WHIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership") (NYSE: SPH), a nationwide marketer of propane gas, fuel oil and related products and services, today announced its results for the three and twelve months ended September 24, 2005.
Fourth Quarter 2005 Results
Consistent with the seasonal nature of the propane and fuel oil businesses, the Partnership typically experiences a net loss in its fiscal fourth quarter. For the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, the Partnership's net loss was $38.5 million, or $1.23 per Common Unit, compared to a net loss of $34.0 million, or $1.09 per Common Unit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004. Earnings before interest, loss on debt extinguishment, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") amounted to a loss of $17.7 million for the fiscal 2005 fourth quarter, compared to a loss of $13.0 million for the prior year quarter.
EBITDA and net loss for the fiscal 2005 fourth quarter were negatively impacted by the net result of certain significant items, mainly relating to (i) a $2.2 million restructuring charge attributable to the realignment of our field operations, which is expected to generate further efficiencies and realize synergies at the field operating level; (ii) a $0.7 million charge attributable to impairment of goodwill associated with our heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") segment; (iii) a $0.8 million charge included within amortization expense attributable to the impairment of other intangible assets in our HVAC segment; and (iv) an asset impairment charge of $0.4 million included within depreciation expense related to assets impacted by the field realignment. These items had a net negative impact of $2.9 million and $4.1 million on the fiscal 2005 fourth quarter EBITDA and net loss, respectively.
The prior year fourth quarter EBITDA and net loss were favorably impacted $5.6 million and $4.6 million, respectively, by the following significant items: (i) an $11.5 million gain from the sale of 13 customer service centers considered to be non-strategic; (ii) a non-cash pension charge of $5.3 million related to accelerated recognition of actuarial losses in the Partnership's defined benefit pension plan; (iii) a $0.6 million restructuring charge related to the integration of certain field and back office functions in the northeast related to the Agway Energy acquisition; and (iv) a non-cash charge of $1.0 million related to the write-down of assets to be disposed of as a result of the Partnership's integration efforts in its northeast operations.
The unprecedented high commodity prices for propane and fuel oil experienced throughout the fiscal 2005 heating season continued during the fiscal 2005 fourth quarter, thus continuing to negatively impact volumes as a result of customer conservation. Average posted prices of propane and fuel oil during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 increased 19% and 54%, respectively, compared to the average posted prices in the prior year quarter. Retail propane gallons sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 decreased 8.9 million gallons, or 10.3%, to 77.1 million gallons compared to 86.0 million gallons in the prior year quarter. Sales of fuel oil and other refined fuels decreased 10.7 million gallons, or 22.3%, to 37.3 million gallons during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to 48.0 million gallons in the prior year quarter, primarily as a result of a decision in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2004 to exit certain lower margin low sulfur diesel and gasoline business combined with the impact of high prices on fuel oil volumes.
Revenues from the distribution of propane and related activities of $155.7 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 increased $12.0 million, or 8.4%, compared to $143.7 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher average selling prices in line with the aforementioned significantly higher product costs, partially offset by the impact of lower volumes. Revenues of $78.5 million from distribution of fuel oil and other refined fuels increased $16.4 million, or 26.4%, from $62.1 million in the prior year quarter, primarily as the result of higher commodity prices. Revenues in our natural gas and electricity marketing segment increased $7.4 million, or 54.8%, to $20.9 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 compared to $13.5 million in the prior year quarter, primarily from a rise in natural gas volumes and price. Revenues in our HVAC segment increased 4.3% to $24.1 million from $23.1 million in the prior year quarter.
Combined operating and general and administrative expenses of $105.4 million decreased $0.5 million, or 0.5%, compared to the prior year quarter of $105.9 million. Combined operating and general and administrative expenses declined despite a $1.3 million increase in professional services as a result of our first-time compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and a $0.8 million increase in fuel costs to operate our fleet, as lower insurance and lower compensation and benefit related expenses more than offset these negative factors. Operating expenses in the fiscal 2005 fourth quarter include a $4.4 million unrealized (non-cash) loss attributable to the mark-to-market on derivative instruments ("FAS 133"), compared to a $4.0 million unrealized (non-cash) loss in the prior year quarter attributable to FAS 133.
Fiscal Year 2005 Results
The Partnership reported a net loss for the fiscal year ended September 24, 2005 of $8.1 million, or $0.26 per Common Unit, compared to net income of $54.3 million, or $1.79 per Common Unit, in fiscal 2004. Fiscal 2005 EBITDA amounted to $107.1 million, compared to $131.9 million for fiscal 2004.
EBITDA and net loss for fiscal 2005 were unfavorably impacted by $3.5 million and $40.9 million, respectively, as a result of certain significant items relating mainly to (i) a $36.2 million loss on debt extinguishment recorded in the third quarter associated with our debt refinancing; (ii) a $2.8 million restructuring charge attributable primarily to severance associated with the realignment of our field operations; (iii) a $0.7 million charge attributable to impairment of goodwill associated with our HVAC segment; (iv) a $0.8 million charge included within amortization expense attributable to the impairment of other intangible assets in our HVAC segment; and (v) $0.4 million included within depreciation expense attributable to impairment of assets affected by the field realignment. Fiscal 2005 results reflect a full year of Agway Energy operations compared to approximately nine months of activity during fiscal 2004, following the acquisition of Agway Energy on December 23, 2003 ("Agway Acquisition").
By comparison, EBITDA and net income for fiscal 2004 included the net favorable impact of $8.6 million and $7.6 million, respectively, from certain significant items mainly related to (i) a $26.3 million gain from the sale of 24 customer service centers in the northern and southern central regions of the United States considered to be non-strategic; (ii) a non-cash charge of $6.3 million included within cost of products sold related to the settlement of futures contracts which were marked-to-market under purchase accounting for the Agway Acquisition; (iii) a non-cash pension settlement charge of $5.3 million related to accelerated recognition of actuarial losses in the Partnership's defined benefit pension plan; (iv) a non-cash charge of $3.2 million attributable to impairment of goodwill related to a small business acquired in 1999; (v) a $2.9 million restructuring charge related to integrating certain field management and back office functions in the northeast; and (vi) a non-cash charge of $1.0 million included within depreciation expense attributable to the write-down of assets to be disposed of as a result of the Partnership's efforts to integrate certain northeast operations.
Fiscal 2005 presented a very challenging operating environment resulting from the combination of an erratic weather pattern and highly volatile commodity prices. While nationwide average temperatures, as reported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, were 7% warmer than normal for fiscal 2005 compared to 7% warmer than normal in fiscal 2004, significantly warmer than normal temperatures during the critical months of November 2004 through February 2005 had a significant negative impact on both propane and fuel oil volumes. Average temperatures during these critical months were 9% warmer than normal. In addition to the impact that warmer weather typically has on volumes, the combination of warm weather and high energy prices has led to increased customer conservation efforts.
In the commodities markets, the average posted prices of propane and fuel oil began a precipitous rise in September 2004, which continued to unprecedented levels during the heating season and through the end of the fiscal year. Average posted prices of propane and fuel oil during fiscal 2005 increased 26% and 54%, respectively, compared to average posted prices in fiscal 2004. As a result, retail propane gallons sold in fiscal 2005 decreased 21.3 million gallons, or 4.0%, to 516.0 million gallons from 537.3 million gallons in fiscal 2004. Sales of fuel oil and other refined fuels increased 24.0 million gallons, or 10.9%, to 244.5 million gallons, compared to 220.5 million gallons in the prior fiscal year. The negative impact of warm weather and high energy prices on volumes was partially offset by a full twelve months of Agway Energy operations in fiscal 2005 compared to nine months in fiscal 2004.
Revenues from the distribution of propane and related activities of $969.9 million in fiscal 2005 increased $113.8 million, or 13.3%, compared to $856.1 million in fiscal 2004, primarily due to higher average selling prices in line with the aforementioned higher product costs, offset to an extent by the impact of 4.0% lower volumes. During fiscal 2005, fuel oil prices experienced unprecedented high levels and extreme volatility. Revenues from the distribution of fuel oil and other refined fuels increased $149.5 million, or 53.1%, to $431.2 million from $281.7 million in fiscal 2004. However, as reported for our second and third fiscal quarters, margin opportunities and therefore profitability in our refined fuels segment were severely restricted during the fiscal 2005 heating season. We were unable in the prevailing high price environment to pass on fully the rise in fuel oil prices due to the restrictions of our fuel oil cap program, which pre-established a maximum price per gallon, coupled with our decision not to hedge this pricing program for the February through April deliveries when confronted with unprecedented costs to properly hedge the program during that period. The lost margin opportunity from this fuel oil cap program had the most significant negative impact on our financial results for fiscal 2005 accounting for an estimated impact of $21.5 million on the year-over-year comparison of operating margins in the fuel oil and refined fuels segment. After evaluating the costs to adequately hedge this program in the current price environment, management decided to discontinue offering the fuel oil cap program.
Revenues in our natural gas and electricity marketing segment increased $34.3 million, or 50.1%, to $102.8 million in fiscal 2005 primarily from the combination of higher average prices and the impact of a full year of operations in fiscal 2005 compared to nine months in fiscal 2004. Revenues in our HVAC segment increased 15.2%, to $106.1 million from $92.1 million in fiscal 2004.
Combined operating and general and administrative expenses of $443.4 million increased $33.2 million, or 8.1%, from $410.2 million in fiscal 2004. The impact on expenses from a full year of the Agway Energy operations was offset to an extent by expense savings attributable to synergies achieved in our northeast operations and continued management of costs within our control. Lower compensation and benefit related expenses attributable to lower variable compensation in line with lower earnings, as well as lower insurance costs and savings in other variable expenses, were offset somewhat by higher bad debt expenses associated with higher revenues, increased professional services expenses associated with the first-time compliance requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and higher fuel and maintenance costs to operate the Partnership's fleet. Operating expenses for fiscal 2005 included a $2.5 million unrealized (non-cash) loss attributable to the mark-to-market on derivative instruments under FAS 133, compared to a $4.5 million unrealized (non-cash) loss in the prior year attributable to FAS 133.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.1 million, or 3.0%, to $37.8 million primarily as a result of a full year of depreciation and amortization on the tangible and intangible assets acquired in the Agway Acquisition. Depreciation and amortization expense in fiscal 2005 included a $0.4 million asset impairment charge associated with steps taken in the fourth quarter to realign our field operations, compared to a $1.0 million asset impairment charge in the prior year. In addition, fiscal 2005 included a $0.8 million impairment charge associated with certain intangible assets related to our HVAC segment. Net interest expense decreased $0.4 million, or 1.0%, to $40.4 million in fiscal 2005. The prior year interest expense included a one- time fee of $1.9 million related to financing commitments for the Agway Acquisition. In addition to the impact of the fiscal 2004 financing commitment fee, interest expense increased $1.5 million as a result of the net effect of a full year of interest on debt used to finance the December 2003 Agway Acquisition and lower average interest rates achieved through the March 31, 2005 refinancing.
In announcing these results, Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Alexander said, "The combination of unfavorable weather, an extremely volatile commodity environment and increased customer conservation led to a challenging year in 2005, with the most significant negative financial impact resulting from a pricing program that is specific to our fuel oil operations. Nevertheless, the fundamentals of our business remain sound and continue to improve. In the second half of the year, we took positive steps to add financial flexibility and drive further efficiencies through our operations, highlighted by the successful completion of our debt refinancing and, more recently, the reorganization of our field operations intended to streamline our operating footprint and leverage our system infrastructure. With the continued integration of the Agway Energy operations, the operating efficiencies expected from our internal reorganization and the steps already taken to eliminate the fuel oil cap program, we are well positioned for significant earnings growth in fiscal 2006 and expect to be back on track with our historical trend relative to profitability and improving distribution policy."
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. is a publicly traded Master Limited Partnership listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Headquartered in Whippany, New Jersey, Suburban has been in the customer service business since 1928. The Partnership serves the energy needs of approximately 1,000,000 residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural customers through more than 370 customer service centers in 30 states.
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Three and Twelve Months Ended September 24, 2005 and September 25,
2004
(in thousands, except per unit amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
Sept. 24 Sept. 25 Sept. 24, Sept. 25,
2005 2004 2005 2004
Revenues
Propane $155,668 $143,694 $969,943 $856,109
Fuel oil and refined
fuels 78,515 62,063 431,223 281,682
Natural gas and
electricity 20,872 13,478 102,803 68,452
HVAC 24,114 23,080 106,115 92,072
All other 2,470 2,349 10,150 8,939
281,639 244,664 1,620,234 1,307,254
Costs and expenses
Cost of products sold 191,106 156,413 1,067,248 779,029
Operating 93,084 92,022 396,235 356,359
General and
administrative 12,361 13,872 47,191 53,888
Restructuring costs 2,150 560 2,775 2,942
Pension settlement charge - 5,337 - 5,337
Impairment of goodwill 656 - 656 3,177
Depreciation and
amortization 10,249 11,114 37,762 36,743
309,606 279,318 1,551,867 1,237,475
(Loss) income before
interest expense, loss on
debt extinguishment and
provision for income
taxes (27,967) (34,654) 68,367 69,779
Loss on debt
extinguishment - - 36,242 -
Interest expense, net 10,088 9,804 40,374 40,832
(Loss) income before
provision for income
taxes (38,055) (44,458) (8,249) 28,947
Provision for income taxes 467 120 803 3
(Loss) income from
continuing operations (38,522) (44,578) (9,052) 28,944
Discontinued operations:
Gain on sale of customer
service centers - 11,508 976 26,332
(Loss) from discontinued
customer service
centers - (940) - (972)
Net (loss) income $(38,522) $(34,010) $(8,076) $54,304
General Partner's interest
in net (loss) income $(1,197) $(1,057) $(251) $1,310
Limited Partners' interest
in net (loss) income $(37,325) $(32,953) $(7,825) $52,994
(Loss) income from
continuing operations per
Common Unit - basic $(1.23) $(1.43) $(0.29) $0.96
Discontinued Operations $- $0.34 $0.03 $0.83
Net (loss) income per
Common Unit - basic $(1.23) $(1.09) $(0.26) $1.79
Weighted average number of
Common Units outstanding
- basic 30,278 30,257 30,276 29,599
(Loss) income from
continuing operations per
Common Unit - diluted $(1.23) $(1.43) $(0.29) $0.96
Discontinued Operations $- $0.34 $0.03 $0.82
Net (loss) income per
Common Unit - diluted $(1.23) $(1.09) $(0.26) $1.78
Weighted average number of
Common Units outstanding
- diluted 30,278 30,257 30,276 29,705
Supplemental Information:
EBITDA (a) $(17,718) $(12,972) $107,105 $131,882
Retail gallons sold:
Propane 77,128 85,976 516,040 537,330
Refined fuels 37,276 47,956 244,536 220,469
(a) EBITDA represents net income (loss) before deducting interest expense,
loss on debt extinguishment, income taxes, depreciation and
amortization. Our management uses EBITDA as a measure of liquidity and
we are including 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. Moreover, our revolving
credit agreement requires us to use EBITDA as a component in
calculating our leverage and interest coverage ratios. EBITDA is not a
recognized term under generally accepted accounting principles
("GAAP") and should not be considered as an alternative to net income
or net cash provided by operating activities determined in accordance
with GAAP. Because EBITDA, as determined by us, excludes some, but
not all, items that affect net income, it may not be comparable to
EBITDA or similarly titled measures used by other companies. The
following table sets forth (i) our calculation of EBITDA and (ii) a
reconciliation of EBITDA, as so calculated, to our net cash provided
by operating activities:
Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended
Sept. 24 Sept. 25 Sept. 24 Sept. 25,
2005 2004 2005 2004
Net (loss) / income $(38,522) $(34,010) $(8,076) $54,304
Add:
Provision for income
taxes 467 120 803 3
Loss on debt
extinguishment - - 36,242 -
Interest expense, net 10,088 9,804 40,374 40,832
Depreciation and
amortization 10,249 11,114 37,762 36,743
EBITDA (17,718) (12,972) 107,105 131,882
Add / (subtract):
Provision for income
taxes (467) (120) (803) (3)
Loss on debt
extinguishment - - (36,242) -
Interest expense, net (10,088) (9,804) (40,374) (40,832)
Gain on disposal of
property, plant and
equipment, net (155) (562) (2,043) (715)
Gain on sale of customer
service centers - (11,508) (976) (26,332)
Changes in working
capital and other assets
and liabilities 45,146 26,795 12,338 29,065
Net cash provided by /
(used in) operating
activities $16,718 $(8,171) $39,005 $93,065
Net cash (used in) /
provided by investing
activities $(5,505) $7,547 $(24,631) $(196,557)
Net cash (used in) /
provided by financing
activities $(8,010) $(61,666) $(53,444) $141,208
SOURCE Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.
-0- 11/17/2005
/CONTACT: Robert M. Plante, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of
Suburban Propane Partners, L.P, +1-973-503-9252/
/Company News On-Call: http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/112074.html /
/Web site: http://suburbanpropane.com /
(SPH)
CO: Suburban Propane Partners, L.P.
ST: New Jersey
IN: OIL REA
SU: ERN
AS
-- NYTH038 --
3153 11/17/2005 07:27 EST http://www.prnewswire.com