MPLX LP Reports Second-Quarter 2017 Financial Results

• Reported record second-quarter net income of $190 million and adjusted EBITDA of $474 million
• Reported second-quarter net cash from operating activities of $467 million and distributable cash flow of $387 million
• Declared 18th consecutive quarterly distribution increase to $0.5625 per common unit, and continue to forecast 2017 distribution growth of 12 to 15 percent
• Targeting third-quarter 2017 for next dropdown in series of acquisitions planned from sponsor Marathon Petroleum Corporation

FINDLAY, Ohio, July 27, 2017 - MPLX LP (NYSE: MPLX) today reported second-quarter 2017 net income attributable to MPLX of $190 million compared with $19 million in the second quarter of 2016.

"MPLX delivered record second-quarter financial results driven by record processed and fractionated volumes and the continued execution of our organic and dropdown growth strategies," said Gary R. Heminger, MPLX chairman and chief executive officer.

In the third quarter, MPLX anticipates completing the second of several acquisitions from sponsor Marathon Petroleum Corporation (NYSE: MPC) with the offer of the joint-interest ownership in certain pipelines and storage facilities. These assets are projected to generate approximately $135 million of annual adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA).⁽¹⁾ MPC has indicated work remains on schedule to prepare the remaining assets with annual EBITDA of approximately $1 billion for dropdown to MPLX no later than the end of the first quarter of 2018.

In conjunction with the completion of the acquisitions, MPLX expects to exchange newly issued common units for MPC's general partner economic interest, including incentive distribution rights (IDRs) and its 2 percent general partner interest. These strategic actions are intended to reduce MPLX's cost of capital and enhance its long-term distribution growth capabilities. Following these transactions, the partnership also expects to target a higher coverage ratio over time and internally fund a greater portion of its future growth. The planned dropdowns and the elimination of the IDRs are subject to requisite approvals, market and other conditions, including tax and other regulatory clearances.

"Upon completion of the dropdowns, MPLX will be among the largest diversified master limited partnerships in the energy sector," Heminger said. "With a robust portfolio of organic projects in the Marcellus, Permian and STACK, which are among the most prolific and economic shale plays in the country, we believe MPLX is well-positioned to deliver attractive long-term returns."

In early July, the Logistics and Storage segment's (L&S) Utica build-out projects, including the newly constructed Harpster-to-Lima pipeline, became fully operational. In combination with the Cornerstone Pipeline, these projects create additional fee-based revenue for the partnership and new access for Utica and Marcellus shale producers by moving condensate and natural gasoline to refineries throughout the Midwest. MPLX is currently constructing additional connectivity and expanding pipelines to provide more optionality for Midwest refiners.

The Gathering and Processing (G&P) segment continues to build on its strong footprint in the Marcellus, Permian and STACK shale plays. In the Northeast, the second quarter was the first full quarter with seven plants operating at the Sherwood complex in West Virginia. The complex operated at full capacity for the quarter. To further support Antero Resources Corp.'s extensive Marcellus Shale acreage in the prolific rich-gas corridor of West Virginia, the Sherwood VIII processing plant was placed into service in July. Three additional processing plants and a de-ethanization unit are expected to be constructed at Sherwood in 2018.

In the Southwest, MPLX continues construction of the Argo gas processing plant in the Delaware basin. In July, the partnership began construction of an additional gas processing plant to support growth in the STACK shale play of Oklahoma. The new facility, named the Omega plant, is expected to enter service in mid-2018.

⁽¹⁾      Adjusted EBITDA with respect to anticipated joint-interest acquisitions is calculated as cash distributions adjusted for maintenance capital, growth capital and financing activities.

Financial Highlights

(a)   The three and six months ended June 30, 2016, include pretax, non-cash impairment charges of $89 million related to an equity method investment. The three and six months ended June 30, 2016, includes a pretax, non-cash impairment of $1 million and $130 million, respectively, related to the goodwill established in connection with the MarkWest acquisition.
(b)   Amounts have been recast to reflect the March 1, 2017, acquisition of Hardin Street Transportation (HST), Woodhaven Cavern (WHC) and MPLX Terminals (MPLXT) from MPC. The results of HST and WHC were recast effective Jan. 1, 2015, and the results for MPLXT were recast effective April 1, 2016. Prior to these dates these companies were not considered businesses and therefore there are no financial results from which to recast.
(c)   Non-GAAP measure calculated before the distribution to preferred units and excluding impairment charges. See reconciliation below.
(d)   Distributions declared by the board of directors of MPLX's general partner.
(e)   Non-GAAP measure. See calculation below.
(f)    Includes capital expenditures for inland marine business acquired on March 31, 2016, and the pipeline, storage and terminals businesses acquired on March 1, 2017 (collectively with inland marine business, "Predecessor"). Excludes non-affiliated joint-venture (JV) members' share of capital expenditures. See description below.

Operational Highlights

·         Processed volumes in the Marcellus and Utica of 4.7 billion cubic feet per day, a 14 percent increase for the second quarter of 2017 versus the second quarter of 2016.
·         Fractionated volumes in the Marcellus and Utica of 351,000 barrels per day, a 19 percent increase for the second quarter of 2017 versus the second quarter of 2016.
·      Operated at full utilization at the Sherwood complex; commenced operation of Sherwood VIII processing plant in July.
·      Commenced operation of a 20,000-barrels-per-day fractionation train at the Bluestone complex to support growing natural gas liquids (NGL) production in the Marcellus shale.
·         Operated at full utilization at the Hidalgo plant.
·         Commenced operations of the Harpster-to-Lima pipeline and expansions to the East Sparta-to-Heath and Heath-to-Harpster pipelines. These pipeline projects became fully operational in July.

Financial Position and Liquidity

As of June 30, MPLX had $293 million in cash, approximately $2 billion available through its bank revolving credit facility expiring in December 2020, and $500 million available through its credit facility with MPC. On July 21, 2017, MPLX replaced its existing bank revolving credit facility with a new five-year $2.25 billion bank revolving credit facility, with an expiration approximately 18 months after the previous facility. Additionally, the $250 million outstanding under the term loan facility was repaid on July 19, 2017. During the second quarter, MPLX opportunistically issued approximately 9 million new common units through its at-the-market program and received net proceeds of approximately $286 million.

The partnership's $2.8 billion of available liquidity and its access to the capital markets should provide it with sufficient flexibility to meet its day-to-day operational needs and continue investing in organic growth opportunities. The partnership's debt-to-pro forma adjusted EBITDA ratio was 3.8 times at June 30, 2017. MPLX remains committed to maintaining an investment-grade credit profile.

Forecast

MPLX's 2017 financial forecast has been revised to reflect the partnership's current estimates for operational volumes and commodity prices. The partnership increased its earnings-related guidance by $50 million. The 2017 forecast excluding future dropdowns is:

(a)   Non-GAAP measure calculated before the distribution to preferred units. See reconciliation below.
(b)   Guidance excludes acquisition costs for dropdown of terminal, pipeline and storage assets; Ozark Pipeline; and Bakken Pipeline system. Also excludes non-affiliated JV members' share of capital expenditures.

Segment Results

(a)   See reconciliation below for details.

Logistics and Storage (L&S) segment operating income increased for the second quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of the MPLX Terminals, Hardin Street Transportation and Woodhaven Cavern businesses on March 1, 2017, and the acquisition of the Ozark pipeline.

Gathering and Processing (G&P) segment operating income increased for the second quarter of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016. This increase is due to higher processing and fractionation volumes and higher product margins.

See reconciliation below for detail on items not allocable to, or controllable by, any individual segment, which are therefore excluded when evaluating segment performance.

Conference Call

At 11 a.m. EDT today, MPLX will hold a conference call and webcast to discuss the reported results and provide an update on operations. Interested parties may listen to the conference call by dialing 1-888-677-5735 (confirmation number 2770286) or by visiting MPLX's website at http://www.mplx.com and clicking on the "2017 Second-Quarter Financial Results" link in the "News & Headlines" section. Replays of the conference call will be available on MPLX's website through Thursday, Aug. 10. Investor-related material will also be available online prior to the conference call and webcast at http://ir.mplx.com.

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About MPLX LP

MPLX is a diversified, growth-oriented master limited partnership formed in 2012 by Marathon Petroleum Corporation to own, operate, develop and acquire midstream energy infrastructure assets. We are engaged in the gathering, processing and transportation of natural gas; the gathering, transportation, fractionation, storage and marketing of NGLs; and the transportation, storage and distribution of crude oil and refined petroleum products. Headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, MPLX's assets consist of a network of crude oil and products pipeline assets located in the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions of the United States; 62 light-product terminals with approximately 24 million barrels of storage capacity; an inland marine business; storage caverns with approximately 2.8 million barrels of storage capacity; crude oil and product storage facilities (tank farms) with approximately 5 million barrels of available storage capacity; a barge dock facility with approximately 78,000 barrels per day of crude oil and product throughput capacity; and gathering and processing assets that include approximately 5.6 billion cubic feet per day of gathering capacity, 7.8 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas processing capacity and 570,000 barrels per day of fractionation capacity.

Investor Relations Contacts:
Lisa D. Wilson (419) 421-2071
Doug Wendt (419) 421-2423
Denice Myers (419) 421-2965

Media Contacts:
Chuck Rice (419) 421-2521
Katie Merx (419) 672-5159

Non-GAAP references
In addition to our financial information presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), management utilizes additional non-GAAP measures to facilitate comparisons of past performance and future periods. This press release and supporting schedules include the non-GAAP measures adjusted EBITDA, distributable cash flow (DCF) and distribution coverage ratio. The amount of adjusted EBITDA and DCF generated is considered by the board of directors of our general partner in approving the Partnership's cash distribution. Adjusted EBITDA and DCF should not be considered separately from or as a substitute for net income, income from operations, or cash flow as reflected in our financial statements. The GAAP measures most directly comparable to adjusted EBITDA and DCF are net income and net cash provided by operating activities. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income adjusted for (i) depreciation and amortization; (ii) provision (benefit) for income taxes; (iii) amortization of deferred financing costs; (iv) non-cash equity-based compensation; (v) impairment expense; (vi) net interest and other financial costs; (vii) loss (income) from equity investments; (viii) distributions from unconsolidated subsidiaries; (ix) unrealized derivative losses (gains); and (x) acquisition costs. In general, we define DCF as adjusted EBITDA adjusted for (i) deferred revenue impacts; (ii) net interest and other financial costs; (iii) maintenance capital expenditures; and (iv) other non-cash items.

The Partnership makes a distinction between realized or unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the contract is recorded.

Adjusted EBITDA is a financial performance measure used by management, industry analysts, investors, lenders, and rating agencies to assess the financial performance and operating results of our ongoing business operations. Additionally, we believe adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors for trending, analyzing and benchmarking our operating results from period to period as compared to other companies that may have different financing and capital structures.

DCF is a financial performance measure used by management as a key component in the determination of cash distributions paid to unitholders. We believe DCF is an important financial measure for unitholders as an indicator of cash return on investment and to evaluate whether the partnership is generating sufficient cash flow to support quarterly distributions. In addition, DCF is commonly used by the investment community because the market value of publicly traded partnerships is based, in part, on DCF and cash distributions paid to unitholders.

Distribution coverage ratio is a financial performance measure used by management to reflect the relationship between the partnership's financial operating performance and cash distribution capability. We define the distribution coverage ratio as the ratio of DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders to total GP and LP distribution declared.

Forward-looking statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws regarding MPLX LP ("MPLX") and Marathon Petroleum Corporation ("MPC"). These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations, estimates and projections concerning the business and operations of MPLX and MPC, including proposed strategic initiatives. You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as "anticipate," "believe," "design," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "goal," "guidance," "imply," "intend," "objective," "opportunity," "outlook," "plan," "position," "pursue," "prospective," "predict," "project," "potential," "seek," "strategy," "target," "could," "may," "should," "would," "will" or other similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or outcomes. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond the companies' control and are difficult to predict. Factors that could cause MPLX's actual results to differ materially from those implied in the forward-looking statements include: negative capital market conditions, including an increase of the current yield on common units, adversely affecting MPLX's ability to meet its distribution growth guidance; the time, costs and ability to obtain regulatory or other approvals and consents and otherwise consummate the strategic initiatives discussed herein and other proposed transactions; the satisfaction or waiver of conditions in the agreements governing the strategic initiatives discussed herein and other proposed transactions; our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives related to the strategic initiatives discussed herein and other proposed transactions; adverse changes in laws including with respect to tax and regulatory matters; inability to agree with respect to the timing of and value attributed to assets identified for dropdown; the adequacy of MPLX's capital resources and liquidity, including, but not limited to, availability of sufficient cash flow to pay distributions, and the ability to successfully execute its business plans and growth strategy; the timing and extent of changes in commodity prices and demand for crude oil, refined products, feedstocks or other hydrocarbon-based products; continued/further volatility in and/or degradation of market and industry conditions; changes to the expected construction costs and timing of projects; completion of midstream infrastructure by competitors; disruptions due to equipment interruption or failure, including electrical shortages and power grid failures; the suspension, reduction or termination of MPC's obligations under MPLX's commercial agreements; modifications to earnings and distribution growth objectives; the level of support from MPC, including dropdowns, alternative financing arrangements, taking equity units, and other methods of sponsor support, as a result of the capital allocation needs of the enterprise as a whole and its ability to provide support on commercially reasonable terms; compliance with federal and state environmental, economic, health and safety, energy and other policies and regulations and/or enforcement actions initiated thereunder; adverse results in litigation; changes to MPLX's capital budget; other risk factors inherent to MPLX's industry; and the factors set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in MPLX's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Factors that could cause MPC's actual results to differ materially from those implied in the forward-looking statements include: the time, costs and ability to obtain regulatory or other approvals and consents and otherwise consummate the strategic initiatives discussed herein; the satisfaction or waiver of conditions in the agreements governing the strategic initiatives discussed herein; our ability to achieve the strategic and other objectives related to the strategic initiatives discussed herein; adverse changes in laws including with respect to tax and regulatory matters; inability to agree with the MPLX conflicts committee with respect to the timing of and value attributed to assets identified for dropdown; changes to the expected construction costs and timing of projects; continued/further volatility in and/or degradation of market and industry conditions; the availability and pricing of crude oil and other feedstocks; slower growth in domestic and Canadian crude supply; the effects of the lifting of the U.S. crude oil export ban; completion of pipeline capacity to areas outside the U.S. Midwest; consumer demand for refined products; transportation logistics; the reliability of processing units and other equipment; MPC's ability to successfully implement growth opportunities; modifications to MPLX earnings and distribution growth objectives, and other risks described above with respect to MPLX; compliance with federal and state environmental, economic, health and safety, energy and other policies and regulations, including the cost of compliance with the Renewable Fuel Standard, and/or enforcement actions initiated thereunder; adverse results in litigation; changes to MPC's capital budget; other risk factors inherent to MPC's industry; and the factors set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in MPC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2016, filed with the SEC. In addition, the forward-looking statements included herein could be affected by general domestic and international economic and political conditions. Unpredictable or unknown factors not discussed here, in MPLX's Form 10-K or in MPC's Form 10-K could also have material adverse effects on forward-looking statements. Copies of MPLX's Form 10-K are available on the SEC website, MPLX's website at http://ir.mplx.com or by contacting MPLX's Investor Relations office. Copies of MPC's Form 10-K are available on the SEC website, MPC's website at http://ir.marathonpetroleum.com or by contacting MPC's Investor Relations office.

(a)   Financial results for HST and WHC were recast effective Jan. 1, 2015, and the results for MPLXT were recast effective April 1, 2016. Prior to these dates these companies were not considered businesses and therefore there are no financial results from which to recast. The net income of these businesses is excluded from net income attributable to MPLX LP prior to the March 1, 2017, acquisition from MPC.

(a)   The preferred units are considered redeemable securities due to the existence of redemption provisions upon a deemed liquidation event, which is outside our control.
(b)   DCF attributable to GP and LP unitholders divided by total GP and LP distribution declared.
(c)   Non-GAAP measure. See reconciliation below.

(a)   Calculated using face value total debt and LTM pro forma adjusted EBITDA, which is pro forma for acquisitions. Face value total debt includes approximately $441 million and $435 million of unamortized discount and debt issuance costs as of June 30, 2017, and Dec. 31, 2016, respectively.
(b)   Class B units were issued to and are held by M&R MWE Liberty LLC, an affiliate of The Energy & Minerals Group. The Class B units converted into common units at a rate of 1.09 common units and received $6.20 in cash for each Class B unit in two equal installments, the first of which occurred on July 1, 2016, and the second of which occurred on July 1, 2017. Class B units do not receive distributions.
(c)   Financial information has been retrospectively adjusted to include the results of HST, WHC and MPLXT prior to the March 1, 2017, acquisition from MPC, since MPLX and these businesses are under common control.

(a)   Pipeline throughput and tariff rates as of June 30, 2016, have been recast to reflect the acquisition of HST.

(a)   All Partnership-operated, non-wholly owned subsidiaries are treated as if they are consolidated.
(b)   The operating income of Predecessor is excluded from segment operating income attributable to MPLX LP prior to the acquisition dates.
(c)   The Partnership makes a distinction between realized or unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the contract is recorded.

(a)   The Partnership makes a distinction between realized or unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the contract is recorded.
(b)   The Adjusted EBITDA and DCF adjustments related to Predecessor are excluded from adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP and DCF prior to the acquisition dates.

(a)   The Partnership makes a distinction between realized or unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the contract is recorded.
(b)   The Adjusted EBITDA and DCF adjustments related to Predecessor are excluded from adjusted EBITDA attributable to MPLX LP and DCF prior to the acquisition dates.

(a)   Includes capital expenditures of Predecessor for all periods presented.
(b)   Capital expenditures includes amounts related to unconsolidated, partnership-operated subsidiaries.

(a)   The Partnership makes a distinction between realized or unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the contract is recorded.

(a)   The Partnership makes a distinction between realized or unrealized gains and losses on derivatives. During the period when a derivative contract is outstanding, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded as an unrealized gain or loss. When a derivative contract matures or is settled, the previously recorded unrealized gain or loss is reversed and the realized gain or loss of the contract is recorded.

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