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EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - Western Refining, Inc.exhibit322-wnrx33117.htm
EX-32.1 - EXHIBIT 32.1 - Western Refining, Inc.exhibit321-wnrx33117.htm
EX-31.2 - EXHIBIT 31.2 - Western Refining, Inc.exhibit312-wnrx33117.htm
EX-31.1 - EXHIBIT 31.1 - Western Refining, Inc.exhibit311-wnrx33117.htm
 
 
 
 
 
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
þ
 
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017
OR
o
 
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the transition period from _____ to _____
wrlogoa04a10.jpg
Commission File Number
 
Registrant; State of Incorporation; Address and Telephone Number
 
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
001-32721
 
WESTERN REFINING, INC.
 
20-3472415
 
 
Delaware
 
 
 
 
212 N. Clark St.
 
 
 
 
El Paso, Texas 79905
 
 
 
 
 (915) 775-3300
 
 
 
 
 
 

001-35612
 
NORTHERN TIER ENERGY LP
 
80-0763623
 
 
Delaware
 
 
 
 
1250 W. Washington Street, Suite 300
 
 
 
 
Tempe, Arizona 85281
 
 
 
 
(602) 302-5450
 
 
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.
Western Refining, Inc.
Yes
þ
No
o
Northern Tier Energy LP
Yes
þ
No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§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).
Western Refining, Inc.
Yes
þ
No
o
Northern Tier Energy LP
Yes
þ
No
o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company" and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Western Refining, Inc.
Large accelerated filer þ
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
Northern Tier Energy LP
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer þ
Smaller reporting company o
Emerging growth company o
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Western Refining, Inc.
Yes
o
No
þ
Northern Tier Energy LP
Yes
o
No
þ
As of April 28, 2017, there were 108,818,053 shares outstanding, par value $0.01, of the Western Refining, Inc. common stock.
Northern Tier Energy LP meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this form with the reduced disclosure format.
 
 
 
 
 



WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 EX-31.1
 EX-31.2
 EX-32.1
 EX-32.2
 EX-101





Explanatory Note
This report on Form 10-Q is a combined report being filed separately by Western Refining, Inc. (“Western”) and Northern Tier Energy LP (“NTI”). Western owns all of the common units of NTI and NTI meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing its information within this Form 10-Q with the reduced disclosure format. NTI's debt is in the form of senior secured notes due in 2020 and the indenture governing NTI's senior secured notes requires that it publicly disclose its quarterly financial position, results of operations and cash flows through the maturity date or retirement of its senior secured notes. Western and NTI have elected to include NTI's statements of financial position, results of operations, statements of cash flows and corresponding notes to its consolidated financial statements for all periods required within a separate section of Western's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Each of Western and NTI is filing on its own behalf the information contained in this report that relates to itself, and neither entity makes any representation as to information relating to the other entity. Where information or an explanation is provided that is substantially the same for each entity, such information or explanation has been combined in this report. Where information or an explanation is not substantially the same for each entity, separate information and explanation has been provided.

Forward-Looking Statements
As provided by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, certain statements included throughout this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in particular under the section entitled Part I — Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relating to matters that are not historical fact should be deemed forward-looking statements that represent management’s beliefs and assumptions based upon currently available information. These forward-looking statements relate to matters such as our industry, including the regulation of our industry, business strategy, our proposed merger with Tesoro Corporation (“Tesoro”), future operations, our expectations for margins and crack spreads, seasonality, the discount between West Texas Intermediate ("WTI") crude oil and Dated Brent crude oil as well as the discount between WTI Cushing and WTI Midland crude oils, volatility of crude oil prices, additions to pipeline capacity in the Permian Basin and at Cushing, Oklahoma, pipeline access to advantaged crude oil, expected share repurchases and dividends, volatility in pricing of Renewable Identification Numbers ("RIN"), taxes, capital expenditures, liquidity and capital resources and other financial and operating information. Forward-looking statements also include those regarding the timing of completion of certain operational and maintenance improvements we are making at our refineries, future operational and refinery efficiencies and cost savings, timing of future maintenance turnarounds, the amount or sufficiency of future cash flows and earnings growth, future expenditures, future contributions related to pension and postretirement obligations, our ability to manage our inventory price exposure through commodity hedging instruments, the impact upon our business of existing and future state and federal regulatory requirements, environmental loss contingency accruals, projected remediation costs or requirements and the expected outcomes of legal proceedings in which we are involved. We have used the words “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “budget,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “position,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “strategy,” “will,” “future” and similar terms and phrases to identify forward-looking statements in this report.
Forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations regarding future events, results or outcomes. These expectations may or may not be realized. Some of these expectations may be based upon assumptions or judgments that prove to be incorrect or that are affected by unknown risks or uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statements can be guaranteed. In addition, our business and operations involve numerous risks and uncertainties, many that are beyond our control, that could result in our expectations not being realized or otherwise materially affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in this Form 10-Q. Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from our expectations due to a variety of factors. Although it is not possible to predict or identify all of these factors, they include, among others, the following:
the possibility that the proposed merger with Tesoro is not consummated in a timely manner or at all;
the diversion of management in connection with the proposed merger with Tesoro;
our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the merger with NTI;
availability, costs and price volatility of crude oil, other refinery feedstocks and refined products;
the successful integration and future performance of acquired assets, businesses or third-party product supply, and the possibility that expected synergies may not be achieved;
the impact on us of increased levels and cost of indebtedness used to fund our merger with NTI or the cash portion of the merger consideration and increased cost of existing indebtedness due to the actions taken to consummate the merger with NTI;

i


our ability to obtain debt or equity financing on satisfactory terms to fund additional acquisitions, expansion projects, working capital requirements and the repayment or refinancing of indebtedness;
changes in crack spreads;
changes in the spreads between WTI Cushing crude oil and other crude oil benchmarks such as West Texas Sour crude oil, WTI Midland crude oil, Bakken shale crude oil, Dated Brent crude oil and Western Canadian Select crude oil;
effects of and exposure to risks related to our commodity hedging strategies and transactions;
availability and costs of renewable fuels for blending and RINs to meet Renewable Fuel Standards ("RFS") obligations;
construction of new or expansion of existing product or crude oil pipelines by us or our competitors, including in the Permian Basin, the San Juan Basin and at Cushing, Oklahoma;
changes in the underlying demand for our refined products;
instability and volatility in the financial markets, including as a result of potential disruptions caused by economic uncertainties, commodity price fluctuations and expectations for changes in interest rates;
a potential economic recession in the United States and/or abroad;
adverse changes in the credit ratings assigned to our and our subsidiaries' debt instruments;
changes in the availability and cost of capital;
actions of customers and competitors;
actions of third-party operators, processors and transporters;
changes in fuel and utility costs incurred by our refineries;
the effect of weather-related problems upon our operations;
disruptions due to equipment interruption, pipeline disruptions or failure at our or third-party facilities;
execution of planned capital projects, cost overruns relating to those projects and failure to realize the expected benefits from those projects;
effects of and costs relating to compliance with current and future local, state and federal environmental, economic, climate change, safety, tax and other laws, policies and regulations and enforcement initiatives;
rulings, judgments or settlements in litigation, tax or other legal or regulatory matters, including unexpected environmental remediation costs in excess of any reserves or insurance coverage;
the price, availability and acceptance of alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles;
labor relations;
operating hazards, natural disasters, casualty losses, acts of terrorism including cyber-attacks and other matters beyond our control; and
other factors discussed in more detail under Part I — Item 1A. Risk Factors in Western's and NTI's Annual Reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 ("2016 10‑K").
Any one of these factors or a combination of these factors could materially affect our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows and could influence whether any forward-looking statements ultimately prove to be accurate. You are urged to consider these factors carefully in evaluating any forward-looking statements and are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon these forward-looking statements.
Although we believe the forward-looking statements we make in this report related to our plans, intentions and expectations are reasonable, we can provide no assurance that such plans, intentions or expectations will be achieved. These statements are based upon assumptions made by us based on our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors that we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. The forward-looking statements included herein are made only as of the date of this report and we are not required to (and will not) update any information to reflect events or circumstances that may occur after the date of this report, except as required by applicable law.


ii


Part I
Financial Information
Item 1.
Financial Statements
WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents (WNRL: $23,298 and $14,652, respectively)
$
160,027

 
$
268,581

Accounts receivable, trade, net of a reserve for doubtful accounts of $1,212 and $235, respectively (WNRL: $62,385 and $65,240, respectively)
405,699

 
423,171

Inventories (WNRL: $9,089 and $10,144, respectively)
828,974

 
771,989

Prepaid expenses (WNRL: $6,946 and $6,421, respectively)
98,431

 
95,355

Other current assets (WNRL: $4,970 and $6,403, respectively)
109,922

 
113,421

Total current assets
1,603,053

 
1,672,517

Equity method investment
104,303

 
102,685

Property, plant and equipment, net (WNRL: $417,146 and $419,448, respectively)
2,362,391

 
2,364,482

Goodwill
1,289,443

 
1,289,443

Intangible assets, net (WNRL: $6,301 and $6,515, respectively)
83,151

 
83,812

Other assets (WNRL: $3,115 and $3,233, respectively)
44,296

 
47,458

Total assets
$
5,486,637

 
$
5,560,397

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable (WNRL: $13,596 and $9,186, respectively)
$
678,649

 
$
753,933

Accrued liabilities (WNRL: $35,485 and $39,599, respectively)
206,091

 
219,607

Current portion of long-term debt
10,500

 
10,500

Total current liabilities
895,240

 
984,040

Long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
Long-term debt, less current portion (WNRL: $313,524 and $313,032, respectively)
1,892,725

 
1,871,805

Lease financing obligations
65,854

 
54,163

Deferred income tax liability, net (WNRL: $1,129 and $641, respectively)
283,217

 
260,293

Other liabilities (WNRL: $9 in both periods)
89,682

 
93,136

Total long-term liabilities
2,331,478

 
2,279,397

Commitments and contingencies


 


Equity:
 
 
 
Western shareholders' equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, par value $0.01, 240,000,000 shares authorized; 108,818,053 and 108,512,228 shares issued, respectively
1,088

 
1,085

Preferred stock, par value $0.01, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding

 

Additional paid-in capital
630,653

 
633,381

Retained earnings
1,030,193

 
1,061,168

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax
1,182

 
1,226

Total Western shareholders' equity
1,663,116

 
1,696,860

Non-controlling interests
596,803

 
600,100

Total equity
2,259,919

 
2,296,960

Total liabilities and equity
$
5,486,637

 
$
5,560,397


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1




WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net sales
$
2,328,532

 
$
1,455,504

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
1,914,008

 
1,047,361

Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
231,801

 
223,585

Selling, general and administrative expenses
58,641

 
53,285

Merger and reorganization costs
11,297

 
408

Gain on disposal of assets, net
(459
)
 
(130
)
Maintenance turnaround expense
3,314

 
125

Depreciation and amortization
56,804

 
52,651

Total operating costs and expenses
2,275,406

 
1,377,285

Operating income
53,126

 
78,219

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Interest income
108

 
164

Interest and debt expense
(33,735
)
 
(26,681
)
Other, net
6,941

 
6,512

Income before income taxes
26,440

 
58,214

Provision for income taxes
(5,444
)
 
(18,629
)
Net income
20,996

 
39,585

Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests
9,428

 
9,047

Net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
11,568

 
$
30,538

 
 
 
 
Net earnings per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.10

 
$
0.34

Diluted
0.10

 
0.33

Weighted-average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
108,669

 
92,078

Diluted
109,155

 
92,144

 
 
 
 
Cash dividends declared per common share
$
0.38

 
$
0.38





The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2




WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Net income
$
20,996

 
$
39,585

Other comprehensive income items:
 
 
 
Benefit plans:
 
 
 
Amortization of net prior service cost
(73
)
 

Reclassification of loss to income
1

 

Other comprehensive loss before tax
(72
)
 

Income tax
28

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(44
)
 

Comprehensive income
20,952

 
39,585

Less comprehensive income attributable to non-controlling interests
9,428

 
9,047

Comprehensive income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
11,524

 
$
30,538




The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3




WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
20,996

 
$
39,585

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
56,804

 
52,651

Changes in fair value of commodity hedging instruments
4,452

 
12,483

Reserve for doubtful accounts
977

 
26

Amortization of loan fees and original issue discount
2,545

 
1,628

Stock-based compensation expense
5,740

 
6,181

Deferred income taxes
22,924

 
28,561

Change in lower of cost or market reserve
(1,868
)
 
(51,734
)
Income from equity method investment, net of dividends
(1,678
)
 
(5,517
)
Gain on disposal of assets, net
(459
)
 
(130
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 

Accounts receivable
16,494

 
21,824

Inventories
(55,117
)
 
(84,321
)
Prepaid expenses
(3,076
)
 
(6,758
)
Other assets
4,826

 
(62
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
(89,201
)
 
(13,165
)
Other long-term liabilities
(2,676
)
 
1,049

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
(18,317
)
 
2,301

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(46,258
)
 
(79,029
)
Use of restricted cash

 
32,323

Proceeds from the sale of assets
530

 
219

Net cash used in investing activities
(45,728
)
 
(46,487
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
(3,237
)
 
(1,922
)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility
151,500

 
70,000

Repayments on revolving credit facility
(130,500
)
 
(62,500
)
Deferred financing costs
(78
)
 

Purchase of common stock for treasury

 
(75,000
)
Distribution to non-controlling interest holders
(12,629
)
 
(28,995
)
Dividends paid
(42,543
)
 
(35,601
)
Payments of tax withholdings for stock-based compensation
(7,022
)
 
(1,197
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(44,509
)
 
(135,215
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(108,554
)
 
(179,401
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
268,581

 
772,502

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
160,027

 
$
593,101


The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4




WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

1. Organization
"Western," "we," "us," "our" and the "Company" refer to Western Refining, Inc. and, unless the context otherwise requires, our subsidiaries. Western Refining, Inc. was formed on September 16, 2005, as a holding company prior to our initial public offering and is incorporated in Delaware.
We produce refined products at our refineries in El Paso, Texas, near Gallup, New Mexico and St. Paul Park, Minnesota. We sell refined products in Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Wisconsin, West Texas, the Mid-Atlantic region and Mexico. Our product sales occur through bulk distribution terminals, wholesale marketing networks and two retail networks with a total of 545 company-owned and franchised retail sites in the United States.
On November 16, 2016, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Tesoro Merger Agreement”) with Tesoro Corporation, a Delaware corporation (“Tesoro”), Tahoe Merger Sub 1, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Tesoro (“Merger Sub 1”), and Tahoe Merger Sub 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Tesoro (“Merger Sub 2”), pursuant to which Merger Sub 1 will merge with and into the Company (the “First Tesoro Merger,” and, if a second merger election as discussed below is not made, the “Tesoro Merger”), with the Company surviving the First Tesoro Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tesoro. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Tesoro Merger Agreement, upon consummation of the First Tesoro Merger, each share of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Tesoro Merger (excluding our common stock owned by the Company or Tesoro or any of their respective direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not held on behalf of third parties) will be converted into and become exchangeable for, at the election of the holder of each share of our common stock, either (a) $37.30 in cash or (b) 0.4350 shares of Tesoro common stock, par value $0.16⅔ per share, in each case without interest and subject to proration. See Note 23, Tesoro Merger, for additional information.
As of March 31, 2017, we own 100% of the limited partner interest in Northern Tier Energy LP ("NTI") and 100% of its general partner. We entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 21, 2015 (the “NTI Merger Agreement”) and the merger was successfully completed on June 23, 2016 (the "NTI Merger"). We incurred $500 million of additional secured indebtedness under our amended term loan credit agreement to partially fund the NTI Merger consideration. See Note 9, Long-Term Debt, and Note 21, Acquisitions, for further discussion.
We formed Western Refining Logistics, LP ("WNRL") as a Delaware master limited partnership to own, operate, develop and acquire terminals, storage tanks, pipelines and other logistics assets and related businesses. As of March 31, 2017, we owned a 52.5% limited partner interest in WNRL and the public held a 47.5% limited partner interest. We control WNRL through our 100% ownership of its general partner and we own the majority of WNRL's limited partnership interests. WNRL owns and operates logistics assets consisting of pipeline and gathering, terminalling, storage and transportation assets as well as a wholesale business that operates primarily in the Southwest. WNRL operates its logistics assets primarily for the benefit of the Company.
On September 15, 2016, we sold certain assets consisting of terminals, transportation and storage assets and the related land located at our St. Paul Park refinery and Cottage Grove tank farm to WNRL. These assets primarily receive, store and distribute crude oil, feedstock and refined products associated with the St. Paul Park refinery (the "St. Paul Park Logistics Assets"). WNRL acquired these assets from us in exchange for $195.0 million in cash and 628,224 common units representing limited partner interests in WNRL. We refer to this transaction as the "St. Paul Park Logistics Transaction."
The WNRL financial and operational data presented includes the historical results of all assets acquired from Western in the St. Paul Park Logistics Transaction. The acquisition from Western was a transfer of assets between entities under common control. Accordingly, the financial information contained herein for WNRL has been retrospectively adjusted, to include the historical results of the assets acquired, for periods prior to the effective date of the transaction.
Our operations include three business segments: refining, WNRL and retail. See Note 3, Segment Information, for further discussion of our business segments.

5

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim consolidated financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017, or for any other period.
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2016, has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Western and our subsidiaries. We own a 52.5% limited partner interest in WNRL and 100% of WNRL's general partner. As the general partner of WNRL, we have the ability to direct the activities of WNRL that most significantly impact their respective economic performance. We have reported a non-controlling interest for WNRL as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, of $596.8 million and $600.1 million, respectively, in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated for all periods presented. Investments in significant non-controlled entities over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity method.
Variable Interest Entity
WNRL is a variable interest entity ("VIE") as defined under GAAP. A VIE is a legal entity whose equity owners do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or, as a group, the equity holders lack the power, through voting rights, to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's financial performance, the obligation to absorb the entity's expected losses or rights to expected residual returns. As the general partner of WNRL, we have the sole ability to direct the activities of WNRL that most significantly impact WNRL's financial performance, and therefore we consolidate WNRL. See Note 22, WNRL, for further discussion.
Goodwill and Other Unamortizable Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price (cost) over the fair value of the net assets acquired and is carried at cost. We do not amortize goodwill for financial reporting purposes. We test goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level. The reporting unit or units used to evaluate and measure goodwill for impairment are determined primarily from the manner in which the business is managed. Our policy is to test goodwill and other unamortizable intangible assets for impairment annually at June 30, or more frequently if indications of impairment exist.
The risk of goodwill and intangible asset impairment losses may increase to the extent that results of operations or cash flows decline at our St. Paul Park refinery or SuperAmerica operating segments. Impairment losses may result in a material, non-cash write-down of goodwill or intangible assets. Furthermore, impairment losses could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations and shareholders’ equity.
Use of Estimates and Seasonality
The preparation of financial statements, in accordance with GAAP, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Demand for gasoline is generally higher during the summer months than during the winter months. As a result, our operating results for the first and fourth calendar quarters are generally lower than those for the second and third calendar quarters of each year. During 2016 and continuing into 2017, the volatility in crude oil prices and refining margins contributed to the variability of our results of operations.

6

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Effective January 1, 2017, we adopted the accounting and reporting requirements included in the Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") for employee share-based payment accounting. We have applied the new standard prospectively, except for the cash flow considerations, which we applied retrospectively. The adoption of these revised standards was not material to our financial position. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we recognized all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax benefit in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations rather than in additional paid-in capital. The presentation of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016, has been retrospectively adjusted to include payments of $1.2 million for tax withholdings for stock-based compensation in net cash used in financing activities that was previously reported in net cash provided by operating activities as a change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities.
ASU 2017-03 addresses the disclosure requirements in regards to the impact that recently issued accounting standards will have on the financial statements of a registrant when such standards are adopted in a future period. The specific impact of this guidance will be determined by the respective changes in GAAP.
From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by various standard setting bodies that may have an impact on our accounting and reporting. We are currently evaluating the effect that certain of these new accounting requirements may have on our accounting and related reporting and disclosures in our condensed consolidated financial statements.
Recognition and reporting of revenues - the requirements were amended to remove inconsistencies in revenue requirements and to provide a more complete framework for addressing revenue issues across a broad range of industries and transaction types. The revised standard’s core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The revised standard also addresses principal versus agent considerations and indicators related to transfer of control over specified goods. These provisions are effective January 1, 2018, and can be adopted using either a full retrospective approach or a modified approach, with early adoption permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods thereafter.
We have been evaluating and continue to evaluate the provisions of this standard and its impact on our business processes, business and accounting systems, and financial statements and related disclosures. A multi-disciplined implementation team has gained an understanding of the standard’s revenue recognition model, is reviewing and documenting our contracts, and is analyzing whether enhancements are needed to our business and accounting systems. Thus far in our review and analysis, we have not identified any material differences in our existing revenue recognition methods that would require modification under the new standard. We expect to complete this phase of our implementation plan within the next several months after which we will implement any changes to existing business processes and systems to accommodate the new standard. We will adopt this standard as of January 1, 2018.
Lease accounting - the requirements were amended with regard to recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing information about leasing arrangements. The core principle is that a lessee should recognize the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. These provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. We have been evaluating and continue to evaluate the provisions of this standard and its impact on our business processes, business and accounting systems, and financial statements and related disclosures.
Cash flow statement - the requirements address certain classification issues related to the statement of cash flows. These provisions are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period.
Recognition of breakage for certain prepaid stored-value products - the requirements align recognition of the financial liabilities related to prepaid stored-value products with the revenue recognition standard discussed above for non-financial liabilities. Certain of these liabilities may be extinguished proportionally in earnings as redemptions occur, or when redemption is remote if issuers are not entitled to the unredeemed stored value. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted subject to certain requirements.
Cash flow statement - the requirements provide guidance on presentation in the statement of cash flows for cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents in order to address diversity in practice among

7

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

entities. The update would result in presentation of restricted cash as a component of beginning-of-the-period and end-of-the-period cash and cash equivalents within the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted subject to certain requirements.
Business combinations - the requirements clarify the definition of a business and provide a framework that gives entities a basis for making reasonable judgments about whether a transaction involves an asset or a business. This guidance is effective in annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods therein. It must be applied prospectively on or after the effective date with early adoption permitted subject to certain requirements, and no disclosures for a change in accounting principle are required at transition.
Goodwill - the requirements change the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Instead, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss shall be recognized in an amount equal to that excess, limited to the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. This guidance is effective for annual and any interim impairment tests for periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is allowed for all entities as of January 1, 2017, for annual and any interim impairment tests occurring after January 1, 2017.
Retirement plan - the requirements change how net periodic benefit costs for defined benefit pension and/or other postretirement benefit plans are presented in the income statement. Only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization in assets. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted subject to certain requirements.
3. Segment Information
We have organized our operations into three segments: refining, WNRL and retail, based on manufacturing and marketing processes, the nature of our products and services and each segment's respective customer base.
We treated the St. Paul Park Logistics Assets that we sold to WNRL as a transfer of assets between entities under common control. Accordingly, we have retrospectively adjusted the financial information for the affected reporting segments to include or exclude the historical results of the transferred assets for periods prior to the effective date of the transaction. We moved the St. Paul Park Logistics Assets from the refining segment to the WNRL segment.
Business Segments and Principal Products
Refining. Our refining segment includes the operations of three refineries. The El Paso refinery in El Paso, Texas, has a crude oil throughput capacity of 135,000 barrels per day ("bpd"), the Gallup refinery, near Gallup, New Mexico has a 25,000 bpd capacity and the St. Paul Park refinery, in St. Paul Park, Minnesota has a 102,000 bpd capacity. Our refineries produce various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel and other products from crude oil, other feedstocks and blending components. We purchase crude oil, other feedstocks and blending components from various third-party suppliers. We also acquire refined products through exchange agreements and from various third-party suppliers to supplement supply to our customers. We sell these products to WNRL, to our retail segment, to other independent wholesalers and retailers, commercial accounts and sales and exchanges with major oil companies.
We had a supply and marketing agreement with a third party covering activities related to our refined product supply, sales and hedging in the Mid-Atlantic region. This supply agreement expired on December 31, 2016. On that date, we acquired $46.0 million in finished product inventories valued at market related to our Mid-Atlantic operations and now realize 100% of the operating results.
WNRL. WNRL owns and operates certain logistics assets that consist of pipeline and gathering, terminalling, storage and transportation assets, with which we provide related services to our refining segment in the Southwest and Upper Great Plains regions, including 705 miles of pipelines and 12.4 million barrels of active storage capacity. The majority of WNRL's logistics assets are integral to the operations of the El Paso, Gallup and St. Paul Park refineries.
WNRL also owns a wholesale business that operates primarily in the Southwest. WNRL's wholesale business includes the operations of several lubricant and bulk petroleum distribution plants and a fleet of crude oil, asphalt and refined product delivery trucks. WNRL distributes commercial wholesale petroleum products primarily in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. WNRL purchases petroleum fuels and lubricants from our refining segment and from third-party suppliers.
Retail. Our retail segment operates retail networks located in the Southwest region ("Southwest Retail") and the Upper Great Plains region of the U.S. ("SuperAmerica"). Each of our retail networks sells various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, convenience store merchandise and beverage and food products to the general public through retail convenience stores.

8

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Southwest Retail obtains the majority of its gasoline and diesel fuel supply from WNRL and purchases general merchandise and beverage and food products from various third-party suppliers. At March 31, 2017, Southwest Retail operated 259 service stations and convenience stores located in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas compared to 258 service stations and convenience stores at March 31, 2016. In addition to its service stations and convenience stores, Southwest Retail sells various grades of gasoline and diesel fuel to commercial vehicle fleets through unmanned fleet fueling sites ("cardlocks") located in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Texas. Southwest Retail operated 52 cardlocks at March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016.
As of March 31, 2017, SuperAmerica operated 192 retail convenience stores and supported the operations of 94 franchised retail convenience stores primarily in Minnesota and Wisconsin, compared to 169 and 114 at March 31, 2016, respectively. SuperAmerica assumed full operations for 22 stores during the first quarter of 2017 through an assumption of leases and inventory purchase of previously franchised stores. SuperAmerica obtains the majority of its gasoline and diesel for its Minnesota and Wisconsin retail convenience stores from the St. Paul Park refinery.
Segment Accounting Principles. Operating income for each segment consists of net revenues less cost of products sold; direct operating expenses; selling, general and administrative expenses; merger and reorganization costs; net impact of the disposal of assets and depreciation and amortization. The refining segment also includes costs related to periodic maintenance turnaround activities. Cost of products sold includes net realized and unrealized gains and losses related to our commodity hedging activities and reflects current costs adjusted, where appropriate, for "last-in, first-out" ("LIFO") and lower of cost or market ("LCM") inventory adjustments. Intersegment revenues are reported at prices that approximate market.
Activities of our business that are not included in the three reportable segments mentioned above are included in the "Other" category. These activities consist primarily of corporate staff operations and other items that are not specific to the normal business of any one of our three reportable segments. We do not allocate certain items of other income and expense, including income taxes, to the individual segments.
Costs have been included in Merger and reorganization costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and are included in the "Other" category within our segment presentation. These costs consist of $8.5 million of expense related to the Tesoro Merger, which included transaction and consulting costs, $2.1 million in NTI Merger reorganization expenses including legal, employee severance and retention costs and $0.7 million of expense related to the reorganization of our Gallup refinery operations.
The total assets of each segment consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents; inventories; net accounts receivable; net property, plant and equipment and other assets directly associated with the individual segment’s operations. Included in the total assets of the corporate operations are cash and cash equivalents; various net accounts receivable; prepaid expenses; other current assets; net property, plant and equipment and other long-term assets.

9

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Disclosures regarding our reportable segments with reconciliations to consolidated totals for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, are presented below:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Operating Results:
 
 
 
Refining
 
 
 
Net sales
$
2,085,638

 
$
1,276,968

Intersegment eliminations
705,653

 
590,119

Net refining sales to external customers
1,379,985

 
686,849

WNRL
 
 
 
Net sales
604,692

 
468,039

Intersegment eliminations
190,543

 
149,462

Net WNRL sales to external customers
414,149

 
318,577

Retail
 
 
 
Net sales
542,961

 
451,627

Intersegment eliminations
8,563

 
1,549

Net retail sales to external customers
534,398

 
450,078

 
 
 
 
Consolidated net sales to external customers
$
2,328,532

 
$
1,455,504

 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
Refining (1) (2)
$
61,665

 
$
84,374

WNRL (2)
26,362

 
13,188

Retail (1)
3,848

 
3,865

Other
(38,749
)
 
(23,208
)
Operating income from segments
53,126

 
78,219

Other income (expense), net
(26,686
)
 
(20,005
)
Consolidated income before income taxes
$
26,440

 
$
58,214

 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
 
 
 
Refining (2)
$
40,187

 
$
36,500

WNRL (2)
9,732

 
9,338

Retail
6,076

 
5,680

Other
809

 
1,133

Consolidated depreciation and amortization
$
56,804

 
$
52,651

 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
 
 
 
Refining (2)
$
37,115

 
$
67,957

WNRL (2)
5,470

 
8,356

Retail
3,262

 
2,074

Other
411

 
642

Consolidated capital expenditures
$
46,258

 
$
79,029

 
 
 
 
Total assets
 
 
 
Refining (2) (including $1,267,455 of goodwill)
$
4,323,611

 
$
4,123,181


10

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
WNRL (2)
533,250

 
556,940

Retail (including $21,988 of goodwill)
438,371

 
443,112

Other
191,405

 
630,529

Consolidated total assets
$
5,486,637

 
$
5,753,762

(1)
The effect of our economic hedging activity is included within the operating income of our refining segment as a component of cost of products sold. The cost of products sold within our refining segment included $35.3 million in net realized and unrealized economic hedging gains for the three months ended March 31, 2017, respectively, and $5.3 million in net realized and unrealized economic hedging gains for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Also included within cost of products sold for our refining segment is the net effect of non-cash LCM recoveries of $1.6 million and $51.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Our retail segment includes non-cash LCM recoveries of $0.3 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
(2)
WNRL's financial data includes its historical financial results and an allocated portion of corporate general and administrative expenses, previously reported in our other category, for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The information contained herein for WNRL has been retrospectively adjusted, to include the historical results of the St. Paul Park Logistics Assets.
4. Fair Value Measurement
We utilize the market approach when measuring fair value of our financial assets and liabilities. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.
The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level 1
Inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2
Inputs are quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable and market-corroborated inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3
Inputs are derived from valuation techniques that one or more significant inputs or value drivers are unobservable and cannot be corroborated by market data or other entity-specific inputs.
The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, which we consider Level 1 assets and liabilities, approximated their fair values at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, due to their short-term maturities. Our fair value assessment incorporates a variety of considerations, including the short-term duration of the instruments and an evaluation of counterparty credit risk. Cash equivalents totaling $0.01 million and $60.0 million consisting of short-term money market deposits and commercial paper were included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
We maintain cash deposits with various counterparties in support of our hedging and trading activities. These deposits are required by counterparties as collateral and cannot be offset against the fair value of open contracts except in the event of default. Certain of our commodity derivative contracts under master netting arrangements include both asset and liability positions. We have elected to offset the fair value amounts recognized for multiple similar derivative instruments executed with the same counterparty under the column "Netting Adjustments" below; however, fair value amounts by hierarchy level are presented on a gross basis in the tables below. See Note 13, Crude Oil and Refined Product Risk Management, for further discussion of master netting arrangements.

11

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following tables represent our assets and liabilities for our commodity hedging contracts measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and the basis for that measurement:
 
Carrying Value at March 31, 2017
 
Fair Value Measurement Using
 
Netting Adjustments
 
Recorded Value at March 31, 2017
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Gross financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
9,412


$


$
9,412


$


$
(3,588
)

$
5,824

Other assets
1,251




1,251




(101
)

1,150

Gross financial liabilities:
 

 

 

 




Accrued liabilities
(13,044
)



(13,044
)



3,677


(9,367
)
Other long-term liabilities
(12
)



(12
)



12



 
$
(2,393
)
 
$

 
$
(2,393
)
 
$

 
$

 
$
(2,393
)
 
Carrying Value at December 31, 2016
 
Fair Value Measurement Using
 
Netting Adjustments
 
Recorded Value at December 31, 2016
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Gross financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
18,929


$


$
18,929


$


$
(5,280
)

$
13,649

Other assets
677




677




(669
)

8

Gross financial liabilities:
 

 

 

 




Accrued liabilities
(17,547
)



(17,547
)



6,720


(10,827
)
Other long-term liabilities








(771
)

(771
)
 
$
2,059

 
$

 
$
2,059

 
$

 
$

 
$
2,059

Carrying amounts of commodity hedging contracts reflected as financial assets are included in both current and non-current other assets in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Carrying amounts of commodity hedging contracts reflected as financial liabilities are included in both accrued and other long-term liabilities in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Fair value adjustments referred to as credit valuation adjustments ("CVA") are included in the carrying amounts of commodity hedging contracts. CVAs are intended to adjust the fair value of counterparty contracts as a function of a counterparty's credit rating and reflect the credit quality of each counterparty to arrive at contract fair values.
Commodity hedging contracts designated as Level 3 financial assets consisted of jet fuel crack spread swaps. Ultra-low sulfur diesel ("ULSD") pricing has had a strong historical correlation to jet fuel crack spread swaps. We estimate the fair value of our Level 3 instruments based on the differential between quoted market settlement prices on ULSD futures and quoted market settlement prices on jet fuel futures for settlement dates corresponding to each of our outstanding Level 3 jet fuel crack spread swaps. As quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in an active market are available, we reclassify the underlying financial asset or liability and designate them as Level 2 prior to final settlement.

12

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following table presents the changes in fair value of our Level 3 assets and liabilities, excluding goodwill (all related to commodity price swap contracts) for the three months ended March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2017, we had no outstanding commodity price swap contracts.
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Liability balance at beginning of period
$
(5,756
)
Change in fair value
186

Fair value of trades entered into during the period

Fair value reclassification from Level 3 to Level 2
1,612

Liability balance at end of period
$
(3,958
)
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying amount and estimated fair value of our debt was as follows:
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In thousands)
Western obligations:
 
 
 
Carrying amount
$
1,253,375

 
$
1,256,000

Fair value
1,269,012

 
1,277,956

NTI obligations:
 
 
 
Carrying amount
$
370,980

 
$
349,980

Fair value
384,979

 
363,542

WNRL obligations:
 
 
 
Carrying amount
$
320,300

 
$
320,300

Fair value
345,800

 
345,050

The carrying amount of our debt is the amount reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, including the current portion. The fair value of the debt was determined using Level 2 inputs.
There have been no transfers between assets or liabilities whose fair value is determined through the use of quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) and those determined through the use of significant other observable inputs (Level 2).
5. Inventories
Inventories were as follows:
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In thousands)
Refined products (1)
$
325,878

 
$
325,889

Crude oil and other raw materials
451,659

 
395,131

Lubricants
9,068

 
10,121

Retail store merchandise
42,369

 
40,848

Inventories
$
828,974

 
$
771,989

(1)
Includes $55.3 million and $50.5 million of inventory valued using the first-in, first-out ("FIFO") valuation method at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
Crude oil, refined product and other feedstock and blendstock inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined principally under the LIFO valuation method to reflect a better matching of costs and revenues for refining inventories. Refined products inventories held by our refineries and SuperAmerica retail are valued under the LIFO valuation

13

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

method. Our refined product inventories for Southwest Retail, our Mid-Atlantic business and WNRL wholesale are valued using the FIFO inventory valuation method. Retail merchandise inventory is valued using the retail inventory method.
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, refined products, crude oil and other raw materials valued under the LIFO method totaled 12.0 million barrels and 10.9 million barrels, respectively. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the excess of the LIFO cost over the current cost of these crude oil, refined product and other feedstock and blendstock inventories was $145.0 million and $140.1 million, respectively.
During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, cost of products sold included net non-cash reductions in cost of products sold of $4.9 million and $23.0 million, respectively, from changes in our LIFO reserves.
In order to state our inventories at market values that were lower than our LIFO costs, we reduced the carrying values of our inventory through non-cash LCM inventory reserves of $39.8 million and $41.7 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The change in these reserves during the periods represent non-cash LCM recoveries that decreased cost of products sold by $1.9 million and $51.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Average LIFO cost per barrel of our refined products and crude oil and other raw materials inventories as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were as follows:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Barrels
 
LIFO Cost
 
Average
LIFO
Cost Per
Barrel
 
Barrels
 
LIFO Cost
 
Average
LIFO
Cost Per
Barrel
 
(In thousands, except cost per barrel)
Refined products
4,371

 
$
302,427

 
$
69.19

 
4,259

 
$
303,968

 
$
71.37

Crude oil and other
7,597

 
442,956

 
58.31

 
6,641

 
394,798

 
59.45

 
11,968

 
$
745,383

 
62.28

 
10,900

 
$
698,766

 
64.11

6. Equity Method Investment
We own a 17% common equity interest in Minnesota Pipe Line Company, LLC ("MPL"). The carrying value of this equity method investment was $104.3 million and $102.7 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying amount of the equity method investment was $21.0 million and $21.1 million, respectively, higher than the underlying net assets of the investee. We are amortizing this difference over the remaining life of MPL’s primary asset (the fixed asset life of the pipeline). There is no market for the common units of MPL and, accordingly, no quoted market price is available.
We received distributions from MPL during the three months ended March 31, 2017 of $4.1 million. We received no distributions during three months ended March 31, 2016. Equity income from MPL for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $5.8 million and $5.5 million, respectively. Equity income has been included in other, net in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.

14

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

7. Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Property, plant and equipment, net was as follows:
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In thousands)
Refinery facilities and related equipment
$
2,297,478

 
$
2,260,351

Pipelines, terminals and transportation equipment
603,544

 
560,478

Retail facilities and related equipment
342,547

 
333,187

Wholesale facilities and related equipment
52,222

 
52,284

Corporate
53,750

 
53,566

 
3,349,541

 
3,259,866

Accumulated depreciation
(1,167,072
)
 
(1,118,477
)
 
2,182,469

 
2,141,389

Construction in progress
179,922

 
223,093

Property, plant and equipment, net
$
2,362,391

 
$
2,364,482

Depreciation expense was $55.7 million and $51.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
8. Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets, net was as follows:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
Weighted- Average Amortization Period
(Years)
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
Gross
Carrying
Value
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Net
Carrying
Value
 
 
(In thousands)
 
 
Amortizable assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Licenses and permits
$
20,427

 
$
(15,703
)
 
$
4,724

 
$
20,427

 
$
(15,307
)
 
$
5,120

 
3.0
Customer relationships
7,172

 
(4,367
)
 
2,805

 
7,172

 
(4,234
)
 
2,938

 
5.3
Rights-of-way and other
8,607

 
(3,443
)
 
5,164

 
8,538

 
(3,242
)
 
5,296

 
4.8
 
36,206

 
(23,513
)
 
12,693

 
36,137

 
(22,783
)
 
13,354

 
 
Unamortizable assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Franchise rights and trademarks
50,500

 

 
50,500

 
50,500

 

 
50,500

 
 
Liquor licenses
19,958

 

 
19,958

 
19,958

 

 
19,958

 
 
Intangible assets, net
$
106,664

 
$
(23,513
)
 
$
83,151

 
$
106,595

 
$
(22,783
)
 
$
83,812

 
 
Intangible asset amortization expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, was $0.7 million based on estimated useful lives ranging from 1 to 35 years.
Estimated amortization expense for the indicated periods is as follows (in thousands):
Remainder of 2017
$
2,167

2018
2,887

2019
2,219

2020
1,274

2021
987

2022
782


15

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

9. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt was as follows:
 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In thousands)
Western obligations:
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility due 2019
$

 
$

Term Loan - 5.25% Credit Facility due 2020
532,125

 
533,500

6.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
350,000

 
350,000

Term Loan - 5.50% Credit Facility due 2023
371,250

 
372,500

Total Western obligations
1,253,375

 
1,256,000

NTI obligations:
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility due 2019
21,000

 

7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2020
349,980

 
349,980

Total NTI obligations
370,980

 
349,980

WNRL obligations:
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility due 2018
20,300

 
20,300

7.5% Senior Notes due 2023
300,000

 
300,000

Total WNRL obligations
320,300

 
320,300

Less unamortized discount, premium and debt issuance costs
41,430

 
43,975

Long-term debt
1,903,225

 
1,882,305

Current portion of long-term debt
(10,500
)
 
(10,500
)
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
1,892,725

 
$
1,871,805

As of March 31, 2017, annual maturities of long-term debt for the remainder of 2017 are $7.9 million. For 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, long-term debt maturities are $30.8 million, $31.5 million, $872.0 million and $355.0 million, respectively. Thereafter, total long-term debt maturities are $647.5 million.
Interest and debt expense were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Contractual interest:
 
 
 
Western obligations
$
18,465

 
$
12,052

NTI obligations
6,866

 
6,914

WNRL obligations
6,128

 
6,705

 
31,459

 
25,671

Amortization of loan fees
2,552

 
1,911

Amortization of original issuance discount
282

 

Other interest expense (income)
1,296

 
(176
)
Capitalized interest
(1,854
)
 
(725
)
Interest and debt expense
$
33,735

 
$
26,681

We amortize original issue discounts and financing fees using the effective interest method over the respective term of the debt. Our creditors have no recourse to the assets owned by either of NTI or WNRL, and the creditors of NTI and WNRL have no recourse to our assets or those of our other subsidiaries.

16

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Tesoro Merger
In anticipation of the merger with Western, Tesoro has incurred additional indebtedness to redeem or repay in full, as applicable, the outstanding debt of Western Refining and certain of its subsidiaries. Following completion of the Tesoro Merger, WNRL's 7.5% Senior Notes and any amounts outstanding under its revolving credit facility are expected to remain outstanding.
Western Obligations
Revolving Credit Facility
On May 27, 2016, we entered into the Second Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the "Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility"). The Revolving Credit Amendment amended the Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility by, among other things, (i) permitting us to incur up to $500.0 million of additional secured indebtedness secured on a pari passu basis with the loans under the Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility (in the form of incremental term loans or bonds secured on a pari passu basis with the term loans) beyond what was permitted under the Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility and (ii) modifying several triggers and thresholds based on borrowing availability under the Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility.
On October 2, 2014, we entered into the Third Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement. Lenders committed $900.0 million, all of which will mature on October 2, 2019. The commitments under the Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility may be increased in the future to $1.4 billion, subject to certain conditions (including the agreement of financial institutions, in their sole discretion, to provide such additional commitments). The amended terms of the agreement include revised borrowing rates. Borrowings can be either base rate loans plus a margin ranging from 0.50% to 1.00% or LIBOR loans plus a margin ranging from 1.50% to 2.00%, subject to adjustment based upon the average excess availability. The Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility also provides for a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.375% per annum, subject to adjustment based upon the average utilization ratio, and letter of credit fees ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% per annum payable quarterly, subject to adjustment based upon the average excess availability. Borrowing availability under the Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility is tied to the amount of our and our restricted subsidiaries' eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility is guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by certain of our subsidiaries and will be guaranteed by certain newly acquired or formed subsidiaries, subject to certain limited exceptions. The Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility is secured by our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and inventory. The Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants, including, but not limited to, limitations on debt, investments and dividends and the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio in certain circumstances.
As of and during the three month period ended March 31, 2017, we had no direct borrowings under the Western 2019 Revolving Credit Facility, with availability of $385.2 million at March 31, 2017. This availability is net of $97.9 million in outstanding letters of credit.
Term Loan Credit Agreement - 5.25%
On November 12, 2013, we entered into a term loan credit agreement (the "Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility"). The Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility provides for loans of $550.0 million, matures on November 12, 2020, and provides for quarterly principal payments of $1.4 million until September 30, 2020, with the remaining balance then outstanding due on the maturity date. On May 27, 2016, the Company entered into a third amendment of the Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility. The revised terms under the amendment provide for additional capacity to make restricted payments including dividends and repurchase of the Company’s outstanding common stock, inclusion of equity interests of master limited partnership subsidiaries as “replacement assets” for purposes of asset sale mandatory prepayment and changes to the use of proceeds of the incremental term loan available under the Term Loan. The third amendment also increased the incremental availability under the Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility from $200.0 million, prior to the amendment, to $700.0 million.
Following the third amendment, the Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility bears interest at a rate based either on the base rate (as defined in the Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility) plus 2.25% or the LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility) plus 4.25% (subject to a LIBOR Rate floor of 1.00%). The current interest rate based on these criteria is 5.25%. Our effective rate of interest, including contractual interest and amortization of loan fees, for the Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility was 5.80% as of March 31, 2017.
The Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility is secured by the El Paso and Gallup refineries and the equity of NT InterHoldCo LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western, and is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by certain of Western's material wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility contains

17

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

customary restrictive covenants including limitations on debt, investments and dividends and does not contain any financial maintenance covenants.
6.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
On March 25, 2013, we entered into an indenture (the "Western 2021 Indenture") for the issuance of $350.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021 (the "Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes"). The Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of our wholly-owned domestic restricted subsidiaries. We pay interest on the Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1 of each year. The Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes mature on April 1, 2021. The effective rate of interest, including contractual interest and amortization of loan fees, for the Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes was 6.52% as of March 31, 2017.
The Western 2021 Indenture contains covenants that limit our ability to, among other things: pay dividends or make other distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments; make certain investments; sell certain assets; incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares; create liens on certain assets to secure debt; consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; restrict dividends or other payments from restricted subsidiaries; and enter into certain transactions with our affiliates. The Western 2021 Indenture also provides for events of default that if any of them occur would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, and interest on all the then outstanding Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes to be due and payable immediately.
Term Loan Credit Agreement - 5.50%
On June 23, 2016, as an incremental supplement to the Western 2020 Term Loan Credit Facility, we incurred $500.0 million in new term debt that matures on June 23, 2023 (the "Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facility"). The proceeds from the Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facility were net of original issue discount and other fees totaling $17.0 million. We used these proceeds to partially fund the cash portion of the NTI Merger consideration. The Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facility provides for quarterly principal payments of $1.3 million payable on the last business day of each March, June, September and December, with the remaining principal amount due on June 23, 2023. The Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facility is secured by both the El Paso and Gallup refineries and by the equity of NT InterHoldCo LLC and is fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis by certain of Western's material wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facility bears interest at a rate based either on the base rate plus 3.50% or the LIBOR Rate plus 4.50% (subject to a LIBOR Rate floor of 1.00%). On December 29, 2016, we made a non-mandatory prepayment of $125.0 million under our Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facility. The effective rate of interest, including contractual interest and amortization of original issue discount and other loan fees, for the Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facility was 6.30% as of March 31, 2017.
NTI Obligations
Revolving Credit Facility
On September 29, 2014, certain subsidiaries of NTI entered into the Amended and Restated Revolving Credit Agreement (the "NTI Revolving Credit Facility"), increasing the aggregate principal amount available prior to the amendment and restatement from $300.0 million to $500.0 million. The NTI Revolving Credit Facility, which matures on September 29, 2019, incorporates a borrowing base tied to eligible accounts receivable and inventory and provides for up to $500.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit and up to $45.0 million for swing line loans. The NTI Revolving Credit Facility may be increased up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $750.0 million, subject to certain conditions (including the agreement of financial institutions, in their sole discretion, to provide such additional commitments).
Obligations under the NTI Revolving Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of NTI’s assets. Indebtedness under the NTI Revolving Credit Facility is recourse to its general partner, Northern Tier Energy GP LLC ("NTI LLC"), and certain of its subsidiaries that are borrowers thereunder and is guaranteed by NTI and certain of its subsidiaries. Borrowings under the NTI Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at either (a) a base rate plus an applicable margin (ranging between 0.50% and 1.00%) or (b) a LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin (ranging between 1.50% and 2.00%), in each case subject to adjustment based upon the average historical excess availability. In addition to paying interest on outstanding borrowings, NTI is also required to pay a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.250% to 0.375% subject to adjustment based upon the average utilization ratio and letter of credit fees ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% subject to adjustment based upon the average historical excess availability. The NTI Revolving Credit Facility contains certain covenants, including but not limited to, limitations on debt, investments and dividends and the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio in certain circumstances.

18

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

At March 31, 2017, the availability under the NTI Revolving Credit Facility was $266.8 million. This availability is net of $21.0 million in direct borrowings and $44.9 million in outstanding letters of credit. The effective rate of interest, including contractual interest and amortization of loan fees, for the NTI Revolving Credit Facility was 5.51% as of March 31, 2017.
7.125% Secured Notes
On November 8, 2012, NTI LLC and Northern Tier Finance Corporation (together with NTI LLC, the "NTI 2020 Notes Issuers"), issued $275.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.125% senior secured notes due 2020 (the "NTI 2020 Secured Notes"). NTI increased the principal amount of the NTI 2020 Secured Notes in September 2014, by an additional $75.0 million in principal value at a premium of $4.2 million. This additional offering was issued under the same indenture as the existing NTI 2020 Secured Notes and the new notes issued have the same terms as the existing notes. The offering generated cash proceeds of $79.2 million including an issuance premium of $4.2 million. The issuance premium will be amortized to interest expense over the remaining life of the notes. On October 17, 2016, NTI commenced a tender offer to repurchase for cash up to $195.0 million aggregate principal amount of the NTI 2020 Secured Notes. Notes totaling $0.02 million were tendered for redemption. The effective rate of interest, including contractual interest and amortization of debt premium and of loan fees, for the NTI 2020 Secured Notes was 6.91% as of March 31, 2017.
The obligations under the NTI 2020 Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by NTI and on a senior secured basis by (i) all of NTI LLC’s restricted subsidiaries that borrow, or guarantee obligations, under the NTI Revolving Credit Facility or any other indebtedness of NTI LLC or another subsidiary of NTI LLC that guarantees the NTI 2020 Secured Notes and (ii) all other material wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries of NTI LLC. The indenture governing the NTI 2020 Secured Notes contains covenants that limit or restrict dividends or other payments from restricted subsidiaries. Indebtedness under the NTI 2020 Secured Notes is guaranteed by NTI and certain of its subsidiaries.
WNRL Obligations
Revolving Credit Facility
On October 16, 2013, WNRL entered into a $300.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "WNRL Revolving Credit Facility"). On September 15, 2016, in connection with the St. Paul Park Logistics Transaction, WNRL entered into an agreement to increase the total commitment of the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility (the "Amendment") to $500.0 million. WNRL has the ability to increase the total commitment of the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility by up to $150.0 million for a total facility size of up to $650.0 million, subject to receiving increased commitments from lenders and to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The WNRL Revolving Credit Facility includes a $25.0 million sub-limit for standby letters of credit and a $10.0 million sub-limit for swing line loans. Obligations under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility and certain cash management and hedging obligations are guaranteed by all of WNRL's subsidiaries and, with certain exceptions, will be guaranteed by any formed or acquired subsidiaries. Obligations under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of WNRL's and its subsidiaries' significant assets. The WNRL Revolving Credit Facility will mature on October 16, 2018. Borrowings under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at either a base rate plus an applicable margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.75%, or at LIBOR plus an applicable margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.75%. The applicable margin will vary based upon WNRL's Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio, as defined in the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility.
In addition to the increased facility size, the Amendment amended the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility by, among other things, (a) adding an anti-cash hoarding provision and (b) permitting WNRL to increase the total leverage ratio permitted thereunder from 4.50:1.00 to 5.00:1.00 following any material permitted acquisition through the last day of the second full fiscal quarter following such acquisition. The incremental commitments established by the Amendment benefit from the same covenants, events of default, guarantees and security as the existing commitments under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility.
On October 30, 2015, WNRL borrowed $145.0 million under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility to partially fund the purchase of the TexNew Mex Pipeline System from Western. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we repaid these direct borrowings using the net proceeds generated from our equity offering during the second quarter of 2016 and from cash-on-hand. On September 15, 2016, to partially fund the purchase of the St. Paul Park Logistics Assets, WNRL borrowed $20.3 million under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility.
The WNRL Revolving Credit Facility contains covenants that limit or restrict WNRL's ability to make cash distributions. WNRL is required to maintain certain financial ratios that are tested on a quarterly basis for the immediately preceding four quarter period. At March 31, 2017, the availability under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility was $479.0 million, net of $20.3 million in direct borrowings and $0.7 million in outstanding letters of credit. WNRL had no swing line borrowings outstanding under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility as of March 31, 2017. The interest rate for the borrowings under the

19

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

WNRL Revolving Credit Facility was 4.75% as of March 31, 2017. The effective rate of interest, including contractual interest and amortization of loan fees, for the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility was 3.75% as of March 31, 2017.
7.5% Senior Notes
On February 11, 2015, WNRL entered into an indenture (the “WNRL Indenture”) among WNRL, WNRL Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership (“Finance Corp.” and together with the Partnership, the “Issuers”), the Guarantors named therein and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the “Trustee”) under which the Issuers issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.5% Senior Notes due 2023. The Partnership will pay interest on the 7.5% Senior Notes semi-annually in cash in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year, beginning on August 15, 2015. The 7.5% Senior Notes will mature on February 15, 2023. WNRL used the proceeds from the notes to repay the full balance due under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility on February 11, 2015. The effective rate of interest, including contractual interest and amortization of loan fees, for the 7.5% Senior Notes was 7.78% as of March 31, 2017.
The WNRL Indenture contains covenants that limit WNRL’s and its restricted subsidiaries’ ability to, among other things, (i) incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness or issue preferred units, (ii) create liens to secure indebtedness, (iii) pay distributions on equity securities, repurchase equity securities or redeem subordinated indebtedness, (iv) make investments, (v) restrict distributions, loans or other asset transfers from the Partnership’s restricted subsidiaries, (vi) consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of the Partnership’s properties to, another person, (vii) sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including equity interests in subsidiaries and (viii) enter into transactions with affiliates. These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions. The WNRL Indenture also provides for events of default, which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal, premium, if any, and interest on all the then outstanding 7.5% Senior Notes to be due and payable immediately.
10. Equity
Changes to equity during the three months ended March 31, 2017, were as follows:
 
Western Shareholders' Equity
 
Non-controlling Interest
 
Total Equity
 
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
1,696,860

 
$
600,100

 
$
2,296,960

Net income
11,568

 
9,428

 
20,996

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
(44
)
 

 
(44
)
Dividends
(42,543
)
 

 
(42,543
)
Stock-based compensation
(2,725
)
 
(96
)
 
(2,821
)
Distributions to non-controlling interests

 
(12,629
)
 
(12,629
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
1,663,116

 
$
596,803

 
$
2,259,919

Changes to equity during the three months ended March 31, 2016, were as follows:
 
Western Shareholders' Equity
 
Non-controlling Interest
 
Total Equity
 
(In thousands)
Balance at December 31, 2015
$
1,299,297

 
$
1,646,609

 
$
2,945,906

Net income
30,538

 
9,047

 
39,585

Dividends
(35,601
)
 

 
(35,601
)
Stock-based compensation
328

 
4,657

 
4,985

Tax deficiency from stock-based compensation
(328
)
 

 
(328
)
Distributions to non-controlling interests

 
(28,747
)
 
(28,747
)
Treasury stock purchases
(75,000
)
 

 
(75,000
)
Balance at March 31, 2016
$
1,219,234

 
$
1,631,566

 
$
2,850,800


20

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Share Issuance
Pursuant to the NTI Merger Agreement, we issued 17.1 million shares of Western common stock including 11.6 million treasury shares on June 23, 2016. See Note 21, Acquisitions, for further discussion of the NTI Merger.
Effective upon the closing of the Tesoro Merger, each share of our common stock will be converted into and become exchangeable for, at the election of the holder of each share of our common stock, either (a) $37.30 in cash or (b) 0.4350 shares of Tesoro common stock, in each case without interest, subject to the terms and conditions. See Note 23, Tesoro Merger, for further discussion of the Tesoro Merger.
Share Repurchase Programs
Our board of directors has periodically approved various share repurchase programs authorizing us to repurchase up to $200 million of our outstanding common stock, per program. The September 2015 share repurchase program expired on December 31, 2016.
Dividends
Under the Tesoro Merger Agreement, we have agreed that, until the completion of the Tesoro Merger, we will not declare, set aside, make or pay any dividend or other distribution in respect of any of our capital stock, except for regular quarterly cash dividends to the holders of shares of our common stock in an amount not in excess of $0.38 per share.
The table below summarizes our 2017 cash dividend declarations, payments and scheduled payments:
 
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Dividend per Common Share
 
Total Payment
(In thousands)
First quarter
January 4
 
January 18
 
February 2
 
$
0.38

 
$
41,305

Second quarter (1)
April 13
 
April 26
 
May 11
 
0.38

 

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
41,305

(1)
The second quarter 2017 cash dividend of $0.38 per common share will result in an estimated aggregate payment of $41.4 million.
WNRL Distributions
The table below summarizes WNRL's 2017 quarterly distribution declarations, payments and scheduled payments:
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Distribution per Common and Subordinated Unit
January 31, 2017
 
February 13, 2017
 
March 1, 2017
 
$
0.4375

April 28, 2017
 
May 9, 2017
 
May 23, 2017
 
0.4525

Total
 
$
0.8900

In addition to its quarterly distributions, WNRL paid incentive distributions of $2.1 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, to Western as its general partner and holder of its incentive distribution rights.
11. Income Taxes
Compared to the federal statutory rate of 35%, our effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were 20.6% and 32.0%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were lower than the statutory rate primarily due to the reduction of taxable income associated with the non-controlling interests in NTI and WNRL. As of June 23, 2016, all of NTI's taxable income became subject to income taxes at the Western consolidated level.
We are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service for tax years ended December 31, 2013, or after and by various state and local taxing jurisdictions for tax years ended December 31, 2012, or after.
We believe that it is more likely than not that the benefit from certain state net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards related to the Yorktown refinery will not be realized. Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $17.0 million was previously provided against the deferred tax assets relating to these NOL carryforwards at March 31, 2017. There was no change in the valuation allowance for the Yorktown NOL carryforwards from December 31, 2016.

21

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

As of March 31, 2017, we have recorded a liability of $50.3 million for unrecognized tax benefits, of which $13.4 million would affect our effective tax rate if recognized. There was a decrease of $5.5 million in our unrecognized tax benefits for the three months ended March 31, 2017. We believe that it is reasonably possible that a decrease of up to $2.1 million in unrecognized tax benefits, resulting from the expiration of statutes of limitations in various tax jurisdictions, may be necessary within the coming year. We also recognized $0.5 million and $0.2 million in interest and penalties for three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
12. Retirement Plans
We fully recognize the obligations associated with our retiree healthcare and other postretirement plans and single-employer defined benefit cash balance plan in our financial statements.
Pensions
The net periodic benefit cost associated with our cash balance plan for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $0.04 million and $0.6 million, respectively.
Postretirement Obligations
The net periodic benefit cost associated with our postretirement medical benefit plans for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was $0.001 million and $0.03 million, respectively.
Our benefit obligation at December 31, 2016, for our postretirement medical benefit plans was $5.0 million. We fund our medical benefit plans on an as-needed basis.
The following table presents cumulative changes in other comprehensive income related to our benefit plans included as a component of equity for the periods presented, net of income tax. The related expenses are included in direct operating expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Beginning of period balance
$
1,226

 
$
651

Amortization of net prior service cost
(73
)
 

Reclassification of loss to income
1

 

Income tax
28

 

End of period balance
$
1,182

 
$
651

Defined Contribution Plans
Western sponsors defined contribution plans under which Western, NTI and WNRL participants may contribute a percentage of their eligible compensation to various investment choices offered by these plans. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we expensed $6.2 million and $4.6 million, respectively, in connection with these plans.
13. Crude Oil and Refined Product Risk Management
We enter into crude oil forward contracts primarily to facilitate the supply of crude oil to our refineries. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, we entered into net forward, fixed-price contracts to physically receive and deliver crude oil that qualify as normal purchases and normal sales and are exempt from derivative reporting requirements.
We use crude oil and refined products futures, swap contracts or options to mitigate the change in value for a portion of our LIFO inventory volumes subject to market price fluctuations and swap contracts to fix the margin on a portion of our future gasoline and distillate production. The physical volumes are not exchanged; these contracts are net settled with cash. These hedging activities do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment.
The fair value of these contracts is reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets and the related net gain or loss is recorded within cost of products sold in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 2) are considered to determine the fair values of the majority of the contracts for the purpose of marking to market the hedging instruments at each period end.

22

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following tables summarize our economic hedging activity recognized within cost of products sold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and open commodity hedging positions as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Economic hedging results
 
 
 
Realized hedging gain, net
$
39,787

 
$
17,803

Unrealized hedging loss, net
(4,452
)
 
(12,483
)
Total hedging gain, net
$
35,335

 
$
5,320

 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In thousands)
Open commodity hedging instruments (barrels)
 
 
 
Crude oil differential swaps, net long positions
1,369

 
2,124

Crude oil futures, net short positions
(1,647
)
 
(1,703
)
Refined product price and crack spread swaps, net short positions
(2,419
)
 
(6,632
)
Total open commodity hedging instruments, net short positions
(2,697
)
 
(6,211
)
 
 
 
 
Fair value of outstanding contracts, net
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
5,824

 
$
13,649

Other assets
1,150

 
8

Accrued liabilities
(9,367
)
 
(10,827
)
Other long-term liabilities

 
(771
)
Fair value of outstanding contracts - unrealized gain (loss), net
$
(2,393
)
 
$
2,059

Offsetting Assets and Liabilities
Western's derivative financial instruments are subject to master netting arrangements to manage counterparty credit risk associated with derivatives; however, Western does not offset the fair value amounts recorded for derivative instruments under these agreements in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We have posted or received margin collateral with various counterparties in support of our hedging and trading activities. The margin collateral posted or received is required by counterparties as collateral deposits and cannot be offset against the fair value of open contracts except in the event of default.

23

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following table presents offsetting information regarding Western's commodity hedging contracts as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of March 31, 2017
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
9,412

 
$
(3,588
)
 
$
5,824

Other assets
1,251

 
(101
)
 
1,150

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued liabilities
(13,044
)
 
3,677

 
(9,367
)
Other long-term liabilities
(12
)
 
12

 

 
$
(2,393
)
 
$

 
$
(2,393
)
 
Gross Amounts of Recognized Assets (Liabilities)
 
Gross Amounts Offset in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
 
Net Amounts of Assets (Liabilities) Presented in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
As of December 31, 2016
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Financial assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets
$
18,929

 
$
(5,280
)
 
$
13,649

Other assets
677

 
(669
)
 
8

Financial liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued liabilities
(17,547
)
 
6,720

 
(10,827
)
Other long-term liabilities

 
(771
)
 
(771
)
 
$
2,059

 
$

 
$
2,059

Our commodity hedging activities are initiated within guidelines established by management and approved by our board of directors. Due to mark-to-market accounting during the term of the various commodity hedging contracts, significant unrealized, non-cash net gains and losses could be recorded in our results of operations. Additionally, we may be required to collateralize any mark-to-market losses on outstanding commodity hedging contracts.
As of March 31, 2017, we had the following outstanding crude oil and refined product hedging instruments that were entered into as economic hedges. Settlement prices for our distillate crack spread swaps range from $15.18 to $16.67 per contract. The information presents the notional volume of outstanding contracts by type of instrument and year of maturity (volumes in thousands of barrels):
 
Notional Contract Volumes by Year of Maturity
 
2017
 
2018
Inventory positions (futures and swaps):
 
 
 
Crude oil differential swaps, net long positions
1,369

 

Crude oil futures, net short positions
(1,647
)
 

Distillate - net long positions
225

 

Refined products - net short positions
(1,214
)
 

Natural gas futures - net long positions
221

 

Refined product positions (crack spread swaps):
 
 
 
Distillate - net short positions
(225
)
 
(1,200
)
Unleaded gasoline - net short positions
(225
)
 


24

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

14. Stock-Based Compensation
Tesoro Merger
Effective upon the closing of the Tesoro Merger, each of the outstanding RSUs that were granted prior to December 31, 2016 will vest and be settled in cash. Each of the outstanding phantom stock awards under the NTI LTIP and 123,570 RSUs granted on January 18, 2017 will be automatically converted into the right to acquire or receive benefits measured by the value of the number of shares of Tesoro common stock, rounded down to the nearest whole number, equal to the number of shares of our common stock subject to such award immediately prior to the effective time of the First Tesoro Merger multiplied by the exchange ratio. See Note 23, Tesoro Merger, for additional information.
Western Incentive Plans
The Western Refining 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2006 LTIP") and the Amended and Restated 2010 Incentive Plan of Western Refining (the "2010 Incentive Plan") allow for restricted share unit awards ("RSUs") among other forms of awards. As of March 31, 2017, there were 19,856 and 2,336,531 shares of common stock reserved for future grants under the 2006 LTIP and the 2010 Incentive Plan, respectively. Awards granted under both plans vest over a scheduled vesting period of either one, three or five years and their market value at the date of the grant is amortized over the vesting period on a straight-line basis.
As of March 31, 2017, there were 594,318 unvested RSUs outstanding. We recorded stock compensation of $2.1 million and $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.
As of March 31, 2017, the aggregate grant date fair value of outstanding RSUs was $19.2 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of outstanding RSUs was $20.8 million. The unrecognized compensation cost of unvested RSUs was $17.1 million. Unrecognized compensation costs for RSUs will be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
The tax deficiency related to the RSUs that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2016, was $0.3 million using a statutory blended rate of 38.1%. The aggregate grant date fair value of the RSUs that vested during the three months ended March 31, 2016, was $3.2 million. The related aggregate intrinsic value of these RSUs was $2.4 million at the vesting date.
The following table summarizes our RSU activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
Number
of Units
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Not vested at December 31, 2016
658,506

 
$
32.25

Awards granted
123,570

 
35.24

Awards vested
(187,758
)
 
34.11

Awards forfeited

 

Not vested at March 31, 2017
594,318

 
32.28

Amended and Restated Northern Tier Energy LP 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan
Effective upon the closing of the NTI Merger, Western adopted and assumed NTI's equity compensation plan and amended and renamed the plan as the Amended and Restated Northern Tier Energy LP 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("NTI LTIP"). Modifications to the NTI LTIP include, among other things, a change to the unit of equity from an NTI common unit to a share of Western common stock. The amendment changes the administrator of the NTI LTIP from the board of directors of NTI's general partner to Western's board of directors or its applicable committee. Consistent with the terms of the NTI Merger Agreement, all unvested equity awards at the time of the NTI Merger were exchanged for Western phantom stock awards and performance cash awards under the NTI LTIP.
We incurred equity-based compensation expense of $3.0 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The NTI LTIP provides, among other awards, for grants of stock options, restricted stock, phantom stock, dividend equivalent rights, stock appreciation rights and other awards that derive their value from the market price of Western's common stock. As of March 31, 2017, there was 448,043 common share equivalents reserved for future grants under the NTI LTIP.

25

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

We determined the fair value of the phantom stock based on the closing price of Western common stock on the grant date. We amortize the estimated fair value of the phantom stock on a straight-line basis over the scheduled vesting periods of individual awards.
The aggregate grant date fair value of non-vested phantom stock outstanding as of March 31, 2017, was $7.3 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of such phantom stock was $12.6 million. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested phantom stock totaled $4.6 million as of March 31, 2017, that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.5 years.
A summary of our phantom stock award activity under the NTI LTIP for the three months ended March 31, 2017, is set forth below:
 
Number of Phantom Stock
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Not vested at December 31, 2016
662,372

 
$
20.25

Awards granted

 

Awards vested
(298,744
)
 
20.25

Awards forfeited
(10,858
)
 
20.25

Not vested at March 31, 2017
352,770

 
20.25

Western Refining Logistics, LP 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan
The Western Refining Logistics, LP 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "WNRL LTIP") provides, among other awards, for grants of phantom units and distribution equivalent rights. As of March 31, 2017, there were 4,075,073 phantom units reserved for future grants under the WNRL LTIP.
The fair value of the phantom units is determined based on the closing price of WNRL common units on the grant date. The estimated fair value of the phantom units is amortized on a straight-line basis over the scheduled vesting periods of individual awards. WNRL incurred unit-based compensation expense of $0.6 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
The aggregate grant date fair value of non-vested phantom units outstanding as of March 31, 2017, was $6.6 million. The aggregate intrinsic value of such phantom units was $6.4 million. Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested phantom units totaled $6.2 million as of March 31, 2017, that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.3 years.
A summary of WNRL's phantom unit award activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017, is set forth below:
 
Number of Phantom Units
 
Weighted Average
Grant Date
Fair Value
Not vested at December 31, 2016
285,155

 
$
26.42

Awards granted
52,654

 
24.70

Awards vested
(86,012
)
 
26.45

Awards forfeited

 

Not vested at March 31, 2017
251,797

 
26.05

15. Earnings per Share
We follow the provisions related to the accounting treatment of certain participating securities for the purpose of determining earnings per share. These provisions address share-based payment awards that have not vested and that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividend equivalents and state that they are participating securities and should be included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method.
Diluted earnings per common share includes the effects of potentially dilutive shares that consist of unvested RSUs and phantom stock. These awards are non-participating securities due to the forfeitable nature of their associated dividend

26

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

equivalent rights, prior to vesting and we do not consider the RSUs or phantom stock in the two-class method when calculating earnings per share.
The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method is presented as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Allocation of earnings:
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
11,568

 
$
30,538

Distributed earnings
(42,543
)
 
(35,601
)
Undistributed income (loss) attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
(30,975
)
 
$
(5,063
)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
108,669

 
92,078

Basic earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Distributed earnings per share
$
0.39

 
$
0.39

Undistributed earnings (loss) per share
(0.29
)
 
(0.05
)
Basic earnings per common share
$
0.10

 
$
0.34

 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share:
 
 
 
Net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
11,568

 
$
30,538

Weighted-average diluted common shares outstanding
109,155

 
92,144

Diluted earnings per common share
$
0.10

 
$
0.33

The computation of the weighted average number of diluted shares outstanding is presented below:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
108,669

 
92,078

Restricted share units and phantom stock
486

 
66

Weighted-average number of diluted shares outstanding
109,155

 
92,144

A shareholder's interest in our common stock could become diluted as a result of vestings of RSUs and phantom stock. In calculating our fully diluted earnings per common share, we consider the impact of RSUs and phantom stock that have not vested. We include unvested awards in our diluted earnings calculation when the trading price of our common stock equals or exceeds the per share grant price.

27

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

16. Cash Flows
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Non-cash operating activities were as follows:
 
 
 
Income taxes paid
$
9,130

 
$
11,215

Interest paid, excluding amounts capitalized
26,811

 
20,676

Non-cash investing activities were as follows:
 
 
 
Assets acquired through capital lease obligations
$
12,089

 
$
328

Accrued capital expenditures
24,321

 
46,045

Transfer of capital spares from fixed assets to other assets

 
699

Non-cash financing activities were as follows:
 
 
 
Distributions accrued on unvested NTI equity awards
$

 
$
3,964

17. Leases and Other Commitments
We have commitments under various operating leases with initial terms greater than one year for retail convenience stores, office space, warehouses, cardlocks, railcars and other facilities, some of which have renewal options and rent escalation clauses. These leases have terms that will expire on various dates through 2040. We expect that in the normal course of business, these leases will be renewed or replaced by other leases. Certain of our lease agreements provide for the fair value purchase of the leased asset at the end of the lease. Rent expense for operating leases that provide for periodic rent escalations or rent holidays over the term of the lease and for renewal periods that are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease.
In the normal course of business, we also have long-term commitments to purchase products and services, such as natural gas, electricity, water and transportation services for use by our refineries and logistic assets at market-based rates. We are also party to various refined product and crude oil supply and exchange agreements.
Under a sulfuric acid regeneration and sulfur gas processing agreement with Veolia North America, Inc. (“Veolia”), Veolia owns and operates two sulfuric acid regeneration units on property we lease to Veolia within our El Paso refinery. Our annual estimated cost for processing sulfuric acid and sulfur gas under this agreement is $15.7 million through March of 2028.
In November 2007, we entered into a ten-year lease agreement for office space in downtown El Paso, Texas. In December 2007, we entered into an eleven-year lease agreement for an office building in Tempe, Arizona. The building centralized our operational and administrative offices in the Phoenix area.
We are party to 47 capital leases, with initial terms of 20 years, expiring in 2025 through 2037. The current portion of our capital lease obligation of $1.3 million and $1.3 million is included in accrued liabilities and the non-current portion of $65.9 million and $54.2 million is included in lease financing obligations in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The capital lease obligations include a deferred gain of $0.2 million. These capital leases were discounted using annual rates from 5.00% to 16.66%. Total remaining interest related to these leases was $56.9 million and $40.0 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Average annual payments, including interest, for the next five years are $7.0 million with the remaining $90.9 million due through 2037.

28

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following table presents our future minimum lease commitments under capital leases and non-cancelable operating leases that have lease terms of one year or more (in thousands) as of March 31, 2017:
 
Operating
 
Capital
Remaining 2017
$
40,747

 
$
4,976

2018
52,509

 
6,722

2019
47,269

 
6,854

2020
42,420

 
7,067

2021
43,284

 
7,238

2022 and thereafter
305,646

 
90,932

Total minimum lease payments
$
531,875

 
123,789

Less amount that represents interest
 
 
56,876

Present value of net minimum capital lease payments
 
 
$
66,913

Total rental expense was $17.6 million and $17.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively. Contingent rentals and subleases were not significant in any period.
18. Commitments and Contingencies
Environmental Matters
Similar to other petroleum refiners, our operations are subject to extensive and periodically changing federal and state environmental regulations governing air emissions, wastewater discharges and solid and hazardous waste management activities. Many of these regulations are becoming increasingly stringent and the cost of compliance can be expected to increase over time. Our policy is to accrue environmental and clean-up related costs of a non-capital nature when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Such estimates may be subject to revision in the future as regulations and other conditions change.
Periodically, we receive communications from various federal, state and local governmental authorities asserting violations of environmental laws and/or regulations. These governmental entities may also propose or assess fines or require corrective action for these asserted violations. We intend to respond in a timely manner to all such communications and to take appropriate corrective action. We do not anticipate that any such matters currently asserted will have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, we had consolidated environmental accruals of $12.8 million and $13.8 million, respectively.
El Paso Refinery
Prior spills, releases and discharges of petroleum or hazardous substances have impacted the groundwater and soils in certain areas at and adjacent to our El Paso refinery. We are currently remediating, in conjunction with Chevron U.S.A., Inc. ("Chevron"), these areas in accordance with certain agreed administrative orders with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (the "TCEQ"). Pursuant to our purchase of the north side of the El Paso refinery from Chevron, Chevron retained responsibility to remediate its solid waste management units in accordance with its Resource Conservation Recovery Act ("RCRA") permit that Chevron has fulfilled. Chevron also retained control of and liability for certain groundwater remediation responsibilities that are ongoing.
In May 2000, we entered into an Agreed Order with the TCEQ for remediation of the south side of our El Paso refinery property. We purchased a non-cancelable Pollution and Legal Liability and Clean-Up Cost Cap Insurance policy that covers environmental clean-up costs related to contamination that occurred prior to December 31, 1999, including the costs of the Agreed Order activities. The insurance provider assumed responsibility for all environmental clean-up costs related to the Agreed Order up to $20.0 million, of which $6.5 million remained as of March 31, 2017. In addition, a subsidiary of Chevron is obligated under a settlement agreement to pay 60% of any Agreed Order environmental clean-up costs that exceed the $20.0 million policy coverage.
El Paso 2017 EPA RMP Order. In February 2017, we received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") a draft administrative order with a proposed penalty of $0.2 million to settle alleged violations of the Risk Management Plan regulations noted during an EPA inspection of the El Paso refinery in February 2015. We are negotiating the draft order with

29

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

EPA and expect to enter into a settlement. The draft settlement does not contain requirements for groundwater clean-up or capital expenditure.
Four Corners Refineries
Four Corners 2005 Consent Agreements. In July 2005, as part of the EPA Initiative, Giant Industries, Inc., our wholly-owned subsidiary, reached an administrative settlement with the New Mexico Environment Department (the "NMED") and the EPA in the form of consent agreements that resolved certain alleged violations of air quality regulations at the Gallup and Bloomfield refineries in the Four Corners area of New Mexico. In January 2009 and June 2012, we and the NMED agreed to amendments of the 2005 administrative settlement (the "2005 NMED Amended Agreement") that altered certain deadlines and allowed for alternative air pollution controls.
We incurred $50.8 million in total capital expenditures between 2009 and 2013 to address the requirements of the 2005 NMED Amended Agreement. These capital expenditures were primarily for installation of emission controls on the heaters, boilers and Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit ("FCCU") and for reducing sulfur in fuel gas to reduce emissions of sulfur dioxide, NOx and particulate matter from our Gallup refinery. During the first quarter of 2016, we completed the capital expenditures required by the 2005 NMED Amended Agreement to implement one or more FCCU emission offset projects prior to the end of 2017. We incurred $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and $0.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, to implement an FCC emission offset project. We paid penalties between 2009 and 2012 totaling $2.7 million. For 2017, we have budgeted capital projects specifically designed to address our compliance with the 2005 NMED Amended Agreement regarding air emissions from waste handling at our Gallup refinery.
Bloomfield 2007 NMED Remediation Order. In July 2007, we received a final administrative compliance order from the NMED alleging that releases of contaminants and hazardous substances that have occurred at the Bloomfield refinery over the course of its operations prior to June 1, 2007, have resulted in soil and groundwater contamination. Among other things, the order requires that we investigate the extent of such releases, perform interim remediation measures and implement corrective measures. Prior to July 2007, with the approval of the NMED and the New Mexico Oil Conservation Division, we placed into operation certain remediation measures that remain operational.
Gallup 2017 EPA RCRA Order: In February 2017, we received from the EPA a draft administrative order with a proposed penalty of $0.1 million to settle alleged violations of the RCRA regulations noted during an EPA inspection of the Gallup refinery in August 2014. We are evaluating the draft order and expect to enter into a settlement with the EPA. The draft settlement does not contain requirements for groundwater clean-up or capital expenditure.
St. Paul Park Refinery
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, liabilities for remediation and closure obligations at the St. Paul Park refinery totaled $2.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively, of which $2.3 million and $2.5 million, respectively, are recorded on a discounted basis. These discounted liabilities are expected to be settled over at least the next 21 years. At March 31, 2017, the estimated future cash flows to settle these discounted liabilities totaled $2.9 million and are discounted at a rate of 2.78%. Receivables for recoverable costs from the state, under programs to assist companies in clean-up efforts related to underground storage tanks at retail marketing outlets, and others were $0.1 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.
Legal Matters
On August 24, 2016, an alleged NTI unitholder (“Plaintiff”) filed a purported class action lawsuit against Western, NTI, NTI GP, members of the NTI GP board of directors at the time of the NTI Merger, Evercore Group, L.L.C. (“Evercore”), and MergerCo (collectively, “Defendants”) (the “NTI Merger Litigation”). The NTI Merger Litigation appears to challenge the adequacy of disclosures made in connection with the NTI Merger. Plaintiff seeks monetary damages and attorneys’ fees. The NTI Merger Litigation is in the earliest stages of litigation. Western believes the NTI Merger Litigation is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it.
As of February 8, 2017, Western was named as defendants in five substantially similar purported stockholder class actions by Western stockholders (the “Tesoro Merger Litigation”). The suits challenge the adequacy of the disclosures made in connection with the Tesoro Merger. Among other remedies, the plaintiffs seek to enjoin the merger until additional information relating to the transaction is disclosed. The Tesoro Merger Litigation was dismissed with prejudice on March 20, 2017.
Other Matters
The EPA has issued Renewable Fuels Standards ("RFS") that require refiners to blend renewable fuels into the refined products produced at their refineries. Annually, the EPA is required to establish a volume of renewable fuels that refineries must blend into their refined petroleum fuels. To the extent we are unable to blend at the rate necessary to satisfy the EPA mandated

30

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

volume, we purchase Renewable Identification Numbers ("RIN"). The purchase price for RINs is volatile and may vary significantly from period to period. The net cost of meeting our estimated renewable volume obligations was $21.6 million and $19.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The supply and demand environment for RINs is uncertain and we cannot predict the impact of RIN purchases on our results of operations in any given period.
In addition, the EPA has investigated and brought enforcement actions against companies it believes produced invalid RINs. We have purchased RINs that the EPA determined were invalid. Previously, we have entered into settlements with the EPA regarding RINs we purchased that the EPA ultimately determined were invalid. While we do not know if the EPA will determine that other RINs we have purchased are invalid, at this time we do not expect any settlements we would enter into with the EPA would have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
We are party to various other claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business. We believe that the resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
19. Related Party Transactions
We leased office space in a building located in El Paso, Texas that is owned by an entity controlled by one of our officers. Under the terms of the lease, we made annual payments of $0.2 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2016, we made rental payments under this lease to the related party of $0.06 million. This lease agreement expired in January 2017.
Beginning on September 30, 2014, we began paying MPL for transportation services at published tariff rates. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we paid $16.9 million and $14.0 million, respectively, in crude transportation costs with MPL. Western's President and Chief Operating Officer is a member of MPL's board of managers.
20. Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
Separate condensed consolidating financial information of Western Refining, Inc. (the "Parent"), subsidiary guarantors and non-guarantors is presented below. At March 31, 2017, the Parent and certain 100% owned subsidiary guarantors have fully and unconditionally guaranteed our Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes on a joint and several basis. NTI and WNRL are subsidiaries that have not guaranteed the Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes. As a result of the Parent and certain subsidiaries' guarantee arrangements, we are required to present the following condensed consolidating financial information that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.
Due to the retrospective adjustments of financial position, results of operations and cash flows from the guarantor to the non-guarantor entities resulting from the St. Paul Park Logistics Transaction, we have made corresponding retrospective adjustments to the condensed consolidating financial information for all periods presented. See Note 1, Organization, for additional information on this transaction.
As of March 31, 2017, we owned a 100% limited partnership interest in NTI and a 52.5% limited partnership interest in WNRL, and the non-financial general partner interests of both entities. We are the primary beneficiary of WNRL's earnings and cash flows. We exercise control of WNRL through our 100% ownership of its general partner. Accordingly, NTI and WNRL are consolidated with the other accounts of Western.
NTI's long-term debt is comprised of the NTI 2020 Secured Notes and the NTI Revolving Credit Facility. NTI creditors under the NTI 2020 Secured Notes and the NTI Revolving Credit Facility have no recourse to the Parent's assets except to the extent of the assets of Northern Tier Energy GP LLC, NTI's general partner. We have 100% ownership of the general partner of NTI. Any recourse to NTI’s general partner would be limited to the extent of the general partner’s assets that, other than its investment in NTI, are not significant. Furthermore, the Parent's creditors have no recourse to the assets of NTI's general partner, NTI and its consolidated subsidiaries. See Note 9, Long-Term Debt, for a description of NTI’s debt obligations.
WNRL generates revenues by charging fees and tariffs for transporting crude oil through its pipelines; for transporting crude oil and asphalt through its truck fleet; for transporting refined and other products through its terminals and pipelines, for providing storage in its storage tanks and at its terminals and selling refined products through its wholesale distribution network. We do not provide financial or equity support through any liquidity arrangements and/or debt guarantees to WNRL.
WNRL's long-term debt is comprised of the WNRL 2023 Senior Notes and the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility. With the exception of the assets of Western Refining Logistic GP, LLC, the general partner of WNRL, creditors have no recourse to our assets. Any recourse to WNRL’s general partner would be limited to the extent of Western Refining Logistic GP, LLC’s assets which, other than its investment and incentive distribution rights in WNRL, are not significant. Furthermore, our creditors have no recourse to the assets of WNRL and its consolidated subsidiaries. See Note 9, Long-Term Debt, for a description of WNRL’s debt obligations.

31

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

The following condensed consolidating financial information is provided as an alternative to providing separate financial statements for guarantor subsidiaries. Separate financial statements of Western’s subsidiary guarantors are not included because the guarantees are full and unconditional and these subsidiary guarantors are 100% owned and jointly and severally liable for the Parent’s outstanding debt. The information is presented using the equity method of accounting for investments in subsidiaries.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$

 
$
130,908

 
$
29,119

 
$

 
$
160,027

Accounts receivable, trade, net of a reserve for doubtful accounts

 
124,847

 
280,852

 

 
405,699

Accounts receivable, affiliate
18,985

 
73,701

 
8,994

 
(101,680
)
 

Inventories

 
469,912

 
359,062

 

 
828,974

Prepaid expenses

 
81,179

 
17,252

 

 
98,431

Other current assets

 
75,701

 
34,221

 

 
109,922

Total current assets
18,985

 
956,248

 
729,500

 
(101,680
)
 
1,603,053

Equity method investment

 

 
104,303

 

 
104,303

Property, plant and equipment, net

 
1,111,361

 
1,251,030

 

 
2,362,391

Goodwill

 

 
1,289,443

 

 
1,289,443

Intangible assets, net

 
31,070

 
52,081

 

 
83,151

Investment in subsidiaries
5,376,847

 

 

 
(5,376,847
)
 

Due from affiliate

 
2,491,810

 

 
(2,491,810
)
 

Other assets, net

 
26,687

 
17,609

 

 
44,296

Total assets
$
5,395,832

 
$
4,617,176

 
$
3,443,966

 
$
(7,970,337
)
 
$
5,486,637

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable, trade
$
10,938

 
$
318,568

 
$
349,143

 
$

 
$
678,649

Accounts payable, affiliate

 

 
101,680

 
(101,680
)
 

Accrued liabilities
11,113

 
111,897

 
83,081

 

 
206,091

Current portion of long-term debt
10,500

 

 

 

 
10,500

Total current liabilities
32,551

 
430,465

 
533,904

 
(101,680
)
 
895,240

Long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
1,208,355

 

 
684,370

 

 
1,892,725

Due to affiliate
2,491,810

 

 

 
(2,491,810
)
 

Lease financing obligations

 
44,666

 
21,188

 

 
65,854

Deferred income tax liability, net

 
244,808

 
38,409

 

 
283,217

Deficit in subsidiaries


507,474



 
(507,474
)
 

Other liabilities

 
73,963

 
15,719

 

 
89,682

Total long-term liabilities
3,700,165

 
870,911

 
759,686

 
(2,999,284
)
 
2,331,478

Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity - Western
1,663,116

 
3,315,800

 
1,553,573

 
(4,869,373
)
 
1,663,116

Equity - Non-controlling interests

 

 
596,803

 

 
596,803

Total equity
1,663,116

 
3,315,800

 
2,150,376

 
(4,869,373
)
 
2,259,919

Total liabilities and equity
$
5,395,832

 
$
4,617,176

 
$
3,443,966

 
$
(7,970,337
)
 
$
5,486,637


32

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
As of December 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
21

 
$
224,431

 
$
44,129

 
$

 
$
268,581

Accounts receivable, trade, net of a reserve for doubtful accounts

 
117,007

 
306,164

 

 
423,171

Accounts receivable, affiliate
16,832

 
72,760

 
3,736

 
(93,328
)
 

Inventories

 
448,012

 
323,977

 

 
771,989

Prepaid expenses

 
80,199

 
15,156

 

 
95,355

Other current assets

 
74,832

 
38,589

 

 
113,421

Total current assets
16,853

 
1,017,241

 
731,751

 
(93,328
)
 
1,672,517

Equity method investment

 

 
102,685

 

 
102,685

Property, plant and equipment, net

 
1,117,958

 
1,246,524

 

 
2,364,482

Goodwill

 

 
1,289,443

 

 
1,289,443

Intangible assets, net

 
31,516

 
52,296

 

 
83,812

Investment in subsidiaries
5,348,171

 

 

 
(5,348,171
)
 

Due from affiliate

 
2,443,306

 

 
(2,443,306
)
 

Other assets, net

 
27,425

 
20,033

 

 
47,458

Total assets
$
5,365,024

 
$
4,637,446

 
$
3,442,732

 
$
(7,884,805
)
 
$
5,560,397

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable, trade
$

 
$
372,570

 
$
381,363

 
$

 
$
753,933

Accounts payable, affiliate

 

 
93,328

 
(93,328
)
 

Accrued liabilities
5,655

 
124,628

 
89,324

 

 
219,607

Current portion of long-term debt
10,500

 

 

 

 
10,500

Total current liabilities
16,155

 
497,198

 
564,015

 
(93,328
)
 
984,040

Long-term liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
1,208,703

 

 
663,102

 

 
1,871,805

Due to affiliate
2,443,306

 

 

 
(2,443,306
)
 

Lease financing obligations

 
45,007

 
9,156

 

 
54,163

Deferred income tax liability, net

 
222,372

 
37,921

 

 
260,293

Deficit in subsidiaries

 
501,776

 

 
(501,776
)
 

Other liabilities

 
79,501

 
13,635

 

 
93,136

Total long-term liabilities
3,652,009

 
848,656

 
723,814

 
(2,945,082
)
 
2,279,397

Equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity - Western
1,696,860

 
3,291,592

 
1,554,803

 
(4,846,395
)
 
1,696,860

Equity - Non-controlling interests

 

 
600,100

 

 
600,100

Total equity
1,696,860

 
3,291,592

 
2,154,903

 
(4,846,395
)
 
2,296,960

Total liabilities and equity
$
5,365,024

 
$
4,637,446

 
$
3,442,732

 
$
(7,884,805
)
 
$
5,560,397



33

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$

 
$
1,693,424

 
$
1,314,020

 
$
(678,912
)
 
$
2,328,532

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 
1,488,822

 
1,104,098

 
(678,912
)
 
1,914,008

Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 
113,516

 
118,285

 

 
231,801

Selling, general and administrative expenses
50

 
32,694

 
25,897

 

 
58,641

Merger and reorganization costs

 
9,772

 
1,525

 

 
11,297

Gain on disposal of assets, net

 
(167
)
 
(292
)
 

 
(459
)
Maintenance turnaround expense

 
940

 
2,374

 

 
3,314

Depreciation and amortization

 
28,580

 
28,224

 

 
56,804

Total operating costs and expenses
50

 
1,674,157

 
1,280,111

 
(678,912
)
 
2,275,406

Operating income (loss)
(50
)
 
19,267

 
33,909

 

 
53,126

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
32,143

 
10,458

 

 
(42,601
)
 

Interest income

 
74

 
34

 

 
108

Interest and debt expense
(20,525
)
 
(826
)
 
(12,384
)
 

 
(33,735
)
Other, net

 
789

 
6,152

 

 
6,941

Income before income taxes
11,568

 
29,762

 
27,711

 
(42,601
)
 
26,440

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

 
(5,554
)
 
110

 

 
(5,444
)
Net income
11,568

 
24,208

 
27,821

 
(42,601
)
 
20,996

Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 
9,428

 

 
9,428

Net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
11,568

 
$
24,208

 
$
18,393

 
$
(42,601
)
 
$
11,568

Comprehensive income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
11,568

 
$
24,208

 
$
18,349

 
$
(42,601
)
 
$
11,524






34

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)


CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net sales
$

 
$
1,004,540

 
$
965,512

 
$
(514,548
)
 
$
1,455,504

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 
798,548

 
763,361

 
(514,548
)
 
1,047,361

Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)

 
106,540

 
117,045

 

 
223,585

Selling, general and administrative expenses
46

 
24,695

 
28,544

 

 
53,285

Merger and reorganization costs

 

 
408

 

 
408

Gain on disposal of assets, net

 
(26
)
 
(104
)
 

 
(130
)
Maintenance turnaround expense

 
125

 

 

 
125

Depreciation and amortization

 
25,538

 
27,113

 

 
52,651

Total operating costs and expenses
46

 
955,420

 
936,367

 
(514,548
)
 
1,377,285

Operating income (loss)
(46
)
 
49,120

 
29,145

 

 
78,219

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of subsidiaries
43,725

 
1,054

 

 
(44,779
)
 

Interest income

 
114

 
50

 

 
164

Interest and debt expense
(13,141
)
 
(738
)
 
(12,802
)
 

 
(26,681
)
Other, net

 
1,069

 
5,443

 

 
6,512

Income before income taxes
30,538

 
50,619

 
21,836

 
(44,779
)
 
58,214

Provision for income taxes

 
(18,368
)
 
(261
)
 

 
(18,629
)
Net income
30,538

 
32,251

 
21,575

 
(44,779
)
 
39,585

Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests

 

 
9,047

 

 
9,047

Net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
30,538

 
$
32,251

 
$
12,528

 
$
(44,779
)
 
$
30,538

Comprehensive income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
30,538

 
$
32,251

 
$
12,528

 
$
(44,779
)
 
$
30,538




35

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(1,902
)
 
$
(21,270
)
 
$
21,009

 
$
(16,154
)
 
$
(18,317
)
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures

 
(22,604
)
 
(23,654
)
 

 
(46,258
)
Contributions to affiliate

 
(49,516
)
 

 
49,516

 

Proceeds from the sale of assets

 
167

 
363

 

 
530

Net cash used in investing activities

 
(71,953
)
 
(23,291
)
 
49,516

 
(45,728
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
(2,625
)
 
(300
)
 
(312
)
 

 
(3,237
)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility

 

 
151,500

 

 
151,500

Repayments on revolving credit facility

 

 
(130,500
)
 

 
(130,500
)
Deferred financing costs

 

 
(78
)
 

 
(78
)
Distribution to affiliate

 

 
(16,154
)
 
16,154

 

Distribution to non-controlling interest holders

 

 
(12,629
)
 

 
(12,629
)
Dividends paid
(42,543
)
 

 

 

 
(42,543
)
Payments of tax withholdings for stock-based compensation
(2,467
)
 

 
(4,555
)
 

 
(7,022
)
Contributions from affiliates
49,516

 

 

 
(49,516
)
 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
1,881

 
(300
)
 
(12,728
)
 
(33,362
)
 
(44,509
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(21
)
 
(93,523
)
 
(15,010
)
 

 
(108,554
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
21

 
224,431

 
44,129

 

 
268,581

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$

 
$
130,908

 
$
29,119

 
$

 
$
160,027


36

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(In thousands)
 
Parent
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantors
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
5,500

 
$
(21,284
)
 
$
31,477

 
$
(13,392
)
 
$
2,301

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures

 
(44,798
)
 
(34,231
)
 

 
(79,029
)
Use of restricted cash

 
32,323

 

 

 
32,323

Return of capital from equity method investment
13,537

 

 

 
(13,537
)
 

Contributions to affiliate

 
(93,653
)
 
(8,375
)
 
102,028

 

Proceeds from the sale of assets

 
100

 
119

 

 
219

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
13,537

 
(106,028
)
 
(42,487
)
 
88,491

 
(46,487
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations
(1,375
)
 
(194
)
 
(353
)
 

 
(1,922
)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility

 

 
70,000

 

 
70,000

Repayments on revolving credit facility

 

 
(62,500
)
 

 
(62,500
)
Distribution to affiliate

 

 
(26,929
)
 
26,929

 

Purchases of common stock for treasury
(75,000
)
 

 

 

 
(75,000
)
Distribution to non-controlling interest holders

 

 
(28,995
)
 

 
(28,995
)
Dividends paid
(35,601
)
 

 

 

 
(35,601
)
Payments of tax withholdings for stock-based compensation
(714
)
 

 
(483
)
 

 
(1,197
)
Contributions from affiliates
93,653

 

 
8,375

 
(102,028
)
 

Net cash used in financing activities
(19,037
)
 
(194
)
 
(40,885
)
 
(75,099
)
 
(135,215
)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

 
(127,506
)
 
(51,895
)
 

 
(179,401
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
21

 
656,966

 
115,515

 

 
772,502

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
$
21

 
$
529,460

 
$
63,620

 
$

 
$
593,101


21. Acquisitions
Description of the Transaction
On December 21, 2015, Western entered into the NTI Merger Agreement, by and among Western, Western Acquisition Co, LLC (“MergerCo”), NTI and Northern Tier Energy GP LLC, the general partner of NTI and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western (“NTI GP”). On June 23, 2016, following the approval of the NTI Merger by NTI common unitholders, all closing conditions to the NTI Merger were satisfied, and the NTI Merger was successfully completed. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the NTI Merger Agreement, MergerCo merged with and into NTI, the separate limited liability company existence of MergerCo ceased and NTI continued to exist as a limited partnership under Delaware law and as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Western and as the surviving entity in the NTI Merger.
Prior to the NTI Merger, NT InterHoldCo LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Western ("NT InterHoldCo"), owned 100% of the membership interests in NTI GP and 38.3% of NTI’s outstanding common units representing limited partner interests in NTI (“NTI Common Units”). NT InterHoldCo also owned 100% of the membership interests in Western Acquisition Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and holder of 100% of the membership interests in MergerCo (“MergerCo HoldCo”). Following the NTI Merger, NTI GP remained the sole general partner of NTI, the NTI Common Units held by Western and its subsidiaries were unchanged and remained issued and outstanding, and, by virtue of the NTI Merger, all of the membership interests in MergerCo automatically converted into the number of NTI Common Units (excluding any NTI Common Units owned by Western and its subsidiaries) issued and

37

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the NTI Merger. Consequently, NT InterHoldCo and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MergerCo HoldCo, became the sole limited partners of NTI.
Pursuant to the NTI Merger Agreement, we paid $859.9 million in cash and issued 17.1 million shares of Western common stock adjusted slightly for cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. We incurred transaction costs related to the NTI Merger of $11.7 million.
The NTI Merger involved a change in WNR’s ownership interest in its subsidiary, NTI, due to the purchase of the remaining ownership interests not already owned by WNR and was accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification 810-10-45-23, Consolidation, which indicates that increases in a parent’s ownership interest while the parent retains its controlling financial interest in its subsidiary shall be accounted for as an equity transaction. Therefore, no gain or loss was realized as a result of the NTI Merger. Any difference between the consideration paid and the amount by which the non-controlling interest is adjusted was recognized in Western shareholders' equity.
NTI common unitholders made consideration elections that resulted in the following allocation of cash and Western common stock among NTI common unitholders.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid “Mixed Election” (as defined in the NTI Merger Agreement), or who made no election, received $15.00 in cash and 0.2986 of a share of Western common stock for each such NTI common unit held.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid “Cash Election” (as defined in the NTI Merger Agreement) received $15.357 in cash and 0.28896 of a share of Western common stock as prorated in accordance with the NTI Merger Agreement for each such NTI common unit held.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid “Stock Election” (as defined in the NTI Merger Agreement) received 0.7036 of a share of Western common stock for each such NTI common unit held.
The consolidated statements of operations include the results of the NTI Merger beginning on June 23, 2016. The following unaudited pro forma information assumes that (i) the NTI Merger occurred on January 1, 2016; (ii) $500.0 million was borrowed to fund the NTI Merger consideration on January 1, 2016, resulting in increased interest and debt expense of $9.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and (iii) income tax expense increased as a result of the increased net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc. offset by increased interest and debt expense of $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
 
Unaudited Pro Forma for the Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2016
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales
$
1,455,504

Operating income
78,219

Net income
32,378

Net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
27,675

 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.26

Diluted earnings per share
0.25

Merger and Reorganization Expenses
We incurred professional service fees in connection with the NTI Merger. Additionally, we incurred costs associated with initiating a plan of reorganization for various positions. In relation to this reorganization plan, it was determined that certain employees would be terminated during 2016 and 2017. We recognized $2.1 million of expense during the three months ended March 31, 2017 which included compensation related to the severance of employment and retention bonuses for selected employees. These costs have been included in Merger and reorganization costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and are included in the "Other" category within our segment presentation. We recognize these costs

38

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

ratably from September 1, 2016, the effective date of the agreements, through the remaining service period, which varies for each employee, but in no case is later than September 1, 2017. As of March 31, 2017, we anticipate that these costs will continue to be recognized through the third quarter of 2017 and for the expenses to be completely paid out by December 31, 2017.
The following table summarizes the expense activity related to the NTI Merger for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Beginning liability for merger and reorganization costs
$
2,574

 
$
189

Third-party professional service fees
1,525

 
408

Reorganization and related personnel costs incurred during period
575

 

Cash payments to third-party professional service providers

 
(408
)
Cash payments made to severed employees
(1,735
)
 
(189
)
Ending liability for merger and reorganization costs
$
2,939

 
$

22. WNRL
WNRL is a publicly held master limited partnership that owns and operates logistic assets that consist of pipeline and gathering, terminalling, storage and transportation assets, providing related services to our refining segment, including 705 miles of pipelines and approximately 12.4 million barrels of active storage capacity. The majority of WNRL's logistics assets are integral to the operations of the El Paso, Gallup and St. Paul Park refineries.
WNRL also owns a wholesale business that operates primarily in the Southwest. WNRL's wholesale business includes the operations of several lubricant and bulk petroleum distribution plants and a fleet of crude oil, asphalt, refined product and lubricant delivery trucks. WNRL distributes commercial wholesale petroleum products primarily in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. WNRL purchases petroleum fuels and lubricants from our refining segment and from third-party suppliers.
During the fourth quarter of 2016, WNRL completed an evaluation of its lubricant operations and concluded that lubricants are not strategic to its core operations. WNRL has taken steps to divest the remaining assets associated with its lubricant operations and has executed asset purchase agreements with third parties. WNRL anticipates a completed sale in the second quarter of 2017. In connection with this asset disposal, WNRL recorded employee severance costs of $0.2 million within direct operating expenses and selling, general and administrative expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Assets related to our lubricant operations at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, include $9.0 million and $10.1 million in inventories and $7.0 million and $7.3 million in property, plant and equipment. WNRL expects proceeds from this divestiture of approximately $20.0 million, which would result in a gain on disposal of assets; however, no amounts related to this anticipated transaction have been recorded in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
As of March 31, 2017, we owned a 52.5% interest in WNRL and a 100% general partner interest. As the general partner of WNRL, we have the sole ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact WNRL's financial performance, and therefore we consolidate WNRL. All intercompany transactions with WNRL are eliminated upon consolidation.
We are WNRL’s primary logistics customer and a significant wholesale customer through our retail business. WNRL generates revenues by charging tariffs and fees for transporting petroleum products and crude oil though its pipelines, by charging fees for terminalling refined products and other hydrocarbons, and storing and providing other services at its storage tanks and terminals. Additionally, WNRL sells various finished petroleum products to us and other third-party customers. Under our long-term agreements with WNRL (discussed below), we accounted for 31.5% and 31.9% of WNRL’s total revenues for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We do not provide financial or equity support through any liquidity arrangements and/or debt guarantees to WNRL.
WNRL has outstanding debt under a senior secured revolving credit facility and its senior notes. Excluding assets held by WNRL, WNRL’s creditors have no recourse to our assets. Any recourse to WNRL’s general partner would be limited to the

39

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

extent of Western Refining Logistics GP LLC’s assets that other than its investment in WNRL, are not significant. Our creditors have no recourse to the assets of WNRL and its consolidated subsidiaries.
WNRL provides us with various pipeline transportation, terminal distribution and storage services under long-term, fee-based commercial agreements. These agreements contain minimum volume commitments. Each agreement has fees that are indexed for inflation and provides us with options to renew for two additional five-year terms.
In addition to commercial agreements, we are also party to an omnibus agreement with WNRL that among other things provides for reimbursement to us for various general and administrative services provided to WNRL. We are also party to an operational services agreement with WNRL, under which we are reimbursed for personnel services provided by Western in support of WNRL's operations of its pipelines, terminals and storage facilities.
WNRL has risk associated with its operations. If a major customer of WNRL were to terminate its contracts or fail to meet desired shipping or throughput levels for an extended period of time, revenue would be reduced and WNRL could suffer substantial losses to the extent that a new customer is not found. In the event that WNRL incurs a loss, our operating results will reflect WNRL’s loss, net of intercompany eliminations, to the extent of our ownership interest in WNRL at that point in time.
23. Tesoro Merger
Agreement and Plan of Merger
On November 16, 2016, we entered into the Tesoro Merger Agreement with Tesoro, Merger Sub 1 and Merger Sub 2. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Tesoro Merger Agreement, upon consummation of the First Tesoro Merger, each share of our common stock, par value $0.01 per share issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Tesoro Merger (excluding shares owned by the Company or Tesoro or any of their respective direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not held on behalf of third parties) will be converted into and become exchangeable for, at the election of the holder of our common stock, either (a) $37.30 in cash or (b) 0.4350 shares of common stock, par value $0.16⅔ per share, of Tesoro (“Tesoro Shares”), in each case without interest.
Cash elections will be subject to proration if cash elections are made in respect of more than approximately 10.8 million shares of our common stock. Stock elections are not subject to proration. Western common stock in respect of which no cash election or stock election is validly made will be deemed to be Western common stock in respect of which stock elections have been made.
We recognized $8.5 million of expense related to the Tesoro Merger during the three months ended March 31, 2017, which included transaction and consulting costs. These costs have been included in Merger and reorganization costs in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and are included in the "Other" category within our segment presentation.
The Tesoro Merger Agreement permits either the Company or Tesoro to require that the surviving corporation of the First Tesoro Merger be merged with and into Merger Sub 2 immediately following the effective time of the First Tesoro Merger, with Merger Sub 2 being the surviving company from the second merger (the “Second Tesoro Merger” and, if the second merger election is made, collectively with the First Tesoro Merger, the “Tesoro Merger”) if the requiring party reasonably believes, based on legal advice, that the Second Tesoro Merger is necessary to enable the Tesoro Merger to qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The completion of the Tesoro Merger is subject to certain customary mutual conditions, including (i) the Tesoro Shares issuable in connection with the First Tesoro Merger having been approved for listing on the New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance, (ii) the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, (iii) the absence of any governmental order or law prohibiting the consummation of the Tesoro Merger or the other transactions contemplated by the Tesoro Merger Agreement and (iv) there not having been imposed a burdensome condition in connection with the expiration or termination of the waiting period applicable under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act. The obligation of each party to consummate the Tesoro Merger is also conditioned upon (i) compliance by the other party in all material respects with its pre-closing obligations under the Tesoro Merger Agreement and (ii) the accuracy of the representations and warranties of the other party as of the date of the Tesoro Merger Agreement and as of the closing (subject to customary materiality qualifiers). Our obligation to complete the Tesoro Merger is additionally subject to Tesoro's receipt of a tax opinion to the effect that the Tesoro Merger qualifies as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The Company and Tesoro have made customary representations, warranties and covenants in the Tesoro Merger Agreement. Subject to certain exceptions, the Company and Tesoro have agreed, among other things, to covenants relating to (i) the conduct of their respective businesses during the interim period between the execution of the Tesoro Merger Agreement and the consummation of the First Tesoro Merger, (ii) the use of their respective reasonable best efforts, subject to certain

40

WESTERN REFINING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

exceptions, to obtain governmental and regulatory approvals, (iii) obligations to facilitate the Company’s stockholders’ consideration of, and voting upon, the adoption of the Tesoro Merger Agreement and certain related matters as applicable and Tesoro’s stockholders’ consideration of, and voting upon, the issuance of Tesoro Shares in the First Tesoro Merger and certain related matters as applicable, (iv) the recommendation by the board of directors of the Company in favor of the adoption by its stockholders of the Tesoro Merger Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, (v) the recommendation by the board of directors of Tesoro in favor of the issuance of Tesoro Shares in the First Tesoro Merger, subject to certain exceptions, (vi) non-solicitation obligations of Tesoro and the Company relating to alternative acquisition proposals and (vii) the use of reasonable best efforts by Tesoro to take certain steps to obtain debt financing at the closing of the Tesoro Merger to the extent the proceeds thereof are needed to pay the cash consideration and all other cash amounts required to be paid in connection with the closing of the Tesoro Merger.
The Tesoro Merger Agreement permits the Company to continue paying a regular quarterly dividend of up to $0.38 per Company Share and permits Tesoro to continue paying a regular quarterly dividend of up to $0.55 per share.
On December 14, 2016, Tesoro filed a preliminary registration statement on Form S-4 (the “Preliminary S-4”) to register the shares of Tesoro Common Stock to be issued and delivered (or, to the extent held in treasury by Tesoro, delivered but not issued) in the Tesoro Merger. The Preliminary S-4 is subject to future amendments depending on review and comments by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). During January and February of 2017, amended Form S-4s were filed with the SEC. On February 16, 2017, Tesoro filed with the SEC, and the SEC declared effective, a registration statement on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-215080), containing a joint proxy statement/prospectus of Tesoro and Western, which proxy statement/prospectus was first mailed to Tesoro and Western stockholders on February 17, 2017.
On March 24, 2017, at separate special stockholders' meetings, Western stockholders approved the adoption of the Tesoro Merger Agreement and Tesoro stockholders approved the issuance of shares of Tesoro common stock in connection with the Tesoro Merger. Completion of the Tesoro Merger remains subject to the satisfaction or waiver of customary closing conditions, including the expiration or termination of the waiting period applicable under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976. We continue to expect the Tesoro Merger to close in the second quarter of 2017.
Voting Agreements
On November 16, 2016, concurrently with the execution of the Tesoro Merger Agreement, the Company, Merger Sub 1, Merger Sub 2 and Tesoro entered into three separate voting agreements (each, a “Voting Agreement”) with (i) Paul L. Foster and Franklin Mountain Investments, LP, (ii) Jeff A. Stevens, and (iii) Scott D. Weaver (each, a “Stockholder” and collectively, the “Stockholders”) pursuant to each of which, among other things and subject to the terms and conditions therein, the Stockholder(s) party thereto have agreed to vote all Western common stock beneficially owned by them (the “Covered Shares”) in favor of the adoption of the Tesoro Merger Agreement and the approval of the transactions contemplated by the Tesoro Merger Agreement, including the Tesoro Merger, and to not vote in favor of any alternative acquisition proposal or other action or agreement that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Tesoro Merger.
The Voting Agreements also generally prohibit the Stockholders from transferring the Covered Shares. The Voting Agreements terminate upon the earlier of the termination of the Tesoro Merger Agreement and the time the Tesoro Merger becomes effective.
24. Subsequent Events
On April 17, 2017, Tesoro filed an Amendment to Schedule 13D with the SEC stating that the board of directors of Tesoro authorized the management of Tesoro to work with the board of directors and management of Tesoro Logistics LP ("TLLP") to consider, discuss and endeavor to negotiate a merger, consolidation or combination (in whatever form) of assets held by and securities issued by TLLP and its affiliates and assets held by and securities issued by WNRL. Any such transaction would be conditioned on the closing of the Tesoro Merger. There can be no assurance that any discussions that may occur between TLLP and WNRL will result in the delivery of a proposal, or entry into a definitive agreement, concerning a transaction or, if such a definitive agreement is reached, will result in the consummation of a transaction provided for in such definitive agreement. If any discussions concerning a potential transaction occur, such discussions may be terminated at any time and without prior notice.

41


Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion together with the financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business and operations. The cautionary statements made in this report should be read as applying to all related forward-looking statements wherever they appear in this report. Our actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated and expressed in such forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those we discuss under Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 ("2016 Form 10-K") and elsewhere in this report. You should read "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" in this report. In this Item 2, all references to "Western Refining," "the Company," "Western," "we," "us," and "our" refer to Western Refining, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries including Western Refining Logistics, LP ("WNRL"), unless the context otherwise requires or where otherwise indicated.
Company Overview
We are an independent crude oil refiner and marketer of refined products incorporated in September 2005 under Delaware law with principal offices located in El Paso, Texas. Our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol “WNR.” We own certain operating assets directly; the controlling general partner interest and 100% limited partner interest in Northern Tier Energy ("NTI") and the controlling general partner interest, incentive distribution rights and a 52.5% limited partner interest in WNRL. WNRL common partnership units trade on the NYSE under the symbol "WNRL."
We produce refined products at our refineries in El Paso, Texas (135,000 barrels per day, or bpd, crude oil throughput capacity), near Gallup, New Mexico (25,000 bpd capacity) and St. Paul Park, Minnesota (102,000 bpd capacity). We sell refined products primarily in Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, New Mexico, Wisconsin, West Texas, the Mid-Atlantic region and Mexico through bulk distribution terminals and wholesale marketing networks. We also sell refined products through two retail networks with a total of 545 company-operated and franchised retail sites in the United States.
WNRL provides logistical services to our refineries in the Southwest and Upper Great Plains regions and operates several lubricant and bulk petroleum distribution plants and a fleet of crude oil, asphalt and refined product delivery trucks. WNRL distributes wholesale petroleum products primarily in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas.
On November 16, 2016, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Tesoro Merger Agreement”) with Tesoro, Tahoe Merger Sub 1, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Tesoro (“Merger Sub 1”), and Tahoe Merger Sub 2, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Tesoro (“Merger Sub 2”), pursuant to which Merger Sub 1 will merge with and into the Company (the “First Merger,” and, if a second merger election is not made, the “Tesoro Merger”), with the Company surviving the First Merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tesoro. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Tesoro Merger Agreement, upon consummation of the First Merger, each share of our common stock (each, a “Western Share”) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger (excluding Western Shares owned by the Company or Tesoro or any of their respective direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries that are not held on behalf of third parties) will be converted into and become exchangeable for, at the election of the holder of such Western Share, either (a) $37.30 in cash or (b) 0.4350 shares of common stock in each case without interest and subject to proration. On March 24, 2017, at separate special stockholders' meetings, Western stockholders approved the adoption of the Tesoro Merger Agreement and Tesoro stockholders approved the issuance of shares of Tesoro common stock in connection with the Tesoro Merger. See Note 23, Tesoro Merger, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this annual report for additional information on this transaction.
We own 100% of the limited partner interest in Northern Tier Energy LP ("NTI") and 100% of its general partner. We entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December 21, 2015 (the “NTI Merger Agreement”) and the merger was successfully completed on June 23, 2016 (the "NTI Merger"). We incurred $500 million of additional secured indebtedness under our amended term loan credit agreement to partially fund the NTI Merger consideration. See Note 9, Long-Term Debt and Note 21, Acquisitions, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
On September 15, 2016, we sold certain assets consisting of terminals, transportation and storage assets and related land located on site at our St. Paul Park refinery and Cottage Grove tank farm to WNRL. These assets primarily receive, store and distribute crude oil, feedstock and refined products associated with the St. Paul Park refinery (the "St. Paul Park Logistics Assets"). WNRL acquired these assets from us in exchange for $195 million in cash and 628,224 common units representing limited partner interests in WNRL. We refer to this transaction as the "St. Paul Park Logistics Transaction."

42


We have organized our operations into three segments: refining, WNRL and retail, based on manufacturing and marketing processes, the nature of our products and services and each segment's respective customer base. See Note 3, Segment Information, in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our business segments.
Refining. Our refining segment owns and operates three refineries that process crude oil and other feedstocks primarily into gasoline, diesel fuel, jet fuel and asphalt. We market refined products to a diverse customer base including wholesale distributors and retail chains. The refining segment also sells refined products in the Mid-Atlantic region and Mexico.
WNRL. WNRL owns and operates terminal, storage, transportation and wholesale assets in the Southwest and terminal and transportation assets in the Upper Great Plains region. WNRL's Southwest wholesale assets consist of a fleet of crude oil, asphalt and refined product truck transports and wholesale petroleum product operations. WNRL's primary customer is our refining segment. WNRL purchases its wholesale product supply from the refining segment and third-party suppliers.
Retail. Our retail segment operates retail convenience stores and unmanned commercial fleet fueling ("cardlock") locations located in the Southwest ("Southwest Retail") and Upper Great Plains ("SuperAmerica") regions. The retail convenience stores sell gasoline, diesel fuel and convenience store merchandise.
Major Influences on Results of Operations
Summary of First Quarter 2017
We averaged throughput of 130,554 bpd at the El Paso refinery, a 8.7% decrease from the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to maintenance activity during the first quarter of 2017.
We averaged throughput of 28,743 bpd at the Gallup refinery, a 28.8% increase from the three months ended March 31, 2016.
We averaged throughput of 105,386 bpd at the St. Paul Park refinery, a 4.7% increase from the three months ended March 31, 2016.
We had net non-cash lower of cost or market ("LCM") recoveries related to our crude oil, finished product and retail last-in, first-out ("LIFO") inventory values of $1.9 million.
We recognized $8.5 million of expense related to the Tesoro Merger, which included transaction and consulting costs, $2.1 million in NTI Merger reorganization expenses including legal, employee severance and retention costs and $0.7 million for the reorganization of our Gallup refinery operations.
Dividends and distributions declared and paid:
$0.38 per Western common share; and
$0.4375 per WNRL common unit.
2017 Year-to-Date Operating and Financial Highlights
Net income attributable to Western was $11.6 million, or $0.10 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to income of $30.5 million, or $0.33 per diluted share for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
The WNRL financial and operational data presented includes the historical results of all assets acquired from Western in the St. Paul Park Logistics Transaction. This transaction was a transfer of assets between entities under common control. The financial information for the affected reporting segments has been retrospectively adjusted to include or exclude the historical results of the transferred assets for periods prior to the effective date of the transaction.

43


Our operating income decreased $25.1 million from March 31, 2016, to March 31, 2017, as shown by segment in the following table:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Refining
$
61,665

 
$
84,374

 
$
(22,709
)
WNRL
26,362

 
13,188

 
13,174

Retail
3,848

 
3,865

 
(17
)
Other
(38,749
)
 
(23,208
)
 
(15,541
)
Total operating income
$
53,126

 
$
78,219

 
$
(25,093
)

Overview of Segments
Refining. The following items can have a significant impact on our overall refinery gross margin, results of operations and cash flows:
fluctuations in petroleum-based commodity values such as refined product prices and the cost of crude oil and other feedstocks;
product yield volumes that are less than total refinery throughput volume, resulting in yield loss and lower refinery gross margin;
adjustments to reflect the lower of cost or market value of our crude oil, finished product and retail LIFO inventory values;
the impact of our economic hedging activity;
fluctuations in our direct operating expenses, especially the cost of natural gas and electricity;
planned maintenance turnarounds, generally significant in both downtime and cost, are expensed as incurred;
seasonal fluctuations in demand for refined products; and
unplanned downtime of our refineries generally leads to increased maintenance costs and a temporary increase in working capital investment.
Key factors affecting petroleum based commodities' values include: supply and demand for crude oil, gasoline and other refined products; changes in domestic and foreign economies; weather conditions; domestic and foreign political affairs; crude oil and refined petroleum product production levels; logistics constraints; availability of imports; marketing of competitive fuels; availability of Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs"), price differentials between heavy and sour crude oils and light sweet crude oils; and government regulation.
We engage in hedging activity primarily to fix the margin on a portion of our future gasoline and distillate production and to protect the value of certain crude oil, refined product and blendstock inventories. We record the results of our hedging activity within cost of products sold, which directly impacts our results of operations.
Excise and other taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are not included in revenues or cost of products sold. In addition to the crude oil that we purchase to supply our refinery production, we also purchase crude oil quantities that are transported to different locations and sold to third parties. We record these sales on a gross basis with the sales price recorded as revenues and the related costs within cost of products sold. Consolidated cost of products sold for the three months ended March 31, 2017, includes $35.3 million of realized and unrealized net gains from our economic hedging activities. The non-cash unrealized net losses included in the consolidated total were $4.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Demand for gasoline is generally higher during the summer months than during the winter months. As a result, our operating results for the first and fourth calendar quarters are generally lower than those for the second and third calendar quarters of each year. From 2016 to 2017, the volatility in crude oil prices and refining margins contributed to the variability of our results of operations.
Safety, reliability and the environmental performance of our refineries’ operations are critical components of our financial performance. Unplanned downtime of our refineries generally results in lost refinery gross margin, increased maintenance costs and a temporary increase in our working capital investment. We attempt to mitigate the financial impact of planned downtime, such as a turnaround or a major maintenance project, through our planning process that considers product availability, the margin environment and the availability of resources to perform the required maintenance. We occasionally experience

44


unplanned downtime due to circumstances outside of our control. Certain of these outages may lead to losses that qualify for reimbursement under our business interruption insurance and we record such reimbursements as revenues when received.
Pursuant to a supply agreement with a third party, we received monthly distribution amounts from the supplier equal to one-half of the amount by which our refined product sales in the Mid-Atlantic exceeded the supplier's costs of acquiring, transporting and hedging the refined product related to such sales. To the extent our refined product sales did not exceed the refined product costs during any month, we paid one-half of that amount to the supplier. Our payments to the supplier were limited to an aggregate annual amount of $2.0 million. This supply agreement expired on December 31, 2016. On that date, we acquired $46.0 million in finished product inventories valued at market related to our Mid-Atlantic operations and now realize 100% of the operating results, without limitations on operating losses.
WNRL. WNRL's terminal throughput volumes depend upon the volume of refined and other products produced at Western’s refineries that, in turn, is ultimately dependent on supply and demand for refined product, crude oil and other feedstocks and Western’s response to changes in demand and supply.
Earnings and cash flows from WNRL's wholesale business are primarily affected by the sales volumes and margins of gasoline, diesel fuel and lubricants sold and transportation revenues from crude oil trucking and delivery. These margins are equal to the sales price, net of discounts, less total cost of sales and are measured on a cents per gallon ("cpg") basis. Factors that influence margins include local supply, demand and competition.
Retail. Earnings and cash flows from our retail business are primarily affected by the sales volumes and margins of gasoline and diesel fuel and by the sales and margins of merchandise sold at our retail stores. Margins for gasoline and diesel fuel sales are equal to the sales price less the delivered cost of the fuel and motor fuel taxes and are measured on a cpg basis. Fuel margins are impacted by competition and local and regional supply and demand. Margins for retail merchandise sold are equal to retail merchandise sales less the delivered cost of the merchandise, net of supplier discounts and inventory shrinkage and are measured as a percentage of merchandise sales. Merchandise sales are impacted by convenience or location, branding and competition. Our retail sales reflect seasonal trends such that operating results for the first and fourth calendar quarters are generally lower than those for the second and third calendar quarters of each year primarily driven by lower volumes of fuel being sold. Earnings and cash flows from our cardlock business are primarily affected by the sales volumes and margins of gasoline and diesel fuel sold. These margins are equal to the sales price, net of discounts less the delivered cost of the fuel and motor fuel taxes and are measured on a cpg basis. Factors that influence margins include local supply, demand and competition.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We prepare our financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In order to apply these principles, we must make judgments, assumptions and estimates based on the best available information at the time. Actual results may differ based on the continuing development of the information utilized and subsequent events, some of which we may have little or no control over. Our critical accounting policies could materially affect the amounts recorded in our financial statements. Our critical accounting policies, estimates and recent accounting pronouncements that potentially impact us are discussed in detail under Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2016 Form 10-K.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements. From time to time, new accounting pronouncements are issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board or other standard setting bodies that may have an impact on our accounting and reporting. We are currently evaluating the effect that certain of these new accounting requirements may have on our accounting and related reporting and disclosures in our consolidated financial statements. For further discussion of the impact of recent accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


45


Results of Operations
The following tables summarize our consolidated and reportable segment financial data and key operating statistics for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. The following data should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this quarterly report.
Consolidated

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017, Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Statements of Operations Data
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (1)
$
2,328,532

 
$
1,455,504

 
$
873,028

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (1)
1,914,008

 
1,047,361

 
866,647

Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
231,801

 
223,585

 
8,216

Selling, general and administrative expenses
58,641

 
53,285

 
5,356

Merger and reorganization costs
11,297

 
408

 
10,889

Gain on disposal of assets, net
(459
)
 
(130
)
 
(329
)
Maintenance turnaround expense
3,314

 
125

 
3,189

Depreciation and amortization
56,804

 
52,651

 
4,153

Total operating costs and expenses
2,275,406

 
1,377,285

 
898,121

Operating income
53,126

 
78,219

 
(25,093
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
Interest income
108

 
164

 
(56
)
Interest and debt expense
(33,735
)
 
(26,681
)
 
(7,054
)
Other, net
6,941

 
6,512

 
429

Income before income taxes
26,440

 
58,214

 
(31,774
)
Provision for income taxes
(5,444
)
 
(18,629
)
 
13,185

Net income
20,996

 
39,585

 
(18,589
)
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests (2)
9,428

 
9,047

 
381

Net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
11,568

 
$
30,538

 
$
(18,970
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per share
$
0.10

 
$
0.34

 
$
(0.24
)
Diluted earnings per share
$
0.10

 
$
0.33

 
$
(0.23
)
Dividends declared per common share
$
0.38

 
$
0.38

 
$

Weighted average basic shares outstanding
108,669

 
92,078

 
16,591

Weighted average dilutive shares outstanding
109,155

 
92,144

 
17,011

(1)
The information presented excludes $904.8 million and $741.1 million of intercompany sales and $904.8 million and $741.1 million of intercompany cost of products sold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.
(2)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2017, consisted of income from WNRL in the amount of $9.4 million. Net income attributable to non-controlling interests for the three months ended March 31, 2016, consisted of income from NTI and WNRL in the amount of $4.3 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

46


 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Economic Hedging Activities Recognized within Cost of Products Sold
 
 
 
 
 
Realized hedging gain, net
$
39,787

 
$
17,803

 
$
21,984

Unrealized hedging loss, net
(4,452
)
 
(12,483
)
 
8,031

Total hedging gain, net
$
35,335

 
$
5,320

 
$
30,015

 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flow Data
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in):
 
 
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
(18,317
)
 
$
2,301

 
$
(20,618
)
Investing activities
(45,728
)
 
(46,487
)
 
759

Financing activities
(44,509
)
 
(135,215
)
 
90,706

Capital expenditures
$
46,258

 
$
79,029

 
$
(32,771
)
Gross Margin. Gross margin is a non-GAAP performance measure that we calculate as net sales less cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Gross margin is a non-GAAP performance measure that we believe is important to investors in evaluating our performance as a general indication of the amount above costs of products that we are able to sell our products.
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Net sales
$
2,328,532

 
$
1,455,504

 
$
873,028

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
1,914,008

 
1,047,361

 
866,647

Gross margin
$
414,524

 
$
408,143

 
$
6,381

Compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016, our consolidated gross margin increased by 1.6% for the current period. This increase was primarily due to increases of $14.9 million and $1.3 million in our WNRL and retail segments, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in our refining segment of $9.9 million.
Direct Operating Expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). The increase in direct operating expenses was primarily due to increases of $6.1 million, $1.9 million and $0.2 million in our refining, retail and WNRL segments, respectively.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses resulted from increases of $5.0 million and $1.4 million in our Other category and WNRL segment, respectively, partially offset by a decrease of $1.0 million in our retail segment. The increase in our Other category was due to higher employee, professional and legal expenses in the current period.
Merger and Reorganization Costs. The costs incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2017 consist of severance payments and reorganization costs for the NTI Merger and transaction and consulting costs related to the Tesoro Merger.
Maintenance Turnaround Expense. We incurred turnaround expenses during the first three months of 2017 primarily associated with preparing for the 2017 turnaround at our St. Paul Park refinery.
Depreciation and Amortization. The increase between periods was primarily due to additional depreciation associated with our logistics assets related to the ongoing expansion of our Delaware Basin and Four Corners logistics system.
Interest and Debt Expense. The increase in interest expense from prior periods was attributable to interest incurred in 2017 on borrowings under the Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facility during the second quarter of 2016 in connection with the NTI Merger.
Provision for Income Taxes. The decrease in the provision for income taxes from prior periods was primarily due to lower income in our refining segment.

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Results by Segment
The following tables set forth our historical financial data by segment for the periods presented. We have organized our operations into three segments: refining, WNRL and retail, based on manufacturing and marketing processes, the nature of our products and services and each segment's respective customer base. See Note 3, Segment Information, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for more information.
We present below the performance measure of gross margin for each of our reportable segments. Gross margin is a non-GAAP performance measure that we believe is important to investors in evaluating our segments' performance as a general indication of the amount above segment costs of products that each reportable segment is able to sell its products.
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Gross Margin by Segment
 
 
 
 
 
Refining
$
238,867

 
$
248,718

 
$
(9,851
)
WNRL
87,393

 
72,449

 
14,944

Retail
88,264

 
86,976

 
1,288

Consolidated gross margin
$
414,524

 
$
408,143

 
$
6,381

Direct Operating Expenses by Segment
 
 
 
 
 
Refining
$
117,992

 
$
111,857

 
$
6,135

WNRL
44,847

 
44,658

 
189

Retail
68,962

 
67,070

 
1,892

Consolidated direct operating expenses
$
231,801

 
$
223,585

 
$
8,216

Depreciation and Amortization by Segment
 
 
 
 
 
Refining
$
40,187

 
$
36,500

 
$
3,687

WNRL
9,732

 
9,338

 
394

Retail
6,076

 
5,680

 
396

Other
809

 
1,133

 
(324
)
Consolidated depreciation and amortization
$
56,804

 
$
52,651

 
$
4,153

See additional analysis under discussions of our refining, WNRL and retail segments.


48


Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest and debt expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation, amortization, maintenance turnaround expense and certain other non-cash income and expense items. However, Adjusted EBITDA is not a recognized measurement under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Our management believes that the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. In addition, our management believes that Adjusted EBITDA is useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to that of other companies in our industry because the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA generally eliminates the effects of financings, income taxes, the accounting effects of significant turnaround activities (that many of our competitors capitalize and thereby exclude from their measures of EBITDA) and certain non-cash charges that are items that may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance.
Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation, or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures or future requirements for significant turnaround activities, capital expenditures or contractual commitments;
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments on our debt;
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and
Adjusted EBITDA, as we calculate it, may differ from the Adjusted EBITDA calculations of other companies in our industry, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered a measure of discretionary cash available to us to invest in the growth of our business. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally.
The following table reconciles net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc. to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Net income attributable to Western Refining, Inc.
$
11,568

 
$
30,538

 
$
(18,970
)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests
9,428

 
9,047

 
381

Interest and debt expense
33,735

 
26,681

 
7,054

Provision for income taxes
5,444

 
18,629

 
(13,185
)
Gain on disposal of assets, net
(459
)
 
(130
)
 
(329
)
Depreciation and amortization
56,804

 
52,651

 
4,153

Maintenance turnaround expense
3,314

 
125

 
3,189

Net change in lower of cost or market inventory reserve
(1,868
)
 
(51,734
)
 
49,866

Unrealized loss on commodity hedging transactions
4,452

 
12,483

 
(8,031
)
Adjusted EBITDA
$
122,418

 
$
98,290

 
$
24,128



49


Refining Segment
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017, Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands, except bpd and per barrel data)
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (including intersegment sales) (1)
$
2,085,638

 
$
1,276,968

 
$
808,670

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (2)
1,846,771

 
1,028,250

 
818,521

Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
117,992

 
111,857

 
6,135

Selling, general and administrative expenses
15,871

 
15,867

 
4

Gain on disposal of assets, net
(162
)
 
(5
)
 
(157
)
Maintenance turnaround expense
3,314

 
125

 
3,189

Depreciation and amortization
40,187

 
36,500

 
3,687

Total operating costs and expenses
2,023,973

 
1,192,594

 
831,379

Operating income
$
61,665

 
$
84,374

 
$
(22,709
)
Key Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
Total sales volume (bpd) (1) (3)
335,826

 
290,035

 
45,791

Total refinery production (bpd)
262,883

 
263,960

 
(1,077
)
Total refinery throughput (bpd) (4)
264,683

 
265,977

 
(1,294
)
Per barrel of refinery throughput:
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery gross margin (2) (5) (6)
$
9.99

 
$
10.19

 
$
(0.20
)
Refinery gross margin, excluding LCM adjustment (2) (5) (6)
9.92

 
8.06

 
1.86

Direct operating expenses (7)
4.95

 
4.62

 
0.33

Mid-Atlantic sales volume (barrels)
2,177

 
1,731

 
446

Mid-Atlantic margin per barrel
$
0.39

 
$
1.14

 
$
(0.75
)

50


The following tables set forth our refining throughput and production data for the periods and refineries presented:
El Paso Refinery
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Key Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery product yields (bpd):
 
 
 
 
 
Gasoline
67,482

 
75,239

 
(7,757
)
Diesel and jet fuel
52,106

 
58,284

 
(6,178
)
Residuum
1,868

 
3,218

 
(1,350
)
Other
7,697

 
4,619

 
3,078

Total refinery production (bpd)
129,153

 
141,360

 
(12,207
)
Refinery throughput (bpd):
 
 
 
 
 
Sweet crude oil
103,727

 
104,887

 
(1,160
)
Sour crude oil
19,042

 
28,499

 
(9,457
)
Other feedstocks and blendstocks
7,785

 
9,670

 
(1,885
)
Total refinery throughput (bpd) (4)
130,554

 
143,056

 
(12,502
)
Total sales volume (bpd) (3)
148,012

 
141,762

 
6,250

Per barrel of refinery throughput:
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery gross margin (2) (5) (6)
$
9.53

 
$
7.42

 
$
2.11

Direct operating expenses (7)
4.32

 
3.49

 
0.83


Gallup Refinery
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Key Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery product yields (bpd):
 
 
 
 
 
Gasoline
18,027

 
14,772

 
3,255

Diesel and jet fuel
9,369

 
5,856

 
3,513

Other
868

 
1,179

 
(311
)
Total refinery production (bpd)
28,264

 
21,807

 
6,457

Refinery throughput (bpd):
 
 
 
 
 
Sweet crude oil
25,309

 
19,066

 
6,243

Other feedstocks and blendstocks
3,434

 
3,246

 
188

Total refinery throughput (bpd) (4)
28,743

 
22,312

 
6,431

Total sales volume (bpd) (3)
32,501

 
30,614

 
1,887

Per barrel of refinery throughput:
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery gross margin (2) (5) (6)
$
11.99

 
$
9.30

 
$
2.69

Direct operating expenses (7)
7.86

 
10.06

 
(2.20
)


51


St. Paul Park Refinery
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Key Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery product yields (bpd):
 
 
 
 
 
Gasoline
51,538

 
49,707

 
1,831

Distillate
36,177

 
33,639

 
2,538

Residuum
10,936

 
11,662

 
(726
)
Other
6,813

 
5,785

 
1,028

Total refinery production (bpd)
105,464

 
100,793

 
4,671

Refinery throughput (bpd):
 
 
 
 
 
Light crude oil
53,308

 
58,349

 
(5,041
)
Synthetic crude oil
21,303

 
11,726

 
9,577

Heavy crude oil
25,991

 
26,274

 
(283
)
Other feedstocks
4,784

 
4,260

 
524

Total refinery throughput (bpd) (4)
105,386

 
100,609

 
4,777

Total sales volume (bpd) (3)
105,074

 
99,094

 
5,980

Per barrel of throughput:
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery gross margin (2) (5) (6)
$
7.36

 
$
8.09

 
$
(0.73
)
Direct operating expenses (7)
4.17

 
4.82

 
(0.65
)
(1)
Refining net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, includes $245.4 million and $59.7 million, respectively, representing a period average of 53,422 bpd and 20,066 bpd, respectively, in crude oil sales to third parties.
(2)
Cost of products sold for the combined refining segment includes the net realized and net non-cash unrealized hedging activity shown in the table below. The hedging gains and losses are included in the combined gross profit and refinery gross margin but are not included in those measures for our individual refineries. The hedging gains and losses for the combined refining segment include a realized hedging gain of $7.4 million and an unrealized hedging loss of $2.7 million from our Mid-Atlantic operations during the three months ended March 31, 2017, which are not included in the combined gross profit and refinery gross margin or those measures for our individual refineries.
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Realized hedging gain, net
$
39,787

 
$
17,803

 
$
21,984

Unrealized hedging loss, net
(4,452
)
 
(12,483
)
 
8,031

Total hedging gain, net
$
35,335

 
$
5,320

 
$
30,015

(3)
Sales volume includes sales of refined products sourced primarily from our refinery production as well as refined products purchased from third parties. We purchase additional refined products from third parties to supplement supply to our customers. These products are similar to the products that we currently manufacture and represented 8.2% and 5.7% of our total consolidated sales volumes for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The majority of the purchased refined products are distributed through our refined product sales activities in the Mid-Atlantic region.
(4)
Total refinery throughput includes crude oil, other feedstocks and blendstocks.
(5)
Refinery gross margin is a per barrel measurement calculated by dividing the difference between net sales and cost of products sold by our refineries’ total throughput volumes for the respective periods presented. Net realized and net non-cash unrealized economic hedging gains and losses included in the combined refining segment gross margin are not allocated to the individual refineries. Cost of products sold does not include any depreciation or amortization. Refinery gross margin is a non-GAAP performance measure that we believe is important to investors in evaluating our refinery performance as a general indication of the amount above our cost of products that we are able to sell refined products. Each of the components used in this calculation (net sales and cost of products sold) can be reconciled directly to our statement

52


of operations. Our calculation of refinery gross margin may differ from similar calculations of other companies in our industry, thereby limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.
Our calculation of refinery gross margin excludes the sales and costs related to our Mid-Atlantic business that we report within the refining segment. The following table reconciles the sales and cost of sales used to calculate refinery gross margin with the total sales and cost of sales reported in the refining statement of operations data above:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Refinery net sales (including intersegment sales)
$
1,941,577

 
$
1,191,566

 
$
750,011

Mid-Atlantic sales
144,061

 
85,402

 
58,659

Net sales (including intersegment sales)
$
2,085,638

 
$
1,276,968

 
$
808,670

 
 
 
 
 
 
Refinery cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
$
1,703,556

 
$
944,824

 
$
758,732

Mid-Atlantic cost of products sold
143,215

 
83,426

 
59,789

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
$
1,846,771

 
$
1,028,250

 
$
818,521

The following table reconciles combined gross profit for our refineries to combined gross margin for our refineries for the periods presented:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands, except per barrel data)
Net sales (including intersegment sales)
$
1,941,577

 
$
1,191,566

 
$
750,011

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
1,703,556

 
944,824

 
758,732

Depreciation and amortization
40,187

 
36,500

 
3,687

Gross profit
197,834

 
210,242

 
(12,408
)
Plus depreciation and amortization
40,187

 
36,500

 
3,687

Refinery gross margin
$
238,021

 
$
246,742

 
$
(8,721
)
Refinery gross margin per throughput barrel
$
9.99

 
$
10.19

 
$
(0.20
)
Gross profit per throughput barrel
$
8.30

 
$
8.69

 
$
(0.39
)
(6)
Cost of products sold for the combined refining segment includes changes in the lower of cost or market inventory reserve shown in the table below. The changes in this reserve are included in the combined refinery gross margin but are not included in those measures for the individual refineries. The following table calculates the combined refinery gross margin per throughput barrel excluding changes in the lower of cost or market inventory reserve that we believe is useful in evaluating our refinery performance exclusive of the impact of fluctuations in inventory values:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands, except per barrel data)
Refinery gross margin
$
238,021

 
$
246,742

 
$
(8,721
)
Net change in lower of cost or market inventory reserve
(1,613
)
 
(51,670
)
 
50,057

Refinery gross margin, excluding LCM adjustment
$
236,408

 
$
195,072

 
$
41,336

Refinery gross margin, excluding LCM adjustment, per refinery throughput barrel
$
9.92

 
$
8.06

 
$
1.86

(7)
Refinery direct operating expenses per throughput barrel is calculated by dividing direct operating expenses by total throughput volumes for the respective periods presented. Direct operating expenses do not include any depreciation or amortization.

53


Gross Margin. Refinery gross margin is a non-GAAP performance measure that we calculate as net sales (including intersegment sales) less cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Net sales
$
2,085,638

 
$
1,276,968

 
$
808,670

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
1,846,771

 
1,028,250

 
818,521

Gross margin
$
238,867

 
$
248,718

 
$
(9,851
)
Refining gross margins depend on both the price of crude oil or other feedstock and the price of refined products. Factors affecting the prices of petroleum based commodities include supply and demand in crude oil, gasoline and other refined products. Supply and demand for these products depend on changes in domestic and foreign economies, weather conditions, domestic and foreign political affairs, production levels, logistics constraints, availability of imports, marketing of competitive fuels, crude oil price differentials and government regulation.
Refinery gross margin per throughput barrel excluding LCM adjustments increased in a manner generally consistent with the increase in industry benchmarks. The positive margin impact to cost of products sold of non-cash LCM inventory recoveries was $1.6 million and $51.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and March 31, 2016, respectively.
The Gulf Coast benchmark 3:2:1 rose to $13.71 in the first three months of 2017 from $10.84 in the first three months of 2016. Our crude oil purchases are based on pricing tied to WTI that, in recent quarters, has experienced price volatility relative to Brent crude oil reflective of the decline in global and domestic crude oil prices. During the first three months of 2017, this differential increased to an average of $2.00 per barrel from an average of $0.49 per barrel for the first three months of 2016. Our El Paso refinery margins have historically benefited from the WTI Midland/Cushing crude oil differential. However, this differential has been volatile, has narrowed over the past year, and at times has shifted to a premium rather than a discount. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the WTI Midland/Cushing differential averaged a premium of $0.64 per barrel, compared to an average premium of $0.14 for the first three months of 2016. This differential continues to be volatile and fluctuates based on local crude oil production, crude oil outflows at Midland and Cushing and regional refining throughput volumes. The Group 3 6:3:2:1 benchmark crack spread, which influences the results of our St. Paul Park refinery, increased from an average of $6.29 per barrel for the first three months of March 31, 2016, to an average of $8.71 per barrel for the first three months of March 31, 2017.
Refinery gross margin was also affected by net realized and unrealized economic hedging gains of $35.3 million for the first three months of 2017, compared to net realized and unrealized economic hedging gains of $5.3 million for the first three months of 2016. We enter into hedge contracts to manage our exposure to commodity price risks or to fix sales margins on a portion of our future gasoline and distillate production. Unrealized mark-to-market gains and losses related to our economic hedging instruments are the result of differences between forward crack spreads and the fixed margins from our hedge contracts. We incur unrealized commodity hedging losses when forward spreads are in excess of our fixed contract margins. Hedging gains or losses are included within cost of product sold, directly impacting our refining gross margin.
Other impacts to margin include the net cost of RINs, which was $21.6 million for the first three months of 2017, compared to $19.1 million for the first three months of 2016. Total refinery throughput decreased by 0.4 million barrels. Our refined product sales volume increased to 30.2 million barrels during the first three months of 2017 from 26.4 million barrels during the first three months of 2016.
Direct Operating Expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Direct operating expenses increased primarily due to increased transportation expenses in our St. Paul Park refinery ($3.0 million), energy, chemical and catalyst expense ($2.9 million) and employee expenses ($1.7 million). Offsetting these increases was decreased environmental expenses ($1.8 million).
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to increased employee expenses ($1.5 million), bad debt expenses ($1.0 million) and professional and legal expenses ($0.4 million). Offsetting these increases were outside support services incurred in 2016 without comparable activity in 2017 related to a pipeline project and decreased insurance expense ($0.7 million).
Maintenance Turnaround Expense. We incurred turnaround expenses during the first three months of 2017 associated with preparing for the turnaround at our St. Paul Park refinery.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased due to additional depreciation associated with recently capitalized logistics assets.

54



WNRL
WNRL's financial and operational data presented includes the historical results of the assets acquired from Western in the St. Paul Park Logistics Transaction. This transaction was a transfer of assets between entities under common control. We have retrospectively adjusted historical financial and operational data of WNRL, for all periods presented, to reflect the purchase and consolidation of the St. Paul Park Logistics Assets into WNRL.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017, Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Statement of Operations Data:
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales
$
604,692

 
$
468,039

 
$
136,653

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 

 
 
Cost of products sold
517,299

 
395,590

 
121,709

Direct operating expenses
44,847

 
44,658

 
189

Selling, general and administrative expenses
6,743

 
5,364

 
1,379

Gain on disposal of assets, net
(291
)
 
(99
)
 
(192
)
Depreciation and amortization
9,732

 
9,338

 
394

Total operating costs and expenses
578,330

 
454,851

 
123,479

Operating income
$
26,362

 
$
13,188

 
$
13,174

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
Key Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
Pipeline and gathering (bpd):
 
 
 
 
 
Mainline movements:
 
 
 
 
 
Permian/Delaware Basin system
53,136

 
49,486

 
3,650

Four Corners system (1)
47,480

 
52,467

 
(4,987
)
TexNew Mex system
4,402

 
12,544

 
(8,142
)
Gathering (truck offloading):
 
 
 
 
 
Permian/Delaware Basin system
14,605

 
20,533

 
(5,928
)
Four Corners system
6,617

 
12,761

 
(6,144
)
Terminalling, transportation and storage (bpd):
 
 
 
 
 
Shipments into and out of storage (includes asphalt)
584,476

 
388,258

 
196,218

Wholesale:
 
 
 
 
 
Fuel gallons sold (in thousands)
302,050

 
314,943

 
(12,893
)
Fuel gallons sold to retail (included in fuel gallons sold above) (in thousands)
79,113

 
79,841

 
(728
)
Fuel margin per gallon (2)
$
0.042

 
$
0.028

 
$
0.014

Lubricant gallons sold (in thousands)
1,321

 
2,201

 
(880
)
Lubricant margin per gallon (3)
$
1.08

 
$
0.69

 
$
0.39

Asphalt trucking volume (bpd)
5,205

 

 
5,205

Crude oil trucking volume (bpd)
48,894

 
35,111

 
13,783

Average crude oil revenue per barrel
$
2.26

 
$
2.24

 
$
0.02


55


(1)
Some barrels of crude oil in route to our Gallup refinery and Permian/Delaware Basin are transported on more than one mainline. Mainline movements for the Four Corners and Delaware Basin systems include each barrel transported on each mainline.
(2)
Fuel margin per gallon is a measurement calculated by dividing the difference between fuel sales, net of transportation charges, and cost of fuel sales for our wholesale business by the number of gallons sold. Fuel margin per gallon is a measure frequently used in the petroleum products wholesale industry to measure operating results related to fuel sales.
(3)
Lubricant margin per gallon is a measurement calculated by dividing the difference between lubricant sales, net of transportation charges, and lubricant cost of products sold by the number of gallons sold. Lubricant margin is a measure frequently used in the petroleum products wholesale industry to measure operating results related to lubricant sales.

Gross Margin. Gross margin is a non-GAAP performance measure that we calculate as net sales (including intersegment sales) less cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization):
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Net sales
$
604,692

 
$
468,039

 
$
136,653

Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
517,299

 
395,590

 
121,709

Gross margin
$
87,393

 
$
72,449

 
$
14,944

WNRL's gross margin increased by $14.9 million quarter over quarter. This increase was primarily due to increased fee-based revenue of $8.7 million in logistics operations mainly resulting from $11.8 million in fees generated by WNRL's St. Paul Park Logistics Assets that were acquired on September 15, 2016. Also contributing to the increase were increased finish product transport margin of $4.8 million, crude oil trucking gross margin of $2.2 million and wholesale fuel margins of $0.1 million. Partially offsetting these increases was a $0.4 million decrease in lubricant margins and a $0.1 million decrease in asphalt trucking gross margin. The average price per gallon sold in the first three months of 2017, was $1.71 compared to $1.22 for the first three months of 2016.
Direct Operating Expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Direct operating expenses were relatively flat, but included increases in employee expenses ($1.5 million), maintenance expense ($0.9 million) and higher fuel expense for WNRL's transportation department ($0.6 million), partially offset by lower outside support services ($2.3 million) and environmental expenses ($0.7 million).
WNRL's logistics maintenance costs are generally cyclical in nature. WNRL's terminal facilities are subject to recurring maintenance for normal wear and related maintenance costs are generally consistent from period to period. Routine service cycle for tank inspections and maintenance at WNRL's storage facilities is generally every 10 years. Pipelines are also subject to routine periodic inspections. When WNRL changes the service use of a storage tank, maintenance costs will generally be higher due to increased costs of tank cleaning and hazardous material disposal. The cost of WNRL's maintenance is dependent upon the level of repairs deemed necessary as a result of the inspection of the specified asset.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increased allocated expenses ($0.9 million) and employee expenses ($0.4 million).
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased due to the ongoing expansion of WNRL's Delaware Basin and Four Corners logistics systems.


56


Retail Segment
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017, Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands, except per gallon data)
Statement of Operations Data
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (including intersegment sales)
$
542,961

 
$
451,627

 
$
91,334

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
454,697

 
364,651

 
90,046

Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
68,962

 
67,070

 
1,892

Selling, general and administrative expenses
9,384

 
10,387

 
(1,003
)
Gain on disposal of assets, net
(6
)
 
(26
)
 
20

Depreciation and amortization
6,076

 
5,680

 
396

Total operating costs and expenses
539,113

 
447,762

 
91,351

Operating income
$
3,848

 
$
3,865

 
$
(17
)
Key Operating Statistics
 
 
 
 
 
Southwest Retail:
 
 
 
 
 
Retail fuel gallons sold
96,882

 
91,469

 
5,413

Average retail fuel sales price per gallon, net of excise taxes
$
1.90

 
$
1.43

 
$
0.47

Average retail fuel cost per gallon, net of excise taxes
1.73

 
1.28

 
0.45

Retail fuel margin per gallon (1)
0.17

 
0.15

 
0.02

Merchandise sales
$
76,111

 
$
75,967

 
$
144

Merchandise margin (2)
30.3
%
 
29.5
%
 
0.8
%
Operating retail outlets at period end
259

 
258

 
1

Cardlock fuel gallons sold
15,784

 
15,253

 
531

Cardlock fuel margin per gallon
$
0.143

 
$
0.128

 
$
0.015

Operating cardlocks at period end
52

 
52

 

SuperAmerica:
 
 
 
 
 
Retail fuel gallons sold
70,245

 
73,090

 
(2,845
)
Retail fuel margin per gallon (1)
$
0.23

 
$
0.24

 
$
(0.01
)
Merchandise sales
80,325

 
84,193

 
(3,868
)
Merchandise margin (2)
26.2
%
 
26.1
%
 
0.1
%
Company-operated retail outlets at period end
192

 
169

 
23

Franchised retail outlets at period end
94

 
114

 
(20
)

57


The following table reconciles retail fuel sales and cost of retail fuel sales to net sales and cost of products sold:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands, except per gallon data)
Net Sales
 
 
 
 
 
Retail fuel sales, net of excise taxes
$
343,414

 
$
261,523

 
$
81,891

Merchandise sales
156,436

 
160,160

 
(3,724
)
Cardlock sales
30,388

 
20,733

 
9,655

Other sales
12,723

 
9,211

 
3,512

Net sales
$
542,961

 
$
451,627

 
$
91,334

Cost of Products Sold
 
 
 
 
 
Retail fuel cost of products sold, net of excise taxes
$
310,551

 
$
230,707

 
$
79,844

Merchandise cost of products sold
112,319

 
115,776

 
(3,457
)
Cardlock cost of products sold
28,062

 
18,701

 
9,361

Other cost of products sold
3,765

 
(533
)
 
4,298

Cost of products sold
$
454,697

 
$
364,651

 
$
90,046

Gross margin
$
88,264

 
$
86,976

 
$
1,288

Retail fuel margin per gallon (1)
$
0.20

 
$
0.19

 
$
0.01

(1)
Retail fuel margin per gallon is a measurement calculated by dividing the difference between retail fuel sales and cost of retail fuel sales for our retail segment by the number of gallons sold. Retail fuel margin per gallon is a measure frequently used in the convenience store industry to measure operating results related to retail fuel sales.
(2)
Merchandise margin is a measurement calculated by dividing the difference between merchandise sales and merchandise cost of products sold by merchandise sales. Merchandise margin is a measure frequently used in the convenience store industry to measure operating results related to merchandise sales.
Gross Margin. Retail gross margin is a non-GAAP performance measure that we calculate as net sales (including intersegment sales) less cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). The increase in gross margin was primarily due to higher same store Southwest Retail fuel gross margin of $2.2 million and an increase in cardlock gross margin of $0.3 million due to higher sales volumes. The net effect in Southwest Retail of one retail outlet added in the second and third quarters of 2016 and one retail outlet closed in the fourth quarter of 2016 was an increase in retail gross margin of $1.4 million. Southwest Retail same store merchandise gross margin increased by $0.4 million. SuperAmerica gross margin decreased by $2.5 million due lower fuel margins. SuperAmerica cost of products sold included net non-cash LCM recoveries of $0.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and recoveries of $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Direct Operating Expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization). Direct operating expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017, increased from the three months ended March 31, 2016. The net effect in Southwest Retail of one retail outlet added in the second and third quarters of 2016 and one retail outlet closed in the fourth quarter of 2016 was an additional $0.9 million in expenses. Additionally, there was an increase in same store Southwest Retail credit card processing fees and environmental expense of $0.5 million and $0.3 million, respectively, partially offset by a decrease in same store Southwest Retail maintenance expense of $0.5 million. SuperAmerica incurred higher store advertising expense and employee expense of $0.7 million and $0.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower SuperAmerica employee and property tax expenses.


58


NTI
General Instruction H(2)(a) of Form 10-Q allows for the omission of Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations from the presentation of NTI's financial position and operating results, provided that NTI includes within this Form 10-Q its management's narrative analysis of the results of operations explaining the reasons for material changes in revenue and expenses for the year-to-date periods presented. Set forth below are the operating results of NTI, as presented in NTI's standalone financial statements in its Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016. These operating results do not reflect Western's accounting adjustments to consolidate NTI into Western's reportable segments. The following results are intended to be considered separately from Western's consolidated segment presentation, which incorporates NTI's operations, as adjusted in consolidation, into Western's reportable segments.
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017, Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In millions)
Statements of Operations Data
 
 
 
 
 
Revenue (1)
$
826.7

 
$
604.4

 
$
222.3

Operating costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of products sold (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) (1)
703.7

 
474.2

 
229.5

Direct operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)
73.8

 
78.3

 
(4.5
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
19.0

 
23.3

 
(4.3
)
Merger-related expenses
1.5

 
0.4

 
1.1

Maintenance turnaround expense
2.4

 
0.4

 
2.0

Depreciation and amortization
11.5

 
11.3

 
0.2

Income from equity method investment
(6.0
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(0.5
)
Other (gain) loss
(0.1
)
 
0.2

 
(0.3
)
Total operating costs and expenses
805.8

 
582.6

 
223.2

Operating income
20.9

 
21.8

 
(0.9
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and debt expense
(6.5
)
 
(6.5
)
 

Income before income taxes
14.4

 
15.3

 
(0.9
)
Provision for income taxes
(0.4
)
 
(0.6
)
 
0.2

Net income
$
14.0

 
$
14.7

 
$
(0.7
)
(1)
Includes excise taxes of $117.3 million and $107.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Revenue. Revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2017, was $826.7 million compared to $604.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of 36.8%. Refining revenue increased 45.4% and retail revenue increased 11.0% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. Refining revenue increased primarily due to higher refined product prices due to market conditions and increased sales volumes of 6.0% in the 2017 period. Retail revenue increased primarily due to higher fuel prices due to market conditions, partially offset by a decrease in fuel gallons sold of 4.0%. Excise taxes included in revenue increased by $10.3 million for the 2017 period over the 2016 period.
Cost of sales. Cost of sales totaled $703.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $474.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of 48.4%. Refining cost of sales increased 55.2% and retail cost of sales increased 15.1% compared to the three months ended March 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to higher crude oil costs, a $1.9 million recovery from a lower of cost or market inventory adjustment and an increase of 6.0% in refining sales volumes. The increased retail cost of sales was primarily due to higher costs of fuel products. Cost of sales was also affected by net realized and unrealized economic hedging gains of $8.8 million for the first three months of 2017, compared to net realized and unrealized economic hedging losses of $0.1 million for the first three months of 2016. Lastly, excise taxes included in cost of sales increased by $10.3 million for the 2017 period over the 2016 period.

59


Direct operating expenses. Direct operating expenses totaled $73.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $78.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, a decrease of 5.7%, due primarily to lower refining personnel costs during the 2017 period.
Turnaround and related expenses. Turnaround and related expenses totaled $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The turnaround costs in the three months ended March 31, 2017, include turnaround and related costs incurred for the spring 2017 turnaround. Such costs in the corresponding 2016 period relate to planning costs for the fall 2016 turnaround of our No. 2 crude unit.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $11.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, an increase of 1.8%. This increase was due primarily to increased refining assets placed in service since March 31, 2016, the most significant of which were the No. 2 crude unit, desalter and fire water tank.
Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $19.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $23.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This decrease of 18.5% relates primarily to lower employee expenses related to incentive and stock compensation.
Merger-related expenses. Legal, employee severance and retention costs of $1.5 million were incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as a result of the NTI Merger Agreement with Western.
Income from equity method investments. Income from equity method investments was $6.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This increase was driven by higher MPL equity income due to reduced spending on maintenance projects on the pipeline in the 2017 period and income associated with our WNRL equity investment acquired during the third quarter of 2016.
Other (gain) loss. Other (gain) loss was a $0.1 million gain for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $0.2 million loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016, driven primarily by favorable fluctuations in the exchange rate between our functional currency, the U.S. dollar and the Canadian dollar.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and $6.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.
Income tax provision. The income tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2017, was $0.4 million compared to $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This decrease was due primarily to lower income within NTI's retail segment.
Net income. Our net income was $14.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to $14.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This decrease in net income is primarily attributable to a $7.2 million decrease in gross margin and an increase in maintenance turnaround and merger-related expenses of $2.0 million and $1.1 million, respectively. These unfavorable factors were partially offset by a $4.5 million decrease in direct operating expenses, a $4.3 million decrease selling, general and administrative expenses and $0.5 million higher income from our equity method investment and other cost savings.



60


Outlook
Our refining margins, excluding hedging activities, were stronger at the El Paso and Gallup refineries and weaker at the St. Paul Park refinery in the first quarter of 2017 compared to the first quarter of 2016. The Gulf Coast benchmark ("GC") 3:2:1 crack spread refers to the approximate refining margin resulting from processing three barrels of crude oil to produce two barrels of gasoline and one barrel of diesel fuel. The GC 3:2:1 increased from an average of $10.84 per barrel for the three months ended March 31, 2016, to an average of $13.71 for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The GC 3:2:1 for April 2017 averaged $16.08 per barrel.
The St. Paul Park refinery benchmarks its refining margin against the Group 3 6:3:2:1 benchmark crack spread. The Group 3 6:3:2:1 refers to the approximate refining margin resulting from processing six barrels of WTI crude oil to produce three barrels of gasoline, two barrels of diesel fuel and one barrel of residual fuel. Prices are derived from PADD II Group 3 conventional gas and ultra-low diesel fuel prices and the price of Western Canadian Select (“WCS”) crude oil for residual fuel. This benchmark increased from an average of $6.29 per barrel for the three months ended March 31, 2016, to an average of $8.71 per barrel for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The Group 3 6:3:2:1 averaged $10.26 per barrel for April 2017.
Both Western and NTI base crude oil purchases on pricing tied to WTI. The WTI Midland/Cushing differential can have a significant impact on refining margins at El Paso. The WTI Midland/Cushing differential averaged a premium of $0.64 per barrel for the first quarter of 2017, which, compared to a premium of $0.14 per barrel that we realized in El Paso during the first quarter of 2016, negatively impacted our El Paso refining margins in the current quarter. The WTI Midland/Cushing differential has averaged a discount of $0.78 per barrel thus far in the second quarter of 2017.
The discounts to WTI for Bakken Shale crude oil and WCS crude oil can have a significant impact on refining margins at St. Paul Park. The Bakken/WTI discount averaged $0.86 per barrel for the first quarter of 2017 compared to $1.51 per barrel for the first quarter of 2016. The Bakken/WTI discount averaged $0.57 per barrel for April 2017. The WCS/WTI discount averaged $13.51 per barrel for the first quarter of 2017 versus $13.44 per barrel for the first quarter of 2016. The WCS/WTI discount averaged $13.43 per barrel for April 2017.
The prices of crude oil and refined products have been volatile thus far in 2017. Continued volatility in these prices may impact the carrying value of our inventories and result in additional lower of cost or market inventory adjustments. An increase in prices, such as we experienced in the first three months of 2017, may positively impact the carrying value of our inventories, while a decrease in these prices could negatively impact our inventory carrying values. Also, during the first three months of 2017, we experienced volatility in the pricing of RINs. We expect continued volatility as the industry strives to meet RFS obligations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are from cash from operations, cash on hand and availability under our revolving credit facilities. To a lesser extent, we also generate liquidity from the issuance of debt and equity securities and sales of assets to WNRL.
As of March 31, 2017, we had cash and cash equivalents of $160.0 million, including NTI cash of $5.8 million and WNRL cash of $23.3 million and no direct borrowings under the Western revolving credit facility. Western had $788.7 million in total liquidity as of March 31, 2017, defined as Western’s cash and cash equivalents plus net availability under Western and NTI revolving credit facilities. Western, NTI and WNRL had net availability under their revolving credit facilities of $385.2 million, $266.8 million and $479.0 million, respectively.
WNRL purchased the St. Paul Park Logistics Assets for $195.0 million and 628,224 common units on September 15, 2016. WNRL funded the cash portion of the consideration through a combination of $20.3 million in direct borrowings under the WNRL Revolving Credit Facility and $174.7 million of cash on hand primarily generated from WNRL's equity offering of 8,625,000 common units during the third quarter of 2016.
Pursuant to the NTI Merger Agreement, we paid $859.9 million in cash and issued 17.1 million shares of Western common stock adjusted slightly for cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. We incurred $500 million of additional secured indebtedness under the amended term loan credit agreement to partially fund the NTI Merger consideration. See Note 21, Acquisitions, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
On December 29, 2016, we made a non-mandatory prepayment of $125.0 million under the amended term loan credit agreement from cash on hand. We had direct borrowings of $21.0 million and $20.3 million under the NTI and WNRL revolving credit facilities, respectively, as of March 31, 2017. See Note 9, Long-Term Debt, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for detailed information regarding our financing.

61


Cash Flows
The following table sets forth our cash flows for the periods indicated:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
Change
 
(In thousands)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(18,317
)
 
$
2,301

 
$
(20,618
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(45,728
)
 
(46,487
)
 
759

Net cash used in financing activities
(44,509
)
 
(135,215
)
 
90,706

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(108,554
)
 
$
(179,401
)
 
$
70,847

The decrease in net cash from operating activities period over period was primarily the result of the decrease in net income, the results of our unrealized commodity hedging activity, changes in the lower of cost or market inventory reserve, a decrease in accounts payable and other changes in our working capital as disclosed in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
Cash flows from operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2017, combined with $151.5 million of borrowings on the NTI revolving credit facility were primarily used for the following investing and financing activities:
Investing Activities:
Fund capital expenditures ($46.3 million).
Financing Activities:
Repayment of NTI's revolving credit facility debt ($130.5 million)
Payment of cash dividends ($42.5 million);
Payment of distributions to non-controlling interest holders ($12.6 million); and
Payment of tax withholdings for stock-based compensation ($7.0 million).
Cash flows used in operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2016, combined with $70.0 million of borrowings on the NTI revolving credit facility were primarily used for the following investing and financing activities:
Investing Activities:
Fund capital expenditures ($79.0 million) including the use of $32.3 million of restricted cash.
Financing Activities:
Purchase of treasury stock ($75.0 million);
Repayment of NTI's revolving credit facility debt ($47.5 million);
Payment of cash dividends ($35.6 million);
Payment of distributions to non-controlling interest holders ($29.0 million); and
Repayment of WNRL's revolving credit facility debt ($15.0 million).

62


Future Capital Expenditures
We expect to fund future capital expenditures primarily through cash from operations supplemented as needed by borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. The following table summarizes our 2017 forecasted spending allocation between sustaining, discretionary and regulatory projects for 2017:
 
Western (1)
 
WNRL
 
Totals
 
(In thousands)
Sustaining
$
89,200

 
$
11,500

 
$
100,700

Discretionary
145,800

 
27,000

 
172,800

Regulatory
31,100

 
4,100

 
35,200

Total
$
266,100

 
$
42,600

 
$
308,700

(1)
Western's capital expenditure forecast for the full year 2017 is $266.1 million, of which $230.7 million is for our refining segment, $29.5 million for our retail segment and $5.9 million for other general projects.
The majority of Western's planned discretionary capital expenditures relate to crude oil logistics projects in the Permian Basin and discretionary growth projects at the St. Paul Park Refinery. WNRL’s discretionary capital expenditures primarily relate to the continued expansion of its Permian Delaware Basin system.
Capital Structure
Our capital structure at March 31, 2017 and 2016, was as follows:
 
March 31,
2017
 
March 31,
2016
 
(In thousands)
Debt, including current maturities:
 
 
 
Western obligations:
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility due 2019
$

 
$

Term Loan - 5.25% Credit Facility due 2020
532,125

 
537,625

6.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2021
350,000

 
350,000

Term Loan - 5.50% Credit Facility due 2023
371,250

 

Total Western obligations
1,253,375

 
887,625

NTI obligations:
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility due 2019
21,000

 
22,500

7.125% Senior Secured Notes due 2020
349,980

 
350,000

Total NTI obligations
370,980

 
372,500

WNRL obligations:
 
 
 
Revolving Credit Facility due 2018
20,300

 
130,000

7.5% Senior Notes due 2023
300,000

 
300,000

Total WNRL obligations
320,300

 
430,000

Less unamortized discount, premium and debt issuance costs
41,430

 
32,033

Long-term debt
1,903,225

 
1,658,092

Equity
2,259,919

 
2,850,800

Total capitalization
$
4,163,144

 
$
4,508,892

See Note 9, Long-Term Debt and Note 10, Equity, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
In March of 2017, our retail segment entered into lease agreements for 22 retail store locations that were previously franchised convenience stores. Total average annual commitments for these additional retail store leases are approximately $1.5 million for 20 years. We included a complete summary of our future contractual obligations and commercial commitments as of December 31, 2016, in our 2016 Form 10-K under Part II, Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments.

63


Dividends
We anticipate paying future quarterly dividends, subject to the board of directors' approval and compliance with the restrictions in our outstanding financing agreements. The table below summarizes our 2017 cash dividend declarations, payments and scheduled payments through April 28, 2017:
 
Declaration Date
 
Record Date
 
Payment Date
 
Dividend per Common Share
 
Total Payment
(In thousands)
First quarter
January 4
 
January 18
 
February 2
 
$
0.38

 
$
41,305

Second quarter (1)
April 13
 
April 26
 
May 11
 
0.38

 

Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
41,305

(1)
The second quarter 2017 cash dividend of $0.38 per common share will result in an estimated aggregate payment of $41.4 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements.
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk
Commodity price fluctuation is our primary source of market risk.
Commodity Price Risk
We are exposed to market risks related to the volatility of crude oil and refined product prices, as well as volatility in the price of natural gas used in our refinery operations. Our financial results can be affected significantly by fluctuations in these prices that depend on many factors, including demand for crude oil, gasoline and other refined products; changes in the economy; worldwide and domestic production levels; worldwide inventory levels; and governmental regulatory initiatives. Our risk management strategy identifies circumstances in which we may utilize the commodity futures market to manage risk associated with these price fluctuations or to fix sales margins on future gasoline and distillate production.
In order to manage the uncertainty relating to inventory price volatility, we have generally applied a policy of maintaining inventories at or below a targeted operating level. In the past, circumstances have occurred, such as turnaround schedules or shifts in market demand, that have resulted in variances between our actual inventory level and our desired target level. We may utilize the commodity futures market to manage these anticipated inventory variances.
We maintain inventories of crude oil, other feedstocks and blendstocks and refined products with values that are subject to wide fluctuations in market prices driven by worldwide economic conditions, regional and global inventory levels and seasonal conditions.
At March 31, 2017, we held 12.0 million barrels of crude oil, refined product and other inventories valued under the LIFO valuation method with an average cost of $62.28 per barrel. At March 31, 2017, the excess of the LIFO cost over the current cost of these crude oil, refined product and other feedstock and blendstock inventories was $145.0 million.
All commodity futures contracts, price swaps and options are recorded at fair value and any changes in fair value between periods are recorded under cost of products sold in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
We selectively utilize commodity hedging instruments to manage our price exposure to our LIFO inventory positions or to fix margins on certain future sales volumes. The commodity hedging instruments may take the form of futures contracts, price and crack spread swaps or options and are entered into with counterparties that we believe to be creditworthy. The financial instruments used to fix margins on future sales volumes do not qualify for hedge accounting. Therefore, changes in the fair value of these hedging instruments are included in income in the period of change. Net gains or losses associated with these transactions are reflected within cost of products sold at the end of each period.


64


The following tables summarize our economic hedging activity recognized within cost of products sold for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and open commodity hedging positions as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
 
2017
 
2016
 
(In thousands)
Economic hedging results
 
 
 
Realized hedging gain, net
$
39,787

 
$
17,803

Unrealized hedging loss, net
(4,452
)
 
(12,483
)
Total hedging gain, net
$
35,335

 
$
5,320

 
March 31,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
(In thousands)
Open commodity hedging instruments (barrels)
 
 
 
Crude oil differential swaps, net long positions
1,369

 
2,124

Crude oil futures, net short positions
(1,647
)
 
(1,703
)
Refined product price and crack spread swaps, net short positions
(2,419
)
 
(6,632
)
Total open commodity hedging instruments, net short positions
(2,697
)
 
(6,211
)
 
 
 
 
Fair value of outstanding contracts, net
 
 
 
Other current assets
$
5,824

 
$
13,649

Other assets
1,150

 
8

Accrued liabilities
(9,367
)
 
(10,827
)
Other long-term liabilities

 
(771
)
Fair value of outstanding contracts - unrealized gain (loss), net
$
(2,393
)
 
$
2,059

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, we did not have any commodity derivative instruments that were designated or accounted for as hedges.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Western Refining, Inc.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of March 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2017.
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Northern Tier Energy LP
Under the supervision and with the participation of NTI's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, NTI evaluated the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as of March 31, 2017. Based on that evaluation, NTI's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that its disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2017.
There were no changes in NTI's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.

65


Part II
Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
Western Refining, Inc.
In the ordinary conduct of our business, we are subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations and claims, including environmental claims and employee related matters. Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against us, we do not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings or proceedings to which we are a party will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See "Legal Matters" in Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, in the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Northern Tier Energy LP
In the ordinary conduct of NTI's business, it is subject to periodic lawsuits, investigations and claims, including environmental claims and employee related matters. Although NTI cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of lawsuits, investigations and claims asserted against it, NTI does not believe that any currently pending legal proceedings or proceedings to which it is a party will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See "Legal Matters" in Note 17, Commitments and Contingencies, in NTI's Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Western Refining, Inc.
There have been no material changes in our risk factors during the three months ended March 31, 2017, from those previously disclosed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our 2016 Form 10-K under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Northern Tier Energy LP
There have been no material changes in our risk factors during the three months ended March 31, 2017, from those previously disclosed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our 2016 Form 10-K under Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Our payment of dividends is limited under the terms of our Western 2019 Revolving Credit Agreement, our Western 2021 Senior Unsecured Notes, our Western 2020 and Western 2023 Term Loan Credit Facilities, and in part, depends on our ability to satisfy certain financial covenants. Also, as a holding company, we rely on dividends or advances from our subsidiaries to fund any dividends. The ability of our subsidiaries including NTI and WNRL to pay us dividends is restricted by covenants in their respective debt instruments and any future financing agreements.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
Item 5. Other Information                                                
None.

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Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit Index
Western Refining, Inc.***
Exhibit Number
 
Exhibit Title
 
31.1*
 
Certification Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
32.1**
 
Certification Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
101*
 
Interactive Data Files
*
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
**
 
Furnished herewith.
 
 
 
***
 
Reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K) are filed under File No. 001-32721.
 
 
 

Northern Tier Energy LP***
Number
 
Exhibit Title
 
31.2*
 
Certification Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
32.2**
 
Certification Statement of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
101*
 
Interactive Data Files
*
 
Filed herewith.
 
 
 
**
 
Furnished herewith.
 
 
 
***
 
Reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K) are filed under File No. 001-35612.
 
 
 

67


SIGNATURES
WESTERN REFINING, INC.
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.
 
 
 
 
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Karen B. Davis
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 
 
May 5, 2017
Karen B. Davis
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Duly Authorized Signatory)
 
 
    
NORTHERN TIER ENERGY, LP
BY: NORTHERN TIER ENERGY GP, LLC

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.

 
 
 
 
 
Signature
 
Title
 
Date
 
 
 
 
 
/s/ Karen B. Davis
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Northern Tier Energy GP LLC
 
May 5, 2017
Karen B. Davis
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
 
 




68



NORTHERN TIER ENERGY LP
FORM 10-Q FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
 
Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements
NORTHERN TIER ENERGY LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in millions, except unit data, unaudited)
 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
5.8

 
$
29.5

Accounts receivable, net
230.3

 
246.4

Inventories
372.8

 
333.7

Other current assets
18.5

 
23.3

Total current assets
627.4

 
632.9

NON-CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Equity method investments
88.9

 
87.3

Property, plant and equipment, net
531.7

 
517.8

Intangible assets
33.8

 
33.8

Other assets
17.1

 
19.5

Total Assets
$
1,298.9

 
$
1,291.3

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
357.7

 
$
393.3

Accrued liabilities
52.6

 
54.6

Total current liabilities
410.3

 
447.9

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Long-term debt
365.5

 
344.0

Lease financing obligation
21.2

 
9.2

Other liabilities
30.0

 
28.6

Total liabilities
827.0

 
829.7

Commitments and contingencies

 

EQUITY
 
 
 
Partners' capital (92,947,533 units issued and outstanding at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016)
472.1

 
461.7

Accumulated other comprehensive income
(0.2
)
 
(0.1
)
Total equity
471.9

 
461.6

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
1,298.9

 
$
1,291.3

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


70


NORTHERN TIER ENERGY LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in millions, unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
REVENUE (a)
$
826.7

 
$
604.4

COSTS, EXPENSES AND OTHER
 
 
 
Cost of sales (a)
703.7

 
474.2

Direct operating expenses
73.8

 
78.3

Turnaround and related expenses
2.4

 
0.4

Depreciation and amortization
11.5

 
11.3

Selling, general and administrative expenses
19.0

 
23.3

Merger-related expenses
1.5

 
0.4

Income from equity method investments
(6.0
)
 
(5.5
)
Other (gain) loss
(0.1
)
 
0.2

OPERATING INCOME
20.9

 
21.8

Interest expense, net
(6.5
)
 
(6.5
)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES
14.4

 
15.3

Income tax provision
(0.4
)
 
(0.6
)
NET INCOME
14.0

 
14.7

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
Post-employment benefit plans loss
(0.1
)
 

COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
$
13.9

 
$
14.7

 
 
 
 
Cash distributions declared per common unit
$

 
$
0.38

 
 
 
 
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
 
 
 
(a) Excise taxes included in revenues and cost of sales
$
117.3

 
$
107.0

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



71


NORTHERN TIER ENERGY LP
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions, unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Net income
$
14.0

 
$
14.7

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
11.5

 
11.3

Non-cash interest expense
0.5

 
0.5

Equity-based compensation expense
1.5

 
4.6

Loss (gain) from the change in fair value of outstanding derivatives
5.1

 
(3.7
)
Equity investment earnings, net of dividends
(1.6
)
 
(5.5
)
Change in lower of cost or market inventory adjustment
(1.9
)
 
(11.0
)
Changes in assets and liabilities, net:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
12.6

 
11.9

Inventories
(37.2
)
 
(21.5
)
Other current assets
3.4

 
(0.5
)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
(34.5
)
 
4.9

Other, net
5.2

 
0.1

Net cash provided by operating activities
(21.4
)
 
5.8

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(18.2
)
 
(27.9
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(18.2
)
 
(27.9
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Borrowings from revolving credit arrangement
151.5

 
70.0

Repayments of revolving credit arrangement
(130.5
)
 
(47.5
)
Payments of tax withholdings for stock-based compensation
(3.9
)
 

Equity distributions
(1.2
)
 
(36.3
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
15.9

 
(13.8
)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
 
 
 
Change in cash and cash equivalents
(23.7
)
 
(35.9
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
29.5

 
70.9

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
5.8

 
$
35.0

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

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NORTHERN TIER ENERGY LP
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
1. DESCRIPTION OF THE BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Description of the Business
Northern Tier Energy LP ("NTE LP", "NTI" "Northern Tier" or the "Company") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western Refining, Inc. ("Western") operating as a downstream energy company with refining, retail and logistics operations that serve the Petroleum Administration for Defense District II ("PADD II") region of the United States. NTE LP holds 100% of the membership interest in Northern Tier Energy LLC ("NTE LLC"). NTE LP is a master limited partnership (“MLP") for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
NTE LP includes the operations of NTE LLC, St. Paul Park Refining Co. LLC (“SPPR"), Northern Tier Retail Holdings LLC ("NTRH") and Northern Tier Oil Transport LLC ("NTOT"). NTRH is the parent company of Northern Tier Retail LLC ("NTR") and Northern Tier Bakery LLC ("NTB"). NTR is the parent company of SuperAmerica Franchising LLC ("SAF"). SPPR owns a 17% interest in MPL Investments Inc. ("MPLI") and a 17% interest in Minnesota Pipe Line Company, LLC ("MPL") and a 1.0% interest in Western Refining Logistics, LP ("WNRL"). MPLI owns 100% of the preferred interest in MPL, which owns and operates a 465,000 barrel per day ("bpd") crude oil pipeline in Minnesota (see Note 6). NTOT is a crude oil trucking business in North Dakota that collects crude oil directly from wellheads in the Bakken shale and transports it to regional pipeline and rail facilities.
Western indirectly owns 100% of both Northern Tier Energy GP LLC ("NTE GP") and NTE LP. Western, through its subsidiary NT InterHold Co LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ("NT InterHold Co") as the owner of the general partner of NTE LP, has the ability to appoint all of the members of the NTE GP's board of directors.
On December 21, 2015, Western and NTE LP announced that they had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 21, 2015 ("the Merger Agreement"), with NTE GP and Western Acquisition Co, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Western ("MergerCo") whereby Western would acquire all of Northern Tier's outstanding common units not already owned by Western (the "Merger").
Based upon the consideration elections made by NTI common unitholders, this cash and Western common stock was allocated among NTI common unitholders as follows:
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Mixed Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement), or who made no election, received $15.00 in cash and 0.2986 of a share of Western common stock for each such NTI common unit held.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Cash Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) received $15.357 in cash and 0.28896 of a share of Western common stock as prorated in accordance with the Merger Agreement for each such NTI common unit held.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Stock Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) received 0.7036 of a share of Western common stock for each such NTI common unit held.
On June 23, 2016, following the approval of the Merger by NTI common unitholders, all closing conditions to the Merger were satisfied, and the Merger was successfully completed. The transaction resulted in approximately 17.1 million additional shares of WNR common stock outstanding. Subsequent to this transaction, NTI continues to exist as a limited partnership and became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Western (see Note 19).
Refining Business
As of March 31, 2017, the St. Paul Park refinery owned by SPPR, which is located in St. Paul Park, Minnesota, had total crude oil throughput capacity of 102,000 barrels per stream day. Refining operations include crude fractionation, catalytic cracking, hydrotreating, reforming, alkylation, sulfur recovery and a hydrogen plant. The refinery processes predominately North Dakota and Canadian crude oils into products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, kerosene, asphalt, propane, propylene and sulfur. The refined products are sold primarily in the Upper Great Plains of the United States.
On September 7, 2016, SPPR entered into a Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement (the "Contribution Agreement") by and among Western, SPPR, WNRL and Western Refining Logistics GP, LLC, the general partner of WNRL. Pursuant to the terms of the Contribution Agreement, SPPR sold certain tank, terminal, rack, transportation facilities and other logistics assets to WNRL in exchange for $195 million cash and 628,224 common units representing limited partner interests in WNRL. Concurrent with the Contribution Agreement, SPPR and WNRL entered into a terminalling, transportation and storage services agreement with an initial term of ten years whereby SPPR will pay fees to WNRL for storage, product throughput and blending services. See Note 3 for further discussion of this transaction.

73


Retail Business
As of March 31, 2017, NTR operated 192 convenience stores under the SuperAmerica brand and SAF supported 94 franchised stores which also utilize the SuperAmerica brand. NTR purchased the merchandise and fuel inventories and assumed the leases and operations of 22 former franchise locations in the first quarter 2017. These 286 SuperAmerica stores are primarily located in Minnesota and Wisconsin and sell gasoline, merchandise and, in some locations, diesel fuel. There is a wide range of merchandise sold at the stores including prepared foods, beverages and non-food items. The merchandise sold includes a significant number of proprietary items. NTB prepares and distributes food products under the SuperMom’s brand primarily to SuperAmerica branded retail outlets.
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods reported have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017, are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017, or for any other period. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016, has been derived from the audited financial statements of NTE LP at that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
2. SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The significant accounting policies set forth in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, appropriately represent, in all material respects, the current status of accounting policies and are incorporated herein by reference.
Principles of Consolidation
NTE LP is a Delaware limited partnership which consolidates all accounts of NTE LLC and its subsidiaries, including SPPR, NTRH and NTOT. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The Company’s common equity interests in MPL and WNRL are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Although SPPR owns only 1.0% of WNRL's common equity, its indirect parent company, Western, owns 52.5%. Because of Western’s controlling influence over WNRL, the investment provides the Company significant influence over WNRL and the Company accounts for its ownership interest in WNRL under the equity method. Equity income from MPL and WNRL represent the Company’s proportionate share of net income available to common equity owners generated by MPL and WNRL. See Note 3 for further discussion of the Company's ownership interests in MPL and WNRL.
The equity method investments are assessed for impairment whenever changes in facts or circumstances indicate a loss in value has occurred. When the loss is deemed to be other than temporary, the carrying value of the equity method investment is written down to fair value, and the amount of the write-down is included in operating income. See Note 6 for further information on the Company’s equity method investment.
MPLI owns all of the preferred membership units of MPL. This investment in MPLI, which provides the Company no significant influence over MPLI, is accounted for as a cost method investment. The investment in MPLI is carried at a value of $6.8 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, and is included in other noncurrent assets within the condensed consolidated balance sheets.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the respective reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Operating Segments
The Company has two reportable operating segments; Refining and Retail (see Note 18 for further information on the Company’s operating segments). The Refining and Retail operating segments consist of the following: 
Refining – operates the St. Paul Park, Minnesota refinery, NTOT and includes the Company’s interest in MPL and MPLI, and
Retail – comprised 192 Company operated convenience stores and 94 franchisee operated convenience stores as of March 31, 2017, primarily in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The retail segment also includes the operation of NTB.

74


Inventories
Crude oil, refined product and other feedstock and blendstock inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market ("LCM"). Cost is determined principally under the last-in, first-out ("LIFO") valuation method to reflect a better matching of costs and revenues for refining inventories. Costs include both direct and indirect expenditures incurred in bringing an item or product to its existing condition and location. Ending inventory costs in excess of market value are written down to net realizable market values and charged to cost of sales in the period recorded. In subsequent periods, a new LCM determination is made based upon current circumstances relative to, and not to exceed, the original LCM reserve that was established in fourth quarter 2014. However, in no case would the LCM reserve decrease beyond zero. The Company has LIFO pools for crude oil and other feedstocks and for refined products in its Refining segment and a LIFO pool for refined products inventory held by the retail stores in its Retail segment. Retail merchandise inventory is valued using the average cost method.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Such assets or asset groups are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If the sum of the expected undiscounted future cash flows from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized based on the fair value of the asset. The amortization of capital lease assets is presented in depreciation and amortization.
When property, plant and equipment depreciated on an individual basis is sold or otherwise disposed of, any gains or losses are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Gains on the disposal of property, plant and equipment are recognized when earned, which is generally at the time of sale. If a loss on disposal is expected, such losses are generally recognized when the assets are classified as held for sale.
Expenditures for routine maintenance and repair costs are expensed when incurred. Refinery process units require periodic major maintenance and repairs that are commonly referred to as "turnarounds." Turnaround cycles vary from unit to unit but can be as short as one year for catalyst changes to as long as six years. Turnaround costs are expensed as incurred.
Derivative Financial Instruments
The Company is exposed to earnings and cash flow volatility due to fluctuations in crude oil, refined products, and natural gas prices. The timing of certain commodity purchases and sales also subject the Company to earnings and cash flow volatility. To manage these risks, the Company may use derivative instruments associated with the purchase or sale of crude oil, refined products, and natural gas to hedge volatility in our refining and operating margins. The Company may use futures, options, and swaps contracts to manage price risks associated with inventory quantities above or below target levels. Crack spread and crude differential futures and swaps contracts may also be used to hedge the volatility of refining margins.
All derivative instruments, except for those that meet the normal purchases and normal sales exception, are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets at fair value and are classified depending on the maturity date of the underlying contracts. Changes in the fair value of the Company's contracts are accounted for by marking them to market and recognizing any resulting gains or losses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Gains and losses from derivative activity specific to managing price risk on inventory quantities both above and below target levels are included within cost of sales. Derivative gains and losses are reported as operating activities within the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
The Company enters into crude oil forward contracts to facilitate the supply of crude oil to the refinery. These contracts may qualify for the normal purchases and normal sales exception because the Company physically receives and delivers the crude oil under the contracts and when the Company enters into these contracts, the quantities are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business. These transactions are reflected in the period that delivery of the crude oil takes place. When forward contracts do not qualify for the normal purchases and sales exception, the contracts are marked to market each period through the settlement date, which is generally no longer than one to three months.
Renewable Identification Numbers
The Company is subject to obligations to generate or purchase Renewable Identification Numbers ("RINs") required to comply with the Renewable Fuels Standard. The Company's overall RINs obligation is based on a percentage of domestic shipments of on-road fuels as established by the Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA"). To the degree the Company is unable to blend the required amount of biofuels to satisfy its RINs obligation, RINs must be purchased on the open market to avoid penalties and fines. The Company records its RINs obligation on a net basis in accrued liabilities when its RINs liability is greater than the amount of RINs earned and purchased in a given period and in other current assets when the amount of RINs earned and purchased is greater than the RINs liability.
Future changes to existing laws and regulations could increase the minimum volumes of renewable fuels that must be blended with refined petroleum fuels. Because the Company does not produce renewable fuels, increasing the volume of renewable fuels that must be blended into its products could displace an increasing volume of the Company's refineries' product pool,

75


potentially resulting in lower earnings and materially adversely affecting our ability to issue dividends to the Company's unitholders. The purchase price for RINs is volatile and may vary significantly from period to period. Historically, the cost of purchased RINs has not had a significant impact upon the Company's operating results.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues are recognized when products are shipped or services are provided to customers, title is transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable and collectability is reasonably assured. Revenues are recorded net of discounts granted to customers. Shipping and other transportation costs billed to customers are presented on a gross basis in revenues and cost of sales.
Nonmonetary product exchanges and certain buy/sell crude oil transactions, which are entered into in contemplation one with another, are included on a net cost basis in cost of sales. The Company also enters into agreements to purchase and sell crude oil to third parties and certain of these activities are recorded on a gross basis.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income excludes depreciation and amortization of refinery assets and the direct labor and overhead costs related to the operation of the refinery. These costs are included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income in the depreciation and amortization and direct operating expenses line items, respectively.
Excise Taxes
The Company is required by various governmental authorities, including federal and state, to collect and remit taxes on certain products. Such taxes are presented on a gross basis in revenue and cost of sales in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. These taxes totaled $117.3 million and $107.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Accounting Developments
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The standard’s core principle is that a company should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14 which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09. This guidance will now be effective for the Company's financial statements in the annual period beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is evaluating the effect of adopting this new accounting guidance and does not expect adoption will have a material impact on NTE's results of operations, cash flows or financial position.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 "Leases," which replaces the existing guidance in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 840. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. The guidance requires a dual approach for lessee accounting under which a lessee would account for leases as finance leases or operating leases. Both finance leases and operating leases will result in the lessee recognizing a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and a corresponding lease liability. For finance leases the lessee would recognize interest expense and amortization of the ROU asset and for operating leases the lessee would recognize a straight-line total lease expense. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-04 "Liabilities – Extinguishment of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20): Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products," which aligns recognition of the financial liabilities related to prepaid stored-value products (for example, prepaid gift cards), with Topic 606, Revenues from Contracts with Customers, for non-financial liabilities. In general, certain of these liabilities may be extinguished proportionally in earnings as redemptions occur, or when redemption is remote if issuers are not entitled to the unredeemed stored value. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted subject to certain requirements. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08 "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)," which clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. The guidance includes indicators to assist an entity in determining whether it controls a specified good or service before it is transferred to the customers. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this Update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements of ASU 2014-09. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09 "Compensation – Stock Compensation," which identifies areas for simplification involving several aspects of accounting for equity-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, an option to recognize gross stock compensation expense

76


with actual forfeitures recognized as they occur, as well as certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. Effective January 1, 2017, the Company has adopted the accounting and reporting requirements included in ASU No. 2016-09 for employee share-based payment accounting. The Company has applied the new standard prospectively, except for the cash flow considerations, which we applied retrospectively. The adoption of these revised standards was not material to NTE's results of operations or financial position. The presentation of our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 has been retrospectively adjusted, however, there were no payments for tax withholdings for stock-based compensation during the three months ended March 31, 2016.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15 "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments," which provides guidance on presentation in the statement of cash flows on eight subject areas where there current GAAP either is unclear or does not include specific guidance, resulting in diversity in practice. This guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017 with early adoption permitted subject to certain requirements. The Company is currently assessing the impact that adopting this new accounting standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and footnote disclosures.
3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
As of March 31, 2017, Western indirectly owns 100% of both Northern Tier Energy GP LLC ("NTE GP") and NTE LP. On December 21, 2015, Western and NTE LP announced that they had entered into the Merger Agreement with MergerCo and NTE GP whereby Western would acquire all of NTE LP's outstanding common units not already owned by Western (see Note 19). The transaction closed on June 23, 2016 (see Note 19).
On September 15, 2016, Western executed the Contribution Agreement by and among Western, SPPR, WNRL and Western Refining Logistics GP, LLC, the general partner of WNRL. Pursuant to the terms of the Contribution Agreement, SPPR agreed to sell to WNRL approximately four million barrels of refined product and crude oil storage tanks, a light products terminal, a heavy products loading rack, certain rail and barge facilities, certain other related logistics assets, and two crude oil pipeline segments and one pipeline segment not currently in service, each of which is approximately 2.5 miles and extends from SPPR’s refinery in St. Paul Park, Minnesota to SPPR’s tank farm in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, in exchange for $195 million in cash and 628,224 of common units representing limited partner interests in WNRL. The Company's book value on the date of sale of the property, plant and equipment, certain assets under construction and additive inventory used in the terminal operations amounted to $48.7 million. The proceeds from this transaction, reduced by the book value of the assets sold was $146.3 million. The Company treated the transaction as a transfer of assets between entities under common control and, as such, accounted for the transfer at the historical book value of the assets as required by GAAP. We recognized the difference between the proceeds and the book value of the assets as an increase in equity.
In connection with the closing of the Contribution Agreement, SPPR entered into a terminalling, transportation and storage services agreement (the "Terminalling Agreement") with Western Refining Terminals, LLC ("WRT"), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of WNRL. Pursuant to the Terminalling Agreement, WRT has agreed to provide product storage services, product throughput services and product additive and blending services at the terminal facilities located at or near SPPR’s refinery in St. Paul Park, Minnesota. In exchange for such services, SPPR has agreed to certain minimum volume commitments and to pay certain fees. The Terminalling Agreement will have an initial term of ten years, which may be extended for up to two renewal terms of five years each upon the mutual agreement of the parties.
The Company has engaged in several types of transactions with Western and its subsidiaries including crude and feedstock purchases, asphalt purchases, finished product purchases, railcar leases and tank and terminal service fees. Additionally, the Company is party to a shared services agreement with Western and WNRL whereby the Company both receives and provides administrative support services. The services covered by the shared services agreement include assistance with executive, treasury, risk management and commercial operations, environmental compliance, information technology support, internal audit and legal.
MPL is also a related party of the Company as the Company owns a 17% interest in MPL (see Note 6) and generally receives quarterly cash distributions related to this investment. The Company's Chief Executive Officer is a member of MPL's board of managers.

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In addition to the Contribution Agreement, the Company engaged in the following related party transactions with unconsolidated affiliates for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
Location in Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Income
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Western Refining:
 
 
 
 
Asphalt sales
Revenue
 
$
4.4

 
$
8.7

Railcar rental
Revenue
 
0.1

 
0.1

Shared services (provided) received, net
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
(1.6
)

0.8

Storage lease purchases
Cost of sales
 
0.4

 

Western Refining Logistics:
 
 
 
 
Tank and terminal service fees
Cost of sales
 
11.8

 

Shared services received
Selling, general and administrative expenses
 
0.2

 
0.1

Minnesota Pipe Line Company:
 
 
 
 
Pipeline transportation purchases
Cost of sales
 
16.9

 
14.0

The Company had the following outstanding receivables and payables with non-consolidated related parties at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
(in millions)
Balance Sheet Location
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Net receivable (payable) with related party:
 
 
 
 
Western Refining, Inc.
Accounts receivable, net
 
$
9.2


$
3.7

Western Refining Logistics, LP
Accounts payable
 
(1.5
)
 
(2.0
)
Minnesota Pipe Line Company
Accounts payable
 
(1.3
)
 
(1.5
)
4. INCOME TAXES
NTE LP is treated as a partnership for federal and state income tax purposes. However, NTRH, the parent company of NTR and NTB, is taxed as a corporation for federal and state income tax purposes. No provision for income tax is calculated on the earnings of the Company or its subsidiaries, other than NTRH, as these entities are pass-through entities for tax purposes.
The Company’s effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was 2.8% and 3.9%, respectively. For both the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company's consolidated federal and state expected statutory tax rates was 40.8%. The Company's effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was lower than the statutory rate primarily due to the fact that only the retail operations of the Company are taxable entities.
5. INVENTORIES
 
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
2017
 
2016
Crude oil and refinery feedstocks
$
186.8

 
$
174.3

Refined products
180.0

 
160.2

Merchandise
23.8

 
22.1

Supplies and sundry items
22.0

 
18.8

 
412.6

 
375.4

Lower of cost or market inventory reserve
(39.8
)
 
(41.7
)
Total
$
372.8

 
$
333.7

Inventories accounted for under the LIFO method comprised 89% of the total inventory value at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, prior to the application of the lower of cost or market reserve.

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In order to state the Company's inventories at market values that were lower than its LIFO costs, the Company reduced the carrying values of its inventory through LCM reserves of $39.8 million and $41.7 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.
6. EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS
The Company has a 17% common equity interest in MPL. Additionally, in the third quarter of 2016, the Company received a 1.0% common equity interest in WNRL in connection with the Contribution Agreement (see Note 3), which was recorded at its historical cost given the transaction was treated as a transfer of assets under common control. The carrying value of these equity method investments was $88.9 million and $87.3 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The quoted market value of the Company's investment in WNRL at March 31, 2017 was $16.0 million.
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying amount of the equity method investment in MPL was $5.6 million and $5.7 million higher, respectively, than the underlying net assets of the investee, respectively. The Company is amortizing this difference over the remaining life of MPL’s primary asset (the fixed asset life of the pipeline).
The Company recorded $4.4 million and zero in distributions from its equity method investments for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Equity income from the Company's equity method investments was $6.0 million and $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Major classes of property, plant and equipment ("PP&E") consisted of the following: 
 
Estimated
 
March 31,
 
December 31,
(in millions)
 Useful Lives
 
2017
 
2016
Land
 
 
$
7.7

 
$
7.7

Retail stores and equipment
2 - 22 years
 
81.3

 
80.5

Refinery and equipment
5 - 24 years
 
488.7

 
487.0

Buildings and building improvements
25 years
 
30.8

 
18.7

Software
5 years
 
18.9

 
18.9

Vehicles
5 years
 
3.2

 
3.2

Other equipment
2 - 7 years
 
11.3

 
10.8

Precious metals
 
 
10.4

 
10.4

Assets under construction
 
 
88.9

 
78.6

 
 
 
741.2

 
715.8

Less: Accumulated depreciation
 
 
(209.5
)
 
(198.0
)
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
 
$
531.7

 
$
517.8

PP&E includes gross assets acquired under capital leases of $22.9 million and $10.8 million at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, with related accumulated depreciation of $2.5 million and $2.3 million, respectively. The Company had depreciation expense related to capitalized software of $0.1 million and $0.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company capitalized interest expense related to capital projects within the refining segment of $1.2 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.
8. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible assets are comprised of franchise rights and trade names amounting to $33.8 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. At both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the franchise rights and trade name intangible asset values were $12.4 million and $21.4 million, respectively. These assets have an indefinite life and are not amortized, but rather are tested for impairment annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of the intangible asset has been reduced below carrying value. Based on the testing performed as of June 30, 2016, the Company noted no indications of impairment.

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9. DERIVATIVES
The Company is exposed to market risks related to the volatility in the price of crude oil, refined products (primarily gasoline and distillate), and natural gas used in its operations. To reduce the impact of price volatility on its results of operations and cash flows, the Company uses commodity derivative instruments, including forwards, futures, swaps, and options. The Company uses the futures markets for the available liquidity, which provides greater flexibility in transacting in these instruments. The Company uses swaps primarily to manage its price and margin exposure. The positions in commodity derivative instruments are monitored and managed on a daily basis by a risk control group to ensure compliance with the Company's stated commercial risk management policy. The Company considers these transactions economic hedges of market risk but has elected not to designate these instruments as hedges for financial reporting purposes.
The Company recognizes all derivative instruments, except for those that qualify for the normal purchase and normal sales exception, as either assets or liabilities at fair value on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and any related net gain or loss is recorded as a gain or loss in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. Observable quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets (Level 2 as described in Note 12) are considered to determine the fair values for the purpose of marking to market the derivative instruments at each period end.
Risk Management Activities by Type of Risk
The Company periodically uses futures and swaps contracts to manage price risks associated with inventory quantities both above and below target levels. The Company also periodically uses crack spread and crude differential futures and swaps contracts to manage refining margins. Under the Company's risk mitigation strategy, it may buy or sell an amount equal to a fixed price times a certain number of barrels, and to buy or sell in return an amount equal to a specified variable price times the same amount of barrels. Physical volumes are not exchanged and these contracts are net settled with cash.
The objective of the Company's economic hedges pertaining to crude oil and refined products is to hedge price volatility in certain refining inventories and firm commitments to purchase crude oil inventories. The level of activity for the Company's economic hedges is based on the level of operating inventories, and generally represents the amount by which inventories differ from established target inventory levels. The objective of the Company's economic hedges pertaining to natural gas is to lock in the price for a portion of the Company's forecasted natural gas requirements at existing market prices that are deemed favorable.
At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had open commodity derivative instruments as follows:
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
Crude oil and refined products (thousands of barrels):
 
 
 
Futures - long
185

 
30

Futures - short
1,541

 
1,270

Swaps - long
2,772

 
1,073

Swaps - short
1,151

 
530

Forwards - long
2,090

 
4,382

Forwards - short
2,748

 
3,101

Natural gas (thousands of MMBTUs):
 
 
 
Swaps
858

 
1,169


80


The information below presents the notional volume of outstanding contracts by type of instrument and year of maturity at March 31, 2017:
 
Notional Contract Volumes by Year of Maturity
 
2017
Crude oil and refined products (thousands of barrels):
 
Futures - long
185

Futures - short
1,541

Swaps - long
2,772

Swaps - short
1,151

Forwards - long
2,090

Forwards - short
2,748

Natural gas (thousands of MMBTUs):
 
Swaps
858

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments
The following tables provide information about the fair values of the Company's derivative instruments as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and the line items in the condensed consolidated balance sheets in which the fair values are reflected. See Note 12 for additional information related to the fair values of derivative instruments.
The Company is required to post margin collateral with a counterparty in support of our hedging activities. Funds posted as collateral were $2.6 million and $7.6 million as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The margin collateral posted is required by counterparties and cannot be offset against the fair value of open contracts except in the event of default. The Company nets fair value amounts recognized for multiple similar derivative contracts executed with the same counterparty under master netting arrangements, including cash collateral assets and obligations. The tables below, however, are presented on a gross asset and gross liability basis.
 
 
 
March 31, 2017
(in millions)
Balance Sheet Location
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Commodity instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Swaps
Other current assets
 
$
1.9

 
$

Swaps
Accrued liabilities
 

 
1.8

Futures
Other current assets
 
0.7

 

Futures
Accrued liabilities
 

 
3.2

Forwards
Other current assets
 
5.0

 

Forwards
Accrued liabilities
 

 
7.3

Total
 
 
$
7.6

 
$
12.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2016
(in millions)
Balance Sheet Location
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Commodity instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Swaps
Other current assets
 
$
1.1

 
$

Swaps
Accrued liabilities
 
$
0.1

 
$
0.4

Futures
Other current assets
 

 

Futures
Accrued liabilities
 
0.2

 
1.2

Forwards
Other current assets
 
5.2

 

Forwards
Accrued liabilities
 

 
4.7

Total
 
 
$
6.6

 
$
6.3

Effect of Derivative Instruments on Income
All derivative contracts are marked to market at period end and the resulting gains and losses are recognized in earnings. The

81


following tables provide information about the gain or loss recognized in income on the Company's derivative instruments and the line items in the financial statements in which such gains and losses are reflected.
Recognized gains and losses on derivatives were as follows:
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Gain (loss) on the change in fair value of outstanding derivatives
$
(5.1
)
 
$
3.7

Settled derivative gains (losses)
13.5

 
(4.4
)
Total recognized gain (loss)
$
8.4

 
$
(0.7
)
 
 
 
 
Gain (loss) recognized in cost of sales
$
8.8

 
$
(0.1
)
Gain (loss) recognized in operating expenses
(0.4
)
 
(0.6
)
Total recognized net gain (loss) on derivatives
$
8.4

 
$
(0.7
)
Market and Counterparty Risk
The Company is exposed to credit risk in the event of nonperformance by counterparties on its risk mitigating arrangements. The counterparties are large financial institutions with long-term credit ratings of at least A by Standard and Poor’s and A2 by Moody’s. In the event of default, the Company may be subject to losses on a derivative instrument’s mark-to-market gains. The Company does not expect nonperformance of the counterparties involved in its risk mitigation arrangements.
10. DEBT
ABL Facility
On September 29, 2014, NTE LLC and its subsidiaries entered into an amended and restated asset-based ABL Facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent for the lenders and as collateral agent for the other secured parties (the "ABL Facility"). The borrowers under the ABL Facility are SPPR, NTB, NTR and SAF, each of which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of NTE LLC.
Lenders under the ABL Facility hold commitments totaling $500 million, which is subject to a borrowing base comprised of eligible accounts receivable and inventory. The ABL Facility may be increased up to a maximum aggregate principal amount of $750.0 million, subject to certain conditions (including the agreement of financial institutions, in their sole discretion, to provide such additional commitments). The ABL Facility matures on September 29, 2019. The Company incurred financing costs associated with the new ABL Facility of $3.0 million which will be amortized to Interest expense, net through the date of maturity.
The ABL Facility is guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by NTE LLC and its subsidiaries and will be guaranteed by any newly acquired or formed subsidiaries, subject to certain limited exceptions. The ABL Facility and such guarantees are secured on a first priority basis by substantially all of NTE LLC's and such subsidiaries’ cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and inventory and on a second priority basis by NTE LLC's and such subsidiaries’ fixed assets (other than real property).
Borrowings under the NTI Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at either (a) a base rate plus an applicable margin (ranging between 0.50% and 1.00%) or (b) a LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin (ranging between 1.50% and 2.00%), in each case subject to adjustment based upon the average historical excess availability. In addition to paying interest on outstanding borrowings, NTI is also required to pay a quarterly commitment fee ranging from 0.250% to 0.375% subject to adjustment based upon the average utilization ratio and letter of credit fees ranging from 1.50% to 2.00% subject to adjustment based upon the average historical excess availability. The ABL Facility contains certain covenants, including but not limited to, limitations on debt, investments and dividends and the maintenance of a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio in certain circumstances.
Borrowing availability under the ABL Facility is tied to a borrowing base dependent upon the amount of eligible accounts receivable and inventory. As of March 31, 2017, the borrowing base under the ABL Facility was $332.7 million and availability under the ABL Facility was $266.8 million. This availability is net of $21.0 million in direct borrowings and $44.9 million in outstanding letters of credit. The borrowers under the ABL Facility had $21.0 million in borrowings under the ABL Facility at March 31, 2017, located in Long-term debt on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
2020 Secured Notes
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $350.0 million of outstanding aggregate principal of our 7.125% senior secured notes due 2020 (the "2020 Secured Notes"). A portion of these notes were issued with an offering premium of $4.2 million, which is being amortized to Interest expense, net over the remaining term of the notes. Additionally,

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professional service costs were incurred in both the issuance of the 2020 Secured Notes and the establishment of the ABL Facility which are presented within Long-term debt in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The carrying value of these costs at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, was $8.2 million and $8.9 million, respectively.
The 2020 Secured Notes are guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by all of the Company’s existing and future 100% direct and indirect subsidiaries on a full and unconditional basis; however, there are certain obligations not guaranteed on a full and unconditional basis as a result of subsidiaries being released as guarantors. A subsidiary guarantee can be released under customary circumstances, including (a) the sale of the subsidiary, (b) the subsidiary being declared "unrestricted," (c) the legal or covenant defeasance or satisfaction and discharge of the indenture, or (d) liquidation or dissolution of the subsidiary. Separate condensed consolidated financial information is not included as the guarantor company, NTE LP, does not have independent assets or operations. The 2020 Secured Notes and the subsidiary note guarantees are secured on a pari passu basis with certain hedging agreements by a first-priority security interest in substantially all present and hereinafter acquired tangible and intangible assets of NTE LLC and each of the subsidiary guarantors and by a second-priority security interest in the inventory, accounts receivable, investment property, general intangibles, deposit accounts and cash and cash equivalents collateralized by a $500 million secured asset-based ABL Facility with a maturity date of September 29, 2019. Additionally, the 2020 Secured Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by NTE LP. NTE LP's creditors have no recourse to the assets of Western and its subsidiaries. Western's creditors have no recourse to the assets of NTE LP and its subsidiaries. The Company is required to make interest payments on May 15 and November 15 of each year, which commenced on May 15, 2013. There are no scheduled principal payments required prior to the 2020 Secured Notes maturing on November 15, 2020. The outstanding $350.0 million in 2020 Secured Notes are registered with SEC through two separate registrations occurring in October 2013 and January 2015.
At any time prior to the maturity date of the notes, the Company may, at its option, redeem all or any portion of the notes for the outstanding principal amount plus unpaid interest and a make-whole premium as defined in the indenture. If the Company experiences a change in control or makes certain asset dispositions, as defined under the indenture, the Company may be required to repurchase all or part of the notes plus unpaid interest and, in certain cases, pay a redemption premium.
The 2020 Secured Notes contain certain covenants that, among other things, limit the ability, subject to certain exceptions, of the Company to incur additional debt or issue preferred equity interests, to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire its equity interests, to make certain investments, loans and advances, to sell, lease or transfer any of its property or assets, to merge, consolidate, lease or sell substantially all of the Company’s assets, to suffer a change of control or to enter into new lines of business. Following the Company's sale of its terminal and tank assets to WNRL in September 2016 (see Note 3), the Company commenced a tender offer in October 2016 to all holders of the 2020 Secured Notes. This tender offer allowed noteholders to require the Company to purchase outstanding notes at par plus accrued interest. Notes totaling $0.02 million were tendered for redemption.
11. EQUITY
Western indirectly owns 100% of Northern Tier Energy GP LLC and 100% of the limited partnership interest in NTE LP.
Merger with Western
On December 21, 2015, Western and NTE LP announced that they had entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of December 21, 2015 ("the Merger Agreement"), with NTE GP and Western Acquisition Co, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Western ("MergerCo") whereby Western would acquire all of Northern Tier's outstanding common units not already owned by Western (the "Merger").
Based upon the consideration elections made by NTI common unitholders, this cash and Western common stock was allocated among NTI common unitholders as follows:
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Mixed Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement), or who made no election, received $15.00 in cash and 0.2986 of a share of Western common stock for each such NTI common unit held.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Cash Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) received $15.357 in cash and 0.28896 of a share of Western common stock as prorated in accordance with the Merger Agreement for each such NTI common unit held.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Stock Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) received 0.7036 of a share of Western common stock for each such NTI common unit held.
On June 23, 2016, following the approval of the Merger by NTI common unitholders, all closing conditions to the Merger were satisfied, and the Merger was successfully completed. The transaction resulted in approximately 17.1 million additional shares of WNR common stock outstanding. Subsequent to this transaction, NTI continues to exist as a limited partnership and became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Western (see Note 19).

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Distribution Policy
Prior to our merger with Western, the Company generally made distributions, if any, within 60 days after the end of each quarter, to unitholders of record as of the applicable record date. The board of directors of the Company's general partner adopted a policy pursuant to which distributions for each quarter, if any, would equal the amount of available cash the Company generates in such quarter. Distributions on the Company's units were in cash. Available cash for each quarter, if any, was determined by the board of directors of the Company's general partner following the end of such quarter. Distributions were expected to be based on the amount of available cash generated in such quarter, if any. Available cash for each quarter was generally equal to the Company's cash flow from operations for the quarter, excluding working capital changes, less cash required for maintenance and regulatory capital expenditures, reimbursement of expenses incurred by the Company's general partner and its affiliates, debt service and other contractual obligations and reserves for future operating or capital needs that the board of directors of our general partner deemed necessary or appropriate, including reserves for turnaround and related expenses, working capital, and organic growth projects. Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company declared and paid a prorated quarterly distribution for the period April 1, 2016, to June 13, 2016, which was paid on June 23, 2016, to unitholders of record as of immediately prior to the Effective Time of the Merger (as defined in the Merger Agreement).
The following table details the quarterly distributions paid to common unitholders in 2016 prior to the Company's merger with Western (see note 19):
Date Declared
 
Date Paid
 
Common Units and equivalents at record date (in millions)
 
Distribution per common unit and equivalent
 
Total Distribution (in millions)
2016 Distributions:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 3, 2016
 
February 19, 2016
 
94.2
 
$
0.38

 
$
36.0

June 13, 2016
 
June 23, 2016
 
93.0
 
0.18

 
16.7

Total distributions paid prior to our merger
 
 
 
$
0.56

 
$
52.7

Subsequent to our merger with Western, we have declared one distribution for $110.0 million which was paid in the fourth quarter 2016. We also pay distributions on LTIP awards that have distribution accrual rights at the time the underlying awards vest (see note 14). For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we paid $1.2 million in accrued distributions on vested awards.
Changes in Partners' Equity
(in millions)
Partners' Capital
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Total Partners' Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
461.7

 
$
(0.1
)
 
$
461.6

Net income
14.0

 

 
14.0

Distributions
(1.2
)
 

 
(1.2
)
Equity-based compensation expense
1.5

 

 
1.5

Vested equity value withheld to cover employee taxes
(3.9
)
 

 
(3.9
)
Amortization of net prior service cost and deferred loss on defined benefit plans

 
(0.1
)
 
(0.1
)
Balance at March 31, 2017
$
472.1

 
$
(0.2
)
 
$
471.9

12. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
As defined in GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received for the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. GAAP describes three approaches to measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities: the market approach, the income approach and the cost approach, each of which includes multiple valuation techniques. The market approach uses prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities. The income approach uses valuation techniques to measure fair value by converting future amounts, such as cash flows or earnings, into a single present value amount using current market expectations about those future amounts. The cost approach is based on the amount that would currently be required to replace the service capacity of an asset. This is often referred to as current replacement cost. The cost approach assumes that the fair value would not exceed what it would cost a market participant to acquire or construct a substitute asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence.

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Accounting guidance does not prescribe which valuation technique should be used when measuring fair value and does not prioritize among the techniques. Accounting guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used in applying the various valuation techniques. Inputs broadly refer to the assumptions that market participants use to make pricing decisions, including assumptions about risk. Level 1 inputs are given the highest priority in the fair value hierarchy while Level 3 inputs are given the lowest priority. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows: 
Level 1 – Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets as of the reporting date. Active markets are those in which transactions for the asset or liability occur in sufficient frequency and volume to provide pricing information on an ongoing basis.
Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data. These are inputs other than quoted prices in active markets included in Level 1, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reporting date.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data and may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management’s best estimate of fair value.
The Company uses a market or income approach for recurring fair value measurements and endeavors to use the best information available. Accordingly, valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs are favored. The assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment and may affect the placement of assets and liabilities within the levels of the fair value hierarchy.
The Company’s current asset and liability accounts contain certain financial instruments, the most significant of which are trade accounts receivables and trade payables. The Company believes the carrying values of its current assets and liabilities approximate fair value. The Company’s fair value assessment incorporates a variety of considerations, including the short-term duration of the instruments, the Company’s historical incurrence of insignificant bad debt expense and the Company’s expectation of future insignificant bad debt expense, which includes an evaluation of counterparty credit risk.
The following table provides the assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016:
 
Balance at
 
Quoted prices in active markets
 
Significant other observable inputs
 
Unobservable inputs
(in millions)
March 31, 2017
 
(Level 1)
 
 (Level 2)
 
 (Level 3)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
5.8

 
$
5.8

 
$

 
$

Other current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative asset - current
5.6

 

 
5.6

 

 
$
11.4

 
$
5.8

 
$
5.6

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liability - current
$
7.9

 
$

 
$
7.9

 
$

 
$
7.9

 
$

 
$
7.9

 
$


85


 
Balance at
 
Quoted prices in active markets
 
Significant other observable inputs
 
Unobservable inputs
(in millions)
December 31, 2016
 
(Level 1)
 
 (Level 2)
 
 (Level 3)
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
29.5

 
$
29.5

 
$

 
$

Other current assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative asset - current
6.3

 

 
6.3

 

 
$
35.8

 
$
29.5

 
$
6.3

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accrued liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative liability - current
$
6.0

 
$

 
$
6.0

 
$

 
$
6.0

 
$

 
$
6.0

 
$

As of both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had no Level 3 fair value assets or liabilities.
The Company’s policy is to recognize transfers in and transfers out as of the actual date of the event or of the change in circumstances that caused the transfer. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no transfers in or out of Levels 1, 2 or 3.
Assets not recorded at fair value on a recurring basis, such as property, plant and equipment, intangible assets and cost method investments, are recognized at fair value when they are impaired. During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, there were no impairments of such assets.
The carrying value of debt, which is reported on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, reflects the cash proceeds received upon issuance, net of subsequent repayments. The fair value of the 2020 Secured Notes disclosed below was determined based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). 
 
March 31, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
(in millions)
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value
2020 Secured Notes
$
350.0

 
$
364.0

 
$
350.0

 
$
363.5

Outstanding borrowings on ABL Facility
21.0

 
21.0

 

 

Total
$
371.0


$
385.0


$
350.0


$
363.5

13. ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS
The following table summarizes the changes in asset retirement obligations: 
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Asset retirement obligation balance at beginning of period
$
2.4

 
$
2.4

Costs incurred to remediate

 
(0.1
)
Accretion expense
0.1

 
0.1

Asset retirement obligation balance at end of period
$
2.5

 
$
2.4

14. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
Prior to Northern Tier's merger with Western, the Company maintained the 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("LTIP"). Effective upon the closing of the Merger, Western's board of directors adopted and assumed the LTIP and amended and renamed the LTIP to the Northern Tier Energy LP Amended and Restated 2012 Long-Term Incentive Plan ("Amended LTIP"). The Amended LTIP changed, among other things, the unit of equity from a unit of NTI common partnership interest to a share of Western common stock and the administrator of the plan was changed from the board of directors of the NTE GP to the board of directors of Western or its applicable committee. All unvested equity awards at the time of the Merger with Western were exchanged for new awards under the Amended LTIP consistent with the terms of the Merger Agreement.

86


The Company recognized equity-based compensation expense of $3.0 million and $4.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017, and 2016, respectively, related to these plans. This expense is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.
AMENDED LTIP
Approximately 0.4 million Western common share equivalents are reserved for issuance under the Amended LTIP as of March 31, 2017. The Amended LTIP permits the award of stock options, restricted stocks, phantom stocks, dividend equivalent rights, stock appreciation rights and other awards that derive their value from the market price of Western's common stock. As of March 31, 2017, approximately 0.4 million shares of equity denominated awards and approximately $11.0 million in cash denominated awards were outstanding under the Amended LTIP. The Company recognized the expense on all LTIP awards ratably from the grant date until all units vested. Service-based awards generally vested ratably over a three-year period beginning on the award's first anniversary date and performance-based awards generally vested following the end of the measurement period which, for the performance-based phantom awards, had traditionally been three years after the commencement of the measurement period. Compensation expense related to service-based phantom awards was based on the grant date fair value as determined by the closing market price on the grant date, reduced by the fair value of estimated forfeitures. Compensation expense related to performance-based phantom awards was based on the grant date fair value as determined by either the closing price on the grant date and management's estimates on the number of units that ultimately vested in the case of awards with company performance based criteria or by third-party valuation experts in the case of awards with market based criteria. For awards to employees, the Company estimates a forfeiture rate which is subject to revision depending on the actual forfeiture experience.
As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total unrecognized compensation cost for stock and cash awards under the Amended LTIP was $8.0 million and $8.6 million.
Restricted Common Units
Legacy NTI Service-based Restricted Common Unit Awards
As of March 31, 2017, the Company had no restricted common units outstanding as all restricted common units were exchanged upon the Merger with Western. As a replacement for these awards, for every one unvested outstanding restricted common unit, 1.0323 shares of Western phantom stock were issued to the participant with all vesting dates remaining unchanged.
A summary of the service-based restricted common unit activity is set forth below: 
 
Number of
 
Weighted
 
Weighted Average Term
 
restricted common units
 
Average Grant
 
Until Maturity
 
(in thousands)
 
Date Price
 
(years)
Nonvested at December 31, 2015
191.5

 
$
24.75

 
1.0

Forfeited
(12.3
)
 
25.57

 

Vested
(34.5
)
 
26.83

 

Exchanged due to merger
(144.7
)
 
24.18

 
0.5

Nonvested at December 31, 2016

 
$

 

Phantom Common Units
Legacy NTI Service-based Phantom Common Unit Awards
As of March 31, 2017, the Company had no service-based phantom common units outstanding as all service-based phantom common units were exchanged in accordance with the Merger. For every one unvested service-based phantom common units outstanding, 1.0323 shares of Western phantom stock were issued to the participant with all vesting dates remaining unchanged.

87


A summary of the service-based phantom common unit activity is set forth below:
 
Number of phantom common units
 
Weighted
 
Weighted Average Term
 
(in thousands)
 
Average Grant
 
Until Maturity
 
Service-Based
 
Performance-Based
 
Total
 
Date Price
 
(years)
Nonvested at December 31, 2015
581.9

 
260.7

 
842.6

 
$
24.00

 
1.5

Awarded
381.0

 
163.6

 
544.6

 
25.87

 
2.5

Incremental performance units

 
231.8

 
231.8

 
27.82

 
2.0

Forfeited
(16.5
)
 
(19.1
)
 
(35.6
)
 
25.36

 

Vested
(269.2
)
 
(1.8
)
 
(271.0
)
 
24.10

 

Exchanged due to merger
(677.2
)
 
(635.2
)
 
(1,312.4
)
 
25.45

 
2.0

Nonvested at December 31, 2016

 

 

 
$

 

Western Service-based Phantom Stock Awards
As a result of the Merger, both the previously outstanding service-based restricted and phantom common unit awards were exchanged with 0.8 million service based awards of Western phantom stock. Upon vesting, Western may settle these awards in common stock, cash or a combination of both, in the discretion of the board of directors of Western or its applicable committee. The new Western phantom stock awards participate in dividends on an equal basis with Western's common shareholders. However, dividends for phantom stock awards are paid in cash only upon vesting. In the event that unvested phantom stock awards are forfeited or canceled, any unpaid dividends on the underlying awards are also forfeited by the grantee. For phantom stock awards outstanding at March 31, 2017, the forfeiture rates ranged from zero to 30%, depending on the employee pay grade classification.
Legacy NTI Performance-based Phantom Common Awards
As of March 31, 2017, the Company had no performance-based phantom common units outstanding as all performance-based phantom common units were exchanged in accordance with the Merger. Western issued (a) fixed-value cash denominated awards for the pre-merger time period pertaining to the legacy NTI performance-based phantom common unit awards based upon the performance multiples achieved through March 31, 2016 (the most recently completed quarter prior to the Merger date) and (b) variable-value cash denominated awards for the post-merger time period pertaining to the legacy NTI performance-based phantom common unit awards. Both the fixed value and variable value awards were converted to cash denominated awards at a rate of $21.1049 in cash for every one unvested outstanding performance-based phantom common unit prior to the Merger.
Pre-Merger Period Service-Based Cash Denominated Awards
As of March 31, 2017, Western had $4.3 million in unvested fixed value, cash denominated awards applicable to the Company's pre-merger period ("Legacy Performance Awards"). The vesting dates of the Legacy Performance Awards remained unchanged and are now subject only to service conditions. These awards have a weighted average term until maturity of 0.8 years. The related expense is amortized over the remaining service period using the straight-line method and recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses. In the event that unvested Legacy Performance Awards are forfeited or canceled, all dividend rights associated with the grant are also forfeited by the grantee. The forfeiture rates on the Legacy Performance Awards range from 5% to 20%, depending on the employee's pay grade classification.
Post-Merger Period Performance-Based Cash Denominated Awards
As of March 31, 2017, Western had $6.7 million in unvested variable value, cash denominated awards applicable to the Company's post-merger period (the "Performance Cash Award"). Assuming a threshold EBITDA is achieved and the participant meets the service conditions throughout the vesting term, participants are entitled to a payout under the Performance Cash Award based on the Company’s achievement of two criteria compared to the performance peer group selected by the compensation committee of Western's board of directors over the performance period: (a) return on capital employed, referred to as a performance condition, and (b) total shareholder return, referred to as a market condition. The average of these two conditions is then multiplied by a third condition relating to Western's average safety rate over the performance period relative to the comparable average safety rate of the refining industry as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and can range between 85% for relatively poor safety performance to 115% for relatively superior safety performance.
The Company accounts for the performance and market conditions in each Performance Cash Award as separate liability awards and remeasures the expected liability each period.

88


15. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company sponsors one qualified defined contribution plan for eligible employees. Eligibility is based upon a minimum age requirement and a minimum level of service. Participants may make contributions of a percentage of their annual compensation subject to Internal Revenue Service limits. In 2017, the Company provides a matching contribution at the rate of 175% of a participant’s contribution up to 6.0%. Total Company contributions to the Retirement Savings Plans were $2.4 million and $2.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
Cash Balance Plan
The Company sponsors a defined benefit cash balance pension plan (the "Cash Balance Plan") for eligible employees. In the fourth quarter 2016, the Company curtailed this benefit effective January 1, 2017 whereby the Company will no longer credit employees for service or interest related to service years after 2016. The Company will continue to sponsor the plan until all benefit obligations are exhausted. Prior to this change, Company contributions were made to the cash account of the participants equal to 5.0% of eligible compensation. Participants’ cash accounts also received interest credits each year based upon the average thirty-year United States Treasury bond rate published in September preceding the respective plan year. Participants become fully-vested in their accounts after three years of service. The net periodic benefit cost related to the Cash Balance Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, was zero and $0.6 million, respectively, related primarily to current period service costs.
16. SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION
Supplemental cash flow information is as follows: 
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Net cash from operating activities included:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
0.8

 
$
0.8

Income taxes paid
4.7

 

 
 
 
 
Noncash investing activities included:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable
$
6.2

 
$
14.5

PP&E additions resulting from a capital lease
12.1

 
0.3

 
 
 
 
Noncash financing activities included:
 
 
 
Distributions accrued on unvested equity awards
$

 
$
4.0

17. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is the subject of, or party to, contingencies and commitments involving a variety of matters. Certain of these matters are discussed below. While the results of these commitments and contingencies cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company believes that the final resolution of the foregoing would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements as a whole.
Legal Matters
On February 20, 2015, a customer served a complaint in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. We denied and continue to deny all material allegations in the complaint. On December 29, 2016, we entered into a settlement which will require a payment to the plaintiff class of between $2.2 million and $3.5 million. The parties are awaiting court approval of the settlement terms.
On August 24, 2016, an alleged NTI unitholder ("Plaintiff") filed a purported class action lawsuit against Western, NTI, NTI GP, members of the NTI GP board of directors at the time of the Merger, Evercore Group, L.L.C. ("Evercore"), and MergerCo (collectively, "Defendants") (the "Merger Litigation"). The Merger Litigation appears to challenge the adequacy of disclosures made in connection with the Merger. Plaintiff seeks monetary damages and attorneys’ fees. The Merger Litigation is in the earliest stages of litigation. The Company believes the Merger Litigation is without merit and intends to vigorously defend against it.

89


Environmental Matters
The Company is subject to federal, state, local and foreign laws and regulations relating to the environment. These laws generally provide for control of pollutants released into the environment and require responsible parties to undertake remediation of hazardous waste disposal sites. Penalties may be imposed for noncompliance. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, accruals for remediation and closure obligations totaled $2.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively. Of the $2.5 million and $3.4 million accrued, $2.3 million and $2.5 million are recorded on a discounted basis at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. These discounted liabilities are expected to be settled over at least the next 21 years. At March 31, 2017, the estimated future cash flows to settle these discounted liabilities totaled $2.9 million, and are discounted at a rate of 2.78%. Receivables for recoverable costs from the state, under programs to assist companies in clean-up efforts related to underground storage tanks at retail marketing outlets, and others were $0.1 million at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Costs associated with environmental remediation are recorded in direct operating expenses in the statement of operations.
On June 3, 2014, SPPR was issued a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination Permit/State Disposal System Permit by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency ("MPCA") relating to its upgraded wastewater treatment plant at its St. Paul Park refinery. This permit required the refinery to conduct additional testing of its remaining lagoon. The testing was completed in the fourth quarter of 2014 and following the Company's review of the test results and additional discussions with the MPCA, the Company plans to close the remaining lagoon. The MPCA accepted the Company's remediation plan in the fourth quarter of 2015. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company estimates the remaining remediation costs to be approximately $0.1 million and $0.9 million, respectively. In connection with the Company's December 2010 acquisition of the St. Paul Park refinery, among other assets, from Marathon Petroleum Company LP ("Marathon"), the Company entered into an agreement with Marathon which required Marathon to share in the future remediation costs of this Lagoon, should they be required. During 2015, the Company entered into a settlement and release agreement with Marathon and received $3.5 million pursuant to this settlement.
It is not presently possible to estimate the ultimate amount of all remediation costs that might be incurred by the Company or the penalties that may be imposed. Furthermore, environmental remediation costs may vary from estimates for which a liability has been recorded either in accrued liabilities or other liabilities in the balance sheet because of changes in laws, regulations and their interpretation; additional information on the extent and nature of site contamination; and improvements in technology.
Franchise Agreements
In the normal course of its business, SAF enters into ten-year license agreements with the operators of franchised SuperAmerica brand retail outlets. These agreements obligate SAF or its affiliates to provide certain services including information technology support, maintenance, credit card processing and signage for specified monthly fees.
18. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company has two reportable operating segments: Refining and Retail. Each of these segments is organized and managed based upon the nature of the products and services they offer. The segment disclosures reflect management’s current organizational structure.
Refining – operates the St. Paul Park, Minnesota refinery, terminal, NTOT and related assets, and includes the Company’s interest in MPL and MPLI, and
Retail – operates 192 convenience stores primarily in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The retail segment also includes the operations of NTB and SAF.

90


 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2017
(in millions)
Refining
 
Retail
 
Corporate/Other
 
Total
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer
$
579.5

 
$
247.2

 
$

 
$
826.7

Intersegment
140.5

 

 

 
140.5

Segment revenues
720.0

 
247.2

 

 
967.2

Elimination of intersegment revenues

 

 
(140.5
)
 
(140.5
)
Total revenues
$
720.0

 
$
247.2

 
$
(140.5
)
 
$
826.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
$
29.8

 
$
1.1

 
$
(10.0
)
 
$
20.9

Income from equity method investment
$
6.0

 
$

 
$

 
$
6.0

Depreciation and amortization
$
9.5

 
$
1.8

 
$
0.2

 
$
11.5

Capital expenditures
$
15.5

 
$
2.7

 
$

 
$
18.2

 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2016
(in millions)
Refining
 
Retail
 
Corporate/Other
 
Total
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Customer
$
381.6

 
$
222.8

 
$

 
$
604.4

Intersegment
113.7

 

 

 
113.7

Segment revenues
495.3

 
222.8

 

 
718.1

Elimination of intersegment revenues

 

 
(113.7
)
 
(113.7
)
Total revenues
$
495.3

 
$
222.8

 
$
(113.7
)
 
$
604.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
$
28.1

 
$
1.7

 
$
(8.0
)
 
$
21.8

Income from equity method investment
$
5.5

 
$

 
$

 
$
5.5

Depreciation and amortization
$
9.0

 
$
2.2

 
$
0.1

 
$
11.3

Capital expenditures
$
26.4

 
$
1.5

 
$

 
$
27.9

Intersegment sales from the refining segment to the retail segment consist primarily of sales of refined products which are recorded based on contractual prices that are market-based. Revenues from external customers are nearly all in the United States.
Total assets by segment were as follows: 
(in millions)
Refining
 
Retail
 
Corporate/Other
 
Total
At March 31, 2017
$
1,136.3

 
$
149.0

 
$
13.6

 
$
1,298.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2016
$
1,113.8

 
$
137.5

 
$
40.0

 
$
1,291.3

Total assets for the refining and retail segments exclude all intercompany balances. All cash and cash equivalents are included in corporate/other assets. All property, plant and equipment are located in the United States.
19. MERGER TRANSACTION
Description of the Transaction
On December 21, 2015, Western entered into the Merger Agreement, by and among Western, MergerCo, NTI and Northern Tier Energy GP LLC, the general partner of NTI and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Western ("NTI GP"). On June 23, 2016, following the approval of the Merger by NTI common unitholders, all closing conditions to the Merger were satisfied, and the Merger was successfully completed. Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, MergerCo merged with and into NTI, the separate limited liability company existence of MergerCo ceased and NTI continued to exist, as a limited partnership under Delaware law and as an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Western, as the surviving entity in the Merger.

91


Prior to the Merger, NT InterHoldCo LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and wholly-owned subsidiary of Western ("NT InterHoldCo"), owned 100% of the membership interests in NTI GP and 38.3% of NTI’s outstanding common units representing limited partner interests in NTI ("NTI Common Units"). NT InterHoldCo also owned 100% of the membership interests in Western Acquisition Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and holder of 100% of the membership interests in MergerCo ("MergerCo HoldCo"). Following the Merger, NTI GP remained the sole general partner of NTI, the NTI Common Units held by Western and its subsidiaries were unchanged and remained issued and outstanding, and, by virtue of the Merger, all of the membership interests in MergerCo automatically converted into the number of NTI Common Units (excluding any NTI Common Units owned by Western and its subsidiaries) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the Merger. Consequently, NT InterHoldCo and its wholly-owned subsidiary, MergerCo HoldCo, became the sole limited partners of NTI.
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Western paid $859.9 million in cash and issued 17.1 million shares of Western Common Stock adjusted slightly for cash paid in lieu of fractional shares. NTI common unitholders made consideration elections that resulted in the following allocation of cash and Western common stock among NTI common unitholders.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Mixed Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement), or who made no election, received $15.00 in cash and 0.2986 of a share of Western common stock for each such NTI common unit held.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Cash Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) received $15.357 in cash and 0.28896 of a share of Western common stock, prorated in accordance with the Merger Agreement for each such NTI common unit held.
NTI common unitholders who made a valid "Stock Election" (as defined in the Merger Agreement) received 0.7036 of a share of Western common stock for each such NTI common unit held.
Merger and Reorganization expenses
The Company incurred professional service fees in connection with the Merger transaction. Additionally, the Company incurred costs associated with initiating a plan of reorganization for various positions in the third quarter of 2016. In relation to this reorganization plan, it was determined that certain employees would be terminated during 2016 and 2017. The Company recognized $1.5 million and $0.4 million of expense during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which included compensation related to the severance of employment and retention bonuses for selected employees. These costs are recognized in the merger-related expenses line within the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income. All reorganization and related costs are recognized in the Other segment. The Company recognizes these costs ratably from September 1, 2016, the effective date of the agreements, through the remaining service period, which varies for each employee, but in no case is later than September 1, 2017. As of March 31, 2017, the Company anticipates that these costs will continue to be recognized through the third quarter of 2017 and for the expenses to be completely paid out by December 31, 2017.
The following table summarizes the merger-related and reorganization expense activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017:
 
 
Three Months Ended
(in millions)
 
March 31, 2017
 
March 31, 2016
Beginning liability for merger and reorganization costs
 
$
2.5

 
$
0.2

Third-party professional service fees
 

 
0.4

Reorganization and related personnel costs incurred during period
 
1.5

 

Cash payments to third-party professional service providers
 

 
(0.4
)
Cash payments made to severed employees
 
(1.0
)
 
(0.2
)
Ending liability for merger and reorganization costs
 
$
3.0

 
$




92