As previously reported, BofA/Merrill upgraded NuStar Energy to Buy from Neutral and a $70 price target. The firm said NuStar Energy base business is stable in an uncertain commodity environment and 7% distribution rate is sustainable.

NuStar Energy (NS) announced that the board of directors of NuStar GP, the general partner of its general partner, has declared a special distribution of 21.2c per NuStar Energy common unit, to be paid on May 2 to holders of record of NuStar Energy common units as of April 26. Payment of the special distribution is subject to and conditioned upon holders of NuStar Energy's common units approving its acquisition by Sunoco (SUN) at NuStar Energy's special meeting on May 1, and the merger agreement with respect to the acquisition not having been terminated. If approval of the pending acquisition is not obtained at the special meeting or the merger agreement with respect to the acquisition is terminated, the special distribution will not be paid until a date, and to holders of record, later determined by the board of directors of NuStar GP, or it may not be paid at all.