Incentive Distribution Rights (IDR)

What Are Incentive Distribution Rights?

Incentive distribution rights (IDR) give a general partner an increasing share of a limited partnership's incremental distributable cash flow. Used in master limited partnerships (MLP), IDRs outline per-unit distribution increases to the limited partners.

The general partner's share of incremental distributable cash flow usually starts at 2% but may be as high as 20% or even 50%.

In recent years, many MLPs are eliminating IDRs, noting that the structure of making such payments is not sustainable over the longer-term.

Incentive Distribution Rights Explained

A master limited partnership's IDR schedule tends to be structured to encourage the general partner to drive distribution growth for limited partners. If the payouts for limited partners reach a predetermined level, the general partner receives an increasingly higher payment based on the limited partnership's incremental cash flow. Incentive distribution rights are generally determined based on quarterly distribution figures.

Analyze the Structure

IDRs are relatively uncommon and can be complex. They are often misunderstood by MLP investors. In addition, some general partners may abuse the IDR mechanism in order to generate outsized payments to themselves.

Each IDR within an MLP is structured differently, and prospective MLP limited partners need to carefully analyze that structure in any potential investment. Some structures may have the effect of promoting or inhibiting distribution growth for limited partners.

Some incentive distribution rights are structured in a way that unfairly benefits the general partner (GP).

Reliable Cash Flow

The general partner incentive can be substantial. That generally means that the limited partner has also done well`over a long period of time. And, if the MLP's performance should falter, the limited partner should see their cash flow hit less drastically than the general partner because of the IDR's structure.

Some limited partners give up big gains in favor of steady cash flow.

The bargain for limited partners is that they trade some (or a lot) of the upside for more steady, reliable cash flow. But cash flow and the risks of IDRs frequently lead to contentious relations between limited partners and the general partner. Some GPs abuse the IDR mechanism, creating terms that drastically favor them over the limited partners.