STAR GAS PARTNERS LP
10-Q, 1997-08-01
RETAIL STORES, NEC
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<PAGE>
 
                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, DC  20549



                                   FORM 10-Q


(Mark One)

[X]  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE
          SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997
                               -------------

                 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:   33-98490
                          --------


                            STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P.
                            -----------------------

             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware                                     06-1437793
- --------                                     ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of          (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)


2187 Atlantic Street, Stamford, Connecticut      06902
- ------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive office)        (Zip Code)

(203) 328-7300
- ---------------------------------------------------
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


- ------------------------------------------------------------ 
(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 Sections 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) had been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

                               Yes   X     No __
                                    ---         


Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of July 31, 1997:

Star Gas Partners, L.P.  2,875,000 Common Units
                         2,396,078 Subordinated Units
<PAGE>
 
                     STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                               INDEX TO FORM 10-Q


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         PAGE
                                                                         ----
<S>       <C>                                                            <C>
PART I    FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

          Item 1 - Financial Statements

          Star Gas Partners, L.P. and the Star Gas Group (Predecessor)
          ------------------------------------------------------------
 
              Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996
              and June 30, 1997                                             3
 
              Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
              months ended June 30, 1996 and for the three months
              ended June 30, 1997                                           4
 
              Consolidated Statements of Operations from October 1, 1995
              through December 20, 1995 (Predecessor), from December 20,
              1995 through June 30, 1996 and for the nine months ended
              June 30, 1997                                                 5
 
              Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows from October 1, 1995
              through December 20, 1995 (Predecessor), from December 20,
              1995 through June 30, 1996 and for the nine months ended
              June 30, 1997                                                 6
 
              Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital for the nine
              months ended June 30, 1997                                    7
 
              Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                    8 - 10
 
          Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
                   Conditions and Results of Operations                    11 - 14


PART II   OTHER INFORMATION:

          Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                        15

          Signature                                                        16
</TABLE>

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                     STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     JUNE 30,
                                                     SEPTEMBER 30,     1997
                                                         1996       (unaudited)
                                                     -------------  -----------
<S>                                                     <C>           <C>
ASSETS                                   
                                         
Current assets:                          
  Cash                                                  $  1,106      $  7,255  
  Receivables, net of allowance of $291                                          
   and $485, respectively                                  7,226         6,495   
  Inventories                                              8,494         3,339   
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets                1,016         1,543   
                                                        --------      --------   
        Total current assets                              17,842        18,632   
                                                        --------      --------   
                                                                                 
Property and equipment, net                               97,733        96,385   
Intangibles and other assets, net                         41,338        38,750   
                                                        --------      --------   
        Total assets                                    $156,913      $153,767   
                                                        ========      ========   
                                                                                 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL                                                
Current liabilities:                                                             
  Bank credit facility borrowings                       $  2,350      $      -    
  Accounts payable                                         1,991         2,288   
  Accrued interest                                           285         2,013   
  Other accrued expenses                                   2,812         3,203   
  Customer credit balances                                 2,858         1,444   
                                                        --------      --------   
        Total current liabilities                         10,296         8,948   
                                                        --------      --------   
                                                                                 
Long-term debt                                            85,000        85,000   
Other long-term liabilities                                  219           221   
Partners' capital:                                                               
  Common unitholders                                      52,821        51,859   
  Subordinated unitholder                                  8,410         7,607   
  General partner                                            167           132   
                                                        --------      --------   
        Total partners' capital                           61,398        59,598   
                                                        --------      --------   
        Total liabilities and partners' capital         $156,913      $153,767   
                                                        ========      ========   
</TABLE>


  See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       3

<PAGE>
 
                     STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (in thousands, except per unit amounts)
                                  (unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                     THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                    --------------------
                                                    JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,
                                                      1996       1997
                                                    ---------  ---------
<S>                                                 <C>        <C>
Sales                                                $18,416    $20,078
Cost of sales                                          8,483      9,632
                                                     -------    -------
  Gross profit                                         9,933     10,446
 
Delivery and branch expenses                           7,768      8,702
Depreciation and amortization                          2,546      2,653
General and administrative expenses                    2,005      1,491
Net gain (loss) on sales of assets                       (29)       (67)
                                                     -------    -------
  Operating loss                                      (2,415)    (2,467)
Interest expense, net                                  1,614      1,671
                                                     -------    -------
  Loss before income taxes                            (4,029)    (4,138)
Income tax expense                                        17          5
                                                     -------    -------
  Net loss                                           $(4,046)   $(4,143)
                                                     =======    =======
 
General Partner's interest in net loss               $   (81)   $   (83)
                                                     -------    -------
 
Limited Partners' interest in net loss               $(3,965)   $(4,060)
                                                     =======    =======
 
Net loss per Limited Partner unit                     $(0.75)    $(0.77)
                                                     =======    =======
 
Weighted average number of Limited
 Partner units outstanding                             5,271      5,271
                                                     =======    =======
</TABLE>



 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
                     STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                    (in thousands, except per unit amounts)
                                  (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          
                                           OCTOBER 1,    
                                             1995        DECEMBER 20,     NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                            THROUGH         1995        ---------------------
                                          DECEMBER 20,    THROUGH        JUNE 30,
                                              1995         JUNE 30,        1996     JUNE 30,
                                          (Predecessor)      1996       (combined)    1997
                                          -------------  -------------  ----------  ---------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>            <C>         <C>
Sales                                          $28,159        $71,971    $100,130   $117,396
Cost of sales                                   12,808         36,061      48,869     63,578
                                               -------        -------    --------   --------
  Gross profit                                  15,351         35,910      51,261     53,818
 
Delivery and branch expenses                     7,729         18,759      26,488     28,054
Depreciation and amortization                    2,177          5,285       7,462      7,869
General and administrative expenses              1,349          3,543       4,892      5,384
Net gain (loss) on sales of assets                (113)           (52)       (165)      (129)
                                               -------        -------    --------   --------
  Operating income                               3,983          8,271      12,254     12,382
Interest expense, net                            1,922          3,569       5,491      5,290
                                               -------        -------    --------   --------
  Income before income taxes                     2,061          4,702       6,763      7,092
Income tax expense                                  60             33          93         18
                                               -------        -------    --------   --------
  Net income                                   $ 2,001        $ 4,669    $  6,670   $  7,074
                                               =======        =======    ========   ========
 
General Partner's interest in
  net income                                                  $    93               $    142
                                                              -------               --------
 
Limited Partners' interest in
  net income                                                  $ 4,576               $  6,932
                                                              =======               ========
 
Net income per Limited Partner
  unit                                                          $0.87                  $1.32
                                                              =======               ======== 
                                                                                    
Weighted average number of Limited
  Partner units outstanding                                     5,271                  5,271
                                                              =======               ========  
 
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       5

<PAGE>
 
                     STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           OCTOBER 1, 1995                        OCTOBER 1, 1995
                                               THROUGH        DECEMBER 20, 1995       THROUGH        NINE MONTHS
                                          DECEMBER 20, 1995        THROUGH         JUNE 30, 1996        ENDED
                                            (Predecessor)       JUNE 30, 1996        (combined)     JUNE 30, 1997
                                          ------------------  ------------------  ----------------  --------------
<S>                                          <C>                 <C>                 <C>               <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                     $  2,001            $  4,669           $  6,670         $  7,074    
Adjustments to reconcile net income                                                                              
 to net cash provided by                                                                                         
 operating activities:                                                                                           
Depreciation and amortization                     2,177               5,285              7,462            7,869  
Provision for losses on                                                                                          
 accounts receivable                                101                 245                346              382  
Loss on sales of assets                             113                  52                165              129  
Changes in operating assets                                                                                      
 and liabilities:                                                                                                
   Decrease (increase) in receivables            (2,779)              2,878                 99              349  
   Decrease in inventories                        1,430               1,733              3,163            5,155  
   Decrease (increase) in other assets             (455)                400                (55)            (355)  
   Increase (decrease) in accounts                                                                               
    payable                                          10                (873)              (863)             297  
   Increase (decrease) in other current                                                                          
    liabilities                                  (1,713)              1,206               (507)             705  
   Increase (decrease) in other                                                                                  
    long-term liabilities                           (12)                (56)               (68)               2  
                                               --------            --------           --------         --------  
       Net cash provided by                                                                                      
         operating activities                       873              15,539             16,412           21,607  
                                               --------            --------           --------         --------  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:                                                                            
Capital expenditures                             (1,617)             (2,315)            (3,932)          (4,454)  
Purchase of Company                                   -              (1,527)            (1,527)               -  
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets                 566                 130                696              314  
                                               --------            --------           --------         --------  
       Net cash used in investing                                                                                
         activities                              (1,051)             (3,712)            (4,763)          (4,140)  
                                               --------            --------           --------         --------   
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                                                                             
Credit facility borrowings                            -                   -                  -            5,000  
Credit facility repayments                            -                   -                  -           (7,350)  
Acquisition facility borrowings                       -                   -                  -            3,350  
Acquisition facility repayments                       -                   -                  -           (3,350)  
Repayments of debt                              (35,783)            (53,780)           (89,563)               -  
Cash dividends paid                             (21,309)                  -            (21,309)               -  
Distributions                                         -              (3,348)            (3,348)          (8,874)  
Loan to Petro                                   (12,000)                  -            (12,000)               -  
Proceeds from issuance of First                                                                                  
 Mortgage Notes                                  85,000                   -             85,000                -  
Proceeds from issuance of                                                                                          
  Common Units, net                                   -              55,931             55,931                -   
Repayment of preferred stock to Petro            (8,625)                  -             (8,625)               -  
Increase in deferred charges                     (1,313)               (814)            (2,127)             (94)  
Cash retained by general partner                 (6,000)                  -             (6,000)               -  
                                               --------            --------           --------         --------   
      Net cash used in                                                                                           
        financing activities                        (30)             (2,011)            (2,041)         (11,318)  
                                               --------            --------           --------         --------  
      Net increase (decrease) in cash              (208)              9,816              9,608            6,149  
Cash at beginning of period                         727                 519                727            1,106  
                                               --------            --------           --------         --------  
Cash at end of period                          $    519            $ 10,335           $ 10,335         $  7,255  
                                               ========            ========           ========         ========  
                                                                                                                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW                                                                             
 INFORMATION:                                                                                                    
Cash paid during the period for:                                                                                 
  Income taxes                                 $     78            $      4           $     82         $      7  
                                               ========            ========           ========         ========  
  Interest                                     $     19            $  1,652           $  1,671         $  3,417  
                                               ========            ========           ========         ========  
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       6

<PAGE>
 
                    STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
                        NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
                     (in thousands, except per unit data)
                                  (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      NUMBER OF UNITS                                          TOTAL
                                    --------------------                           GENERAL   PARTNERS'
                                    COMMON  SUBORDINATED   COMMON   SUBORDINATED   PARTNER    CAPITAL
                                    ------  ------------  --------  -------------  -------    -------
 
<S>                                 <C>     <C>           <C>       <C>            <C>       <C>
 Balance September 30, 1996          2,875      2,396     $52,821      $ 8,410      $ 167     $61,398
 
  Minimum Quarterly Distribution
    ($1.65 per unit)                                       (4,743)      (3,954)      (177)     (8,874)
 
 Net income                              -          -       3,781        3,151        142       7,074
                                     -----      -----     -------      -------      -----     -------
 Balance June 30, 1997               2,875      2,396     $51,859      $ 7,607      $ 132     $59,598
                                     =====      =====     =======      =======      =====     =======
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                     STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                 JUNE 30, 1997


1)   PARTNERSHIP ORGANIZATION AND FORMATION

       Star Gas Partners, L.P. ("Star Gas Partners" or the "Partnership") was
     formed on October 16, 1995, as a Delaware limited partnership.  Star Gas
     Partners and its subsidiary, Star Gas Propane, L.P., a Delaware limited
     partnership, (the "Operating Partnership") were formed to acquire, own and
     operate substantially all of the propane operations and assets and
     liabilities of Star Gas Corporation ("Star Gas"), a Delaware corporation
     (and the general partner of Star Gas Partners and the Operating
     Partnership) and the propane operations and assets and liabilities of Star
     Gas' parent corporation, Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc., a Minnesota
     corporation ("Petro"), (collectively hereinafter referred to as the "Star
     Gas Group" or the "Predecessor Company").  The Operating Partnership is,
     and the Star Gas Group was, engaged in the marketing and distribution of
     propane gas and related appliances to retail and wholesale customers in the
     United States located principally in the Midwest and Northeast.  On
     December 20, 1995, (i) Petro conveyed all of its propane assets and related
     liabilities to Star Gas and (ii) Star Gas and its subsidiaries conveyed
     substantially all of their assets (other than $83.7 million in cash from
     the proceeds of the First Mortgage Notes and certain non-operating assets)
     to the Operating Partnership (the "Star Gas Conveyance") in exchange for
     general and limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership and the
     assumption by the Operating Partnership of substantially all of the
     liabilities of Star Gas and its subsidiaries (excluding certain income tax
     liabilities and certain other long-term obligations of Star Gas that were
     assumed by Petro), including the First Mortgage Notes and approximately
     $53.8 million in outstanding Star Gas debt due to Petro.  The net book
     value of the assets contributed by Star Gas and its subsidiaries to the
     Operating Partnership exceeded liabilities assumed by $11.2 million.
     Immediately after the Star Gas Conveyance, Star Gas and its subsidiaries
     conveyed their limited partner interests in the Operating Partnership to
     Star Gas Partners in exchange for an aggregate of 2.4 million Subordinated
     Units of limited partner interests in Star Gas Partners.

       Of the $83.7 million in cash retained by the General Partner, $35.8 was
     paid to Petro in satisfaction of additional indebtedness, $8.6 million was
     used to redeem preferred stock of the General Partner held by Petro, $12.0
     million was loaned to Petro, and $6.0 million was retained to be available
     to fund the General Partner's additional capital contribution obligation.
     The remaining $21.3 million was paid to Petro as dividends.

       On December 20, 1995, Star Gas Partners completed its initial public
     offering of 2.6 million Common Units, representing Limited Partner
     interests, at a price of $22.00 a unit.  The net proceeds received of $51.0
     million, after deducting underwriting discounts, commissions and expenses
     were contributed to the Operating Partnership and used to repay debt due to
     Petro, which was assumed by the Operating Partnership in the Star Gas
     Conveyance.

       In January 1996, pursuant to the underwriters' over-allotment, an
     additional 0.3 million Common Units were issued for approximately $5.6
     million, net of underwriting discounts and expenses.

       The General Partner holds a 1.0% general partner interest in Star Gas
     Partners and a 1.0101% general partner interest in the Operating
     Partnership.  Star Gas Partners and the Operating Partnership have no
     employees, except for certain employees of its corporate subsidiary Stellar
     Propane Service Corporation.  The General Partner conducts, directs and
     manages all activities of Star Gas Partners and the Operating Partnership
     and is reimbursed on a monthly basis for all direct and indirect expenses
     it incurs on their behalf including the cost of employee wages.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
2)   BASIS OF PRESENTATION

       The unaudited consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments
     which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of
     the interim periods presented.  All adjustments to the financial statements
     were of a normal recurring nature.

       The propane industry is seasonal in nature because propane is used
     primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings.  Therefore,
     the results of operations for the periods ended June 30, 1996 and June 30,
     1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a
     full year.

     Inventories
       Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market and are computed on
     a first-in, first-out basis.  At the dates indicated the components of
     inventory were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        September 30,  June 30,
                                            1996         1997
                                        -------------  --------
<S>                                     <C>            <C>
            Propane gas                    $6,625       $1,399
            Appliances and equipment        1,869        1,940
                                           ------       ------
                                           $8,494       $3,339
                                           ======       ======
</TABLE>

3)   NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT

       Net income per Limited Partner Unit is computed by dividing net income,
     after deducting the General Partner's 2.0% interest, by the weighted
     average number of Common Units and Subordinated Units outstanding.

4)   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

       In the ordinary course of business, the Partnership is threatened with,
     or is named in, various lawsuits.  The Partnership is not a party to any
     litigation which individually or in the aggregate could reasonably be
     expected to have a material adverse effect on the company.

5)   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

       The Partnership has no employees except for certain employees of its
     corporate subsidiary, Stellar Propane Service Corporation and is managed
     and controlled by the General Partner.  Pursuant to the Partnership
     Agreement, the General Partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct
     and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on behalf of the
     Partnership, and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to
     the Partnership or otherwise reasonably incurred by the General Partner in
     connection with operating the Partnership's business.  For the nine months
     ended June 30, 1997, the Partnership reimbursed the General Partner and
     Petro $13.2 million representing salary, payroll tax and other compensation
     paid to the employees of the General Partner, including $0.2 million paid
     to Petro for certain corporate functions such as purchasing, finance and
     compliance.

6)   RETENTION OF MORGAN STANLEY & CO. INCORPORATED

       On March 3, 1997, the Partnership announced that it has concluded its
     review of strategic alternatives.  Based on the results of this study, the
     Partnership's financial performance and industry prospects, the Partnership
     has decided to pursue the opportunities it sees to grow the business rather
     than seek a sale.

7)   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

       On July 11, 1997, the Partnership announced that it will pay a cash
     distribution of $0.55 per Limited Partner Unit for the three months ended
     June 30, 1997.  The distribution is payable on August 14, 1997 to
     unitholders of record as of August 1, 1997.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
8)   GENERAL PARTNER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

       The following presents the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of
     June 30, 1997 together with the Condensed Consolidated Statement of
     Operations of the General Partner, Star Gas Corporation and Subsidiary, for
     the nine months ended June 30, 1997.

                              STAR GAS CORPORATION
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                                 (in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   JUNE 30,
                                                                     1997    
                                                                   --------  
<S>                                                                 <C>      
ASSETS                                                                       
Current assets:                                                              
 Cash                                                               $ 1,595  
 Interest receivable                                                    336  
                                                                    -------  
Total current assets                                                  1,931  

Note receivable from Petro                                           12,000  

Investment in Partnership                                             7,739  
                                                                    -------  
  Total assets                                                      $21,670  
                                                                    =======  
                                                                             
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY                                         
Current liabilities:                                                         
 Accrued expenses                                                   $    37  
                                                                    -------  
                                                                             
Shareholder's equity                                                 21,633  
                                                                    -------  
                                                                             
  Total liabilities and shareholder's equity                        $21,670  
                                                                    =======   
</TABLE>

                              STAR GAS CORPORATION
                                 AND SUBSIDIARY
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
                                 (in thousands)
                                  (unaudited)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                   JUNE 30,     
                                                                     1997       
                                                               -----------------
<S>                                                                 <C>         
Revenues:                                                                       
Reimbursement of employee expenses from Operating Partnership       $13,028     
                                                                                
Expenses:                                                                       
Cost of employee services provided to Operating Partnership          13,028     
                                                                    -------     
 Operating income                                                         -     
                                                                                
Interest income                                                       1,107     
                                                                    -------     
 Income before equity interest in Partnership                         1,107     
                                                                                
Share of income of Partnership                                        3,293     
                                                                    -------     
                                                                                
 Net income                                                         $ 4,400     
                                                                    =======     
</TABLE>

                                       10

<PAGE>
 
                     STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
- -------------------------------
COMPARED TO NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
- -------------------------------------------


OVERVIEW

The following discussion reflects the results of operations and operating data
of Star Gas Partners, L.P. for the nine months ended June 30, 1997 and is
compared to the combined results of the Star Gas Group, the Predecessor Company,
from October 1, 1995 to December 20, 1995 and Star Gas Partners, L.P. from
December 20, 1995 to June 30, 1996.  The operating results of the Star Gas Group
and Star Gas Partners, L.P. were combined for the nine months ended June 30,
1996 to facilitate an analysis of the fundamental operating data.

In analyzing the historical financial results of the Star Gas Group and the
financial results of the Partnership, the following matters should be
considered:

Propane's primary use is for residential and commercial heating. As a result,
weather conditions have a significant impact on financial performance.
Accordingly, in analyzing changes in financial performance, the weather
conditions in which the Partnership/Star Gas Group operated in any given period
should be considered.

In addition, gross profit margins vary according to the customer mix.  For
example, sales to residential customers generate higher gross profit margins
than sales to other customer groups, such as agricultural customers.
Accordingly, a change in customer mix can affect gross profit without
necessarily impacting total sales.

Lastly, the propane industry is seasonal in nature with peak activity occurring
during the winter months, during the Partnership's first and second fiscal
quarter.  Due to the seasonality of the business, results of operations for the
periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected
for a full year.

VOLUME

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, retail propane volume declined 1.7
million gallons, or 2.0%, to 80.8 million gallons, as compared to 82.5 million
gallons for the nine months ended June 30, 1996.  The decline was primarily
attributable to the effect on volume of warmer temperatures experienced during
the second fiscal quarter compared to the prior year's second fiscal quarter and
to customer conservation efforts attributable to significantly higher propane
selling prices.  The Partnership was able to mitigate the effects of the warmer
temperatures on retail propane volume through both internal account growth and
two acquisitions completed since March 15, 1996.   Also favorably impacting the
year-to-year comparison was an increase in sales to agricultural customers,
resulting from a return to more normal propane demand for grain drying.

SALES

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, sales increased $17.3 million, or
17.2%, to $117.4 million, as compared to $100.1 million for the nine months
ended June 30, 1996.  The increase was due to higher selling prices in response
to a significant increase in propane supply costs experienced during the nine
months ended June 30, 1997.

COST OF SALES

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, cost of sales increased $14.7 million,
or 30.1%, to $63.6 million, as compared to $48.9 million for the nine months
ended June 30, 1996.  The increase was due to higher per gallon propane supply
costs.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
GROSS PROFIT

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, gross profit increased $2.6 million, or
5.0%, to $53.8 million, as compared to $51.3 million for the nine months ended
June 30, 1996.  The increase in gross profit resulted from higher per gallon
margins across all market segments which was partially offset by the impact of
slightly lower retail propane volume.

DELIVERY AND BRANCH EXPENSES

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, delivery and branch expenses increased
$1.6 million, or 5.9%, to $28.1 million, as compared to $26.5 million for the
nine months ended June 30, 1996.  The increase was primarily due to the
additional expenses associated with the first fiscal quarter's increase in
agricultural volume, higher vehicle operating costs due to an increase in fuel
costs, and higher employee benefit expenses.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, depreciation and amortization expense
increased $0.4 million, or 5.5%, to $7.9 million, as compared to $7.5 million
for the nine months ended June 30, 1996, due to the impact of two acquisitions
completed since March 15, 1996 and the amortization of certain deferred charges
relating to the Partnership's First Mortgage Notes.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, general and administrative expenses
increased $0.5 million, or 10.1%, to $5.4 million, as compared to $4.9 million
for the nine months ended June 30, 1996.  This increase was primarily due to
$0.8 million of one-time expenses associated with the exploration of strategic
alternatives designed to maximize unitholder value.  On March 3, 1997, the
Partnership decided to terminate its efforts to seek a merger or possible sale
of the Partnership.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, net interest expense declined $0.2
million, or 3.7%, to $5.3 million, as compared to $5.5 million for the nine
months ended June 30, 1996.  This reduction was primarily due to a decline in
the weighted average borrowing rate.

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

Income tax expense primarily represents certain state income taxes related to
the Partnership's wholly owned corporate subsidiary which conducts non-
qualifying master limited partnership business.

NET INCOME

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, net income increased $0.4 million, or
6.1%, to $7.1 million, as compared to $6.7 million, for the nine months ended
June 30, 1996.  This increase was attributable to a $2.6 million increase in
gross profit that was partially offset by the increase in operating expenses,
$0.8 million of one-time costs associated with the strategic initiative and $0.4
million of depreciation and amortization.

EBITDA

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, EBITDA (defined as operating income
(loss) plus depreciation and amortization less net gain (loss) on sales of
assets) increased $0.5 million, or 2.5%, to $20.4 million, as compared to $19.9
million for the nine months ended June 30, 1996.  Excluding the one-time
expenses associated with the strategic alternative, EBITDA increased $1.3
million, or 6.7%, to $21.2 million due to improved per gallon margins across all
market segments and growth in the customer base provided by both internal
marketing and acquisition efforts.  EBITDA should not be considered as an
alternative to net income (as an indicator of operating performance) or as an
alternative to cash flow (as a measure of liquidity or ability to service debt
obligations) but provides additional information for evaluating the
Partnership's ability to make the Minimum Quarterly Distribution.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
                     STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

          MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS
                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
- --------------------------------
COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1996
- --------------------------------------------


VOLUME

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, retail propane volume sold was 13.5
million gallons, unchanged from the prior year's comparable quarter. Propane
sold to wholesale customers increased 2.6 million to 8.9 million gallons due to
a purchase decision by several customers to pre-buy a portion of their fall
needs in this quarter.

SALES

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, sales increased $1.7 million, or 9.0%,
to $20.1 million, as compared to $18.4 million for the three months ended June
30, 1996.  The increase was due to higher retail selling prices and the
additional volume sold to wholesale customers.

COST OF SALES

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, cost of sales increased $1.1 million,
or 13.5%, to $9.6 million, as compared to the $8.5 million for the three months
ended June 30, 1996, due to the increase in wholesale volume.

GROSS PROFIT

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, gross profit increased $0.5 million,
or 5.2%, to $10.4 million, as compared to $9.9 million for the three months
ended June 30, 1996.  This increase in gross profit was due to higher retail per
gallon margins across all market segments and the increase in wholesale volume.

DELIVERY AND BRANCH EXPENSES

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, delivery and branch expenses increased
by $0.9 million to $8.7 million, as compared to $7.8 million for the three
months ended June 30, 1996. The change was mainly due to higher employee benefit
expenses, increased  insurance expense, and the timing of certain vehicle
maintenance expenditures, which occurred later in fiscal 1997 than in fiscal
1996.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION EXPENSE

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, depreciation and amortization expense
increased $0.1 million, or 4.2%, to $2.7 million, due to the impact of
acquisitions made subsequent to March 15, 1996.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, general and administrative expenses
declined $0.5 million, or 25.6%, to $1.5 million, as compared to $2.0 million
for the three months ended June 30, 1996. The decrease was primarily due to a
reduction in expenses associated with reviewing several large acquisition
candidates that were pursued during the three months ended June 30, 1996.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, net interest expense remained
relatively unchanged at $1.7 million, as compared to $1.6 million for the three
months ended June 30, 1996.

NET LOSS

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, the net loss increased $0.1 million,
or 2.4%, to $4.1 million, slightly higher than the $4.0 million net loss for the
three months ended June 30, 1996.

EBITDA

For the three months ended June 30, 1997, EBITDA (defined as operating income
(loss) plus depreciation and amortization less net gain (loss) on sales of
assets) increased $0.1 million, or 58.8%, to $0.3 million, as compared to $0.2
million for the three months ended June 30, 1996. EBITDA should not be
considered as an alternative to net income (as an indicator of operating
performance) or as an alternative to cash flow (as a measure of liquidity or
ability to service debt obligations) but provides additional information for
evaluating the Partnership's ability to make the Minimum Quarterly Distribution.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

For the nine months ended June 30, 1997, net cash provided by operating
activities of $21.6 million combined with $0.3 million from the sale of certain
fixed assets amounted to $21.9 million. These funds were utilized in investing
activities to fund $4.5 million of growth and maintenance capital expenditures,
in financing activities to repay net credit facility borrowings of $2.4 million
and to pay Partnership distributions of $8.9 million. As a result of the above
activities, cash at June 30, 1997 increased by $6.2 million to $7.3 million, as
compared to $1.1 million on hand at the beginning of the period.

Based on its current cash position, bank credit availability and expected net
cash flow from operating activities, the Partnership expects to be able to meet
all of its above obligations for fiscal 1997, as well as all of its other
current obligations as they become due.  For the remainder of fiscal 1997, the
Partnership anticipates paying interest on the First Mortgage Notes of $3.4
million and anticipates paying Limited and General Partner distributions of $3.0
million.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
                          PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
- -----------------------------------------

     (a)  Exhibits Included Within:
          ------------------------ 

          (27)  Financial Data Schedule

     (b)  Reports on Form 8-K
          -------------------

          No reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the quarter for which
          this report is filed.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURE
                                   ---------


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized:



Star Gas Partners, L.P.

By:  Star Gas Corporation
     (General Partner)


Signature                         Title                          Date
- ---------                         -----                          ----



By:/s/  William G. Powers, Jr.    President                      August 1, 1997
        ----------------------    Star Gas Corporation
        William G. Powers, Jr.    (Principal Executive Officer)

By:/s/  Richard F. Ambury         Vice President - Finance       August 1, 1997
        -----------------                                               
        Richard F. Ambury         Star Gas Corporation
                                  (Principal Financial
                                  and Accounting Officer)

                                       16

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM STAR GAS
PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF JUNE 30, 1997
AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE INTERIM PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1996
THROUGH JUNE 30, 1997, AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0001002590
<NAME> STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUN-30-1997
<CASH>                                           7,255
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    6,980
<ALLOWANCES>                                       485
<INVENTORY>                                      3,339
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                18,632
<PP&E>                                         114,135
<DEPRECIATION>                                  17,750
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 153,767
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            8,948
<BONDS>                                         85,000
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        59,466<F1>
<OTHER-SE>                                         132<F2>
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   153,767
<SALES>                                        113,877
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               117,396
<CGS>                                           63,578
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   33,056
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 7,902
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                   382
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               5,386
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  7,092
<INCOME-TAX>                                        18
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              7,074
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     7,074
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     1.32
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     1.32
<FN>
<F1>COMMON STOCK - IN DECEMBER 1995 STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. ISSUED COMMON AND
SUBORDINATED UNITS WHICH REPRESENT LIMITED PARTNER INTERESTS.  THESE UNITS ARE
CONSIDERED TO POSSESS THE CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMON STOCK AND ARE BOTH INCLUDED
IN THE DETERMINATION OF EPS.
<F2>OTHER SE - REPRESENTS THE GENERAL PARTNER'S INTEREST IN THE PARTNERSHIP AND
IS CLASSIFIED HERE SINCE IT DOES NOT POSSESS THE RELEVANT CHARACTERISTICS OF
EITHER COMMON OR PREFERRED STOCK.
</FN>
        

</TABLE>


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