FORM 10-Q
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
|
|
|
þ |
|
Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 28, 2008
|
|
|
o |
|
Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 |
Commission File Number: 1-14222
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
|
|
|
Delaware
|
|
22-3410353 |
(State or other jurisdiction of
|
|
(I.R.S. Employer |
incorporation or organization)
|
|
Identification No.) |
240 Route 10 West
Whippany, NJ 07981
(973) 887-5300
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrants principal executive offices)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by
Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for
such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a
non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated
filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
(Check one):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Large accelerated filer þ
|
|
Accelerated filer o
|
|
Non-accelerated filer o
|
|
Smaller reporting company o |
|
|
|
|
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
|
|
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
DISCLOSURE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements (Forward-Looking
Statements) as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, relating to future business expectations and predictions of
financial condition and results of operations of Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (the
Partnership). Some of these statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking
terminology such as prospects, outlook, believes, estimates, intends, may, will,
should, anticipates, expects or plans or the negative or other variation of these or
similar words, or by discussion of trends and conditions, strategies or risks and uncertainties.
These Forward-Looking Statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those discussed or implied in such Forward-Looking Statements
(statements contained in this Quarterly Report identifying such risks and uncertainties are
referred to as Cautionary Statements). The risks and uncertainties and their impact on the
Partnerships results include, but are not limited to, the following risks:
|
|
The impact of weather conditions on the demand for propane, fuel oil and other refined
fuels, natural gas and electricity; |
|
|
|
Volatility in the unit cost of propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels and natural gas,
the impact of the Partnerships hedging and risk management activities, and the adverse impact
of price increases on volumes as a result of customer conservation; |
|
|
|
The ability of the Partnership to compete with other suppliers of propane, fuel oil and
other energy sources; |
|
|
|
The impact on the price and supply of propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels from the
political, military or economic instability of the oil producing nations, global terrorism and
other general economic conditions; |
|
|
|
The ability of the Partnership to acquire and maintain reliable transportation for its
propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels; |
|
|
|
The ability of the Partnership to retain customers; |
|
|
|
The impact of customer conservation, energy efficiency and technology advances on the
demand for propane and fuel oil; |
|
|
|
The ability of management to continue to control expenses; |
|
|
|
The impact of changes in applicable statutes and government regulations, or their
interpretations, including those relating to the environment and global warming and other
regulatory developments on the Partnerships business; |
|
|
|
The impact of legal proceedings on the Partnerships business; |
|
|
|
The impact of operating hazards that could adversely affect the Partnerships operating
results to the extent not covered by insurance; and |
|
|
|
The Partnerships ability to make strategic acquisitions and successfully integrate them. |
Some of these Forward-Looking Statements are discussed in more detail in Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in this Quarterly Report. Reference
is also made to the risk factors discussed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended September 29, 2007. On different occasions, the Partnership or its
representatives have made or may make Forward-Looking Statements in other filings with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), press releases or oral statements made by or with the
approval of one of the Partnerships authorized executive officers. Readers are cautioned not to
place undue reliance on Forward-Looking Statements, which reflect managements view only as of the
date made. The Partnership undertakes no obligation to update any Forward-Looking Statement or
Cautionary Statement. All subsequent written and oral Forward-Looking Statements attributable to
the Partnership or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the
Cautionary Statements in this Quarterly Report and in future SEC reports.
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
September 29, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
118,623 |
|
|
$ |
96,586 |
|
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $7,713 and $5,041, respectively |
|
|
100,308 |
|
|
|
71,607 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
78,705 |
|
|
|
81,246 |
|
Assets held for sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,221 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
16,441 |
|
|
|
21,551 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
314,077 |
|
|
|
282,211 |
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
370,618 |
|
|
|
374,641 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
276,282 |
|
|
|
277,559 |
|
Other intangible assets, net |
|
|
16,573 |
|
|
|
18,242 |
|
Pension asset |
|
|
5,797 |
|
|
|
5,547 |
|
Other assets |
|
|
16,255 |
|
|
|
17,018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
999,602 |
|
|
$ |
975,218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS CAPITAL |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
49,530 |
|
|
$ |
56,999 |
|
Accrued employment and benefit costs |
|
|
26,393 |
|
|
|
41,702 |
|
Accrued insurance |
|
|
10,990 |
|
|
|
13,880 |
|
Customer deposits and advances |
|
|
27,580 |
|
|
|
61,731 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
3,422 |
|
|
|
8,546 |
|
Liabilities associated with assets held for sale |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,291 |
|
Other current liabilities |
|
|
14,338 |
|
|
|
12,261 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
132,253 |
|
|
|
196,410 |
|
Long-term borrowings |
|
|
548,713 |
|
|
|
548,538 |
|
Postretirement benefits obligation |
|
|
21,888 |
|
|
|
22,193 |
|
Accrued insurance |
|
|
31,474 |
|
|
|
36,428 |
|
Other liabilities |
|
|
7,829 |
|
|
|
5,372 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
742,157 |
|
|
|
808,941 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partners capital: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common Unitholders (32,725 and 32,674 units issued and outstanding at June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007, respectively) |
|
|
301,084 |
|
|
|
208,230 |
|
Deferred compensation |
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,660 |
|
Common Units held in trust, at cost |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,660 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(43,639 |
) |
|
|
(41,953 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total partners capital |
|
|
257,445 |
|
|
|
166,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and partners capital |
|
$ |
999,602 |
|
|
$ |
975,218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
1
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
216,999 |
|
|
$ |
188,772 |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
55,262 |
|
|
|
49,021 |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
22,507 |
|
|
|
20,182 |
|
Services |
|
|
9,184 |
|
|
|
11,662 |
|
All other |
|
|
1,524 |
|
|
|
1,817 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
305,476 |
|
|
|
271,454 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of products sold |
|
|
212,974 |
|
|
|
167,224 |
|
Operating |
|
|
76,455 |
|
|
|
77,076 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
13,268 |
|
|
|
12,587 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
7,159 |
|
|
|
7,306 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
309,856 |
|
|
|
264,193 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income before interest expense and (benefit from) provision for income taxes |
|
|
(4,380 |
) |
|
|
7,261 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
9,524 |
|
|
|
8,623 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before (benefit from) provision for taxes |
|
|
(13,904 |
) |
|
|
(1,362 |
) |
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes |
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
389 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations |
|
|
(13,747 |
) |
|
|
(1,751 |
) |
Discontinued operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
408 |
|
Gain on sale of discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
203 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(13,747 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,140 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per Common Unit basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
Discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding basic |
|
|
32,725 |
|
|
|
32,674 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per Common Unit diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
Discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
0.02 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(0.42 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding diluted |
|
|
32,725 |
|
|
|
32,674 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
946,700 |
|
|
$ |
865,808 |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
247,609 |
|
|
|
229,106 |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
84,693 |
|
|
|
79,382 |
|
Services |
|
|
34,752 |
|
|
|
44,792 |
|
All other |
|
|
3,928 |
|
|
|
5,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,317,682 |
|
|
|
1,224,473 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of products sold |
|
|
871,446 |
|
|
|
725,445 |
|
Operating |
|
|
235,495 |
|
|
|
247,819 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
37,632 |
|
|
|
42,667 |
|
Restructuring charges and severance costs |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,485 |
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
21,325 |
|
|
|
21,762 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,165,898 |
|
|
|
1,039,178 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before interest expense and provision for income taxes |
|
|
151,784 |
|
|
|
185,295 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
27,330 |
|
|
|
27,161 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before provision for income taxes |
|
|
124,454 |
|
|
|
158,134 |
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
1,956 |
|
|
|
1,529 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
|
122,498 |
|
|
|
156,605 |
|
Discontinued operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,564 |
|
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations |
|
|
43,707 |
|
|
|
1,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
166,205 |
|
|
$ |
159,374 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income per Common Unit basic |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
3.74 |
|
|
$ |
4.81 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
|
1.34 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
5.08 |
|
|
$ |
4.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding basic |
|
|
32,719 |
|
|
|
32,514 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income per Common Unit diluted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
3.72 |
|
|
$ |
4.79 |
|
Discontinued operations |
|
|
1.33 |
|
|
|
0.09 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
5.05 |
|
|
$ |
4.88 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding diluted |
|
|
32,941 |
|
|
|
32,675 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
$ |
166,205 |
|
|
$ |
159,374 |
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense continuing operations |
|
|
19,656 |
|
|
|
20,084 |
|
Depreciation expense discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
375 |
|
Amortization of intangible assets |
|
|
1,669 |
|
|
|
1,678 |
|
Amortization of debt origination costs |
|
|
996 |
|
|
|
996 |
|
Compensation cost recognized under Restricted Unit Plan |
|
|
1,503 |
|
|
|
2,109 |
|
Amortization of discount on long-term borrowings |
|
|
175 |
|
|
|
175 |
|
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations |
|
|
(43,707 |
) |
|
|
(1,205 |
) |
Gain on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
(1,821 |
) |
|
|
(2,401 |
) |
Deferred tax provision |
|
|
1,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) in accounts receivable |
|
|
(28,701 |
) |
|
|
(1,445 |
) |
Decrease in inventories |
|
|
2,541 |
|
|
|
20,471 |
|
Decrease (increase) in prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
3,656 |
|
|
|
(6,873 |
) |
(Decrease) in accounts payable |
|
|
(7,469 |
) |
|
|
(7,731 |
) |
(Decrease) increase in accrued employment and benefit costs |
|
|
(15,309 |
) |
|
|
1,524 |
|
(Decrease) in customer deposits and advances |
|
|
(34,151 |
) |
|
|
(7,128 |
) |
(Decrease) in other accrued liabilities |
|
|
(5,937 |
) |
|
|
(32,806 |
) |
Decrease in other noncurrent assets |
|
|
2,048 |
|
|
|
254 |
|
(Decrease) increase in other noncurrent liabilities |
|
|
(5,643 |
) |
|
|
564 |
|
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
|
56,988 |
|
|
|
128,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures |
|
|
(17,301 |
) |
|
|
(19,724 |
) |
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
3,489 |
|
|
|
5,032 |
|
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations |
|
|
53,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
|
|
39,903 |
|
|
|
(14,692 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership distributions |
|
|
(74,854 |
) |
|
|
(66,973 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash (used in) financing activities |
|
|
(74,854 |
) |
|
|
(66,973 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
22,037 |
|
|
|
46,350 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
|
|
96,586 |
|
|
|
60,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
|
$ |
118,623 |
|
|
$ |
106,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS CAPITAL
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common |
|
|
Other |
|
|
Total |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Number of |
|
|
Common |
|
|
Deferred |
|
|
Units Held |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
Partners' |
|
|
Comprehensive |
|
|
|
Common Units |
|
|
Unitholders |
|
|
Compensation |
|
|
in Trust |
|
|
(Loss) |
|
|
Capital |
|
|
Income |
|
Balance at September 29, 2007 |
|
|
32,674 |
|
|
$ |
208,230 |
|
|
$ |
5,660 |
|
|
$ |
(5,660 |
) |
|
$ |
(41,953 |
) |
|
$ |
166,277 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
166,205 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
166,205 |
|
|
$ |
166,205 |
|
Other comprehensive income: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net unrealized losses on cash
flow hedges |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,473 |
) |
|
|
(2,473 |
) |
|
|
(2,473 |
) |
Reclassification of realized gains on
cash flow hedges into earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,377 |
) |
|
|
(1,377 |
) |
|
|
(1,377 |
) |
Amortization of net actuarial losses and
prior service credits into earnings |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,164 |
|
|
|
2,164 |
|
|
|
2,164 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
164,519 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Partnership distributions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(74,854 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(74,854 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Common Units issued under
Restricted Unit Plan |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution of Common Units held in trust |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,660 |
) |
|
|
5,660 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation cost recognized under
Restricted Unit Plan, net of forfeitures |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at June 28, 2008 |
|
|
32,725 |
|
|
$ |
301,084 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(43,639 |
) |
|
$ |
257,445 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
1. Partnership Organization
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (the Partnership) is a publicly traded Delaware limited
partnership principally engaged, through its operating partnership and subsidiaries, in the retail
marketing and distribution of propane, fuel oil and refined fuels, as well as the marketing of
natural gas and electricity in deregulated markets. In addition, to complement its core marketing
and distribution businesses, the Partnership services a wide variety of home comfort equipment,
particularly for heating and ventilation. The publicly traded limited partner interests in the
Partnership are evidenced by common units traded on the New York Stock Exchange (Common Units),
with 32,725,383 Common Units outstanding at June 28, 2008. The holders of Common Units are
entitled to participate in distributions and exercise the rights and privileges available to
limited partners under the Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership (the
Partnership Agreement), adopted on October 19, 2006 following approval by Common Unitholders at
the Partnerships Tri-Annual Meeting and as thereafter amended by the Board of Supervisors on July
31, 2007, pursuant to the authority granted to the Board in the Partnership Agreement. Rights and
privileges under the Partnership Agreement include, among other things, the election of all members
of the Board of Supervisors and voting on the removal of the general partner.
Suburban Propane, L.P. (the Operating Partnership), a Delaware limited partnership, is the
Partnerships operating subsidiary formed to operate the propane business and assets. In addition,
Suburban Sales & Service, Inc. (the Service Company), a subsidiary of the Operating Partnership,
was formed to operate the service work and appliance and parts businesses of the Partnership. The
Operating Partnership, together with its direct and indirect subsidiaries, accounts for
substantially all of the Partnerships assets, revenues and earnings. The Partnership, the
Operating Partnership and the Service Company commenced operations in March 1996 in connection with
the Partnerships initial public offering.
The general partner of both the Partnership and the Operating Partnership is Suburban Energy
Services Group LLC (the General Partner), a Delaware limited liability company. On October 19,
2006, the Partnership consummated an agreement with its General Partner to exchange 2,300,000 newly
issued Common Units for the General Partners incentive distribution rights (IDRs) and the
economic interest in the Partnership and the Operating Partnership included in the general partner
interests therein (the GP Exchange Transaction). Prior to the GP Exchange Transaction, the
General Partner was majority-owned by senior management of the Partnership and owned 224,625
general partner units (an approximate 0.74% ownership interest) in the Partnership and a 1.0101%
general partner interest in the Operating Partnership. The General Partner also held all
outstanding IDRs and appointed two of the five members of the Board of Supervisors. As a result of
the GP Exchange Transaction, the General Partner has no economic interest in either the Partnership
or the Operating Partnership other than as a holder of 784 Common Units that will remain in the
General Partner, no IDRs are outstanding, the General Partner has no right to appoint any member of
the Board of Supervisors and the sole member of the General Partner is the Partnerships Chief
Executive Officer.
The Operating Partnership also owns the membership interests in Gas Connection LLC (d/b/a HomeTown
Hearth & Grill) and Suburban Franchising LLC. HomeTown Hearth & Grill sells and installs propane
and natural gas grills, fireplaces and related accessories and supplies. Suburban Franchising
creates and markets propane related franchising opportunities.
On December 23, 2003, the Partnership acquired substantially all of the assets and operations of
Agway Energy Products, LLC, Agway Energy Services, Inc. and Agway Energy Services PA, Inc.
(collectively referred to as Agway Energy) pursuant to an asset purchase agreement dated November
10, 2003 (the Agway Acquisition). The operations of Agway Energy consisted of the distribution
and marketing of propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, as well as the marketing of natural gas
and electricity.
6
Suburban Energy Finance Corporation, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership, was
formed on November 26, 2003 to serve as co-issuer, jointly and severally, with the Partnership of
the Partnerships 6.875% senior notes due in 2013.
2. Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts
of the Partnership, the Operating Partnership and all of its direct and indirect subsidiaries. All
significant intercompany transactions and account balances have been eliminated. As a result of the
GP Exchange Transaction, the General Partner has no economic interest in the Partnership or the
Operating Partnership apart from 784 Common Units held by it. The Partnership consolidates the
results of operations, financial condition and cash flows of the Operating Partnership as a result
of the Partnerships 100% limited partner interest in the Operating Partnership.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared
in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
They include all adjustments that the Partnership considers necessary for a fair statement of the
results for the interim periods presented. Such adjustments consist only of normal recurring
items, unless otherwise disclosed. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with
the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007,
including managements discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations
contained therein. Due to the seasonal nature of the Partnerships operations, the results of
operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a
full year.
Fiscal Period. The Partnerships fiscal periods typically end on the last Saturday of the quarter.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.
Commodity Price Risk. Given the retail nature of its operations, the Partnership maintains a
certain level of priced physical inventory to ensure its field operations have adequate supply
commensurate with the time of year. The Partnerships strategy is to keep its physical inventory
priced relatively close to market for its field operations. The Partnership enters into a
combination of exchange-traded futures and option contracts, forward contracts and, in certain
instances, over-the-counter options (collectively, derivative instruments) to hedge price risk
associated with propane and fuel oil physical inventory, as well as future purchases of propane or
fuel oil used in its operations and to ensure adequate supply during periods of high demand. Under
this risk management strategy, realized gains or losses on derivative instruments will typically
offset losses or gains on the physical inventory once the product is sold. All of the
Partnerships derivative instruments are reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet,
within other current assets or other current liabilities, at their fair values pursuant to
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities, as amended (SFAS 133). In addition, in the course of normal
operations, the Partnership routinely enters into contracts such as forward priced physical
contracts for the purchase or sale of propane and fuel oil that, under SFAS 133, qualify for and
are designated as normal purchase or normal sale contracts. Such contracts are exempted from the
fair value accounting requirements of SFAS 133 and are accounted for at the time product is
purchased or sold under the related contract. The Partnership does not use derivative instruments
for speculative trading purposes. Market risks associated with futures, options and forward
contracts are monitored daily for compliance with the Partnerships Hedging and Risk Management
Policy which includes volume limits for open positions. Priced on-hand inventory is also reviewed
and managed daily as to exposures to changing market prices.
On the date that futures, forward and option contracts are entered into, other than those
designated as normal purchases or normal sales, the Partnership makes a determination as to whether
the derivative instrument qualifies for designation as a hedge. Changes in the fair value of
derivative instruments are recorded each period in current period earnings or other comprehensive
income (loss) (OCI), depending on whether the derivative instrument is designated as a hedge and,
if so, the type of hedge. For derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, the
Partnership formally assesses, both at the hedge contracts inception and on an ongoing basis,
whether the hedge contract is highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items.
Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges are reported in
OCI to the extent effective and reclassified into cost of products sold during the same period in
which the hedged item affects earnings. The mark-to-market
7
gains or losses on ineffective portions of cash flow hedges used to hedge future purchases are
recognized in cost of products sold immediately. Changes in the fair value of derivative
instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges, and that do not meet the normal purchase
and normal sale exemption under SFAS 133, are recorded within cost of products sold as they occur.
Cash flows associated with derivative instruments are reported as operating activities within the
condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
At June 28, 2008, the fair value of derivative instruments described above resulted in derivative
assets of $1,169 included within prepaid expenses and other current assets and derivative
liabilities of $29 included within other current liabilities. Cost of products sold included
unrealized (non-cash) gains of $4,695 and unrealized (non-cash) losses of $323 for the three and
nine months ended June 28, 2008, respectively, and unrealized (non-cash) losses of $179 and $7,751
for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, attributable to the change in
fair value of derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges.
Interest Rate Risk. A portion of the Partnerships long-term borrowings bear interest at a
variable rate based upon LIBOR, plus an applicable margin depending on the level of the
Partnerships total leverage. Therefore, the Partnership is subject to interest rate risk on the
variable component of the interest rate. The Partnership manages part of its variable interest
rate risk by entering into interest rate swap agreements. On March 31, 2005, the Partnership
entered into a $125,000 interest rate swap contract in conjunction with the Term Loan facility
under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The interest rate swap is being accounted for under SFAS 133
and the Partnership has designated the interest rate swap as a cash flow hedge. Changes in the
fair value of the interest rate swap are recognized in OCI until the hedged item is recognized in
earnings. At June 28, 2008, the fair value of the interest rate swap amounted to an unrealized
loss of ($2,757) and is included within other liabilities with a corresponding debit in accumulated
OCI.
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles (GAAP) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period. Estimates have been made by management in the areas of depreciation and
amortization of long-lived assets, insurance and litigation reserves, environmental reserves,
pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and costs, valuation of derivative
instruments, asset valuation assessments, tax valuation allowances, as well as the allowance for
doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates, making it reasonably possible
that a change in these estimates could occur in the near term.
Reclassifications. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current
period presentation.
3. Exchange of General Partners Interests and Incentive Distribution Rights
On October 19, 2006, following approval by the requisite vote of the Common Unitholders of the
Partnership at its 2006 Tri-Annual Meeting held on October 17, 2006, the Partnership consummated
the GP Exchange Transaction with its General Partner for the acquisition of the General Partners
IDRs, as well as the economic interest contained in its general partner interests in both the
Partnership and the Operating Partnership, in exchange for 2,300,000 newly issued Common Units.
Pursuant to a Distribution, Release and Lockup Agreement by and among the Partnership, the
Operating Partnership, the General Partner and the members of the General Partner, the Common Units
were distributed to the members of the General Partner in exchange for their membership interests
in the General Partner (other than 784 Common Units that will remain in the General Partner). The
Common Units issued in the GP Exchange Transaction represented approximately 7% of the total number
of Common Units outstanding after consummation of the GP Exchange Transaction.
4. Discontinued Operations
The Partnership continuously evaluates its existing operations to identify opportunities to
optimize the return on assets employed and selectively divests operations in slower growing or
non-strategic markets and seeks to reinvest in markets that are considered to present more
opportunities for growth. In line with that strategy, on October 2,
8
2007, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of its Tirzah, South Carolina underground
granite propane storage cavern, and associated 62-mile pipeline, for $53,715 in cash, after taking
into account certain adjustments. The 57.5 million gallon underground storage cavern is connected
to the Dixie Pipeline and provides propane storage for the eastern United States. As a result of
this sale, a gain of $43,707 was reported as a gain from the disposal of discontinued operations in
the Partnerships results for the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The results of operations from the
Tirzah facilities in the comparative prior year periods have been reclassified to discontinued
operations on the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months
ended June 30, 2007, and the assets and liabilities were classified as held for sale on the
condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 29, 2007.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, in a non-cash transaction, the Partnership completed a
transaction in which it disposed of nine customer service centers considered to be non-strategic in
exchange for three customer service centers of another company located in Alaska. The Partnership
reported a $1,002 gain within discontinued operations in the first quarter of fiscal 2007 for the
amount by which the fair value of assets relinquished exceeded the carrying value of the assets
relinquished. During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Partnership sold one customer service
center for net cash proceeds of $284, which were received by the Partnership in the fourth quarter
of fiscal 2007, and reported a gain on sale of $203 which was accounted for within discontinued
operations. Prior period results of operations attributable to these customer service centers were
not significant and, as such, have not been reclassified as discontinued operations.
5. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using a weighted
average method for propane, fuel oil and refined fuels and natural gas, and a standard cost basis
for appliances, which approximates average cost. Inventories consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
September 29, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Propane, fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
$ |
75,096 |
|
|
$ |
76,730 |
|
Natural gas |
|
|
|
|
|
|
697 |
|
Appliances and related parts |
|
|
3,609 |
|
|
|
3,819 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
78,705 |
|
|
$ |
81,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets of
businesses acquired. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
(SFAS 142), goodwill is not amortized. Rather, goodwill is subject to an impairment review at a
reporting unit level, on an annual basis in August of each year, or when an event occurs or
circumstances change that would indicate potential impairment. The Partnership assesses the
carrying value of goodwill at a reporting unit level based on an estimate of the fair value of the
respective reporting unit. Fair value of the reporting unit is estimated using discounted cash
flow analyses taking into consideration estimated cash flows in a ten-year projection period and a
terminal value calculation at the end of the projection period.
During the first quarter of fiscal 2008, the Partnership reversed $1,277 of the deferred tax asset
valuation allowance, which was established through purchase accounting for the Agway Acquisition,
as a reduction of goodwill. This adjustment resulted from the realization of a portion of the net
operating losses established in purchase accounting for the Agway Acquisition.
9
Other intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, 2008 |
|
|
September 29, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
Gross |
|
|
Amortization |
|
Customer lists |
|
$ |
22,316 |
|
|
$ |
(8,141 |
) |
|
$ |
22,316 |
|
|
$ |
(6,669 |
) |
Tradenames |
|
|
1,499 |
|
|
|
(675 |
) |
|
|
1,499 |
|
|
|
(562 |
) |
Non-compete agreements |
|
|
166 |
|
|
|
(147 |
) |
|
|
516 |
|
|
|
(482 |
) |
Other |
|
|
1,967 |
|
|
|
(412 |
) |
|
|
1,967 |
|
|
|
(343 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
25,948 |
|
|
$ |
(9,375 |
) |
|
$ |
26,298 |
|
|
$ |
(8,056 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aggregate amortization expense related to other intangible assets for the three and nine months
ended June 28, 2008 was $555 and $1,669, respectively, and $598 and $1,678 for the three and nine
months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.
Aggregate amortization expense related to other intangible assets for the remainder of fiscal 2008
and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years as of June 28, 2008 is as follows: 2008 $555;
2009 $2,220; 2010 $2,205; 2011 $2,205; 2012 $1,730 and 2013 $1,276.
7. Income Per Common Unit
Basic income per Common Unit for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2008 is computed by
dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding Common Units. Diluted income per
Common Unit for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2008 is computed by dividing net income by
the weighted average number of outstanding Common Units and unvested Restricted Units granted under
the 2000 Restricted Unit Plan (as defined in Note 10).
In computing diluted income per Common Unit, weighted average units outstanding used to compute
basic income per unit were increased by 222,104 and 161,201 units for the nine months ended June
28, 2008 and June 30, 2007, respectively, to reflect the potential dilutive effect of the unvested
Restricted Units outstanding using the treasury stock method. Diluted loss per unit for the three
months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 does not include 256,073 and 205,760 unvested
Restricted Units, respectively, as their effect would be anti-dilutive.
Subsequent to the GP Exchange Transaction, computations of earnings per Common Unit are performed
in accordance with SFAS No. 128 Earnings per Share (SFAS 128). Prior to the GP Exchange
Transaction, when the General Partner owned IDRs in the Partnership, computations of earnings per
Common Unit were performed in accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) consensus 03-6
Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method Under SFAS 128 (EITF 03-6), when applicable.
EITF 03-6 requires, among other things, the use of the two-class method of computing earnings per
unit when participating securities exist. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula
that computes earnings per unit for each class of Common Unit and participating security according
to distributions declared and the participating rights in undistributed earnings, as if all of the
earnings were distributed to the limited partners and the general partner (inclusive of the IDRs of
the General Partner which were considered participating securities for purposes of the two-class
method). Net income was allocated to the Common Unitholders and the General Partner in accordance
with their respective Partnership ownership interests, after giving effect to any priority income
allocations for incentive distributions allocated to the General Partner. For purposes of the
computation of income per Common Unit for the nine months ended June 30, 2007,
earnings that would have been allocated to the General Partner for the period prior to the GP
Exchange Transaction were not significant.
10
8. Long-Term Borrowings
Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
September 29, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Senior Notes, 6.875%, due December 15, 2013, net of
unamortized discount of $1,287 and $1,462, respectively |
|
$ |
423,713 |
|
|
$ |
423,538 |
|
Term Loan, 6.29% to 7.16%, due March 31, 2010 |
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
125,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
548,713 |
|
|
$ |
548,538 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Partnership and its subsidiary, Suburban Energy Finance Corporation, have issued $425,000
aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes (the 2003 Senior Notes) with an annual interest rate
of 6.875%. The Partnerships obligations under the 2003 Senior Notes are unsecured and rank senior
in right of payment to any future subordinated indebtedness and equally in right of payment with
any future senior indebtedness. The 2003 Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to, which
means they rank effectively behind, any debt and other liabilities of the Operating Partnership.
The 2003 Senior Notes mature on December 15, 2013 and require semi-annual interest payments in June
and December. The Partnership is permitted to redeem some or all of the 2003 Senior Notes any time
on or after December 15, 2008 at redemption prices specified in the indenture governing the 2003
Senior Notes. In addition, in the event of a change of control of the Partnership, as defined in
the indenture governing the 2003 Senior Notes, the Partnership must offer to repurchase the notes
at 101% of the principal amount repurchased, if the holders of the notes exercise the right of
repurchase.
The Operating Partnership has a revolving credit facility, the Third Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement (the Revolving Credit Agreement), which expires on March 31, 2010. The Revolving
Credit Agreement provides for a five-year $125,000 term loan facility (the Term Loan) and a
separate working capital facility which provides available revolving borrowing capacity up to
$175,000. The Operating Partnership has standby letters of credit issued under the working
capital facility of the Revolving Credit Agreement in the aggregate amount of $55,825 in support
of retention levels under the Operating Partnerships self-insurance programs and certain lease
obligations which expire periodically through March 1, 2009. Therefore, as of June 28, 2008 the
Operating Partnership had available borrowing capacity of $119,175 under the working capital
facility of the Revolving Credit Agreement. In addition, under the Revolving Credit Agreement the
Operating Partnership is authorized to incur additional indebtedness of up to $10,000 in
connection with capital leases and up to $20,000 in short-term borrowings during the period from
December 1 to April 1 in each fiscal year to provide additional working capital during periods of
peak demand, if necessary.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement, including the Term Loan, bear interest at a rate
based upon LIBOR, plus an applicable margin or the Federal Funds rate plus 1/2 of 1%. An annual
facility fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.50%, based upon certain financial tests, is payable
quarterly whether or not borrowings occur. As of June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007, there were
no borrowings outstanding under the working capital facility of the Revolving Credit Agreement and
there have been no borrowings since April 2006.
In connection with the Term Loan, the Operating Partnership also entered into an interest rate swap
agreement with a notional amount of $125,000. Effective March 31, 2005 through March 31, 2010, the
Operating Partnership will
pay a fixed interest rate of 4.66% to the issuing lender on notional principal amount of $125,000,
effectively fixing the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 4.66%. In return, the issuing lender
will pay to the Operating Partnership a floating rate, namely LIBOR, on the same notional principal
amount. The applicable margin above LIBOR, as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement, will be
paid in addition to this fixed interest rate of 4.66%. The fair value of the interest rate swap
amounted to an unrealized loss of ($2,757) and ($284) at June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007,
respectively, and is included in other liabilities with a corresponding amount included within
accumulated OCI.
The Revolving Credit Agreement and the 2003 Senior Notes both contain various restrictive and
affirmative covenants applicable to the Operating Partnership and the Partnership, respectively,
including (i) restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, and (ii) restrictions on
certain liens, investments, guarantees, loans, advances,
11
payments, mergers, consolidations,
distributions, sales of assets and other transactions. Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, the
Operating Partnership is required to maintain a leverage ratio (the ratio of total debt to EBITDA)
of less than 4.0 to 1. In addition, the Operating Partnership is required to maintain an interest
coverage ratio (the ratio of EBITDA to interest expense) of greater than 2.5 to 1 at the
Partnership level. Under the 2003 Senior Note indenture, the Partnership is generally permitted to
make cash distributions equal to available cash, as defined, as of the end of the immediately
preceding quarter, if no event of default exists or would exist upon making such distributions, and
the Partnerships consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, is greater than 1.75 to 1.
Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, as long as no default exists or would result, the Partnership
is permitted to make cash distributions not more frequently than quarterly in an amount not to
exceed available cash, as defined, for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter. The Partnership
and the Operating Partnership were in compliance with all covenants and terms of the 2003 Senior
Notes and the Revolving Credit Agreement as of June 28, 2008.
Debt origination costs representing the costs incurred in connection with the placement of, and
the subsequent amendment to, the 2003 Senior Notes and the Revolving Credit Agreement were
capitalized within other assets and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of
the respective debt agreements. Other assets at June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007 include debt
origination costs with a net carrying amount of $5,234 and $6,230, respectively. Aggregate
amortization expense related to deferred debt origination costs included within interest expense
for the three months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 was $332 and for the nine months ended
June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007 was $996.
The aggregate amounts of long-term debt maturities subsequent to June 28, 2008 are as follows:
fiscal 2008 $0; fiscal 2009 $0; fiscal 2010 $125,000; fiscal 2011 $0; and, thereafter -
$425,000.
Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, proceeds from the sale, transfer or other disposition of any
asset of the Operating Partnership, other than the sale of inventory in the ordinary course of
business, in excess of $15,000 must be used to acquire productive assets within twelve months of
receipt of the proceeds. Any proceeds not used within twelve months of receipt to acquire
productive assets must be used to prepay the outstanding principal of the Term Loan. The
Partnership expects to prepay approximately $15,000 on the Term Loan from the net proceeds of the
sale of the Tirzah storage facility which closed on October 2, 2007 (see Note 4).
9. Distributions of Available Cash
The Partnership is required to make distributions to its partners no later than 45 days after the
end of each fiscal quarter of the Partnership in an aggregate amount equal to its Available Cash
for such quarter. Available Cash, as defined in the Partnership Agreement, generally means all
cash on hand at the end of the respective fiscal quarter less the amount of cash reserves
established by the Board of Supervisors in its reasonable discretion for future cash requirements.
These reserves are retained for the proper conduct of the Partnerships business, the payment of
debt principal and interest and for distributions during the next four quarters.
Prior to October 19, 2006, the General Partner had IDRs which represented an incentive for the
General Partner to increase distributions to Common Unitholders in excess of the target quarterly
distribution of $0.55 per Common Unit. With regard to the first $0.55 of quarterly distributions
paid in any given quarter, 98.26% of the Available Cash was distributed to the Common Unitholders
and 1.74% was distributed to the General Partner. With regard to the balance of quarterly
distributions in excess of the $0.55 per Common Unit target distribution, 85% of the
Available Cash was distributed to the Common Unitholders and 15% was distributed to the General
Partner. As a result of the GP Exchange Transaction, the IDRs were cancelled and the General
Partner is no longer entitled to receive any cash distributions in respect of its general partner
interests. Accordingly, beginning with the quarterly distribution paid on November 14, 2006 in
respect of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, 100% of all cash distributions are paid to holders of
Common Units.
On July 24, 2008, the Partnership announced a quarterly distribution of $0.80 per Common Unit, or
$3.20 on an annualized basis, in respect of the third quarter of fiscal 2008 payable on August 12,
2008 to holders of record on August 5, 2008. This quarterly distribution included an increase of
$0.025 per Common Unit, or $0.10 per Common Unit on an annualized basis, from the previous
distribution rate.
12
10. Share-Based Compensation Arrangements
2000 Restricted Unit Plan. In November 2000, the Partnership adopted the Suburban Propane
Partners, L.P. 2000 Restricted Unit Plan (the 2000 Restricted Unit Plan) which authorizes the
issuance of Common Units to executives, managers and other employees and members of the Board of
Supervisors of the Partnership. On October 17, 2006, the Partnership adopted amendments to the 2000
Restricted Unit Plan which, among other things, increased the number of Common Units authorized for
issuance under the plan by 230,000 for a total of 717,805. Restricted Units issued under the 2000
Restricted Unit Plan vest over time with 25% of the Common Units vesting on each of the third and
fourth anniversaries of the grant date and the remaining 50% of the Common Units vesting on the
fifth anniversary of the grant date. The 2000 Restricted Unit Plan participants are not eligible to
receive quarterly distributions or vote their respective Restricted Units until vested.
Restrictions also prohibit the sale or transfer of the units during the restricted periods. The
fair value of the Restricted Unit is established by the market price of the Common Unit on the date
of grant, less the present value of distributions expected to be paid on the underlying units
during the requisite service period. Restricted Units are subject to forfeiture in certain
circumstances as defined in the 2000 Restricted Unit Plan. Compensation expense for the awards is
recognized ratably over the vesting periods, net of the value of estimated forfeitures.
During the nine months ended June 28, 2008, the Partnership awarded 125,912 Restricted Units under
the 2000 Restricted Unit Plan at an aggregate grant date fair value of $4,431. Following is a
summary of activity in the 2000 Restricted Unit Plan:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average Grant |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Date Fair Value |
|
|
Units |
|
Per Unit |
Outstanding September 29, 2007 |
|
|
383,090 |
|
|
$ |
28.85 |
|
Awarded |
|
|
125,912 |
|
|
|
35.19 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(10,759 |
) |
|
|
(26.72 |
) |
Issued |
|
|
(51,128 |
) |
|
|
(30.52 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding June 28, 2008 |
|
|
447,115 |
|
|
$ |
30.58 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of June 28, 2008, $7,277 of compensation cost related to unvested Restricted Units awarded under
the 2000 Restricted Unit Plan remains to be recognized in future periods. Compensation cost
associated with unvested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9
years. Compensation expense recognized under the 2000 Restricted Unit Plan, net of forfeitures,
for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2008 was $817 and $1,503, respectively, and $949 and
$2,109 for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2007, respectively.
Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Partnership has a non-qualified, unfunded long-term incentive plan
for officers and key employees (LTIP-2) which provides for payment, in the form of cash, of an
award of equity-based compensation at the end of a three-year performance period. The level of
compensation earned under LTIP-2 is based on the market performance of the Partnerships Common
Units on the basis of total return to Unitholders (TRU) compared to the TRU of a predetermined
peer group composed primarily of other Master Limited Partnerships, approved by the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Supervisors, over the same three-year performance period. As a result of
the quarterly remeasurement of the liability for awards under LTIP-2, compensation expense for the
three and nine months ended June 28, 2008 was $1,217 and $1,635, respectively, and $1,146 and
$4,295 for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2007, respectively. As of June 28, 2008 and
September 29, 2007, the Partnership had a liability included within accrued employment and benefit
costs of $5,482 and $7,796, respectively, related to estimated future payments under LTIP-2.
Compensation Deferral Plan. The Compensation Deferral Plan provided eligible employees of the
Partnership the ability to defer receipt of all or a portion of vested Restricted Units granted
under a prior restricted unit award plan. Those units were held in a trust on behalf of these
individuals. During the second quarter of fiscal 2008, the
13
remaining 292,682 Common Units were
distributed to the participants resulting in the satisfaction of the deferred compensation
liability of $5,660 and a corresponding reduction to common units held in trust in the consolidated
balance sheet.
11. Commitments and Contingencies
Self-Insurance. The Partnership is self-insured for general and product, workers compensation and
automobile liabilities up to predetermined thresholds above which third party insurance applies.
As of June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007, the Partnership had accrued insurance liabilities of
$42,464 and $50,308, respectively, representing the total estimated losses under these
self-insurance programs. For the portion of the estimated self-insurance liability that exceeds
insurance deductibles, the Partnership records an asset within prepaid expense and other current
assets or other assets for the probable recoveries from insurance which amounted to $8,825 and
$13,858 as of June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007, respectively. On October 23, 2007, the
Partnership reached a settlement regarding an outstanding product liability claim. The settlement
resulted in a reduction of the accrued insurance liability and the corresponding asset recorded
within prepaid expenses and other current assets, which represented the amount of the liability
paid by the insurance companies, of approximately $4,750 during the first quarter of fiscal 2008.
The Partnership is also involved in various legal actions that have arisen in the normal course of
business, including those relating to commercial transactions and product liability. Management
believes, based on the advice of legal counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will
not have a material adverse effect on the Partnerships financial position or future results of
operations, after considering its self-insurance liability for known and unasserted self-insured
claims, as well as existing insurance policies in force.
Environmental. The Partnership is subject to various federal, state and local environmental,
health and safety laws and regulations. Generally, these laws impose limitations on the discharge
of pollutants and establish standards for the handling of solid and hazardous wastes. These laws
include the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA), the Clean Air Act, the Occupational Safety and Health
Act, the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, the Clean Water Act and comparable
state statutes. CERCLA, also known as the Superfund law, imposes joint and several liability
without regard to fault or the legality of the original conduct on certain classes of persons that
are considered to have contributed to the release or threatened release of a hazardous substance
into the environment. Propane is not a hazardous substance within the meaning of CERCLA.
However, the Partnership owns real property where such hazardous substances may exist.
The Partnership is also subject to various laws and governmental regulations concerning
environmental matters and expects that it will be required to expend funds to participate in the
remediation of certain sites, including sites where it has been designated by the Environmental
Protection Agency as a potentially responsible party under CERCLA and at sites with aboveground and
underground fuel storage tanks. Additionally, the Partnership identified that certain active sites
contain environmental conditions which may require further investigation, future remediation or
ongoing monitoring activities. The environmental exposures include instances of soil and/or
groundwater contamination associated with the handling and storage of fuel oil, gasoline and diesel
fuel.
Estimating the extent of the Partnerships responsibility at a particular site, and the method and
ultimate cost of remediation of that site, requires making numerous assumptions. As a result, the
ultimate cost to remediate any site may differ from current estimates, and will depend, in part, on
whether there is additional contamination, not currently known to the Partnership, at that site.
However, management believes that the Partnerships past experience provides a reasonable basis for
estimating these liabilities. As additional information becomes available, estimates are adjusted
as necessary. While management does not anticipate that any such adjustment would be material to
the Partnerships financial statements, the result of ongoing or future environmental studies or
other factors could alter this expectation and require recording additional liabilities.
Management currently cannot determine whether the Partnership will incur additional liabilities or
the extent or amount of any such liabilities. As of June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007, the
environmental reserve amounted to $1,787 and $2,578, respectively.
Future developments, such as stricter environmental, health or safety laws and regulations
thereunder, could affect the Partnerships operations. Management does not anticipate that the
cost of the Partnerships compliance with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations,
including CERCLA, as currently in effect and
14
applicable to known sites will have a material
adverse effect on the Partnerships financial condition or results of operations. To the extent
there are any environmental liabilities presently unknown to the Partnership or environmental,
health or safety laws or regulations are made more stringent, however, there can be no assurance
that the Partnerships financial condition or results of operations will not be materially and
adversely affected.
12. Guarantees
The Partnership has residual value guarantees associated with certain of its operating leases,
related primarily to transportation equipment, with remaining lease periods scheduled to expire
periodically through fiscal 2015. Upon completion of the lease period, the Partnership guarantees
that the fair value of the equipment will equal or exceed the guaranteed amount, or the Partnership
will pay the lessor the difference. Although the fair value of equipment at the end of its lease
term has historically exceeded the guaranteed amounts, the maximum potential amount of aggregate
future payments the Partnership could be required to make under these leasing arrangements,
assuming the equipment is deemed worthless at the end of the lease term, is approximately $13,434.
The fair value of residual value guarantees for outstanding operating leases was de minimis as of
June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007.
13. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs for the three and nine
months ended June 28, 2008 and June 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
Pension Benefits |
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Interest cost |
|
$ |
2,187 |
|
|
$ |
2,226 |
|
|
$ |
6,562 |
|
|
$ |
6,679 |
|
Expected return on plan assets |
|
|
(2,270 |
) |
|
|
(2,579 |
) |
|
|
(6,811 |
) |
|
|
(7,738 |
) |
Recognized net actuarial loss |
|
|
844 |
|
|
|
1,329 |
|
|
|
2,531 |
|
|
|
3,986 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost |
|
$ |
761 |
|
|
$ |
976 |
|
|
$ |
2,282 |
|
|
$ |
2,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
Postretirement Benefits |
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Service cost |
|
$ |
2 |
|
|
$ |
3 |
|
|
$ |
6 |
|
|
$ |
9 |
|
Interest cost |
|
|
350 |
|
|
|
329 |
|
|
|
1,049 |
|
|
|
988 |
|
Amortization of prior
service costs |
|
|
(122 |
) |
|
|
(149 |
) |
|
|
(367 |
) |
|
|
(448 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net periodic benefit cost |
|
$ |
230 |
|
|
$ |
183 |
|
|
$ |
688 |
|
|
$ |
549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are no projected minimum employer contribution requirements under Internal Revenue Service
Regulations for fiscal 2008 under our defined benefit pension plan. The projected annual
contribution requirements related to the Partnerships postretirement health care and life
insurance benefit plan for fiscal 2008 is $2,200, of which $1,360 has been contributed during the
nine months ended June 28, 2008.
14. Income taxes
For federal income tax purposes, as well as for state income tax purposes in the majority of the
states in which the Partnership operates, the earnings attributable to the Partnership, as a
separate legal entity, and the Operating Partnership are not subject to income tax at the
Partnership level. Rather, the taxable income or loss attributable to the Partnership, as a
separate legal entity, and to the Operating Partnership, which may vary substantially from the
income before income taxes, reported by the Partnership in the condensed consolidated statement of
operations, are
15
includable in the federal and state income tax returns of the individual partners.
The aggregate difference in the basis of the Partnerships net assets for financial and tax
reporting purposes cannot be readily determined as the Partnership does not have access to
information regarding each partners basis in the Partnership.
The earnings of the corporate entities that do not qualify under the Internal Revenue Code for
partnership status are subject to federal and state income taxes. The Partnerships fuel oil and
refined fuels, natural gas and electricity, service, HomeTown Hearth & Grill and Suburban
Franchising businesses are structured as corporate entities and, as such, are subject to corporate
level income tax. However, a number of those corporate entities have experienced operating losses
in recent years and, as a result, a full valuation allowance has been provided against the deferred
tax assets. As such, at present, many of those entities do not report a tax provision as a result
of the full valuation allowance.
As a result of the profitability of the Partnerships fuel oil and refined fuel and natural gas and
electricity businesses during the first quarter of fiscal 2008 (fourth quarter of calendar and tax
year 2007), the corporate entities reported taxable income which enabled utilization of net
operating losses to offset the current cash tax liability. Utilization of these net operating
losses resulted in a reversal of a portion of the deferred tax asset valuation allowance
established in purchase accounting for the Agway Acquisition, a corresponding reduction in goodwill
and, in turn, a $1,277 deferred tax provision.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation No. 48,
Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes An Interpretation of SFAS 109 (FIN 48). FIN 48
requires the use of a two-step approach for recognizing and measuring tax benefits taken or
expected to be taken in a tax return and disclosures regarding uncertainties in income tax
positions. Only tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition threshold at the
effective date may be recognized on adoption of FIN 48. The Partnership has elected to include
interest and penalties related to income tax liabilities, if any, in income tax expense.
The adoption of FIN 48 had no impact on the Partnerships condensed consolidated balance sheet,
statement of operations or cash flows. As of June 28, 2008, September 30, 2007 (the date of
adoption of FIN 48) and September 29, 2007, the end of the prior fiscal year, the Partnership
reported no unrecognized tax benefits nor related interest and penalties in its condensed
consolidated balance sheet or statement of operations.
Most of the Partnerships corporate entities are subject to U.S. federal, state and local income
tax audits by taxing authorities for years 2001 through 2007.
15. Segment Information
The Partnership manages and evaluates its operations in six segments, four of which are reportable
segments: Propane, Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels, Natural Gas and Electricity and Services (formerly,
HVAC). The chief operating decision maker evaluates performance of the operating segments using a
number of performance measures, including gross margins and income before interest expense and
provision for income taxes (operating profit). Costs excluded from these profit measures include
corporate overhead expenses not allocated to the operating segments. Unallocated corporate
overhead expenses include all costs of back office support functions that are reported as general
and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. In addition,
certain costs associated with field operations support that are reported in operating expenses in
the condensed consolidated statements of operations, including purchasing, training and safety, are
not allocated to the individual operating segments. Thus, operating profit for each operating
segment includes only the costs that are directly attributable to the operations of the individual
segment. The accounting policies of the operating segments are otherwise the same as those
described in the summary of significant accounting policies Note in the Partnerships Annual Report
on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007.
The propane segment is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane to residential,
commercial, industrial and agricultural customers and, to a lesser extent, wholesale distribution
to large industrial end users. In the residential and commercial markets, propane is used
primarily for space heating, water heating, cooking and clothes drying. Industrial customers use
propane generally as a motor fuel burned in internal combustion engines that power
16
over-the-road
vehicles, forklifts and stationary engines, to fire furnaces and as a cutting gas. In the
agricultural markets, propane is primarily used for tobacco curing, crop drying, poultry brooding
and weed control.
The fuel oil and refined fuels segment is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of fuel oil,
diesel, kerosene and gasoline to residential and commercial customers for use primarily as a source
of heat in homes and buildings.
The natural gas and electricity segment is engaged in the marketing of natural gas and electricity
to residential and commercial customers in the deregulated energy markets of New York and
Pennsylvania. Under this operating segment, the Partnership owns the relationship with the end
consumer and has agreements with the local distribution companies to deliver the natural gas or
electricity from the Partnerships suppliers to the customer.
The services segment is engaged in the sale, installation and servicing of a wide variety of home
comfort equipment and parts, particularly in the areas of heating and ventilation. In furtherance
of the Partnerships efforts to restructure its field operations and to focus on its core operating
segments, during fiscal 2006 the Partnership initiated plans to streamline the service offerings by
significantly reducing installation activities and focusing on service offerings that support the
Partnerships existing customer base within its propane, refined fuels and natural gas and
electricity segments. Certain prior period operating expenses associated with the Partnerships
services business have been reclassified from the corporate and propane segments as they were
directly attributable to the operations of the services segment.
17
The following table presents certain data by reportable segment and provides a reconciliation of
total operating segment information to the corresponding consolidated amounts for the periods
presented:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Revenues: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
216,999 |
|
|
$ |
188,772 |
|
|
$ |
946,700 |
|
|
$ |
865,808 |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
55,262 |
|
|
|
49,021 |
|
|
|
247,609 |
|
|
|
229,106 |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
22,507 |
|
|
|
20,182 |
|
|
|
84,693 |
|
|
|
79,382 |
|
Services |
|
|
9,184 |
|
|
|
11,662 |
|
|
|
34,752 |
|
|
|
44,792 |
|
All other |
|
|
1,524 |
|
|
|
1,817 |
|
|
|
3,928 |
|
|
|
5,385 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
$ |
305,476 |
|
|
$ |
271,454 |
|
|
$ |
1,317,682 |
|
|
$ |
1,224,473 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income before interest expense and income taxes: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
26,148 |
|
|
$ |
23,606 |
|
|
$ |
198,634 |
|
|
$ |
198,259 |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
(9,644 |
) |
|
|
856 |
|
|
|
1,161 |
|
|
|
33,241 |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
1,108 |
|
|
|
2,125 |
|
|
|
8,546 |
|
|
|
10,431 |
|
Services |
|
|
(4,546 |
) |
|
|
(6,835 |
) |
|
|
(10,901 |
) |
|
|
(18,129 |
) |
All other |
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
(364 |
) |
|
|
(403 |
) |
|
|
(878 |
) |
Corporate |
|
|
(17,466 |
) |
|
|
(12,127 |
) |
|
|
(45,253 |
) |
|
|
(37,629 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total (loss) income before interest expense
and income taxes |
|
|
(4,380 |
) |
|
|
7,261 |
|
|
|
151,784 |
|
|
|
185,295 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reconciliation to (loss) income from continuing operations: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
9,524 |
|
|
|
8,623 |
|
|
|
27,330 |
|
|
|
27,161 |
|
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes |
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
389 |
|
|
|
1,956 |
|
|
|
1,529 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Loss) income from continuing operations |
|
$ |
(13,747 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,751 |
) |
|
$ |
122,498 |
|
|
$ |
156,605 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
3,910 |
|
|
$ |
4,102 |
|
|
$ |
11,692 |
|
|
$ |
12,338 |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
839 |
|
|
|
869 |
|
|
|
2,548 |
|
|
|
2,627 |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
252 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
756 |
|
|
|
677 |
|
Services |
|
|
78 |
|
|
|
80 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
266 |
|
All other |
|
|
16 |
|
|
|
39 |
|
|
|
63 |
|
|
|
113 |
|
Corporate |
|
|
2,064 |
|
|
|
1,983 |
|
|
|
6,033 |
|
|
|
5,741 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total depreciation and amortization |
|
$ |
7,159 |
|
|
$ |
7,306 |
|
|
$ |
21,325 |
|
|
$ |
21,762 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
September 29, |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
747,643 |
|
|
$ |
737,090 |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
74,362 |
|
|
|
69,801 |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
24,864 |
|
|
|
22,213 |
|
Services |
|
|
3,161 |
|
|
|
1,486 |
|
All other |
|
|
1,340 |
|
|
|
1,511 |
|
Corporate |
|
|
236,213 |
|
|
|
231,098 |
|
Eliminations |
|
|
(87,981 |
) |
|
|
(87,981 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
999,602 |
|
|
$ |
975,218 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about
fair value measurements. It also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes information
used in developing assumptions when pricing an asset or liability. SFAS 157 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, which will be the Partnerships 2009 fiscal year
beginning September 28, 2008. In February of 2008, the FASB provided an elective
18
one-year deferral
of the applications of the provisions of SFAS 157 to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial
liabilities that are only measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The adoption of SFAS
157 is not expected to have a material effect on the Partnerships consolidated financial position,
results of operations and cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). Under SFAS 159, entities may elect to measure specified
financial instruments and warranty and insurance contracts at fair value on a contract-by-contract
basis, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each reporting period. SFAS 159 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, which will be the Partnerships 2009
fiscal year beginning September 28, 2008. The Partnership is currently in the process of
evaluating the impact that SFAS 159 may have on its consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial
Statements an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 establishes accounting and
reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in an entitys subsidiary and alters the way the
consolidated income statement is presented. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning on or
after December 15, 2008, which will be the Partnerships 2010 fiscal year beginning September 27,
2009. As of June 28, 2008, the Partnership has no outstanding noncontrolling interests in any
subsidiary; accordingly, the adoption of SFAS 160 should not have any impact on the Partnerships
consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Also in December 2007, the FASB issued a revised SFAS No. 141 Business Combinations (SFAS
141R). Among other things, SFAS 141R requires an entity to recognize acquired assets, liabilities
assumed and any noncontrolling interest at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date,
clarifies how goodwill involved in a business combination is to be recognized and measured, as well
as requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred. SFAS 141R is effective for
business combinations entered into in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, which
will be the Partnerships 2010 fiscal year beginning September 27, 2009, with early adoption
prohibited.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires enhanced
disclosures about an entitys objectives for using derivative instruments and related hedged items,
how those derivative instruments are accounted for under SFAS 133 and how derivative instruments
and related hedged items affect an entitys financial position, financial performance and cash
flows. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements for interim or annual periods beginning
after November 15, 2008, which will be the second quarter of the Partnerships 2009 fiscal year
beginning September 29, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 161 is not expected to have a material effect
on the Partnerships consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
19
|
|
|
ITEM 2. |
|
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following is a discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of the
Partnership as of and for the three and nine months ended June 28, 2008. The discussion should be
read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations and the historical consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007.
Executive Overview
The following are factors that regularly affect our operating results and financial condition.
In addition, our business is subject to the risks and uncertainties described in Item 1A included
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007.
Product Costs and Supply
The level of profitability in the retail propane, fuel oil, natural gas and electricity
businesses is largely dependent on the difference between retail sales price and product cost. The
unit cost of our products, particularly propane, fuel oil and natural gas, is subject to volatility
as a result of product supply or other market conditions, including, but not limited to, economic
and political factors impacting crude oil and natural gas supply or pricing. We enter into product
supply contracts that are generally one-year agreements subject to annual renewal, and also
purchase product on the open market. We attempt to reduce price risk by pricing product on a
short-term basis. Our propane supply contracts typically provide for pricing based upon index
formulas using the posted prices established at major supply points such as Mont Belvieu, Texas, or
Conway, Kansas (plus transportation costs) at the time of delivery. In certain instances, and when
market conditions (relating to our supply arrangements and risk management activities) are
favorable as was the case in the propane and fuel oil markets during the first half of fiscal 2007,
we are able to purchase product under our supply arrangements at a discount to the spot market.
However, such favorable market conditions and margin opportunities were not present for the first
nine months of fiscal 2008. Rather, very challenging market conditions in fiscal 2008,
characterized by an extreme rise in commodity prices (particularly during the third quarter)
coupled with lower volumes resulted in the recognition of realized losses under our hedging and
risk management activities which were not fully offset by the sales of the physical inventory as
more fully described under Hedging and Risk Management Activities below.
In addition, to supplement our annual purchase requirements, we may utilize forward fixed
price purchase contracts to acquire a portion of the propane that we resell to our customers, which
allows us to manage our exposure to unfavorable changes in commodity prices and to assure adequate
physical supply. The percentage of contract purchases, and the amount of supply contracted for
under forward contracts at fixed prices, will vary from year to year based on market conditions.
Product cost changes can occur rapidly over a short period of time and can impact
profitability. There is no assurance that we will be able to pass on product cost increases fully
or immediately, particularly when product costs increase rapidly. Therefore, average retail sales
prices can vary significantly from year to year as product costs fluctuate with propane, fuel oil,
crude oil and natural gas commodity market conditions. In addition, in periods of sustained higher
commodity prices, as has been experienced over the past several fiscal years, retail sales volumes
have been negatively impacted by customer conservation efforts.
Seasonality
The retail propane and fuel oil distribution businesses, as well as the natural gas marketing
business, are seasonal because these fuels are primarily used for heating in residential and
commercial buildings. Historically, approximately two-thirds of our retail propane volume is sold
during the six-month peak heating season from October through March. The fuel oil business tends
to experience greater seasonality given its more limited use for space heating and approximately
three-fourths of our fuel oil volumes are sold between October and March. Consequently, sales and
operating profits are concentrated in our first and second fiscal quarters. Cash flows from
20
operations, therefore, are greatest during the second and third fiscal quarters when customers pay
for product purchased during the winter heating season. We expect lower operating profits and
either net losses or lower net income during the period from April through September (our third and
fourth fiscal quarters). To the extent necessary, we will reserve cash from the second and third
quarters for distribution to holders of our Common Units in the fourth quarter and following fiscal
year first quarter.
Weather
Weather conditions have a significant impact on the demand for our products, in particular
propane, fuel oil and natural gas, for both heating and agricultural purposes. Many of our
customers rely heavily on propane, fuel oil or natural gas as a heating source. Accordingly, the
volume sold is directly affected by the severity of the winter weather in our service areas, which
can vary substantially from year to year. In any given area, sustained warmer than normal
temperatures will tend to result in reduced propane, fuel oil and natural gas consumption, while
sustained colder than normal temperatures will tend to result in greater use.
Hedging and Risk Management Activities
We engage in hedging and risk management activities to reduce the effect of price volatility
on our product costs and to ensure the availability of product during periods of short supply. We
enter into propane forward and option agreements with third parties, and use fuel oil futures and
option contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), to purchase and sell propane
and fuel oil at fixed prices in the future. The majority of the futures, forward and option
agreements are used to hedge price risk associated with propane and fuel oil physical inventory, as
well as, in certain instances, forecasted purchases of propane or fuel oil. Futures and forward
contracts are generally settled physically at the expiration of the contract. Although we use
derivative instruments to reduce the effect of price volatility associated with priced physical
inventory and forecasted transactions, we do not use derivative instruments for speculative trading
purposes. Risk management activities are monitored by an internal Commodity Risk Management
Committee, made up of five members of management, through enforcement of our Hedging and Risk
Management Policy, reporting to our Audit Committee.
As a result of various market factors during the first half of fiscal 2007, particularly
commodity price volatility during the first four months of the fiscal year, we experienced
additional margin opportunities due to favorable pricing under certain supply arrangements and from
our hedging and risk management activities. These market conditions generated additional operating
profit of approximately $20.0 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2007 compared to the
nine months ended June 28, 2008. Supply and risk management transactions may not always result in
increased product margins and there can be no assurance that the favorable market conditions that
contributed to incremental margin during the first half of fiscal 2007 will be present in the
future in order to provide the additional margin opportunities. Very different and challenging
factors existed in the first nine months of fiscal 2008. In fact, as a result of the unprecedented
rise in commodity prices in a relatively short period of time during the third quarter of fiscal
2008, we realized losses under our short futures positions utilized to hedge price risk associated
with a portion of our priced physical inventory. Under our hedging and risk management strategy,
realized gains or losses on futures contracts will typically offset losses or gains on the physical
inventory once the product is sold to customers at market prices. However, as a result of lower
than expected volumes primarily attributable to customer conservation, the timing was such that
these losses were not fully offset by sales of the physical product. Our risk management
activities had a negative effect on earnings of approximately $14.5 million during the third
quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year quarter as a result of realized losses on futures
contracts. See Item 3 of this Quarterly Report for information about accounting for derivative
instruments and hedging activities.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our significant accounting policies are summarized in Note 2, Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies, included within the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements section of our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007.
21
Results of Operations and Financial Condition
Consistent with the seasonal nature of the propane and fuel oil businesses, we typically
experience a net loss in our fiscal third quarter. Net loss for the three months ended June 28,
2008, amounted to $13.7 million, or $0.42 per Common Unit, compared to a net loss of $1.1 million,
or $0.03 per Common Unit, in the prior year quarter. EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below)
amounted to $2.8 million, compared to $15.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007.
Given the retail nature of our operations, we maintain a certain level of priced physical
inventory to ensure our field operations have adequate supply commensurate with the time of year.
Our strategy has been, and will continue to be, to keep our physical inventory priced relatively
close to market for our field operations. Consistent with past practices, we principally utilize
futures and/or option contracts traded on the NYMEX to mitigate the price risk associated with our
priced physical inventory. Under this risk management strategy, realized gains or losses on
futures or option contracts will typically offset losses or gains on the physical inventory once
the product is sold. We do not use futures contracts, or other derivative instruments, for
speculative trading purposes.
With the unprecedented rise in commodity prices, we reported realized losses from our risk
management activities which were not fully offset by sales of the physical product, resulting in a
negative effect of $14.5 million during the third quarter of fiscal 2008. Early in the third
quarter of fiscal 2008, as a result of continued market volatility and unpredictability, we made a
decision to unwind all of our short futures positions during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Depending on the movement in commodity prices and the volume of products sold, we may recover a
portion of these realized losses in future periods.
Retail propane gallons sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 decreased 8.6 million gallons,
or 10.8%, to 71.4 million gallons compared to 80.0 million gallons in the prior year quarter.
Sales of fuel oil and refined fuels decreased 6.5 million gallons, or 34.0%, to 12.6 million
gallons during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to 19.1 million gallons in the prior year
quarter. Lower volumes in both segments were attributable to ongoing customer conservation
resulting from the historically high commodity prices and the proactive steps we have taken to help
manage customer credit risk in this high energy price environment, as well as, to a lesser extent,
the warmer than normal temperatures and the effects of eliminating certain lower margin accounts
which occurred throughout much of fiscal 2007. In the commodities market, average posted prices
for both propane and fuel oil increased to new all-time highs on an almost daily basis throughout
the quarter. Overall, average posted prices for propane and fuel oil during the third quarter
increased 50.0% and 85.2%, respectively, compared to the prior year third quarter. While weather
is not typically a significant contributing factor to operating results in the third quarter, sales
volumes were negatively impacted to an extent by significantly warmer than normal temperatures in
April 2008 compared to the same period in the prior year.
While the high energy price environment has had a negative effect on sales volumes as a result
of ongoing customer conservation, the proactive steps we have taken over the past two years to
create a more efficient and cost effective operating structure continue to produce favorable
results and have contributed to the overall strength of our cash flow and financial position.
Combined operating and general and administrative expenses of $89.7 million for the third quarter
of fiscal 2008 were flat compared to the prior year quarter. Continued savings in payroll and
benefit related expenses, including variable compensation resulting from lower earnings, as well as
the impact of a lower vehicle count, were offset by higher diesel fuel costs to operate our fleet.
From a cash flow perspective, despite the sustained period of high commodity prices, we
continue to fund working capital requirements from cash on hand and have not borrowed under our
working capital facility since April 2006. We ended the third quarter of fiscal 2008 with $118.6
million in cash on hand and are well positioned as we advance into the fourth quarter of fiscal
2008. On the strength of these earnings and cash flows, our Board of Supervisors declared the
eighteenth increase (since 1999) in our quarterly distribution from $0.775 to $0.80 per Common
Unit, or from $3.10 to $3.20 on an annualized basis. This increase, the ninth consecutive quarter
in which we have increased the annualized rate by at least $0.05 per Common Unit, equates to an
increase of 12.3% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2007.
22
Looking ahead to the remainder of fiscal 2008, we expect that the high commodity price
environment will continue to present challenges in each of our markets and will also continue to
affect customer buying habits, thus having a possible negative impact on sales volumes.
Nonetheless, we believe that our flexible cost structure, focus on operating efficiencies and
financial strength are all factors that will help us effectively manage through the challenging
operating environment.
Our anticipated cash requirements for the remainder of fiscal 2008 include: (i) maintenance
and growth capital expenditures of approximately $7.7 million; (ii) interest payments of
approximately $7.6 million; (iii) cash distributions of approximately $26.2 million to our Common
Unitholders based on the most recently increased quarterly distribution rate of $0.80 per Common
Unit; and (iv) prepayment of approximately $15.0 million of our Term Loan from the net proceeds of
the sale of our Tirzah storage facility. Based on our current estimates of cash flow from
operations and our cash position at the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2008, we do not
anticipate the need to borrow under the working capital facility of our Revolving Credit Agreement
to meet our working capital requirements for the remainder of fiscal 2008. Our Revolving Credit
Agreement provides a working capital facility with available revolving borrowing capacity up to
$175.0 million (unused borrowing capacity of $119.2 million after considering outstanding letters
of credit of $55.8 million as of June 28, 2008).
Three Months Ended June 28, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2007
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
Increase / |
|
|
Increase / |
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
216,999 |
|
|
$ |
188,772 |
|
|
$ |
28,227 |
|
|
|
15.0% |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
55,262 |
|
|
|
49,021 |
|
|
|
6,241 |
|
|
|
12.7% |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
22,507 |
|
|
|
20,182 |
|
|
|
2,325 |
|
|
|
11.5% |
|
Services |
|
|
9,184 |
|
|
|
11,662 |
|
|
|
(2,478 |
) |
|
|
(21.2%) |
|
All other |
|
|
1,524 |
|
|
|
1,817 |
|
|
|
(293 |
) |
|
|
(16.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
$ |
305,476 |
|
|
$ |
271,454 |
|
|
$ |
34,022 |
|
|
|
12.5% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues increased $34.0 million, or 12.5%, to $305.5 million for the three months ended
June 28, 2008 compared to $271.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2007, as lower volumes
were offset by higher average selling prices associated with higher product costs. Volumes were
lower than the prior year third quarter due to ongoing customer conservation resulting from the
historically high commodity prices, as well as, to a lesser extent, warmer than normal temperatures
during the month of April 2008 in our service territories and the effects of eliminating certain
lower margin accounts which occurred throughout much of the prior year. In addition, in the high
energy price environment, we have taken proactive steps to help our customers manage their
household energy costs and to help manage customer credit risk which has had a negative impact on
volumes sold.
Revenues from the distribution of propane and related activities of $217.0 million in the
third quarter of fiscal 2008 increased $28.2 million, or 15.0%, compared to $188.8 million in the
prior year quarter, primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower
volumes which were primarily attributable to ongoing customer conservation. Retail propane gallons
sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 decreased 8.6 million gallons, or 10.8%, to 71.4 million
gallons from 80.0 million gallons in the prior year quarter. The average posted price of propane
during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 increased approximately 50.0% compared to the average
posted prices in the prior year quarter, while our average propane selling prices in the third
quarter of fiscal 2008 increased approximately 28.6% compared to the prior year quarter.
Additionally, revenues from wholesale and other propane activities for the three months ended June
28, 2008 increased $2.3 million compared to the prior year quarter.
23
Revenues from the distribution of fuel oil and refined fuels of $55.3 million in the third
quarter of fiscal 2008 increased $6.2 million, or 12.7%, from $49.0 million in the prior year
quarter, primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower volumes. Fuel
oil and refined fuels gallons sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 decreased 6.5 million
gallons, or 34.0%, to 12.6 million gallons from 19.1 million gallons in the prior year quarter.
Lower volumes in our fuel oil and refined fuels segment were attributable to the impact of ongoing
customer conservation from continued high energy prices, combined with our decision to exit certain
lower margin diesel and gasoline businesses. Our decision to exit the majority of our low sulfur
diesel and gasoline businesses resulted in a reduction in volumes in the fuel oil and refined fuels
segment of approximately 2.9 million gallons, or 43.9% of the total volume decline in the third
quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year quarter. The average posted price of fuel oil
during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 increased approximately 85.2% compared to the average
posted prices in the prior year quarter, while our average selling prices in our fuel oil and
refined fuels segment increased approximately 63.8% compared to the prior year quarter.
Revenues in our natural gas and electricity segment increased $2.3 million, or 11.5%, to $22.5
million for the three months ended June 28, 2008 compared to $20.2 million in the prior year
quarter as a result of higher average selling prices for both electricity and natural gas,
partially offset by lower natural gas and, to a lesser extent, electricity volumes. Revenues in
our services segment decreased 21.2% to $9.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 from $11.7
million in the prior year quarter as a result of the decision to reduce the level of certain
installation activities. The focus of our ongoing service offerings are in support of our existing
core commodity segments.
Cost of Products Sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
Increase / |
|
|
Increase / |
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
Cost of products sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
135,545 |
|
|
$ |
107,689 |
|
|
$ |
27,856 |
|
|
|
25.9% |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
54,518 |
|
|
|
38,520 |
|
|
|
15,998 |
|
|
|
41.5% |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
19,780 |
|
|
|
16,710 |
|
|
|
3,070 |
|
|
|
18.4% |
|
Services |
|
|
2,437 |
|
|
|
3,271 |
|
|
|
(834 |
) |
|
|
(25.5%) |
|
All other |
|
|
694 |
|
|
|
1,034 |
|
|
|
(340 |
) |
|
|
(32.9%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of products sold |
|
$ |
212,974 |
|
|
$ |
167,224 |
|
|
$ |
45,750 |
|
|
|
27.4% |
|
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
69.7 |
% |
|
|
61.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The cost of products sold reported in the condensed consolidated statements of operations
represents the weighted average unit cost of propane and fuel oil sold, including transportation
costs to deliver product from our supply points to storage or to our customer service centers.
Cost of products sold also includes the cost of natural gas and electricity, as well as the cost of
appliances and related parts sold or installed by our customer service centers computed on a basis
that approximates the average cost of the products. Unrealized (non-cash) gains or losses from
changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges are
recorded in each quarterly reporting period within cost of products sold. Cost of products sold is
reported exclusive of any depreciation and amortization; these amounts are reported separately
within the condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Cost of products sold increased $45.8 million, or 27.4%, to $213.0 million for the three
months ended June 28, 2008 compared to $167.2 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was
primarily attributable to the impact of the unprecedented rise in product costs on volumes sold, as
well as the $14.5 million impact of realized losses from risk management activities discussed
above. Cost of products sold in the fiscal 2008 third quarter also included a $4.7 million
unrealized (non-cash) gain representing the net change in the fair value of derivative instruments
during the period, compared to a $0.2 million unrealized (non-cash) loss in the prior year quarter
resulting in a decrease of $4.9 million in cost of products sold for the three months ended June
28, 2008 compared to the prior year quarter.
24
The unrealized gain recognized during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 represented the
reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on derivative instruments as those instruments
were settled during the period and therefore, reported as realized losses.
Cost of products sold associated with the distribution of propane and related activities of
$135.5 million increased $27.9 million, or 25.9%, compared to the prior year quarter. Higher
average propane costs resulted in an increase of $35.6 million in cost of products sold during the
third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year quarter. The impact of the sharp increase
in commodity prices was partially offset by lower propane volumes which resulted in a $10.6 million
decrease in cost of products sold during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior
year quarter. The increase in wholesale and other propane revenues, noted above, increased cost of
products sold by $2.9 million compared to the prior year period.
Cost of products sold associated with our fuel oil and refined fuels segment of $54.5 million
increased $16.0 million, or 41.5%, compared to the prior year quarter. Higher average fuel oil
costs resulted in an increase of $19.7 million in cost of products sold during the third quarter of
fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year quarter. The impact of the sharp increase in commodity
prices was partially offset by lower fuel oil sales volumes, which resulted in a $13.3 million
decrease in cost of products sold during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior
year quarter. In addition, as described above, risk management activities during the third quarter
of fiscal 2008 resulted in a $14.5 million increase in cost of products sold compared to the prior
year as a result of realized losses on futures contracts. The net change in the fair value of
derivative instruments, representing unrealized (non-cash) gains, during the period resulted in a
$4.9 million decrease in cost of products sold associated with the distribution of fuel oil and
refined fuels compared to the prior year.
Cost of products sold in our natural gas and electricity segment of $19.8 million increased
$3.1 million, or 18.4%, compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to higher average natural
gas and electricity costs. Cost of products sold in our services segment of $2.4 million decreased
$0.8 million, or 25.5%, compared to the prior year quarter primarily due to lower sales volumes.
For the quarter ended June 28, 2008, total cost of products sold represented 69.7% of revenues
compared to 61.6% in the prior year quarter. This increase was primarily attributable to the
significant increase in product costs, which we were not able to fully pass on to customers, as
well as the negative effect of higher commodity prices on our risk management activities of $9.6
million during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year quarter, representing
the net impact of the aforementioned $14.5 million of realized losses offset by $4.9 million of
unrealized (non cash) gains representing the reversal of previously recognized unrealized losses on
derivative instruments which were settled during the period.
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Decrease |
|
Decrease |
Operating expenses |
|
$ |
76,455 |
|
|
$ |
77,076 |
|
|
$ |
(621 |
) |
|
|
(0.8 |
%) |
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
25.0 |
% |
|
|
28.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All costs of operating our retail distribution and appliance sales and service operations are
reported within operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. These
operating expenses include the compensation and benefits of field and direct operating support
personnel, costs of operating and maintaining our vehicle fleet, overhead and other costs of our
purchasing, training and safety departments and other direct and indirect costs of operating our
customer service centers.
Operating expenses of $76.5 million for the three months ended June 28, 2008 decreased $0.6
million, or 0.8%, compared to $77.1 million in the prior year quarter as a result of our continued
efforts to drive operational efficiencies and reduce costs across all operating segments. Payroll
and benefit related expenses declined $1.3
25
million due to lower headcount, as well as lower variable compensation associated with lower
earnings in the third quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year. Savings from payroll and
benefit related expenses and the impact of a lower vehicle count were partially offset by higher
diesel fuel costs to operate our fleet.
General and Administrative Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Increase |
|
Increase |
General and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
13,268 |
|
|
$ |
12,587 |
|
|
$ |
681 |
|
|
|
5.4 |
% |
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
4.3 |
% |
|
|
4.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
All costs of our back office support functions, including compensation and benefits for
executives and other support functions, as well as other costs and expenses to maintain finance and
accounting, treasury, legal, human resources, corporate development and the information systems
functions are reported within general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated
statements of operations.
General and administrative expenses of $13.3 million for the three months ended June 28, 2008
increased $0.7 million, or 5.4%, compared to $12.6 million during the prior year quarter.
Continued savings from lower payroll and benefit related expenses, including lower variable
compensation due to lower earnings, were more than offset by higher professional services fees and
other miscellaneous costs.
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Decrease |
|
Decrease |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
$ |
7,159 |
|
|
$ |
7,306 |
|
|
$ |
(147 |
) |
|
|
(2.0 |
%) |
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
2.3 |
% |
|
|
2.7 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense of $7.2 million for the three months ended June 28, 2008
was relatively unchanged compared to the prior year quarter.
Interest Expense, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Increase |
|
Increase |
Interest expense, net |
|
$ |
9,524 |
|
|
$ |
8,623 |
|
|
$ |
901 |
|
|
|
10.4 |
% |
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
3.1 |
% |
|
|
3.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest expense increased $0.9 million, or 10.4%, to $9.5 million for the three months
ended June 28, 2008, compared to $8.6 million in the prior year quarter as a result of lower market
interest rates for short-term investments, which contributed to less interest income earned. As
has been the case since April 2006, there were no borrowings under our working capital facility as
seasonal working capital needs have been funded through cash on hand and cash flow from operations.
We ended the third quarter of fiscal 2008 in a strong cash position with $118.6 million in cash on
the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
26
Discontinued Operations. On October 2, 2007, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of
its Tirzah, South Carolina underground granite propane storage cavern, and associated 62-mile
pipeline, for approximately $53.7 million in cash, after taking into account certain adjustments.
As a result of this sale, we reported a $43.7 million gain on disposal of discontinued operations
in the first quarter of fiscal 2008. The results of operations from the Tirzah facilities have
been reported within discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of operations
for the three months ended June 30, 2007 and the assets and liabilities have been classified as
held for sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 29, 2007.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we sold one customer service center for net cash
proceeds of $0.3 million which we received in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007 and reported a gain
on sale of $0.2 million.
Net Loss and EBITDA. Net loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2008 amounted to $13.7 million,
or $0.42 per Common Unit, an increase of $12.6 million, or $0.39 per Common Unit, compared to the
prior year quarters net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.03 per Common Unit. EBITDA amounted to $2.8
million for the three months ended June 28, 2008 compared to $15.3 million in the prior year third
quarter.
EBITDA represents income before deducting interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization. Our management uses EBITDA as a measure of liquidity and we disclose it because we
believe that it provides our investors and industry analysts with additional information to
evaluate our ability to meet our debt service obligations and to pay our quarterly distributions to
holders of our Common Units. In addition, certain of our incentive compensation plans covering
executives and other employees utilize EBITDA as the performance target. Moreover, our Revolving
Credit Agreement requires us to use EBITDA as a component in calculating our leverage and interest
coverage ratios. EBITDA is not a recognized term under GAAP and should not be considered as an
alternative to net income or net cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance
with GAAP. Because EBITDA as determined by us excludes some, but not all, items that affect net
income, it may not be comparable to EBITDA or similarly titled measures used by other companies.
The following table sets forth (i) our calculations of EBITDA and (ii) a reconciliation of
EBITDA, as so calculated, to our net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(13,747 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,140 |
) |
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Benefit from) provision for income taxes |
|
|
(157 |
) |
|
|
389 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
9,524 |
|
|
|
8,623 |
|
Depreciation and amortization continuing
operations |
|
|
7,159 |
|
|
|
7,306 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA |
|
|
2,779 |
|
|
|
15,303 |
|
Add (subtract): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes current |
|
|
(87 |
) |
|
|
(389 |
) |
Interest expense, net |
|
|
(9,524 |
) |
|
|
(8,623 |
) |
Compensation cost recognized under
Restricted Unit Plan |
|
|
817 |
|
|
|
949 |
|
Gain on disposal of property, plant and
equipment, net |
|
|
(109 |
) |
|
|
(339 |
) |
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(203 |
) |
Changes in working capital and other
assets and liabilities |
|
|
54,725 |
|
|
|
40,090 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
48,601 |
|
|
$ |
46,788 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended June 28, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2007
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
Increase / |
|
|
Increase / |
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
946,700 |
|
|
$ |
865,808 |
|
|
$ |
80,892 |
|
|
|
9.3% |
|
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
247,609 |
|
|
|
229,106 |
|
|
|
18,503 |
|
|
|
8.1% |
|
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
84,693 |
|
|
|
79,382 |
|
|
|
5,311 |
|
|
|
6.7% |
|
Services |
|
|
34,752 |
|
|
|
44,792 |
|
|
|
(10,040 |
) |
|
|
(22.4%) |
|
All other |
|
|
3,928 |
|
|
|
5,385 |
|
|
|
(1,457 |
) |
|
|
(27.1%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues |
|
$ |
1,317,682 |
|
|
$ |
1,224,473 |
|
|
$ |
93,209 |
|
|
|
7.6% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenues increased $93.2 million, or 7.6%, to $1,317.7 million for the nine months ended
June 28, 2008 compared to $1,224.5 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2007, as lower
volumes were offset by higher average selling prices associated with higher product costs. Volumes
in our propane, fuel oil and
refined fuels and
27
natural gas and electricity segments were lower for
the first nine months of the fiscal year compared to the similar period of the prior year primarily
due to ongoing customer conservation resulting from the historically high commodity prices,
proactive steps to manage customer credit risk, warmer weather in our service territories and, to a
lesser extent, the effects of eliminating certain lower margin accounts which occurred throughout
much of the prior year. From a weather perspective, average heating degree days in our service
territories for the nine months ended June 28, 2008 were 94% of normal and flat compared to the
prior year period; however, the winter heating season of fiscal 2008 was warmer than the comparable
period of prior year, particularly in the northeast where average heating degree days where 7%
below normal and the prior year period, thus having a negative effect on volumes.
Revenues from the distribution of propane and related activities of $946.7 million for the
nine months ended June 28, 2008 increased $80.9 million, or 9.3%, compared to $865.8 million for
the nine months ended June 30, 2007, primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially
offset by lower volumes which were attributable to ongoing customer conservation. Retail propane
gallons sold in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased 39.0 million gallons, or 10.6%, to
329.6 million gallons from 368.6 million gallons in the similar period of the prior year. The
average posted price of propane during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 increased approximately
53.1% compared to the average posted prices in the similar period of the prior year, while our
average propane selling prices in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 increased approximately
25.7% compared to the prior year period. Additionally, revenues from wholesale and other propane
activities for the nine months ended June 28, 2008 decreased $19.2 million compared to the prior
year period.
Revenues from the distribution of fuel oil and refined fuels of $247.6 million for the nine
months ended June 28, 2008 increased $18.5 million, or 8.1%, from $229.1 million in the prior year
period, primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower volumes. Fuel
oil and refined fuels gallons sold in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 decreased 24.0 million
gallons, or 26.2%, to 67.6 million gallons from 91.6 million gallons in the prior year period.
Lower volumes in our fuel oil and refined fuels segment were attributable to the impact of ongoing
customer conservation from continued high energy prices combined with our decision to exit certain
lower margin diesel and gasoline businesses. Our decision to exit the majority of our low sulfur
diesel and gasoline businesses resulted in a reduction in volumes in the fuel oil and refined fuels
segment of approximately 7.3 million gallons, or 30.4% of the total volume decline, in the first
nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year period. The average posted price of fuel oil
during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 increased approximately 66.2% compared to the average
posted prices in the prior year period, while our average selling prices in our fuel oil and
refined fuels segment increased approximately 44.6% compared to the prior year period.
Revenues in our natural gas and electricity segment increased $5.3 million, or 6.7%, to $84.7
million for the nine months ended June 28, 2008 compared to $79.4 million in the prior year period
as a result of higher average selling prices for both electricity and natural gas, partially offset
by lower electricity and natural gas volumes. Revenues in our services segment decreased 22.4% to
$34.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 from $44.8 million in the prior year period
as a result of the decision to reduce the level of certain installation activities. The focus of
our ongoing service offerings are in support of our existing core commodity segments.
28
Cost of Products Sold
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
|
Increase / |
|
|
Increase / |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
|
(Decrease) |
Cost of products sold |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Propane |
|
$ |
575,678 |
|
|
$ |
480,639 |
|
|
$ |
95,039 |
|
|
|
19.8 |
% |
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
|
|
213,194 |
|
|
|
163,738 |
|
|
|
49,456 |
|
|
|
30.2 |
% |
Natural gas and electricity |
|
|
71,271 |
|
|
|
64,783 |
|
|
|
6,488 |
|
|
|
10.0 |
% |
Services |
|
|
9,614 |
|
|
|
13,356 |
|
|
|
(3,742 |
) |
|
|
(28.0 |
%) |
All other |
|
|
1,689 |
|
|
|
2,929 |
|
|
|
(1,240 |
) |
|
|
(42.3 |
%) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of products sold |
|
$ |
871,446 |
|
|
$ |
725,445 |
|
|
$ |
146,001 |
|
|
|
20.1 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
66.1 |
% |
|
|
59.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost of products sold increased $146.0 million, or 20.1%, to $871.4 million for the nine
months ended June 28, 2008 compared to $725.4 million in the prior year period primarily due to the
dramatic rise in product costs. In addition, favorable market conditions relating to our supply
arrangements and risk management activities contributed approximately $20.0 million of incremental
margin opportunities in the first nine months of the prior year. As reported throughout much of
fiscal 2007, favorable market conditions impacting the supply and pricing structure for propane and
fuel oil provided additional margin opportunities during the first and second quarters of fiscal
2007. As a result of the significant rise in commodity prices and the market volatility throughout
fiscal 2008, these favorable market conditions and resulting incremental margin opportunities were
not present during the first nine months of fiscal 2008, thus having a negative effect on the
year-over-year comparison of financial results. Additionally, the year-over-year increase in cost
of products sold was also attributable to the realized losses on futures contracts associated with
risk management activities which had a negative effect of approximately $14.5 million during the
third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Cost of products sold in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 included a $0.3 million
unrealized (non-cash) loss representing the net change in the fair value of derivative instruments
during the period, compared to a $7.8 million unrealized (non-cash) loss in the prior year period
resulting in a decrease of $7.5 million in cost of products sold for the nine months ended June 28,
2008 compared to the similar period of the prior year.
Cost of products sold associated with the distribution of propane and related activities of
$575.7 million increased $95.0 million, or 19.8%, compared to the prior year period. Higher
average propane costs resulted in an increase of $157.7 million in cost of products sold during the
first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year period. The impact of the sharp
increase in commodity prices was partially offset by lower propane volumes which resulted in a
$46.4 million decrease in cost of products sold during the first nine months of fiscal 2008
compared to the prior year period. Results of lower wholesale and other propane revenues, noted
above, decreased cost of products sold by approximately $14.6 million compared to the prior year
period. In addition, the net change in the fair value of derivative instruments during the period
resulted in a $1.7 million decrease in cost of products sold associated with the distribution of
propane and related activities compared to the prior year.
Cost of products sold associated with our fuel oil and refined fuels segment of $213.2 million
increased $49.5 million, or 30.2%, compared to the prior year period. Higher average fuel oil
costs resulted in an increase of $85.2
million in cost of products sold during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to the
prior year period. This increase was partially offset by lower fuel oil sales volumes, which
resulted in a $44.4 million decrease in cost of products sold during the first nine months of
fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year period. In addition, as described above, risk management
activities during the third quarter of fiscal 2008 resulted in a $14.5 million increase in cost of
products sold compared to the prior year period as a result of realized losses on futures
contracts. The net change in the fair value of derivative instruments during the period resulted
in a $5.8 million decrease in cost of products sold associated with the distribution of fuel oil
and refined fuels compared to the prior year.
29
Cost of products sold in our natural gas and electricity segment of $71.3 million increased
$6.5 million, or 10.0%, compared to the prior year period due to higher average electricity costs
and, to a lesser extent, natural gas costs. Cost of products sold in our services segment of $9.6
million decreased $3.7 million, or 28.0%, compared to the prior year period primarily due to lower
sales volumes.
For the nine months ended June 28, 2008, total cost of products sold represented 66.1% of
revenues compared to 59.2% in the prior year period. This increase was primarily attributable to
the significant increase in product costs which we were not able to fully pass on to customers, as
well as the favorable market conditions discussed above that contributed approximately $20.0
million of incremental margin opportunities in the first nine months of the prior year that were
not present in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 and the negative effect of higher commodity
prices on our risk management activities which resulted in the $14.5 million of realized losses
during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Decrease |
|
Decrease |
Operating expenses |
|
$ |
235,495 |
|
|
$ |
247,819 |
|
|
$ |
(12,324 |
) |
|
|
(5.0 |
%) |
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
17.9 |
% |
|
|
20.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses of $235.5 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2008 decreased $12.3
million, or 5.0%, compared to $247.8 million in the prior year period as a result of our continued
efforts to drive operational efficiencies and reduce costs across all operating segments. Payroll
and benefit related expenses declined $13.7 million due to lower headcount, as well as lower
variable compensation associated with lower earnings in the first nine months of fiscal 2008
compared to the similar period of the prior year. In addition, vehicle expenditures decreased $2.1
million compared to the prior year period as a result of a lower vehicle count and route
efficiencies despite a significant increase in the cost of fuel to operate our fleet. Savings from
payroll and benefit related expenses and vehicle expenditures were partially offset by higher bad
debt expense and other costs to operate our customer service centers in the high energy price
environment.
General and Administrative Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Decrease |
|
Decrease |
General and administrative expenses |
|
$ |
37,632 |
|
|
$ |
42,667 |
|
|
$ |
(5,035 |
) |
|
|
(11.8 |
%) |
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
2.9 |
% |
|
|
3.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses of $37.6 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2008
decreased $5.0 million, or 11.8%, compared to $42.7 million during the prior year period. The
decrease was primarily attributable to a reduction in variable compensation resulting from lower
earnings in the first nine months of fiscal 2008
compared to the similar period of the prior year and the reduction of compensation costs
recognized under certain long-term incentive plans.
Restructuring Charges and Severance Costs. We did not record any restructuring charges for
the nine months ended June 28, 2008. For the nine months ended June 30, 2007, we recorded a charge
of $1.5 million primarily related to employee termination costs incurred as a result of further
refinements to our plan to restructure our services business segment.
30
Depreciation and Amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Decrease |
|
Decrease |
Depreciation and amortization |
|
$ |
21,325 |
|
|
$ |
21,762 |
|
|
$ |
(437 |
) |
|
|
(2.0 |
%) |
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
1.6 |
% |
|
|
1.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization expense of $21.3 million for the nine months ended June 28, 2008
was relatively unchanged compared to the prior year period.
Interest Expense, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
June 30, |
|
|
|
|
|
Percent |
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
2007 |
|
Increase |
|
Increase |
Interest expense, net |
|
$ |
27,330 |
|
|
$ |
27,161 |
|
|
$ |
169 |
|
|
|
0.6 |
% |
As a percent of total revenues |
|
|
2.1 |
% |
|
|
2.2 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest expense increased $0.2 million, or 0.6%, to $27.3 million for the nine months
ended June 28, 2008, compared to $27.2 million in the prior year period as a result of lower market
interest rates for short-term investments, which contributed to less interest income earned. As
has been the case since April 2006, there were no borrowings under our working capital facility as
seasonal working capital needs have been funded through cash on hand and cash flow from operations.
We ended the third quarter of fiscal 2008 in a strong cash position with $118.6 million in cash on
the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Discontinued Operations. On October 2, 2007, the Operating Partnership completed the sale of
its Tirzah, South Carolina underground granite propane storage cavern, and associated 62-mile
pipeline, for approximately $53.7 million in cash, after taking into account certain adjustments.
As a result of this sale, we reported a $43.7 million gain on disposal of discontinued operations
during the nine months ended June 28, 2008. The results of operations from the Tirzah facilities
have been reported within discontinued operations on the condensed consolidated statements of
operations for the first nine months of fiscal 2007 and the assets and liabilities have been
classified as held for sale on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 29, 2007.
We continuously evaluate our existing operations to identify opportunities to optimize the
return on assets employed and selectively divest operations in slower growing or non-strategic
markets and seek to reinvest in markets that are considered to present more opportunities for
growth. In line with that strategy, during the first quarter of fiscal 2007, in a non-cash
transaction, we disposed of nine customer service centers considered to be non-strategic in
exchange for three customer service centers of another company located in Alaska. We reported a
$1.0 million gain within discontinued operations during the nine months ended June 30, 2007 for the
amount by which the fair value of assets relinquished exceeded the carrying value of the assets
relinquished. As described above, during the third quarter of fiscal 2007 we sold one customer
service center and reported a gain of $0.2 million.
Net Income and EBITDA. Net income for the nine months ended June 28, 2008 amounted to $166.2
million, or $5.08 per Common Unit, an increase of $6.8 million compared to the prior year period of
$159.4 million, or $4.90 per Common Unit. EBITDA (as defined and reconciled below) for the first
nine months of fiscal 2008 amounted to $216.8 million, an increase of $6.6 million compared to
$210.2 million in the prior year period.
The following table sets forth (i) our calculations of EBITDA and (ii) a reconciliation of
EBITDA, as so calculated, to our net cash provided by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nine Months Ended |
|
|
|
June 28, |
|
|
June 30, |
|
(Dollars in thousands) |
|
2008 |
|
|
2007 |
|
Net income |
|
$ |
166,205 |
|
|
$ |
159,374 |
|
Add: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes |
|
|
1,956 |
|
|
|
1,529 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
27,330 |
|
|
|
27,161 |
|
Depreciation and amortization continuing
operations |
|
|
21,325 |
|
|
|
21,762 |
|
Depreciation and amortization
discontinued operations |
|
|
|
|
|
|
375 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA |
|
|
216,816 |
|
|
|
210,201 |
|
Add (subtract): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for income taxes current |
|
|
(679 |
) |
|
|
(1,529 |
) |
Interest expense, net |
|
|
(27,330 |
) |
|
|
(27,161 |
) |
Compensation cost recognized under
Restricted Unit Plan |
|
|
1,503 |
|
|
|
2,109 |
|
Gain on disposal of property, plant and
equipment, net |
|
|
(1,821 |
) |
|
|
(2,401 |
) |
Gain on disposal of discontinued operations |
|
|
(43,707 |
) |
|
|
(1,205 |
) |
Changes in working capital and other
assets and liabilities |
|
|
(87,794 |
) |
|
|
(51,999 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities |
|
$ |
56,988 |
|
|
$ |
128,015 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Analysis of Cash Flows
Operating Activities. Due to the seasonal nature of the propane and fuel oil businesses, cash
flows from operating activities are greater during the winter and spring seasons (our second and
third fiscal quarters) as customers pay for products purchased during the heating season. For the
nine months ended June 28, 2008, net cash provided by operating activities was $57.0 million
compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $128.0 million for the first nine months
of the prior year. The decrease in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily
attributable to lower earnings from continuing operations and the significant rise in propane and
fuel oil commodity prices that resulted in a significantly larger investment in working capital in
comparison to the first nine months of fiscal 2007. Despite the higher working capital
requirements driven by the higher commodity price environment, we continue to fund working capital
through operating cash flow without the need to access the working capital facility of our
Revolving Credit Agreement. In addition, the increased investment in working capital was also
attributable to the payment of variable compensation during the first nine months of fiscal 2008 in
respect of fiscal 2007 earnings compared to lower variable compensation paid during the first nine
months of the prior fiscal year in respect of fiscal 2006 earnings.
Investing Activities. Net cash provided by investing activities of $39.9 million for the nine
months ended June 28, 2008 consisted of the net proceeds from the sale of discontinued operations
of $53.7 million and the net proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $3.5
million, partially offset by capital expenditures of $17.3
million (including $8.6 million for maintenance expenditures and $8.7 million to support the growth
of operations). Net cash used in investing activities of $14.7 million for the nine months ended
June 30, 2007 consisted of capital expenditures of $19.7 million (including $6.8 million for
maintenance expenditures and $12.9 million to support the growth of operations), partially offset
by the net proceeds from the sale of property, plant and equipment of $5.0 million.
Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended June
28, 2008 of $74.9 million reflects quarterly distributions to Common Unitholders at a rate of $0.75
per Common Unit paid in respect of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, $0.7625 and $0.775 per Common
Unit paid in respect of the first and second quarter of fiscal 2008, respectively. Net cash used
in financing activities for the nine months ended June 30, 2007 of $67.0 million reflects quarterly
distributions to Common Unitholders at a rate of $0.6625 per Common Unit paid in respect of the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, $0.6875 and $0.70 per Common Unit paid in respect of the first and
second quarter of fiscal 2007, respectively.
Summary of Long-Term Debt Obligations and Revolving Credit Lines
Our long-term borrowings and revolving credit lines consist of $425.0 million in 6.875% senior
notes due December 2013 (the 2003 Senior Notes) and a Revolving Credit Agreement at the Operating
Partnership level which provides a five-year $125.0 million term loan due March 31, 2010 (the Term
Loan) and a separate working capital facility which provides available credit up to $175.0
million. There were no outstanding borrowings under the working capital facility as of June 28,
2008 and there have been no borrowings under our working capital facility since April 2006. We
have standby letters of credit issued under the working capital facility of the Revolving Credit
Agreement in the aggregate amount of $55.8 million in support of retention levels under our
self-insurance programs and certain lease obligations which expire periodically through March 1,
2009. Therefore, as of June 28, 2008 we had available borrowing capacity of $119.2 million under
the working capital facility of the Revolving Credit Agreement. Additionally, under the Revolving
Credit Agreement our Operating Partnership is authorized to incur additional indebtedness of up to
$10.0 million in connection with capital leases and up to $20.0 million in short-term borrowings
during the period from December 1 to April 1 in each fiscal year in order to meet working capital
needs during periods of peak demand, if necessary. Because of our cash position, operating results
and cash flow, we did not make any such short-term borrowings during the first nine months of
fiscal 2008.
32
The 2003 Senior Notes mature on December 15, 2013 and require semi-annual interest payments.
We are permitted to redeem some or all of the 2003 Senior Notes any time on or after December 15,
2008 at redemption prices specified in the indenture governing the 2003 Senior Notes. In addition,
the 2003 Senior Notes have a change of control provision that would require us to offer to
repurchase the notes at 101% of the principal amount repurchased, if the holders of the notes
elected to exercise the right of repurchase. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement,
including the Term Loan, bear interest at a rate based upon LIBOR plus an applicable margin. An
annual facility fee ranging from 0.375% to 0.50%, based upon certain financial tests, is payable
quarterly whether or not borrowings occur.
In connection with the Term Loan, our Operating Partnership also entered into an interest rate
swap contract with a notional amount of $125.0 million with the issuing lender. Effective March
31, 2005 through March 31, 2010, our Operating Partnership will pay a fixed interest rate of 4.66%
to the issuing lender on the notional principal amount of $125.0 million, effectively fixing the
LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 4.66%. In return, the issuing lender will pay to our
Operating Partnership a floating rate, namely LIBOR, on the same notional principal amount. The
applicable margin above LIBOR, as defined in the Revolving Credit Agreement, will be paid in
addition to this fixed interest rate of 4.66%.
Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, our Operating Partnership must maintain a leverage
ratio (the ratio of total debt to EBITDA) of less than 4.0 to 1 and an interest coverage ratio
(the ratio of EBITDA to interest expense) of greater than 2.5 to 1 at the Partnership level.
Under the 2003 Senior Note indenture, the Partnership is generally permitted to make cash
distributions equal to available cash, as defined, as of the end of the immediately preceding
quarter, if no event of default exists or would exist upon making such distributions, and the
Partnerships consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, is greater than 1.75 to 1.
Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, as long as no default exists or would result, the
Partnership is permitted to make cash distributions not
more frequently than quarterly in an amount not to exceed available cash, as defined, for the
immediately preceding fiscal quarter. The Revolving Credit Agreement and the 2003 Senior Notes
both contain various restrictive and affirmative covenants applicable to our Operating Partnership
and us, respectively. These covenants include (i) restrictions on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and (ii) restrictions on certain liens, investments, guarantees, loans, advances,
payments, mergers, consolidations, distributions, sales of assets and other transactions. We were
in compliance with all covenants and terms of all of our debt agreements as of June 28, 2008 and
September 29, 2007.
Under the Revolving Credit Agreement, proceeds from the sale, transfer or other disposition
of any asset of the Operating Partnership, other than the sale of inventory in the ordinary course
of business, in excess of $15 million must be used to acquire productive assets within twelve
months of receipt of the proceeds. Any proceeds not used within twelve months of receipt to
acquire productive assets must be used to prepay the outstanding principal of the Term Loan. We
expect to prepay approximately $15.0 million on the Term Loan from the net proceeds of the sale of
our Tirzah storage facility which closed on October 2, 2007.
Partnership Distributions
We are required to make distributions in an amount equal to all of our Available Cash, as
defined in the Third Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement, as amended, no more than 45 days
after the end of each fiscal quarter to holders of record on the applicable record dates.
Available Cash, as defined in the Partnership Agreement, generally means all cash on hand at the
end of the respective fiscal quarter less the amount of cash reserves established by the Board of
Supervisors in its reasonable discretion for future cash requirements. These reserves are retained
for the proper conduct of our business, the payment of debt principal and interest and for
distributions during the next four quarters. The Board of Supervisors reviews the level of
Available Cash on a quarterly basis based upon information provided by management.
On July 24, 2008, we announced a quarterly distribution of $0.80 per Common Unit, or $3.20 on
an annualized basis, in respect of the third quarter of fiscal 2008 payable on August 12, 2008 to
holders of record on August 5, 2008. This quarterly distribution included an increase of $0.025
per Common Unit, or $0.10 per Common Unit on an annualized basis, representing the eighteenth
increase since our recapitalization in 1999 and a 12.3% increase in the quarterly distribution rate
compared to the third quarter of the prior year.
33
Other Commitments
We have a noncontributory, cash balance format, defined benefit pension plan which was frozen
to new participants effective January 1, 2000. Effective January 1, 2003, the defined benefit
pension plan was amended such that future service credits ceased and eligible employees would
receive interest credits only toward their ultimate retirement benefit. At June 28, 2008, the fair
value of the plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation of the plan by $5.8 million,
which was recognized on the balance sheet as an asset. We also provide postretirement health care
and life insurance benefits for certain retired employees under a plan that was also frozen to new
participants effective January 1, 2000. At June 28, 2008, we had accrued retiree health and life
benefits of $26.2 million.
We are self-insured for general and product, workers compensation and automobile liabilities
up to predetermined thresholds above which third party insurance applies. At June 28, 2008, we had
accrued insurance liabilities of $42.5 million, and an accrued insurance recovery asset of $8.8
million related to the amount of the liability expected to be covered by insurance carriers.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
Guarantees
We have residual value guarantees associated with certain of our operating leases, related
primarily to transportation equipment, with remaining lease periods scheduled to expire
periodically through fiscal 2015. Upon completion of the lease period, we guarantee that the fair
value of the equipment will equal or exceed the guaranteed amount, or we will pay the lessor the
difference. Although the fair value of equipment at the end of its lease term
has historically exceeded the guaranteed amounts, the maximum potential amount of aggregate future
payments we could be required to make under these leasing arrangements, assuming the equipment is
deemed worthless at the end of the lease term, is approximately $13.4 million as of June 28, 2008.
The fair value of residual value guarantees for outstanding operating leases was de minimis as of
June 28, 2008 and September 29, 2007.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS
157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures
about fair value measurements. It also establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes
information used in developing assumptions when pricing an asset or liability. SFAS 157 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, which will be our 2009 fiscal year
beginning September 28, 2008. In February of 2008, the FASB provided an elective one-year deferral
of the applications of the provisions of SFAS 157 to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial
liabilities that are only measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis. The adoption of SFAS
157 is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets
and Financial Liabilities (SFAS 159). Under SFAS 159, entities may elect to measure specified
financial instruments and warranty and insurance contracts at fair value on a contract-by-contract
basis, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each reporting period. SFAS 159 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, which will be our 2009 fiscal year
beginning September 28, 2008. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact that SFAS
159 may have on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements an Amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS 160). SFAS 160 establishes accounting
and reporting standards for noncontrolling interests in an entitys subsidiary and alters the way
the consolidated income statement is presented. SFAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning
on or after December 15, 2008, which will be our 2010 fiscal year beginning September 27, 2009. As
of June 28, 2008, we had no outstanding noncontrolling interests in any subsidiary; accordingly,
the adoption of SFAS 160 should not have any impact on our consolidated financial position, results
of operations and cash flows.
34
Also in December 2007, the FASB issued a revised SFAS No. 141 Business Combinations (SFAS
141R). Among other things, SFAS 141R requires an entity to recognize acquired assets, liabilities
assumed and any noncontrolling interest at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date,
clarifies how goodwill involved in a business combination is to be recognized and measured, as well
as requires the expensing of acquisition-related costs as incurred. SFAS 141R is effective for
business combinations entered into in fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2008, which
will be our 2010 fiscal year beginning September 27, 2009, with early adoption prohibited.
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities an Amendment of FASB Statement No. 133 (SFAS 161). SFAS 161 requires
enhanced disclosures about an entitys objectives for using derivative instruments and related
hedged items, how those derivative instruments are accounted for under SFAS 133 and how derivative
instruments and related hedged items affect an entitys financial position, financial performance
and cash flows. SFAS 161 is effective for financial statements for interim or annual periods
beginning on or after November 15, 2008, which will be the second quarter of our 2009 fiscal year
beginning September 28, 2008. The adoption of SFAS 161 is not expected to have a material effect
on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
35
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodity Price Risk
We enter into product supply contracts that are generally one-year agreements subject to
annual renewal, and also purchase product on the open market. Our propane supply contracts
typically provide for pricing based upon index formulas using the posted prices established at
major supply points such as Mont Belvieu, Texas, or Conway, Kansas (plus transportation costs) at
the time of delivery. In addition, to supplement our annual purchase requirements, we may utilize
forward fixed price purchase contracts to acquire a portion of the propane that we resell to our
customers, which allows us to manage our exposure to unfavorable changes in commodity prices and to
ensure adequate physical supply. The percentage of contract purchases, and the amount of supply
contracted for under forward contracts at fixed prices, will vary from year to year based on market
conditions. In certain instances, and when market conditions are favorable as was the case in the
propane and fuel oil markets during the first half of fiscal 2007, we are able to purchase product
under our supply arrangements at a discount to the market.
Product cost changes can occur rapidly over a short period of time and can impact
profitability. We attempt to reduce commodity price risk by pricing product on a short-term basis.
The level of priced, physical product maintained in storage facilities and at our customer service
centers for immediate sale to our customers will vary depending on several factors, including, but
not limited to, price, availability of supply, and demand for a given time of the year. Typically,
our on hand priced position does not exceed more than four to eight weeks of our supply needs
depending on the time of the year. In the course of normal operations, we routinely enter into
contracts such as forward priced physical contracts for the purchase or sale of propane and fuel
oil that, under SFAS No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, as
amended (SFAS 133), qualify for and are designated as a normal purchase or normal sale contracts.
Such contracts are exempted from the fair value accounting requirements of SFAS 133 and are
accounted for at the time product is purchased or sold under the related contract.
Under our hedging and risk management strategies, we enter into a combination of
exchange-traded futures and option contracts, forward contracts and, in certain instances,
over-the-counter options (collectively, derivative instruments) to manage the price risk
associated with priced, physical product and with future purchases of the commodities used in our
operations, principally propane and fuel oil, as well as to ensure the availability of product
during periods of high demand. We do not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading
purposes. Futures and forward contracts require that we sell or acquire propane or fuel oil at a
fixed price for delivery at fixed future dates. An option contract allows, but does not require,
its holder to buy or sell propane or fuel oil at a specified price during a specified time period.
However, the writer of an option contract must fulfill the obligation of the option contract,
should the holder choose to exercise the option. At expiration, the contracts are settled by the
delivery of the product to the respective party or are settled by the payment of a net amount equal
to the difference between the then current price and the fixed contract price or options exercise
price. To the extent that we utilize derivative instruments to manage exposure to commodity price
risk and commodity prices move adversely in relation to the contracts, we could suffer losses on
those derivative instruments when settled. Conversely, if prices move favorably, we could realize
gains. Under our hedging and risk management strategy, realized gains or losses on futures
contracts will typically offset losses or gains on the physical inventory once the product is sold
to customers at market prices.
As a result of various market factors during the first half of fiscal 2007, particularly
commodity price volatility during the first four months of the fiscal year, we experienced
additional margin opportunities due to favorable pricing under certain supply arrangements and from
our hedging and risk management activities. These market conditions generated additional operating
profit of approximately $20.0 million during the nine months ended June 30, 2007, respectively,
compared to the nine months ended June 28, 2008.
With the unprecedented rise in commodity prices in a relatively short period of time, coupled
with lower than expected sales volumes, we reported realized losses from our risk management
activities which had a negative effect on earnings of approximately $14.5 million during the third
quarter of fiscal 2008 compared to the prior year quarter. As a result of continued market
volatility, we made a decision under our risk management strategy to unwind all of our short
futures positions during the third quarter of fiscal 2008.
36
Market Risk
We are subject to commodity price risk to the extent that propane or fuel oil market prices
deviate from fixed contract settlement amounts. Futures traded with brokers of the NYMEX require
daily cash settlements in margin accounts. Forward and option contracts are generally settled at
the expiration of the contract term either by physical delivery or through a net settlement
mechanism. Market risks associated with futures, options and forward contracts are monitored daily
for compliance with our Hedging and Risk Management Policy which includes volume limits for open
positions. Open inventory positions are reviewed and managed daily as to exposures to changing
market prices.
Credit Risk
Futures and fuel oil options are guaranteed by the NYMEX and, as a result, have minimal credit
risk. We are subject to credit risk with over-the-counter, forward and propane option contracts to
the extent the counterparties do not perform. We evaluate the financial condition of each
counterparty with which we conduct business and establish credit limits to reduce exposure to the
risk of non-performance by our counterparties.
Interest Rate Risk
A portion of our long-term borrowings bear interest at a variable rate based upon either LIBOR
or Wachovia National Banks prime rate, plus an applicable margin depending on the level of our
total leverage. Therefore, we are subject to interest rate risk on the variable component of the
interest rate. We manage our interest rate risk by entering into interest rate swap agreements. On
March 31, 2005, we entered into a $125.0 million interest rate swap contract in conjunction with
the Term Loan facility under the Revolving Credit Agreement. The interest rate swap is being
accounted for under SFAS 133 and has been designated as a cash flow hedge. Changes in the fair
value of the interest rate swap are recognized in other comprehensive income until the hedged item
is recognized in earnings. At June 28, 2008, the fair value of the interest rate swap was ($2.8)
million representing an unrealized loss and is included within other liabilities with a
corresponding debit in other comprehensive income (loss) (OCI).
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
Pursuant to SFAS 133, all of our derivative instruments are reported on the balance sheet,
within other current assets or other current liabilities, at their fair values. On the date that
futures, forward and option contracts are entered into, we make a determination as to whether the
derivative instrument qualifies for designation as a hedge. Changes in the fair value of
derivative instruments are recorded each period in current period earnings or OCI, depending on
whether a derivative instrument is designated as a hedge and, if so, the type of hedge. For
derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges, we formally assess, both at the hedge
contracts inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the hedge contract is highly effective in
offsetting changes in cash flows of hedged items. Changes in the fair value of derivative
instruments designated as cash flow hedges are reported in OCI to the extent effective and
reclassified into cost of products sold during the same period in which the hedged item affects
earnings. The mark-to-market gains or losses on ineffective portions of cash flow hedges used to
hedge future purchases are immediately recognized in cost of products sold. Changes in the fair
value of derivative instruments that are not designated as cash flow hedges, and that do not meet
the normal purchase and normal sale exemption under SFAS 133, are recorded within cost of products
sold as they occur. Cash flows associated with derivative instruments are reported as operating
activities within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows.
At June 28, 2008, the fair value of derivative instruments described above resulted in
derivative assets (unrealized gains) of $1.2 million included within prepaid expenses and other
current assets and de minimis derivative liabilities (unrealized losses) included within other
current liabilities. Cost of products sold included unrealized (non-cash) gains of $4.7 million
and unrealized (non-cash) losses of $0.3 million for the three and nine months ended June 28,
2008, respectively, and unrealized (non-cash) losses of $0.2 million and $7.8 million for the
three and nine months ended June 30, 2007, respectively, attributable to the change in fair value
of derivative instruments not designated as cash flow hedges.
37
Sensitivity Analysis
In an effort to estimate our exposure to unfavorable market price changes in propane or fuel
oil, a sensitivity analysis of open positions as of June 28, 2008 was performed. Based on this
analysis, a hypothetical 10% adverse change in market prices for which a futures, forward and/or
option contract exists indicates either a reduction in potential future gains or an increase in
potential losses in future earnings of $0.7 million as of June 28, 2008. See also Item 7A of our
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007.
The above hypothetical change does not reflect the worst case scenario and does not include
any expected offsetting gains or losses on the sale of the physical product being hedged. Actual
results may be significantly different depending on market conditions and the composition of the
open position portfolio at any given point in time.
38
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) The Partnership maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that are designed to provide
reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Partnerships filings and
submissions under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and
reported within the periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC and that such information
is accumulated and communicated to the Partnerships management, including its principal executive
officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding
required disclosure.
The Partnership completed an evaluation under the supervision and with participation of the
Partnerships management, including the Partnerships principal executive officer and principal
financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Partnerships disclosure
controls and procedures as of June 28, 2008. Based on this evaluation, the Partnerships principal
executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that as of June 28, 2008, such
disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide the reasonable assurance described
above.
(b) There have not been any changes in the Partnerships internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934)
during the quarter ended June 28, 2008 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to
materially affect its internal control over financial reporting.
39
PART II
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
(a) Exhibits
31.1 |
|
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Executive Officer. |
|
31.2 |
|
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of the Chief Financial Officer. |
|
32.1 |
|
Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
|
32.2 |
|
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. |
40
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
|
|
|
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P.
|
|
August 7, 2008 |
By: |
/s/ MICHAEL A. STIVALA
|
|
Date |
|
Michael A. Stivala |
|
|
|
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer |
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2008 |
By: |
/s/ MICHAEL A. KUGLIN
|
|
Date |
|
Michael A. Kuglin |
|
|
|
Controller |
|
|
41