SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS LP - Quarter Report: 2011 June (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
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 25, 2011
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)
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 has submitted electronically and posted on its
corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted
pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).
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
Table of Contents
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
and 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 or acquire new customers; |
| The impact of customer conservation, energy efficiency and technology advances on the
demand for propane, fuel oil and other refined fuels, natural gas and electricity; |
| 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, derivative
instruments and other regulatory developments on the Partnerships business; |
| The impact of changes in tax regulations that could adversely affect the tax treatment of
the Partnership for federal income tax purposes; |
| 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; |
| The Partnerships ability to make strategic acquisitions and successfully integrate them; |
| The impact of current conditions in the global capital and credit markets, and general
economic pressures; and |
| Other risks referenced from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) and those factors listed or incorporated by reference into the
Partnerships Annual Report under Risk Factors. |
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 25, 2010. On different occasions, the Partnership or its
representatives have made or may make Forward-Looking Statements in other filings with the 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 except as otherwise required by law. 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.
Table of Contents
SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
June 25, | September 25, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 161,447 | $ | 156,908 | ||||
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,647
and $5,403, respectively |
83,068 | 60,383 | ||||||
Inventories |
53,855 | 61,047 | ||||||
Other current assets |
14,632 | 18,089 | ||||||
Total current assets |
313,002 | 296,427 | ||||||
Property, plant and equipment, net |
342,056 | 350,420 | ||||||
Goodwill |
277,651 | 277,244 | ||||||
Other assets |
43,414 | 46,169 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 976,123 | $ | 970,260 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS CAPITAL |
||||||||
Current liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 32,123 | $ | 39,886 | ||||
Accrued employment and benefit costs |
21,328 | 28,624 | ||||||
Customer deposits and advances |
32,168 | 63,579 | ||||||
Other current liabilities |
37,460 | 32,425 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
123,079 | 164,514 | ||||||
Long-term borrowings |
348,115 | 347,953 | ||||||
Accrued insurance |
41,626 | 44,965 | ||||||
Other liabilities |
44,663 | 47,991 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
557,483 | 605,423 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies |
||||||||
Partners capital: |
||||||||
Common Unitholders (35,423 and 35,318 units issued and outstanding at
June 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010, respectively) |
471,424 | 422,063 | ||||||
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
(52,784 | ) | (57,226 | ) | ||||
Total partners capital |
418,640 | 364,837 | ||||||
Total liabilities and partners capital |
$ | 976,123 | $ | 970,260 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Propane |
$ | 169,258 | $ | 155,538 | ||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
22,528 | 20,090 | ||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
16,691 | 13,608 | ||||||
All other |
8,086 | 8,834 | ||||||
216,563 | 198,070 | |||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||
Cost of products sold |
125,175 | 106,627 | ||||||
Operating |
68,747 | 68,634 | ||||||
General and administrative |
12,618 | 13,386 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
9,670 | 8,868 | ||||||
216,210 | 197,515 | |||||||
Operating income |
353 | 555 | ||||||
Interest expense, net |
6,867 | 6,808 | ||||||
Loss before provision for income taxes |
(6,514 | ) | (6,253 | ) | ||||
Provision for income taxes |
273 | 363 | ||||||
Net loss |
$ | (6,787 | ) | $ | (6,616 | ) | ||
Loss per Common Unit basic |
$ | (0.19 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding basic |
35,540 | 35,383 | ||||||
Loss per Common Unit diluted |
$ | (0.19 | ) | $ | (0.19 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding diluted |
35,540 | 35,383 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Revenues |
||||||||
Propane |
$ | 786,968 | $ | 758,410 | ||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
124,448 | 120,648 | ||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
68,348 | 59,311 | ||||||
All other |
29,208 | 30,296 | ||||||
1,008,972 | 968,665 | |||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||
Cost of products sold |
571,511 | 505,452 | ||||||
Operating |
213,831 | 221,629 | ||||||
General and administrative |
37,399 | 47,381 | ||||||
Severance charges |
2,000 | | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
26,304 | 23,094 | ||||||
851,045 | 797,556 | |||||||
Operating income |
157,927 | 171,109 | ||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment |
| 9,473 | ||||||
Interest expense, net |
20,532 | 20,599 | ||||||
Income before provision for income taxes |
137,395 | 141,037 | ||||||
Provision for income taxes |
737 | 890 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 136,658 | $ | 140,147 | ||||
Income per Common Unit basic |
$ | 3.85 | $ | 3.96 | ||||
Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding basic |
35,517 | 35,362 | ||||||
Income per Common Unit diluted |
$ | 3.83 | $ | 3.94 | ||||
Weighted average number of Common Units outstanding diluted |
35,712 | 35,587 | ||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
||||||||
Net income |
$ | 136,658 | $ | 140,147 | ||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operations: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
26,304 | 23,094 | ||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment |
| 9,473 | ||||||
Other, net |
1,916 | 4,838 | ||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable |
(22,685 | ) | (19,410 | ) | ||||
Inventories |
7,331 | 15,716 | ||||||
Other current and noncurrent assets |
3,679 | 1,833 | ||||||
Accounts payable |
(7,466 | ) | (4,701 | ) | ||||
Accrued employment and benefit costs |
(7,296 | ) | (16,057 | ) | ||||
Customer deposits and advances |
(31,411 | ) | (30,461 | ) | ||||
Accrued insurance |
(3,339 | ) | 3,589 | |||||
Other current and noncurrent liabilities |
6,150 | 1,663 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
109,841 | 129,724 | ||||||
Cash flows from investing activities: |
||||||||
Capital expenditures |
(17,241 | ) | (12,991 | ) | ||||
Acquisition of business |
(3,195 | ) | (10,789 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment |
5,567 | 3,016 | ||||||
Net cash (used in) investing activities |
(14,869 | ) | (20,764 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities: |
||||||||
Repayments of long-term borrowings, including premium and fees |
| (256,510 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from long-term borrowings |
| 247,840 | ||||||
Issuance costs associated with long-term borrowings |
| (5,018 | ) | |||||
Partnership distributions |
(90,433 | ) | (88,419 | ) | ||||
Net cash (used in) financing activities |
(90,433 | ) | (102,107 | ) | ||||
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
4,539 | 6,853 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
156,908 | 163,173 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 161,447 | $ | 170,026 | ||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS CAPITAL
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Number of | Common | Comprehensive | Partners | Comprehensive | ||||||||||||||||
Common Units | Unitholders | (Loss) | Capital | Income | ||||||||||||||||
Balance at September 25, 2010 |
35,318 | $ | 422,063 | $ | (57,226 | ) | $ | 364,837 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
136,658 | 136,658 | $ | 136,658 | ||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges |
(851 | ) | (851 | ) | (851 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Reclassification of realized losses on cash
flow hedges into earnings |
2,147 | 2,147 | 2,147 | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of net actuarial losses and
prior service credits into earnings |
3,146 | 3,146 | 3,146 | |||||||||||||||||
Comprehensive income |
$ | 141,100 | ||||||||||||||||||
Partnership distributions |
(90,433 | ) | (90,433 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Common Units issued under
Restricted Unit Plans |
105 | |||||||||||||||||||
Compensation cost recognized under
Restricted Unit Plans, net of forfeitures |
3,136 | 3,136 | ||||||||||||||||||
Balance at June 25, 2011 |
35,423 | $ | 471,424 | $ | (52,784 | ) | $ | 418,640 | ||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
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SUBURBAN PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
(dollars in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
1. Partnership Organization and Formation
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 35,423,492 Common Units outstanding at June 25, 2011. 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), as amended. 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, the sole member
of which is the Partnerships Chief Executive Officer. Other than as a holder of 784 Common Units
that will remain in the General Partner, the General Partner does not have any economic interest in
the Partnership or the Operating Partnership.
The Partnerships fuel oil and refined fuels, natural gas and electricity and services businesses
are structured as corporate entities (collectively referred to as the Corporate Entities) and, as
such, are subject to corporate level income tax.
Suburban Energy Finance Corporation, a direct 100%-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 senior notes.
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. 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 financial statements included in the Partnerships Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended September 25, 2010. 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.
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Fiscal Period. The Partnership uses a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the last Saturday in
September. The Partnerships fiscal quarters are generally 13 weeks in duration. When the
Partnerships fiscal year is 53 weeks long, the corresponding fourth quarter is 14 weeks in
duration.
Revenue Recognition. Sales of propane, fuel oil and refined fuels are recognized at the time
product is delivered to the customer. Revenue from the sale of appliances and equipment is
recognized at the time of sale or when installation is complete, as applicable. Revenue from
repairs, maintenance and other service activities is recognized upon completion of the service.
Revenue from service contracts is recognized ratably over the service period. Revenue from the
natural gas and electricity business is recognized based on customer usage as determined by meter
readings for amounts delivered, some of which may be unbilled at the end of each accounting period.
Revenue from annually billed tank fees is deferred at the time of billing and recognized on a
straight-line basis over one year.
Fair Value Measurements. The Partnership measures certain of its assets and liabilities at fair
value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a
liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in either the principal market
or the most advantageous market. The principal market is the market with the greatest level of
activity and volume for the asset or liability.
The common framework for measuring fair value utilizes a three-level hierarchy to prioritize the
inputs used in the valuation techniques to derive fair values. The basis for fair value
measurements for each level within the hierarchy is described below with Level 1 having the highest
priority and Level 3 having the lowest.
| Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. |
| Level 2: Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices
for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived
valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets. |
| Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant
inputs are unobservable. |
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (US-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, severance benefits, pension and other postretirement benefit liabilities and
costs, purchase accounting, 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.
3. Financial Instruments and Risk Management
Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Partnership considers all highly liquid instruments purchased with
an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount
approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.
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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 and, in
certain instances, over-the-counter option contracts (collectively, derivative instruments) to
hedge price risk associated with propane and fuel oil physical inventories, as well as anticipated
future purchases of propane or fuel oil to be 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 at their fair values. 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 qualify for and are designated as normal purchase or
normal sale contracts. Such contracts are exempted from the fair value accounting requirements 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, options and forward 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 (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 gains or losses on ineffective portions of cash
flow hedges 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, 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.
Interest Rate Risk. A portion of the Partnerships borrowings bear interest at prevailing interest
rates based upon, at the Operating Partnerships option, LIBOR plus an applicable margin or the
base rate, defined as the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% or the agent banks prime
rate, or LIBOR plus 1%, plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin is dependent on the
level of the Partnerships total leverage (the ratio of total debt to income before deducting
interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)). 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. The interest rate swaps have been designated as, and are accounted for as, cash flow
hedges. The fair value of the interest rate swaps are determined using an income approach, whereby
future settlements under the swaps are converted into a single present value, with fair value being
based on the value of current market expectations about those future amounts. Changes in the fair
value are recognized in OCI until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. However, due to
changes in the underlying interest rate environment, the corresponding value in OCI is subject to
change prior to its impact on earnings.
The Partnership measures the fair value of its exchange-traded options and futures contracts using
Level 1 inputs, the fair value of its interest rate swaps using Level 2 inputs and the fair value
of its over-the-counter options contracts using Level 3 inputs. The Partnerships over-the-counter
options contracts are valued based on an internal option model. The inputs utilized in the model
are based on publicly available information as well as broker quotes.
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The following summarizes the gross fair value of the Partnerships derivative instruments and their
location in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of June 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010,
respectively:
As of June 25, 2011 | As of September 25, 2010 | |||||||||||
Asset Derivatives | Location | Fair Value | Location | Fair Value | ||||||||
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments: |
||||||||||||
Commodity options |
Other current assets | $ | 4,081 | Other current assets | $ | 2,601 | ||||||
Other assets | 1,243 | Other assets | | |||||||||
Commodity futures |
Other current assets | 155 | Other current assets | 22 | ||||||||
$ | 5,479 | $ | 2,623 | |||||||||
Liability Derivatives | Location | Fair Value | Location | Fair Value | ||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging
instruments: |
||||||||||||
Interest rate swaps |
Other current liabilities | $ | 2,709 | Other current liabilities | $ | 2,740 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 2,296 | Other liabilities | 3,561 | |||||||||
$ | 5,005 | $ | 6,301 | |||||||||
Derivatives not designated as
hedging instruments: |
||||||||||||
Commodity options |
Other current liabilities | $ | 181 | Other current liabilities | $ | 641 | ||||||
Other liabilities | 1,489 | Other liabilities | | |||||||||
Commodity futures |
Other current liabilities | 17 | Other current liabilities | 1,838 | ||||||||
$ | 1,687 | $ | 2,479 | |||||||||
The following summarizes the reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets
and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs:
Fair Value Measurement Using Significant | ||||||||||||||||
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) | ||||||||||||||||
Nine Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 25, 2011 | June 26, 2010 | |||||||||||||||
Assets | Liabilities | Assets | Liabilities | |||||||||||||
Beginning balance of over-the-counter options |
$ | 1,509 | $ | 29 | $ | 1,675 | $ | 844 | ||||||||
Beginning balance realized during the period |
(1,509 | ) | (29 | ) | (1,237 | ) | (844 | ) | ||||||||
Contracts purchased during the period |
2,778 | 226 | 1,111 | 94 | ||||||||||||
Change in the fair value of beginning balance |
| | (427 | ) | | |||||||||||
Ending balance of over-the-counter options |
$ | 2,778 | $ | 226 | $ | 1,122 | $ | 94 | ||||||||
As of June 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010, the Partnerships outstanding commodity-related
derivatives had a weighted average maturity of approximately 6 months and 3 months, respectively.
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The effect of the Partnerships derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statement of
operations for the three and nine months ended June 25, 2011 and June 26, 2010 are as follows:
Three months ended June 25, 2011 | Three months ended June 26, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in | Gains (Losses) Reclassified | Gains (Losses) Reclassified | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow | Gains (Losses) | from Accumulated OCI into | Gains (Losses) | from Accumulated OCI into | ||||||||||||||||
Hedging | Recognized in OCI | Income (Effective Portion) | Recognized in OCI | Income (Effective Portion) | ||||||||||||||||
Relationships | (Effective Portion) | Location | Amount | (Effective Portion) | Location | Amount | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swap |
$ | (1,077 | ) | Interest expense | $ | (719 | ) | $ | (1,892 | ) | Interest expense | $ | (715 | ) | ||||||
$ | (1,077 | ) | $ | (719 | ) | $ | (1,892 | ) | $ | (715 | ) | |||||||||
Amount of | Amount of | |||||||||||
Derivatives Not | Unrealized | Unrealized | ||||||||||
Designated as | Location of Gains | Gains (Losses) | Location of Gains | Gains (Losses) | ||||||||
Hedging | (Losses) Recognized | Recognized in | (Losses) Recognized | Recognized in | ||||||||
Instruments | in Income | Income | in Income | Income | ||||||||
Options |
Cost of products sold | $ | (516 | ) | Cost of products sold | $ | 212 | |||||
Futures |
Cost of products sold | 203 | Cost of products sold | 69 | ||||||||
$ | (313 | ) | $ | 281 | ||||||||
Nine months ended June 25, 2011 | Nine months ended June 26, 2010 | |||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives in | Gains (Losses) Reclassified | Gains (Losses) Reclassified | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash Flow | Gains (Losses) | from Accumulated OCI into | Gains (Losses) | from Accumulated OCI into | ||||||||||||||||
Hedging | Recognized in OCI | Income (Effective Portion) | Recognized in OCI | Income (Effective Portion) | ||||||||||||||||
Relationships | (Effective Portion) | Location | Amount | (Effective Portion) | Location | Amount | ||||||||||||||
Interest rate swap |
$ | (851 | ) | Interest expense | $ | (2,147 | ) | $ | (3,775 | ) | Interest expense | $ | (2,790 | ) | ||||||
$ | (851 | ) | $ | (2,147 | ) | $ | (3,775 | ) | $ | (2,790 | ) | |||||||||
Amount of | Amount of | |||||||||||
Derivatives Not | Unrealized | Unrealized | ||||||||||
Designated as | Location of Gains | Gains (Losses) | Location of Gains | Gains (Losses) | ||||||||
Hedging | (Losses) Recognized | Recognized in | (Losses) Recognized | Recognized in | ||||||||
Instruments | in Income | Income | in Income | Income | ||||||||
Options |
Cost of products sold | $ | 283 | Cost of products sold | $ | (1,068 | ) | |||||
Futures |
Cost of products sold | 1,954 | Cost of products sold | (3,791 | ) | |||||||
$ | 2,237 | $ | (4,859 | ) | ||||||||
Bank Debt and Senior Notes. The fair value of the Revolving Credit Facility (defined below)
approximates the carrying value since the interest rates are periodically adjusted to reflect
market conditions. Based upon quoted market prices, the fair value of the Partnerships 2020 senior
notes was $261,250 and $269,375 as of June 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010, respectively.
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4. 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:
As of | ||||||||
June 25, | September 25, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Propane, fuel oil and refined fuels
and natural gas |
$ | 52,542 | $ | 59,836 | ||||
Appliances and related parts |
1,313 | 1,211 | ||||||
$ | 53,855 | $ | 61,047 | |||||
5. Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired.
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. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, the
goodwill associated with the reporting unit is not considered to be impaired. If the carrying
value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent
that the carrying amount of the associated goodwill, if any, exceeds the implied fair value of the
goodwill.
The carrying values of goodwill assigned to the Partnerships operating segments are as follows:
As of | ||||||||
June 25, | September 25, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Propane |
$ | 265,313 | $ | 264,906 | ||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
4,438 | 4,438 | ||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
7,900 | 7,900 | ||||||
$ | 277,651 | $ | 277,244 | |||||
During the nine months ended June 25, 2011 the Partnership acquired the net assets of a
propane business. The impact on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and the pro forma results
of operations was not considered material for disclosure purposes.
6. Net Income Per Common Unit
Computations of basic income per Common Unit are performed by dividing net income by the weighted
average number of outstanding Common Units, and restricted units granted under the restricted unit
plans to retirement-eligible grantees. Computations of diluted income per Common Unit are
performed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of outstanding Common Units and
unvested restricted units granted under the restricted unit plans. In computing diluted net
income per Common Unit, weighted average units outstanding used to compute basic net income per
Common Unit were increased by 194,668 and 225,238 units for the nine months ended June 25, 2011
and June 26, 2010, respectively, to reflect the potential dilutive effect of the unvested
restricted units outstanding using the treasury stock method.
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7. Long-Term Borrowings
Long-term borrowings consist of the following:
As of | ||||||||
June 25, | September 25, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
7.375% senior notes, due March 15, 2020, net of
unamortized discount of $1,885 and $2,047, respectively |
$ | 248,115 | $ | 247,953 | ||||
Revolving credit facility, due June 25, 2013 |
100,000 | 100,000 | ||||||
$ | 348,115 | $ | 347,953 | |||||
On March 23, 2010, the Partnership and its 100%-owned subsidiary, Suburban Energy Finance
Corporation, completed a public offering of $250,000 in aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior
notes due 2020 (the 2020 Senior Notes). The 2020 Senior Notes were issued at 99.136% of the
principal amount. The net proceeds from the issuance, along with cash on hand, were used to
repurchase the previously outstanding 6.875% senior notes due 2013 (the 2013 Senior Notes) on
March 23, 2010 through a redemption and tender offer. In connection with the repurchase of the
2013 Senior Notes, the Partnership recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt of $9,473 in the
second quarter of fiscal 2010, consisting of $7,231 for the repurchase premium and related fees, as
well as the write-off of $2,242 in unamortized debt origination costs and unamortized discount.
The Partnerships obligations under the 2020 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 2020 Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to, which means they rank
effectively behind, any debt and other liabilities of the Operating Partnership. The 2020 Senior
Notes mature on March 15, 2020 and require semi-annual interest payments in March and September.
The Partnership is permitted to redeem some or all of the 2020 Senior Notes any time at redemption
prices specified in the indenture governing the 2020 Senior Notes. In addition, the 2020 Senior
Notes have a change of control provision that would require the Partnership to offer to repurchase
the notes at 101% of the principal amount repurchased, if a change of control as defined in the
indenture occurs and is followed by a rating decline (a decrease in the rating of the notes by
either Moodys Investors Service or Standard and Poors Rating group by one or more gradations)
within 90 days of the consummation of the change of control.
The Operating Partnership has a Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement) that provides for a
four-year $250,000 revolving credit facility (the Revolving Credit Facility) of which, $100,000
was outstanding as of June 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital
expenditures and acquisitions until maturity on June 25, 2013. The Operating Partnership has the
right to prepay any borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, in whole or in part, without
penalty at any time prior to maturity. In addition, the Partnership has standby letters of credit
issued under the Revolving Credit Facility in the aggregate amount of $54,856 primarily in support
of retention levels under its self-insurance programs, which expire periodically through April 15,
2012. Therefore, as of June 25, 2011 the Partnership had available borrowing capacity of $95,144
under the Revolving Credit Facility.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at prevailing interest rates based
upon, at the Operating Partnerships option, LIBOR plus the applicable margin or the base rate,
defined as the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, the agent banks prime rate, or LIBOR
plus 1%, plus in each case the applicable margin. The applicable margin is dependent upon the
Partnerships ratio of total debt to EBITDA on a consolidated basis, as defined in the Revolving
Credit Facility. As of June 25, 2011, the interest rate for the Revolving Credit Facility was
approximately 3.3%. The interest rate and the applicable margin will be reset at the end of each
calendar quarter.
The Partnership acts as a guarantor with respect to the obligations of the Operating Partnership
under the Credit Agreement pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth therein. The obligations
under the Credit Agreement are secured by liens on substantially all of the personal property of
the Partnership, the Operating Partnership and their subsidiaries, as well as mortgages on certain
real property.
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In connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, the Operating Partnership also entered into an
interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $100,000 and an effective date of March 31,
2010 and termination date of June 25, 2013. Under the interest rate swap agreement, the Operating
Partnership will pay a fixed interest rate of 3.12% to the issuing lender on the notional principal
amount outstanding, effectively fixing the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 3.12%. In return,
the issuing lender will pay to the Operating Partnership a floating rate, namely LIBOR, on the same
notional principal amount. This interest rate swap agreement replaced the previous interest rate
swap agreement which terminated on March 31, 2010. The interest rate swaps have been designated as
a cash flow hedge.
The Revolving Credit Facility and the 2020 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, payments, mergers, consolidations,
distributions, sales of assets and other transactions. The Revolving Credit Facility contains
certain financial covenants (a) requiring the Partnerships consolidated interest coverage ratio,
as defined, to be not less than 2.5 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter; (b) prohibiting the
total consolidated leverage ratio, as defined, of the Partnership from being greater than 4.5 to
1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter; and (c) prohibiting the Operating Partnerships senior
secured consolidated leverage ratio, as defined, from being greater than 3.0 to 1.0 as of the end
of any fiscal quarter. Under the indenture governing the 2020 Senior Notes, 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. The Partnership and the Operating Partnership were in compliance with all
covenants and terms of the 2020 Senior Notes and the Revolving Credit Facility as of June 25, 2011.
Debt origination costs representing the costs incurred in connection with the placement of, and
the subsequent amendment to, long-term borrowings are capitalized within other assets and
amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective debt agreements. Other assets
at June 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010 include debt origination costs with a net carrying amount
of $7,694 and $9,157, respectively.
The aggregate amounts of long-term debt maturities subsequent to June 25, 2011 are as follows:
fiscal 2011 through 2012: $-0-; fiscal 2013: $100,000; fiscal 2014: $-0-; and thereafter: $250,000.
8. Distributions of Available Cash
The Partnership makes distributions to its limited 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.
On July 21, 2011, the Partnership announced a quarterly distribution of $0.8525 per Common Unit, or
$3.41 per Common Unit on an annualized basis, in respect of the third quarter of fiscal 2011,
payable on August 9, 2011 to holders of record on August 2, 2011. The annualized distribution
represents a growth rate of 0.9% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.
9. Unit-Based Compensation Arrangements
The Partnership recognizes compensation cost over the respective service period for employee
services received in exchange for an award of equity or equity-based compensation based on the
grant date fair value of the award. The Partnership measures liability awards under an
equity-based payment arrangement based on remeasurement of the awards fair value at the conclusion
of each interim and annual reporting period until the date of settlement, taking into consideration
the probability that the performance conditions will be satisfied.
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Restricted Unit Plans. In fiscal 2000 and fiscal 2009, the Partnership adopted the Suburban
Propane Partners, L.P. 2000 Restricted Unit Plan and 2009 Restricted Unit Plan (collectively, the
Restricted Unit Plans), respectively, which authorize the issuance of Common Units to executives,
managers and other employees and members of the Board of Supervisors of the Partnership. The total
number of Common Units authorized for issuance under the Restricted Unit Plans is 1,906,971 as of
June 25, 2011. Unless otherwise stipulated by the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Supervisors on or before the grant date, restricted units issued under the Restricted Unit Plans
vest over time with 25% of the Common Units vesting on 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 Restricted Unit Plans participants are not eligible to receive quarterly distributions or
vote their respective restricted units until vested. Because each restricted unit represents a
promise to issue a Common Unit at a future date, restricted units cannot be sold or transferred
prior to vesting. The fair value of the restricted unit is established by the market price of the
Common Unit on the date of grant, net of estimated future distributions during the vesting period.
Restricted units are subject to forfeiture in certain circumstances as defined in the Restricted
Unit Plans. Compensation expense for the unvested awards is recognized ratably over the vesting
periods and is net of estimated forfeitures.
During the nine months ended June 25, 2011, the Partnership awarded 116,033 restricted units under
the Restricted Unit Plans at an aggregate grant date fair value of $4,769. The following is a
summary of activity for the Restricted Unit Plans for the nine months ended June 25, 2011:
Weighted | ||||||||
Average Grant | ||||||||
Date Fair Value | ||||||||
Units | Per Unit | |||||||
Outstanding September 25, 2010 |
481,267 | $ | 29.67 | |||||
Awarded |
116,033 | 41.10 | ||||||
Forfeited |
(21,839 | ) | (34.56 | ) | ||||
Issued |
(105,432 | ) | (27.52 | ) | ||||
Outstanding June 25, 2011 |
470,029 | $ | 32.74 | |||||
As of June 25, 2011, unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested restricted units
awarded under the Restricted Unit Plans amounted to $6,437. Compensation cost associated with
unvested awards is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
Compensation expense recognized under the Restricted Unit Plans, net of forfeitures, for the three
and nine months ended June 25, 2011 was $737 and $3,136, respectively, and $1,136 and $3,153 for
the three and nine months ended June 26, 2010, respectively.
Long-Term Incentive Plan. The Partnership has a non-qualified, unfunded long-term incentive plan
for officers and key employees (the LTIP) 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 the LTIP 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 consisting solely 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 the LTIP, compensation expense for
the three and nine months ended June 25, 2011 was $31 and $1,532, respectively, and $432 and $2,052
for the three and nine months ended June 26, 2010, respectively. As of June 25, 2011 and September
25, 2010, the Partnership had a liability included within accrued employment and benefit costs (or
other liabilities, as applicable) of $5,194 and $6,258, respectively, related to estimated future
payments under the LTIP.
10. 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 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010, the Partnership had accrued insurance liabilities of
$52,526 and $55,445, respectively, representing the total estimated losses under these
self-insurance programs. 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. Although any litigation is inherently uncertain, based on the information currently
available to the Partnership, management does not believe that existing legal actions will have a
material adverse effect on the Partnerships financial position, future results of operations or
cash flows, after considering its self-insurance
reserves for known and unasserted claims, as well as existing insurance policies in
force. For the portion of the estimated self-insurance liability that exceeds insurance
deductibles, the Partnership records an asset within other assets (or other current assets, as
applicable) related to the amount of the liability expected to be covered by insurance which
amounted to $16,736 and $17,990 as of June 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010, respectively.
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11. 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 2018. 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, was $10,395 as of June 25,
2011. The fair value of residual value guarantees for outstanding operating leases was de minimis
as of June 25, 2011 and September 25, 2010.
12. Pension Plans and Other Postretirement Benefits
The following table provides the components of net periodic benefit costs:
Pension Benefits | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | June 25, | June 26, | |||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
Interest cost |
$ | 1,706 | $ | 1,876 | $ | 5,117 | $ | 5,628 | ||||||||
Expected return on plan assets |
(1,574 | ) | (2,020 | ) | (4,721 | ) | (6,060 | ) | ||||||||
Recognized net actuarial loss |
1,180 | 1,343 | 3,540 | 4,030 | ||||||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | 1,312 | $ | 1,199 | $ | 3,936 | $ | 3,598 | ||||||||
Postretirement Benefits | ||||||||||||||||
Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended | |||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | June 25, | June 26, | |||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
Service Cost |
$ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | 6 | $ | 6 | ||||||||
Interest cost |
214 | 253 | 641 | 759 | ||||||||||||
Amortization of prior service credits |
(122 | ) | (123 | ) | (367 | ) | (367 | ) | ||||||||
Recognized net actuarial loss |
(9 | ) | (16 | ) | (27 | ) | (49 | ) | ||||||||
Net periodic benefit cost |
$ | 85 | $ | 116 | $ | 253 | $ | 349 | ||||||||
There are no projected minimum employer cash contribution requirements under ERISA laws for
fiscal 2011 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
2011 is $1,620, of which $1,253 has been contributed during the nine months ended June 25, 2011.
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13. 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 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 Partnerships Corporate Entities are subject to federal and state income taxes.
However, the Corporate Entities have experienced operating losses in recent years, and therefore a
full valuation allowance has been provided against the deferred tax assets. As a result, at
present, many of those Corporate Entities do not report a tax provision. The conclusion that a
full valuation allowance is necessary was based upon an analysis of all available evidence, both
negative and positive at the balance sheet date, which, taken as a whole, indicates that it is more
likely than not that sufficient future taxable income will not be available to utilize the deferred
tax assets of the Corporate Entities. Managements periodic reviews include, among other things,
the nature and amount of the taxable income, the expected timing of when assets will be used or
liabilities will be required to be reported and the reliability of historical profitability of
businesses expected to provide future earnings. Furthermore, management considered tax-planning
strategies it could use to increase the likelihood that the deferred tax assets will be realized.
In prior business combinations, the Partnership acquired (or established in purchasing accounting,
as applicable) deferred tax assets. Certain provisions of the accounting guidance concerning
business combinations, in particular a provision related to the accounting for acquired tax
benefits, are required to be applied regardless of when the business combination occurred.
Therefore, to the extent the Partnerships Corporate Entities generate taxable profits that enable
the utilization of tax benefits acquired in prior business combinations, the corresponding
reduction in the valuation allowance will be recorded as a reduction in the provision for income
taxes. This reduction in tax expense would generally be offset either currently or over time, by
an increase in tax expense associated with the taxable income that enabled utilization of the
deferred tax asset.
14. Segment Information
The Partnership manages and evaluates its operations in five operating segments, three of which are
reportable segments: Propane, Fuel Oil and Refined Fuels and Natural Gas and Electricity. 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 are captured in
Corporate and 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 within the condensed consolidated statements of
operations. In addition, certain costs associated with field operations support that are reported
in operating expenses within 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 25, 2010.
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 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.
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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.
Activities in the all other category include the Partnerships service business, which is
primarily engaged in the sale, installation and servicing of a wide variety of home comfort
equipment, particularly in the areas of heating and ventilation, and activities from the
Partnerships HomeTown Hearth & Grill and Suburban Franchising subsidiaries.
17
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The following table presents certain relevant financial information 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 25, | June 26, | June 25, | June 26, | |||||||||||||
2011 | 2010 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||||
Revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Propane |
$ | 169,258 | $ | 155,538 | $ | 786,968 | $ | 758,410 | ||||||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
22,528 | 20,090 | 124,448 | 120,648 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
16,691 | 13,608 | 68,348 | 59,311 | ||||||||||||
All other |
8,086 | 8,834 | 29,208 | 30,296 | ||||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 216,563 | $ | 198,070 | $ | 1,008,972 | $ | 968,665 | ||||||||
Operating income: |
||||||||||||||||
Propane |
$ | 20,434 | $ | 22,010 | $ | 193,700 | $ | 220,688 | ||||||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
(318 | ) | (141 | ) | 14,437 | 14,703 | ||||||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
1,789 | 2,119 | 10,409 | 9,338 | ||||||||||||
All other |
(3,433 | ) | (4,604 | ) | (8,947 | ) | (12,817 | ) | ||||||||
Corporate |
(18,119 | ) | (18,829 | ) | (51,672 | ) | (60,803 | ) | ||||||||
Total operating income |
353 | 555 | 157,927 | 171,109 | ||||||||||||
Reconciliation to net (loss) income: |
||||||||||||||||
Loss on debt extinguishment |
| | | 9,473 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
6,867 | 6,808 | 20,532 | 20,599 | ||||||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
273 | 363 | 737 | 890 | ||||||||||||
Net (loss) income |
$ | (6,787 | ) | $ | (6,616 | ) | $ | 136,658 | $ | 140,147 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization: |
||||||||||||||||
Propane |
$ | 5,011 | $ | 5,235 | $ | 15,326 | $ | 12,596 | ||||||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
1,378 | 788 | 2,691 | 2,332 | ||||||||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
225 | 241 | 672 | 747 | ||||||||||||
All other |
34 | 295 | 192 | 420 | ||||||||||||
Corporate |
3,022 | 2,309 | 7,423 | 6,999 | ||||||||||||
Total depreciation and amortization |
$ | 9,670 | $ | 8,868 | $ | 26,304 | $ | 23,094 | ||||||||
As of | ||||||||
June 25, | September 25, | |||||||
2011 | 2010 | |||||||
Assets: |
||||||||
Propane |
$ | 708,398 | $ | 693,699 | ||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
47,341 | 57,681 | ||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
19,320 | 21,552 | ||||||
All other |
4,040 | 3,042 | ||||||
Corporate |
285,005 | 282,267 | ||||||
Eliminations |
(87,981 | ) | (87,981 | ) | ||||
Total assets |
$ | 976,123 | $ | 970,260 | ||||
15. Subsequent Events
The Partnership has evaluated all subsequent events that occurred after the balance sheet date
through the date its financial statements were issued, and concluded there were no events or
transactions occurring during this period that required recognition or disclosure in its financial
statements.
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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 25, 2011. 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 25, 2010.
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 25, 2010.
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 supply and demand dynamics 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.
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, retail sales volumes can be 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
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.
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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 consumption.
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 and crude oil
futures and option contracts traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), to purchase and
sell propane, fuel oil and crude oil at fixed prices in the future. The majority of the futures,
forward and option agreements are used to hedge price risk associated with our propane and fuel oil
physical inventory, as well as, in certain instances, forecasted purchases of propane or fuel oil.
Forward contracts are generally settled physically at the expiration of the contract whereas
futures and option contracts are generally settled in cash 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 and reporting to our Audit
Committee, through enforcement of our Hedging and Risk Management Policy.
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 25, 2010.
Certain amounts included in or affecting our consolidated financial statements and related
disclosures must be estimated, requiring management to make certain assumptions with respect to
values or conditions that cannot be known with certainty at the time the financial statements are
prepared. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America (US-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. We are also subject to risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ from estimated results. Estimates are used
when accounting for self-insurance and litigation reserves, pension and other post-retirement
benefit liabilities and costs, valuation of derivative instruments, asset valuation assessments,
depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets, asset impairment assessments, tax valuation
allowances, and allowances for doubtful accounts. We base our estimates on historical experience
and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the
results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and
liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Any effects on our financial
position or results of operations resulting from revisions to these estimates are recorded in the
period in which the facts that give rise to the revision become known to us. Management has
reviewed these critical accounting estimates and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of
our Board of Supervisors.
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 the third quarter. Net loss for the three months ended June 25, 2011 was
$6.8 million, or $0.19 per Common Unit, compared to $6.6 million, or $0.19 per Common Unit, in the
prior year third quarter. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA)
for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 amounted to $10.0 million, compared to $9.4 million in the
prior year third quarter. Excluding the effects of the unrealized (non-cash) mark-to-market
adjustments on derivative instruments used in risk management activities in both quarters, Adjusted
EBITDA amounted to $10.3 million for the fiscal 2011 third quarter, compared to Adjusted EBITDA of
$9.1 million in the prior year third quarter.
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Table of Contents
Retail propane gallons sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 amounted to 54.6 million
gallons, compared to 56.0 million gallons in the prior year third quarter, a decrease of 1.4
million gallons, or 2.5%. Sales of fuel oil and other refined fuels amounted to 5.6 million
gallons, compared to 6.6 million gallons during the third quarter of fiscal 2010. In the propane segment, sales volumes to our residential customer base were essentially flat compared to the prior year
third quarter and, within the refined fuels segment, fuel oil volumes were flat compared to the prior year third quarter. Therefore, the majority
of the volume shortfall compared to the prior year third quarter was experienced in the non-residential propane customer base and in the low-margin
gasoline and diesel business. Sales volumes benefitted from a colder start to the fiscal 2011 third quarter compared to the prior year third quarter
as average temperatures across our service territories in the month
of April were approximately 5% colder than normal, compared to 22% warmer than normal
in April 2010.
Revenues of $216.6 million increased $18.5 million, or 9.3%, compared to the prior year third
quarter, primarily due to higher average selling prices attributable to higher base commodity
prices. Average posted prices for propane and fuel oil were 38.1% and 44.6% higher, respectively,
compared to the prior year third quarter as commodity prices continued to rise, reaching their
highest levels in nearly three years, dating back to the then unprecedented levels reached in the
latter half of fiscal 2008. Cost of products sold for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 of $125.2
million increased $18.6 million, or 17.4%, compared to $106.6 million in the prior
year third quarter. Cost of products sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 included a $0.3
million unrealized (non-cash) loss attributable to the mark-to-market adjustment for derivative
instruments used in risk management activities, compared to a $0.3 million unrealized (non-cash)
gain in the prior year third quarter; these unrealized gains and losses are excluded from Adjusted
EBITDA for both periods.
Combined operating and general and administrative expenses of $81.4 million for the third
quarter of fiscal 2011 were $0.6 million, or 0.7%, lower than the prior year third quarter,
primarily due to lower payroll and benefit related expenses, offset to an extent by higher fuel
costs to operate our fleet and higher bad debt expense.
Looking ahead to the remainder of fiscal 2011, we expect that the weak economy and high
commodity prices will continue to present challenges in each of our markets that will continue to
affect customer buying habits, thus having a possible negative impact on sales volumes and margins.
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 2011 include: (i) maintenance
and growth capital expenditures of approximately $5.6 million; (ii) interest payments of
approximately $10.9 million; and (iii) cash distributions of approximately $30.2 million to our
Common Unitholders based on the current quarterly distribution rate of $0.8525 per Common Unit.
Based on our current estimates of cash flow from operations and our cash position at the end of the
third quarter of fiscal 2011, we do not anticipate the need to borrow under our credit facility to
meet our working capital requirements for the remainder of fiscal 2011. As of June 25, 2011, there
was $161.4 million of cash on the balance sheet, and unused borrowing capacity under our Revolving
Credit Facility of $95.1 million, after considering outstanding letters of credit of $54.9 million.
21
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Three Months Ended June 25, 2011 Compared to Three Months Ended June 26, 2010
Revenues
Three Months Ended | Percent | |||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Increase/ | Increase/ | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | (Decrease) | (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Propane |
$ | 169,258 | $ | 155,538 | $ | 13,720 | 8.8 | % | ||||||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
22,528 | 20,090 | 2,438 | 12.1 | % | |||||||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
16,691 | 13,608 | 3,083 | 22.7 | % | |||||||||||
All other |
8,086 | 8,834 | (748 | ) | (8.5% | ) | ||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 216,563 | $ | 198,070 | $ | 18,493 | 9.3 | % | ||||||||
Total revenues increased $18.5 million, or 9.3%, to $216.6 million for the three months
ended June 25, 2011 compared to $198.1 million for the three months ended June 26, 2010 due to
higher average selling prices associated with higher product costs, partially offset by lower
volumes sold. Although weather during the third quarter has considerably less of an impact on our
volumes than it does during the heating season, sales volumes benefitted from a colder start to the
fiscal 2011 third quarter compared to the prior year third quarter as average temperatures across
our service territories in the month of April 2011 were approximately 5% colder than normal,
compared to 22% warmer than normal in April 2010. From an overall weather perspective, average
temperatures across our service territories for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 were 3% warmer
than normal and 13% colder than the prior year third quarter.
Revenues from the distribution of propane and related activities of $169.3 million for the
third quarter of fiscal 2011 increased $13.7 million, or 8.8%, compared to $155.5 million in the
prior year third quarter primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower
volumes sold. Average propane selling prices for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 increased 13.1%
compared to the prior year third quarter due to higher product costs. Retail propane gallons sold
in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased 1.4 million gallons, or 2.5%, to 54.6 million gallons
from 56.0 million gallons in the prior year third quarter. Although the year over year comparison
of volumes sold were favorably impacted by the weather pattern discussed above, volumes sold were
negatively impacted by ongoing customer conservation resulting from the high commodity price
environment and continued weakness in the economy. From a customer mix perspective, the volume
decline was primarily attributable to our non-residential customer base as sales volumes to our
residential customer base were essentially flat compared to the prior year third quarter. Included
within the propane segment are revenues from other propane activities of $12.8 million for the
third quarter of fiscal 2011, which decreased $0.8 million compared to the prior year third
quarter.
Revenues from the distribution of fuel oil and refined fuels of $22.5 million for the third
quarter of fiscal 2011 increased $2.4 million, or 12.1%, from $20.1 million in the prior year third
quarter primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower volumes sold.
Average selling prices in our fuel oil and refined fuels segment in the third quarter of fiscal
2011 increased 32.1% compared to the prior year third quarter due to higher product costs. Fuel
oil and refined fuels gallons sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 decreased 1.0 million
gallons, or 15.2%, to 5.6 million gallons from 6.6 million gallons in the prior year third quarter.
The volume decline was entirely attributable to a decline in volumes sold of low-margin gasoline
and diesel as fuel oil volumes, our primary focus within the fuel oil and refined fuels segment,
were flat compared to the prior year third quarter.
Revenues in our natural gas and electricity segment increased $3.1 million, or 22.7%, to $16.7
million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to $13.6 million in the prior year third
quarter primarily as a result of higher natural gas volumes sold, coupled with higher natural gas
average selling prices.
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Cost of Products Sold
Three Months Ended | Percent | |||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Increase/ | Increase/ | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | (Decrease) | (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
Cost of products sold |
||||||||||||||||
Propane |
$ | 93,921 | $ | 80,507 | $ | 13,414 | 16.7 | % | ||||||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
16,956 | 13,773 | 3,183 | 23.1 | % | |||||||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
12,169 | 9,693 | 2,476 | 25.5 | % | |||||||||||
All other |
2,129 | 2,654 | (525 | ) | (19.8 | %) | ||||||||||
Total cost of products sold |
$ | 125,175 | $ | 106,627 | $ | 18,548 | 17.4 | % | ||||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
57.8 | % | 53.8 | % |
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.
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, which are reported in cost of products sold, will typically offset
losses or gains on the physical inventory once the product is sold (which may or may not occur in
the same accounting period). We do not use futures or option contracts, or other derivative
instruments, for speculative trading purposes.
Average posted prices for propane and fuel oil in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 were 38.1%
and 44.6% higher, respectively, compared to the prior year third quarter. Total cost of products
sold increased approximately $18.5 million, or 17.4%, to $125.2 million in the third quarter of
fiscal 2011 compared to $106.6 million in the prior year third quarter due to higher average
product costs resulting from the increase in commodity prices, partially offset by lower volumes
sold. In addition, cost of products sold in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 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 $0.3 million unrealized (non-cash) gain in the prior
year third quarter, resulting in an increase of $0.6 million in cost of products sold in the third
quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year third quarter ($0.2 million and $0.4 million
increase reported within the propane segment and fuel oil and refined fuels segment, respectively).
Cost of products sold associated with the distribution of propane and related activities of
$93.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 increased $13.4 million, or 16.7%, compared to
the prior year third quarter. Higher average propane costs resulted in an increase of $16.0
million in cost of products sold during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year
third quarter. The impact of the increase in average propane costs was partially offset by lower
propane volumes sold, which resulted in a $1.9 million decrease in cost of products sold during the
third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year third quarter. Cost of products sold from
other propane activities decreased $0.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the
prior year third quarter.
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Cost of products sold associated with our fuel oil and refined fuels segment of $17.0 million
in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 increased $3.2 million, or 23.1%, compared to the prior year
third quarter. Higher average fuel oil and refined fuels costs resulted in an increase of $4.9
million in cost of products sold during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year
third quarter. The impact of the increase in average fuel oil and refined fuels costs was
partially offset by lower fuel oil and refined fuels volumes sold, which resulted in a $2.1 million
decrease in cost of products sold during the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior
year third quarter.
Cost of products sold in our natural gas and electricity segment of $12.2 million in the third
quarter of fiscal 2011 increased $2.5 million, or 25.5%, compared to the prior year third quarter
primarily due to higher natural gas volumes sold, coupled with higher average natural gas and
electricity costs.
For the third quarter of fiscal 2011, total cost of products sold as a percent of total
revenues increased 4.0 percentage points to 57.8% from 53.8% in the prior year third quarter. The
increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of revenues was primarily attributable to
wholesale product costs rising at a faster rate than average selling prices in the third quarter of
fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year third quarter as we were limited in our ability to pass
along the rise in commodity prices to the end user.
Operating Expenses
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Percent | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | Increase | Increase | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
$ | 68,747 | $ | 68,634 | $ | 113 | 0.2 | % | ||||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
31.7 | % | 34.7 | % |
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 $68.7 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 were relatively flat
compared to the prior year third quarter as the impact of lower payroll and benefit related
expenses resulting from operating efficiencies was offset by higher fuel costs for operating our
fleet and higher bad debt expense attributable to the increase in average selling prices.
General and Administrative Expenses
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Percent | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | Decrease | Decrease | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
$ | 12,618 | $ | 13,386 | $ | (768 | ) | (5.7 | %) | |||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
5.8 | % | 6.8 | % |
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.
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Table of Contents
General and administrative expenses of $12.6 million for third quarter of fiscal 2011
decreased $0.8 million, or 5.7%, compared to $13.4 million in the prior year third quarter
primarily due to lower payroll and benefit related expenses resulting from lower headcount, coupled
with lower variable compensation.
Depreciation and Amortization
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Percent | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | Increase | Increase | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
$ | 9,670 | $ | 8,868 | $ | 802 | 9.0 | % | ||||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
4.5 | % | 4.5 | % |
Depreciation and amortization expense of $9.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal
2011 increased $0.8 million compared to $8.9 million in the prior year third quarter primarily as a
result of tangible and intangible long-lived assets acquired from business combinations after June
26, 2010, coupled with accelerated depreciation expense for vehicles taken out of service during
the third quarter of fiscal 2011.
Interest Expense, net
Three Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Percent | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | Increase | Increase | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
$ | 6,867 | $ | 6,808 | $ | 59 | 0.9 | % | ||||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
3.2 | % | 3.4 | % |
Net interest expense of $6.9 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 was
relatively flat compared to the prior year third quarter.
Net Loss and EBITDA
Net loss for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 amounted to $6.8 million, or $0.19 per Common
Unit, compared to net loss of $6.6 million, or $0.19 per Common Unit, in the prior year third
quarter. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) for the third
quarter of fiscal 2011 amounted to $10.0 million, compared to $9.4 million in the prior year third
quarter. Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $10.3 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 compared
to $9.1 million in the prior year third quarter.
EBITDA represents income before deducting interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding the unrealized net gain or loss on
mark-to-market activity for derivative instruments and loss on debt extinguishment. 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 Adjusted EBITDA as the performance target. Moreover, our revolving credit agreement
requires us to use Adjusted EBITDA as a component in calculating our leverage and interest coverage
ratios. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are not recognized terms under US-GAAP and should not be
considered as an alternative to net income or net cash provided by operating activities determined
in accordance with US-GAAP. Because EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as determined by us excludes some,
but not all, items that affect net income, they may not be comparable to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
or similarly titled measures used by other companies.
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Table of Contents
The following table sets forth (i) our calculations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and (ii) a
reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, as so calculated, to our net cash provided by operating
activities:
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||
Net (loss) |
$ | (6,787 | ) | $ | (6,616 | ) | ||
Add: |
||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
273 | 363 | ||||||
Interest expense, net |
6,867 | 6,808 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
9,670 | 8,868 | ||||||
EBITDA |
10,023 | 9,423 | ||||||
Unrealized (non-cash) losses (gains) on changes
in fair value of derivatives |
313 | (281 | ) | |||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
10,336 | 9,142 | ||||||
Add (subtract): |
||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
(273 | ) | (363 | ) | ||||
Interest expense, net |
(6,867 | ) | (6,808 | ) | ||||
Unrealized (non-cash) (losses) gains on changes
in fair value of derivatives |
(313 | ) | 281 | |||||
Compensation cost recognized under Restricted Unit Plans |
737 | 1,136 | ||||||
Losses on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net |
67 | 283 | ||||||
Changes in working capital and other assets and liabilities |
56,316 | 68,722 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 60,003 | $ | 72,393 | ||||
Nine Months Ended June 25, 2011 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 26, 2010
Revenues
Nine Months Ended | Percent | |||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Increase/ | Increase/ | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | (Decrease) | (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Propane |
$ | 786,968 | $ | 758,410 | $ | 28,558 | 3.8 | % | ||||||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
124,448 | 120,648 | 3,800 | 3.1 | % | |||||||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
68,348 | 59,311 | 9,037 | 15.2 | % | |||||||||||
All other |
29,208 | 30,296 | (1,088 | ) | (3.6 | %) | ||||||||||
Total revenues |
$ | 1,008,972 | $ | 968,665 | $ | 40,307 | 4.2 | % | ||||||||
Total revenues increased $40.3 million, or 4.2%, to $1,009.0 million for the nine months
ended June 25, 2011 compared to $968.7 million for the nine months ended June 26, 2010 as a result
of higher average selling prices associated with higher product costs, partially offset by lower
volumes sold. The decline in volumes was primarily due to customer conservation efforts
attributable to the high commodity price environment and ongoing sluggish economic conditions.
Average temperatures across our service territories for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 were
at normal levels and 5% colder than the first nine months of the prior year.
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Revenues from the distribution of propane and related activities of $787.0 million in the
first nine months of fiscal 2011 increased $28.6 million, or 3.8%, compared to $758.4 million in
the first nine months of the prior year primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially
offset by lower volumes sold. Average propane selling prices in the first nine months of fiscal
2011 increased 7.5% compared to the first nine months of the prior year due to higher product
costs. Retail propane gallons sold in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 decreased 15.5 million
gallons, or 5.7%, to 254.9 million gallons from 270.4 million gallons in the comparable prior year
period. The volume decline was primarily attributable to the aforementioned impact of customer
conservation resulting from the high commodity price environment and continued weakness in the
economy. Included within the propane segment are revenues from other propane activities of $58.6
million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011, which increased $19.2 million compared to the
first nine months of prior year as a result of the settlement of certain contracts used for risk
management purposes (see similar increase in cost of products sold).
Revenues from the distribution of fuel oil and refined fuels of $124.4 million in the first
nine months of fiscal 2011 increased $3.8 million, or 3.1%, from $120.6 million in the first nine
months of the prior year, primarily due to higher average selling prices, partially offset by lower
volumes sold. Average selling prices in our fuel oil and refined fuels segment in the first nine
months of fiscal 2011 increased 18.3% compared to the first nine months of the prior year due to
higher product costs. Fuel oil and refined fuels gallons sold in the first nine months of fiscal
2011 decreased 4.8 million gallons, or 12.6%, to 33.3 million gallons from 38.1 million gallons in
the comparable prior year period. The volume decline was primarily attributable to the
aforementioned impact of customer conservation.
Revenues in our natural gas and electricity segment increased $9.0 million, or 15.2%, to $68.3
million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to $59.3 million in the first nine months
of the prior year primarily as a result of higher natural gas and electricity volumes sold, coupled
with higher average selling prices.
Cost of Products Sold
Nine Months Ended | Percent | |||||||||||||||
June 25 | June 26 | Increase/ | Increase/ | |||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | (Decrease) | (Decrease) | ||||||||||||
Cost of products sold |
||||||||||||||||
Propane |
$ | 425,808 | $ | 371,833 | $ | 53,975 | 14.5 | % | ||||||||
Fuel oil and refined fuels |
88,433 | 80,979 | 7,454 | 9.2 | % | |||||||||||
Natural gas and electricity |
49,803 | 43,867 | 5,936 | 13.5 | % | |||||||||||
All other |
7,467 | 8,773 | (1,306 | ) | (14.9 | %) | ||||||||||
Total cost of products sold |
$ | 571,511 | $ | 505,452 | $ | 66,059 | 13.1 | % | ||||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
56.6 | % | 52.2 | % |
Average posted prices for propane and fuel oil in the first nine months of fiscal 2011
were 21.3% and 33.7% higher, respectively, compared to the first nine months of the prior year.
Total cost of products sold increased $66.1 million, or 13.1%, to $571.5 million in the first nine
months of fiscal 2011 compared to $505.4 million in the prior year period due to higher average
product costs resulting from the increase in commodity prices and, to a much lesser extent,
realized losses on derivative instruments used for risk management purposes reported in the first
nine months of fiscal 2011 that were not fully offset by sales of the physical product during the
period. Partially offsetting the items driving cost of products sold higher was the impact of
lower volumes sold and the favorable impact of non-cash mark-to-market adjustments from our risk
management activities in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year period.
Cost of products sold in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 included a $2.2 million unrealized
(non-cash) gain representing the net change in the fair value of derivative instruments during the
period, compared to a $4.9 million unrealized (non-cash) loss in the prior year period, resulting
in a decrease of $7.1 million in cost of products sold in the first nine months of fiscal 2011
compared to the first nine months of the prior year ($0.9 million and $6.2 million decrease
reported within the propane segment and fuel oil and refined fuels segment, respectively).
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Cost of products sold associated with the distribution of propane and related activities of
$425.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 increased $54.0 million, or 14.5%, compared
to the first nine months of the prior year. Higher average propane costs resulted in an increase
of $53.6 million in cost of products sold during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to
the prior year period. The impact of the increase in average propane costs was partially offset by
lower propane volumes sold, which resulted in a $21.0 million decrease in cost of products sold
during the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year period. Cost of products
sold from other propane activities increased $22.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011
compared to the prior year period.
Cost of products sold associated with our fuel oil and refined fuels segment of $88.4 million
in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 increased approximately $7.4 million, or 9.2%, compared to
the first nine months of the prior year. Higher average fuel oil and refined fuels costs resulted
in an increase of $23.2 million in cost of products sold during the first nine months of fiscal
2011 compared to the prior year period. The impact of the increase in average fuel oil and refined
fuels costs was partially offset by lower fuel oil and refined fuels volumes sold, which resulted
in a $9.6 million decrease in cost of products sold during the first nine months of fiscal 2011
compared to the prior year period.
Cost of products sold in our natural gas and electricity segment of $49.8 million in the first
nine months of fiscal 2011 increased $5.9 million, or 13.5%, compared to the prior year period
primarily due to higher natural gas and electricity volumes sold, coupled with higher average
costs.
For the first nine months of fiscal 2011, total cost of products sold as a percent of total
revenues increased 4.4 percentage points to 56.6% from 52.2% in the comparable prior year period.
The increase in cost of products sold as a percentage of revenues was primarily attributable to
wholesale product costs rising at a faster rate than average selling prices in the first nine
months of fiscal 2011 compared to the prior year period, as well as the impact of realized losses
on derivative instruments used for risk management purposes which were not fully offset by gains on
sales of the physical product during the first nine months of fiscal 2011.
Operating Expenses
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Percent | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | Decrease | Decrease | ||||||||||||
Operating expenses |
$ | 213,831 | $ | 221,629 | $ | (7,798 | ) | (3.5 | %) | |||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
21.2 | % | 22.9 | % |
Operating expenses of $213.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 decreased
$7.8 million, or 3.5%, compared to $221.6 million in the prior year period as a result of lower
variable compensation associated with lower earnings, lower payroll and benefit related expenses
resulting from operating efficiencies and lower bad debt expense. These savings were partially
offset by an increase in fuel costs for operating our fleet.
General and Administrative Expenses
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26 | Percent | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | Decrease | Decrease | ||||||||||||
General and administrative expenses |
$ | 37,399 | $ | 47,381 | $ | (9,982 | ) | (21.1 | %) | |||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
3.7 | % | 4.9 | % |
General and administrative expenses of $37.4 million in first nine months of fiscal 2011
decreased $10.0 million, or 21.1%, compared to $47.4 million in the prior year period primarily due
to lower variable compensation associated with lower earnings and the impact of a $2.5 million gain
on sale of assets during the second quarter of
fiscal 2011. In addition, general and administrative expenses for the first nine months of
fiscal 2010 included a charge for an unfavorable judgment in an uninsured legal matter.
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Severance charges
During the second quarter of fiscal 2011 we recorded severance charges of $2.0 million related
to the realignment of our regional operating footprint in response to the persistent and
foreseeable challenges affecting the industry as a whole. The steps taken were made possible as a
result of our technology infrastructure and the talent within the organization.
Depreciation and Amortization
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | Percent | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | Increase | Increase | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
$ | 26,304 | $ | 23,094 | $ | 3,210 | 13.9 | % | ||||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
2.6 | % | 2.4 | % |
Depreciation and amortization expense of $26.3 million for the first nine months of
fiscal 2011 increased $3.2 million compared to $23.1 million in the prior year period primarily as
a result of tangible and intangible long-lived assets acquired from business combinations since
June 26, 2010, coupled with accelerated depreciation expense for assets taken out of service in the
first nine months of fiscal 2011.
Interest Expense, net
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||
June 25 | June 26 | Percent | ||||||||||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | Decrease | Decrease | ||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
$ | 20,532 | $ | 20,599 | $ | (67 | ) | (0.3 | %) | |||||||
As a percent of total revenues |
2.0 | % | 2.1 | % |
Net interest expense of $20.5 million for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 was
relatively flat compared to the prior year period as higher interest expense on our senior notes
was offset by lower interest expense on our revolving credit facility. See Liquidity and Capital
Resources below for additional discussion regarding long-term borrowings.
Net Income and EBITDA
Net income for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 amounted to $136.7 million, or $3.85 per
Common Unit, compared to net income of $140.1 million, or $3.96 per Common Unit, in the prior year
period. EBITDA for the first nine months of fiscal 2011 amounted to $184.2 million, compared to
$184.7 million in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $182.0 million for the first
nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to $199.1 million in the prior year period.
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The following table sets forth (i) our calculations of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and (ii) a
reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA, as so calculated, to our net cash provided by operating
activities:
Nine Months Ended | ||||||||
June 25, | June 26, | |||||||
(Dollars in thousands) | 2011 | 2010 | ||||||
Net income |
$ | 136,658 | $ | 140,147 | ||||
Add: |
||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
737 | 890 | ||||||
Interest expense, net |
20,532 | 20,599 | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
26,304 | 23,094 | ||||||
EBITDA |
184,231 | 184,730 | ||||||
Unrealized (non-cash) (gains) losses on changes
in fair value of derivatives |
(2,237 | ) | 4,859 | |||||
Loss on debt extinguishment |
| 9,473 | ||||||
Adjusted EBITDA |
181,994 | 199,062 | ||||||
Add (subtract): |
||||||||
Provision for income taxes |
(737 | ) | (890 | ) | ||||
Interest expense, net |
(20,532 | ) | (20,599 | ) | ||||
Unrealized (non-cash) gains (losses) on changes
in fair value of derivatives |
2,237 | (4,859 | ) | |||||
Compensation cost recognized under Restricted Unit Plans |
3,136 | 3,153 | ||||||
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net |
(2,844 | ) | 149 | |||||
Changes in working capital and other assets and liabilities |
(53,413 | ) | (46,292 | ) | ||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 109,841 | $ | 129,724 | ||||
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Analysis of Cash Flows
Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities for the first nine months of
fiscal 2011 was $109.8 million, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $129.7
million for the first nine months of the prior year. The decrease in net cash provided by
operating activities was primarily attributable to the increase in propane and fuel oil commodity
prices that resulted in a larger investment in working capital, coupled with a decrease in earnings
in the first nine months of fiscal 2011 compared to the first nine months of the prior year.
Despite the year over year increase in working capital requirements, we continued to fund working
capital through cash on hand without the need to access the revolving credit facility. We have not
borrowed under our Revolving Credit Facility for working capital purposes since April 2006.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities of $14.9 million for the first
nine months of fiscal 2011 consisted of capital expenditures of $17.2 million (including $7.4
million for maintenance expenditures and $9.8 million to support the growth of operations), and
business acquisitions of $3.2 million, partially offset by $5.5 million in net proceeds from the
sale of property, plant and equipment. Net cash used in investing activities of $20.8 million for
the first nine months of fiscal 2010 consisted of capital expenditures of $13.0 million (including
$6.9 million for maintenance expenditures and $6.1 million to support the growth of operations) and
business acquisitions of $10.8 million, partially offset by $3.0 million in net proceeds from the
sale of property, plant and equipment.
Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of
fiscal 2011 of $90.4 million reflects the quarterly distribution to Common Unitholders at a rate of
$0.850 per Common Unit paid in respect of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2010 and $0.8525 per Common
Unit paid in respect of the first and second quarters of fiscal 2011.
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Net cash used in financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 of $102.1
million reflects quarterly distributions to Common Unitholders at a rate of $0.830 per Common Unit
paid in respect of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, $0.835 per Common Unit paid in respect of the
first quarter of fiscal 2010 and $0.840 per Common Unit paid in respect of the second quarter of
fiscal 2010. In addition, financing activities for the first nine months of fiscal 2010 reflects
the repurchase of $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 6.875% senior notes due 2013 for
$256.5 million (including repurchase premiums and fees), which was substantially funded by the net
proceeds of $247.8 million from the issuance of 7.375% senior notes due 2020, as well as the $5.0
million payment of debt issuance costs associated with the issuance of the 2020 senior notes.
Summary of Long-Term Debt Obligations and Revolving Credit Lines
On March 23, 2010, we and our wholly-owned subsidiary, Suburban Energy Finance Corporation,
completed a public offering of $250.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.375% senior notes
due 2020 (the 2020 Senior Notes). The 2020 Senior Notes were issued at 99.136% of the principal
amount. The net proceeds from the issuance, along with cash on hand, were used to repurchase the
previously outstanding 6.875% senior notes due 2013 on March 23, 2010 through a redemption and
tender offer. In connection with the repurchase of the 2013 Senior Notes, we recognized a loss on
the extinguishment of debt of $9.5 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2010, consisting of $7.2
million for the repurchase premium and related fees, as well as the write-off of $2.3 million in
unamortized debt origination costs and unamortized discount.
As of June 25, 2011, our long-term borrowings and revolving credit lines consist of the 2020
Senior Notes and a $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility at the Operating
Partnership level (the Revolving Credit Facility). Borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, capital
expenditures and acquisitions until maturity on June 25, 2013. Our Operating Partnership has the
right to prepay loans under the Revolving Credit Facility, in whole or in part, without penalty at
any time prior to maturity. We have standby letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit
Facility in the aggregate amount of $54.9 million primarily in support of retention levels under
our self-insurance programs, which expire periodically through April 15, 2012. Therefore, as of
June 25, 2011 we had available borrowing capacity of $95.1 million under the Revolving Credit
Facility.
The 2020 Senior Notes mature on March 15, 2020 and require semi-annual interest payments in
March and September. We are permitted to redeem some or all of the 2020 Senior Notes any time at
redemption prices specified in the indenture governing the notes. In addition, the 2020 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 change of control is followed by a rating decline
(a decrease in the rating of the notes by either Moodys Investors Service or Standard and Poors
Rating group by one or more gradations) within 90 days of the consummation of the change of
control.
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at prevailing interest rates
based upon, at our Operating Partnerships option, LIBOR plus the applicable margin or the base
rate, defined as the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1%, the agent banks prime rate, or
LIBOR plus 1%, plus in each case the applicable margin. The applicable margin is dependent upon
our ratio of total debt to EBITDA on a consolidated basis, as defined in the Revolving Credit
Facility. As of June 25, 2011, the interest rate for the Revolving Credit Facility was
approximately 3.3%. The interest rate and the applicable margin will be reset at the end of each
calendar quarter.
In connection with the Revolving Credit Facility, the Operating Partnership also entered into
an interest rate swap agreement with a notional amount of $100.0 million and an effective date of
March 31, 2010 and termination date of June 25, 2013. Under the interest rate swap agreement, the
Operating Partnership will pay a fixed interest rate of 3.12% to the issuing lender on the notional
principal amount outstanding, effectively fixing the LIBOR portion of the interest rate at 3.12%.
In return, the issuing lender will pay to the Operating Partnership a floating rate, namely LIBOR,
on the same notional principal amount. This interest rate swap agreement replaced the previous
interest rate swap agreement which terminated on March 31, 2010.
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The Revolving Credit Facility and the 2020 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, payments, mergers, consolidations,
distributions, sales of assets and other transactions. The Revolving Credit Facility contains
certain financial covenants (a) requiring the consolidated interest coverage ratio, as defined, at
the Partnership level to be not less than 2.5 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter; (b)
prohibiting the total consolidated leverage ratio, as defined, at the Partnership level from being
greater than 4.5 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter; and (c) prohibiting the senior secured
consolidated leverage ratio, as defined, of the Operating Partnership from being greater than 3.0
to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter. Under the 2020 Senior Note indenture, we are 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. We were in compliance with all covenants and terms of the 2020 Senior Notes
and the Revolving Credit Facility as of June 25, 2011.
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 (the Partnership
Agreement), 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 21, 2011, we announced a quarterly distribution of $0.8525 per Common Unit, or $3.41
on an annualized basis, in respect of the third quarter of fiscal 2011 payable on August 9, 2011 to
holders of record on August 2, 2011. The annualized distribution represents a growth rate of 0.9%
in the quarterly distribution rate compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2010.
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. 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 25, 2011, we had a
liability for the defined benefit pension plan and accrued retiree health and life benefits of
$18.1 million and $20.3 million, respectively.
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 25, 2011, we had
accrued insurance liabilities of $52.5 million, and an insurance recovery asset of $16.7 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 2018. 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 $10.4 million as of June 25, 2011. The fair value of residual
value guarantees for outstanding operating leases was de minimis as of June 25, 2011 and September
25, 2010.
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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, 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, supply and demand dynamics, 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 accounting rules for derivative instruments and hedging activities, qualify
for and are designated as normal purchase or normal sale contracts. Such contracts are exempted
from fair value accounting 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 and, in certain instances, over-the-counter option
contracts (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
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 option 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 derivative instruments will typically offset
losses or gains on the physical inventory once the product is sold to customers at market prices.
As a result of the steady rise in commodity prices throughout the first nine months of fiscal
2011, we reported realized losses on derivative instruments used for risk management purposes which
were not fully offset by sales of the physical product, thus negatively impacting overall gross
margins for the first nine months of fiscal 2011.
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.
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Credit Risk
Exchange traded futures and option contracts 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 borrowings bear interest at prevailing interest rates based upon, at the
Operating Partnerships option, LIBOR, plus an applicable margin or the base rate, defined as the
higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus 1/2 of 1% or the agent banks prime rate, or LIBOR plus 1%,
plus the applicable margin. The applicable margin is dependent on the level of the Partnerships
total leverage (the total ratio of debt to EBITDA). 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. The interest rate swaps have been designated as a cash flow
hedge. Changes in the fair value of the interest rate swaps are recognized in other comprehensive
income (OCI) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. At June 25, 2011, the fair value of
the interest rate swaps was $5.0 million representing an unrealized loss and is included within
other current liabilities and other liabilities, as applicable, with a corresponding debit in OCI.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
All of our derivative instruments are reported on the balance sheet 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 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, 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.
Sensitivity Analysis
In an effort to estimate our exposure to unfavorable market price changes in commodities
related to our open positions under derivative instruments, we developed a model that incorporates
the following data and assumptions:
A. | The fair value of open positions as of June 25, 2011. |
||
B. | The market prices for the underlying commodities used to determine A. above
were adjusted adversely by a hypothetical 10% change and compared to the fair value
amounts in A. above to project the potential negative impact on earnings that would be
recognized for the respective scenario. |
Based on the sensitivity analysis described above, a hypothetical 10% adverse change in market
prices would not have a material impact on our outstanding derivative instruments as of June 25,
2011. See also Item 7A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 25,
2010. The above hypothetical change does not
reflect the worst case scenario. Actual results may be significantly different depending on market
conditions and the composition of the open position portfolio.
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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 25, 2011. Based on this evaluation, the Partnerships principal
executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that as of June 25, 2011, such
disclosure controls and procedures were effective to provide the reasonable assurance described
above.
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 25, 2011 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially
affect its internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
ITEM 6. | EXHIBITS |
(a) Exhibits
31.1 | Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to
Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith). |
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31.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (Filed herewith). |
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32.1 | Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act of 2002. (Filed herewith). |
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32.2 | Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section
1350 as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(Filed herewith). |
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101.INS | XBRL Instance Document (Furnished herewith). * |
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101.SCH | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document (Furnished herewith). * |
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101.CAL | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document (Furnished herewith). * |
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101.DEF | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document (Furnished herewith). * |
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101.LAB | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document (Furnished herewith). * |
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101.PRE | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (Furnished herewith). * |
* | XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and
not filed or a part of a registration or prospectus for purposes of sections
11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of
section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and otherwise is not
subject to liability under these actions. |
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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 4, 2011
|
By: | /s/ MICHAEL A. STIVALA | ||||
Date
|
Michael A. Stivala | |||||
Chief Financial Officer | ||||||
August 4, 2011
|
By: | /s/ MICHAEL A. KUGLIN | ||||
Date
|
Michael A. Kuglin | |||||
Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |
37