For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1998
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OR
[ _ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [No Fee Required]
For the transition period from _________ to _________
Commission File Number: 33-98490
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Delaware 06-1437793 ------------------------------- ----------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 2187 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut 06902 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive office) (Zip Code) (203) 328-7300 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |
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 X No
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of August 13, 1998:
Star Gas Partners, L.P. 3,831,727 Common Units 2,396,078 Subordinated Units
PAGE
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PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
Item 1 - Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30,
1997 and June 30, 1998 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
three months ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998 4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
nine months ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998 5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
nine months ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998 6
Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital for the
nine months ended June 30, 1998 7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements 8-11
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Conditions and Results of Operations 12-17
PART II OTHER INFORMATION:
Item 5 - Other Events 18-20
Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 20
Signature 21
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JUNE 30,
SEPTEMBER 30, 1998
1997 (UNAUDITED)
-------------------- --------------------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 889 $ 1,551
Receivables, net of allowance of $273 and
$394, respectively 5,720 5,041
Inventories 6,597 7,777
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 959 1,039
-------- --------
Total current assets 14,165 15,408
-------- --------
Property and equipment, net 95,282 108,298
Intangibles and other assets, net 38,022 49,559
-------- --------
Total assets $147,469 $173,265
======== ========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 3,178 $ 2,697
Bank credit facility borrowings -- 950
Accrued expenses 3,004 2,866
Accrued interest 321 2,248
Customer credit balances 4,343 2,405
-------- --------
Total current liabilities 10,846 11,166
-------- --------
Long-term debt 85,000 96,000
Other long-term liabilities 45 79
Partners' Capital:
Common unitholders 47,573 63,683
Subordinated unitholders 4,034 2,056
General Partner (29) 281
-------- --------
Total Partners' Capital 51,578 66,020
-------- --------
Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital $147,469 $173,265
======== ========
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
--------------------------------------------
1997 1998
------------------- -------------------
Sales $20,078 $16,243
Cost of sales 9,632 6,518
------- -------
Gross profit 10,446 9,725
Delivery and branch expenses 8,702 8,538
Depreciation and amortization 2,653 2,913
General and administrative expenses 1,491 1,602
Net gain (loss) on sales of assets (67) (28)
------- -------
Operating loss (2,467) (3,356)
Interest expense, net 1,671 1,873
------- -------
Loss before income taxes (4,138) (5,229)
Income tax expense 5 6
------- -------
Net loss $(4,143) $(5,235)
======= =======
General Partner's interest in net loss $ (83) (105)
------- -------
Limited Partners' interest in net loss $(4,060) $(5,130)
======= =======
Basic and diluted net loss per Limited Partner
unit $(0.77) $(0.82)
======= =======
Weighted average number of Limited Partner
units outstanding 5,271 6,228
======= =======
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NINE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
--------------------------------
1997 1998
------------ ------------
Sales $117,396 $95,971
Cost of sales 63,578 43,726
-------- -------
Gross profit 53,818 52,245
Delivery and branch 28,054 28,280
Depreciation and amortization 7,869 8,644
General and administrative 5,384 4,420
Net gain (loss) on sales of assets (129) (213)
-------- -------
Operating income 12,382 10,688
Interest expense, net 5,290 5,834
-------- -------
Income before income taxes 7,092 4,854
Income tax expense 18 19
-------- -------
Net income $ 7,074 $ 4,835
======== =======
General Partner's interest in net income $ 142 $ 97
-------- -------
Limited Partners' interest in net income $ 6,932 $ 4,738
======== =======
Basic and diluted net income per Limited Partner
unit $1.32 $0.79
======== =======
Weighted average number of Limited Partner
units outstanding 5,271 5,965
======== =======
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
NINE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30,
---------------------------------
1997 1998
------------- ---------------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ 7,074 $ 4,835
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 7,869 8,644
Provision for losses on accounts receivable 382 240
Loss on sales of assets 129 213
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Decrease in receivables 349 579
Decrease (increase) in inventories 5,155 (874)
Decrease (increase) in other assets (355) 85
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable 297 (584)
Increase (decrease) in other current and long-term liabilities 707 (375)
-------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 21,607 12,763
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures (4,454) (3,825)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets 314 245
Acquisition of companies -- (5,259)
Cash acquired in conveyance -- 1,825
-------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (4,140) (7,014)
-------- --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Credit facility borrowings 5,000 13,280
Credit facility repayments (7,350) (12,330)
Acquisition facility borrowings 3,350 21,000
Acquisition facility repayments (3,350) (21,000)
Distributions (8,874) (9,949)
Increase in deferred charges (94) (177)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Units, net -- 16,089
Repayment of debt -- (23,000)
Proceeds from issuance of debt -- 11,000
-------- --------
Net cash used in financing activities (11,318) (5,087)
-------- --------
Net increase in cash 6,149 662
Cash at beginning of period 1,106 889
-------- --------
Cash at end of period $ 7,255 $ 1,551
======== ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 3,417 $ 3,959
======== ========
Income taxes $ 7 $ 7
======== ========
Non-cash investing activities:
Acquisitions $ 26,467
Assumption of note payable $(23,000)
Non-cash financing activities:
Issuance of Common Units $ (3,399)
Additional General Partner interest $ (68)
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
TOTAL
NUMBER OF UNITS GENERAL PARTNERS'
--------------------------
COMMON SUBORDINATED COMMON SUBORDINATED PARTNER CAPITAL
------ ------------ ------ ------------ ------- -------
Balance as of September 30, 1997 2,875 2,396 $47,573 $ 4,034 $ (29) $51,578
Issuance of Common Units, net 809 -- 15,745 -- 344 16,089
Conveyance of Assets, net 148 -- 3,399 -- 68 3,467
Net Income -- -- 2,762 1,976 97 4,835
Distributions ($1.65 per unit) -- -- (5,796) (3,954) (199) (9,949)
----- ----- ------- ------- ----- -------
Balance as of June 30, 1998 3,832 2,396 $63,683 $ 2,056 $ 281 $66,020
===== ===== ======= ======= ===== =======
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See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the financial statements were of a normal recurring nature.
The propane industry is seasonal in nature because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, the results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and are computed on a first-in, first-out basis. At the dates indicated, the components of inventory were as follows:
SEPTEMBER 30, JUNE 30,
1997 1998
---- ----
Propane gas $ 4,805 $ 5,743
Appliances and equipment 1,792 2,034
------- -------
$ 6,597 $ 7,777
======= =======
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2) BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT
Basic net income per Limited Partner Unit is computed by dividing net income, after deducting the General Partner's 2.0% interest, by the weighted average number of Common Units and Subordinated Units outstanding. Diluted net income per Limited Partner Unit, reflects the dilutive effect of the unit option plan.
3) COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
In the ordinary course of business, the Partnership is threatened with, or is named in, various lawsuits. The Partnership is not a party to any litigation which individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the company.
4) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Partnership has no employees, except for certain employees of its corporate subsidiary, Stellar Propane Service Corporation, and is managed and controlled by Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc. ("Petro"). Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the General Partner is entitled to
reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on behalf of the Partnership, and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to the Partnership or otherwise reasonably incurred by the General Partner in connection with operating the Partnership's business. For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, the Partnership reimbursed the General Partner and Petro $14.7 million representing salary, payroll tax and other compensation paid to the employees of the General Partner and to Petro for certain corporate functions such as finance and compliance. In addition, the Partnership reimbursed Petro $0.4 million relating to the Partnership's share of the costs incurred by Petro in conducting the operations of a certain shared branch location which includes managerial services.
5) ACQUISITIONS
On October 22, 1997, pursuant to a purchase agreement ("Stock Purchase Agreement") dated as of October 20, 1997, Star Gas Corporation ("General Partner") purchased 240 shares of Common Stock ($100 par value) of Pearl Gas Co. ("Pearl"), an Ohio Corporation, representing all of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Pearl.
The purchase price for said stock was $22.6 million and was paid in cash. The assets purchased included working capital of $1.9 million. Funding for the stock purchase and related transaction expenses of $0.4 million was provided by a $23.0 million bank acquisition facility. Subsequent to the acquisition of the common stock of Pearl, Pearl was merged into the General Partner in a tax-free liquidation.
Immediately following the merger, a Conveyance and Contribution Agreement was entered into by, and among, the Partnership, the OLP and the General Partner. The General Partner contributed to the OLP all of the Pearl assets it obtained in the merger of Pearl into the General Partner. In exchange, the General Partner received a 2.7% limited partnership interest in the OLP and a 0.00028% general partnership interest in the OLP. In addition, the OLP assumed all of the liabilities associated with the Pearl stock purchase prior and subsequent to the merger, including the $23.0 million of bank debt. The aggregate value of the Partnership's interests transferred to the General Partner from the OLP was $3.5 million.
The issuance of the partnership interests to the General Partner is intended to compensate the General Partner for additional significant income tax liabilities which would be reflected in the consolidated federal income tax return of Star Gas' parent corporation, Petro. The issuance of such partnership interests was approved by the Audit Committee of the General Partner and the Executive Committee of Petro.
The General Partner then exchanged the above described interest in the OLP for a 0.00027% general partnership interest in the Partnership and 148 common units in the Partnership, at a per unit price based upon the average closing price of the Partnership's common units ten days prior to the execution of the Stock Purchase Agreement. The OLP then repaid the $23.0 million acquisition facility with $2.0 million of available cash and $21.0 million borrowed under the OLP's own acquisition facility.
Pearl markets and distributes propane in Ohio and Michigan through a storage and distribution system consisting of five offices, fifteen bulk storage plants, fifty employees and over forty-five vehicles. For the twelve months ended September 30, 1997, Pearl sold approximately 14.3 million gallons of propane, primarily to residential customers.
During the nine months ended June 30, 1998, the Partnership acquired the propane operations and assets of three additional unaffiliated propane dealers. The aggregate consideration for these acquisitions, accounted for under the purchase method, was approximately $4.9 million.
Sales and net income have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Operations since their respective dates of acquisition.
Unaudited pro forma data giving effect to the acquisitions as if they had been acquired on October 1 of the year preceding the year of purchase is as follows:
1997 1998
---- ----
Sales $132,203 $98,116
======== =======
Net income $ 9,967 $ 5,263
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Basic and diluted net income
per limited partner unit $ 1.57 $ 0.83
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6) PUBLIC OFFERING
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On December 16, 1997, the Partnership completed a public offering of 809,000 Common Units, representing Limited Partner interests, at a price of $21.25 a unit. The net proceeds received of $15.7 million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses, were used to repay $10.0 million borrowed under the Partnership's bank acquisition facility and $5.7 million borrowed under its working capital facility. In connection with the issuance of the Common Units, the General Partner made a capital contribution of $0.3 million.
7) FIRST MORTGAGE NOTES
In January 1998, the Partnership issued $11.0 million of First Mortgage Notes with an annual interest rate of 7.17%. The proceeds from these notes were used to repay $11.0 million borrowed under the Partnership's acquisition facility. These First Mortgage Notes will mature on September 15, 2010, and will require a prepayment of $5.5 million on March 15, 2010. Interest is payable semi-annually on March 15 and September 15.
On May 29, 1998, the Partnership's Common Units began trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "SGU." The Partnerships Common Units were previously listed on Nasdaq under the symbol "SGASZ."
9) SUBSEQUENT EVENT - CASH DISTRIBUTION
On July 21, 1998 the Partnership announced that it would pay a cash distribution of $0.55 per Limited Partner Unit for the three months ended June 30, 1998. The distribution is payable on August 14, 1998 to holders of record as of July 31, 1998.
10) SUBSEQUENT EVENT - ACQUISITIONS
Subsequent to June 30, 1998, the Partnership acquired the propane operations, assets, and certain limited partner interests of two unrelated propane dealers. The aggregate consideration for these acquisitions was $5.0 million.
THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
OVERVIEW
In analyzing the financial results of the Partnership, the following matters should be considered.
Propane's primary use is for heating in residential and commercial applications. As a result, weather conditions have a significant impact on financial performance and should be considered when analyzing changes in financial performance.
In addition, gross profit margins vary according to the customer mix. For example, sales to residential customers generate higher gross profit margins than sales to other customer groups, such as agricultural customers. Accordingly, a change in customer mix can affect gross profit without necessarily impacting total sales.
Lastly, the propane industry is seasonal in nature, with peak activity occurring during the winter months. Accordingly, results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.
This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking information that is subject to risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include the effects of weather, competitive and propane pricing pressure and other factors impacting the propane distribution industry. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which generally speak only as of the date of this Report on Form 10-Q.
VOLUME
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, retail propane volume declined 1.3 million gallons, or 9.7%, to 12.2 million gallons, as compared to 13.5 million gallons for the three months ended June 30, 1997. The decline was due to the effect of temperatures which were 34.6% warmer than the prior year's comparable period (and 17.9% warmer than normal). Offsetting the impact of the warmer than normal temperatures was the Pearl acquisition, which provided 1.1 million gallons, or 8.2%, of additional volume.
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, wholesale propane volume declined by
2.7 million gallons, or 30.2%, to 6.3 million gallons, as compared to 9.0
million gallons for the three months ended June 30, 1997. This decline was due
primarily to the 34.6% warmer weather.
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, sales declined $3.9 million, or 19.1%, to $16.2 million, as compared to $20.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997. This decline was due to weather-related reductions in volume and lower retail and wholesale selling prices, which were partially offset by the additional sales provided by the Pearl operations. During the three months ended June 30, 1998, retail and wholesale selling prices declined versus the prior year's comparable period in response to lower propane supply costs.
COST OF SALES
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, cost of sales declined $3.1 million, or 32.3%, to $6.5 million, as compared to $9.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997. This decline was largely due to lower propane supply costs and lower retail and wholesale sales volume.
GROSS PROFIT
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, gross profit declined $0.7 million, or
6.9%, to $9.7 million, as compared to $10.4 million for the three months ended
June 30, 1997. This change was attributable to the weather-related decline in
volume and was partially offset by improved per gallon margins across all market
segments.
DELIVERY AND BRANCH EXPENSES
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, delivery and branch expenses declined $0.2 million, or 1.9%, to $8.5 million, as compared to $8.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997. Excluding approximately $0.7 million of additional costs associated with Pearl operations, delivery and branch expenses were $0.9 million less than the prior year's comparable period due to lower insurance costs and management's ability to reduce operating costs in response to the warm winter weather.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.2 million, or 9.8%, to $2.9 million, as compared to $2.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997, primarily due to additional depreciation expense associated with the Pearl acquisition.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, general and administrative expenses increased $0.1 million, or 7.4%, to $1.6 million, as compared to $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997. This increase was primarily due to expenses associated with the Partnership's acquisition program.
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, interest expense, net increased $0.2 million, or 12.1%, to $1.9 million, as compared to $1.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997. This change was primarily due to the additional long-term borrowing associated with the Pearl Gas acquisition.
Income tax expense primarily represents certain state income taxes related to the Partnership's wholly-owned corporation which conducts non-qualifying master limited partnership business.
NET LOSS
As expected, the net loss for the three months ended June 30, 1998 increased $1.1 million to $5.2 million, as compared to $4.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 1997. This change was primarily due to temperatures which were 34.6% warmer than the prior year's comparable quarter, as well as increases in depreciation and interest expenses relating to the Pearl Gas acquisition.
EBITDA
For the three months ended June 30, 1998, EBITDA (defined as operating income
(loss) plus depreciation and amortization less net gain (loss) on sales of
assets) declined by $0.7 million to an EBITDA loss of $0.4 million, as compared
to $0.3 million in positive EBITDA realized during the three months ended June
30, 1997. This change was attributable to 34.6% warmer temperatures (17.9%
warmer than normal) and additional expenses associated with running a larger
business. EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (as
an indicator of operating performance), or as an alternative to cash flow (as a
measure of liquidity or ability to service debt obligations), but provides
additional information for evaluating the Partnership's ability to make the
Minimum Quarterly Distribution.
NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1998
COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
VOLUME
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, retail propane volume increased 4.0 million gallons, or 4.9%, to 84.8 million gallons, as compared to 80.8 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. The increase was due to the October 1997 acquisition of Pearl Gas, which provided 10.1 million gallons of additional volume. The positive impact of the Pearl acquisition was partially offset by temperatures which were 11.6% warmer than the prior year's comparable period and 12.2% warmer than normal.
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, wholesale propane volume declined by 10.7 million gallons, or 32.5%, to 22.1 million gallons, as compared to 32.8 million gallons for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. This decline was attributable to the abnormally warm winter weather and a reduction in spot sales to certain customers.
SALES
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, sales decreased $21.4 million, or 18.3%, to $96.0 million, as compared to $117.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. This decline was primarily due to weather-related reductions in volume and lower retail and wholesale selling prices. Retail and wholesale selling prices declined versus the prior year's comparable period in response to lower propane supply costs. To a limited extent, the additional sales provided by the Pearl operations mitigated the impact of the warm winter weather.
COST OF SALES
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, cost of sales decreased $19.9 million, or 31.2%, to $43.7 million, as compared to $63.6 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. Cost of sales declined from the prior year's comparable period due to lower wholesale propane supply costs and a decline in wholesale volume sold. This decline was partially offset by the cost of sales attributable to the Pearl operations.
GROSS PROFIT
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, gross profit decreased $1.6 million, or
2.9%, to $52.2 million, as compared to $53.8 million for the nine months ended
June 30, 1997. This change in gross profit was attributable to lower wholesale
volume and a decline in wholesale and retail margins. The Partnership's overall
per gallon margins declined versus the prior year's comparable period due in
part to the effect of the Pearl Gas acquisition, as a greater proportion of the
Partnership's volume is now sold to lower margin Midwestern customers.
Excluding
the impact of the Pearl operations, per gallon margins were lower than the prior year's comparable period when the Partnership benefited from unusual supply and wholesale market conditions.
DELIVERY AND BRANCH EXPENSES
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, delivery and branch expenses increased $0.2 million, or 0.8%, to $28.3 million, as compared to $28.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. This modest increase was primarily due to $2.0 million in expenses relating to the Pearl operations, partially offset by a $1.8 million reduction in operating costs, reflecting management's response to the warm winter weather and lower insurance costs.
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.7 million, or 9.8%, to $8.6 million, as compared to $7.9 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. This increase was due to the impact of the Pearl acquisition.
GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, general and administrative expenses decreased by $1.0 million, or 17.9%, to $4.4 million, as compared to $5.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. The decline was primarily due to the recognition of expenses in the prior year's comparable period relating to the fiscal 1997 strategic initiative, which was concluded in March 1997.
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, interest expense, net increased $0.5 million, or 10.3%, to $5.8 million, as compared to $5.3 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. This change was primarily due to an increase in long-term debt associated with the Pearl acquisition.
NET INCOME
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, net income decreased $2.3 million to $4.8 million, as compared to $7.1 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. The decline in net income was primarily attributable to a decline in wholesale gross profit and to the increase in depreciation expense and interest costs associated with the Pearl acquisition.
EBITDA
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, EBITDA (defined as operating income plus depreciation and amortization less net gain (loss) on sales of assets) declined $0.9 million, or 4.1%, to $19.5 million, as compared to $20.4 million for the nine months ended June 30, 1997. This slight reduction was achieved in a period in which temperatures were 12.2% warmer than normal and 11.6% warmer than the prior year's comparable period, as the effects of the abnormally warm winter weather were mostly offset by the additional EBITDA provided from the Pearl acquisition and a reduction in total operating expenses.
EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income (as an indicator of operating performance), or as an alternative to cash flow (as a measure of liquidity or ability to service debt obligations), but provides additional information for evaluating the Partnership's ability to make the Minimum Quarterly Distribution.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
For the nine months ended June 30, 1998, net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $8.8 million, to $12.8 million as compared to the $21.6 million generated in the prior year's comparable period. This decrease resulted from a lower level of net income and an increase in the cash requirements for inventory of approximately $6.0 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $7.0 million, of which $3.6 million after deducting proceeds accrued on sales of fixed assets of $0.2 million was used to finance capital expenditures, with $2.2 million utilized for maintenance capital needed to sustain operations at their current level and $1.4 million used to support the growth of operations. In addition, the Partnership utilized $5.3 million to fund three acquisitions, which was partially offset by $1.8 million of cash acquired in the Pearl Gas transaction.
Net cash used in financing activities was $5.1 million. Proceeds received include net borrowings under the Partnership bank credit facility of $1.0 million, the net proceeds from the issuance of additional Partnership units of $16.1 million, including a General Partner contribution of $0.3 million, and the private placement of $11.0 million of 7.17% First Mortgage Notes, due 2010. These proceeds were used to repay $23.0 million of long-term debt conveyed in the Pearl Gas acquisition. In addition, the Partnership paid $10.0 million in distributions to Limited and General Partners.
The Partnership's cash requirements for the remainder of fiscal 1998 include maintenance capital expenditures of approximately $0.5 million and interest payments of $3.8 million on its First Mortgage Notes. In addition, the Partnership plans to pay $3.5 million of Limited and General Partner distributions. Based on its current cash position, bank credit availability and expected net cash from operating activities, the partnership expects to be able to meet all of these obligations for fiscal 1998, as well as all of its other current obligations as they become due.
The Partnership has a number of information system improvement initiatives under way that will require increased expenditures during the next several years. These initiatives include the modification of certain computer software and hardware systems to be Year 2000 compliant. Although the final estimates to modify current systems have not yet been determined, the Partnership does not expect that such costs will have a material effect on the Partnership's results of operations or financial position.
ITEM 5 - OTHER EVENTS
STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND PETROLEUM HEAT AND POWER CO., INC., BUSINESS
COMBINATION
In August 1998, the Partnership and Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc. ("Petro") jointly announced that they have reached an agreement in principle to enter into a strategic business combination in which Petro would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Partnership ("the Star Gas/Petro transaction"). This transaction would be effected through Petro Shareholders exchanging their approximately 26.6 million shares of Petro Common Stock for approximately 3.6 million limited partnership units of the Partnership which will be subordinated to the existing Common Units of the Partnership.
The Partnership currently distributes to its partners, on a quarterly basis, all of its Available Cash, which is generally all of the cash receipts of the Partnership less all cash disbursements, with a targeted Minimum Quarterly Distribution ("MQD") of $0.55 per Unit, or $2.20 per Unit on an annualized basis. In connection with the Star Gas/Petro transaction, the Partnership will increase the MQD to $.575 per Unit or $2.30 per Unit on an annualized basis. This increase in the MQD reflects the expectation that the transaction will be accretive to the Partnership. The increase in the MQD will also serve to raise the threshold needed to end the subordination period.
Of the 3.6 million subordinated Partnership units anticipated to be distributed to Petro shareholders, 2.8 million will be Senior Subordinated Units and approximately 857,000 will be Junior Subordinated Units and General Partnership Interests. The Senior Subordinated Units will be publicly registered and tradable (they are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange) and will be subordinated in distributions to the Partnership's Common Units. The Junior Subordinated Units and General Partnership Interests will not be registered nor publicly tradable and will be subordinated to both the Common Units and the Senior Subordinated Units. The Senior Subordinated Units will be exchanged with holders of Petro's publicly traded Class A common stock and the Junior Subordinated Units and General Partnership Interest will be exchanged with individuals that currently own Petro's Class C common stock. Certain holders of the Petro's Class C common stock will also exchange their shares for Senior Subordinated Units.
It is currently contemplated that 21,177,000 shares of Petro Common Stock will be exchanged for 2,767,000 Senior Subordinated Units of the Partnership. 5,386,000 shares of Petro common stock, held by certain individuals who currently own Petro Class C common stock, including Irik P. Sevin, Chairman of both Petro and the General Partner of the Partnership and other members of a group that currently controls Petro, will be exchanged for 579,000 Junior Subordinated Units and General Partnership Interests which are economically equivalent to 279,000 Junior Subordinated Units.
Under the partnership subordination provision, distributions on the Partnership's Senior Subordinated Units may be made only after distributions of Available Cash on Common Units meet the Minimum Quarterly Distribution requirement. Distributions on the Partnership's Junior Subordinated Units and to the General
Like many other publicly traded master limited partnerships, the Partnership contains a provision which provides the General Partner with incentive distributions in excess of certain targeted amounts. This provision will be modified so that should there be any such incentive distributions, they will be made pro rata to the Senior Subordinated Units and Junior Subordinated Units as well as to the General Partner.
In connection with the Star Gas/Petro transaction, the Senior Subordinated Units, Junior Subordinated Units and General Partnership Interests can earn, pro rata, 303,000 additional Senior Subordinated Units each year that Petro provides $.50 per unit accretion to the Partnership to a maximum of 909,000 additional Senior Subordinated Units.
In connection with the Star Gas/Petro transaction, the Partnership intends to raise approximately $140 million through a public offering of Common Units and $120 million through a public or private offering of debt securities. The net proceeds from these offerings will be used primarily to redeem approximately $240 million in Petro public and private debt and preferred stock. Any such offering will be made only by means of a prospectus or in transactions not requiring registration under securities laws. This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell any securities. As part of this recapitalization, Petro also intends to restructure $66.2 million of privately held Notes.
Petro has reached an agreement with institutional holders of an aggregate of $149 million or 63.1% of such public debt and preferred stock to permit the redemption of such securities at the closing of the Star Gas/Petro transaction. This agreement allows Petro to redeem its 9 3/8% Subordinated Debentures, 10 1/8% Subordinated Notes and 12 1/4% Subordinated Debentures at 100%, 100% and 103.5% of principal amount, respectively, and to redeem its 12 7/8% Preferred Stock at $23 per share. In consideration for this early redemption right, Petro has agreed to issue to such holders 3.37 shares of newly issued Petro Junior Convertible Preferred Stock for each $1,000 in principal amount or liquidation preference of such securities. Each share of Petro Junior Convertible Preferred Stock will be exchangeable into .13 of a Partnership Common Unit at the conclusion of this transaction representing a maximum 104,000 Common Units. Should the Star Gas/Petro transaction not be consummated, the Junior Preferred Stock will be converted into a like number of shares of Class A Common Stock.
Petro will offer to the remaining holders of Petro's publicly traded debt and preferred stock the same right of early redemption under the same terms and conditions as agreed to by the consenting holders. This proposal will be made through an exchange offer that is expected to commence shortly. This transaction and the associated Petro recapitalization is subject to receiving an agreement to the early redemption from at least 90% of the outstanding publicly traded debt and preferred stock.
The Board of Directors of the General Partner of the Partnership has appointed an independent committee of directors to represent the Partnership in this matter. This committee has retained A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. to act as its financial advisor and to determine the fairness of this transaction to the Partnership's Common Unit holders. The Board of Directors of Petro has retained PaineWebber Incorporated as its financial advisor and Dain Rauscher Wessels to render an opinion as to the fairness to Petro of this transaction.
The completion of the Star Gas/Petro Transaction is subject to the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, the receipt of regulatory approvals, the approval of Star's nonaffiliated Common Unit holders and Petro's nonaffiliated Common Shareholders, other necessary partnership and corporate approvals, fairness opinions from A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. and Dain Rauscher Wessels, and the agreement to early redemption by the holders of 90% of Petro's publicly traded debt and preferred stock.
ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) Exhibits Included Within:
(27) Financial Data Schedule
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during this quarter for which this report is filed.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf of the undersigned thereunto duly authorized:
Star Gas Partners, L.P.
By: Star Gas Corporation (General Partner)
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
--------- ----- ----
/s/ Joseph P. Cavanaugh President August 14, 1998
-------------------
Joseph P. Cavanaugh Star Gas Corporation
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Richard F. Ambury Vice President Finance August 14, 1998
-------------------
Richard F. Ambury Star Gas Corporation
(Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)
|
PERIOD TYPE
9 MOS
FISCAL YEAR END
SEP 30 1998
PERIOD START
OCT 01 1997
PERIOD END
JUN 30 1998
CASH
1,551
SECURITIES
0
RECEIVABLES
5,435
ALLOWANCES
394
INVENTORY
7,777
CURRENT ASSETS
15,408
PP&E
133,256
DEPRECIATION
24,958
TOTAL ASSETS
173,265
CURRENT LIABILITIES
11,166
BONDS
96,000
PREFERRED MANDATORY
0
PREFERRED
0
COMMON
65,7391
OTHER SE
2812
TOTAL LIABILITY AND EQUITY
173,265
SALES
92,480
TOTAL REVENUES
95,971
CGS
43,726
TOTAL COSTS
32,460
OTHER EXPENSES
8,710
LOSS PROVISION
240
INTEREST EXPENSE
5,981
INCOME PRETAX
4,854
INCOME TAX
19
INCOME CONTINUING
4,835
DISCONTINUED
0
EXTRAORDINARY
0
CHANGES
0
NET INCOME
4,835
EPS PRIMARY
0.79
EPS DILUTED
0.79
1
COMMON STOCK REPRESENTS LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS WHICH CONSISTS OF COMMON
AND SUBORDINATED UNITS. THESE UNITS ARE CONSIDERED TO POSSESS THE
CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMON STOCK AND ARE BOTH INCLUDED IN THE DETERMINATION OF
EPS.
2
OTHER SE REPRESENTS THE GENERAL PARTNER'S INTEREST IN THE PARTNERSHIP AND
IS CLASSIFIED HERE SINCE IT DOES NOT POSSESS THE RELEVANT CHARACTERISTICS OF
EITHER COMMON OR PREFERRED STOCK.