SUN Misses on Q1 Earnings & Revenues, Hikes Distribution

Core Viewpoint - Sunoco LP reported first-quarter 2025 earnings of $1.21 per unit, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.69, but showing improvement from $1.06 per unit in the same quarter last year. Total revenues of $5.18 billion also fell short of the estimate of $5.32 billion and decreased from $5.50 billion year-over-year [1][2]. Financial Performance - The year-over-year increase in earnings was attributed to lower total expenses and higher fuel margins, although net income decreased [2]. - Total operating income for the quarter was $296 million, slightly down from $297 million in the prior-year quarter. Net income was reported at $207 million, compared to $230 million in the first quarter of 2024 [6]. - Adjusted distributable cash flow totaled $310 million, up from $176 million year-over-year [7]. Revenue and Expenses - Total cost of sales and operating expenses decreased to $4.88 billion from $5.20 billion a year ago [8]. - The partnership sold 2.1 billion gallons of fuel in the reported quarter, lower than the estimate of 2.3 billion gallons. Motor fuel gross profit per gallon increased to 11.5 cents from 10.9 cents year-over-year [5]. Distribution and Growth - The board declared a distribution of $0.8976 per unit for the first quarter of 2025, an increase from $0.8865 per unit in the previous quarter. The partnership targets a distribution growth rate of at least 5% for 2025 [3]. Segment Performance - Fuel Distribution segment reported adjusted EBITDA of $220 million, slightly up from $218 million in the comparable period of 2024, affected by lower fuel sales and lease profits [4]. - Pipeline Systems reported adjusted EBITDA of $172 million, benefiting from the acquisition of NuStar [4]. - Terminals segment saw adjusted EBITDA rise to $66 million from $24 million year-over-year, primarily due to acquisitions [5]. Balance Sheet and Outlook - As of March 31, 2025, Sunoco had cash and cash equivalents of $172 million and net long-term debt of $7.67 billion [9]. - The company reaffirmed its full-year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA guidance in the range of $1.90-$1.95 billion, with total operating expenses projected between $900 million and $925 million [10].