addition, this and any future levels of indebtedness may:

 

   

adversely affect our ability to obtain additional financing for future operations or capital needs;

   

limit our ability to pursue acquisitions and other business opportunities; or

   

make our results of operations more susceptible to adverse economic or operating conditions.

Our revolving credit facility matures in July 2010. It is possible that our lenders may not agree to renew our credit facility or may only agree to renew it at substantially less favorable terms. If our credit facility is renewed on substantially less favorable terms, or if our credit facility is not renewed and we must enter into alternative financing arrangements, various limitations in these financing agreements may reduce our ability to incur additional indebtedness, to engage in some transactions or to capitalize on business opportunities. In the event we are unable to obtain adequate financing and NuStar Energy issues additional units, we may not be able to make contributions to NuStar Energy necessary to maintain our 2% general partner interest.

Our ability to sell our ownership interests in NuStar Energy may be limited by securities laws restrictions and liquidity constraints.

All of the units of NuStar Energy that we own are unregistered, restricted securities, within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. Unless we exercise our registration rights with respect to these units, we are limited to selling into the market in any three-month period an amount of NuStar Energy common units that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the total number of common units outstanding or the average weekly reported trading volume of the common units for the four calendar weeks prior to the sale. We face contractual limitations on our ability to sell our 2% general partner interest and incentive distribution rights, and the market for such interests is illiquid.

The market price of our units could be adversely affected by sales of substantial amounts of our units into public markets, including sales by our existing unitholders.

Sales by us or any of our existing unitholders, including William E. Greehey, Chairman of the Boards of Directors of NuStar GP Holdings and NuStar GP, LLC, of a substantial number of our units in the public markets, or the perception that such sales might occur, could have a material adverse effect on the price of our units or could impair our ability to obtain capital through an offering of equity securities. Mr. Greehey currently owns 16.3% of our outstanding units.

Distributions on our incentive distribution rights in NuStar Energy are more uncertain than distributions on the common units we hold.

Our indirect ownership of the incentive distribution rights in NuStar Energy entitles us to receive our pro rata share of specified percentages of total cash distributions made by NuStar Energy with respect to any particular quarter only in the event that NuStar Energy distributes more than $0.60 per unit for such quarter. As a result, the holders of NuStar

 

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Energy’s common units have a priority over the holders of NuStar Energy’s incentive distribution rights to the extent of cash distributions by NuStar Energy up to and including $0.60 per unit for any quarter.

Our incentive distribution rights entitle us to receive increasing percentages, up to 23%, of all cash distributed by NuStar Energy. Because the incentive distribution rights currently participate at the maximum 23% target cash distribution level in all distributions made by NuStar Energy at or above the current distribution level, future growth in distributions we receive from NuStar Energy will not result from an increase in the target cash distribution level associated with the incentive distribution rights.

Furthermore, a decrease in the amount of distributions by NuStar Energy to less than $0.66 per common unit per quarter would reduce our percentage of the incremental cash distributions above $0.60 per common unit per quarter from 23% to 8%. As a result, any such reduction in quarterly cash distributions from NuStar Energy would have the effect of disproportionately reducing the amount of all distributions that we receive from NuStar Energy based on our ownership interest in the incentive distribution rights in NuStar Energy as compared to cash distributions we receive from NuStar Energy on our 2% general partner interest in NuStar Energy and our NuStar Energy common units.

If NuStar Energy’s general partner is not fully reimbursed or indemnified for obligations and liabilities it incurs in managing the business and affairs of NuStar Energy, it may not be able to satisfy its obligations and its cash flows will be reduced.

The general partner of NuStar Energy and its affiliates may make expenditures on behalf of NuStar Energy for which they will seek reimbursement from NuStar Energy. In addition, under Delaware law, the general partner, in its capacity as the general partner of NuStar Energy, has unlimited liability for the obligations of NuStar Energy, such as its debts and environmental liabilities, except for those contractual obligations of NuStar Energy that are expressly made without recourse to the general partner. To the extent Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. incurs obligations on behalf of NuStar Energy, it is entitled to be reimbursed or indemnified by NuStar Energy. If NuStar Energy does not reimburse or indemnify its general partner, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. may be unable to satisfy these liabilities or obligations, which would reduce its cash flows. In turn, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. would have less cash to distribute to us.

If distributions on our units are not paid with respect to any fiscal quarter, our unitholders will not be entitled to receive such payments in the future.

Our distributions to our unitholders are not cumulative. Consequently, if distributions on our units are not paid with respect to any fiscal quarter at the current distribution rate, our unitholders will not be entitled to receive such payments in the future.

Our cash distribution policy limits our growth because we do not retain earnings to reinvest in any acquisitions or growth capital expenditures, and NuStar Energy’s distribution policy may limit NuStar Energy’s growth.

Because we distribute all of our available cash, our growth may not be as fast as businesses that reinvest their available cash to expand ongoing operations. In fact, our growth is currently completely dependent upon NuStar Energy’s ability to increase its quarterly distributions because our only cash-generating assets are indirect ownership interests in NuStar Energy. If we issue additional units or incur debt to fund acquisitions and growth capital expenditures, the payment of distributions on those additional units or interest on that debt could increase the risk that we will be unable to maintain or increase our current per unit distribution level.

Consistent with the terms of its partnership agreement, NuStar Energy distributes to its partners its available cash each quarter. In determining the amount of cash available for distribution, NuStar Energy sets aside cash reserves, which it uses to fund its growth capital expenditures. Additionally, it has relied upon external financing sources, including commercial borrowings and other debt and equity issuances, to fund its acquisition capital expenditures. Accordingly, to the extent NuStar Energy does not have sufficient cash reserves or is unable to finance growth externally, its cash distribution policy will significantly impair its ability to grow. In addition, to the extent NuStar Energy issues additional units in connection with any acquisitions or growth capital expenditures, the payment of distributions on those additional units may increase the risk that NuStar Energy will be unable to maintain or increase its per unit distribution level, which in turn may impact the available cash that we have to distribute to our unitholders. The incurrence of additional debt to finance its growth strategy would result in increased interest expense to NuStar Energy, which in turn may impact the available cash that we have to distribute to our unitholders.

 

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If in the future we cease to manage NuStar Energy, we may be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, which would cause us either to have to register as an investment company, obtain exemptive relief from the SEC, or modify our organizational structure or our contract rights.

If we cease to manage NuStar Energy as a consequence of Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.’s removal or withdrawal as NuStar Energy’s general partner or otherwise, and are deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 because of our ownership of NuStar Energy partnership interests, we would either have to register as an investment company under the Investment Company Act, obtain exemptive relief from the SEC, or modify our organizational structure or our contract rights to fall outside the definition of an investment company. Registering as an investment company could, among other things, materially limit our ability to engage in transactions with affiliates, including the sale and purchase of certain securities or other property to or from our affiliates, restrict our ability to borrow funds or engage in other transactions involving leverage.

An increase in interest rates may cause the market price of our units to decline resulting in the loss of a portion of your investment in us.

As interest rates rise, the ability of investors to obtain higher risk-adjusted rates of return by purchasing government-backed debt securities may cause a corresponding decline in demand for riskier investments generally, including yield-based equity investments such as limited liability company membership interests. Reduced demand for our units resulting from investors seeking other more favorable investment opportunities may cause the trading price of our units to decline. As a result, you may lose a portion of your investment in us.

We may issue an unlimited number of additional securities without the consent of our unitholders, which will dilute your ownership interest in us and may increase the risk that we will not have sufficient available cash to maintain or increase our per unit distribution level.

At any time we may issue an unlimited number of additional securities without the approval of our unitholders on terms and conditions determined by our board of directors. The issuance by us of additional units or other equity securities of equal or senior rank will have the following effects:

 

   

our unitholders’ proportionate ownership interest in us will decrease;

   

the amount of cash available for distribution on each unit may decrease;

   

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

   

the ratio of taxable income to distributions may increase; and

   

the market price of the units may decline.

NuStar Energy may issue additional NuStar Energy units, which may increase the risk that NuStar Energy will not have sufficient available cash to maintain or increase its per unit cash distribution level and that we will have to make a capital contribution to NuStar Energy.

NuStar Energy may issue additional NuStar Energy units, including units that rank senior to the NuStar Energy common units and the incentive distribution rights as to quarterly cash distributions, on the terms and conditions established by its general partner. Additionally, we are required to make additional capital contributions to NuStar Energy upon NuStar Energy’s issuance of additional units in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest in NuStar Energy. Furthermore, to the extent NuStar Energy issues units that are senior to the NuStar Energy common units and the incentive distribution rights, their issuance will render more uncertain the payment of distributions on the common units and the incentive distribution rights. Neither the common units nor the incentive distribution rights are entitled to any arrearages from prior quarters. The payment of distributions on any additional NuStar Energy units may increase the risk that NuStar Energy will be unable to maintain or increase its per unit cash distribution level and the requirement that we make capital contributions to NuStar Energy to maintain our 2% general partner interest may impact the available cash that we have to distribute to our unitholders.

Anti-takeover provisions in our limited liability company agreement may make an acquisition of us more complicated and the removal and replacement of our directors and executive officers more difficult.

Our limited liability company agreement contains provisions that may delay or prevent a change in control. These provisions may also make it difficult for unitholders to remove and replace our board of directors and executive officers.

Section 203. Our limited liability company agreement effectively adopts Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (DGCL). Section 203 of the DGCL, as it applies to us, prevents an interested unitholder, defined as a

 

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person who owns 15% or more of our outstanding units, from engaging in business combinations with us for three years following the time such person becomes an interested unitholder. Section 203 broadly defines “business combination” to encompass a wide variety of transactions with or caused by an interested unitholder, including mergers, asset sales and other transactions in which the interested unitholder receives a benefit on other than a pro rata basis with other unitholders. This provision of our limited liability company agreement could have an anti-takeover effect with respect to transactions not approved in advance by our board of directors, including discouraging takeover attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for our units.

Limited Voting Rights. Our limited liability company agreement provides that if any person or group other than our affiliates acquires beneficial ownership of 20% or more of any class of units, that person or group loses voting rights on all of its units. This loss of voting rights does not apply to any person or group that acquires all of its units from our affiliates or any transferees of that person or group approved by our board of directors or to any person or group who acquires the units with the prior approval of our board of directors.

Staggered Board. In addition, our limited liability company agreement divides our board of directors into two classes serving staggered two-year terms and permits the board to be divided into three classes serving staggered three-year terms upon the election of a fifth director to our board. This provision, when coupled with the provision of our limited liability company agreement authorizing only the board of directors to fill vacant or newly created directorships or increase the size of the board of directors and the provision providing that directors may only be removed at a meeting of unitholders and cannot be done by written consent, may deter a unitholder from gaining control of our board of directors by removing incumbent directors or increasing the number of directorships and simultaneously filling the vacancies or newly created directorships with its own nominees.

Preferred Unit Purchase Rights. On July 19, 2006, we entered into a rights agreement with Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as amended effective February 28, 2008, under which our board of directors declared a distribution of one preferred unit purchase right for each of our outstanding units. The rights become exercisable under specified circumstances, including any person or group (an “acquiring person”) becoming the beneficial owner of 15% or more of our outstanding units, subject to specified exceptions. If events specified in the rights agreement occur, each holder of rights, other than an acquiring person, can exercise their rights. When a holder exercises a right, the holder will be entitled to receive units valued at some multiple of the exercise price of the right. In some cases, the holder will receive cash, property or other securities instead of units. We may redeem the rights prior to a person or group becoming an acquiring person.

These provisions may delay or prevent a third party from acquiring us and any such delay or prevention could cause the market price of our units to decline.

NuStar Energy’s unitholders may not have limited liability if a court finds that limited partner actions constitute control of NuStar Energy’s business and may therefore become liable for certain of NuStar Energy’s obligations, which may impact the cash we have available to make distributions.

Under Delaware law, unitholders could be held liable for NuStar Energy’s obligations to the same extent as a general partner if a court determined that actions of a unitholder constituted participation in the “control” of NuStar Energy’s business.

Under Delaware law, the general partner generally has unlimited liability for the obligations of the partnership, such as its debts and environmental liabilities, except for those contractual obligations of the partnership that are expressly made without recourse to the general partner. In addition, Section 17-607 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act provides that, under some circumstances, a limited partner may be liable to NuStar Energy for the amount of a distribution for a period of three years from the date of the distribution.

RISKS RELATED TO CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

Although we manage NuStar Energy through our indirect ownership of its general partner, NuStar Energy’s general partner owes fiduciary duties to NuStar Energy and NuStar Energy’s unitholders, which may conflict with our interests.

Conflicts of interest exist and may arise in the future as a result of the relationships between us and our affiliates, including NuStar Energy’s general partner, on the one hand, and NuStar Energy and its limited partners, on the other

 

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hand. The directors and officers of NuStar GP, LLC have fiduciary duties to manage NuStar Energy’s business in a manner beneficial to us, its owner. At the same time, NuStar GP, LLC has a fiduciary duty to manage NuStar Energy in a manner beneficial to NuStar Energy and its unitholders. The board of directors of NuStar GP, LLC or its conflicts committee will resolve any such conflict and have broad latitude to consider the interests of all parties to the conflict. Our independent directors will not be the same as the independent directors who serve on the conflicts committee of NuStar GP, LLC. The resolution of these conflicts may not always be in our best interest or that of our unitholders.

For example, conflicts of interest may arise in the following situations:

 

   

the allocation of shared overhead expenses to NuStar Energy and us;

   

the determination and timing of the amount of cash to be distributed to NuStar Energy’s partners and the amount of cash to be reserved for the future conduct of NuStar Energy’s business;

   

any proposal by NuStar GP, LLC to eliminate, reduce or modify the incentive distribution rights;

   

the decision whether NuStar Energy should make acquisitions, and on what terms;

   

the determination of whether NuStar Energy should use cash on hand, borrow or issue equity to raise cash to finance acquisitions or expansion capital projects, repay indebtedness, meet working capital needs, pay distributions to NuStar Energy’s partners or otherwise; and

   

any decision we make in the future to engage in business activities independent of, or in competition with, NuStar Energy.

Our limited liability agreement limits and modifies our directors’ fiduciary duties and the fiduciary duties of our officers and directors may conflict with those of the general partner of NuStar Energy’s general partner’s officers and directors.

Our limited liability company agreement contains provisions that modify and limit our directors’ fiduciary duties to our unitholders. For example, our limited liability company agreement provides that:

 

   

our directors will not have any liability to us or our unitholders for decisions made in good faith, meaning they believed the decision was in our best interests; and

   

our board of directors will not be liable for monetary damages to us or our unitholders for any acts or omissions unless there has been a final and non-appealable judgment entered by a court of competent jurisdiction determining that the board of directors acted in bad faith or engaged in fraud or willful misconduct or, in the case of a criminal matter, acted with knowledge that such conduct was unlawful.

Our directors and officers have fiduciary duties to manage our business in a manner beneficial to us and our unitholders. Simultaneously, three of our directors and all of our officers are also directors and officers of NuStar GP, LLC, the general partner of NuStar Energy’s general partner, and have fiduciary duties to manage the business of NuStar Energy in a manner beneficial to NuStar Energy and its unitholders. For instance, William E. Greehey is our Chairman of the Board as well as the Chairman of the Board of NuStar GP, LLC. Consequently, these directors and officers may encounter situations in which their fiduciary obligations to NuStar Energy, on the one hand, and us, on the other hand, are in conflict. The resolution of these conflicts may not always be in our best interest or that of our unitholders. For example, we share certain executive officers and administrative personnel with NuStar GP, LLC to operate both our business and NuStar Energy’s business. Our executive officers, who are also the executive officers of NuStar GP, LLC, will allocate, in their reasonable and sole discretion, their time spent on our behalf and on behalf of NuStar Energy. These allocations may not be the result of arms-length negotiations between NuStar GP, LLC and us, and therefore the allocations may not exactly match the actual time and overhead spent.

RISKS RELATED TO NUSTAR ENERGY’S BUSINESS

Reduced demand for refined products could affect NuStar Energy’s results of operations and ability to make distributions to its partners, including us.

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

 

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

A decrease in lease renewals or throughputs in NuStar Energy’s assets would cause NuStar Energy’s revenues to decline and could adversely affect NuStar Energy’s ability to make cash distributions to its unitholders, including us.

A decrease in lease renewals or throughputs in NuStar Energy’s assets would cause NuStar Energy’s revenues to decline and could adversely affect NuStar Energy’s ability to make cash distributions to its unitholders, including us. Such a decrease could result from either a customer’s failure to renew a lease or a temporary or permanent decline in the amount of crude oil or refined products stored at and transported from the refineries NuStar Energy serves and owns. Factors that could result in such a decline include:

 

   

a material decrease in the supply of crude oil;

   

a material decrease in demand for refined products in the markets served by NuStar Energy’s pipelines, terminals and refineries;

   

scheduled refinery turnarounds or unscheduled refinery maintenance;

   

operational problems or catastrophic events at a refinery;

   

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

   

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

   

increasingly stringent environmental regulations; or

   

a decision by NuStar Energy’s current customers to sell one or more of the refineries NuStar Energy serves to a purchaser that elects not to use NuStar Energy’s pipelines and terminals.

NuStar Energy’s asphalt refineries are dependent upon a steady supply of crude oil from Petróleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of Venezuela, and decisions of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to decrease production of crude oil, as well as the Venezuelan economic and political environment, may disrupt NuStar Energy’s supply of crude oil.

NuStar Energy has an agreement with PDVSA, pursuant to which PDVSA agrees to sell and we agree to purchase an annual average of 75,000 barrels per day of crude oil. In December 2008, OPEC, which includes Venezuela, agreed to decrease production by 2.2 million barrels of crude oil per day and PDVSA reduced contractual deliveries by two 300,000 barrel Boscán cargoes in February 2009 and one in March 2009. These production decreases have not had a material impact on NuStar Energy’s financial results. Additional OPEC cuts, coupled with Venezuela’s recent political, economic and social turmoil could have a severe impact on PDVSA’s production or delivery of crude oil. In the event PDVSA further reduces its production or delivery of Boscán or Bachaquero BCF-13, the crude oil for which our refineries are currently optimized, NuStar Energy will be forced to replace all or a portion of the crude oil it would normally have purchased under its PDVSA crude oil supply contract with purchases of crude oil on the spot market, potentially at a price less favorable than it would have obtained under the PDVSA crude oil supply contract. While NuStar Energy found satisfactory replacement crudes for the February and March 2009 cuts, it is possible that processing a more significant proportion of alternate crudes could result in reduced refinery run rates, significantly reduced production and additional capital expenditures, which could be material. Accordingly, any major disruption of

 

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NuStar Energy’s supply of crude oil from Venezuela could result in substantially lower revenues and additional volatility in its earnings and cash flow.

NuStar Energy’s operations are subject to operational hazards and unforeseen interruptions, and NuStar Energy does not insure against all potential losses. Therefore, NuStar Energy could be seriously harmed by unexpected liabilities.

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

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

The price volatility of crude oil and refined products can reduce NuStar Energy’s revenues and ability to make distributions to its unitholders, including us.

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

NuStar Energy’s financial results are affected by volatile asphalt and intermediate product refining margins.

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

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

The operating results for NuStar Energy’s asphalt operations are seasonal and generally lower in the first and fourth quarters of the year.

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

 

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Competition in the asphalt industry is intense, and such competition in the markets in which NuStar Energy sells its asphalt products could adversely affect NuStar Energy’s earnings and ability to make distributions to its unitholders, including us.

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

NuStar Energy’s marketing and trading of refined products may expose NuStar Energy to trading losses and hedging losses, and non-compliance with NuStar Energy’s related risk management policies could result in significant financial losses.

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

NuStar Energy’s risk management policies may not eliminate all price risk since open trading positions will expose it to price volatility. Further, there is a risk that NuStar Energy’s risk management policies will not be complied with. Although NuStar Energy has designed procedures to anticipate and detect non-compliance, there are no assurances these steps will detect and prevent all violations of NuStar Energy’s trading policies and procedures, particularly if deception and other intentional misconduct are involved.

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

Hedging transactions may limit NuStar Energy’s potential gains or result in significant financial losses.

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

 

   

production is substantially less than expected;

   

the counterparties to NuStar Energy’s futures contracts fail to perform under the contracts; or

   

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

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

NuStar Energy is exposed to counterparty credit risk. Nonpayment and nonperformance by NuStar Energy’s customers, vendors or derivative counterparties could reduce its revenues, increase its expenses or otherwise negatively impact its operating results, cash flows and ability to make distributions to its unitholders, including us.

NuStar Energy is subject to risks of loss resulting from nonpayment or nonperformance by its customers to whom it extends credit. In addition, nonperformance by vendors who have committed to provide NuStar Energy with products

 

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or services could result in higher costs or interfere with its ability to successfully conduct its business. Furthermore, nonpayment by the counterparties to NuStar Energy’s interest rate and commodity derivatives could expose NuStar Energy to additional interest rate or commodity price risk. Weak economic conditions and widespread financial stress could reduce the liquidity of its customers, vendors or counterparties, making it more difficult for them to meet their obligations to NuStar Energy. Any substantial increase in the nonpayment and nonperformance by NuStar Energy’s customers, vendors or counterparties could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations and cash flows.

NuStar Energy’s future financial and operating flexibility may be adversely affected by its significant leverage, significant working capital needs, restrictions in its debt agreements and recent disruptions in the financial markets.

As of December 31, 2009, NuStar Energy’s consolidated debt was $1.8 billion. Among other things, this significant leverage may be viewed negatively by credit rating agencies, which could result in increased costs for NuStar Energy to access the capital markets. NuStar Logistics, L.P. (NuStar Logistics) and NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P. (NuPOP) have senior unsecured ratings of Baa3 with Moody’s Investor Service and BBB minus with Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. Fitch, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s have assigned NuStar Logistics and NuPOP a stable outlook. Any future downgrade of the debt issued by NuStar Energy’s wholly owned subsidiaries could significantly increase NuStar Energy’s capital costs and adversely affect its ability to raise capital in the future. Additionally, any further ratings downgrade on the debt issued by NuStar Logistics could result in an adjustment to the interest rates on the bonds issued by NuStar Logistics in April 2008, which would significantly increase NuStar Energy’s capital costs and adversely affect NuStar Energy’s ability to raise capital in the future.

NuStar Energy requires significant amounts of working capital to make purchases of crude oil and maintain necessary seasonal inventories to support its asphalt operations. NuStar Energy believes that its current sources of capital are adequate to meet its working capital needs. However, if NuStar Energy’s working capital needs increase more than anticipated, it may be forced to seek additional sources of capital, which may not be available or available on commercially reasonable terms.

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

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

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

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

Increases in interest rates could adversely affect NuStar Energy’s business and the trading price of NuStar Energy’s units.

NuStar Energy has significant exposure to increases in interest rates. As of December 31, 2009, NuStar Energy had approximately $1.8 billion of consolidated debt, of which $1.0 billion was at fixed interest rates and $0.8 billion was at variable interest rates after giving effect to interest rate swap agreements. NuStar Energy’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position could be materially adversely affected by significant increases in interest rates above

 

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current levels. Further, the trading price of NuStar Energy’s common units is sensitive to changes in interest rates and any rise in interest rates could adversely impact such trading price.

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

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

 

   

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

   

unplanned increases in the cost of construction materials or labor;

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

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

NuStar Energy could be subject to damages based on claims brought against it by its customers or lose customers as a result of the failure of its products to meet certain quality specifications.

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

Potential future acquisitions and expansions, if any, may increase substantially the level of NuStar Energy’s indebtedness and contingent liabilities, and NuStar Energy may be unable to integrate them effectively into its existing operations.

From time to time, NuStar Energy evaluates and acquires assets and businesses that it believes complement or diversify its existing assets and businesses. Acquisitions may require substantial capital or the incurrence of substantial indebtedness. If NuStar Energy consummates any future material acquisitions, its capitalization and results of operations may change significantly.

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

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

Climate change legislation and regulatory initiatives may decrease demand for the products NuStar Energy stores, transports and sells and increase NuStar Energy’s operating costs.

Recent scientific studies have suggested that emissions of certain gases, commonly referred to as “greenhouse gases” and including carbon dioxide and methane, may be contributing to warming of the Earth’s atmosphere. In response to

 

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such studies, the U.S. Congress is actively considering legislation to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. In addition, at least one-third of the states, either individually or through multi-state regional initiatives, have already taken legal measures to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, primarily through the planned development of greenhouse gas emission inventories and/or greenhouse gas cap and trade programs. As an alternative to reducing emission of greenhouse gases under cap and trade programs, Congress may consider the implementation of a program to tax the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. In December 2009, the EPA issued an endangerment finding that greenhouse gases may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health and welfare and are a pollutant to be regulated under the Clean Air Act. Passage of climate change legislation or other regulatory initiatives by Congress or various states of the U.S. or the adoption of regulations by the EPA or analogous state agencies that regulate or restrict emissions of greenhouse gases in areas in which NuStar Energy conducts business, could result in changes to the demand for the products NuStar Energy stores, transports and sells, and could increase the costs of its operations, including costs to operate and maintain its facilities, install new emission controls on its facilities, acquire allowances to authorize its greenhouse gas emissions, pay any taxes related to its greenhouse gas emissions and administer and manage a greenhouse gas emissions program. NuStar Energy may be unable to recover any such lost revenues or increased costs in the rates it charges its customers, and any such recovery may depend on events beyond NuStar Energy’s control, including the outcome of future rate proceedings before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the provisions of any final legislation or regulations. Reductions in NuStar Energy’s revenues or increases in its expenses as a result of climate control initiatives could have adverse effects on its business, financial position, results of operations and prospects.

NuStar Energy may not be able to integrate effectively and efficiently with future businesses or operations it may acquire. Any future acquisitions may substantially increase the levels of NuStar Energy’s indebtedness and contingent liabilities.

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

NuStar Energy may have liabilities from its refining assets that pre-exist NuStar Energy’s acquisition of its asphalt operations, but that may not be covered by indemnification rights NuStar Energy will have against the sellers of the assets.

Some of the assets included in NuStar Energy’s asphalt operations have been used for many years to refine and store asphalt products. Releases may have occurred in the past which could require costly future remediation. If a significant release or event occurred in the past, the liability for which was not retained by the seller, or for which indemnification from the seller is not available, it could adversely affect NuStar Energy’s financial position and results of operations.

NuStar Energy’s operations are subject to federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to environmental protection and operational safety that could require NuStar Energy to make substantial expenditures.

NuStar Energy’s operations are subject to increasingly stringent environmental and safety laws and regulations. Refining, transporting and storing petroleum and other products, such as specialty liquids, produces a risk that these products may be released into the environment, potentially causing substantial expenditures for a response action,

 

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significant government penalties, liability to government agencies for damages to natural resources, personal injury or property damages to private parties and significant business interruption. NuStar Energy owns or leases a number of properties that have been used to store or distribute refined products for many years. Many of these properties were operated by third parties whose handling, disposal or release of hydrocarbons and other wastes was not under NuStar Energy’s control.

If NuStar Energy were to incur a significant liability pursuant to environmental or safety laws or regulations, such a liability could have a material adverse effect on its financial position and its ability to make distributions to its unitholders, including us, and its ability to meet its debt service requirements.

Some of NuStar Energy’s pipelines are interstate common carrier pipelines, subject to regulation by the FERC under the Interstate Commerce Act (ICA).

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

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

Changes to FERC rate-making principles could have an adverse impact on NuStar Energy’s ability to recover the full cost of operating its pipeline facilities and its ability to make distributions to its unitholders, including us.

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

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

 

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which the publicly traded partnership’s cash flow exceeded taxable income. Requests for rehearing of the order are currently pending before the FERC.

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

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

The rates that NuStar Energy may charge on its interstate ammonia pipeline are subject to regulation by the Surface Transportation Board (STB).

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

Increases in natural gas and power prices could adversely affect NuStar Energy’s ability to make distributions to its unitholders, including us.

Power costs constitute a significant portion of NuStar Energy’s operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2009, NuStar Energy’s power costs equaled approximately $48.1 million, or 10% of NuStar Energy’s operating expenses for the year. In addition, $17.7 million of power costs were capitalized into inventory related to NuStar Energy’s asphalt refineries, which will be expensed into cost of product sales as the inventory is sold. NuStar Energy uses mainly electric power at its pipeline pump stations, terminals and refineries, and such electric power is furnished by various utility companies that primarily use natural gas to generate electricity. Accordingly, NuStar Energy’s power costs typically fluctuate with natural gas prices. Increases in natural gas prices may cause NuStar Energy’s power costs to increase further. If natural gas prices increase, NuStar Energy’s cash flows may be adversely affected, which could adversely affect NuStar Energy’s ability to make distributions to NuStar Energy’s unitholders, including us.

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

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

 

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TAX RISKS TO OUR UNITHOLDERS

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

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

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

If NuStar Energy were treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, it would pay federal income tax on its taxable income at the corporate tax rate. Distributions to us would generally be taxed again as corporate distributions, and no income, gains, losses, deductions or credits would flow through to us. As a result, there would be a material reduction in our anticipated cash flow, likely causing a substantial reduction in the value of our units.

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

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

The IRS may adopt positions that differ from the positions we or NuStar Energy take, even positions taken with the advice of counsel. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings to sustain some or all of the positions we or NuStar Energy take. A court may not agree with all of the positions we or NuStar Energy take. Any contest with the IRS may materially and adversely impact the market for our or NuStar Energy’s units and the prices at which they trade. In addition, the costs of any contest between NuStar Energy and the IRS will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution to NuStar Energy unitholders and thus will be borne indirectly by us, as a unitholder and as the owner of the general partner of NuStar Energy, and by the other unitholders of NuStar Energy. Moreover, the costs of any contest between us and the IRS will result in a reduction in cash available for distribution to our unitholders and thus will be borne indirectly by our unitholders.

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NuStar Energy has adopted certain valuation methodologies that may result in a shift of income, gain, loss and deduction between us and the public unitholders of NuStar Energy. The IRS may challenge this treatment, which could adversely affect the value of NuStar Energy’s common units and our common units.

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

 

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tangible and intangible assets, and allocations of income, gain, loss and deduction between us and certain of NuStar Energy’s public unitholders.

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

We expect that our ratio of taxable income to cash distributions will be higher than the ratio applicable to holders of common units in NuStar Energy.

We expect that our ratio of taxable income to cash distributions will be higher than the ratio applicable to holders of common units in NuStar Energy. Other holders of common units in NuStar Energy will receive remedial allocations of deductions from NuStar Energy. Any remedial allocations of deductions to us from NuStar Energy will be very limited. In addition, our ownership of NuStar Energy incentive distribution rights will cause more taxable income to be allocated to us from NuStar Energy. If NuStar Energy is successful in increasing its distributions over time, our income allocations from our NuStar Energy incentive distribution rights will increase, and, therefore, our ratio of taxable income to cash distributions will increase.

Items of our income, gain, loss and deduction will be allocated among our unitholders to account for the difference between the fair market value and tax basis of our assets at the time of an offering.

Specified items of income, gain, loss and deduction will be allocated to us from NuStar Energy and among our unitholders to account for the difference between the fair market value and tax basis of NuStar Energy’s assets and our assets at the time the assets were contributed to NuStar Energy (or its predecessors) or at any other offering. The effect of these allocations will be to allocate to us from NuStar Energy and to our unitholders, gains attributable to our share of the difference between the fair market value and the tax basis of NuStar Energy’s assets at these times (including gain attributable to our ownership of the incentive distribution rights). The effect of these allocations to a unitholder purchasing units will be essentially the same as if the tax basis of our and NuStar Energy’s assets were equal to their fair market values at the time of the purchase, with the result that a unitholder purchasing units will not bear the federal income tax burden associated with any existing difference between the fair market value and tax basis of our or NuStar Energy’s assets. The federal income tax burden associated with the difference between the fair market value and tax basis of our assets immediately prior to purchasing units will be borne by our existing unitholders as of that time.

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. We are insured against various business risks to the extent we believe is prudent; however, there can be no assurance that the nature and amount of such insurance will be adequate, in every case, to indemnify us against liabilities arising from future legal proceedings as a result of our ordinary business activity.

NuStar Energy is named as a defendant in litigation relating to NuStar Energy’s normal business operations, including regulatory and environmental matters. NuStar Energy is also insured against various business risks to the extent its management believes is prudent; however, NuStar Energy cannot be assured that the nature and amount of such insurance will be adequate, in every case, to protect it against liabilities arising from future legal proceedings as a result of its ordinary business activity.

GRACE ENERGY CORPORATION MATTER

In 1997, Grace Energy Corporation (Grace Energy) sued subsidiaries of Kaneb Pipe Line Partners, L.P. (KPP) and Kaneb Services LLC (KSL and, collectively with KPP and their respective subsidiaries, Kaneb) in Texas state court. The complaint sought recovery of the cost of remediation of fuel leaks in the 1970s from a pipeline that had once

 

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connected a former Grace Energy terminal with Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts (Otis AFB). Grace Energy alleges the Otis AFB pipeline and related environmental liabilities had been transferred in 1978 to an entity that was part of Kaneb’s acquisition of Support Terminal Services, Inc. and its subsidiaries from Grace Energy in 1993. Kaneb contends that it did not acquire the Otis AFB pipeline and never assumed any responsibility for any associated environmental damage.

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

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

ERES MATTER

In August 2008, Eres N.V. (Eres) forwarded a demand for arbitration to CITGO Asphalt Refining Company (CARCO), CITGO Petroleum Corporation (CITGO), NuStar Asphalt Refining, LLC (NuStar Asphalt) and NuStar Marketing LLC (NuStar Marketing, and together with CARCO, CITGO and NuStar Asphalt, the Defendants) contending that the Defendants are in breach of a tanker voyage charter party agreement, dated November 2004, between Eres and CARCO (the Charter Agreement). The Charter Agreement provides for CARCO’s use of Eres’ vessels for the shipment of asphalt. Eres contends that NuStar Asphalt and/or NuStar Marketing (together, the NuStar Entities) assumed the Charter Agreement when NuStar Asphalt purchased the CARCO assets, and that the Defendants have failed to perform under the Charter Agreement since January 1, 2008. Eres seeks to compel the Defendants to arbitrate a breach of contract claim in which Eres values its damages at approximately $78.1 million. CITGO/CARCO also contend that the NuStar Entities assumed the Eres contract and they have demanded that the NuStar Entities defend and indemnify them against Eres’ claims. Eres’ motion to compel arbitration and CITGO/CARCO’s indemnity claims are currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. NuStar Energy intends to vigorously defend against these claims.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SAFETY COMPLIANCE MATTERS

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

In particular, in September 2008, the Illinois State Attorney General’s Office proposed penalties totaling $240,000 related to a leak at a storage terminal in Chillicothe, Illinois that NuStar Energy previously owned through a joint

 

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venture with Center Oil Company until NuStar Energy sold its interest in October 2006. The leak was originally discovered and reported to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) in 2002. NuStar Energy is currently in settlement negotiations with IEMA to resolve this matter.

In February 2008, the DOJ advised NuStar Energy that the EPA has requested that the DOJ initiate a lawsuit against NuPOP for (a) failing to prepare adequate Facility Response Plans, as required by Section 311(j)(5) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1321(j), for certain of its pipeline terminals located in Region VII, by August 30, 1994, and (b) maintaining Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans at the terminal that deviate from the SPCC regulations, 40 C.F.R. §112.3. A Facility Response Plan is a plan for responding to a worst case discharge, and to a substantial threat of such a discharge, of oil or hazardous substances. The SPCC rule requires specific facilities to prepare, amend and implement plans to prevent, prepare and respond to oil discharges to navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. NuStar Energy is currently in settlement negotiations with the DOJ to resolve these matters.

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

In September 2009, an administrative complaint was filed by the EPA in Region III against NuStar Terminals Operations Partnership, L.P. (NTOP) and NuStar Terminals Services, Inc. (NTS). The administrative complaint alleges that certain violations occurred at NTOP’s Baltimore, Maryland terminal facility. The alleged violations include failure to comply with certain discharge limitations and certain monitoring and reporting obligations, as required by Section 301 of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. § 1311. The administrative complaint further alleges that NTOP and NTS violated certain provisions of the Code of Maryland Regulations, which the EPA is entitled to enforce on behalf of the State of Maryland pursuant to Section 3008(a) of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. § 6928(a). The total civil penalty sought by the EPA is $199,400. NuStar Energy has agreed to mediate this dispute.

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

 

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

No matters were submitted to a vote of the unitholders, through solicitation of proxies or otherwise, during the fourth quarter of the year ended December 31, 2009.

ITEM X. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

 

Name

     Age     

Position Held with NuStar GP, LLC

William E. Greehey

   73    Chairman of the Board

Curtis V. Anastasio

   53    President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Bradley C. Barron

   44    Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Steven A. Blank

   55    Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Thomas R. Shoaf

   51    Vice President and Controller

Mr. Greehey became the Chairman of the board of directors of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC in March 2006. He has also been the Chairman of the board of directors of NuStar GP, LLC since January 2002. Mr. Greehey served as Chairman of the board of directors of Valero Energy from 1979 through January 2007. Mr. Greehey was Chief Executive Officer of Valero Energy Corporation from 1979 through December 2005, and President of Valero Energy from 1998 until January 2003.

Mr. Anastasio became President and Chief Executive Officer of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC in March 2006, and has been a director of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC since January 2007. Mr. Anastasio has also served as the President and a director of NuStar GP, LLC since December 1999. He became its Chief Executive Officer in June 2000.

Mr. Barron became Senior Vice President and General Counsel of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and NuStar GP, LLC in April 2007. Mr. Barron also served as Secretary of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and NuStar GP, LLC from April 2007 to February 2009. He served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC from March 2006 until his promotion in April 2007. He also served as Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of NuStar GP, LLC from January 2006 until his promotion in April 2007. Mr. Barron served as Managing Counsel and Corporate Secretary of NuStar GP, LLC from July 2003 until January 2006. From January 2001 until July 2003, he served as Counsel, and then Senior Counsel, to Valero Energy.

Mr. Blank became Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC in March 2006. He has also served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of NuStar GP, LLC since January 2002, and he became NuStar GP, LLC’s Treasurer in July 2005. From December 1999 until January 2002, he was Chief Accounting and Financial Officer and a director of NuStar GP, LLC. He served as Vice President and Treasurer of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation from December 1996 until January 2002.

Mr. Shoaf became Vice President and Controller of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC in March 2006. He has also served as Vice President and Controller of NuStar GP, LLC since July 2005. Mr. Shoaf served as Vice President-Structured Finance of Valero Corporate Services Company, a subsidiary of Valero Energy, from 2001 until his appointment with NuStar GP, LLC.

 

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PART II

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

Market Information, Holders and Distributions

Our common units are listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “NSH.” At the close of business on February 5, 2010, we had 32 holders of record of our common units. The high and low sales prices (composite transactions) by quarter for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

    Price Range of

Common Unit

  
    High       Low   
Year 2009             

 

4th Quarter

  $     27.45     $     23.56   

3rd Quarter

  $     27.36     $     22.64   

2nd Quarter

  $     25.14     $     20.42   

1st Quarter

  $     22.07     $     17.16   

 

Year 2008

            

4th Quarter

  $     20.66     $     12.16   

3rd Quarter

  $     22.31     $     16.52   

2nd Quarter

  $     27.98     $     21.59   

1st Quarter

  $     29.89     $     22.25   

We are required by our limited liability company agreement to distribute all of our available cash at the end of each quarter, less reserves established by our board of directors. All of our distributions are made on our common units, which are our only class of security outstanding.

The cash distributions applicable to each of the quarters in the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

   Record Date    Payment Date    Amount
Per Unit

Year 2009

        

4th Quarter

   February 5, 2010    February 17, 2010    $  0.435

3rd Quarter

   November 5, 2009    November 17, 2009    $  0.435

2nd Quarter

   August 6, 2009    August 18, 2009    $  0.430

1st Quarter

   May 8, 2009    May 20, 2009    $  0.430

Year 2008

        

4th Quarter

   February 5, 2009    February 17, 2009    $  0.430

3rd Quarter

   November 5, 2008    November 14, 2008    $  0.430

2nd Quarter

   August 6, 2008    August 15, 2008    $  0.360

1st Quarter

   May 7, 2008    May 16, 2008    $  0.360

 

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The following Performance Graph is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, respectively.

The following line graph compares the cumulative total return* on an investment in our units against the cumulative total returns of the NYSE Composite Index and the Alerian MLP Index for the period commencing July 19, 2006, the date of our initial public offering, and ending December 31, 2009.

In our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2008, we included a Performance Graph comparing an investment in our units against the cumulative total returns of the S&P 500 Composite Index and the Alerian MLP Index. Going forward, we will use the NYSE Composite Index instead of the S&P 500 Composite Index. Because our units are traded on the NYSE and we are not currently a member of the S&P 500, we believe that this comparison is more useful to our unitholders.

LOGO

 

 
     7/06    9/06    12/06    3/07    6/07    9/07    12/07    3/08    6/08    9/08    12/08
 

NuStar GP Holdings, LLC

   100.00    86.03    111.37    126.05    175.43    143.95    133.66    119.98    104.11    85.68    88.48

NYSE Composite

   100.00    104.19    112.97    115.04    123.47    126.13    122.99    111.76    110.83    96.98    74.71

Alerian MLP

   100.00    105.45    117.50    133.13    143.33    128.60    131.92    121.59    125.80    104.68    86.49

 

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     3/09    6/09    9/09    12/09
 

NuStar GP Holdings, LLC

   105.54    120.57    131.43    145.26

NYSE Composite

   65.12    77.89    91.68    95.83

Alerian MLP

   97.49    114.40    129.96    152.39

This Performance Graph and the related textual information are based on historical data and are not indicative of future performance.

 

* Assumes that the value of the investment in our common units and each index (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100 on July 19, 2006. “Cumulative total return” is based on unit price appreciation plus reinvestment of distributions from July 19, 2006 through December 31, 2009.

 

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

We were acquired by Valero Energy Corporation (Valero Energy) in connection with its December 31, 2001 acquisition of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock. On June 1, 2006, Valero Energy contributed its ownership interest in NuStar GP, LLC to NuStar GP Holdings. Therefore, the consolidated financial statements of NuStar GP Holdings include NuStar GP, LLC, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., and Riverwalk Holdings, LLC. The following table sets forth, for the periods and at the dates indicated, selected historical financial data for NuStar GP Holdings:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
     (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)

Statement of Income Data:

              

Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.

   $ 65,573    $ 69,622    $ 46,176    $ 42,983    $ 37,646

Net income

     68,097      66,296      43,340      30,718      20,293

Basic and diluted earnings per unit (a)

     1.60      1.56      1.02      0.72      0.48

Cash distributions per unit (b)

     1.73      1.58      1.38      0.58      -

Other Financial Data:

              

Distributions received from NuStar Energy L.P.

   $ 76,585    $ 69,449    $ 59,579    $ 53,764    $ 44,745
     December 31,
     2009    2008    2007    2006    2005
     (Thousands of Dollars)

Balance Sheet Data:

              

Total assets

   $ 593,259    $ 572,833    $ 573,831    $ 570,493    $ 410,314

Total debt (c)

     14,300      6,500      3,000      -      265,961

Members’ equity (d)

     538,208      543,450      553,786      555,643      141,780

 

(a) On June 28, 2006, our existing membership interests were represented by 10,000,000 units. In conjunction with our initial public offering, we effected a 4.25-for-1 split, resulting in total outstanding units of 42,500,000. Prior to June 28, 2006, we had no units outstanding. Our earnings per unit amounts assume that 42,500,000 units were outstanding for all periods presented prior to June 28, 2006.
(b) The reported distribution per unit for the period between the closing of our initial public offering on July 19, 2006 and December 31, 2006 is prorated based on the actual number of days we were public and distributions of $0.64 per unit. For the period from July 1 - July 18, 2006, Valero Energy received 100% of our distributions. NuStar GP Holdings did not declare cash distributions on a per unit basis prior to the third quarter of 2006.
(c) Total debt as of December 31, 2005 represents notes payable by NuStar GP Holdings to subsidiaries of Valero Energy. On July 19, 2006, subsidiaries of Valero Energy made a capital contribution to us in the form of notes issued by us and held by those Valero Energy subsidiaries.
(d) Members’ equity as of December 31, 2006 is significantly higher than prior periods in the historical balance sheet due to the capital contribution of notes from Valero Energy subsidiaries discussed in footnote (c) above and the recognition of $158.0 million in credits upon the conversion of our NuStar Energy L.P. subordinated units to common units.

 

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

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

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

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

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

Overview

NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings) is a Delaware limited liability company. Our units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “NSH.” Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar GP Holdings, LLC,” “NuStar GP Holdings,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole.

Our only cash generating assets are our ownership interests in NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy), a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership (NYSE: NS). As of December 31, 2009, our aggregate ownership interests in NuStar Energy consisted of the following:

 

   

the 2% general partner interest;

 

   

100% of the incentive distribution rights (IDR) issued by NuStar Energy, which entitle us to receive increasing percentages of the cash distributed by NuStar Energy, currently at the maximum percentage of 23%; and

 

   

10,257,207 common units of NuStar Energy representing a 16.7% limited partner interest.

We account for our ownership interest in NuStar Energy using the equity method. Therefore, our financial results reflect a portion of NuStar Energy’s net income based on our ownership interest. We have no separate operating activities apart from those conducted by NuStar Energy and therefore generate no revenues from operations.

NuStar Energy is engaged in the terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt and fuels marketing. NuStar Energy has terminal facilities in the United States, the Netherlands Antilles, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

 

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NuStar Energy is required by its partnership agreement to distribute all of its available cash at the end of each quarter, less reserves established by its general partner, in its sole discretion, to provide for the proper conduct of NuStar Energy’s business. Similarly, we are required by our limited liability company agreement to distribute all of our available cash at the end of each quarter, less reserves established by our board of directors.

Recent Developments

In November 2009, NuStar Energy issued 5,750,000 common units at a price of $52.45 per unit. NuStar Energy received proceeds of $288.8 million, net of issuance cost. In conjunction with NuStar Energy’s issuance of common units, we contributed $6.2 million to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest and our ownership in NuStar Energy was reduced from 20.5% at December 31, 2008 to 18.7% at December 31, 2009.

Results of Operations

As discussed above, we account for our investment in NuStar Energy using the equity method. As a result, our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy, our only source of income, directly fluctuates with the amount of NuStar Energy’s distributions and results of operations. NuStar Energy’s distributions determine the amount of our incentive distribution earnings, while NuStar Energy’s results of operations determine the amounts of earnings attributable to our general partner and limited partner interests.

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

Financial Highlights

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

 

        Year Ended December 31,                
        2009             2008             Change  

Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy

  $     65,573        $     69,622        $     (4,049

General and administrative expenses

    (3,502       (2,831       (671

Other income (expense), net

    5,555          (379       5,934   

Interest expense, net

    (363       (214       (149
                           

Income before income tax benefit

    67,263          66,198          1,065   

Income tax benefit

    834          98          736   
                           

Net income

  $     68,097        $     66,296        $     1,801   
                           

Basic and diluted net income per unit

  $     1.60        $     1.56        $     0.04   
                           

Weighted average number of basic and diluted units outstanding

    42,505,534          42,501,586          3,948   
                           

 

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Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy

The following table summarizes NuStar Energy’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

        Year Ended December 31,              
        2009           2008           Change  
        (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)  

NuStar Energy Statement of Income Data:

               

Revenues

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

Cost of product sales

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

Operating expenses

    458,892       442,248       16,644   

Depreciation and amortization expense

    140,879       132,189       8,690   
                       

Segment operating income

    372,913       390,023       (17,110

General and administrative expenses

    94,733       76,430       18,303   

Other depreciation and amortization expense

    4,864       3,520       1,344   
                       

Operating income

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

Net income

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

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners

  $     3.47     $     4.22     $     (0.75

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

  $     4.245     $     4.085     $     0.1600   

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

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

The following table summarizes our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:

 

        Year Ended December 31,                
        2009             2008             Change  
    (Thousands of Dollars)   

NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy:

               

General partner interest

  $     3,924        $     4,586        $     (662

General partner incentive distribution (a)

    28,712          24,764          3,948   
                           

General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy

    32,636          29,350          3,286   

NuStar GP Holdings’ limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy

    35,821          43,156          (7,335

Amortization of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities

    (2,884       (2,884       -   
                           

NuStar GP Holdings’ equity in earnings of NuStar Energy

  $     65,573        $     69,622        $     (4,049
                           

 

  (a)

For the first quarter of 2008, NuStar Energy’s net income allocation to general and limited partners reflected total cash distributions based on the partnership interests outstanding as of March 31, 2008. NuStar Energy issued approximately 5.1 million common units in April 2008. Actual distribution payments are made within 45 days after the end of each quarter as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter. Therefore,

 

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our portion of the actual distributions made with respect to the year ended December 31, 2008, including the IDR, exceeded the net income allocated to us.

Our equity in earnings related to our general and limited partner interests in NuStar Energy decreased for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, due to a decrease in NuStar Energy’s net income.

NuStar Energy’s per unit distributions for the year ended December 31, 2009, increased compared to the year ended December 31, 2008, to $4.245 from $4.085. That increase, coupled with an increase in the number of NuStar Energy units outstanding resulting from the issuance of units in the fourth quarter of 2009, resulted in NuStar Energy increasing its total cash distributions. Since our IDR in NuStar Energy entitle us to an increasing amount of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions, our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy related to our IDR increased for the period.

Other income (expense), net

Other income (expense), net increased for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the year ended December 31, 2008 due to NuStar Energy’s issuance of 5,750,000 common units in November 2009. This issuance resulted in a gain of $5.4 million representing the increase in the value of our proportionate share of NuStar Energy’s capital, due to the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s revised requirements for equity method investments.

Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007

Financial Highlights

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

 

        Year Ended December 31,                
        2008             2007             Change  

Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy

  $     69,622        $     46,176        $     23,446   

General and administrative expenses

    (2,831       (2,897       66   

Other (expense) income, net

    (379       16          (395

Interest (expense) income, net

    (214       23          (237
                           

Income before income tax benefit

    66,198          43,318          22,880   

Income tax benefit

    98          22          76   
                           

Net income

  $     66,296        $     43,340        $     22,956   
                           

Basic and diluted net income per unit

  $     1.56        $     1.02        $     0.54   
                           

Weighted average number of basic and diluted units outstanding

    42,501,586          42,500,355          1,231   
                           

 

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The following table summarizes NuStar Energy’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

        Year Ended December 31,            
        2008           2007           Change
    (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)

NuStar Energy Statement of Income Data:

               

Revenues

  $     4,828,770     $     1,475,014     $     3,353,756

Cost of product sales

    3,864,310       742,972       3,121,338

Operating expenses

    442,248       357,235       85,013

Depreciation and amortization expense

    132,189       112,686       19,503
                     

Segment operating income

    390,023       262,121       127,902

General and administrative expenses

    76,430       67,915       8,515

Other depreciation and amortization expense

    3,520       1,607       1,913
                     

Operating income

  $     310,073     $     192,599     $     117,474
                     

Net income

  $     254,018     $     150,298     $     103,720

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners

  $     4.22     $     2.73     $     1.49

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

  $     4.085     $     3.835     $     0.250

NuStar Energy’s net income increased $103.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to an increase in segment operating income, partially offset by increases in interest expense, net and general and administrative expenses. NuStar Energy’s segment operating income increased $127.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to the year ended December 31, 2007, primarily due to a $91.4 million increase in operating income for the asphalt and fuels marketing segment, a $26.4 million increase in operating income for the storage segment and an $8.6 million increase in operating income for the transportation segment.

NuStar Energy’s segment operating income increased during the year ended December 31, 2008 primarily due to the acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations. In addition, NuStar Energy’s throughputs and earnings increased in 2008 due to a fire at the Valero Energy McKee refinery in February 2007, which shut down the refinery until mid-April 2007 and negatively impacted its transportation and storage segments during the year ended December 31, 2007. Finally, NuStar Energy’s 2008 earnings improved due to the leasing of additional storage capacity to customers from completed tank expansion projects.

The earnings of NuStar Energy’s asphalt and fuels marketing segment were negatively impacted by a hedging loss of $61.0 million in the second quarter of 2008 associated with certain crude oil futures contracts entered into concurrently with the acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations.

 

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The following table summarizes our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007:

 

        Year Ended December 31,              
        2008             2007             Change
    (Thousands of Dollars)

NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy:

               

General partner interest

  $     4,586        $     2,637        $     1,949

General partner incentive distribution (a)

    24,764          18,426          6,338
                         

General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy

    29,350          21,063          8,287

NuStar GP Holdings’ limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy

    43,156          27,997          15,159

Amortization of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities

    (2,884       (2,884       -
                         

NuStar GP Holdings’ equity in earnings of NuStar Energy

  $     69,622        $     46,176        $     23,446
                         

 

  (a) For the first quarter of 2008, NuStar Energy’s net income allocation to general and limited partners reflected total cash distributions based on the partnership interests outstanding as of March 31, 2008. NuStar Energy issued approximately 5.1 million common units in April 2008. Actual distribution payments are made within 45 days after the end of each quarter as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter. Therefore, our portion of the actual distributions made with respect to the year ended December 31, 2008, including the IDR, exceeded the net income allocated to us.

Higher earnings at NuStar Energy for the year ended December 31, 2008 increased our equity earnings related to our general and limited partner interests in NuStar Energy for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to the year ended December 31, 2007.

NuStar Energy’s per unit quarterly distributions for the year ended December 31, 2008 also increased compared to the year ended December 31, 2007, to $4.085 from $3.835. That increase, coupled with an increase in the number of NuStar Energy units outstanding resulting from the issuance of units in the fourth quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2008, resulted in NuStar Energy increasing its total cash distributions. Because our IDR in NuStar Energy entitle us to an increasing amount of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions, our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy related to our IDR also increased for the period.

Outlook

Overall, NuStar Energy expects its results for 2010 to improve compared to 2009. However, the outlook on NuStar Energy’s operations could change depending on the pace of the economic recovery and other economic conditions.

NuStar Energy’s Transportation Segment

NuStar Energy expects the transportation segment results for 2010 to be comparable to slightly lower than 2009. Throughputs for 2010 are forecasted to increase slightly compared to 2009, barring any major unplanned turnaround activity and excluding the impact from the sale of pipelines in 2009. However, NuStar Energy expects the tariffs on its pipelines regulated by the FERC, which adjust annually based upon changes in the producer price index, to decline slightly in July, when the adjustment takes effect. Even with the effect of the tariff rate decline, NuStar Energy’s overall tariff rate for 2010 should be slightly higher than 2009. If throughputs increase or if the cost of natural gas increases, NuStar Energy would expect its power expenses to increase in 2010 compared to 2009. The pace of the economic recovery, changes to refinery maintenance schedules, or other factors that impact overall demand for products NuStar Energy transports could affect its throughputs and revenues.

 

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NuStar Energy’s Storage Segment

For 2010, NuStar Energy expects its earnings for the storage segment to increase compared to 2009. NuStar Energy expects to benefit from a full year’s contribution of terminal expansion projects completed in 2009 and from new internal growth projects, a portion of which should be completed in 2010. In addition, NuStar Energy expects to benefit from renewal rates that increased significantly in 2009.

NuStar Energy’s Asphalt and Fuels Marketing Segment

The earnings of NuStar Energy’s asphalt and fuels marketing segment largely depend upon the margin earned by its asphalt operations. NuStar Energy’s margin results from the difference between the sales prices of its products and the purchase prices of its raw materials, principally crude oil. The prices of crude oil and the products produced by NuStar Energy’s asphalt operations fluctuate in response to many factors, such as changes in supply, demand, seasonality, market uncertainties and other factors.

NuStar Energy expects its results for 2010 to improve compared to 2009. Specifically, NuStar Energy expects asphalt supply levels to remain below recent averages due to lower U.S. refinery utilization rates, resulting in lower refinery production, including asphalt, and the continued lack of asphalt imports. Assuming the spending associated with the American Recovery and Revitalization Act and other federal highway and public transportation programs increases in 2010 over 2009 levels, NuStar Energy would expect an increase in demand for asphalt. If supply levels remain lower than historical averages and demand increases, it should result in a higher margin per barrel and increased sales volumes in NuStar Energy’s asphalt operations.

We expect our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy to increase or decrease consistent with NuStar Energy’s earnings.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

General

Our cash flows consist of distributions from NuStar Energy on our partnership interests, including all of the IDR that we own. Due to our ownership of NuStar Energy’s IDR, our portion of NuStar Energy’s total distributions may exceed our 18.7% ownership interest in NuStar Energy as of December 31, 2009. Our primary cash requirements are for distributions to members, capital contributions to maintain our 2% general partner interest in NuStar Energy in the event NuStar Energy issues additional units, debt service requirements, if any, benefit plan funding and general and administrative expenses. In addition, because NuStar GP, LLC elected to be treated as a taxable entity in August 2006, we may be required to pay income taxes, which may exceed the amount of tax expense recorded in the consolidated financial statements. We expect to fund our cash requirements primarily with the quarterly cash distributions we receive from NuStar Energy and borrowings under our revolving credit facility, if necessary. Additionally, NuStar Energy reimburses us for all costs incurred on their behalf, primarily employee-related costs.

Cash Distributions from NuStar Energy

NuStar Energy pays quarterly distributions within 45 days following the end of each quarter based on the partnership interests outstanding as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter. The table set forth below shows the cash distributions earned for the periods shown with respect to our ownership interests in NuStar Energy and IDR:

 

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

Cash distributions per unit

  $     4.245     $     4.085     $     3.835

Total cash distributions by NuStar Energy to all partners

  $     271,450     $     252,822     $     204,594

Cash distributions we received from NuStar Energy:

               

Distributions on our general partner interest

  $     5,430     $     5,058     $     4,092

Distributions on our IDR

    28,712       25,294       18,426

Distributions on our limited partnership interests

    43,557       41,827       39,205
                     

Total cash distributions to us

  $     77,699     $     72,179     $     61,723
                     

Distributions to us as a percentage of total cash distributions

    28.6%       28.5%       30.2%

 

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Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

Cash distributions received from NuStar Energy were $76.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2009, which we used principally to fund distributions to our unitholders totaling $73.3 million. We borrowed $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to fund our contribution to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest following its issuance of common units in November 2009, and for other capital resource requirements.

Cash distributions received from NuStar Energy were $69.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, which we used principally to fund distributions to our unitholders totaling $64.2 million. We borrowed $5.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 to fund our contribution to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest following its issuance of common units in April 2008.

Cash distributions received from NuStar Energy were $59.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2007, which we used principally to fund distributions to our unitholders totaling $57.0 million. We borrowed $3.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 to fund our contribution to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest following its issuance of common units in November 2007.

Credit Facility

Borrowings under our revolving credit facility are used to fund capital contributions to NuStar Energy to maintain our 2% general partner interest as NuStar Energy issues additional units and meet other liquidity and capital resource requirements.

On July 17, 2009, we entered into an amended and restated revolving credit facility (2009 Credit Facility) with terms and objectives substantially equivalent to those under our previous three-year revolving credit facility (2006 Credit Facility), which matured in July 2009. The 2009 Credit Facility has a borrowing capacity of up to $19.5 million and matures on July 16, 2010. Interest on the 2009 Credit Facility is based upon, at our option, either an alternative base rate plus 3.5% or a LIBOR-based rate plus 4.5%, which was 4.8% as of December 31, 2009. These interest rates are 3.5% to 4.0% higher than the rates that were in effect under the 2006 Credit Facility.

The 2009 Credit Facility includes $10 million available for letters of credit. Our obligations under the 2009 Credit Facility are unsecured. The 2009 Credit Facility contains customary covenants and provisions including limitations on indebtedness, liens, dispositions of material property, mergers and asset transfers.

Under the terms of the 2009 Credit Facility, NuStar Energy is required to maintain a total debt-to-EBITDA ratio of less than 5.0 to 1.0 for any four consecutive quarters, subject to adjustment following certain acquisitions, which was 4.1x as of December 31, 2009. We are also required to receive cash distributions of at least $25.0 million in respect of our ownership interests in NuStar Energy for the preceding four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of each fiscal quarter. Our management believes that we are in compliance with the covenants as of December 31, 2009.

As of December 31, 2009, we had availability of $5.2 million for borrowings or letters of credit under the 2009 Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate related to combined borrowings under both the 2009 Credit Facility and the 2006 Credit Facility for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 2.7%.

We are in discussions with the lenders to renew or replace our 2009 Credit Facility.

Investment in NuStar Energy

In November 2009, NuStar Energy issued approximately 5.8 million common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $52.45 resulting in net proceeds of $288.8 million and in April 2008 issued approximately 5.1 million common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $48.75 resulting in net proceeds of $236.2 million. In order to maintain our 2% general partner interest, we contributed $6.2 million to NuStar Energy in 2009 and $5.0 million to NuStar Energy in 2008.

 

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Cash Distributions to Unitholders

Our limited liability company agreement requires that, within 50 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash to the holders of record of our units on the applicable record date. Available cash is defined as all cash on hand at the end of any calendar quarter less the amount of cash reserves necessary or appropriate, as determined in good faith by our board of directors, to fund debt we may incur, if any, general and administrative expenses, future distributions and other miscellaneous uses of cash. The table set forth below shows our cash distributions applicable to the period in which the distributions were earned:

 

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

Cash distributions per unit

   $ 1.73    $ 1.58    $ 1.38

Total cash distributions

   $ 73,537    $ 67,153    $ 58,650

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Funded Status

During 2009, we contributed $9.0 million to our pension and postretirement benefit plans. We expect to contribute approximately $9.0 million to our pension and postretirement benefit plans in 2010, which principally represents contributions either required by regulations or laws or, with respect to unfunded plans, necessary to fund current benefits. We have not disclosed pension and postretirement funding beyond 2010 as the funding can vary from year to year based upon changes in the fair value of the plan assets and actuarial assumptions. Since costs incurred by us related to our pension and other retirement benefit plans are reimbursed by NuStar Energy, funding for these plans will primarily be provided by NuStar Energy.

Related Party Agreements

Agreements with NuStar Energy

Effective January 1, 2008, NuStar GP, LLC and NuStar Energy entered into a services agreement stating that NuStar Energy will reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for furnishing administrative and certain operating services necessary to conduct the business of NuStar Energy. We also have a non-compete agreement with NuStar Energy related to business opportunities. Please refer to Note 5 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion of agreements with NuStar Energy.

Employee Benefit Plans and Unit-Based Compensation

As of December 31, 2009, we sponsored the following employee benefit plans:

 

   

The NuStar Thrift Plan (the Thrift Plan), a qualified employee profit-sharing plan;

 

   

The NuStar Pension Plan, a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan;

 

   

The NuStar GP, LLC Excess Thrift Plan, a benefit plan to those employees whose compensation and/or annual contributions under the Thrift Plan are subject to the limitations applicable to qualified retirement plans;

 

   

The NuStar GP, LLC Excess Pension Plan and the NuStar GP, LLC Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, benefit plans to a select group of management or other highly compensated employees; and

 

   

The NuStar GP, LLC Retiree Benefits Plan, a post retirement medical benefits plan.

As of December 31, 2009, we had the following long-term incentive plans:

 

   

The Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 1,500,000 NuStar Energy (NS) common units;

 

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The 2002 Unit Option Plan, under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 200,000 NS unit options;

 

   

The 2003 Employee Unit Incentive Plan, under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 500,000 NS common units; and

 

   

The 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, under which NuStar GP Holdings may award up to 2,000,000 NuStar GP Holdings (NSH) units.

Please refer to Notes 12 and 13 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion of Employee Benefit Plans and Unit-Based Compensation.

NuStar Energy reimburses us for expenses incurred related to employee benefit plans at cost, and for long-term incentive plan compensation expenses resulting from NS and NSH awards to employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC. Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards to our non-employee directors are included in “General and administrative expenses” on our consolidated statements of income. Our current liabilities related to the long-term incentive plans and employee benefits are included in “Accrued compensation expense” and our noncurrent liabilities for employee benefits are included in “Employee benefit plan liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets.

The following table summarizes information pertaining to employee benefit plan and long-term incentive plan compensation expenses:

 

        Year Ended December 31,
        2009           2008           2007
        (Thousands of Dollars)

Expenses for payroll, employee-related benefit plans and unit-based compensation

  $     183,329     $     159,944     $     130,612

Other

    376       335       301
                     

Total related party transactions charged to NuStar Energy

  $     183,705     $     160,279     $     130,913
                     

Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards to non-employee directors

  $     225     $     392     $     28

Other

As of December 31, 2009, we had no future minimum payments applicable to non-cancellable operating leases and purchase obligations, or interest payments.

Contingencies

As previously discussed, our only cash-generating assets are our indirect ownership interests in NuStar Energy. NuStar Energy is subject to certain loss contingencies, the outcome of which could have a material effect on NuStar Energy’s results of operations and cash flows. Please refer to Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data” for a more detailed discussion of contingencies.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The following summary provides further information about our critical accounting policies that involve critical accounting estimates, and should be read in conjunction with Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,” which summarizes our significant accounting policies. The following accounting policies involve estimates that are considered critical due to the level of sensitivity and judgment involved, as well as the impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. We believe that all of our estimates are reasonable.

 

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Investment in NuStar Energy

We evaluate our investment in NuStar Energy for impairment if and when there is evidence that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of our investment or that NuStar Energy is unable to sustain an earnings capacity that justifies the carrying amount. A loss in the value of our investment that is other than a temporary decline is recognized currently in earnings based on the difference between the estimated current fair value of the investment and our carrying amount. In order to determine fair value, our management must make certain estimates and assumptions regarding NuStar Energy’s operations, including, among other things, an assessment of market conditions, projected cash flows, interest rates and growth rates that could significantly impact the fair value of our investment. Due to the significant subjectivity of the assumptions used to determine fair value, changes in market conditions and/or changes in assumptions could result in significant impairment charges in the future, thus affecting our earnings. We believe that the carrying amount of our investment in NuStar Energy, as of December 31, 2009, is recoverable.

Unit-Based Compensation

We account for awards of NS unit options, performance awards and restricted units to employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC at fair value, whereby a liability for the award is initially recorded and subsequent changes in the fair value are included in the determination of net income. The fair value of NS unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at each reporting date. The fair value of NS restricted units equals the market price of NS common units at each reporting date. We record compensation expense each reporting period such that the cumulative compensation expense equals the portion of the award’s current fair value that has vested. We record compensation expense related to NS unit options until such options are exercised, and we record compensation expense for NS restricted units and performance awards until the date of vesting. NS performance awards vest only upon NuStar Energy’s achievement of an objective performance measure.

We account for awards of NSH restricted units and unit options granted to employees of NuStar GP, LLC and our directors based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date. The fair value of NSH unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date and the fair value of the NSH restricted units equals the market price of NSH common units at the grant date. Compensation expense for NSH restricted units and unit options is recognized ratably over the vesting period based on the initial fair value determination.

We make certain assumptions to determine the fair value of NS and NSH unit options related to the expected life of the option, volatility of the related units, expected dividend yield and risk-free interest rate. Changes in these assumptions impact the amount of expense associated with the award and the amount of our liability.

 

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Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations

We have significant pension and postretirement benefit liabilities and costs that are developed from actuarial valuations. Inherent in these valuations are key assumptions including discount rates, expected return on plan assets, future compensation increases and health care cost trend rates. Changes in these assumptions are primarily influenced by factors outside our control. For example, the discount rate assumption is based on a hypothetical yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual discount rates. Each bond issue underlying the hypothetical yield curve required a minimum rating of AA or better by Moody Investor Service, Inc. or a rating of AA or better by Standard & Poor’s. The resulting discount rates were 6.2% and 6.1% for pension and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively, as of December 31, 2009. These assumptions can have an effect on the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements. For example, a 0.25% decrease in the discount rate or expected return on plan assets or a 0.25% increase in the rate of compensation increase would have the following effects (in thousands):

 

     Pension Benefits   

Other

Postretirement

Benefits

Increase in benefit obligation as of December 31, 2009 from:

     

Discount rate decrease

   $  1,983            $   531        

Compensation rate increase

   815            n/a        

Increase in net periodic benefit cost for the year ending December 31, 2010 resulting from:

     

Discount rate decrease

   $     773            $     67        

Expected return on plan assets decrease

   77            n/a        

Compensation rate increase

   372            n/a        

 

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

None.

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our management assessed the effectiveness of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009. In its evaluation, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organization of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management believes that, as of December 31, 2009, our internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

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

The effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009 has been audited by KPMG LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-K. KPMG LLP’s attestation on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting appears on page 44.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Members

of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, members’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Notes 2 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for sales of units by NuStar Energy L.P. in 2009 upon adoption of EITF 08-6 “Equity Method Investment Accounting Considerations.”

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

  /s/    KPMG LLP
San Antonio, Texas  
February 26, 2010  

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Members

of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC:

We have audited NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries’ (the Company’s) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, partners’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, and our report dated February 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

  /s/    KPMG LLP
San Antonio, Texas  
February 26, 2010  

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

          December 31,  
          2009               2008  
Assets              

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

   $      371         $      1,791   

Receivable from NuStar Energy L.P.

      10,639            3,441   

Income tax receivable

      5,798            722   

Other receivables

      795            771   

Prepaid expenses

      353            219   

Deferred income tax assets, net

      1,198            1,860   
                     

Total current assets

      19,154            8,804   
                     

Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.

      559,519            553,921   

Long-term receivable from NuStar Energy L.P.

      7,663            6,645   

Deferred income tax assets, net

      6,923            3,463   
                     

Total assets

   $      593,259         $      572,833   
                     
Liabilities and Members’ Equity              

Current liabilities:

             

Short-term debt

   $      14,300         $      -   

Current portion of long-term debt

      -            6,500   

Accounts payable

      351            340   

Accrued compensation expense

      14,593            6,445   

Accrued liabilities

      829            727   

Taxes other than income tax

      848            908   
                     

Total current liabilities

      30,921            14,920   
                     

Employee benefit plan liabilities

      24,130            14,463   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)

             

Members’ equity

      545,200            549,236   

Accumulated other comprehensive income:

             

Share of NuStar Energy L.P.’s other comprehensive income (loss)

      1,455            (2,907

Pension adjustments, net of tax

      (8,447         (2,879
                     

Total accumulated other comprehensive loss

      (6,992         (5,786
                     

Total members’ equity

      538,208            543,450   
                     

Total liabilities and members’ equity

   $      593,259         $      572,833   
                     

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

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

 

          Year Ended December 31,  
          2009               2008               2007  

Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.

   $      65,573         $      69,622         $      46,176   

General and administrative expenses

      (3,502         (2,831         (2,897

Other income (expense), net

      5,555            (379         16   

Interest expense, net

      (363         (214         23   
                                 

Income before income tax benefit

      67,263            66,198            43,318   

Income tax benefit

      834            98            22   
                                 

Net income

   $      68,097         $      66,296         $      43,340   
                                 

Basic and diluted net income per unit

   $      1.60         $      1.56         $      1.02   
                                 

Weighted average number of basic and diluted units outstanding

      42,505,534            42,501,586            42,500,355   
                                 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

        Year Ended December 31,  
        2009             2008             2007  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

               

Net income

  $     68,097        $     66,296        $     43,340   

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

               

Equity in earnings of NuStar Energy L.P.

    (65,573       (69,622       (46,176

Distributions of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.

    65,746          69,449          46,176   

Gain related to issuance of NuStar Energy L.P. limited partner units

    (5,390       -          -   

Provision (benefit) for deferred income tax

    712          (1,525       79   

Increase in employee benefit plan liabilities

    465          1,953          612   

Changes in current assets and liabilities (Note 8)

    (3,145       259          2,846   

Other, net

    (958       (793       (915
                           

Net cash provided by operating activities

    59,954          66,017          45,962   
                           

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

               

Distributions in excess of equity in earnings from NuStar Energy L.P.

    10,839          -          13,403   

Investment in NuStar Energy L.P.

    (11,037       (8,236       (5,945

Proceeds from sale of NuStar Energy L.P. units in connection with employee benefit plans

    4,344          1,526          2,664   

Other, net

    -          (80       -   
                           

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

    4,146          (6,790       10,122   
                           

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

               

Short-term debt borrowings

    14,300          -          -   

Long-term debt borrowings

    -          5,000          3,000   

Repayment of long-term debt

    (6,500       (1,500       -   

Distributions to unitholders

    (73,320       (64,176       (56,951
                           

Net cash used in financing activities

    (65,520       (60,676       (53,951
                           

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (1,420       (1,449       2,133   

Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period

    1,791          3,240          1,107   
                           

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period

  $     371        $     1,791        $     3,240   
                           

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF MEMBERS’ EQUITY

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data)

 

    Units          

Members’

Equity

           

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

Income

            Total  

Balance as of January 1, 2007

  42,500,000     $     554,884        $     759        $     555,643   

Net income

  -       43,340          -          43,340   

Other Comprehensive Income:

                   

Share of NuStar Energy L.P.’s other comprehensive income

  -       -          4,391          4,391   

Pension adjustment, net of tax expense of $1,102

  -       -          1,862          1,862   

Other

  -       -          21          21   
                                 

Total comprehensive income

  -       43,340          6,274          49,614   
                                 

Distributions to unitholders

  -       (56,951       -          (56,951

Credits related to issuance of NuStar Energy L.P. limited partner units

  -       4,929          -          4,929   

Unit-based compensation

  990       551          -          551   
                                 

Balance as of December 31, 2007

  42,500,990       546,753          7,033          553,786   
                                 

Net Income

  -       66,296          -          66,296   

Other Comprehensive Income:

                   

Share of NuStar Energy L.P.’s other comprehensive loss

  -       -          (8,892       (8,892

Pension adjustment, net of tax benefit of $2,273

  -       -          (3,944       (3,944

Other

  -       -          17          17   
                                 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  -       66,296          (12,819       53,477   
                                 

Distributions to unitholders

  -       (64,176       -          (64,176

Charges related to issuance of NuStar Energy L.P. limited partner units

  -       (757       -          (757

Unit-based compensation

  2,794       1,120          -          1,120   
                                 

Balance as of December 31, 2008

  42,503,784       549,236          (5,786       543,450   
                                 

Net Income

  -       68,097          -          68,097   

Other Comprehensive Income:

                   

Share of NuStar Energy L.P.’s other comprehensive income

  -       -          4,362          4,362   

Pension adjustment, net of tax benefit of $3,510

  -       -          (5,682       (5,682

Other

  -       -          114          114   
                                 

Total comprehensive income (loss)

  -       68,097          (1,206       66,891   
                                 

Distributions to unitholders

  -       (73,320       -          (73,320

Unit-based compensation

  10,710       1,187          -          1,187   
                                 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

  42,514,494     $     545,200        $     (6,992     $     538,208   
                                 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008, and 2007

1. ORGANIZATION, BASIS OF PRESENTATION, AND PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

Organization

NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings) (NYSE: NSH), a publicly held Delaware limited liability company, was formed in June 2000. Valero Energy Corporation (Valero Energy) acquired us in connection with its December 31, 2001 acquisition of Ultramar Diamond Shamrock Corporation (2001 Acquisition). In two separate public offerings in 2006, Valero Energy sold all of their ownership interest in us and we did not receive any proceeds from either public offering.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar GP Holdings, LLC,” “NuStar GP Holdings,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole.

Our unitholders have no liability under our limited liability company agreement, or for any of our debts, obligations or liabilities, in their capacity as a unitholder.

We have no operations or sources of income or cash flows other than our investment in NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy) (NYSE: NS). On December 31, 2009, we owned approximately 18.7% of NuStar Energy, consisting of the following:

 

   

the 2% general partner interest;

 

   

100% of the incentive distribution rights (IDR) issued by NuStar Energy, which entitle us to receive increasing percentages of the cash distributed by NuStar Energy, currently at the maximum percentage of 23%; and

 

   

10,257,207 common units of NuStar Energy representing a 16.7% limited partner interest.

NuStar Energy is a publicly held Delaware limited partnership engaged in the terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt and fuels marketing. NuStar Energy has terminal facilities in the United States, the Netherlands Antilles, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation

These accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of NuStar GP Holdings and subsidiaries in which it has a controlling interest. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

 

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Investment in NuStar Energy

We account for our 18.7% investment in NuStar Energy using the equity method. As the general partner, we exercise significant influence over NuStar Energy even though our ownership did not exceed 20% as of December 31, 2009. We evaluate our investment in NuStar Energy for impairment when there is evidence that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of our investment or that the investee is unable to sustain an earnings capacity that justifies the carrying amount. We recognize a loss in the value of our investment that is other than a temporary decline currently in earnings based on the difference between the estimated current fair value of the investment and our carrying amount. We believe that the carrying amount of our investment in NuStar Energy as of December 31, 2009 is recoverable.

Accounting for Sales of Units by NuStar Energy

In November 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued revised requirements for equity method investments. Effective January 1, 2009 we adopted these revised requirements, and began to account for issuances of common units by NuStar Energy as if we had sold a proportionate share of our investment, such that we record any gain or loss in earnings. Prior to adopting this revised requirement, we accounted for increases or decreases in our investment in NuStar Energy resulting from its sales of common units directly in “Members’ equity,” in accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 51, “Accounting for Sales of Stock by a Subsidiary.” Please refer to Note 4 for a description of the 2009 and 2008 issuances of common units by NuStar Energy.

Income Taxes

We are a limited liability company taxed as a partnership and generally are not subject to federal or state income taxes. Accordingly, our taxable income or loss, which may vary substantially from income or loss reported for financial reporting purposes, is generally included in the federal and state income tax returns of our unitholders. For transfers of publicly held units subsequent to our initial public offering, we have made an election permitted by Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code) to adjust the common unit purchaser’s tax basis in our underlying assets to reflect the purchase price of the units. This results in an allocation of taxable income and expenses to the purchaser of the common units, including depreciation deductions and gains and losses on sales of assets, based upon the new unitholder’s purchase price for the common units.

On August 14, 2006, NuStar GP, LLC elected to be treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes under Treasury Regulation §301.7701-3(a). We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, we recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. We measure deferred taxes using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the year those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Income tax expense includes federal and state income and withholding taxes currently payable and deferred federal and state income taxes resulting from temporary differences between financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities when such differences exist. NuStar GP Holdings or certain of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state purposes, tax years subject to examination are 2005 through 2009.

We recognize a tax position if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained, based on the technical merits of the position, upon examination. We record uncertain tax positions in the financial statements at the largest amount of benefit that is more likely than not to be realized. We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

Unit-Based Compensation

We account for awards of NS unit options, performance awards and restricted units to employees and directors of NuStar GP, LLC at fair value, whereby a liability for the award is initially recorded and subsequent changes in the fair value are included in the determination of net income. The fair value of NS unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at each reporting date. The fair value of NS restricted units equals the market price of NS common

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

units at each reporting date. We record compensation expense each reporting period such that the cumulative compensation expense equals the portion of the award’s current fair value that has vested. We record compensation expense related to NS unit options until such options are exercised, and we record compensation expense for NS restricted units and performance awards until the date of vesting. NS performance awards vest only upon NuStar Energy’s achievement of an objective performance measure.

We account for awards of NSH restricted units and unit options granted to employees of NuStar GP, LLC and our directors based on the fair value of the awards at the grant date. The fair value of NSH unit options is determined using the Black-Scholes model at the grant date and the fair value of the NSH restricted units equals the market price of NSH common units at the grant date. Compensation expense for NSH restricted units and unit options is recognized ratably over the vesting period based on the initial fair value determination.

The liability for awards of NS unit options, performance awards and restricted units is included in “Accrued compensation expense” on our consolidated balance sheets. NuStar Energy reimburses us for the expenses resulting from NS awards and NSH awards to employees providing services to NuStar Energy. Expenses resulting from NSH awards to our non-employee directors are included in “General and administrative expenses” on our consolidated statements of income.

We recognize compensation expense using the non-substantive vesting period approach, whereby compensation expense is recognized immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible employees or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved if that date is expected to occur during the nominal vesting period.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

We recognize the overfunded or underfunded status of our defined benefit pension or postretirement plans as an asset or a liability as of the balance sheet dates. We record changes in the funded status of our plans as a component of comprehensive income in the year the changes occur.

Reclassifications

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

3. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued additional guidance that requires new disclosures for significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and additional information on the roll forward of Level 3 fair value measurements. This guidance also clarified the existing provisions on determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities to be reported and disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. This additional guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, with the exception of the new requirements in the Level 3 roll forward, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. We adopted these provisions effective January 1, 2010 and do not expect them to have a material impact on our disclosures.

In August 2009, the FASB clarified the guidance on the fair value measurement of liabilities for circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. This guidance is effective the first reporting period after issuance. Accordingly, we adopted these provisions effective October 1, 2009, and they did not materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB amended certain requirements related to variable interest entities (VIEs), including the requirements for determining whether an entity is a VIE or the primary beneficiary of a VIE. In addition, the amended requirements include additional disclosures about an entity’s involvement with a VIE. These amended requirements become effective as of the beginning of a company’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within that first annual reporting period. Accordingly, we will be required to comply with the

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

amended requirements on January 1, 2010 and do not expect them to materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

4. INVESTMENT IN NUSTAR ENERGY

In November 2009, NuStar Energy issued 5,750,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $52.45 per unit. NuStar Energy received proceeds of $288.8 million, net of issuance cost. In conjunction with NuStar Energy’s issuance of common units, we contributed $6.2 million to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest and our ownership in NuStar Energy was reduced from 20.5% at December 31, 2008 to 18.7% at December 31, 2009. This issuance resulted in a gain of $5.4 million or $0.13 per unit included in “Other income (expense), net” on our consolidated statement of income, representing the increase in the value of our proportionate share of NuStar Energy’s capital.

In April 2008, NuStar Energy issued 5,050,800 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $48.75 per unit, which reduced our ownership from 22.3% at December 31, 2007 to 20.5% at December 31, 2008. NuStar Energy received proceeds of $236.2 million, net of issuance cost, and we contributed $5.0 million to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest. This issuance resulted in a charge of $0.8 million, reflected in “Members’ equity” on the consolidated balance sheet, due to the decrease in the value of our proportionate share of NuStar Energy’s capital.

Summary Financial Information

Condensed financial information reported by NuStar Energy is summarized below:

 

        December 31,
        2009           2008
        (Thousands of Dollars)

Balance Sheet Information:

         

Current assets

  $     734,719     $     486,486

Property, plant and equipment, net

    3,028,196       2,941,824

Goodwill

    807,742       806,330

Other long-term assets, net

    204,016       224,957
             

Total assets

  $     4,774,673     $     4,459,597
             

Current liabilities

  $     338,754     $     252,024

Long-term debt, less current portion

    1,828,993       1,872,015

Other long-term liabilities

    121,958       128,561
             

Total liabilities

    2,289,705       2,252,600

Partners’ equity

    2,484,968       2,206,997
             

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

  $     4,774,673     $     4,459,597
             

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2009    2008    2007
     (Thousands of Dollars)

Statement of Income Information:

        

Revenues

   $ 3,855,871    $ 4,828,770    $ 1,475,014

Operating income

     273,316      310,073      192,599

Net income

     224,875      254,018      150,298

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Other

Our investment in NuStar Energy reconciles to NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity as follows:

 

          December 31,
          2009            2008
          (Thousands of Dollars)

NuStar Energy’s total partners’ equity

   $      2,484,968      $     2,206,997

NuStar GP Holdings’ ownership interest in NuStar Energy

      18.7%        20.5%
                

NuStar GP Holdings’ share of NuStar Energy’s partners’ equity

      464,689        452,434

Step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, and other

      94,830        101,487
                

Investment in NuStar Energy

   $      559,519      $     553,921
                

The step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities, including equity method goodwill, reflected in the table above relates to purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the 2001 Acquisition. The amount represents the unamortized excess of the fair value over carrying amount applicable to Valero Energy’s proportionate 73.6% interest in NuStar Energy’s identifiable assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2001 of which $81.8 million is being amortized as a reduction to equity in earnings of NuStar Energy over approximately 28 years. This amount also includes the portion of goodwill resulting from the 2001 Acquisition that was attributed to our investment in NuStar Energy. Since 26.4% of the equity interest in NuStar Energy was owned by public unitholders as of the date of the 2001 Acquisition, a significant portion of the total ownership interest in NuStar Energy was deemed to be held by the public according to GAAP, thereby preventing us from adjusting the reported financial statements of NuStar Energy.

The following table summarizes our equity in earnings of NuStar Energy:

 

         Year Ended December 31,  
         2009              2008              2007  
         (Thousands of Dollars)  

NuStar GP Holdings’ Equity in Earnings of NuStar Energy:

                  

General partner interest

   $     3,924         $     4,586         $     2,637   

General partner incentive distribution (a)

     28,712           24,764           18,426   
                              

General partner’s interest in earnings and incentive distributions of NuStar Energy

     32,636           29,350           21,063   

NuStar GP Holdings’ limited partner interest in earnings of NuStar Energy

     35,821           43,156           27,997   

Amortization of step-up in basis related to NuStar Energy’s assets and liabilities

     (2,884        (2,884        (2,884
                              

NuStar GP Holdings’ equity in earnings of NuStar Energy

   $     65,573         $     69,622         $     46,176   
                              

 

  (a) For the first quarter of 2008, NuStar Energy’s net income allocation to general and limited partners reflected total cash distributions based on the partnership interests outstanding as of March 31, 2008. NuStar Energy issued approximately 5.1 million common units in April 2008. Actual distribution payments are made within 45 days after the end of each quarter as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter. Therefore, our portion of the actual distributions made with respect to the year ended December 31, 2008, including the IDR, exceeded the net income allocated to us.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

5. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

General

We manage NuStar Energy through our ownership of NuStar GP, LLC and Riverwalk Holdings, LLC, which own Riverwalk Logistics L.P., the general partner of NuStar Energy. Our officers are also officers of NuStar GP, LLC. The Chairman of our Board of Directors, William E. Greehey, is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC. The Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC is responsible for overseeing NuStar GP, LLC’s role as the general partner of the general partner of NuStar Energy, and we, as the sole owner of NuStar GP, LLC, must also approve matters that have or would reasonably be expected to have a material effect on our interests as the sole owner of NuStar GP, LLC.

We had a receivable from NuStar Energy of $10.6 million and $3.4 million, as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, relating to payroll, employee-related benefit plan expenses and unit-based compensation. We also had a long-term receivable of $7.7 million and $6.6 million from NuStar Energy as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, related to amounts payable for retiree medical benefits and other post-employment benefits. The following table represents total related party transactions charged to NuStar Energy:

 

         Year Ended December 31,
         2009             2008            2007
         (Thousands of Dollars)

Expenses for payroll, employee-related benefit plans and unit-based compensation

   $     183,329      $      159,944      $     130,612

Other

     376         335        301
                         

Total related party transactions charged to NuStar Energy

   $     183,705      $      160,279      $     130,913
                         

GP Services Agreement

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

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

Effective as of January 1, 2008, NuStar Energy and NuStar GP, LLC entered into the GP Services Agreement. The GP Services Agreement provides that NuStar GP, LLC will furnish administrative and certain operating services necessary to conduct the business of NuStar Energy. All employees providing services to both NuStar GP Holdings and NuStar Energy are employed by NuStar GP, LLC; therefore, NuStar Energy reimburses NuStar GP, LLC for all employee costs, other than the expenses allocated to NuStar GP Holdings (the Holdco Administrative Services Expense). For the 2009 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totals $1.1 million plus 1.0% of NuStar GP, LLC’s domestic bonus and unit compensation expense, subject to certain other adjustments. For 2008, the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totaled $0.8 million plus 1.0% of NuStar GP LLC’s domestic bonus and unit compensation expense. The GP Services Agreement will terminate on December 31, 2012, with automatic two-year renewals unless terminated by either party upon six months’ prior written notice. The aggregate amount of expenses we incurred related to the Administration Agreement and the GP Services Agreement were $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Non-Compete Agreement

On July 19, 2006, in connection with our initial public offering, we entered into a non-compete agreement with NuStar Energy (the Non-Compete Agreement). Under the Non-Compete Agreement, we will have a right of first refusal with respect to the potential acquisition of general partner and other equity interests in publicly traded partnerships under common ownership with the general partner interest. NuStar Energy has a right of first refusal with respect to the potential acquisition of assets that relate to the transportation, storage or terminalling of crude oil, feedstocks or refined petroleum products (including petrochemicals) in the United States and internationally. With respect to any other business opportunities, neither we nor NuStar Energy are prohibited from engaging in any business, even if we and NuStar Energy would have a conflict of interest with respect to such other business opportunity. The Non-Compete Agreement remains in effect for so long as we or any of our affiliates own 20% or more of NuStar GP, LLC or Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.

6. DISTRIBUTIONS FROM NUSTAR ENERGY

NuStar Energy’s partnership agreement, as amended, determines the amount and priority of cash distributions that NuStar Energy’s common unitholders and general partner may receive. We, as NuStar Energy’s general partner, are entitled to incentive distributions if the amount NuStar Energy distributes with respect to any quarter exceeds $0.60 per unit, with the maximum percentage of 23% of the amount of any quarterly distribution in excess of $0.66 per unit. We also receive a 2% distribution with respect to our general partner interest.

The following table reflects the allocation of NuStar Energy’s cash distributions earned for the period indicated among its general and limited partners:

 

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

General partner interest

   $     5,430       $     5,058       $     4,092

General partner incentive distribution

     28,712         25,294         18,426
                          

Total general partner distribution

     34,142         30,352         22,518

Limited partner distribution

     43,557         41,827         39,205
                          

Total distributions to NuStar GP Holdings

     77,699         72,179         61,723

Public unitholders’ distributions

     193,751         180,643         142,871
                          

Total cash distributions

   $     271,450       $     252,822       $     204,594
                          

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

   $     4.245       $     4.085       $     3.835
                          

In January 2010, NuStar Energy declared a quarterly cash distribution of $1.065 which was paid on February 12, 2010 to unitholders of record on February 5, 2010. This distribution related to the fourth quarter of 2009 and totaled $73.4 million.

7. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

In April 2009, the FASB revised its existing disclosure requirements for the fair value of financial instruments to include the disclosure of the fair value of all financial instruments, whether or not recognized at fair value in the balance sheet, along with the related carrying value and methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value. Our only financial instrument is our revolving credit facility, which bears interest at a variable rate that floats with market rates, and thus the fair value of any outstanding borrowings would approximate its carrying amount.

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

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

We have applied fair value recognition and disclosure provisions for financial assets and liabilities and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are re-measured at least annually as of January 1, 2008. As permitted, we applied the provisions for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis on January 1, 2009, which did not affect our financial position or results of operations.

The following liabilities are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:

 

        December 31, 2009
        Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total
        (Thousands of Dollars)

Accrued compensation expense:

                     

NuStar Energy restricted units

  $     8,689     $     -     $     -     $     8,689

NuStar Energy unit options

    -       5,418       -       5,418
                             

Total

  $     8,689     $     5,418     $     -     $     14,107
                             
        December 31, 2008
        Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total
        (Thousands of Dollars)

Accrued compensation expense:

                     

NuStar Energy restricted units

  $     4,486     $     -     $     -     $     4,486

NuStar Energy unit options

    -       1,556       -       1,556
                             

Total

  $     4,486     $     1,556     $     -     $     6,042
                             

8. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Changes in current assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

        Year Ended December 31,  
        2009             2008             2007  
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Decrease (increase) in current assets:

               

Receivable from NuStar Energy

  $     (6,122     $     (3,441     $     2,315   

Income tax receivable

    (5,076       2,148          (2,870

Other receivables

    (24       (681       534   

Prepaid expenses

    (134       12          (21

Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:

               

Accounts payable

    11          169          171   

Payable to NuStar Energy

    -          (56       1,337   

Income tax payable

    -          -          (811

Accrued compensation expense

    8,158          2,472          896   

Accrued liabilities

    102          (161       184   

Taxes other than income tax

    (60       (203       1,111   
                           

Changes in current assets and liabilities

  $     (3,145     $     259        $     2,846   
                           

Cash flows related to interest and income taxes were as follows:

 

        Year Ended December 31,
        2009           2008             2007
        (Thousands of Dollars)

Cash paid for interest

  $     221     $          230        $     38

Cash paid (refunded) for income taxes, net

      3,523       (718         3,581

 

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Non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 included:

 

   

SAB 51 credits/charges recognized in conjunction with NuStar Energy’s issuance of common units in 2008 and 2007;

 

   

Adjustments to our Investment in NuStar Energy and accumulated other comprehensive income through recognition of our proportionate share of NuStar Energy’s accumulated other comprehensive income; and

 

   

Pension funding adjustments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

9. CREDIT FACILITY

Borrowings under our revolving credit facility are used to fund capital contributions to NuStar Energy to maintain our 2% general partner interest as NuStar Energy issues additional units and meet other liquidity and capital resource requirements.

On July 17, 2009, we entered into an amended and restated revolving credit facility (2009 Credit Facility) with terms and objectives substantially equivalent to those under our previous three-year revolving credit facility (2006 Credit Facility), which matured in July 2009. The 2009 Credit Facility has a borrowing capacity of up to $19.5 million and matures on July 16, 2010. Interest on the 2009 Credit Facility is based upon, at our option, either an alternative base rate plus 3.5% or a LIBOR-based rate plus 4.5%, which was 4.8% as of December 31, 2009. These interest rates are 3.5% to 4.0% higher than the rates that were in effect under the 2006 Credit Facility.

The 2009 Credit Facility includes $10 million available for letters of credit. Our obligations under the 2009 Credit Facility are unsecured. The 2009 Credit Facility contains customary covenants and provisions including limitations on indebtedness, liens, dispositions of material property, mergers and asset transfers.

Under the terms of the 2009 Credit Facility, NuStar Energy is required to maintain a total debt-to-EBITDA ratio of less than 5.0 to 1.0 for any four consecutive quarters, subject to adjustment following certain acquisitions, which was 4.1x as of December 31, 2009. We are also required to receive cash distributions of at least $25.0 million in respect of our ownership interests in NuStar Energy for the preceding four fiscal quarters ending on the last day of each fiscal quarter. Our management believes that we are in compliance with the covenants as of December 31, 2009.

We borrowed $14.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 to fund our contribution to NuStar Energy in order to maintain our 2% general partner interest following its issuance of common units in November 2009, and for other capital resource requirements. As of December 31, 2009, we had availability of $5.2 million for borrowings or letters of credit under the 2009 Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate related to combined borrowings under both the 2009 Credit Facility and the 2006 Credit Facility for the year ended December 31, 2009 was 2.7%.

10. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation and Environmental Matters

We are not currently a party to any material legal proceedings. However, NuStar Energy is subject to certain loss contingencies, the outcome of which could have an effect on NuStar Energy’s results of operations and ability to pay distributions, which would impact our results of operations and ability to pay distributions. NuStar Energy’s material contingent liabilities resulting from various litigation, claims and commitments are discussed below.

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

 

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

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

Eres Matter. In August 2008, Eres N.V. (Eres) forwarded a demand for arbitration to CITGO Asphalt Refining Company (CARCO), CITGO Petroleum Corporation (CITGO), NuStar Asphalt Refining, LLC (NuStar Asphalt) and NuStar Marketing LLC (NuStar Marketing, and together with CARCO, CITGO and NuStar Asphalt, the Defendants) contending that the Defendants are in breach of a tanker voyage charter party agreement, dated November 2004, between Eres and CARCO (the Charter Agreement). The Charter Agreement provides for CARCO’s use of Eres’ vessels for the shipment of asphalt. Eres contends that NuStar Asphalt and/or NuStar Marketing (together, the NuStar Entities) assumed the Charter Agreement when NuStar Asphalt purchased the CARCO assets, and that the Defendants have failed to perform under the Charter Agreement since January 1, 2008. Eres seeks to compel the Defendants to arbitrate a breach of contract claim in which Eres values its damages at approximately $78.1 million. CITGO/CARCO also contend that the NuStar Entities assumed the Eres contract and they have demanded that the NuStar Entities defend and indemnify them against Eres’ claims. Eres’ motion to compel arbitration and CITGO/CARCO’s indemnity claims are currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. NuStar Energy intends to vigorously defend against these claims.

Department of Justice Matter. In February 2008, the DOJ advised NuStar Energy that the EPA has requested that the DOJ initiate a lawsuit against NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P. (NuPOP) for (a) failing to prepare adequate Facility Response Plans, as required by Section 311(j)(5) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1321(j), for certain of its pipeline terminals located in Region VII, by August 30, 1994, and (b) maintaining Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) plans at the terminal that deviate from the SPCC regulations, 40 C.F.R. §112.3. A Facility Response Plan is a plan for responding to a worst case discharge, and to a substantial threat of such a discharge, of oil or hazardous substances. The SPCC rule requires specific facilities to prepare, amend and implement plans to prevent, prepare and respond to oil discharges to navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. NuStar Energy is currently in settlement negotiations with the DOJ to resolve these matters.

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

Commitments

As of December 31, 2009, we had no future minimum payments applicable to non-cancellable operating leases and purchase obligations.

 

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11. NET INCOME PER UNIT AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY

Net Income Per Unit

In June 2008, the FASB addressed whether instruments granted in share-based payment transactions are participating securities. The FASB clarified that participating securities now include unvested share-based payment awards if they contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents. For all periods subsequent to January 1, 2009 and for any comparable periods, we began treating restricted units granted under our long-term incentive plan as participating securities in computing net income per unit pursuant to the two-class method, and the effect is not material.

The computation of diluted net income per unit for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 excludes 324,100 outstanding options to purchase NuStar GP Holdings units, as the exercise price exceeded the market price and their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Cash Distributions

Our limited liability company agreement requires that, within 50 days after the end of each quarter, we distribute all of our available cash to the holders of record of our units on the applicable record date. Available cash is defined as all cash on hand at the end of any calendar quarter less the amount of cash reserves necessary or appropriate, as determined in good faith by our board of directors. The table set forth below shows our cash distributions paid related to the periods shown:

 

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

Cash distributions per unit

   $ 1.730    $ 1.580    $ 1.380

Total cash distributions

   $ 73,537    $ 67,153    $ 58,650

In January 2010, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash distribution of $0.435 per unit related to the fourth quarter of 2009. This distribution was paid on February 17, 2010 to unitholders of record on February 5, 2010 and totaled $18.5 million.

Rights Agreement

On July 19, 2006, we entered into a rights agreement with Computershare Investor Services, LLC, as amended effective February 28, 2008 (the Rights Agreement), under which one preferred unit purchase right (a Right) is attached to each of our outstanding units. The Rights become exercisable under specified circumstances, including if any person or group (an acquiring person) becomes the beneficial owner of 15% or more of our outstanding units, subject to specified exceptions. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from us one one-hundredth of a unit of junior participating preferred units, series I (Preferred Units) at an exercise price of $100, subject to adjustment under specified circumstances. If events specified in the Rights Agreement occur, each holder of Rights other than the acquiring person can exercise their Rights. When a holder exercises a Right, the holder will be entitled to receive units valued at a multiple of the exercise price of the Right specified in the Rights Agreement. In some cases, the holder will receive cash, property or other securities instead of units. We may redeem the Rights for $0.001 per Right at any time prior to the tenth day after a person or group becomes an acquiring person.

The Rights will expire on June 30, 2016, unless extended or earlier redeemed or exchanged, and are protected by customary anti-dilution provisions. Preferred Units purchasable upon exercise of the Rights will not be redeemable. Each Preferred Unit will be entitled to share in our distributions of available cash pro rata with the units. In the event of liquidation, the holders of the Preferred Units will be entitled to a minimum preferential liquidation payment of $100 per unit. Each Preferred Unit will have 100 votes, voting together with the units. Finally, in the event of any merger, consolidation or other transaction in which units are exchanged, each Preferred Unit will be entitled to receive 100 times the amount received per unit.

 

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12. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The NuStar Thrift Plan

The NuStar Thrift Plan (the Thrift Plan) is a qualified employee profit-sharing plan that became effective June 26, 2006. Participation in the Thrift Plan is voluntary and is open to substantially all NuStar GP, LLC employees upon their date of hire, except for part-time employees (as defined in the Thrift Plan), who become eligible upon completing one year of service (as defined in the Thrift Plan). Thrift Plan participants can contribute from 1% up to 30% of their total annual compensation to the Thrift Plan in the form of pre-tax and/or after tax employee contributions. NuStar GP, LLC makes matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of each participant’s employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s total annual compensation. Our matching contributions to the Thrift Plan for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007 totaled $5.3 million, $4.7 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

NuStar GP, LLC also maintains an excess thrift plan (the Excess Thrift Plan) that became effective July 1, 2006. The Excess Thrift Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits to those employees of NuStar GP, LLC whose compensation and/or annual contributions under the Thrift Plan are subject to the limitations applicable to qualified retirement plans under the Code.

Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits

The NuStar Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that became effective July 1, 2006. The Pension Plan covers substantially all of NuStar GP, LLC’s employees and generally provides eligible employees with retirement income calculated under a defined benefit formula based on years of service and compensation during their period of service. Employees become fully vested in their Pension Plan benefits upon attaining five years of vesting service.

NuStar GP, LLC also maintains an excess pension plan (the Excess Pension Plan) and a supplemental executive retirement plan (the SERP). The Excess Pension Plan and the SERP are nonqualified deferred compensation plans that provide benefits to a select group of management or other highly compensated employees of NuStar GP, LLC.

None of the Excess Thrift Plan, the Excess Pension Plan or the SERP is intended to constitute either a qualified plan under the provisions of Section 401 of the Code or a funded plan subject to ERISA.

NuStar GP, LLC also provides a post retirement medical benefits plan for retired employees, referred to as other postretirement benefits.

NuStar Energy reimbursed and will continue to reimburse all costs incurred by us related to these employee benefit plans at cost. We charged NuStar Energy $9.4 million, $8.2 million, and $8.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively, for these employee benefit plans. Our current and noncurrent liabilities for these employee benefits are included in “Accrued compensation expense” and “Employee benefit plan liabilities,” respectively, on our consolidated balance sheets.

The Pension Plan, Excess Pension Plan and SERP are collectively referred to as the Pension Plans in the tables and discussion below. We use December 31 as the measurement date for our pension and other postretirement plans.

 

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The changes in the benefit obligation, the changes in fair value of plan assets, the funded status and the amounts recognized in our consolidated balance sheet for our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans as of and for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:

 

        Pension Plans            

Other Postretirement

Benefit Plans

 
        2009             2008             2009             2008  
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Change in benefit obligation:

                     

Benefit obligation, January 1

  $     19,081        $       11,152        $     9,851        $     6,934   

Service cost

    8,155            7,293          667          593   

Interest cost

    1,343            750          699          523   

Acquisition

    -            -          -          1,025   

Benefits paid

    (253         (1,034       (31       (5

Participants contributions

    -            -          17          3   

Actuarial loss

    8,388            920          2,383          778   
                                       

Benefit obligation, December 31

  $     36,714        $       19,081        $     13,586        $     9,851   
                                       

Change in plan assets:

                     

Plan assets at fair value, January 1

  $     15,309          $ 11,877        $     -        $     -   

Actual return on plan assets

    3,180            (3,526       -          -   

Company contributions

    9,000            7,992          14          2   

Benefits paid

    (253         (1,034       (31       (5

Participants contributions

    -            -          17          3   
                                       

Plan assets, December 31

  $     27,236        $       15,309        $     -        $     -   
                                       

Reconciliation of funded status:

                     

Fair value of plan assets at December 31

  $     27,236        $       15,309        $     -        $     -   

Less: Benefit obligation at December 31

    36,714            19,081          13,586          9,851   
                                       

Funded status at December 31

    (9,478         (3,772       (13,586       (9,851

Unrecognized net loss

    11,063            4,369          2,596          214   
                                       

Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost

  $     1,585        $       597        $     (10,990     $     (9,637
                                       

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:

                     

Accrued compensation expense

  $     -        $       (20     $     (71     $     (36

Employee benefit plan liabilities

    (9,478         (3,752       (13,515       (9,815
                                       

Net pension liability

  $     (9,478     $       (3,772     $     (13,586     $     (9,851
                                       

 

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The components of net periodic benefit cost related to our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans, which are reimbursed to us by NuStar Energy, were as follows:

 

       

Pension Plans

Year Ended December 31,

 

Other Postretirement

Benefit Plans

Year Ended December 31,

        2009             2008             2007             2009           2008           2007
        (Thousands of Dollars)

Components of net periodic benefit cost:

                                 

Service cost

  $     8,155        $     7,293        $     7,728        $     667     $     593     $     564

Interest cost

    1,343          750          286          699       523       411

Expected return on assets

    (1,600       (992       (311       -       -       -

Amortization of net loss

    114          17          21          -       -       -
                                                   

Net periodic benefit cost

  $     8,012        $     7,068        $     7,724        $     1,366     $     1,116     $     975
                                                   

Amounts related to our Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income were as follows:

 

        Pension Plans
December 31,
           

Other Postretirement

Benefit Plans
December 31,

 
        2009         2008             2007             2009             2008             2007  
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain

  $     (11,202   $     (4,526     $     877        $     (2,596     $     (214     $     564   

Prior service credit

    139        157          175          -          -          -   

Deferred tax asset (liability)

    4,217        1,626          (358       995          78          (210
                                                       

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

  $     (6,846   $     (2,743     $     694        $     (1,601     $     (136     $     354   
                                                       

As of December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, the balance of accumulated other comprehensive income that had not been recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost related to the respective unrecognized actuarial (loss) gain and prior service credit, net of deferred taxes, is shown in the table above. In 2010, we expect to recognize $542,000 and $83,000 of the unrecognized actuarial loss for Pension Plans and other postretirement benefit plans, respectively, and $18,000 of prior year service credit for Pension Plans as components of periodic benefit cost.

The aggregate accumulated benefit obligation for our Pension Plans as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $25.5 million and $12.9 million, respectively.

The aggregate benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets for our Pension Plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, were as follows:

 

     December 31,
     2009    2008
     (Thousands of Dollars)

Benefit obligation

   $   4,150    $   2,736

Accumulated benefit obligation

     2,458      1,425

Fair value of plan assets

     -      -

 

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The allocations of plan assets for the Pension Plan were as follows:

 

     December 31,
     2009    2008

Equity Securities

   65%    64%

Fixed Income Securities

   34%    35%

Cash Equivalent Securities

   1%    1%

There were no plan assets for the Excess Pension Plan, SERP or other postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

The investment policies and strategies for the assets of our qualified Pension Plan incorporate a well-diversified approach that is expected to earn long-term returns from capital appreciation and a growing stream of current income. This approach recognizes that assets are exposed to risk, and the market value of the Pension Plan’s assets may fluctuate from year to year. Risk tolerance is determined based on NuStar Energy’s financial ability to withstand risk within the investment program and the willingness to accept return volatility. In line with the investment return objective and risk parameters, the Pension Plan’s mix of assets includes a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income instruments. The aggregate asset allocation is reviewed on an annual basis and the allocation as of December 31, 2009 was in line with our target.

The overall expected long-term rate of return on plan assets for the Pension Plan is estimated using models of asset returns. Model assumptions are derived using historical data given the assumption that capital markets are informationally efficient. Three models are used to derive the long-term expected returns for each asset class. Since each method has distinct advantages and disadvantages and differing results, an equal weighted average of the methods’ results is used.

In December 2008, the FASB issued additional guidance on an employer’s disclosures about plan assets of a defined pension or other postretirement plan that includes requiring fair value disclosures for each major category of plan assets into three levels: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists. This new guidance applies to disclosures about plan assets for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2009, and is not required for earlier periods that are presented for comparative purposes. We adopted these disclosure requirements about plan assets as of December 31, 2009.

The major categories of plan assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2009, were as follows:

 

        December 31, 2009
        Level 1           Level 2           Level 3           Total
        (Thousands of Dollars)

Asset Category:

                     

Cash Equivalent Securities

  $     178     $     -     $     -     $     178

Equity Securities:

                     

U.S. large cap equity fund (a)

    -       15,092       -       15,092

International stock index fund (b)

    2,642       -       -       2,642

Fixed Income Securities:

                     

Bond market index fund (c)

    9,324       -       -       9,324
                             

Total

  $     12,144     $     15,092     $     -     $     27,236
                             

 

  (a) This fund is a low-cost equity index fund not actively managed that tracks the S&P 500. Fair values were estimated using pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flows.

 

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  (b) This fund tracks the performance of the Total International Composite Index.
  (c) This fund tracks the performance of the Barclays Capital U.S. Aggregate Bond Index.

During 2009, we contributed $9.0 million to the Pension Plan. We estimate our minimum required contribution to the Pension Plan during 2010 will be $9.0 million under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which we expect to contribute to the Pension Plan during 2010. Since costs incurred by us related to the Pension Plan and our other postretirement benefit plan are reimbursed by NuStar Energy, funding for these plans will primarily be provided by NuStar Energy.

The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid for the years ending December 31:

 

     Pension Plans   

Other

Postretirement
Benefit Plans

     (Thousands of Dollars)

2010

   $ 906    $ 71

2011

     1,408      127

2012

     1,932      201

2013

     2,411      302

2014

     3,067      443

Years 2015-2019

     33,442      5,219

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the benefit obligations were as follows:

 

     Pension Plans
December 31,
   Other
Postretirement
Benefit Plans
December 31,
     2009    2008    2009    2008

Discount rate

   6.16%    7.13%    6.14%    7.11%

Rate of compensation increase

   5.38%    5.46%    n/a      n/a  

The discount rate assumption used to determine the pension obligations at December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008 were based on a hypothetical yield curve represented by a series of annualized individual discount rates. Each bond issue underlying the hypothetical yield curve required a minimum rating of AA or better by Moody Investor Service, Inc. or a rating of AA or better by Standard & Poor’s.

The weighted average assumptions used to determine the net periodic benefit cost were as follows:

 

    

Pension Plans

Year Ended December 31,

  

Other Postretirement

Benefit Plans

Year Ended December 31,

     2009    2008    2007    2009    2008    2007

Discount rate

   7.13%    6.82%    5.75%    7.11%    6.80%    5.75%

Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets

   7.50%    7.50%    7.50%    n/a      n/a      n/a  

Rate of compensation increase

   5.46%    5.56%    6.00%    n/a      n/a      n/a  

 

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The assumed health care cost trend rates were as follows:

 

     December 31,
     2009    2008

Health care cost trend rate assumed for next year

   7.38%    7.93%

Rate to which the cost trend rate was assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate)

   5.00%    5.00%

Year that the rate reached the ultimate trend rate

   2018    2015

Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for health care plans. We sponsor a contributory postretirement health care plan. The plan has an annual limitation (a cap) on the increase of the employer’s share of the cost of covered benefits. The cap on the increase in employer’s cost is 2.5% per year. The assumed increase in total health care cost exceeds the 2.5% indexed cap, so increasing or decreasing the health care cost trend rate by 1% does not materially change our obligation or expense for the postretirement health care plan.

13. UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION

As of December 31, 2009, we had the following long-term incentive plans:

 

   

The Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2000 LTIP), under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 1,500,000 NuStar Energy (NS) common units. Awards under the 2000 LTIP can include NS unit options, restricted units, performance awards, distribution equivalent rights (DER) and contractual rights to receive common units.

 

   

The 2002 Unit Option Plan (the UOP) under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 200,000 NS unit options to officers and directors of NuStar GP, LLC or its affiliates.

 

   

The 2003 Employee Unit Incentive Plan (the UIP) under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 500,000 NS common units to employees of NuStar GP, LLC or its affiliates, excluding officers and directors of NuStar GP, LLC and its affiliates. Awards under the UIP can include NS unit options, restricted units and DER.

 

   

The 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2006 LTIP) under which NuStar GP Holdings may award up to 2,000,000 NuStar GP Holdings (NSH) units to our employees, consultants and directors who perform services for us or our affiliates. Awards under the 2006 LTIP can include NSH unit options, performance units, restricted units, phantom units, unit grants and unit appreciation rights.

We purchase NuStar Energy (NS) common units as needed to satisfy awards granted under the 2000 LTIP, the UOP and the UIP.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

The number of awards granted under the above-noted plans were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2009   2008   2007
     Granted    Vesting   Granted    Vesting   Granted    Vesting

2000 LTIP:

               

Performance awards

   23,233    (a)   14,470    (a)   10,840    (a)

Unit options

        2,600    1/5 per year   204,675    1/5 per year

Restricted units

   194,973    1/5 per year   236,868    1/5 per year   117,575    1/5 per year

Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP, LLC)

   5,076    1/3 per year   5,625    1/3 per year   3,510    1/3 per year

UIP:

               

Unit options

        795    1/5 per year     

Restricted units (b)

   10,692    1/5 per year   16,321    1/5 per year   12,730    1/5 per year

2006 LTIP:

               

Restricted units

   24,290    1/5 per year   30,300    1/5 per year     

Restricted units (grants to non-employee directors of NuStar GP Holdings) (c)

   8,627    1/3 per year   10,308    1/3 per year   5,489    1/3 per year

Unit Options

             324,100    (d)

 

  (a) Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met, as defined in the award agreements.
  (b) We granted 2,382 and 2,526 restricted unit awards to certain international employees for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, that vest 1/3 per year, as defined in the award agreements.
  (c) Expenses resulting from our awards to non-employee directors are not reimbursed by NuStar Energy and are included in “general and administrative expenses” on our consolidated statements of income.
  (d) Unit options granted at $31.55 under the 2006 LTIP expire seven years from the grant date and vest in annual one-third increments beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date, all of which were outstanding as of December 31, 2009.

The following table summarizes information related to outstanding restricted unit awards under the 2006 LTIP:

 

     Restricted
Unit
Grants to
Employees
    Restricted
Unit Grants to
Non-Employee
Directors
    Total  

Balance as of January 1, 2009

   30,300      14,787      45,087   

Grants

   24,290      8,627      32,917   

Vestings

   (6,060   (6,227   (12,287
                  

Balance as of December 31, 2009

   48,530      17,187      65,717   
                  

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we had accrued $14.1 million and $6.0 million, respectively, for the outstanding awards of NS unit options, performance awards and restricted units in “Accrued compensation expense” on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2009, NS common units that remained available to be awarded totaled 294,394 under the 2000 LTIP and 254,812 under the UIP. Substantially all approved awards under the UOP have been granted as of December 31, 2009. NSH units that remained available totaled 1,595,689 under the 2006 LTIP as of December 31, 2009.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

The following table summarizes information pertaining to long-term incentive plan compensation expenses:

 

          Year Ended December 31,
          2009         2008         2007
          (Thousands of Dollars)

Long-term incentive plan compensation expense charged to NuStar Energy

   $      15,060    $      5,254    $      3,833

Expenses resulting from NuStar GP Holdings awards to non-employee directors

      225       392       28

Unit Options

Under the terms of our various unit option plans, the exercise price of options granted is not less than the fair market value of our common units on the date of grant. Options become exercisable pursuant to the individual written agreements between the participants and us, usually in five equal annual installments beginning at the date of grant, with unexercised options generally expiring seven to ten years from the date of grant.

The fair value of each unit option grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model on the valuation date for NS unit options and on the grant date for NSH unit options. The expected life of options granted is the period of time from the valuation date for NS unit options and from the grant date for NSH unit options to the date of expected exercise or other expected settlement. Expected volatility for NS unit options is based on closing prices of NuStar Energy’s common units for periods corresponding to the life of options granted. Expected volatility for NSH unit options is based on closing prices of NSH common units for periods corresponding to the life of options granted. Expected dividend yield is based on annualized dividends at the valuation date for NS unit options and at the grant date for NSH unit options. The risk-free interest rate used is the implied yield currently available from the U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the options at the valuation date for NS unit options and at the grant date for NSH unit options.

A summary of the weighted-average assumptions used to determine our liability for NS unit options is presented in the table below:

 

     NS Unit Options
December 31,
     2009   2008

Expected life in years

   6.2   6.2

Expected volatility

   48.9%   46.4%

Expected distribution yield

   7.6%   10.0%

Risk-free interest rate

   0.9%   0.9%

No NSH unit options were granted for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008. A summary of the weighted-average assumptions used in our grant date fair value measurements is presented in the table below:

 

     NSH Unit Options
     Year Ended December 31, 2007

Expected life in years

   5.0

Expected volatility

   35.1%

Expected distribution yield

   4.3%

Risk-free interest rate

   3.3%

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

14. INCOME TAXES

Components of income tax benefit were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2009     2008     2007  
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Current:

      

U.S. federal

   $ 1,485      $ (1,362   $ 74   

U.S. state

     61        (65     27   
                        

Total current

     1,546        (1,427     101   

Deferred:

      

U.S. federal

     (690     1,456        (5

U.S. state

     (22     69        (74
                        

Total deferred

     (712     1,525        (79
                        

Total income tax benefit

   $ 834      $ 98      $ 22   
                        

The difference between income tax expense recorded in our consolidated statements of income and income taxes computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate (35% for all years presented) to income before income tax expense is due to the fact that the majority of our income is not subject to federal income tax based on our status as a limited liability company.

The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

     December 31,  
     2009     2008  
     (Thousands of Dollars)  

Deferred income tax assets:

    

Share/option compensation

   $ 5,535      $ 2,512   

Pension

     3,716        1,633   

Capital loss

     96        -   

Other employee benefits

     -        1,122   

Other state

     480        264   

Valuation allowance

     (96     -   
                

Deferred income tax assets

     9,731        5,531   

Deferred income tax liabilities:

    

Investment in Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar Energy

     (174     (208

Other employee benefits

     (1,436     -   
                

Total net deferred income tax assets

   $ 8,121      $ 5,323   
                

Our U.S. corporate operations have capital loss carryforwards for tax purposes, which are subject to a five-year carryforward limitation on use and expire in years 2011 through 2013. As of December 31, 2009, we have recorded a valuation allowance due to uncertainties related to our ability to utilize some of our deferred income tax assets, primarily consisting of certain federal capital loss carry forwards, before they expire. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of taxable income for federal income tax purposes and the period over which deferred income tax assets will be recoverable.

 

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NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

The realization of deferred income tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2009 is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in the United States. We believe that it is more-likely-than-not that the deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2009 will be realized, based upon expected future taxable income and potential tax planning strategies.

15. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

    

First

Quarter

   Second
Quarter
  

Third

Quarter

   Fourth
Quarter (a)
   Total
     (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)

2009:

              

Net income

   $ 12,008    $ 21,375    $ 17,726    $ 16,988    $   68,097

Basic and diluted net income per unit

     0.28      0.50      0.42      0.40      1.60

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

     0.430      0.430      0.435      0.435      1.730

2008:

              

Net income

   $ 15,003    $ 5,780    $ 34,810    $ 10,703    $ 66,296

Basic and diluted net income per unit

     0.35      0.14      0.82      0.25      1.56

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

     0.360      0.360      0.430      0.430      1.580

 

  (a) Basic and diluted net income per unit for the fourth quarter of 2009 includes a gain of $5.4 million or $0.13 per unit related to the issuance of NuStar Energy limited partner units in November 2009. Please refer to notes 2 and 4 for a description of the accounting policy and transaction detail related to this issuance.

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC

and Unitholders of NuStar Energy L.P.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of NuStar Energy L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) and subsidiaries (the Partnership) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, partners’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

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

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of NuStar Energy L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), NuStar Energy L.P. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated February 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

     /s/  KPMG LLP

San Antonio, Texas

  

February 26, 2010

  

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors of NuStar GP, LLC

and Unitholders of NuStar Energy L.P.:

We have audited NuStar Energy L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) and subsidiaries’ (the Partnership’s) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Partnership’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

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

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

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

In our opinion, NuStar Energy L.P. and subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of NuStar Energy L.P. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of income, partners’ equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2009, and our report dated February 26, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

     /s/  KPMG LLP

San Antonio, Texas

  

February 26, 2010

  

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data)

 

         

December 31,

 
         

2009

        

2008

 
Assets                       

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $        62,006      $        45,375   

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,351 and $1,174 as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively

        211,797           178,216   

Inventories

        377,230           220,574   

Other current assets

        83,686           42,321   
                      

Total current assets

        734,719           486,486   
                      

Property, plant and equipment, at cost

        3,721,904           3,507,573   

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

        (693,708        (565,749
                      

Property, plant and equipment, net

        3,028,196           2,941,824   

Intangible assets, net

        44,127           51,704   

Goodwill

        807,742           806,330   

Investment in joint ventures

        68,728           68,813   

Deferred income tax asset

        13,893           12,427   

Other long-term assets, net

        77,268           92,013   
                      

Total assets

      $ 4,774,673         $ 4,459,597   
                      
Liabilities and Partners’ Equity           

Current liabilities:

          

Current portion of long-term debt

   $        770      $        713   

Accounts payable

        205,605           145,963   

Payable to related party

        10,639           3,441   

Notes payable

        20,000           22,120   

Accrued interest payable

        21,529           22,496   

Accrued liabilities

        64,651           37,454   

Taxes other than income tax

        15,534           15,333   

Income tax payable

        26           4,504   
                      

Total current liabilities

        338,754           252,024   
                      

Long-term debt, less current portion

        1,828,993           1,872,015   

Long-term payable to related party

        7,663           6,645   

Deferred income tax liability

        26,909           27,370   

Other long-term liabilities

        87,386           94,546   

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

          

Partners’ equity:

          

Limited partners (60,210,549 and 54,460,549 common units outstanding as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively)

        2,423,689           2,173,462   

General partner

        53,469           47,801   

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

        7,810           (14,266
                      

Total partners’ equity

        2,484,968           2,206,997   
                      

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

   $        4,774,673      $        4,459,597   
                      

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

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

 

         

Year Ended December 31,

 
         

2009

        

2008

        

2007

 

Revenues:

               

Services revenues

   $      745,349      $      740,630      $      696,623   

Product sales

      3,110,522         4,088,140         778,391   
                           

Total revenues

      3,855,871         4,828,770         1,475,014   
                           

Costs and expenses:

               

Cost of product sales

      2,883,187         3,864,310         742,972   

Operating expenses:

               

Third parties

      334,065         326,957         264,024   

Related party

      124,827         115,291         93,211   
                           

Total operating expenses

      458,892         442,248         357,235   

General and administrative expenses:

               

Third parties

      35,855         31,442         30,213   

Related party

      58,878         44,988         37,702   
                           

Total general and administrative expenses

      94,733         76,430         67,915   

Depreciation and amortization expense

      145,743         135,709         114,293   
                           

Total costs and expenses

      3,582,555         4,518,697         1,282,415   
                           

Operating income

      273,316         310,073         192,599   

Equity earnings from joint ventures

      9,615         8,030         6,833   

Interest expense, net

      (79,384      (90,818      (76,516

Other income, net

      31,859         37,739         38,830   
                           

Income before income tax expense

      235,406         265,024         161,746   

Income tax expense

      10,531         11,006         11,448   
                           

Net income

   $      224,875      $      254,018      $      150,298   
                           

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners (Note 19)

   $      3.47      $      4.22      $      2.73   
                           

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

      55,232,467         53,182,741         47,158,790   
                           

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

         

Year Ended December 31,

 
         

2009

        

2008

        

2007

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

               

Net income

   $      224,875      $      254,018      $      150,298   

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating

activities:

               

Depreciation and amortization expense

      145,743         135,709         114,293   

Amortization of debt related items

      (7,122      (6,447      (5,516

Gain on sale or disposition of assets

      (21,322      (26,456      (8,356

(Benefit) provision for deferred income tax

      (2,037      37         276   

Equity earnings from joint ventures

      (9,615      (8,030      (6,833

Distributions of equity earnings from joint ventures

      9,700         2,835         544   

Changes in current assets and current liabilities (Note 20)

      (152,280      133,017         (21,326

Other, net

      (7,360      498         (708
                           

Net cash provided by operating activities

      180,582         485,181         222,672   
                           

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

               

Reliability capital expenditures

      (44,951      (55,669      (40,333

Strategic capital expenditures

      (163,605      (146,474      (210,918

East Coast Asphalt Operations acquisition

      -         (803,184      -   

Other acquisitions

      -         (7,027      -   

Investment in other long-term assets

      (211      -         (62

Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets

      29,680         50,813         12,667   

Proceeds from insurance settlement

      11,382         5,000         250   

Other, net

      -         24         -   
                           

Net cash used in investing activities

      (167,705      (956,517      (238,396
                           

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

               

Proceeds from long-term debt borrowings

      1,159,436         2,108,775         1,170,302   

Proceeds from short-term debt borrowings

      448,752         746,800         75,000   

Proceeds from senior note offering, net of issuance costs

      -         346,224         -   

Long-term debt repayments

      (1,190,247      (2,025,784      (1,077,975

Short-term debt repayments

      (450,872      (736,037      (82,353

Proceeds from issuance of common units, net of issuance costs

      288,761         236,215         143,083   

Contributions from general partner

      6,155         5,025         3,035   

Distributions to unitholders and general partner

      (263,896      (241,940      (197,333

(Decrease) increase in cash book overdrafts

      (761      945         3,676   

Other, net

      -         (160      (375
                           

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

      (2,672      440,063         37,060   
                           

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

      6,426         (13,190      (336

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

      16,631         (44,463      21,000   

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of year

      45,375         89,838         68,838   
                           

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of year

   $      62,006      $      45,375      $      89,838   
                           

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY

Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

(Thousands of Dollars, Except Unit Data)

 

         

Limited Partners

   General         

Accumulated
Other

Comprehensive

        

Total

Partners’

 
         

Units

       

Amount

        

Partner

        

Income (Loss)

        

Equity

 

Balance as of January 1, 2007

      46,809,749    $      1,830,047      $      38,815      $      6,819      $      1,875,681   

Net income

      -       129,235         21,063         -         150,298   

Other comprehensive income:
Foreign currency translation

      -       -         -         20,068         20,068   
                                            

Total comprehensive income

      -       129,235         21,063         20,068         170,366   
                                            

Cash distributions to partners

      -       (176,239      (21,094      -         (197,333

Issuance of common units in
November 2007 and related
contribution from general partner

      2,600,000       143,083         3,035         -         146,118   
                                            

Balance as of December 31, 2007

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

Net income

      -       224,668         29,350         -         254,018   

Other comprehensive loss:
Foreign currency translation

      -       -         -         (41,153      (41,153
                                            

Total comprehensive loss

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

Cash distributions to partners

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

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

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

Balance as of December 31, 2008

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

Net income

      -       192,239         32,636         -         224,875   

Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation

      -       -         -         22,316         22,316   

Unrealized loss on cash flow
hedges

      -       -         -         (240      (240
                                            

Total comprehensive income

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

Cash distributions to partners

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

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

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

Balance as of December 31, 2009

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

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007

1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS

Organization

NuStar Energy L.P. (NuStar Energy) (NYSE: NS) is engaged in the terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt and fuels marketing. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “NuStar Energy L.P.,” “the Partnership,” “we,” “our” and “us” are used in this report to refer to NuStar Energy L.P., to one or more of our consolidated subsidiaries or to all of them taken as a whole. NuStar GP Holdings, LLC (NuStar GP Holdings) (NYSE: NSH) owns an 18.7% total interest in us as of December 31, 2009.

Operations

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

Storage. We own terminals in the United States, the Netherlands Antilles, Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom providing approximately 66.2 million barrels of storage capacity. Our terminals provide storage and handling services on a fee basis for petroleum products, specialty chemicals and other liquids, including crude oil and other feedstocks. We also own 60 crude oil and intermediate feedstock storage tanks and related assets that provide an aggregate 12.5 million barrels of storage capacity to refineries in California and Texas.

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

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

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation

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

 

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Use of Estimates

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

Accounts Receivable

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

Inventories

Inventories consist of crude oil and refined petroleum products. All inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market and cost is determined using the weighted-average cost method. Our inventory consists entirely of one end-product category, petroleum products, which we include in the asphalt and fuels marketing segment. Accordingly, we determine lower of cost or market adjustments on an aggregate basis.

Property, Plant and Equipment

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

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

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

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is the excess of cost of an acquired entity over the fair value of assets acquired less liabilities assumed. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is not amortized and is tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate the asset might be impaired. October 1 of each year is our annual valuation date for the impairment test. Based on the results of the impairment tests performed as of October 1, 2009, 2008 and 2007, no impairment had occurred.

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

Investment in Joint Ventures

We account for our investments in joint ventures using the equity method of accounting.

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

 

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Linden at fair value, which exceeded our 50% share of its members’ equity. This excess totaled $43.9 million and $44.2 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, of which $8.0 million is being amortized into expense over the average life of the assets held by Linden, or 25 years. The remaining balance not amortized represents goodwill of Linden.

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

Other Long-Term Assets

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

   

asphalt tank heel inventory and ammonia pipeline linefill;

   

the fair value of our interest rate swap agreements;

   

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

   

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

   

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

   

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

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and investment in joint ventures, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. We perform the evaluation of recoverability using undiscounted estimated net cash flows generated by the related asset. If we deem an asset to be impaired, we determine the amount of impairment as the amount by which the net carrying value exceeds its fair value. We believe that the carrying amounts of our long-lived assets as of December 31, 2009 are recoverable.

Taxes Other than Income Taxes

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

Income Taxes

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

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

We recognize a tax position if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained, based on the technical merits of the position, upon examination. We record uncertain tax positions in the financial statements at the largest

 

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amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We had no unrecognized tax benefits as of December 31, 2009 and 2008.

NuStar Energy or certain of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and foreign jurisdictions. For U.S. federal and state purposes, tax years subject to examination are 2005 through 2009 and for our major non-U.S. jurisdictions, tax years subject to examination are 2003 through 2009, both according to standard statute of limitations.

Asset Retirement Obligations

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

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

We also have legal obligations in the form of leases and right-of-way agreements, which require us to remove certain of our assets upon termination of the agreement. However, these lease or right-of-way agreements generally contain automatic renewal provisions that extend our rights indefinitely or we have other legal means available to extend our rights. We have recorded a liability of approximately $0.6 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, which is included in “Other long-term liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets, for conditional asset retirement obligations related to the retirement of terminal assets with lease and right-of-way agreements.

Environmental Remediation Costs

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

Product Imbalances

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

Revenue Recognition

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

 

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as crude oil and certain other refinery feedstocks are received by the related refinery. Revenues for ancillary services are recognized as those services are provided.

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

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

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

Income Allocation

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

Net Income per Unit Applicable to Limited Partners

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

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

Comprehensive Income

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

Derivative Financial Instruments

We are a party to certain interest rate swap agreements for the purpose of hedging the interest rate risk associated with a portion of our fixed-rate senior notes. We account for the interest rate swaps as fair value hedges and recognize the fair value of each interest rate swap in the consolidated balance sheet as either an asset or liability. The interest rate swap agreements qualify for the shortcut method of accounting. As a result, changes in the fair value of the swaps completely offset the changes in the fair value of the underlying hedged debt.

We record commodity derivative instruments in the consolidated balance sheets as assets or liabilities at fair value based on quoted market prices. We recognize mark-to-market adjustments for derivative instruments designated and qualifying as fair value hedges (Fair Value Hedges) and the related change in the fair value of the associated hedged physical inventory or firm commitment within “Cost of product sales.” For derivative instruments designated and qualifying as cash flow hedges (Cash Flow Hedges), we record the effective portion of mark-to-market adjustments as a component of “Accumulated other comprehensive income” until the underlying hedged forecasted transactions occur and are recognized in income. Any hedge ineffectiveness is recognized immediately in “Cost of product sales.” Once a hedged transaction occurs, we reclassify the effective portion from “Accumulated other comprehensive income” to

 

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“Cost of product sales.” For derivative instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting (Economic Hedges), we record the mark-to-market adjustments in “Cost of product sales.”

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

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

Operating Leases

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

Unit-based Compensation

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

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

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

Under these long-term incentive plans, certain awards provide that employees vest in the award when they retire or will continue to vest in the award after retirement over the nominal vesting period established in the award. We accounted for awards granted through 2005 by recognizing compensation expense over the nominal vesting period. We changed our method of recognizing compensation expense to the non-substantive vesting period approach for any awards granted after January 1, 2006. Under the non-substantive vesting period approach, compensation expense is recognized immediately for awards granted to retirement-eligible employees or over the period from the grant date to the date retirement eligibility is achieved if that date is expected to occur during the nominal vesting period.

Margin Deposits

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

 

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Reclassifications

Certain previously reported amounts in the 2008 and 2007 consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2009 presentation.

3. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Fair Value Measurements

In January 2010, the FASB issued additional guidance that requires new disclosures regarding significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements and additional information on the roll forward of Level 3 fair value measurements. This guidance also clarified the existing provisions on determining the appropriate classes of assets and liabilities to be reported and disclosures about the valuation techniques and inputs used to measure fair value for both recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. This additional guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2009, with the exception of the new requirements in the Level 3 roll forward, which will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. We adopted these provisions effective January 1, 2010 and do not expect them to have a material impact on our disclosures.

In August 2009, the FASB clarified the guidance on the fair value measurement of liabilities for circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available. This guidance is effective the first reporting period after issuance. Accordingly, we adopted these provisions effective October 1, 2009, and they did not materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB amended certain requirements related to variable interest entities (VIEs), including the requirements for determining whether an entity is a VIE or the primary beneficiary of a VIE. In addition, the amended requirements include additional disclosures about an entity’s involvement with a VIE. These amended requirements become effective as of the beginning of a company’s first annual reporting period that begins after November 15, 2009 and for interim periods within that first annual reporting period. Accordingly, we will be required to comply with the amended requirements on January 1, 2010 and do not expect them to materially affect our financial position or results of operations.

4. ACQUISITIONS AND DISPOSITIONS

CITGO Asphalt Refining Company Asphalt Operations and Assets

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

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

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

 

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

 

Cash paid for the East Coast Asphalt Operations

  $   801,686

Transaction costs

    1,498
     

Total cash paid

    803,184

Fair value of liabilities assumed

    37,238
     

Purchase price

 

$

  840,422
     

Inventories

  $   327,312

Other current assets

    1,439

Property, plant and equipment

    450,310

Goodwill

    22,132

Intangible assets

    11,510

Other long-term assets

    27,719
     

Purchase price allocation

  $   840,422
     

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

 

   

completed the acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations on January 1, 2007;

   

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

   

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

   

issued $350.0 million of 7.65% senior notes; and

   

borrowed approximately $69.0 million under our revolving credit agreement.

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

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

    

2008

  

2007

     (Thousands of Dollars,
Except Per Unit Data)

Revenues

   $   5,008,623    $  3,395,379

Operating income

   318,626    241,181

Net income

   254,539    168,028

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners

   $            4.13    $           2.64

Sale of Investment in Skelly-Belvieu

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

 

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5. ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

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

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2009

       

2008

 
    (Thousands of Dollars)  

Balance as of beginning of year

  $   1,174              $     365   

Increase in allowance

    613        973   

Accounts charged against the allowance, net of recoveries

    (453     (119

Foreign currency translation

    17        (45
               

Balance as of end of year

  $   1,351              $     1,174   
               

6. INVENTORIES

Inventories consisted of the following:

 

   

December 31,

   

2009

     

2008

        (Thousands of Dollars)

Crude oil

  $     74,250           $     14,912

Finished products

    302,980     205,662
           

Total

  $     377,230           $     220,574
           

We purchase crude oil for the production of asphalt and other refined products. Our “Finished products” consist of asphalt, intermediates, gasoline, distillates and other petroleum products. We purchase gasoline, distillates and other petroleum products for resale.

7. OTHER CURRENT ASSETS

Other current assets consisted of the following:

 

   

December 31,

   

2009

 

2008

    (Thousands of Dollars)

Margin deposits

  $     38,650           $     -

Prepaid expenses

    16,845     13,882

Product advances

    13,045     -

Supplies

    10,617     9,402

Product imbalances

    2,096     11,502

Derivatives, net

    -     3,610

Other

    2,433     3,925
           

Other current assets

  $     83,686           $     42,321
           

 

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8. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

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

 

     Estimated
Useful
 

December 31,

 
  

Lives

     

2009

       

2008

 
     (Years)       (Thousands of Dollars)  

Land

   -           $   118,040              $   114,323   

Land and leasehold improvements

   10 - 35     98,272        91,843   

Buildings

   15 - 40     56,992        46,663   

Pipelines, storage and terminals

   20 - 35     2,843,163        2,688,198   

Refining equipment

   20 - 35     424,220        412,549   

Rights-of-way

   20 - 40     101,587        102,336   

Construction in progress

   -     79,630        51,661   
                  

Total

       3,721,904        3,507,573   

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

       (693,708     (565,749
                  

Property, plant and equipment, net

             $   3,028,196              $   2,941,824   
                  

Capitalized interest costs included in property, plant and equipment totaled $1.7 million, $5.1 million and $6.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Depreciation and amortization expense for property, plant and equipment totaled $136.1 million, $125.3 million and $102.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

9. INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

   

December 31, 2009

   

December 31, 2008

 
        Cost   Accumulated
Amortization
        Cost   Accumulated
Amortization
 
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Intangible assets subject to amortization:

               

Customer relationships

  $     70,410           $   (28,529           $   70,410           $   (21,476

Non-compete agreements

    1,515     (1,515     1,515     (1,464

Terminalling agreement

    1,000     (1,000     1,000     (667

Other

    2,809     (563     2,809     (423
                           

Total

  $     75,734           $   (31,607           $   75,734           $   (24,030
                           

All of our intangible assets are subject to amortization. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $7.6 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 and $7.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for the next five years is as follows:

 

    

Amortization Expense

    
    

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

  

2010

   $  7,193       

2011

   7,193   

2012

   7,103   

2013

   7,103   

2014

   7,103   

 

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10. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:

 

   

December 31,

   

2009

 

2008

    (Thousands of Dollars)

Derivative liabilities

  $      30,788   $     -

Employee wages and benefit costs

     15,959     16,921

Unearned income

     4,714     2,322

Environmental costs

     2,798     3,994

Product imbalances

     676     2,193

Deferred insurance proceeds

     -     2,674

Other

     9,716     9,350
            

Accrued liabilities

  $      64,651   $     37,454
            

11. DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:

 

   

December 31,

 
   

2009

   

2008

 
    (Thousands of Dollars)  

$1.2 billion revolving credit agreement

  $      525,126      $      555,294   

7.65% senior notes due 2018, net of unamortized discount of ($610) in 2009 and ($661) in 2008

     349,390         349,339   

6.05% senior notes due 2013, net of unamortized discount of ($209) in 2009 and ($273) in 2008 and a fair value adjustment of $5,885 in 2009 and $10,433 in 2008

     235,608         240,092   

6.875% senior notes due 2012, net of unamortized discount of ($80) in 2009 and ($111) in 2008 and a fair value adjustment of $2,738 in 2009 and $4,851 in 2008

     102,658         104,740   

7.75% senior notes due 2012, including a fair value adjustment of $16,148 in 2009 and $22,522 in 2008

     266,148         272,522   

5.875% senior notes due 2013, including a fair value adjustment of $7,178 in 2009 and $8,982 in 2008

     257,178         258,982   

UK term loan

     33,917         30,748   

Gulf Opportunity Zone revenue bonds

     56,200         56,200   

Port Authority of Corpus Christi note payable

     3,538         4,811   
                 

Total debt

     1,829,763         1,872,728   

Less current portion

     (770      (713
                 

Long-term debt, less current portion

  $      1,828,993      $      1,872,015   
                 

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

 

2010

  $      770  

2011

     832  

2012

     909,942  

2013

     480,902  

2014

     67  

Thereafter

     406,200  
        

Total repayments

     1,798,713  

Net fair value adjustment and unamortized discount

     31,050  
        

Total debt

  $      1,829,763  
        

 

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Interest payments totaled $95.3 million, $103.9 million and $89.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

NuStar Logistics’ 7.65%, 6.05% and 6.875% Senior Notes

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

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

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

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

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

NuPOP’s 7.75% and 5.875% Senior Notes

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

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

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

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

2007 Revolving Credit Agreement

NuStar Logistics is party to a $1.2 billion five-year revolving credit agreement (the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement), which includes the ability to borrow up to the equivalent of $250 million in Euros. Obligations under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement are guaranteed by NuStar Energy and NuPOP. NuPOP will be released from its guarantee of the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement when it no longer guarantees NuStar Logistics’ public debt instruments.

 

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The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement bears interest, at our option, based on either an alternative base rate or a LIBOR based rate, which was 1.0% as of December 31, 2009. The weighted-average interest rate related to borrowings under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2009 was 1.0%.

The lenders under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement include Lehman Brothers Bank, FSB (LB Bank), a subsidiary of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. (Lehman), which filed for bankruptcy protection in October 2008. LB Bank’s participation in the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement totaled $42.5 million, of which $5.0 million remained outstanding as of December 31, 2009. As a result of Lehman’s bankruptcy filing in October 2008, LB Bank has elected not to fund its pro rata share of any future borrowings we request, which reduced the total commitment under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement to approximately $1.2 billion. Excluding LB Bank’s participation, we had $624.6 million available for borrowing under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement as of December 31, 2009. If other lenders under the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement file for bankruptcy or experience severe financial hardship due to disruptions and steep declines in the global financial markets and tightening credit supply, they may not honor their pro rata share of our borrowing requests.

The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement includes restrictive covenants, including a prohibition on distributions if any defaults, as defined in the agreements, exist or would result from the distribution. The 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement also requires us to maintain, as of the end of each rolling period, consisting of any period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, a consolidated debt coverage ratio (consolidated indebtedness to consolidated EBITDA, as defined in the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement) not to exceed 5.00-to-1.00; provided, that if at any time NuStar Energy or any of its restricted subsidiaries consummates an acquisition for an aggregate net consideration of at least $100 million, then for two rolling periods, the last day of which immediately follows the day on which such acquisition is consummated, the maximum consolidated debt coverage ratio will increase to 5.50-to-1.00. This consolidated debt coverage ratio may restrict the amount we can borrow without exceeding the maximum allowed limit to an amount less than the total amount available for borrowing. As of December 31, 2009, the consolidated debt coverage ratio was 4.1x.

UK Term Loan

NuPOP’s UK subsidiary, NuStar Terminals Limited, is the party to the £21 million amended and restated term loan agreement (the UK Term Loan), which bears interest at 6.65% annually and matures on December 11, 2012. Management believes that we are in compliance with all ratios and covenants of the UK Term Loan as of December 31, 2009, which are substantially the same as the 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement.

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

Gulf Opportunity Zone Revenue Bonds

On June 26, 2008, the Parish of St. James, where our St. James, Louisiana, terminal is located, issued $56.2 million of Revenue Bonds (NuStar Logistics, L.P. Project) Series 2008 associated with our St. James terminal expansion. The bonds mature on June 1, 2038. The interest rate is based on a weekly tax-exempt bond market interest rate and is paid monthly. The average interest rate was 0.5% for the year ended December 31, 2009. Following the issuance, the proceeds were deposited with a trustee and will be disbursed to us upon our request for reimbursement of expenditures related to our St. James terminal expansion. As of December 31, 2009, we have received $55.5 million from the trustee, of which $3.2 million was received during the year ended December 31, 2009. As of December 31, 2009, the remaining $0.7 million in trust are included in “Other long-term assets, net,” and the $56.2 million obligation is included in “Long-term debt, less current portion” in our consolidated balance sheets.

NuStar Logistics is solely obligated to service the principal and interest payments associated with the bonds. One of the lenders under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement issued a letter of credit in the amount of $56.9 million on our behalf, to guarantee the payment of interest and principal on the bonds. This letter of credit ranks equally with existing senior unsecured indebtedness of NuStar Logistics and was issued under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

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Port Authority of Corpus Christi Note Payable

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

Line of Credit

As of December 31, 2009, we had one short-term line of credit with an uncommitted borrowing capacity of up to $20.0 million. The interest rate and maturity vary and are determined at the time of the borrowing. The interest rate fluctuates with the Federal Funds rate.

We borrowed and repaid $448.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2009 under this line of credit based on liquidity needs. Outstanding borrowings on this line of credit totaled $20.0 million as of December 31, 2009 at an interest rate of 2.4%. The weighted-average interest rate related to outstanding borrowings under this short-term line of credit during the year ended December 31, 2009 was 2.4%.

12. HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

   

Year Ended December 31,

 
   

2009

       

2008

 
    (Thousands of Dollars)  

Balance as of beginning of year

  $      10,270        $      11,124   

Additions to accrual

     2,248           4,393   

Payments

     (3,241        (4,877

Foreign currency translation

     107           (370
                   

Balance as of end of year

  $      9,384        $      10,270   
                   

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

 

   

December 31,

   

2009

     

2008

    (Thousands of Dollars)

Accrued liabilities

  $      2,798     $      3,994

Other long-term liabilities

     6,586        6,276
               

Accruals for environmental matters

  $      9,384     $      10,270
               

13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Contingencies

We have contingent liabilities resulting from various litigation, claims and commitments, the most significant of which are discussed below. We record accruals for loss contingencies when losses are considered probable and can be reasonably estimated. Legal fees associated with defending the Partnership in legal matters are expensed as incurred. As of December 31, 2009, we have accrued $0.5 million related to settled matters and $74.4 million for contingent losses. The amount that will ultimately be paid related to these matters may differ from the recorded accruals, and the timing of such payments is uncertain.

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

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

The Otis AFB is a part of a Superfund Site pursuant to the Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). The site contains a number of groundwater contamination plumes, two of which are allegedly associated with the Otis AFB pipeline. Relying on the final judgment of the Texas state court assigning ownership of the Otis AFB pipeline to Kaneb, the U.S. Department of Justice (the DOJ) advised Kaneb in 2001 that it intends to seek reimbursement from Kaneb for the remediation costs associated with the two plumes. In November 2008, the DOJ forwarded information to us indicating that the past and estimated future remediation expenses

 

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associated with one plume are $71.9 million. The DOJ has indicated that they will not seek recovery of remediation costs for the second plume. The DOJ has not filed a lawsuit against us related to this matter, and we have not made any payments toward costs incurred by the DOJ. We are currently in settlement discussions with other potentially responsible parties and the DOJ and a change in our estimate of this liability may occur in the near term. However, any settlement agreement that is reached must be approved by multiple parties and requires the approval of the bankruptcy court and the federal district court. We cannot currently estimate when or if a settlement will be finalized.

Eres Matter. In August 2008, Eres N.V. (Eres) forwarded a demand for arbitration to CITGO Asphalt Refining Company (CARCO), CITGO Petroleum Corporation (CITGO), NuStar Asphalt Refining, LLC (NuStar Asphalt) and NuStar Marketing LLC (NuStar Marketing, and together with CARCO, CITGO and NuStar Asphalt, the Defendants) contending that the Defendants are in breach of a tanker voyage charter party agreement, dated November 2004, between Eres and CARCO (the Charter Agreement). The Charter Agreement provides for CARCO’s use of Eres’ vessels for the shipment of asphalt. Eres contends that NuStar Asphalt and/or NuStar Marketing (together, the NuStar Entities) assumed the Charter Agreement when NuStar Asphalt purchased the CARCO assets, and that the Defendants have failed to perform under the Charter Agreement since January 1, 2008. Eres seeks to compel the Defendants to arbitrate a breach of contract claim in which Eres values its damages at approximately $78.1 million. CITGO/CARCO also contend that the NuStar Entities assumed the Eres contract and they have demanded that the NuStar Entities defend and indemnify them against Eres’ claims. Eres’ motion to compel arbitration and CITGO/CARCO’s indemnity claims are currently pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. We intend to vigorously defend against these claims.

Department of Justice Matter. In February 2008, the DOJ advised us that the EPA has requested that the DOJ initiate a lawsuit against NuPOP for (a) failing to prepare adequate Facility Response Plans, as required by Section 311(j)(5) of the Clean Water Act, 33 U.S.C. §1321(j), for certain of our pipeline terminals located in Region VII, by August 30, 1994, and (b) maintaining Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure Plans (SPCC) Plans at the terminal that deviate from the SPCC regulations, 40 C.F.R. §112.3. A Facility Response Plan is a plan for responding to a worst case discharge, and to a substantial threat of such a discharge, of oil or hazardous substances. The SPCC rule requires specific facilities to prepare, amend and implement plans to prevent, prepare and respond to oil discharges to navigable waters and adjoining shorelines. We are currently in settlement negotiations with the DOJ to resolve these matters.

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

Commitments

Future minimum rental payments applicable to all noncancellable operating leases and purchase obligations as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:

 

    

Payments Due by Period

         
    

2010

  

2011

  

2012

  

2013

  

2014

  

There-
after

  

Total

     (Thousands of Dollars)

Operating leases

   $   51,734    $   60,808    $   44,415    $   41,453    $   37,760    $  187,638    $     423,808

Purchase obligations:

                    

Crude oil

   1,943,668    1,943,668    1,943,668    1,943,668    1,943,670    485,917    10,204,259

Other purchase obligations

   23,561    18,329    2,197    1,036    744    -    45,867

 

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Rental expense for all operating leases totaled $64.8 million, $45.2 million and $21.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Our operating leases consist primarily of the following:

   

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

   

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

   

a five-year lease related to our asphalt and fuels marketing segment for tugs and barges utilized on the east coast;

   

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

   

land leases at various terminal facilities.

Our crude oil purchase obligations result from a crude supply agreement (CSA) we entered into simultaneously with the acquisition of the East Coast Asphalt Operations. Under the CSA, we committed to purchase an annual average of 75,000 barrels per day of crude oil over a minimum seven-year period from an affiliate of Petróleos de Venezuela S. A. (PDVSA), the national oil company of Venezuela. The value of this commitment fluctuates according to a market-based pricing formula using published market indices, subject to adjustment based on the price of Mexican Maya crude. We estimated the value of the crude oil purchase obligation based on market prices as of December 31, 2009.

14. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

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

We have applied fair value recognition and disclosure provisions for financial assets and liabilities and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are re-measured at least annually as of January 1, 2008. As permitted, we applied the provisions for nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are not recognized or disclosed at fair value on a recurring basis as of January 1, 2009, which did not affect our financial position or results of operations.

 

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The following assets and liabilities are measured at fair value:

 

        

December 31, 2009

 
        

Level 1

        

Level 2

        

Level 3

        

Total

 
         (Thousands of Dollars)  

Other current assets:

                     

Product imbalances

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

Other long-term assets, net:

                     

Interest rate swaps

     -         8,623         -        8,623   

Accrued liabilities:

                     

Derivatives

     (30,788      -         -        (30,788

Product imbalances

     (676      -         -        (676
                                   

Total

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

December 31, 2008

 
        

Level 1

        

Level 2

        

Level 3

        

Total

 
         (Thousands of Dollars)  

Other current assets:

                     

Derivatives

   $     8,502       $     -       $     -      $     8,502   

Product imbalances

     -         11,502         -        11,502   

Other long-term assets, net:

                     

Interest rate swaps

     -         15,284         -        15,284   

Accrued liabilities:

                     

Product imbalances

     -         (2,193      -        (2,193
                                   

Total

   $     8,502       $     24,593       $     -      $     33,095   
                                   

Derivatives

Our commodity derivative instruments consist of futures contracts and swaps traded on the NYMEX, and the fair values of these contracts are based on their quoted prices. We have consistently applied these valuation techniques in all periods presented.

Interest Rate Swaps

We estimate the fair value of the interest rate swaps using discounted cash flows, which uses observable inputs such as time to maturity and market interest rates.

Product Imbalances

As of December 31, 2008, we valued assets and liabilities related to product imbalances by petroleum product at adjusted market prices. Effective January 1, 2009, we began using quoted market prices as of the reporting date to value our assets and liabilities related to product imbalances.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

In April 2009, the FASB revised its existing disclosure requirements for the fair value of financial instruments to include the disclosure of the fair value of all financial instruments, whether or not recognized at fair value in the balance sheet, along with the related carrying value and methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value.

 

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

 

    

December 31,

    

2009

  

2008

     (Thousands of Dollars)

Fair value

   $   1,306,301    $   1,157,470

Carrying amount

   $   1,248,437    $   1,261,234

As of December 31, 2009, the fair value and carrying value of our variable rate debt was $551.1 million and $601.3 million, respectively. We estimated the fair values of our debt using a discounted cash flow analysis using current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.

15. DERIVATIVES AND RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

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

In March 2008, the FASB amended and expanded the existing disclosure requirements for derivative instruments to require enhanced disclosures on how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for and their impact on an entity’s financial performance, financial position and cash flows. We adopted these disclosure requirements as of January 1, 2009.

Interest Rate Risk

We are a party to interest rate swap agreements to manage our exposure to changes in interest rates. The interest rate swap agreements have aggregate notional amount of $167.5 million, of which $60.0 million is tied to the maturity of the 6.875% senior notes and $107.5 million is tied to the maturity of the 6.05% senior notes. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements, we will receive a fixed rate (6.875% and 6.05% for the $60.0 million and $107.5 million of interest rate swap agreements, respectively) and will pay a variable rate based on LIBOR plus a percentage that varies with each agreement. As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the weighted-average interest rates that we paid under our interest rate swaps were 2.3% and 3.0%, respectively.

Commodity Price Risk

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

 

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The following table presents the volume of our fair value and cash flow derivative positions. The volume of commodity contracts is based on open derivative positions and represents the combined volume of our long and short positions on an absolute basis.

 

    

December 31, 2009

     (Thousands of barrels)

Commodity contracts – Fair Value Hedges

   11,619

Commodity contracts – Cash Flow Hedges

        230

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

 

                Asset Derivatives                    Liability Derivatives    
       Balance Sheet         

December 31,

 

December 31,

     
       Location         

2009

        

2008

          

2009

        

2008

     
                (Thousands of Dollars)              

Derivatives Designated as

Hedging Instruments:

                              

Interest rate swaps

   Other long-term
assets, net
         $     8,623      $     15,284      $     -       $     -     

Commodity contracts

   Other current
assets
       -        7,005        -         (6,911  

Commodity contracts

   Accrued liabilities        3,797        -        (14,279      -     
                                          

Total

          12,420        22,289        (14,279      (6,911  
                                          

Derivatives Not Designated

as Hedging Instruments:

                              

Commodity contracts

   Other current
assets
       -        8,408        -         -     

Commodity contracts

   Accrued liabilities        9,766        -        (30,072      -     
                                          

Total

          9,766        8,408        (30,072      -     
                                          

Total Derivatives

            $     22,186      $     30,697      $     (44,351    $     (6,911  
                                          

 

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No component of the associated derivative instruments’ gains or losses was excluded from our assessment of hedge ineffectiveness. The earnings impact of our derivative activity was as follows for the year ended December 31, 2009:

 

Derivatives

Designated as Fair

Value Hedging

Instruments

  

Income Statement

Location

 

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

   

Amount of Gain
(Loss)

Recognized in

Income on
Hedged Item

  Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized
in Income on
Derivative
(Ineffective
Portion)
        
         (Thousands of Dollars)

Interest rate swaps

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

Commodity contracts

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

Total

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

 

Derivatives

Designated as Cash

Flow Hedging

Instruments

 

Amount of Gain
(Loss) Recognized
in OCI on
Derivative
(Effective Portion)

  

Income Statement

Location (a)

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

Commodity contracts

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

 

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

 

Derivatives Not Designated

as Hedging Instruments

  

Income Statement

Location

  Amount of Gain (Loss)
Recognized in Income
 
          
         (Thousands of Dollars)  

Commodity contracts

   Cost of product sales       $    (13,594

Commodity contracts

   Operating expenses      (3,589
           

Total

         $    (17,183
           

Concentration of Credit Risk

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

16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Our operations are managed by the general partner of our general partner, NuStar GP, LLC. The employees of NuStar GP, LLC perform services for our U.S. operations. Certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries employ persons who perform services for our international operations. We reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for all costs related to its employees, other than costs associated with NuStar GP Holdings under the services agreement described below. We had a payable of $10.6 million and $3.4 million as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, with both amounts

 

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representing payroll, employee-related benefit plan expenses and unit-based compensation. We also had a long-term payable as of December 31, 2009 and 2008 of $7.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively, to NuStar GP, LLC related to amounts payable for retiree medical benefits and other post-employment benefits.

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

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

    

2009

  

2008

  

2007

     (Thousands of Dollars)

Operating expenses

   $ 124,827    $ 115,291    $ 93,211

General and administrative expenses

     58,878      44,988      37,702

Agreements with NuStar GP Holdings

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

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

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

For the 2009 fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter, the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totals $1.1 million (as adjusted), plus 1.0% of NuStar GP, LLC’s domestic bonus and unit compensation expense, subject to certain other adjustments. For 2008, the Holdco Administrative Services Expense totaled $0.8 million, plus 1.0% of NuStar GP, LLC’s domestic bonus and unit compensation expense. The GP Services Agreement will terminate on December 31, 2012, with automatic two-year renewals unless terminated by either party upon six months’ prior written notice. The aggregate amounts allocated to NuStar GP Holdings related to the Administration Agreement and the GP Services Agreement were $1.4 million, $0.9 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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

 

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17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLANS

Employee Benefit Plans

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

The NuStar Pension Plan (the Pension Plan) is a qualified non-contributory defined benefit pension plan that became effective July 1, 2006. The Pension Plan covers substantially all of NuStar GP, LLC’s employees and generally provides eligible employees with retirement income calculated under a defined benefit formula based on years of service and compensation during their period of service. Employees become fully vested in their Pension Plan benefits upon attaining five years of vesting service.

NuStar GP, LLC also maintains an excess pension plan (the Excess Pension Plan) and a supplemental executive retirement plan (the SERP). The Excess Pension Plan and the SERP are nonqualified deferred compensation plans that provide benefits to a select group of management or other highly compensated employees of NuStar GP, LLC. Benefits under the Excess Pension Plan and the SERP are generally payable in a single lump sum payment upon the employee’s separation from service.

The NuStar Thrift Plan (the Thrift Plan) is a qualified employee profit-sharing plan that became effective June 26, 2006. Participation in the Thrift Plan is voluntary and is open to substantially all NuStar GP, LLC employees upon their date of hire, except for part-time employees (as defined in the Thrift Plan), who become eligible upon completing one year of service (as defined in the Thrift Plan). Thrift Plan participants can contribute from 1% up to 30% of their total annual compensation to the Thrift Plan in the form of pre-tax and/or after tax employee contributions. NuStar GP, LLC makes matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of each participant’s employee contributions up to a maximum of 6% of the participant’s total annual compensation.

NuStar GP, LLC also maintains an excess thrift plan (the Excess Thrift Plan) that became effective July 1, 2006. The Excess Thrift Plan is a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that provides benefits to those employees of NuStar GP, LLC whose compensation and/or annual contributions under the Thrift Plan are subject to the limitations applicable to qualified retirement plans under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Benefits under the Excess Thrift Plan are generally payable in a single lump sum payment upon the employee’s separation from service.

NuStar GP, LLC also provides a post-retirement medical benefits plan for retired employees, referred to as other post-retirement benefits.

None of the Excess Thrift Plan, the Excess Pension Plan or the SERP is intended to constitute either a qualified plan under the provisions of Section 401 of the Code or a funded plan subject to ERISA.

 

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Long-Term Incentive Plans

NuStar GP, LLC also sponsors the following:

 

   

The Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2000 LTIP), under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 1,500,000 NuStar Energy common units. Awards under the 2000 LTIP can include unit options, restricted units, performance awards, distribution equivalent rights (DER) and contractual rights to receive common units. As of December 31, 2009, a total of 294,394 common units remained available to be awarded under the 2000 LTIP.

 

   

The 2003 Employee Unit Incentive Plan (the UIP) under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 500,000 NuStar Energy common units to employees of NuStar GP, LLC or its affiliates, excluding officers and directors of NuStar GP, LLC and its affiliates. Awards under the UIP can include unit options, restricted units and DER. As of December 31, 2009, a total of 254,812 common units remained available to be awarded under the UIP.

 

   

The 2002 Unit Option Plan (the UOP) under which NuStar GP, LLC may award up to 200,000 NuStar Energy unit options to officers and directors of NuStar GP, LLC or its affiliates, of which substantially all of the unit options have been awarded as of December 31, 2009.

 

   

The 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2006 LTIP) under which NuStar GP Holdings may award up to 2,000,000 units to employees, consultants and directors of NuStar GP Holdings and its affiliates, including us. Awards under the 2006 LTIP can include unit options, performance units, restricted units, phantom units, unit grants and unit appreciation rights of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC. As of December 31, 2009, a total of 1,595,689 NuStar GP Holdings units remained available to be awarded under the 2006 LTIP.

The number of awards granted under the above-described plans were as follows:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

    

2009

  

2008

  

2007

    

Granted

  

Vesting

  

Granted

  

Vesting

  

Granted

  

Vesting

2000 LTIP:

                 

Performance awards

   23,233    (a)    14,470    (a)    10,840    (a)

Unit options

   -    -    10,670    1/5 per year    204,675    1/5 per year

Restricted units

   194,973    1/5 per year    236,868    1/5 per year    117,575    1/5 per year

Restricted units (grants to
non-employee directors of
NuStar GP, LLC)

   5,076    1/3 per year    5,625    1/3 per year    3,510    1/3 per year

UIP:

                 

Unit options

   -    -    795    1/5 per year    -    -

Restricted units

   10,692    1/5 per year    16,321    1/5 per year    12,730    1/5 per year

2006 LTIP:

                 

Restricted units

   24,290    1/5 per year    30,300    1/5 per year    -    -

Unit options

   -    -    -    -    324,100    (c)

Restricted units (grants to
non-employee directors of
NuStar GP Holdings) (b)

   8,627    1/3 per year    10,308    1/3 per year    5,489    1/3 per year

 

  (a) Performance awards vest 1/3 per year if certain performance measures are met.
  (b) We do not reimburse NuStar GP, LLC for compensation expense relating to these awards.
  (c) Unit options granted under the 2006 LTIP vest in annual one-third increments beginning on the third anniversary of the grant date.

 

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Our share of compensation expense related to the various long-term incentive plans and benefit plans described above is as follows:

 

    

Year Ended December 31,

    

2009

  

2008

  

2007

     (Thousands of Dollars)

Long-term incentive plans

   $ 15,060    $ 5,254    $ 3,833

Benefit plans

     9,359      8,196      8,704

18. OTHER INCOME

Other income consisted of the following:

 

        

Year Ended December 31,

 
        

2009

        

2008

       

2007

 
     (Thousands of Dollars)   

Gain from sale or disposition of assets

   $     21,320      $      26,456    $      7,869   

Gain from insurance proceeds

     9,382         3,504       12,492   

2007 Services Agreement termination fee

     -         -       13,000   

Legal settlements

     -         -       5,758   

Foreign exchange gains (losses)

     (5,118      5,888       (6,261

Other

     6,275         1,891       5,972   
                         

Other income, net

   $     31,859      $      37,739    $      38,830   
                         

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the sale or disposal of fixed assets includes a gain of $21.4 million related to the June 15, 2009 sale of the Ardmore-Wynnewood pipeline in Oklahoma and the Trans-Texas pipeline. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the sale or disposal of fixed assets includes a gain of $18.9 million related to the sale of interest in Skelly-Belvieu.

For the year ended December 31, 2009, the gain from insurance proceeds results from insurance claims related to damage caused by Hurricane Ike primarily at our Texas City terminal in the third quarter of 2008. For the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, the gain from insurance proceeds relates to business interruption insurance proceeds associated with lost earnings in 2007 at our pipelines and terminals that serve Valero Energy’s McKee refinery, which experienced a fire in February 2007.

Valero Energy provided certain services to us under the terms of a services agreement dated December 22, 2006 (the 2007 Services Agreement). On April 16, 2007, Valero Energy exercised its option to terminate the 2007 Services Agreement. In accordance with the terms of the 2007 Services Agreement, Valero Energy paid us a termination fee of $13.0 million at that time.

19. PARTNERS’ EQUITY

Issuance of Common Units

In November 2009, we issued 5,750,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $52.45 per unit. We received net proceeds of $288.8 million and a contribution of $6.2 million from our general partner to maintain its 2% general partner interest. The net proceeds were used mainly to reduce the outstanding principal balance under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement.

In April 2008, we issued 5,050,800 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $48.75 per unit. We received net proceeds of $236.2 million and a contribution of $5.0 million from our general partner to maintain its 2% general partner interest. The proceeds were used to repay the $124.0 million balance under a term loan agreement and a portion of the outstanding principal balance under our 2007 Revolving Credit Agreement.

 

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In November 2007, we issued 2,600,000 common units representing limited partner interests at a price of $57.20 per unit. We received net proceeds of $143.1 million and a contribution of $3.0 million from our general partner to maintain its 2% general partner interest. The proceeds were used to repay a portion of the outstanding principal balance under our revolving credit agreement.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Changes in the amounts included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” were as follows:

 

   

Foreign
Currency
Translation

 

Cash Flow
Hedges

 

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Balance as of January 1, 2008

 

$

  26,887   $   -   $   26,887

Foreign currency translation

    (41,153)     -     (41,153)
                 

Balance as of December 31, 2008

 

$

  (14,266)   $   -   $   (14,266)
                 

Foreign currency translation

    22,316     -     22,316

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges

    -     (240)     (240)
                 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

 

$

  8,050   $   (240)   $   7,810
                 

There was no tax effect from foreign currency translation or the unrealized loss on certain derivative instruments as these transactions related to non-taxable entities.

Allocations of Net Income

Our partnership agreement, as amended, sets forth the calculation to be used to determine the amount and priority of cash distributions that our unitholders and general partner will receive. The partnership agreement also contains provisions for the allocation of net income and loss to our unitholders and the general partner. For purposes of maintaining partner capital accounts, the partnership agreement specifies that items of income and loss shall be allocated among the partners in accordance with their respective percentage interests. Normal allocations according to percentage interests are done after giving effect, if any, to priority income allocations in an amount equal to incentive cash distributions allocated 100% to the general partner.

The following table details the calculation of net income applicable to the general partner:

 

    Year Ended December 31,
    2009   2008   2007
    (Thousands of Dollars)

Net income applicable to general partner and limited partners’ interest

 

$

  224,875   $   254,018   $   150,298

Less general partner incentive distribution (a)

    28,712     24,764     18,426
                 

Net income after general partner incentive distribution

    196,163     229,254     131,872

General partner interest

    2%     2%     2%
                 

General partner allocation of net income after general partner incentive distribution

    3,924     4,586     2,637

General partner incentive distribution

    28,712     24,764     18,426
                 

Net income applicable to general partner

 

$

  32,636   $   29,350   $   21,063
                 

 

  (a) For the first quarter of 2008, our net income allocation to general and limited partners reflected a total cash distribution based on the partnership interests outstanding as of March 31, 2008. We issued approximately 5.1 million common units in April 2008. Actual distribution payments are made within 45 days after the end of each quarter as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter. Therefore, the general partner’s portion of the actual distribution made with respect to the first quarter 2008, including the IDR, which is shown in the distribution table below, exceeded the net income allocation to the general partner.

 

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Net Income per Unit

In 2008, the FASB provided additional guidance regarding the application of the two-class method to calculate earnings per unit for master limited partnerships, which was effective January 1, 2009. The following table details the calculation of earnings per unit:

 

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

Net income

  $     224,875        $     254,018     $     150,298   

Less general partner distribution (including IDR) (a)

    34,142          29,711       22,518   

Less limited partner distribution

    237,308          217,494       182,076   
                         

Distributions (greater than) less than earnings

  $     (46,575     $     6,813     $     (54,296
                         

General partner earnings:

               

Distributions

  $     34,142        $     29,711     $     22,518   

Allocation of distributions (greater than) less than earnings (2%)

    (932       136       (1,086
                         

Total

  $     33,210        $     29,847     $     21,432   
                         

Limited partner earnings:

               

Distributions

  $     237,308        $     217,494     $     182,076   

Allocation of distributions (greater than) less than earnings (98%)

    (45,643       6,677       (53,210
                         

Total

  $     191,665        $     224,171     $     128,866   
                         

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

    55,232,467          53,182,741       47,158,790   

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners:

               

Distributions

  $     4.30        $     4.09     $     3.86   

Distributions (greater than) less than earnings

    (0.83       0.13       (1.13
                         

Total

  $     3.47        $     4.22     $     2.73   
                         

 

  (a) For the first quarter of 2008, the general partner distribution used in our calculation of earnings per unit was based on the partnership interests outstanding as of March 31, 2008. We issued approximately 5.1 million common units in April 2008. Actual distribution payments are made within 45 days after the end of each quarter as of a record date that is set after the end of each quarter. Therefore, the general partner’s portion of the actual distribution made with respect to the first quarter 2008, including the IDR, which is shown in the distribution table below, exceeded the general partner distribution used in the calculation of earnings per unit.

Cash Distributions

We make quarterly distributions of 100% of our available cash, generally defined as cash receipts less cash disbursements and cash reserves established by the general partner, in its sole discretion. These quarterly distributions are declared and paid within 45 days subsequent to each quarter-end. The limited partner unitholders are entitled to receive a minimum quarterly distribution of $0.60 per unit each quarter ($2.40 annualized). Our cash is first distributed 98% to the limited partners and 2% to the general partner until the amount distributed to our unitholders is equal to the minimum quarterly distribution and arrearages in the payment of the minimum quarterly distribution for any prior quarter. Cash in excess of the minimum quarterly distributions is distributed to our unitholders and our general partner based on the percentages shown below.

 

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

 

     Percentage of Distribution
Quarterly Distribution Amount per Unit    Unitholders   General Partner

Up to $0.60

   98%   2%

Above $0.60 up to $0.66

   90%   10%

Above $0.66

   75%   25%

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

 

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

General partner interest

  $     5,430     $   5,058     $   4,092

General partner incentive distribution

    28,712       25,294       18,426
                     

Total general partner distribution

    34,142       30,352       22,518

Limited partners’ distribution

    237,308       222,470       182,076
                     

Total cash distributions

  $     271,450     $   252,822     $   204,594
                     

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

  $     4.245     $   4.085     $   3.835
                     

In January 2010, we declared a quarterly cash distribution of $1.065 that was paid on February 12, 2010 to unitholders of record on February 5, 2010. This distribution related to the fourth quarter of 2009 and totaled $73.4 million, of which $9.3 million represented our general partner’s share of such distribution. Our general partner’s distribution included a $7.8 million incentive distribution.

20. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Changes in current assets and current liabilities were as follows:

 

    Year Ended December 31,  
        2009             2008             2007  
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Decrease (increase) in current assets:

               

Accounts receivable

  $     (31,505     $   (52,372     $   (22,079

Receivable from related party

    -          786          (786

Inventories

    (156,234       193,992          (71,457

Other current assets

    (39,400       6,920          (8,603

Increase (decrease) in current liabilities:

               

Payable to related party

    7,051          3,760          (2,315

Accounts payable

    59,284          (16,419       72,918   

Accrued interest payable

    (969       4,781          182   

Accrued liabilities

    17,492          (13,237       9,546   

Taxes other than income tax

    209          4,730          2   

Income tax payable

    (8,208       76          1,266   
                           

Changes in current assets and current liabilities

  $     (152,280     $   133,017        $   (21,326
                           

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

The above changes in current assets and current liabilities differ from changes between amounts reflected in the applicable consolidated balance sheets for the following reasons:

   

the amounts shown above exclude the current assets and current liabilities acquired in connection with the East Coast Asphalt Operations acquisition; and

   

certain differences between consolidated balance sheet changes and amounts reflected above result from translating foreign currency denominated amounts at different exchange rates.

Non-cash financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2009 included a decrease in the fair value of our interest rate swaps.

Non-cash investing and financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2008 included:

   

adjustment to property, plant and equipment and other long-term assets relating to a non-amortizing asset on our ammonia pipeline;

   

increase in the fair value of our interest rate swaps; and

   

the recognition of a note payable and related other current asset pertaining to insurance.

Non-cash investing and financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2007 included:

   

adjustments to property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets resulting from the final purchase price allocations related to the St. James crude oil storage facility acquisition in December 2006;

   

the recognition of a note payable and related other current asset pertaining to insurance; and

   

adjustments to the fair value of our interest rate swap agreements.

Cash flows related to interest and income taxes were as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,
     2009    2008    2007
     (Thousands of Dollars)

Cash paid for interest, net of amount capitalized

   $ 93,632    $ 98,810    $ 83,450

Cash paid for income taxes, net of tax refunds received

   $ 20,150    $ 12,231    $ 9,081

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

21. INCOME TAXES

Components of income tax expense related to certain of our operations conducted through separate taxable wholly owned corporate subsidiaries were as follows:

 

        Year Ended December 31,  
        2009             2008           2007  
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Current:

               

U.S.

  $     2,424        $     1,059     $     2,373   

Foreign

    10,144          9,910       8,799   
                         

Total current

    12,568          10,969       11,172   
                         

Deferred:

               

U.S.

    (1,466       (1,280)       827   

Foreign

    (571       1,317       (551
                         

Total deferred

    (2,037       37       276   
                         

Total income tax expense

  $     10,531        $     11,006     $     11,448   
                         

The difference between income tax expense recorded in our consolidated statements of income and income taxes computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate (35% for all years presented) to income before income tax expense is due to the fact that the majority of our income is not subject to federal income tax due to our status as a limited partnership.

The tax effects of significant temporary differences representing deferred income tax assets and liabilities were as follows:

 

        December 31,  
        2009             2008  
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

U.S.:

         

Net operating losses

  $     20,788        $     23,283   

Environmental and legal reserves

    14,234          14,252   

Other

    1,525          902   

Valuation allowance

    (9,457       (13,366
                 

Deferred tax assets – U. S.

    27,090          25,071   
                 

Property, plant and equipment

    (13,197       (12,644
                 

Net deferred income tax asset – U.S.

  $     13,893        $     12,427   
                 

Foreign:

         

Net operating losses

  $     3,253        $     -   

Other

    687          1,022   

Capital loss

    2,166          1,569   

Valuation allowance

    -          (1,312
                 

Deferred tax assets – foreign

    6,106          1,279   
                 

Property, plant and equipment

    (33,015       (28,649
                 

Net deferred income tax liability – foreign.

  $     (26,909     $     (27,370
                 

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Our U.S. corporate operations have net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes totaling approximately $59.4 million, which are subject to various limitations on use and expire in years 2010 through 2029.

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, we recorded a valuation allowance to reduce our net U.S. deferred income tax asset to an amount that is more-likely-than-not to be realized. We estimate the amount of valuation allowance based upon our expectations of taxable income in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and the period over which we can utilize those future deductions. The valuation allowance reflects uncertainties related to our ability to utilize certain federal net operating loss carryforwards before they expire. In 2009, we reduced the valuation allowance for both the U.S. net operating loss and the foreign capital loss assets by $5.2 million due to changes in our estimates of the amount of those loss carryforwards that will be realized, based upon future taxable income and potential tax planning strategies.

The realization of net deferred income tax assets recorded as of December 31, 2009 is dependent upon our ability to generate future taxable income in the United States. We believe it is more-likely-than not that the deferred income tax assets, net of the valuation allowance, as of December 31, 2009 will be realized, based on expected future taxable income and potential tax planning strategies.

St. Eustatius Tax Agreement

On June 1, 1989, the governments of the Netherlands Antilles and St. Eustatius approved a Free Zone and Profit Tax Agreement retroactive to January 1, 1989, which expired on December 31, 2000. This agreement required a subsidiary of Kaneb, which we acquired on July 1, 2005, to pay the greater of 2% of taxable income, as defined therein, or 500,000 Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $0.3 million) per year. The agreement further provided that any amounts paid in order to meet the minimum annual payment were available to offset future tax liabilities under the agreement to the extent that the minimum annual payment is greater than 2% of taxable income.

On February 22, 2006, we entered into a revised agreement (the 2005 Tax and Maritime Agreement) with the governments of St. Eustatius and the Netherlands Antilles. The 2005 Tax and Maritime Agreement is effective beginning January 1, 2005 and expires on December 31, 2014. Under the terms of the 2005 Tax and Maritime Agreement, we agreed to make a one-time payment of 5.0 million Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $2.8 million) in full and final settlement of all of our liabilities, taxes, fees, levies, charges, or otherwise (including settlement of audits) due or potentially due to St. Eustatius. We further agreed to pay an annual minimum profit tax to St. Eustatius of 1.0 million Netherlands Antilles guilders (approximately $0.6 million), beginning as of January 1, 2005. We agreed to pay the minimum annual profit tax in twelve equal monthly installments. To the extent the minimum annual profit tax exceeds 2% of taxable profit (as defined in the 2005 Tax and Maritime Agreement), we can carry forward that excess to offset future tax liabilities. If the minimum annual profit tax is less than 2% of taxable profit, we agreed to pay that difference.

22. SEGMENT INFORMATION

Our reportable segments consist of storage, transportation, and asphalt and fuels marketing. Our segments represent strategic business units that offer different services. We evaluate the performance of each segment based on its respective operating income, before general and administrative expenses and certain non-segmental depreciation and amortization expense. General and administrative expenses are not allocated to the operating segments since those expenses relate primarily to the overall management at the entity level. Our principal operations include terminalling and storage of petroleum products, the transportation of petroleum products and anhydrous ammonia, and asphalt and fuels marketing. Intersegment revenues result from storage and throughput agreements at lease rates consistent with rates charged to third parties for storage and at pipeline tariffs based upon the published tariff applicable to all shippers.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Results of operations for the reportable segments were as follows:

 

        Year Ended December 31,  
        2009             2008             2007  
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Revenues:

               

Storage:

               

Third party revenues

  $     444,535        $     423,730        $     400,058   

Intersegment revenues

    43,037          30,359          10,569   
                           

Total storage

    487,572          454,089          410,627   

Transportation:

               

Third party revenues

    300,814          316,900          296,565   

Intersegment revenues

    1,256          878          231   
                           

Total transportation

    302,070          317,778          296,796   

Asphalt and fuels marketing:

               

Third party revenues

    3,110,522          4,088,140          778,391   

Intersegment revenues

    -          29          -   
                           

Total asphalt and fuels marketing

    3,110,522          4,088,169          778,391   

Consolidation and intersegment eliminations

    (44,293       (31,266       (10,800
                           

Total revenues

  $     3,855,871        $     4,828,770        $     1,475,014   
                           

Depreciation and amortization expense:

               

Storage

  $     70,888        $     66,706        $     62,317   

Transportation

    50,528          50,749          49,946   

Asphalt and fuels marketing

    19,463          14,734          423   
                           

Total segment depreciation and amortization expense

    140,879          132,189          112,686   

Other depreciation and amortization expense

    4,864          3,520          1,607   
                           

Total depreciation and amortization expense

  $     145,743        $     135,709        $     114,293   
                           

Operating income:

               

Storage

  $     171,245        $     141,079        $     114,635   

Transportation

    139,869          135,086          126,508   

Asphalt and fuels marketing

    60,629          112,506          21,111   

Consolidation and intersegment eliminations

    1,170          1,352          (133
                           

Total segment operating income

    372,913          390,023          262,121   

Less general and administrative expenses

    94,733          76,430          67,915   

Less other depreciation and amortization expense

    4,864          3,520          1,607   
                           

Total operating income

  $     273,316        $     310,073        $     192,599   
                           

Revenues by geographic area are shown in the table below.

 

        Year Ended December 31,
        2009           2008           2007
        (Thousands of Dollars)

United States

  $     2,971,961     $     3,731,685     $     655,013

Netherlands Antilles

    693,808       926,690       719,084

Canada

    106,989       97,762       44,927

Other countries

    83,113       72,633       55,990
                     

Consolidated revenues

  $     3,855,871     $     4,828,770     $     1,475,014
                     

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

For the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2007, revenues from Valero Energy accounted for 18% of our consolidated revenues, respectively, and no other single customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenue. Revenues from Valero Energy by operating segment were as follows:

 

    

Year Ended

December 31, 2007

     (Thousands of Dollars)

Revenues:

        

Storage

                 $   115,417  

Transportation

       147,597  

Asphalt and fuels marketing

       7,426  
          

Total revenues

         $   270,440  
          

Long-lived assets include property, plant and equipment, intangible assets subject to amortization and certain long-lived assets included in “Other long-term assets, net” in the consolidated balance sheets. Total amounts of long-lived assets by country were as follows:

 

       

December 31,

       

2009

         

2008

        (Thousands of Dollars)

United States

  $     2,667,559     $     2,630,940

Netherlands Antilles

    252,030       253,355

Netherlands

    126,545       121,977

Canada

    93,801       80,956

United Kingdom

    83,144       70,335

Mexico

    9,133       9,218
             

Consolidated long-lived assets

  $     3,232,212     $     3,166,781
             

Total assets by reportable segment were as follows:

 

       

December 31,

       

2009

         

2008

        (Thousands of Dollars)

Storage

  $     2,234,651     $     2,140,010

Transportation

    1,286,533       1,327,666

Asphalt and fuels marketing

    1,121,448       885,492
             

Total segment assets

    4,642,632       4,353,168

Other partnership assets

    132,041       106,429
             

Total consolidated assets

  $     4,774,673     $     4,459,597
             

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were as follows:

 

        Storage           Transportation             Asphalt and
Fuels
Marketing
         

Total

 
        (Thousands of Dollars)  

Balance as of January 1, 2008

  $     578,529     $     175,367        $     31,123     $     785,019   

East Coast Asphalt Operations acquisition preliminary purchase price allocation

    -       -          20,201       20,201   

Other

    1,110       -          -       1,110   
                                 

Balance as of December 31, 2008

  $     579,639     $     175,367        $     51,324     $     806,330   
                                 

East Coast Asphalt Operations acquisition final purchase price allocation

    -       -          1,931       1,931   

Sale of assets

    -       (519       -       (519
                                 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

  $     579,639     $     174,848        $     53,255     $     807,742   
                                 

Capital expenditures, including acquisitions and investments in other noncurrent assets, by reportable segment were as follows:

 

       

Year Ended December 31,

       

2009

         

2008

         

2007

        (Thousands of Dollars)

Storage

  $     137,050     $     191,696     $     203,177

Transportation

    27,551       23,117       25,344

Asphalt and fuels marketing

    21,458       787,733       1,755

Other partnership assets

    22,708       9,808       21,037
                     

Total capital expenditures

  $     208,767     $     1,012,354     $     251,313
                     

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

23. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NuStar Energy has no operations and its assets consist mainly of its investments in NuStar Logistics and NuPOP, both wholly owned subsidiaries. The senior notes issued by NuStar Logistics and NuPOP are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by NuStar Energy, and both NuStar Logistics and NuPOP fully and unconditionally guarantee the outstanding senior notes of the other. As a result, the following condensed consolidating financial statements are being presented as an alternative to providing separate financial statements for NuStar Logistics and NuPOP.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

December 31, 2009

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

       

NuStar
Energy

         

NuStar
Logistics

         

NuPOP

         

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries (a)

           

Eliminations

           

Consolidated

Assets

                                 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $     53     $     1,602     $     -     $     60,351        $     -        $     62,006

Receivables, net

    -       38,973       6,771       176,778          (10,725       211,797

Inventories

    -       -       -       379,472          (2,242       377,230

Other current assets

    -       10,746       3,820       69,120          -          83,686

Intercompany receivable

    -       806,005       713,451       -          (1,519,456       -
                                                 

Current assets

    53       857,326       724,042       685,721          (1,532,423       734,719
                                                 

Property, plant and equipment, net

    -       947,895       626,698       1,453,603          -          3,028,196

Intangible assets, net

    -       2,247       -       41,880          -          44,127

Goodwill

    -       18,094       170,652       618,996          -          807,742

Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries

    2,986,970       118,299       873,422       1,907,118          (5,885,809       -

Investments in joint

ventures

    -       -       -       68,728          -          68,728

Deferred income tax asset

    -       -       -       13,893          -          13,893

Other long-term assets, net

    49       21,942       26,392       28,885          -          77,268
                                                 

Total assets

  $     2,987,072     $     1,965,803     $     2,421,206     $     4,818,824        $     (7,418,232     $     4,774,673
                                                 

Liabilities and Partners’ Equity

                             

Current portion of long-term debt

  $     -     $     770     $     -     $     -        $     -        $     770

Payables

    944       18,566       10,654       196,805          (10,725       216,244

Notes payable

    -       20,000       -       -          -          20,000

Accrued interest payable

    -       12,996       8,490       43          -          21,529

Accrued liabilities

    1,191       14,380       4,652       44,472          (44       64,651

Taxes other than income tax

    125       4,183       2,280       8,946          -          15,534

Income tax payable

    -       1,271       -       (1,245       -          26

Intercompany payable

    507,654       -       -       1,011,806          (1,519,460       -
                                                 

Current liabilities

    509,914       72,166       26,076       1,260,827          (1,530,229       338,754
                                                 

Long-term debt, less

current portion

    -       1,271,750       523,326       33,917          -          1,828,993

Long-term payable to related party

    -       1,082       -       6,581          -          7,663

Deferred tax liability

    -       -       -       26,909          -          26,909

Other long-term liabilities

    -       3,923       883       82,580          -          87,386

Total partners’ equity

    2,477,158       616,882       1,870,921       3,408,010          (5,888,003       2,484,968
                                                 

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

  $     2,987,072     $     1,965,803     $     2,421,206     $     4,818,824        $     (7,418,232     $     4,774,673
                                                 
  (a) Non-guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by NuStar Energy, NuStar Logistics or NuPOP.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

December 31, 2008

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

       

NuStar
Energy

          

NuStar
Logistics

          

NuPOP

  

Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries (a)

      

Eliminations

       

Consolidated

Assets

                                     

Cash and cash equivalents

  $     53      $       2      $       656      $     44,664      $     -        $     45,375

Receivables, net

    8          33,620          8,421        143,141        (6,974       178,216

Inventories

    -          -          347        220,937        (710       220,574

Other current assets

    9          9,472          13,673        19,167        -          42,321

Intercompany receivable

    -          337,685          666,052        -        (1,003,737       -
                                                       

Current assets

    70          380,779          689,149        427,909        (1,011,421       486,486
                                                       

Property, plant and equipment, net

    -          954,487          629,091        1,358,246        -          2,941,824

Intangible assets, net

    -          2,771          -        48,933        -          51,704

Goodwill

    -          18,613          170,652        617,065        -          806,330

Investment in wholly owned subsidiaries

    2,341,184          82,435          806,706        1,679,065        (4,909,390       -

Investments in joint

ventures

    -          -          -        68,813        -          68,813

Deferred income tax asset

    -          -          -        12,427        -          12,427

Other long-term assets, net

    56          34,557          26,517        30,883        -          92,013
                                                       

Total assets

  $     2,341,310        $ 1,473,642        $ 2,322,115      $     4,243,341      $     (5,920,811     $     4,459,597
                                                       

Liabilities and Partners’ Equity

                                 

Current portion of long-term debt

  $     -      $       713      $       -      $     -      $     -        $     713

Payables

    -          23,900          10,171        122,307        (6,974       149,404

Notes payable

    -          22,120          -        -        -          22,120

Accrued interest payable

    -          13,830          8,490        176        -          22,496

Accrued liabilities

    1,032          14,998          5,076        16,365        (17       37,454

Taxes other than income tax

    125          3,866          2,687        8,655        -          15,333

Income tax payable

    -          976          -        3,528        -          4,504

Intercompany payable

    118,890          -          -        884,847        (1,003,737       -
                                                       

Current liabilities

    120,047          80,403          26,424        1,035,878        (1,010,728       252,024
                                                       

Long-term debt, less

current portion

    -          1,309,763          531,504        30,748        -          1,872,015

Long-term payable to related party

    -          -          -        6,645        -          6,645

Deferred income tax liability

    -          -          -        27,370        -          27,370

Other long-term liabilities

    -          4,992          965        88,589        -          94,546

Total partners’ equity

    2,221,263          78,484          1,763,222        3,054,111        (4,910,083       2,206,997
                                                       

Total liabilities and partners’ equity

  $     2,341,310      $       1,473,642      $       2,322,115      $     4,243,341      $     (5,920,811     $     4,459,597
                                                       

 

  (a) Non-guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by NuStar Energy, NuStar Logistics or NuPOP.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

         NuStar
Energy
        NuStar
Logistics
       

NuPOP

         Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries (a)
        Eliminations         Consolidated  

Revenues

  $      -        $      297,929        $      153,268             $      3,441,422          $      (36,748       $      3,855,871   

Costs and expenses

     2,006           184,330           112,161            3,319,305           (35,247        3,582,555   
                                                                

Operating income

     (2,006        113,599           41,107            122,117           (1,501        273,316   

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

     226,881           35,864           91,716            155,481           (509,942        -   

Equity earnings from joint ventures

     -           -           -            9,615           -           9,615   

Interest expense, net

     -           (51,715        (24,168         (3,501        -           (79,384

Other (expense) income, net

     -           23,078           (957         9,738           -           31,859   
                                                                

Income before income tax expense

     224,875           120,826           107,698            293,450           (511,443        235,406   

Income tax expense

     -           1,332           -            9,199           -           10,531   
                                                                

Net income

  $      224,875        $      119,494        $      107,698             $      284,251          $      (511,443       $      224,875   
                                                                

 

(a) Non-guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by NuStar Energy, NuStar Logistics or NuPOP.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

        NuStar
Energy
            NuStar
Logistics
            NuPOP         Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries (a)
        Eliminations         Consolidated  

Revenues

          $     -        $     298,003        $     157,067            $     4,386,481          $     (12,781       $     4,828,770   

Costs and expenses

    1,628          181,216          116,057          4,231,959          (12,163       4,518,697   
                                                         

Operating income

    (1,628       116,787          41,010          154,522          (618       310,073   

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

    255,725          80,760          76,044          133,243          (545,772       -   

Equity earnings from joint ventures

    -          609          -          7,421          -          8,030   

Interest expense, net

    -          (61,792       (24,704       (4,322       -          (90,818

Other (expense) income, net

    (79       28,668          (453       9,603          -          37,739   
                                                         

Income before income tax expense

    254,018          165,032          91,897          300,467          (546,390       265,024   

Income tax expense

    -          752          -          10,254          -          11,006   
                                                         

Net income

          $     254,018        $     164,280        $     91,897            $     290,213          $     (546,390       $     254,018   
                                                         

 

(a) Non-guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by NuStar Energy, NuStar Logistics or NuPOP.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Income

For the Year Ended December 31, 2007

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

       

NuStar
Energy

           

NuStar
Logistics

           

NuPOP

       

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries (a)

      

Eliminations

       

Consolidated

 

Revenues

  $     -            $     274,001            $     149,973            $     1,059,813          $     (8,773         $     1,475,014   

Costs and expenses

    1,966          170,961          108,277          1,009,913        (8,702       1,282,415   
                                                        

Operating income

    (1,966       103,040          41,696          49,900        (71       192,599   

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

    152,264          (12,500       61,867          107,659        (309,290       -   

Equity earnings from joint ventures

    -          738          -          6,095        -          6,833   

Interest (expense) income, net

    -          (52,036       (25,173       693        -          (76,516

Other income, net

    -          29,105          178          9,547        -          38,830   
                                                        

Income before income tax expense

    150,298          68,347          78,568          173,894        (309,361       161,746   

Income tax expense

    -          2,026          -          9,422        -          11,448   
                                                        

Net income

  $     150,298            $     66,321            $     78,568            $     164,472          $     (309,361         $     150,298   
                                                        

 

(a) Non-guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by NuStar Energy, NuStar Logistics or NuPOP.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2009

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

        NuStar
Energy
            NuStar
Logistics
            NuPOP        

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries (a)

        Eliminations         Consolidated  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $     263,017        $     103,753        $     70,433            $     32,302          $     (288,923     $     180,582   
                                                         

Cash flows from investing activities:

                                 

Capital expenditures

    -          (49,800       (23,734       (135,022       -          (208,556

Investment in subsidiaries

    (295,178       -          -          (30       295,208          -   

Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets

    -          29,215          108          357          -          29,680   

Proceeds from insurance settlement

    -          -          -          11,382          -          11,382   

Investment in other noncurrent assets

    -          -          -          (211       -          (211
                                                         

Net cash used in investing activities

    (295,178       (20,585       (23,626       (123,524       295,208          (167,705
                                                         

Cash flows from financing activities:

                                 

Debt borrowings

    -          1,608,188          -          -          -          1,608,188   

Debt repayments

    -          (1,641,119       -          -          -          (1,641,119

Issuance of common units, net of issuance costs

    288,761          -          -          -          -          288,761   

General partner contribution

    6,155          -          -          -          -          6,155   

Partners’ contributions

    -          295,178          -          30          (295,208       -   

Distributions to unitholders and general partner

    (263,896       (263,896       -          (25,027       288,923          (263,896

Net intercompany (repayments) borrowings

    1,141          (80,506       (47,483       126,848          -          -   

Other, net

    -          (1,982       20          1,201          -          (761
                                                         

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    32,161          (84,137       (47,463       103,052          (6,285       (2,672
                                                         

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

    -          2,569          -          3,857          -          6,426   

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    -          1,600          (656       15,687          -          16,631   

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of year

    53          2          656          44,664          -          45,375   
                                                         

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of year

  $     53        $     1,602        $     -            $     60,351          $     -        $     62,006   
                                                         

 

(a) Non-guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by NuStar Energy, NuStar Logistics or NuPOP.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2008

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

       

NuStar
Energy

       

NuStar
Logistics

       

NuPOP

   

Non-Guarantor

Subsidiaries (a)

   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

  $   239,707      $   111,078      $     34,487      $   341,873      $   (241,964   $   485,181   
                                               

Cash flows from investing activities:

                       

Capital expenditures

    -        (51,575     (14,009     (136,559     -        (202,143

Acquisition of East Coast Asphalt Operations

    -        -        -        (803,184     -        (803,184

Other acquisitions

    -        (7,027     -        -        -        (7,027

Proceeds from sale or disposition of assets

    -        40,396        1        10,416        -        50,813   

Proceeds from insurance settlement

    -        -        -        5,000        -        5,000   

Other, net

    -        -        -        24        -        24   
                                               

Net cash used in investing activities

    -        (18,206     (14,008     (924,303     -        (956,517
                                               

Cash flows from financing activities:

                       

Debt borrowings

    -        2,855,575        -        -        -        2,855,575   

Debt repayments

    -        (2,761,821     -        -        -        (2,761,821

Senior note offering, net

    -        346,224        -        -        -        346,224   

Issuance of common units, net of issuance costs

    236,215        -        -        -        -        236,215   

General partner contribution

    5,025        -        -        -        -        5,025   

Distributions to unitholders and general partner

    (241,940     (241,940     -        (24     241,964        (241,940

Net intercompany (repayments) borrowings

    (238,961     (298,292     (19,945     557,198        -        -   

Other, net

    -        440        -        345        -        785   
                                               

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (239,661     (99,814     (19,945     557,519        241,964        440,063   
                                               

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

    -        (5,340     -        (7,850     -        (13,190

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

    46        (12,282     534        (32,761     -        (44,463

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of year

    7        12,284        122        77,425        -        89,838   
                                               

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of year

  $   53      $   2      $     656      $   44,664      $   -      $   45,375   
                                               

 

(a) Non-guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by NuStar Energy, NuStar Logistics or NuPOP.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

For the Year Ended December 31, 2007

(Thousands of Dollars)

 

       

NuStar
Energy

       

NuStar
Logistics

       

NuPOP

    Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries (a)
   

Eliminations

   

Consolidated

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

  195,640     

$

  139,631     

$

  34,566     

$

  50,188     

$

  (197,353  

$

  222,672   
                                               

Cash flows from investing activities:

                       

Capital expenditures

    -        (65,653     (15,689     (169,909     -        (251,251

Proceeds from sale of assets

    -        66        15        12,586        -        12,667   

Other, net

    -        (58     -        246        -        188   
                                               

Net cash used in investing activities

    -        (65,645     (15,674     (157,077     -        (238,396
                                               

Cash flows from financing activities:

                       

Debt borrowings

    -        1,170,302        -        -        -        1,170,302   

Debt repayments

    -        (1,077,975     -        -        -        (1,077,975

Issuance of common units, net of issuance costs

    143,083        -        -        -        -        143,083   

General partner contribution

    3,035        -            -        -        3,035   

Distributions to unitholders and general partner

    (197,333     (197,333     -        (20     197,353        (197,333

Net intercompany (repayments) borrowings

    (144,555     35,613        (19,762     128,704        -        -   

Other, net

    -        (3,144     -        (908     -        (4,052
                                               

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    (195,770     (72,537     (19,762     127,776        197,353        37,060   
                                               

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

    -        (1,510     -        1,174        -        (336

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (130     (61     (870     22,061        -        21,000   

Cash and cash equivalents as of the beginning of year

    137        12,345        992        55,364        -        68,838   
                                               

Cash and cash equivalents as of the end of year

 

$

  7     

$

  12,284     

$

  122     

$

  77,425     

$

  -     

$

  89,838   
                                               

 

(a) Non-guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by NuStar Energy, NuStar Logistics or NuPOP.

 

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NUSTAR ENERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)

 

24. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

 

    

First

Quarter

     

Second
Quarter

     

Third
Quarter

  

Fourth
Quarter

     

Total

     (Thousands of Dollars, Except Per Unit Data)        

2009:

                 

Revenues

   $ 634,004   $   987,842   $   1,251,247    $ 982,778   $   3,855,871

Operating income

     55,434     84,076     87,190      46,616     273,316

Net income

     39,355     83,735     64,440      37,345     224,875

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners

     0.58     1.38     1.03      0.50     3.47

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

     1.0575     1.0575     1.0650      1.0650     4.245

2008:

                 

Revenues

   $   592,774   $   1,377,580   $   1,825,226    $   1,033,190   $   4,828,770

Operating income

     65,186     40,362     175,478      29,047     310,073

Net income

     55,869     14,090     151,277      32,782     254,018

Net income per unit applicable to limited partners (a)

     1.01     0.15     2.60      0.46     4.22

Cash distributions per unit applicable to limited partners

     0.985     0.985     1.0575      1.0575     4.085

 

  (a) In 2008, the FASB provided additional guidance regarding the application of the two-class method to calculate earnings per unit for master limited partnerships, which was effective January 1, 2009. As a result, net income per unit applicable to limited partners for the fourth quarter 2008 changed from $0.47 previously reported.

 

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our management has evaluated, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act)) as of the end of the period covered by this report, and has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were operating effectively as of December 31, 2009.

INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING

(a) Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.

Management’s report on NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s internal control over financial reporting required by Item 9A. appears in Item 8. of this report, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm.

The report of KPMG LLP on NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s internal control over financial reporting appears in Item 8. of this Form 10-K, and is incorporated herein by reference.

(c) Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting.

There has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

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PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC

Information required to be disclosed under this Item 10 appears under the following headings in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of unitholders and is hereby incorporated by reference: “Information Regarding the Board of Directors,” “Independent Directors,” “Audit Committee,” “Code of Ethics of Senior Financial Officers,” “Proposal No. 1 Election of Directors,” “Information Concerning Nominees and Other Directors” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

Information regarding executive officers is included in Part I of this Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3).

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information required to be disclosed under this Item 11 appears under the following headings in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of unitholders and is hereby incorporated by reference: “Compensation Committee,” “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Compensation of Directors,” “Executive Compensation” and “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions.”

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS

Information required to be disclosed under this Item 12 appears under the following headings in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of unitholders and is hereby incorporated by reference: “Beneficial Ownership” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information.”

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

Information required to be disclosed under this Item 13 appears under the following headings in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of unitholders and is hereby incorporated by reference: “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and “Independent Directors.”

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

Information required to be disclosed under this Item 14 appears under the following headings in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2010 annual meeting of unitholders and is hereby incorporated by reference: “KPMG LLP Fees for Fiscal Years 2009, 2008 and 2007” and “Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy.”

PART IV

 

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

 

(a)   (1)   Financial Statements. The following consolidated financial statements of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and its subsidiaries and NuStar Energy L.P. and its subsidiaries are included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K:
    NUSTAR GP HOLDINGS, LLC:
    Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
    Report of independent registered public accounting firm (KPMG LLP)
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008

 

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    Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
    Consolidated Statements of Members’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
    NUSTAR ENERGY L.P.
    Reports of independent registered public accounting firm (KPMG LLP)
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008
    Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
    Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007
    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  (2)   Financial Statement Schedules and Other Financial Information. No financial statement schedules are submitted because either they are inapplicable or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
  (3)   Exhibits

Filed as part of this Form 10-K are the following:

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

to the Following Document

3.01

   Certificate of Formation of UDS Logistics, LLC    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed March 31, 2006 (File No. 333-132917), Exhibit 3.01

3.02

   Amendment to Certificate of Formation of Valero GP Holdings, LLC, dated March 21, 2007 and effective April 1, 2007    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 27, 2007 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 3.01

3.03

   Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2006 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 3.01

3.04

   Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Formation of UDS Logistics, LLC    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed March 31, 2006 (File No. 333-132917), Exhibit 3.03

4.01

   Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 3.3

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

to the Following Document

4.02

   Amendment to Amended and Restated Certificate of Limited Partnership of Valero L.P., dated March 21, 2007 and effective April 1, 2007    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K, filed March 27, 2007 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 3.01

4.03

   Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for quarter ended March 31, 2003 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 3.1

4.04

   First Amendment to Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2003 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.3

4.05

   Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of NuStar Energy L.P., dated as of July 1, 2005    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.01

4.06

   Certificate of Limited Partnership of Valero Logistics Operations, L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 14, 2000 (File No. 333-43668), Exhibit 3.4

4.07

   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership of Valero Logistics Operations, L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 14, 2000 (File No. 333-43668), Exhibit 3.5

4.08

   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Limited Partnership of Valero Logistics Operations, L.P., dated March 21, 2007 and effective April 1, 2007    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-K for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 3.04

4.09

   Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Valero Logistics Operations, L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 3.9

4.10

   Second Amendment to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Valero Logistics Operations, L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 3.10

4.11

   Certificate of Limited Partnership of Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 14, 2000 (File No. 333-43668), Exhibit 3.7

4.12

   Agreement of Limited Partnership of Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 14, 2000 (File No. 333-43668), Exhibit 3.8

4.13

   First Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Riverwalk Logistics, L.P.    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 3.16

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

to the Following Document

4.14

   Certificate of Formation of Valero GP, LLC    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed August 14, 2000 (File No. 333-43668), Exhibit 3.9

4.15

   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Formation of Valero GP, LLC    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 3.14

4.16

   Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Formation of Valero GP, LLC, dated March 21, 2007 and effective April 1, 2007    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-K for the quarter ended March 31, 2007 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 3.03

4.17

   First Amended and Restated LLC Agreement of Valero GP, LLC    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed March 29, 2001 (File No. 333-43668), Exhibit 3.10

4.18

   First Amendment to First Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Valero GP, LLC    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2001 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 3.15

4.19

   Indenture, dated July 15, 2002, among Valero Logistics Operations, L.P., as Issuer, NuStar Energy L.P., as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to Senior Debt Securities    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 15, 2002 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.1

4.20

   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 15, 2002, to Indenture dated July 15, 2002, in each case among Valero Logistics Operations, L.P., as Issuer, NuStar Energy L.P., as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to 67/8% Senior Notes Due 2012    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 15, 2002 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.2

4.21

   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 18, 2003, to Indenture dated July 15, 2002, as amended and supplemented by a First Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of July 15, 2002, in each case among Valero Logistics Operations, L.P., as Issuer, NuStar Energy L.P., as Guarantor, and The Bank of New York, as Trustee (including, form of global note representing $250,000,000 6.05% Senior Notes due 2013)    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 9, 2003 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.1

4.22

   Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 1, 2005, to Indenture dated July 15, 2002, as amended and supplemented, among Valero Logistics Operations, L.P.; NuStar Energy L.P.; Kaneb Pipe Line Operating Partnership, L.P.; and The Bank of New York    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.02

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

to the Following Document

4.23

   Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated March 31, 2008, among NuStar Logistics, L.P., NuStar Energy L.P., Kaneb Pipeline Operating Partnership, L.P. The Bank of New York Trust Company N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 4.23

4.24

   Indenture, dated as of February 21, 2002, between Kaneb Pipe Line Operating Partnership, L.P. and JPMorgan Chase Bank (Senior Debt Securities)    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.03

4.25

   First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of February 21, 2002, to Indenture dated as of February 21, 2002, between Kaneb Pipe Line Operating Partnership, L.P. and JPMorgan Chase Bank (including form of 7.750% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2012)    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.04

4.26

   Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of August 9, 2002 and effective as of April 4, 2002, to Indenture dated as of February 21, 2002, as amended and supplemented, between Kaneb Pipe Line Operating Partnership, L.P.; Statia Terminals Canada Partnership; and JPMorgan Chase Bank    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.05

4.27

   Third Supplemental Indenture, dated and effective as of May 16, 2003, to Indenture dated as of February 21, 2002, as amended and supplemented, between Kaneb Pipe Line Operating Partnership, L.P.; Statia Terminals Canada Partnership; and JPMorgan Chase Bank    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.06

4.28

   Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated and effective as of May 27, 2003, to Indenture dated as of February 21, 2002, as amended and supplemented, between Kaneb Pipe Line Operating Partnership, L.P. and JPMorgan Chase Bank (including form of 5.875% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2013)    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.07

4.29

   Fifth Supplemental Indenture, dated and effective as of July 1, 2005, to Indenture dated as of February 21, 2002, as amended and supplemented, among Kaneb Pipe Line Operating Partnership, L.P.; NuStar Energy L.P.; Valero Logistics Operations, L.P.; and JPMorgan Chase Bank    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 4.08

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

to the Following Document

4.30

   Instrument of Resignation, Appointment and Acceptance, dated June 30, 2008, among NuStar Pipeline Operating Partnership L.P., NuStar Energy L.P., NuStar Logistics, L.P. The Bank of New York Trust Company N.A., and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 4.30

4.31

   Specimen certificate representing units of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s amendment to the registration statement on Form 8-A/A filed September 6, 2006 (File No. 001-32940, Exhibit 4.01

4.32

   Rights Agreement between NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and Computershare Investor Services, LLC    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2006 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 4.01

4.33

   Amendment No. 1, dated February 28, 2008, to Rights Agreement between NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and Computershare Investor Services, LLC    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 4.01

10.01

   Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement among NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Suntrust Bank, as Syndication Agent, dated as of July 17, 2009    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 23, 2009 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.01

10.02

   5-Year Revolving Credit Agreement dated as of December 10, 2007 among NuStar Logistics, L.P., NuStar Energy L.P., the Lenders party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, Suntrust Bank, as Syndication Agent, and Barclays Bank PLC and Mizuho Corporate Bank Ltd., as Co-Documentation Agents    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.01

+10.03

   NuStar GP, LLC Amended and Restated 2003 Employee Unit Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of April 1, 2007    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.03

+10.04

   Form of Unit Option Agreement under the Amended and Restated 2003 Employee Unit Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.11

+10.05

   NuStar GP, LLC Amended and Restated 2002 Unit Option Plan, amended and restated as of April 1, 2007    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.02

+10.06

   NuStar GP, LLC Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan, amended and restated as of April 1, 2007    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.01

 

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Table of Contents

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

to the Following Document

+10.07

   Form of Restricted Unit Agreement under the NuStar GP, LLC Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 2008 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.03

+10.08

   Form of Unit Option Award Agreement under the NuStar GP, LLC Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 3, 2006 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.02

+10.09

   Form of Performance Unit Agreement under the NuStar GP, LLC Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 26, 2006 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.02

+10.10

   Form of Amended and Restated Performance Unit Agreement under the NuStar GP, LLC Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 8, 2009 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.02

+10.11

   Omnibus Amendment to Form of Amended and Restated Performance Unit Agreements under the NuStar GP, LLC Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 2, 1010 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.03

+10.12

   Form of Performance Unit Agreement under the Second Amended and Restated 2000 Long-Term Incentive Plan    *

+10.13

   NuStar GP, LLC Short-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed March 29, 2001 (File No. 333-43668), Exhibit 10.4

+10.14

   NuStar GP, LLC Intermediate-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed March 29, 2001 (File No. 333-43668), Exhibit 10.9

+10.15

   NuStar GP Holdings, LLC Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.01

+10.16

   Form of Non-employee Director Restricted Unit Agreement under NuStar GP Holdings, LLC Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 2008 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.02

+10.17

   Form of Unit Option Award Agreement under NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 24, 2007 and filed October 29, 2007 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.03

+10.18

   NuStar GP, LLC Excess Pension Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2008    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.15

+10.19

   NuStar GP, LLC Excess Thrift Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2008    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.16

+10.20

   NuStar GP, LLC Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan, amended and restated effective January 1, 2008    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.17

+10.21

   Form of Unit Option Award Agreement under the NuStar GP, LLC Second Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 3, 2006 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.02

+10.22

   Form of Restricted Unit Award Agreement under the NuStar GP, LLC Second Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 10, 2008 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.03

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

to the Following Document

+10.23

   Change of Control Severance Agreement by and among NuStar Energy L.P., NuStar GP, LLC and Curtis V. Anastasio, dated November 6, 2006    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.05

+10.24

   Form of Change of Control Severance Agreement by and among NuStar Energy L.P., NuStar GP, LLC and each of the executive officers of NuStar GP, LLC, all dated November 6, 2006    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006, (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.06

10.25

   Amended and Restated Omnibus Agreement among Valero Energy Corporation, Valero GP, LLC, Riverwalk Logistics, L.P., NuStar Energy L.P. and Valero Logistics Operations, L.P., dated March 31, 2006    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed March 31, 2006 (File No. 333-132917), Exhibit 10.14

10.26

   Contribution Agreement by and among Diamond Shamrock Refining and Marketing Company and NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, dated effective as of June 1, 2006    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.09

10.27

   Services Agreement, effective January 1, 2008, between NuStar GP, LLC and NuStar Energy L.P.    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.01

10.28

   Non-Compete Agreement between NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, NuStar Energy L.P., Riverwalk Logistics, L.P. and NuStar GP, LLC    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2006 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.03

10.29

   Employee Benefit Transition Agreement between Valero Energy Corporation, NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and NuStar GP, LLC, effective as of July 1, 2006    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.02

10.30

   Amended and Restated Employee Benefits Transition Agreement by and between Valero Energy Corporation, NuStar GP Holdings, LLC and NuStar GP, LLC, effective December 22, 2006    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 22, 2006 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 10.03

10.31

   Unit Purchase Agreement by and between Diamond Shamrock Refining and Marketing Company and William E. Greehey, dated effective as of December 5, 2006    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed December 5, 2006 (File No. 333-138810), Exhibit 10.52

10.32

   NuStar Energy L.P. Bonus Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.18

 

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Exhibit
Number

  

Description

  

Incorporated by Reference

to the Following Document

10.33

   Form of Unit Option Agreement under the NuStar GP, LLC Amended and Restated 2003 Employee Unit Incentive Plan    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.18

10.34

   Sale and Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 5, 2007, by and between CITGO Asphalt Refining Company and NuStar Asphalt Refining, LLC    NuStar Energy L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2008 (File No. 001-16417), Exhibit 10.38

14.01

   Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers    NuStar GP Holdings, LLC’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-32940), Exhibit 14.1

21.01

   List of Subsidiaries of NuStar GP Holdings, LLC    *

23.01

   Consent of KPMG LLP dated February 26, 2010    *

24.01

   Powers of Attorney (included in signature page of this Form 10-K)    *

31.01

   Rule 13a-14(a) Certifications (under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)    *

32.01

   Section 1350 Certifications (under Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002)    *

99.01

   Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy    *

 

+ Identifies management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements required to be filed as an exhibit hereto.

 

* Filed herewith.

Copies of exhibits filed as a part of this Form 10-K may be obtained by unitholders of record at a charge of $0.15 per page, minimum $5.00 each request. Direct inquiries to Corporate Secretary, NuStar GP Holdings, LLC, 2330 North Loop 1604 West, San Antonio, Texas 78248.

 

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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.

 

NuStar GP Holdings, LLC  
(Registrant)  
By:   /s/ Curtis V. Anastasio          
  Curtis V. Anastasio  
 

 

President and Chief Executive Officer

 
  February 26, 2010  
By:  

/s/ Steven A. Blank

 
  Steven A. Blank  
 

 

Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

  February 26, 2010  
By:  

/s/ Thomas R. Shoaf

 
  Thomas R. Shoaf  
 

 

Vice President and Controller

 
  February 26, 2010  

 

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POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Curtis V. Anastasio, Steven A. Blank and Bradley C. Barron, or any of them, each with power to act without the other, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all subsequent amendments and supplements to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, or cause to be filed the same, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto each said attorney-in-fact and agent full power to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby qualifying and confirming all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

  

Title

 

Date

    

  /s/ William E. Greehey

   Chairman of the Board   February 26, 2010  
        (William E. Greehey)       

  /s/ Curtis V. Anastasio

   President, Chief Executive   February 26, 2010  
        (Curtis V. Anastasio)   

Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

   

  /s/ Steven A. Blank

   Senior Vice President,   February 26, 2010  
        (Steven A. Blank)   

Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer

(Principal Financial Officer)

   

  /s/ Thomas R. Shoaf

   Vice President and Controller   February 26, 2010  
        (Thomas R. Shoaf)    (Principal Accounting Officer)    

  /s/ William B. Burnett

   Director   February 26, 2010  
        (William B. Burnett)       

  /s/ James F. Clingman

   Director   February 26, 2010  
        (James F. Clingman)       

  /s/ Stan L. McLelland

   Director   February 26, 2010  
        (Stan L. McLelland)       

 

130