Back to GetFilings.com



Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2004

 

OR

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             .

 

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-32453

 


 

Inergy, L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

Delaware   43-1918951

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

Two Brush Creek Blvd., Suite 200

Kansas City, Missouri

  64112
 
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

(816) 842-8181

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report)

 


 

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 last 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

The following units were outstanding at August 2, 2004:

 

Common Units

   14,669,822

Senior Subordinated Units

   7,135,252

Junior Subordinated Units

   1,145,084

 



Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

              

Page


Part I – Financial Information

    
     Item 1 – Financial Statements of Inergy, L.P.:     
          Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2004 (unaudited) and September 30, 2003    3
          Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003    5
          Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Capital for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2004    6
          Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended June 30, 2004 and 2003    7
          Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements    9
     Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation    22
     Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk    31
     Item 4 – Controls and Procedures    33

Part II – Other Information

    
     Item 1 – Legal Proceedings    34
     Item 2 – Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds    34
     Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities    34
     Item 4 – Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders    34
     Item 5 – Other Information    34
     Item 6 – Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K    34
     Signatures    35

 

2


Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     June 30, 2004
(Unaudited)


    September 30,
2003


 
     (In Thousands)  

Assets

                

Current assets:

                

Cash

   $ 8,009     $ 3,528  

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,700,000 and $997,000 at June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003, respectively

     35,724       21,841  

Inventories

     25,358       35,722  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     5,761       3,957  

Assets from price risk management activities

     12,105       8,905  
    


 


Total current assets

     86,957       73,953  

Property, plant and equipment, at cost:

                

Land and buildings

     19,324       14,265  

Office furniture and equipment

     9,913       8,614  

Vehicles

     30,126       21,986  

Tanks and plant equipment

     171,286       135,040  
    


 


       230,649       179,905  

Less accumulated depreciation

     (33,204 )     (22,704 )
    


 


Property, plant and equipment, net

     197,445       157,201  

Intangible assets:

                

Covenants not to compete

     11,009       8,752  

Deferred financing costs

     5,282       8,843  

Customer accounts

     69,454       59,951  

Goodwill

     72,079       64,546  
    


 


       157,824       142,092  

Less accumulated amortization

     (15,486 )     (12,383 )
    


 


Intangible assets, net

     142,338       129,709  

Other

     222       1,530  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 426,962     $ 362,393  
    


 


 

3


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)

 

     June 30, 2004
(Unaudited)


    September 30,
2003


 
     (In Thousands)  

Liabilities and partners’ capital

                

Current liabilities:

                

Accounts payable

   $ 43,136     $ 22,733  

Accrued expenses

     14,985       11,919  

Customer deposits

     4,642       11,830  

Liabilities from price risk management activities

     9,425       5,801  

Current portion of long-term debt

     1,379       12,449  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     73,567       64,732  

Long-term debt, less current portion

     111,629       118,678  

Partners’ capital:

                

Common unitholders (14,669,822 and 11,044,822 units issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2004 and September 2003, respectively)

     199,431       129,168  

Senior subordinated unitholders (7,135,252 units issued and outstanding)

     39,979       46,842  

Junior subordinated unitholders (1,145,084 units issued and outstanding)

     (1,242 )     (141 )

Non-managing general partner (2% interest)

     3,598       3,114  
    


 


Total partners’ capital

     241,766       178,983  
    


 


Total liabilities and partners’ capital

   $ 426,962     $ 362,393  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

4


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In Thousands, Except Per Unit Data)

(unaudited)

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


   

Nine Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2004

    2003

    2004

    2003

 

Revenue:

                                

Propane

   $ 57,540     $ 35,331     $ 345,787     $ 292,823  

Other

     12,175       4,150       34,578       14,998  
    


 


 


 


       69,715       39,481       380,365       307,821  

Cost of product sold

     52,728       28,414       275,941       228,078  
    


 


 


 


Gross profit

     16,987       11,067       104,424       79,743  

Expenses:

                                

Operating and administrative

     20,027       12,057       60,514       43,441  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,591       3,362       15,267       10,097  
    


 


 


 


Operating income (loss)

     (8,631 )     (4,352 )     28,643       26,205  

Other income (expense):

                                

Interest expense, net

     (1,443 )     (2,263 )     (5,810 )     (7,399 )

Write-off of deferred financing costs (Note 3)

     —         —         (1,216 )     —    

Make whole premium charge (Note 3)

     —         —         (17,949 )     —    

Swap value received (Note 3)

     —         —         949       —    

Gain (loss) on sale of property, plant and equipment

     143       (96 )     (136 )     (86 )

Finance charges

     238       147       591       236  

Other

     6       48       84       99  
    


 


 


 


Income (loss) before income taxes

     (9,687 )     (6,516 )     5,156       19,055  

Provision for income taxes

     113       32       164       102  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss)

   $ (9,800 )   $ (6,548 )   $ 4,992     $ 18,953  
    


 


 


 


Partners’ interest information for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:

                                

Non-managing general partners’ interest in net income (loss)

   $ (196 )   $ (131 )   $ 100     $ 379  
    


 


 


 


Limited partners’ interest in net income (loss):

                                

Common unit interest

   $ (5,728 )   $ (3,489 )   $ 3,012     $ 9,576  

Senior subordinated unit interest

     (3,340 )     (2,497 )     1,620       7,672  

Junior subordinated unit interest

     (536 )     (431 )     260       1,326  
    


 


 


 


Total limited partners’ interest in net income (loss)

   $ (9,604 )   $ (6,417 )   $ 4,892     $ 18,574  
    


 


 


 


Net income (loss) per limited partner unit:

                                

Basic

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.38 )   $ 0.23     $ 1.16  

Diluted

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.38 )   $ 0.22     $ 1.14  
    


 


 


 


Weighted average limited partners’ units outstanding:

                                

Basic

     22,950       17,032       21,551       16,044  

Diluted

     22,950       17,032       22,011       16,276  
    


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

5


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

(In Thousands)

(unaudited)

 

     Common
Unit
Capital


   

Senior
Subordinated
Unit

Capital


   

Junior
Subordinated
Unit

Capital


    Non-Managing
General Partner
and Affiliate


    Total
Partners’
Capital


 

Balance at September 30, 2003

   $ 129,168     $ 46,842     $ (141 )   $ 3,114     $ 178,983  

Net proceeds from issuance of common units

     83,290       —         —         —         83,290  

Contribution from non-managing general partner

     —         —         —         1,790       1,790  

Distributions

     (15,988 )     (8,456 )     (1,357 )     (1,404 )     (27,205 )

Comprehensive income:

                                        

Net income

     3,012       1,620       260       100       4,992  

Foreign currency translation

     (51 )     (27 )     (4 )     (2 )     (84 )
                                    


Comprehensive income

                                     4,908  
    


 


 


 


 


Balance at June 30, 2004

   $ 199,431     $ 39,979     $ (1,242 )   $ 3,598     $ 241,766  
    


 


 


 


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

6


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

(unaudited)

 

    

Nine Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Operating activities

                

Net income

   $ 4,992     $ 18,953  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation

     10,925       7,116  

Amortization

     4,342       2,981  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,197       1,045  

Provision for doubtful accounts

     484       619  

Write-off of deferred financing costs

     1,216       —    

Make whole premium charge

     17,949       —    

(Gain) loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment

     136       86  

Net asset (liabilities) from price risk management activities

     424       (4,476 )

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisitions:

                

Accounts receivable

     (10,543 )     (5,651 )

Inventories

     11,524       22,391  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     (1,792 )     1,594  

Other assets

     43       (4 )

Accounts payable

     15,195       (2,340 )

Accrued expenses

     768       984  

Customer deposits

     (7,238 )     (5,349 )
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     49,622       37,949  

Investing activities

                

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     (56,698 )     (19,804 )

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (10,005 )     (3,902 )

Deferred financing and acquisition costs incurred

     (901 )     (577 )

Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment

     1,572       490  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (66,032 )     (23,793 )

 

7


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

(In Thousands)

(unaudited)

 

    

Nine Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 

Financing activities

                

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

   $ 268,138     $ 102,995  

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (287,089 )     (123,355 )

Payment of make whole premium charge

     (17,949 )     —    

Contribution from non-managing general partner

     1,790       511  

Net proceeds from issuance of common units

     83,290       23,350  

Distributions

     (27,205 )     (17,685 )
    


 


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     20,975       (14,184 )
    


 


Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash

     (84 )     6  
    


 


Net increase (decrease) in cash

     4,481       (22 )

Cash at beginning of period

     3,528       2,088  
    


 


Cash at end of period

   $ 8,009     $ 2,066  
    


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

                

Cash paid during the period for interest

   $ 4,773     $ 6,531  
    


 


Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities

                

Acquisition of NGL business through the issuance of obligations

   $ 1,970     $ —    
    


 


Acquisition of retail propane company through the issuance of common units

   $ —       $ 100  
    


 


Additions to covenants not to compete through the issuance of noncompete obligations

   $ 2,096     $ 1,243  
    


 


Increase (decrease) in the fair value of senior secured notes and the related interest rate swap

   $ (316 )   $ 1,373  
    


 


 

See accompanying notes.

 

8


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1 – Organization and Basis of Presentation

 

Organization

 

The consolidated financial statements of Inergy, L.P. (the “Company”) include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiary Inergy Propane, LLC which, collectively, are referred to as “Inergy.” Inergy Partners, LLC (the “Non-Managing General Partner”), a subsidiary of Inergy Holdings, LLC (“Holdings”), owns the Non-Managing General Partner interest representing a 2% unsubordinated general partner’s interest in the Company. Inergy GP, LLC, (the “Managing General Partner”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings, has sole responsibility for conducting our business and managing our operations. Holdings is a holding company whose principal business, through its subsidiaries, is its management of and ownership in Inergy, L.P. Holdings also directly owns the incentive distribution rights with respect to Inergy, L.P.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The financial information as of June 30, 2004 and for the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 contained herein is unaudited. The Company believes this information has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The Company also believes this information includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended. The retail distribution business is largely seasonal due to propane’s primary use as a heating source in residential and commercial buildings. Accordingly, the results of operations for the three-month and nine-month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 are not indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire year.

 

The accompanying financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Inergy, L.P. and subsidiary and the notes thereto included in Form 10-K/A as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the year ended September 30, 2003.

 

9


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies

 

Financial Instruments and Price Risk Management

 

Inergy, through its wholesale operations, sells propane to various propane users, retailers, and resellers and offers price risk management services to these customers as part of its marketing and distribution operations. Inergy’s wholesale operations also sell propane to energy marketers and dealers. Derivative financial instruments utilized in connection with these activities are accounted for using the mark-to-market method in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue (“EITF”) No. 02-3, “Issues Involved in Accounting for Contracts Held for Trading Purposes and Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities,” as discussed below and, prior to its October 2002 rescission effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2002, EITF No. 98-10, “Accounting for Contracts Involved in Energy Trading and Risk Management Activities.” Inergy’s overall objective for entering into such derivative financial instruments, including those designated as fair value hedges of Inergy’s inventory positions, is to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in the fair market value of its inventories.

 

SFAS No. 133 requires recognition of all derivative instruments in the balance sheets and measures them at fair value. If a derivative does not qualify for hedge accounting, it must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. Beginning in December 2002, certain of Inergy’s commodity derivative financial instruments have been designated as hedges of selected inventory positions, and qualify as fair value hedges, as defined in SFAS No. 133. For derivative instruments designated as hedges, Inergy uses regression analysis to formally assess, both at the hedge contract’s inception and on an ongoing basis, whether the hedge contract is highly effective in offsetting changes in fair value of hedged items. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are reported in the balance sheet as price risk management assets or liabilities. The ineffective portions of hedging derivatives are recognized immediately in cost of product sold. At June 30, 2004, the fair value of approximately 21.5 million gallons of propane inventory was being hedged by various commodity derivatives with a fair value of $1.3 million recorded as a liability from price risk management activities in accordance with Inergy’s hedging strategies. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges are recorded in current period earnings in accordance with SFAS No. 133. The fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges are determined based on quoted market prices, current transactions or similar commodities with similar counterparties, or other calculations based on observable market inputs.

 

During the three months and nine months ended June 30, 2004, Inergy recognized a net loss of $0.1 million and a net gain of $0.0 million, respectively, related to the ineffective portion of its hedging instruments and net losses of $0.2 million related to the portion of the hedging instruments Inergy excluded from its assessment of hedge effectiveness.

 

The cash flow impact of financial instruments is reflected as cash flows from operating activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

10


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies (continued)

 

In October 2002, the EITF reached a consensus in EITF No. 02-3 to rescind EITF No. 98-10, the basis for mark-to-market accounting used for recording energy trading activities. The October 2002 EITF consensus requires that all new energy-related contracts entered into subsequent to October 25, 2002 should not be accounted for pursuant to EITF No. 98-10. Instead, those contracts should be accounted for under accrual accounting and would not qualify for mark-to-market accounting unless the contracts meet the requirements stated under SFAS No. 133. The October 2002 EITF consensus also provides that inventory will no longer be accounted for using mark-to-market accounting and must be accounted for at the lower of cost or market. As noted above, Inergy has elected to use the special hedge accounting rules in SFAS No. 133 and hedge the fair value of certain of its inventory positions, whereby the hedged inventory and the related derivative instruments are both marked to market. Inventories purchased under energy contracts subsequent to October 25, 2002, and not otherwise designated as being hedged, as discussed above, are carried at the lower-of-cost or market effective January 1, 2003.

 

The effective date for the full rescission of EITF No. 98-10 was for quarterly periods beginning after December 15, 2002. The effect of the rescission of EITF No. 98-10 did not have a material impact on Inergy’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Sales of propane and other liquids are recognized at the time product is shipped or delivered to the customer. Gas processing and fractionation fees are recognized upon delivery of the product. Revenue from the sale of propane appliances and equipment is recognized at the time of sale or installation. Revenue from repairs and maintenance is recognized upon completion of the service.

 

Expense Classification

 

Cost of products sold includes the actual cost of propane and other fuels, merchandise, production costs associated with our gas processing plant, and compensation and fuel costs associated with our transportation business. Operating and administrative expenses include all corporate and wholesale operating expenses, and all costs incurred to deliver products to our retail customers, including all retail branch operating expenses.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the year. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

11


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Inventories

 

Inventories for retail operations, which mainly consist of liquid propane, are stated at the lower of cost, determined using the average-cost method, or market. Wholesale propane inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined using the average-cost method, or market unless designated as being hedged by forward sales contracts, as discussed above, in which case the inventories are marked to market. Wholesale propane inventories being hedged and carried at market were $14.8 million and $28.9 million at June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003, respectively.

 

Inventories consist of (in thousands):

 

     June 30, 2004

   September 30, 2003

Propane gas and other liquids

   $ 21,528    $ 32,247

Appliances, parts and supplies

     3,830      3,475
    

  

     $ 25,358    $ 35,722
    

  

 

12


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Income Per Unit

 

Basic net income (loss) per limited partner unit is computed by dividing net income (loss), after considering the Non-Managing General Partner’s interest, by the weighted average number of Common and Subordinated Units outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per limited partner unit is computed by dividing net income (loss), after considering the Non-Managing General Partner’s interest, by the weighted average number of Common and Subordinated Units outstanding and the dilutive effect of unit options granted under the long-term incentive plan. All limited partnership units and per limited partner unit amounts have been restated to reflect the two-for-one split which was effective January 12, 2004. See Note 4, Two-For-One Unit Split. The following table presents the calculation of basic and dilutive net income (loss) per limited partner unit (in thousands, except per unit data):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30,


    Nine Months Ended
June 30,


     2004

    2003

    2004

   2003

Numerator:

                             

Net income (loss)

   $ (9,800 )   $ (6,548 )   $ 4,992    $ 18,953

Less: Non-Managing General Partner’s interest in net income (loss)

     (196 )     (131 )     100      379
    


 


 

  

Limited partners’ interest in net income (loss) – basic and diluted

   $ (9,604 )   $ (6,417 )   $ 4,892    $ 18,574
    


 


 

  

Denominator:

                             

Weighted average limited partners’ units outstanding – basic

     22,950       17,032       21,551      16,044

Effect of dilutive unit options outstanding

     —         —         460      232
    


 


 

  

Weighted average limited partners’ units outstanding – dilutive

     22,950       17,032       22,011      16,276
    


 


 

  

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit:

                             

Basic

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.38 )   $ 0.23    $ 1.16
    


 


 

  

Diluted

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.38 )   $ 0.22    $ 1.14
    


 


 

  

 

As the effects of including the incremental units associated with options are antidilutive for the quarters ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, both basic earnings per unit and diluted earnings per unit reflect the same calculation. Weighted average antidilutive unit options outstanding totaled 453,472 and 286,932 for the quarters ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

13


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Accounting for Unit-Based Compensation

 

Inergy has a unit-based employee compensation plan, which is accounted for under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” for all periods presented and presents the fair value method pro forma disclosures required under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” No unit-based employee compensation cost is reflected in net income (loss), as all options granted under the plan had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying Common Units on the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net income (loss) and net income (loss) per limited partner unit as if Inergy had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, to unit-based employee compensation. For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of an option is amortized to expense over the option’s vesting period. Inergy’s pro forma information for each of the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003 is as follows (in thousands, except per unit data):

 

     Three Month Ended
June 30,


   

Nine Months ended

June 30,


     2004

    2003

    2004

   2003

Net income (loss) as reported

   $ (9,800 )   $ (6,548 )   $ 4,992    $ 18,953

Deduct: Total unit-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value method for all awards

     55       45       166      111
    


 


 

  

Pro forma net income (loss)

   $ (9,855 )   $ (6,593 )   $ 4,826    $ 18,842
    


 


 

  

Pro forma limited partners’ interest in net income (loss) for the three and nine month periods ended June 30, 2004 and 2003

   $ (9,659 )   $ (6,462 )   $ 4,726    $ 18,463
    


 


 

  

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit:

                             

Basic – as reported

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.38 )   $ 0.23    $ 1.16

Basic – pro forma

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.38 )   $ 0.22    $ 1.15

Pro forma net income (loss) per limited partner unit:

                             

Diluted – as reported

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.38 )   $ 0.22    $ 1.14

Diluted – pro forma

   $ (0.42 )   $ (0.38 )   $ 0.22    $ 1.13

 

14


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies (continued)

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2003 to conform to the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004.

 

Note 3 – Long-Term Debt

 

Long-term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

    

June 30,

2004


  

September 30,

2003


     

Credit agreement:

             

Working Capital Facility

   $ 129    $ 15,500

Acquisition Facility

     107,604      25,524

Senior secured notes (including interest rate swap liability)

     —        86,265

Obligations under noncompetition agreements and notes to former owners of businesses acquired

     5,272      3,833

Other

     3      5
    

  

       113,008      131,127

Less current portion

     1,379      12,449
    

  

     $ 111,629    $ 118,678
    

  

 

Effective in May 2004, Inergy Propane, LLC executed an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Facility”) with its existing lenders in addition to others. The Amended Facility consists of a $75 million revolving working capital facility and a $225 million revolving acquisition facility. The Amended Facility expires in July 2006 and carries terms, conditions and covenants substantially similar to the previous credit agreement. The Amended Facility is also guaranteed by Inergy, L.P.

 

Inergy is required to reduce the principal outstanding on the revolving working capital line of credit to $4 million or less for a minimum of 30 consecutive days during the period commencing March 1 and ending September 30. As such, $4 million of the outstanding balance at September 30, 2003 and the $0.1 million balance at June 30, 2004, have been classified as long-term liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. At June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003, the total balance outstanding under this Amended Facility was $107.7 million and $41.0 million, respectively, including $0.1 million and $15.5 million, respectively, under the working capital facility. The prime rate and LIBOR plus the applicable spreads were between 3.15% and 4.00% at June 30, 2004, and between 3.11% and 4.00% at September 30, 2003, for all outstanding debt under the credit agreement.

 

15


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 3 – Long-Term Debt (continued)

 

In June 2002, Inergy entered into a note purchase agreement with a group of institutional lenders pursuant to which it issued $85.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes with a weighted average interest rate of 9.07% and a weighted average maturity of 5.9 years. The senior secured notes consisted of the following: $35 million principal amount of 8.85% senior secured notes with a 5-year maturity, $25.0 million principal amount of 9.10% senior secured notes with a 6-year maturity, and $25.0 million principal amount of 9.34% senior secured notes with a 7-year maturity. The net proceeds from these senior secured notes were used to repay a portion of the amount outstanding under the credit facility. The funds from a public unit offering, together with net new borrowings under the revolving credit facility were used to repay in full $85.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes, plus a make whole premium charge of approximately $17.9 million in January 2004. All interest rate swap agreements were cancelled in conjunction with the repayment of $85 million of senior secured notes. The make whole premium charge of $17.9 million was recorded as a charge to earnings in the quarter ended March 31, 2004 together with the write-off of the $1.2 million deferred financing costs associated with the senior secured notes, partially offset by a $0.9 million gain from the cancellation of the interest rate swaps.

 

The Amended Facility contains several covenants which, among other things, require the maintenance of various financial performance ratios, restrict the payment of distributions to unitholders, and require financial reports to be submitted periodically to the financial institutions. Unused borrowings under the Amended Facility amounted to $188.2 million and $154.9 million at June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003, respectively.

 

The aggregate amounts of principal to be paid on the outstanding long-term debt during the next five years ending June 30 and thereafter, are as follows, in thousands of dollars:

 

2005

   $ 1,379

2006

     743

2007

     108,349

2008

     1,176

2009

     609

Thereafter

     752
    

     $ 113,008
    

 

16


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 3 – Long-Term Debt (continued)

 

In August 2002, Inergy Propane, LLC (the “Operating Company”) entered into two interest rate swap agreements scheduled to mature in June 2008 and June 2009, respectively, each designed to hedge $10 million in underlying fixed rate senior secured notes, in order to manage interest rate risk exposure and reduce overall interest expense. In October 2002, the Operating Company entered into three additional interest rate swap agreements scheduled to mature in June 2007, June 2008, and June 2009, each designed to hedge $5 million in underlying fixed rate senior secured notes. These swap agreements, which were scheduled to expire on the same dates as the maturity dates of the related senior secured notes, required the counterparty to pay us an amount based on the stated fixed interest rate on the notes due every three months. In exchange, the Operating Company was required to make quarterly floating interest rate payments on the same dates to the counterparty based on an annual interest rate equal to the 3 month LIBOR interest rate plus spreads between 4.83% and 5.02% applied to the same notional amount of $35 million. The swap agreements have been recognized as fair value hedges. Amounts to be received or paid under the agreements were accrued and recognized over the life of the agreements as an adjustment to interest expense. Inergy, L.P. recognized the approximate $1.3 million increase in the fair market value of the related senior secured notes at September 30, 2003, with a corresponding increase in the fair value of its interest rate swaps, which was recorded in other non-current assets. In January 2004, all interest rate swap agreements were cancelled in conjunction with the repayment of $85 million of senior secured notes.

 

Note 4 – Two-for-One Unit Split

 

On December 10, 2003, the Board of Directors of the Managing General Partner declared a two-for-one split of the outstanding common and subordinated units. The split entitled unitholders of record at the close of business on January 2, 2004 to receive one additional unit for each unit held as of such date. The distribution was made on January 12, 2004. The effect of the split was to double the number of all outstanding units and to reduce by half the minimum quarterly per unit distribution and the targeted distribution levels. All common and subordinated unit amounts and per unit amounts have been restated to reflect the two-for-one split.

 

17


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 5 – Quarterly Distributions of Available Cash

 

On May 14, 2004, a quarterly distribution of $0.405 per limited partner unit was paid to its unitholders of record on May 7, 2004 with respect to the second fiscal quarter of 2004, which totaled $9.9 million. Inergy distributed $0.415 per limited partner unit on August 13, 2004 to unitholders of record on August 6, 2004, for a total distribution of $10.2 million with respect to its third fiscal quarter of 2004.

 

Inergy distributed $0.365 per limited partner unit on May 15, 2003 to unitholders of record on May 8, 2003, for a total distribution of $6.4 million with respect to its second fiscal quarter of 2003. On August 14, 2003, Inergy distributed $0.375 per limited partner unit to its unitholders of record on August 7, 2003, for a total distribution of $7.5 million with respect to its third fiscal quarter of 2003.

 

Note 6 – Commitments and Contingencies

 

Inergy periodically enters into agreements to purchase fixed quantities of propane at fixed prices with suppliers. At June 30, 2004, the total of these firm purchase commitments was approximately $78.2 million.

 

At June 30, 2004, Inergy was contingently liable for letters of credit outstanding totaling $4.1 million, which guarantee various transactions.

 

Inergy is periodically involved in litigation. The results of litigation cannot be predicted with certainty; however, management believes that Inergy does not have material potential liability in connection with these proceedings that would have a significant financial impact on its consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

 

18


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 7 – Segments

 

Inergy’s financial statements reflect two reportable segments: retail sales operations and wholesale sales operations. Retail sales operations include all retail operations and transportation services. Wholesale sales operations include wholesale supply, marketing and distribution, and the recently acquired natural gas processing and NGL fractionation operations. Revenues, gross profit and identifiable assets for each of our reportable segments are presented below.

 

The identifiable assets associated with each reportable segment include accounts receivable and inventories. The net asset/liability from price risk management, as reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, is related to the wholesale segment.

 

The following segment information is presented in thousands of dollars:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30, 2004

     Retail
Sales
Operations


   Wholesale
Sales
Operations


   Intersegment
Eliminations


    Total

Revenues

   $ 30,873    $ 49,205    $ (10,363 )   $ 69,715

Gross profit

     14,673      2,314      —         16,987

Identifiable assets

     19,103      41,979      —         61,082

 

     Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

     Retail
Sales
Operations


   Wholesale
Sales
Operations


   Intersegment
Eliminations


    Total

Revenues

   $ 21,687    $ 25,756    $ (7,962 )   $ 39,481

Gross profit

     10,694      373      —         11,067

Identifiable assets

     14,698      23,355      —         38,053

 

19


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 7 – Segments (continued)

 

    Nine Months Ended June 30, 2004

    Retail
Sales
Operations


   Wholesale
Sales
Operations


   Intersegment
Eliminations


    Total

Revenues

  $ 187,591    $ 278,994    $ (86,220 )   $ 380,365

Gross profit

    90,613      14,421      (610 )     104,424

Identifiable assets

    19,103      41,979      —         61,082

 

    Nine Months Ended June 30, 2003

    Retail
Sales
Operations


   Wholesale
Sales
Operations


   Intersegment
Eliminations


    Total

Revenues

  $ 150,778    $ 220,354    $ (63,311 )   $ 307,821

Gross profit

    73,099      7,638      (994 )     79,743

Identifiable assets

    14,698      23,355      —         38,053

 

20


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 8 – Subsequent Events

 

Effective in July 2004, Inergy acquired the assets of Highland Propane Company, an operating subsidiary of RGC Resources, Inc. Highland Propane, with headquarters in Roanoke, Virginia represents less than 10% of consolidated total assets and partners’ capital.

 

On August 13, 2004, 1,656,684 senior subordinated units converted on a one-for-one basis to common units. The conversion of senior subordinated units does not impact the amount of cash distributions paid or the total number of limited partnership units outstanding.

 

21


Table of Contents

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

 

Our “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of Inergy should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2003 of Inergy, L.P.

 

The statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that are not historical facts, including most importantly, those statements preceded by, or that include the words “may”, “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates” or the negation thereof, or similar expressions, constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act). Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that: (i) we believe entering the mid-stream gas processing and natural gas liquids (NGL) business complements our existing operations and (ii) we believe the sufficiency of cash received from operations and borrowings will meet our foreseeable liquidity needs. Such forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: weather in our area of operations; market price of propane; availability of financing; changes in, or failure to comply with, government regulations; the costs, uncertainties and other effects of legal and administrative proceedings and other risks and uncertainties detailed in our Securities and Exchange Commission filings. For those statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Reform Act. We will not undertake and specifically decline any obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect events or circumstances after anticipated or unanticipated events.

 

Overview

 

We are a rapidly growing retail and wholesale propane marketing and distribution business. We have grown primarily through acquisitions of retail propane companies. In October 2003, we acquired from Link Energy, LLC (formerly known as EOTT Energy, L.P.) its west coast NGL business (Inergy Services), which includes gas processing, fractionation, above-ground NGL storage, truck and rail distribution facilities, and a NGL transportation fleet all located in south central California. In October 2003, we also acquired the assets of two retail propane companies; Smith Propane, with headquarters in La Crosse, Virginia and Peoples Gas and Appliance, with headquarters in Beaufont, South Carolina. In November 2003, we acquired the assets of another retail propane company, Pembroke Propane, with headquarters in Pembroke, Georgia. In December 2003, we acquired certain assets of two retail propane companies in the southeast. These six companies generated revenue during the 12 months ended September 30, 2003, of less than 10% of our consolidated revenue during fiscal 2003, and represent less than 10% of consolidated assets and partners’ capital.

 

In January 2004, we acquired the assets of a retail propane company, Dorsey Propane Gas Company, with headquarters in Nashville, Georgia. In February 2004, we acquired the assets of a retail propane company, Direct Propane Inc., with headquarters in Norristown, Pennsylvania. In March 2004, we acquired the assets of two more retail propane companies; Premier Propane, LLC, with headquarters in

 

22


Table of Contents

Richmond, Virginia and Hancock Gas Company, Inc., with headquarters in Scotland Neck, North Carolina. These four retail propane companies acquired in the three-months ended March 31, 2004 represent less than 10% of our consolidated revenues, consolidated assets and partners’ capital.

 

In April 2004, Inergy acquired the assets of two retail propane companies, Hometown Propane Gas located in central Arkansas and Gaylord Gas, Inc. located in Michigan. In May of 2004, Inergy acquired the assets of Burnwell Gas Corporation, and affiliates Sullivan County Gas Service, Inc. and Sarpol Gas Corporation located in the Hudson Valley area of New York. In June of 2004, we acquired the assets of Midland Gas Company, Inc., with headquarters in Sumter, South Carolina and the assets of Petersen Propane Company located in the greater Chicago, Illinois market. The retail companies acquired in the three-months ended June 20, 3004 represent less than 10% of our consolidated revenues, consolidated assets and partners’ capital.

 

The retail distribution business is largely seasonal due to propane’s primary use as a heating source in residential and commercial buildings. As a result, operating income is highest when customers purchase propane during the six-month peak heating season of October through March. The operating expenses incurred in the normal course of business with the acquisitions in the nine-months ended June 30, 2004, combined with the off season, as described above, have contributed to the increased net losses for the three-months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. We generally experience net losses in the six-month, off season of April through September. During the three-months and nine-months ended June 30, 2004 the weather was approximately 18% and 11% warmer in our retail areas of operations as compared to the same periods in 2003, respectively.

 

The retail propane business is a “margin-based” business where the level of profitability is largely dependent on the difference between sales prices and product cost. The unit cost of propane is subject to volatile changes as a result of product supply or other market conditions. Propane unit cost changes can occur rapidly over a short period of time and can impact margins as sales prices may not change as rapidly. There is no assurance that we will be able to fully pass on product cost increases, particularly when product costs increase rapidly. We have generally been successful in passing on higher propane costs to our customers and have historically maintained or increased our gross margin per gallon over the long term in periods of rising costs.

 

We believe our wholesale supply, marketing and distribution business complements our retail distribution business. Through our wholesale operations, we distribute propane and also offer price risk management services. We engage in hedging transactions to reduce the effect of price volatility on our product costs and to help ensure the availability of propane during periods of short supply. In October 2003, we expanded our wholesale and supply operations by acquiring from Link Energy, LLC (formerly known as EOTT Energy, L.P.) its west coast NGL business (Inergy Services), which includes natural gas processing, NGL fractionation, NGL rail and truck terminals, bulk storage, trucking and marketing operations. We believe Inergy Services complements our existing U.S. and Canadian wholesale and supply operations. Our wholesale profit margin during the three-months and nine-months ended June 30, 2004 was $2.3 million and $13.8 million, respectively, an increase from $0.4 million and $6.6 million in the same periods of 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to our Inergy Services acquisition.

 

23


Table of Contents

Three Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

Volume. During the three months ended June 30, 2004, we sold 18.2 million retail gallons of propane, an increase of 37% over the 13.4 million retail gallons sold during the same three-month period in 2003. The increase in retail sales volume was principally due to acquisitions, partially offset by lower retail gallon sales at existing locations as a result of deferral of purchases by our customers due to the higher wholesale cost of propane.

 

Wholesale gallons delivered during the three months ended June 30, 2004 was 53.7 million gallons, as compared to 32.6 million gallons during the same three-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to increased volume sales to existing customers in our wholesale operations, and to a lesser extent, wholesale sales volumes through Inergy Services.

 

Revenues. Revenues in the three months ended June 30, 2004 were $69.7 million, an increase from $39.5 million during the same period in 2003.

 

Revenues from retail sales were $29.7 million (after elimination of sales to our wholesale operations) in the three months ended June 30, 2004, an increase of 42% from $20.9 million during the same three-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to acquisition-related volume and higher selling prices of propane, as a result of the higher cost of propane. Revenues from retail sales consist of retail propane sales, transportation revenues, tank rentals, heating oil sales, and appliance sales and service.

 

Revenues from wholesale sales were $40.0 million (after elimination of sales to our retail operations) in the three months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $18.6 million during the same three-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to our Inergy Services acquisition, the higher cost of propane and the volume increase generated in our wholesale propane operations.

 

Cost of Product Sold. Cost of product sold in the three months ended June 30, 2004 was $52.7 million, compared to $28.4 million in the same period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in retail acquisition-related volume, higher wholesale cost of propane, production costs associated with our Inergy Services acquisition, and wholesale volume.

 

Gross Profit. Retail gross profit was $14.7 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $10.7 million during the same three-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in acquisition-related volume and an increase in margin per gallon. Wholesale gross profit was $2.3 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $0.4 million in fiscal 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to the Inergy Services acquisition and increased wholesale volumes partially offset by a decrease in margin per gallon.

 

Operating and Administrative Expenses. Operating and administrative expenses increased to $20.0 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to $12.1 million in the same three-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to increased personnel and operating expenses as a result of acquisitions.

 

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased to $5.6 million in the three months ended June 30, 2004 from $3.4 million in the same three-month period in 2003, primarily as a result of acquisition activity.

 

24


Table of Contents

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased to $1.4 million in the three-month period ended June 30, 2004 as compared to $2.3 million in the same period of 2003. Interest expense decreased primarily due to a decrease in debt outstanding including the January 2004 early retirement of the $85.0 million senior secured notes, and lower average interest rates.

 

Net Income (loss). Net loss increased to $9.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2004 from a loss of $6.5 million in the same three-month period in 2003. This increase in net loss is primarily due to the increased operating costs associated with the acquisitions during the current period and warmer weather incurred as well as the deferral of gallon purchases by customers in the three months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003.

 

EBITDA. For the three months ended June 30, 2004, income (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was $(2.7) million compared to $(0.9) million in the same period in 2003. EBITDA is defined as income before taxes, plus net interest expense (inclusive of write-off of deferred financing costs, make whole premium charge, less gain from termination of interest rate swap agreement) and depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, income before income taxes, cash flows from operating activities, or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as those items are used to measure operating performance, liquidity or ability to service debt obligations. EBITDA is presented because such information is relevant and is used by management, industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies to assess the financial performance and operating results of our fundamental business activities. We believe that the presentation of EBITDA is useful to lenders and investors because of its use in the propane industry and for master limited partnerships as an indicator of the strength and performance of the ongoing business operations, including the ability to fund capital expenditures, service debt and pay distributions. Additionally, we believe that EBITDA provides useful information to our investors for trending, analyzing and benchmarking our operating results as compared to other companies that may have different financing and capital structures. The presentation of EBITDA allows investors to view our performance in a manner similar to the methods used by management and provides additional insight to our operating results.

 

    

Three Months Ended

June 30,


 
     2004

    2003

 
     (in thousands)  

EBITDA:

        

Net loss

   $ (9,800 )   $ (6,548 )

Interest expense, net

     1,443       2,263  

Provision for income taxes

     113       32  

Depreciation and amortization

     5,591       3,362  
    


 


EBITDA

   $ (2,653 )   $ (891 )
    


 


 

25


Table of Contents

Nine Months Ended June 30, 2004 Compared to Nine Months Ended June 30, 2003

 

Volume. During the nine months ended June 30, 2004, we sold 117.4 million retail gallons of propane, an increase of 18% over the 99.8 million retail gallons sold during the same nine-month period in 2003. The increase in retail sales volume was principally due to acquisitions, partially offset by lower retail gallon sales at existing locations as a result of weather in the nine-month period ended June 30, 2004 that was approximately 11% warmer than the same period in 2003.

 

Wholesale gallons delivered during the nine months ended June 30, 2004 was 290.1 million gallons, as compared to 239.0 million gallons during the same nine-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to increased volume sales to existing customers in our wholesale operations, and to a lesser extent, wholesale sales volumes through Inergy Services.

 

Revenues. Revenues in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 were $380.4 million, an increase from $307.8 million during the same period in 2003.

 

Revenues from retail sales were $181.7 million (after elimination of sales to our wholesale operations) in the nine months ended June 30, 2004, an increase from $145.2 million during the same nine-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to acquisition-related volume and higher selling prices of propane, as the result of higher cost of propane. Revenues from retail sales consist of retail propane sales, transportation revenues, tank rentals, heating oil sales, and appliance sales and service.

 

Revenues from wholesale sales were $198.7 million (after elimination of sales to our retail operations) in the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared to $162.6 million during the same nine-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to our Inergy Services acquisition and the volume increase generated by our wholesale operations.

 

Cost of Product Sold. Cost of product sold in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 was $275.9 million, compared to $228.1 million in the same period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in retail acquisition-related volume, production costs associated with our Inergy Services acquisition, and increased gallon sales volume.

 

Gross Profit. Retail gross profit was $90.6 million (after elimination of gross profit attributable to our wholesale operations) in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $73.1 million during the same nine-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in acquisition-related volume and an increase in margin per gallon. Wholesale gross profit was $13.8 million (after elimination of gross profit attributable to our retail operations) in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 compared to $6.6 million in fiscal 2003. This increase was attributable to the Inergy Services acquisition and increased wholesale volumes partially offset by a decrease in margin per gallon.

 

Operating and Administrative Expenses. Operating and administrative expenses increased to $60.5 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to $43.4 million in the same nine-month period in 2003. This increase was primarily attributable to increased personnel and operating expenses as a result of acquisitions.

 

26


Table of Contents

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased to $15.3 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 from $10.1 million in the same nine-month period in 2003, primarily as a result of acquisition activity.

 

Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased to $5.8 million in the nine-month period ended June 30, 2004 as compared to $7.4 million in the same period of 2003. Interest expense decreased primarily due to a decrease in debt outstanding including the January 2004 early retirement of the $85.0 million senior secured notes, and lower average interest rates.

 

Make Whole Premium Charge, Write-off of Deferred Financing Costs, and Swap Value Received. In January 2004, we repaid in full our $85.0 million senior secured notes before their scheduled maturity dates. As such, we were required to pay an additional amount of approximately $17.9 million as a make-whole payment which was recorded as a charge to earnings in the quarter ended March 31, 2004. We used proceeds from our January 2004 common unit offering and borrowings from our bank credit facility for this repayment. In addition, we also recorded a charge to earnings of approximately $1.2 million to write-off deferred financing costs associated with the senior secured notes. Partially offsetting these charges was a $0.9 million gain from the cancellation of interest rate swap agreements also associated with the senior secured notes.

 

Net Income. Net income decreased to $5.0 million for the nine months ended June 30, 2004 from $19.0 million in the same nine-month period in 2003. Net income decreased primarily as a result of the charges associated with the early repayment of the senior secured notes through an equity offering, offset partially by the accretive earnings associated with our retail acquisitions and our Inergy Services acquisition.

 

EBITDA. For the nine months ended June 30, 2004, income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization was $44.4 million compared to $36.6 million in the same period in 2003. EBITDA is defined as income before taxes, plus net interest expense (inclusive of write-off of deferred financing costs, make whole premium charge, less gain from termination of interest rate swap agreement) and depreciation and amortization expense. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, income before income taxes, cash flows from operating activities, or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as those items are used to measure operating performance, liquidity or ability to service debt obligations. EBITDA is presented because such information is relevant and is used by management, industry analysts, investors, lenders and rating agencies to assess the financial performance and operating results of our fundamental business activities. We believe that the presentation of EBITDA is useful to lenders and investors because of its use in the propane industry and for master limited partnerships as an indicator of the strength and performance of the ongoing business operations, including the ability to fund capital expenditures, service debt and pay distributions. Additionally, we believe that EBITDA provides useful information to our investors for trending, analyzing and benchmarking our operating results as compared to other companies that may have different financing and capital structures. The presentation of EBITDA allows investors to view our performance in a manner similar to the methods used by management and provides additional insight to our operating results.

 

27


Table of Contents
    

Nine Months Ended

June 30,


     2004

    2003

     (in thousands)

EBITDA:

              

Net income

   $ 4,992     $ 18,953

Interest expense, net

     5,810       7,399

Write off of deferred financing costs

     1,216       —  

Make whole premium charge

     17,949       —  

Swap value received

     (949 )     —  

Provision for income taxes

     164       102

Depreciation and amortization

     15,267       10,097
    


 

EBITDA

   $ 44,449     $ 36,551
    


 

 

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

 

Cash flows provided by operating activities of $49.6 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 consisted primarily of: net income of $5.0 million, net non-cash charges of $18.2 million (principally related to depreciation and amortization of $15.3 million), a make whole premium charge of $17.9 million associated with the early repayment of the senior secured notes and an increase in cash flows of $8.4 million associated with the changes in operating assets and liabilities, including assets and liabilities from price risk management activities. The source of cash associated with the changes in operating assets and liabilities is primarily due to the $15.2 million increase in accounts payable and an $11.5 million reduction in inventory, partially offset by an increase of $12.3 million in accounts receivable and prepaid expenses and other current assets, and a $7.2 million decrease in customer deposits. These changes are attributable to the seasonal nature of our business and our retail and wholesale growth. Cash flows provided by operations of $37.9 million in the same nine-month period of 2003 consisted primarily of net income of $19.0 million, net non-cash charges of $11.8 million (principally related to depreciation and amortization of $10.1 million) and $7.2 million associated with the changes in operating assets and liabilities, including net liabilities from price risk management activities. The source of cash associated with the changes in operating assets and liabilities in the 2003 period was due primarily to a $22.4 million decrease in propane inventory, partially offset by decreases in accounts payable and customer deposits and an increase in accounts receivable.

 

Cash used in investing activities was $66.0 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 as compared to $23.8 million in the same period of 2003. Investing activities during the nine months ended June 30, 2004 included a use of cash of $56.7 million for the acquisitions of EOTT Energy, L.P.’s west coast NGL business and fourteen retail propane companies, and $10.0 million of purchases of property plant and equipment. Investing activities in the 2003 period included a use of cash of $19.8 million for the acquisitions of seven retail companies and five locations from a regional marketer and $3.9 million of purchases of property, plant and equipment.

 

Cash provided by financing activities was $21.0 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2004, compared to a use of cash of $14.2 million in the same period of 2003. Cash used in financing activities in 2004 included net payments of $19.0 million compared to net payments of $20.4 million in 2003,

 

28


Table of Contents

under long-term debt agreements, including borrowings and repayments of our revolving working capital and acquisition credit facility and the early repayment in full of our senior secured notes during the nine-months ended June 30, 2004. The early repayment of our senior secured notes resulted in a make whole premium payment to the lenders in the amount of $17.9 million. Cash paid as distributions to unitholders was $27.2 million and $17.7 million in the nine months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes our company’s long-term debt and operating lease obligations as of June 30, 2004 in thousands of dollars:

 

     Total

   Less than
1 year


   1-3 years

   4-5 years

  

After

5 years


Aggregate amount of principal to be paid on the outstanding long-term debt

   $ 113,008    $ 1,379    $ 109,092    $ 1,785    $ 752

Future minimum lease payments under noncancelable operating leases

     14,931      3,524      5,381      3,741      2,285

Standby letters of credit

     4,101      4,101                     

 

In January and February 2004, Inergy issued 3,625,000 common units in a public offering, resulting in proceeds of approximately $83.3 million, net of underwriters’ discounts, commissions, and offering expenses. Additionally, Inergy Partners, LLC contributed $1.8 million in cash to Inergy, L.P. in conjunction with the issuance in order to maintain its 2% non-managing general partner interest. These funds were used to repay indebtedness under our revolving credit facility, which was incurred for acquisitions and funding of growth capital expenditures and, together with net new borrowings under the revolving credit facility, to repay in full $85.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes, plus a prepayment premium of approximately $17.9 million. All interest rate swap agreements were cancelled in conjunction with the repayment of $85 million of senior secured notes.

 

29


Table of Contents

The following table summarizes the change in the unrealized fair value of our energy contracts related to our risk management activities for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2004 where settlement has not yet occurred (in thousands of dollars):

 

     Three Months Ended
June 30, 2004


    Nine Months Ended
June 30, 2004


 

Net unrealized gains and (losses) in fair value of contracts outstanding at beginning of period

   $ 3,565     $ 3,104  

Initial recorded value of new contracts entered into during the period

     —         2,723  

Change in fair value of contracts attributable to market movement during the year

     (569 )     (4,054 )

Realized (gains)/losses recognized

     (316 )     907  
    


 


Net unrealized gains in fair value of contracts outstanding at June 30, 2004

   $ 2,680     $ 2,680  
    


 


 

Of the outstanding unrealized gain as of June 30, 2004, all contracts had a maturity of less than one year.

 

We believe that anticipated cash from operations and borrowings under our amended and restated credit facility described below will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the foreseeable future. If our plans or assumptions change or are inaccurate, or we make any acquisitions, we may need to raise additional capital. We may not be able to raise additional funds or may not be able to raise such funds on favorable terms.

 

Seasonality

 

The retail market for propane is seasonal because it is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Approximately three-quarters of our retail propane volume is sold during the peak heating season from October through March. Consequently, sales and operating profits are generated mostly in the first and fourth calendar quarters of each year.

 

Description of Credit Facility

 

Effective May 2004, Inergy executed an Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amended Facility”) with its existing lenders in addition to others. The Amended Facility consists of a $75 million revolving working capital facility and a $225 million revolving acquisition facility. The Amended Facility expires in July 2006 and carries terms, conditions and covenants substantially similar to the previous credit agreement. The Amended Facility is guaranteed by Inergy, L.P. and its subsidiary.

 

This credit agreement accrues interest at either prime rate or LIBOR plus applicable spreads, resulting in interest rates of 3.15% to 4.00% at June 30, 2004. At June 30, 2004, borrowings outstanding under the credit facility were $107.7 million, including $0.1 million under the revolving working capital facility of the entire outstanding credit facility balance of $107.7 million, $107.6 is classified as long term in the accompanying 2004 consolidated balance sheet. At August 2, 2004, the borrowings outstanding under the credit facility were $158.9 million, with $23.9 million due under the revolving working capital facility.

 

30


Table of Contents

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We have long-term debt and a revolving line of credit subject to the risk of loss associated with movements in interest rates. At June 30, 2004, we had floating rate obligations totaling approximately $107.7 million for amounts borrowed under our credit agreement.

 

If the floating rate were to increase by 100 basis points from June 2004 levels, our interest expense would increase by a total of approximately $1.1 million per year.

 

Commodity Price, Market and Credit Risk

 

Inherent in our contractual portfolio are certain business risks, including market risk and credit risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the portfolio will change, either favorably or unfavorably, in response to changing market conditions. Credit risk is the risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers or financial counterparties to a contract. We take an active role in managing and controlling market and credit risk and have established control procedures, which are reviewed on an ongoing basis. We monitor market risk through a variety of techniques, including daily reporting of the portfolio’s position to senior management. We attempt to minimize credit risk exposure through credit policies and periodic monitoring procedures. The counterparties associated with assets from price risk management activities are propane retailers, resellers and consumers and energy marketers and dealers.

 

The propane industry is a “margin-based” business in which gross profits depend on the excess of sales prices over supply costs. As a result, our profitability will be sensitive to changes in wholesale prices of propane caused by changes in supply or other market conditions. When there are sudden and sharp increases in the wholesale cost of propane, we may not be able to pass on these increases to our customers through retail or wholesale prices. Propane is a commodity and the price we pay for it can fluctuate significantly in response to supply or other market conditions. We have no control over supply or market conditions. In addition, the timing of cost pass-throughs can significantly affect margins. Sudden and extended wholesale price increases could reduce our gross profits and could, if continued over an extended period of time, reduce demand by encouraging our retail customers to conserve or convert to alternative energy sources.

 

We engage in hedging transactions, including various types of forward contracts, options, swaps and future contracts, to reduce the effect of price volatility on our product costs, protect the value of our inventory positions, and to help ensure the availability of propane during periods of short supply. We attempt to balance our contractual portfolio by purchasing volumes only when we have a matching purchase commitment from our wholesale customers. However, we may experience net unbalanced positions from time to time which we believe to be immaterial in amount. In addition to our ongoing policy to maintain a balanced position, for accounting purposes we are required, on an ongoing basis, to track and report the market value of our purchase obligations and our sales commitments.

 

31


Table of Contents

Notional Amounts and Terms

 

The notional amounts and terms of these financial instruments as of June 30, 2004 and September 30, 2003 include fixed price payor for 3.6 million and 3.0 million barrels of propane, respectively, and fixed price receiver for 3.8 million and 4.8 million barrels of propane, respectively. Notional amounts reflect the volume of transactions, but do not represent the amounts exchanged by the parties to the financial instruments. Accordingly, notional amounts do not accurately measure our exposure to market or credit risks.

 

Fair Value

 

The fair value of the derivative financial instruments related to price risk management activities as of June 30, 2004, and September 30, 2003 was assets of $12.1 million and $8.9 million, respectively, and liabilities of $9.4 million and $5.8 million, respectively. All intercompany transactions have been appropriately eliminated. The market prices used to value these transactions reflect management’s best estimate considering various factors including closing exchange and over-the-counter quotations, recent transactions, time value and volatility factors underlying the commitments.

 

Sensitivity Analysis

 

A theoretical change of 10% in the underlying commodity value would result in an approximate $0.1 million change in the market value of the contracts as there were approximately (0.9) million gallons of net unbalanced positions at June 30, 2004.

 

32


Table of Contents

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

The Company maintains controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms of the SEC, and that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were adequate and effective as of June 30, 2004. There have been no change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13(e)-15 or Rule 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) or in other factors during the Company’s fiscal quarter covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting, and there have been no corrective actions with respect to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in our internal controls.

 

33


Table of Contents

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

None.

 

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None.

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

(a) Exhibits

 

10.1   Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and among Inergy Propane, LLC and the lenders named therein, dated as of May 27, 2004
31.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Inergy, L.P. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Inergy, L.P. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1   Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Inergy, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Inergy, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

(b) Inergy filed one report on Form 8-K pertaining to the three months ended June 30, 2004:

 

Form 8-K dated May 10, 2004, was filed regarding the issuance of a press release reporting its second quarter 2004 financial results.

 

34


Table of Contents

SIGNATURE

 

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.

 

   

INERGY, L.P.

   

By:

 

INERGY GP, LLC

       

(its managing general partner)

Date: August 13, 2004

 

By:

 

/s/ R. Brooks Sherman, Jr.


       

R. Brooks Sherman, Jr.

       

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

35