Throughput and deficiency agreements (several, not joint) with the company's owners, all of which are large, solidly investment-grade oil companies; Relatively stable and predictable cash flows as well as minimal capital expenditures; Added liquidity in that the owners can reduce or suspend distributions, which at times have exceeded earnings; and Dominant market share as sole offshore oil port provider for deep-draft oil tankers in the Gulf of Mexico. High leverage, and Competition from lightering and short hauls that can bypass LOOP. The ratings on LOOP LLC reflect its dominant market share as the sole deepwater offshore port in the Gulf of Mexico and relatively stable and predictable cash flows. Weaknesses include the company's aggressive financial leverage and competition from short
