STAR GAS PARTNERS LP
10-Q, 1999-02-12
RETAIL STORES, NEC
Previous: STAR GAS PARTNERS LP, 424B3, 1999-02-12
Next: GT INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE CORP, SC 13G/A, 1999-02-12



<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 December 31, 1998
                                               -----------------

                                      OR

       [_]    TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
               SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [No Fee Required]

             For the transition period from _________ to _________

                      Commission File Number:   33-98490
                                                --------


                            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 Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.


                                 Yes   X    No ____
                                     ----     



Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
common stock, as of February 11, 1999:


Star Gas Partners, L.P.  3,858,999 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> 
PART I    FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

          Item 1 - Financial Statements
 
               Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1998 and 
               December 31, 1998                                                         3
 
               Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months 
               ended December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1998                             4
 
               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months 
               ended December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1998                             5
 
               Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital for the three months 
               ended December 31, 1998                                                   6
 
               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                             7-10
 
          Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial 
          Conditions and Results of Operations                                       11-15
 
PART II   OTHER INFORMATION:

          Item 6 - Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                     16

          Signature                                                                     17
</TABLE> 

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


                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                DECEMBER 31,
                                                          SEPTEMBER 30,            1998    
                                                              1998              (UNAUDITED)
                                                          -------------        -------------
<S>                                                       <C>                  <C>          
ASSETS
Current assets:
   Cash and cash equivalents                                   $  1,115             $  5,831
   Receivables, net of allowance of $252 and
      $221, respectively                                          5,279                9,153
   Inventories                                                   10,608                9,898
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets                        945                  632
                                                               --------             --------
   Total current assets                                          17,947               25,514
                                                               --------             --------
 
Property and equipment, net                                     110,262              109,475
 
Intangibles and other assets, net                                51,398               50,414
                                                               --------             --------
   Total assets                                                $179,607             $185,403
                                                               ========             ========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Current liabilities:
   Accounts payable                                            $  3,097             $  3,608
   Bank credit facility borrowings                                4,770               10,720
   Current maturities of long-term debt                             692                1,384
   Accrued expenses                                               2,830                2,500
   Accrued interest                                                 485                2,390
   Customer credit balances                                       6,038                4,684
                                                               --------             --------
   Total current liabilities                                     17,912               25,286
                                                               --------             --------
 
Long-term debt                                                  104,308              103,616
Other long-term liabilities                                          40                   53
 
Partners' Capital:
   Common unitholders                                            58,686               57,347
   Subordinated unitholder                                       (1,446)                (962)
   General partner                                                  107                   63
                                                               --------             --------
   Total Partners' Capital                                       57,347               56,448
                                                               --------             --------
 
   Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital                     $179,607             $185,403
                                                               ========             ========
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                    STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                                (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                    DECEMBER 31,
                                                   --------------------------------------------
                                                            1997                     1998
                                                   -------------------      -------------------
<S>                                                <C>                      <C>
Sales                                                          $41,844                  $30,237
Costs and expenses:
 Cost of sales                                                  21,650                   11,978
 Delivery and branch                                            10,153                   10,295
 Depreciation and amortization                                   2,785                    3,008
 General and administrative                                      1,369                    1,429
 Net (loss) on sales of assets                                     (48)                      (4)
                                                               -------                  -------
  Operating income                                               5,839                    3,523
Interest expense, net                                            2,086                    2,178
Amortization of debt issuance costs                                 40                       45
                                                               -------                  -------
  Income before income taxes                                     3,713                    1,300
Income tax expense                                                   6                        6
                                                               -------                  -------
  Net income                                                   $ 3,707                  $ 1,294
                                                               =======                  =======
 
General Partner's interest in net income                       $    74                  $    26
                                                               -------                  -------
 
Limited Partners' interest in net income                       $ 3,633                  $ 1,268
                                                               =======                  =======
 
Basic and diluted net income per Limited 
  Partner unit                                                 $   .66                  $   .20
                                                               =======                  =======
 
Weighted average number of Limited Partner 
units outstanding                                                5,474                    6,255
                                                               =======                  =======
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
                                  (UNAUDITED)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                          DECEMBER 31,
                                                        ---------------------------------------------
                                                                 1997                     1998
                                                        -------------------     ---------------------
<S>                                                     <C>                     <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income                                                         $  3,707                   $ 1,294
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
 provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization                                         2,785                     3,008
Amortization of debt issuance costs                                      40                        45
Provision for losses on accounts receivable                             110                       (18)
Loss on sales of fixed assets                                            48                         4
Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of
 Pearl Gas conveyance:
  Increase in receivables                                            (6,105)                   (3,856)
  Decrease in inventories                                             1,143                       710
  Decrease (increase) in other assets                                   (61)                      313
   Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                              (20)                      511
  Increase in other current and long-term liabilities                   333                       233
                                                                   --------                   -------
          Net cash provided by operating activities                   1,980                     2,244
                                                                   --------                   -------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Capital expenditures                                                 (2,085)                   (1,312)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets                                      72                        39
Acquisition related costs                                              (360)                      (12)
Cash acquired in conveyance                                           1,825                        --
                                                                   --------                   -------
          Net cash used in investing activities                        (548)                   (1,285)
                                                                   --------                   -------
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Credit facility borrowings                                           11,060                    10,450
Credit facility repayments                                          (11,060)                   (4,500)
Acquisition facility borrowings                                      21,000                        --
Acquisition facility repayments                                     (10,000)                       --
Repayment of debt                                                   (23,000)                       --
Distributions                                                        (2,958)                   (2,193)
Proceeds from issuance of Common Units, net                          15,745                        --
General Partner contribution                                            344                        --
                                                                   --------                   -------
          Net cash provided by financing activities                   1,131                     3,757
                                                                   --------                   -------
 
          Net increase in cash                                        2,563                     4,716
Cash at beginning of period                                             889                     1,115
                                                                   --------                   -------
Cash at end of period                                              $  3,452                   $ 5,831
                                                                   ========                   =======
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
  Interest                                                         $    337                   $   279
                                                                   ========                   =======
 
Non-cash investing activities:
Acquisitions:
  Working capital                                                  $  1,945
  Net long-term assets                                             $ 24,522
  Assumption of note payable                                       $(23,000)
Non-cash financing activities:
  Issuance of Common Units                                         $ (3,399)
  Additional General Partner interest                              $    (68)
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                    STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER UNIT DATA)
                                  (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              TOTAL
                                         NUMBER OF UNITS                                       GENERAL      PARTNERS'
                                   --------------------------
                                      COMMON    SUBORDINATED      COMMON      SUBORDINATED     PARTNER       CAPITAL
                                     ---------  -------------  ------------  --------------  ------------  ------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>           <C>
Balance as of September 30, 1998         3,859          2,396      $58,686         $(1,446)         $107       $57,347
 Net Income                                                            784             484            26         1,294
 Distributions ($.55 per unit)                                      (2,123)                          (70)       (2,193)
                                         -----          -----      -------         -------          ----       -------
Balance as of December 31, 1998          3,859          2,396      $57,347         $  (962)         $ 63       $56,448
                                         =====          =====      =======         =======          ====       =======
</TABLE>



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
                    STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998



1)   BASIS OF PRESENTATION


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


          The propane industry is seasonal in nature because propane is used
     primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings.  Therefore,
     the results of operations for the periods ended December 31, 1997 and
     December 31, 1998 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,     DECEMBER 31,
                                       1998            1998
                                 -------------     ------------
<S>                              <C>               <C>
     Propane gas                       $ 8,807        $8,186
     Appliances and equipment            1,801         1,712
                                       -------        ------
                                       $10,608        $9,898
                                       =======        ======
</TABLE>

2)   BASIC AND DILUTED NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT

          Basic net income per Limited Partner Unit is computed by dividing net
     income, after deducting the General Partner's 2.0% interest, by the
     weighted average number of Common Units and Subordinated Units outstanding.
     Diluted net income per Limited Partner Unit reflects the dilutive effect of
     the unit option plan.


3)   COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

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


4)   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

          The Partnership has no employees except for certain employees of its
     corporate subsidiary, Stellar Propane Service Corporation and is managed by
     Star Gas Corporation (the "General Partner") a wholly owned subsidiary of
     Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement,
     the General Partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and
     indirect

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
4)   RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

     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.  Indirect expenses are allocated to
     the Partnership on a basis consistent with the type of expense incurred.
     For example, services performed by employees of the General Partner or
     Petro on behalf of the Partnership are reimbursed on the basis of hours
     worked and rent expense is reimbursed on the proportion of the square
     footage leased by the Partnership.  For the three months ended December 31,
     1998 the Partnership reimbursed the General Partner and Petro $5.2 million
     representing salary, payroll tax and other compensation paid to the
     employees of the General Partner and to Petro for certain corporate
     functions such as finance and compliance.  In addition, the Partnership
     reimbursed Petro $0.2 million relating to the Partnership's share of the
     costs incurred by Petro in conducting the operations of a shared branch
     location.


5)   PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF PETROLEUM HEAT AND POWER CO., INC.

          On October 23, 1998, the Partnership and Petro jointly announced that
     they have signed a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Petro
     would be acquired by the Partnership and would become a wholly owned
     subsidiary of the Partnership (the "Star Gas/Petro transaction").  It is
     anticipated that this acquisition will be accounted for using the purchase
     method of accounting.  It was originally contemplated that this transaction
     would be effected through the sale of $120 million of publicly traded high
     yield debt and $140 million in additional Common Units.  It is currently
     contemplated that this transaction will be effected through the private
     placement by Petro of $90 million of investment grade debt and the sale of
     $170 million in Common Units. In conjunction with this change, it is also
     contemplated that the exchange ratio used to calculate the number of
     Subordinated Units to be received by Petro shareholders will be modified
     from .13064 to .11758.  This transaction would be effected through Petro
     shareholders exchanging their 26,452,270 shares of Petro Common Stock for
     3,244,977 limited and general partnership units of the Partnership which
     will be subordinated to the existing Common Units of the Partnership.

          The Partnership currently distributes to its partners, on a quarterly
     basis, all of its Available Cash, which is generally all of the cash
     receipts of the Partnership less all cash disbursements, with a targeted
     Minimum Quarterly Distribution ("MQD") of $0.55 per unit, or $2.20 per unit
     on an annualized basis.  In connection with the Star Gas/Petro transaction,
     the Partnership will increase the MQD to $.575 per unit or $2.30 per unit  
     on an annualized basis. This increase in the MQD reflects the expectation
     that the transaction will be accretive to the Partnership.  The increase in
     the MQD will also serve to raise the threshold needed to end the
     subordination period.

          Of the 3,244,977 subordinated Partnership units anticipated to be
     distributed to Petro shareholders, 2,491,500 will be Senior Subordinated
     Units and 753,477 will be Junior Subordinated Units and General Partner
     Units.  The Senior Subordinated Units will be publicly registered and
     tradable (they are expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange)
     and will be subordinated with respect to distributions to the Partnership's
     Common Units.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
5)   PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF PETROLEUM HEAT AND POWER CO., INC., (CONTINUED)

     The Junior Subordinated Units and General Partner Units will not be
     registered nor publicly tradable and will be subordinated to both the
     Common Units and the Senior Subordinated Units.  The Senior Subordinated
     Units will be exchanged with holders of Petro's publicly traded Class A
     Common Stock and the Junior Subordinated Units and General Partner Units
     will be exchanged with individuals that currently own both Petro's Class C 
     Common Stock and Class A Common Stock.  Certain holders of Petro's Class C
     Common Stock will also exchange their shares for Senior Subordinated Units.

          It is currently contemplated that 21,189,827 shares of Petro Common
     Stock will be exchanged for 2,491,500 Senior Subordinated Units of the
     Partnership.  5,262,443 shares of Petro Common Stock, held by certain
     individuals who currently own Petro Class C Common Stock, including Irik P.
     Sevin, Chairman of both Petro and of the General Partner of the Partnership
     and other members of a group that currently controls Petro, will be
     exchanged for 430,395 Junior Subordinated Units and 323,082 General
     Partnership Units which are economically equivalent to Junior Subordinated
     Units.  The total value of the Senior Subordinated and Junior Subordinated
     units issued for Petro Common Stock is $50.9 million.  In addition, the
     Partnership will pay $7.0 million of transaction expenses.

          Pursuant to the subordination provision, distributions on the
     Partnership's Senior Subordinated Units may be made only after
     distributions of Available Cash on Common Units meet the MQD target.
     Distributions on the Partnership's Junior Subordinated Units and General
     Partner Units may be made only after distributions of Available Cash on
     Common Units and Senior Subordinated Units meet the MQD.  The Subordination
     Period will generally extend until the Partnership earns and pays its MQD
     for three years.  As a condition of the Star Gas/Petro transaction, the
     current Partnership Agreement will be amended so that no distribution will
     be paid on the Senior Subordinated Units, Junior Subordinated Units, or the
     General Partner Units except to the extent Available Cash is earned from
     operations.

          Like many other publicly traded master limited partnerships, the
     Partnership Agreement contains a provision which provides the General
     Partner with incentive distributions in excess of certain targeted amounts.
     Following the Star Gas/Petro transaction, this provision will be modified
     so that should there be any such incentive distributions, they will be made
     pro rata to the holders of Senior Subordinated Units, Junior Subordinated
     Units, and General Partner Units.

          In connection with the Star Gas/Petro transaction, the Senior
     Subordinated Units, Junior Subordinated Units and General Partnership Units
     can earn, pro rata, an aggregate of up to 303,000 additional Senior
     Subordinated Units over a five year period for each year that Petro meets
     certain financial goals to a maximum of 909,000 additional Senior
     Subordinated Units.

          Petro has completed an exchange offer agreement with institutional
     holders of an aggregate of $233 million or 98% of its public debt and
     preferred stock to permit the redemption of such securities at the closing
     of the Star Gas/Petro transaction.  This agreement allows Petro to redeem
     its 9 3/8% Subordinated Debentures, 10 1/8% Subordinated Notes and 12 1/4%
     Subordinated Debentures at 100%, 100% and 103.5% of principal amount,
     respectively, plus accrued interest and also to redeem its 12 7/8%
     Preferred Stock at $23 per share, plus accrued and unpaid dividends.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
5)   PROPOSED ACQUISITION OF PETROLEUM HEAT AND POWER CO., INC., (CONTINUED)


     In consideration for this early redemption right, Petro has agreed to issue
     to such holders 3.37 shares of newly issued Petro Junior Convertible
     Preferred Stock for each $1,000 in principal amount or liquidation
     preference of such securities.  Each share of Petro Junior Convertible
     Preferred Stock will be exchangeable into .13064 of a Partnership Common
     Unit at the conclusion of the Star Gas/Petro transaction representing a
     maximum of 102,773 Common Units.


          Petro currently has a 40.5% equity interest in the Partnership and the
     General Partner is a subsidiary of Petro.  Prior to the Transaction, Petro
     owns 2,396,078 Subordinated Units and a 2.0% interest in the Partnership or
     the equivalent of 127,655 units.  As part of the Transaction, the
     Subordinated Units and General Partner Interests will be contributed to the
     Partnership by Petro in exchange for 102,773 Common Units and 2,002,378
     Senior Subordinated Units.  The Common Units will be exchanged by Petro
     with the holders of Petro Junior Convertible Preferred Stock and the Senior
     Subordinated Units ultimately will be exchanged with certain holders of
     Petro's Common Stock.  After completion of the Star Gas/Petro transaction,
     the Petro shareholders will own approximately 20% of the Partnership's
     equity through Subordinated Units and General Partner Units. The holders of
     the Partnership's Common Units (including an estimated 8.9 million Common
     Units that will be sold in the Partnership's proposed $170 million public
     offering) will own an aggregate of approximately 80% equity interest in the
     Partnership following the completion of the transaction. In connection with
     the Star Gas/Petro transaction, the General Partner of the Partnership will
     be a newly organized Delaware limited liability company that will be owned
     by Irik Sevin, Audrey Sevin and two entities affiliated with Wolfgang
     Traber.


          A Special Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner
     acting on behalf of the holders of the Common Units, negotiated the terms
     of the Star Gas/Petro transaction.  A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. was retained
     by the Special Committee as independent financial advisor, and has rendered
     an opinion that the Star Gas/Petro transaction is fair, from a financial
     point of view, to the holders of Common Units.


          The completion of the Star Gas/Petro transaction is subject to the
     receipt of regulatory approvals, the approval of the Partnership's non-
     affiliated Common unitholders and non-affiliated Petro shareholders and
     other necessary partnership and corporate approvals.


6)   SUBSEQUENT EVENT - CASH DISTRIBUTION


          On January 26, 1999 the Partnership announced that it would pay a cash
     distribution of $0.55 per common unit and 2.0% general partner interest for
     the three months ended December 31, 1998.  The distribution is payable on
     February 15, 1999 to holders of record as of February 5, 1999.  The
     Partnership decided not to pay a distribution on its subordinated units.


7)   EQUITY OFFERING


          In connection with the Petro acquisition, the Partnership filed on
     December 3, 1998 a registration statement to sell $136.0 million of
     additional Common Units representing limited partner interests.  The
     Partnership intends to amend this registration statement to increase the
     amount raised to $170.0 million.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
                    STAR GAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY


         MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITIONS

                           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
- ------------------------------------
COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------


OVERVIEW

In analyzing the financial results of the Partnership, the following matters
should be considered.

Propane's primary use is for heating in residential and commercial applications.
As a result, weather conditions have a significant impact on financial
performance and should be considered when analyzing changes in financial
performance.

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

Lastly, the propane industry is seasonal in nature with peak activity occurring
during the winter months.  Accordingly, results of operations for the periods
presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a
full year.

VOLUME

For the three months ended December 31, 1998, retail propane volume decreased
9.2 million gallons, or 23.7%, to 29.4 million gallons, as compared to 38.6
million gallons for the three months ended December 31, 1997.  This decline was
due to the impact of abnormal weather conditions, involving both warmer
temperatures and a very dry fall harvest, which caused propane demand for crop
drying to be at its lowest level since 1991.  The abnormally warm weather not
only impacted the volume associated with scheduled deliveries, but also resulted
in certain customers delaying their first winter delivery to the second fiscal
quarter. Partially offsetting these weather related impacts on volume sales was
the additional volume provided by acquisitions.  In the Partnership's operating
areas, weather was 15.5% warmer than the prior year's comparable quarter and
13.5% warmer than normal.

For the three months ended December 31, 1998, wholesale propane volume declined
by 3.3 million gallons to 6.3 million gallons, as compared to 9.6 million
gallons for the three months ended December 31, 1997.  This decline was
primarily due to the above mentioned weather factors.

SALES

Sales declined $11.6 million or 27.7%, to $30.2 million for the three months
ended December 31, 1998, as compared to $41.8 million for the three months ended
December 31, 1997.  This decline was attributable to a reduction in wholesale
and retail volume as well as lower selling prices.  During the three months
ended December 31, 1998, retail and wholesale selling prices declined versus the
prior year's comparable quarter in response to lower propane supply costs.

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
COST OF SALES

Cost of sales declined $9.7 million, or 44.7%, to $12.0 million for the three
months ended December 31, 1998, as compared to $21.7 million for the three
months ended December 31, 1997.  This decline was due to lower volume sales and
lower propane supply costs.  While both selling prices and propane supply costs
declined on a per gallon basis, the decline in selling prices was less than the
decline in propane supply costs.  This resulted in an increase in per gallon
margins across all market segments.

DELIVERY AND BRANCH EXPENSES

Delivery and branch expenses increased $0.1 million, or 1.4%, to $10.3 million
for the three months ended December 31, 1998, as compared to $10.2 million for
the three months ended December 31, 1997.  While operating costs associated with
acquisitions led to an increase in delivery and branch expenses of $0.5 million,
these costs were mostly offset by a $0.4 million reduction in compensation
expense due to the weather related volume decline.

DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.2 million to $3.0 million for
the three months ended December 31, 1998, as compared to $2.8 million for the
three months ended December 31, 1997.  This increase was primarily due to
additional depreciation and amortization expense associated with acquisitions.

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

General and administrative expenses were $1.4 million for both the three months
ended December 31, 1998 and the three months ended December 31, 1997.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

Interest expense, net increased $0.1 million to $2.2 million for the three
months ended December 31, 1998, as compared to $2.1 million for the three months
ended December 31, 1997.  This change was attributable to the increase in long-
term borrowings to finance the fiscal 1998 acquisitions.

NET INCOME

Net income declined $2.4 million to $1.3 million for the three months ended
December 31, 1998, as compared to $3.7 million for the three months ended
December 31, 1997.  The decline was due to lower volume sales and increases in
depreciation and interest expense relating to acquisitions.

EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION, LESS NET GAIN
(LOSS) ON SALES OF EQUIPMENT (EBITDA)

Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization less net gain
(loss) on sales of equipment (EBITDA) decreased $2.2 million to $6.5 million for
the three months ended December 31, 1998, as compared to $8.7 million for the
prior year's comparable quarter.  This decline was due to the impact of abnormal
weather conditions.

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
EARNINGS BEFORE INTEREST, TAXES, DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION, LESS NET GAIN
(LOSS) ON SALES OF EQUIPMENT (EBITDA) (CONTINUED)

Despite 15.5% warmer weather, but for the impact of lower agricultural volume,
EBITDA would have declined only $0.6 million due to improved gross profit
margins, lower same store operating costs and the additional EBITDA provided by
acquisitions.  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.  The definition of "EBITDA" set forth above may
be different from that used by other companies.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

For the three months ended December 31, 1998, net cash provided by operating
activities increased $0.2 million to $2.2 million, as compared to $2.0 million
for the three months ended December 31, 1997.  This increase was due to lower
net working capital requirements for inventory, accounts receivable and other
net  assets which substantially offset a $2.4 million reduction in operating
income.

Net cash used in investing activities increased $0.8 million to $1.3 million for
the three months ended December 31, 1998, as compared to $0.5 million for the
three months ended December 31, 1997.  Cash flows from investing activities for
the three months ended December 1997 were positively impacted by the $1.8
million in cash acquired in the Pearl Gas conveyance.  Exclusive of this item,
net cash used in 1998 decreased $1.1 million versus 1997, due primarily to a
lower level of maintenance capital expenditures.

Net cash provided by financing activities increased $2.6 million to $3.7 million
for the three months ending December 1998 versus $1.1 million for the prior
year's comparable quarter due to a net $0.8 million reduction in Partnership
distributions to subordinated unitholders and an increase in working capital
borrowings of $1.8 million.

The Partnership's cash requirements for the remainder of fiscal 1999 include
capital expenditures of approximately $1.5 million, interest payments on its
First Mortgage Notes of $7.6 million and Partnership distributions.  Based on
its current cash position, bank credit availability and expected net cash from
operating activities, the Partnership expects to be able to meet all of its
above obligations for fiscal 1999, as well as all of its other current
obligations as they become due.

YEAR 2000

The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs using only the last two
digits to indicate the year.  If uncorrected, such computer programs will not be
able to interpret dates correctly beyond the year 1999 and, in some cases prior
to that time (as some computer experts believe), which could cause computer
system failures or other computer errors disrupting business operations.
Recognizing the potentially severe consequences of the failure to be Year 2000
compliant, the Partnership's management has developed and implemented a
Partnership-wide program to identify and remedy the Year 2000 issues.

The scope of the Partnership's Year 2000 readiness program includes the review
and evaluation of the Partnership's information technology (IT) such as hardware
and software utilized in the operation of the Partnership's business.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
YEAR 2000 (CONTINUED)

If needed modifications and conversions are not made on a timely basis, the Year
2000 issue could cause interruption in delivering propane product to customers
or prevent the Partnership from fulfilling their service needs.  The Partnership
is currently using internal and external resources to identify and correct
systems that are not Year 2000 compliant.

Since the Partnership does not internally develop software for its own use,
software developed externally is being evaluated for Year 2000 compliance.  This
software is being upgraded or replaced if it is determined that it is not
compliant.  As part of this program, the Partnership's systems are being
evaluated for meeting current and future business needs and the Partnership is
using this process as an opportunity to upgrade and enhance its information
systems.  The Partnership anticipates completing such upgrades and replacements
as needed by September 1999.  The Partnership expects that most of these costs
will be capitalized, as they are principally related to adding new hardware and
software applications and functionality.  Other costs will continue to be
expensed as incurred.  Through December 1998, the Partnership estimates that
incremental costs of approximately $0.2 million have been incurred related to
Year 2000 issues and its ongoing information technology upgrade program.  The
current estimated cost to complete the upgrade and remediation of non-compliant
systems is expected to be less than $0.4 million.

The Partnership's current estimates of the amount of time and costs necessary to
remediate and test its computer systems are based on the facts and circumstances
existing at this time.  The estimates were made using assumptions of future
events including the continued availability of existing resources, Year 2000
modification plans, implementation success by third-parties and other factors.
New developments may occur that could affect the Partnership's estimates of the
amount of time and costs necessary to modify and test its IT and non-IT systems
for Year 2000 compliance.

Notwithstanding the substantive work involved in making all its systems Year
2000 compliant, the Partnership could still potentially experience disruptions
to some aspects of its various activities and operations.  The Partnership is
developing contingency plans, primarily instituting manual backup systems, in
the event that it experiences Year 2000 related disruptions.

In addition the Partnership has anticipated the possibility that not all of its
vendors, suppliers and other third parties will have taken the necessary steps
to adequately address their Year 2000 issues on a timely basis.  In order to
minimize the impact on the Partnership of non-compliance, the Partnership
intends to contact all key suppliers and evaluate their Year 2000 readiness.  If
it is determined that these parties will not be Year 2000 compliant, the
Partnership will prepare a contingency plan for those suppliers whose non-
compliance could have a material effect on the Partnership's business
activities.

ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES NOT YET ADOPTED

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards SFAS No. 131 - "Disclosure about Segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information."  SFAS No. 131 requires disclosures about
segments of an enterprise and related information such as different types of
business activities and economic environments in which a business operates.
This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.
Accordingly, the Partnership will not be required to adopt SFAS No. 131 until
fiscal year end 1999.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES NOT YET ADOPTED (CONTINUED)

In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities". This statement is effective for fiscal
years beginning after June 15, 1999.  SFAS 133 establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts, and for hedging activities. It requires
that entities recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities and
measure the instruments at fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value
of a derivative depends upon the intended use of such derivative. The
Partnership expects to adopt the provisions of SFAS 133 in first quarter of
fiscal 2000.  The Partnership is still evaluating the effects of SFAS 133.

The adoption of these standards is not expected to have a material effect on the
Partnership's financial position or results of operations.


STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURE


This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section
27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act which represent
the Partnership's expectations or beliefs concerning future events that involve
risks and uncertainties, including those associated with the effect of weather
conditions on the Partnership's financial performance, the price and supply of
propane and the ability of the Partnership to obtain new accounts and retain
existing accounts.  All statements other than statements of historical facts
included in this Report including, without limitation, the statements under
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial
Condition" and elsewhere herein, are forward-looking statements.  Although the
Partnership believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking
statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will
prove to have been correct.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                          PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION



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

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

               10.16     Fifth Amendment dated January 22, 1999 to the Bank
                         Credit Agreement

               10.17     Form of Severance Agreement between Star Gas
                         Corporation and Richard F. Ambury

               10.18     Form of Severance Agreement between Star Gas
                         Corporation and David R. Eastin

               (27)   Financial Data Schedule



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

               The Partnership filed form 8-K on November 20, 1998 relating to
               the acquisition of Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc.

                                       16
<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 of the undersigned
thereunto duly authorized:

Star Gas Partners, L.P.

By:  Star Gas Corporation (General Partner)

 
SIGNATURE                        TITLE                          DATE
- ---------                        -----                          ----      
 
/s/    Joseph P. Cavanaugh       President                     February 12, 1999
       -------------------       Star Gas Corporation
       Joseph P. Cavanaugh       (Principal Executive Officer)
                            
 
/s/    Richard F. Ambury         Vice President Finance        February 12, 1999
       -------------------       Star Gas Corporation  
       Richard F. Ambury         (Principal Financial & Accounting Officer)
                                 

                                       17

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.16

 
               FIFTH AMENDMENT dated as of January 22, 1999 (this "Fifth
                                                                   -----
               Amendment"), to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 13,
               ---------                                                    
               1995 (as amended prior to the date hereof, the "Credit
                                                               ------
               Agreement"), among Star Gas Propane, L.P., a Delaware limited
               partnership (the "Borrower"), the lenders party thereto, The
                                 --------                                  
               First National Bank of Boston (now known as BankBoston, N.A.), as
               Administrative Agent (the "Administrative Agent"), and
                                          --------------------       
               NationsBank, N.A., as Documentation Agent (the "Documentation
                                                               -------------
               Agent", and together with the Administrative Agent, the
               -----                                                  
               "Agents").
                ------   


     The Borrower has requested the Agents and the Lenders to make certain
changes to the Credit Agreement.  The parties hereto have agreed, subject to the
terms and conditions hereof, to amend the Credit Agreement as provided herein.

     Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement (the Credit Agreement,
as amended by, and together with, this Fifth Amendment, and as hereinafter
amended, modified, extended or restated from time to time, being called the
"Amended Agreement").
- ------------------   

     Accordingly, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

     SECTION 1.01.  Amendment to Section 6.31.  Section 6.31(a) of the Credit
                    -------------------------                                
Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby
substituted in lieu thereof:

          "(a) The Borrower will not permit the ratio on any day (the "date of
     determination") of (i) Total Funded Debt as of the last day of the
     Reference Period with respect to such date of determination to (ii)
     Consolidated Cash Flow for such Reference Period to be greater than the
     ratio set forth below opposite the calendar period during which such date
     of determination occurs:


 
          Calendar Period                                        Ratio
          ---------------                                        -----
 
          January 1, 1996 through                                   5.00:1.00  
          June 30, 1997                                                      
                                                                             
          July 1, 1997 through                                      4.75:1.00
          September 30, 1997                                                 
                                                                             
          October 1, 1997 through                                   4.95:1.00
          December 31, 1997                                                  
                                                                             
          January 1, 1998 through                                   5.00:1.00
          September 30, 1998                                                 
                                                                             
          The period ending                                         5.40:1.00
          December 31, 1998                                                  
                                                                             
          January 1, 1999 through                                   5.00:1.00
          June 30, 1999                                                      
                                                                             
          After June 30, 1999                                       4.50:1.00 
<PAGE>
 
     Nothing contained in this amendment to Section 6.31 of the Credit Agreement
is intended to modify the terms of Section 4.03 of the Credit Agreement.

     SECTION 1.02.  Amendment to Section 9.01.  Section 9.01(c) of the Credit
                    -------------------------                                
Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and the following is hereby deleted
in its entirety and the following is hereby substituted in lieu thereof:

          "(c) if to the Documentation Agent, to it at Three Allen Center, 333
     Clay Street, Suite 4550, Houston, Texas 77002-4103, Attention of Daryl
     Patterson (Telecopy no. (713) 651-4808), with a copy to McGuire Woods
     Battle & Boothe LLP at NationsBank Corporate Center, 100 North Tryon
     Street, Suite 2900, Charlotte, NC  28202-4011, Attention of Marvin L.
     Rogers (Telecopy No. (704) 347-3838); and

     SECTION 1.03.  Representations and Warranties.  The Borrower hereby
                    ------------------------------                      
represents and warrants to each of the Agents and the Lenders, as follows:

          (a)  The representations and warranties set forth in Article III of
the Amended Agreement, and in each other Loan Document, are true and correct in
all material respects on and as of the date hereof and on and as of the Fifth
Amendment Effective Date (as hereinafter defined) with the same effect as if
made on and as of the date hereof or the Fifth Amendment Effective Date, as the
case may be, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly
relate solely to an earlier date.

          (b)  Each of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries is in compliance with
all the terms and conditions of the Amended Agreement and the other Loan
Documents on its part to be observed or performed and no Default or Event of
Default has occurred or is continuing.

          (c)  The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
Fifth Amendment have been duly authorized by the Borrower.

          (d)  This Fifth Amendment constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of the Borrower, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms.

          (e)  The execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower of this
Fifth Amendment (i) will not violate (A) any provision of law, statute, rule or
regulation, or of the agreement of limited partnership of the Borrower, (B) any
order of any Governmental Authority or (C) any provision of any indenture,
agreement or other instrument to which the Borrower is a party or by which it or
any of its property may be bound and (ii) do not require any consents under,
result in a breach of or constitute (with notice or lapse of time or both) a
default or give rise to increased, additional, accelerated or guaranteed rights
of any Person under any such indenture, agreement or other instrument.
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 1.04.   Effectiveness.  This Fifth Amendment shall become effective
                     -------------                                              
only upon satisfaction of the following conditions precedent (the first date
upon which each such condition has been satisfied being herein called the "Fifth
                                                                           -----
Amendment Effective Date"):
- ------------------------   

          (a)  the Administrative Agent shall have received duly executed
counterparts of this Fifth Amendment which, when taken together, bear the
authorized signatures of the Borrower and the Required Lenders.

          (b)  The Agents shall be satisfied that the representations and
warranties set forth in Section 1.03 are true and correct on and as of the Fifth
Amendment Effective Date.

          (c)  There shall not be any action pending or any judgment, order or
decree in effect which, in the judgment of the Agents or the Lenders, is likely
to restrain, prevent or impose materially adverse conditions upon performance by
the Borrower of its obligations under the Amended Agreement.

          (d)  The Agents shall have received such other documents, legal
opinions, instruments and certificates relating to this Fifth Amendment as they
shall reasonably request and such other documents, legal opinions, instruments
and certificates shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Agents and
the Lenders.  All corporate and other proceedings taken or to be taken in
connection with this Fifth Amendment and all documents incidental thereto,
whether or not referred to herein, shall be satisfactory in form and substance
to the Agents and the Lenders.

          (e)  The Borrower shall have paid all fees and expenses referred to in
Section 1.06 of this Fifth Amendment.

     SECTION 1.05.  APPLICABLE LAW.  THIS FIFTH AMENDMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY,
                    --------------                                             
AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, EXCEPT TO
THE EXTENT THAT THE FEDERAL LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA MAY APPLY.

     SECTION 1.06.  Expenses.  The Borrower shall pay (i) all reasonable out-of-
                    --------                                                   
pocket expenses incurred by the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the
preparation, negotiations execution, delivery and enforcement of this Fifth
Amendment, including, but not limited to, the reasonable fees and disbursements
of counsel and (ii) an amendment fee in the aggregate amount of $50,000 (the
"Amendment Fee"), $30,000 of such Amendment Fee to be paid to BankBoston N.A.
- --------------                                                               
and $20,000 of such Amendment Fee to be paid to NationsBank, N.A.

     SECTION 1.07.  Counterparts.  This Fifth Amendment may be executed in any
                    ------------                                              
number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of
which when taken together shall constitute but one agreement.
<PAGE>
 
     SECTION 1.08.  Loan Documents.  Except as expressly set forth herein, the
                    --------------                                            
amendments provided herein shall not by implication or otherwise limit,
constitute a waiver of, or otherwise affect the rights and remedies of the
Lenders, the Agents, the Trustee or the other Secured Parties under the Amended
Agreement or any other Loan Document, nor shall they constitute a waiver of any
Default or Event of Default, nor shall they alter, modify, amend or in any way
affect any of the terms, conditions, obligations, covenants or agreements
contained in the Amended Agreement or any other Loan Document.  Each of the
amendments provided herein shall apply and be effective only with respect to the
provisions of the Amended Agreement specifically referred to by such amendments.
Except as expressly amended herein, the Amended Agreement and the other Loan
Documents shall continue in full force and effect in accordance with the
provisions thereof.  As used in the Amended Agreement, the terms "Agreement",
"herein", "hereinafter", "hereunder", "hereto" and words of similar import shall
mean, from and after the date hereof, the Amended Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Fifth Amendment to
be duly executed by duly authorized officers, all as of the date first above
written.

                         STAR GAS PROPANE, L.P., as Borrower

                              By:   Star Gas Corporation, its General Partner


                                    by____________________________________
                                    Name:
                                    Title:

                         BANKBOSTON, N.A.,
                         as Administrative Agent and as a Lender


                         by_______________________________________________
                         Name:
                         Title:


                         NATIONSBANK, N.A., as Documentation Agent
                         and as a Lender


                         by_______________________________________________
                         Name:
                         Title:

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.17

                                     September 24, 1998


Mr. Richard F. Ambury
Vice President - Finance
Star Gas Propane, L.P.
2187 Atlantic Street
Stamford, CT  06902


Dear Rich:


     As a condition of your employment with Star Gas Corporation ("Star"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc. ("Petro") we agree
that if your employment is terminated by Star without "cause" or voluntarily by
you within six months after there has been a "change in circumstances" (each a
"Termination") you will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to 1.25
times your then basic annual salary.  The term "cause" means fraud, dishonesty,
illegal conduct or similar malfeasance or the failure to perform your duty in a
professional manner, if such failure continues for a period of ten days after
written notice.  For purposes of this agreement, a "change in circumstances"
shall be deemed to have occurred if for any reason other than for "cause" Star
a)  demotes employee reducing the employee's title, b)  reduces employee's base
salary or potential bonus compensation in a greater percentage than any other
executive at Star, c)  materially reduces employee authority or responsibility,
or d)  requires employee to change principal location of employee's employment
by more than fifty (50) miles.  If your employment is terminated for any other
reason you will receive no severance payment.

     However, if a Termination occurs during the period of 12 months following a
"change of control", you will be entitled to receive a severance payment of an
amount equal to 2.5 times your then basic annual salary.  The term "change of
control" shall be deemed to occur if at any time the holders of Petro's Class C
Common Stock no longer own in the aggregate, either a)  common stock having at
least 51% of the total voting power of all Petro Common stock or b)  if the
businesses of Star and Petro are combined, 51% of the voting power of the equity
securities of the ultimate parent of Star Gas Propane, L.P. or, if such ultimate
parent is Star Gas Partners, L.P., the general partner of such ultimate parent.

     If you are entitled to a severance payment, it shall be made to you within
15 days of termination.
<PAGE>
 
Page 2
Richard F. Ambury
September 24, 1998


     You agree that you will not at any time, directly or indirectly, disclose
or furnish to any other person, firm or corporation or use for your personal
benefit any information concerning Star's method of conducting or doing
business, its advertising or marketing programs, or its methods of obtaining
customers, or any other confidential information of Star, including, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the names of any propane distributors
with which to your knowledge, Star has held any acquisition discussions, or
which, to your knowledge have contacted Star to discuss a potential acquisition
within the period of three years prior to the date of termination of your
employment.

     Please indicate your agreement with the foregoing by signing in the space
provided below.



                                     Sincerely,


                                     Star Gas Corporation
                                     By:  Star Gas Propane, L.P.


                                     By:____________________________
                                        Joseph P. Cavanaugh


Accepted and Agreed:


____________________________
Richard F. Ambury


Date:_______________________

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Exhibit 10.18

                                     September 24, 1998


Mr. David R. Eastin
Vice President - Operations
Star Gas Propane, L.P.
2187 Atlantic Street
Stamford, CT  06902


Dear David:


     As a condition of your employment with Star Gas Corporation ("Star"), a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroleum Heat and Power Co., Inc. ("Petro") we agree
that if your employment is terminated by Star without "cause" or voluntarily by
you within six months after there has been a "change in circumstances" (each a
"Termination") you will be entitled to receive a severance payment equal to 1.25
times your then basic annual salary.  The term "cause" means fraud, dishonesty,
illegal conduct or similar malfeasance or the failure to perform your duty in a
professional manner, if such failure continues for a period of ten days after
written notice.  For purposes of this agreement, a "change in circumstances"
shall be deemed to have occurred if for any reason other than for "cause" Star
a)  demotes employee reducing the employee's title, b)  reduces employee's base
salary or potential bonus compensation in a greater percentage than any other
executive at Star, c)  materially reduces employee authority or responsibility,
or d)  requires employee to change principal location of employee's employment
by more than fifty (50) miles.  If your employment is terminated for any other
reason you will receive no severance payment.

     However, if a Termination occurs during the period of 12 months following a
"change of control", you will be entitled to receive a severance payment of an
amount equal to 2.5 times your then basic annual salary.  The term "change of
control" shall be deemed to occur if at any time the holders of Petro's Class C
Common Stock no longer own in the aggregate, either a)  common stock having at
least 51% of the total voting power of all Petro Common stock or b)  if the
businesses of Star and Petro are combined, 51% of the voting power of the equity
securities of the ultimate parent of Star Gas Propane, L.P. or, if such ultimate
parent is Star Gas Partners, L.P., the general partner of such ultimate parent.

     If you are entitled to a severance payment, it shall be made to you within
15 days of termination.
<PAGE>
 
Page 2
David R. Eastin
September 24, 1998

     You agree that you will not at any time, directly or indirectly, disclose
or furnish to any other person, firm or corporation or use for your personal
benefit any information concerning Star's method of conducting or doing
business, its advertising or marketing programs, or its methods of obtaining
customers, or any other confidential information of Star, including, without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, the names of any propane distributors
with which to your knowledge, Star has held any acquisition discussions, or
which, to your knowledge have contacted Star to discuss a potential acquisition
within the period of three years prior to the date of termination of your
employment.

     Please indicate your agreement with the foregoing by signing in the space
provided below.

                                        Sincerely,

                                        Star Gas Corporation
                                        By:  Star Gas Propane, L.P.



                                        By: ____________________________
                                             Joseph P. Cavanaugh

Accepted and Agreed:


_________________________
David R. Eastin


Date:____________________

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM STAR GAS
PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARY CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998
AND CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS FOR THE INTERIM PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1998
THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIEDDD 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>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          SEP-30-1999
<PERIOD-START>                             OCT-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1998
<CASH>                                           5,831
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    9,374
<ALLOWANCES>                                       221
<INVENTORY>                                      9,898
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                25,514
<PP&E>                                         138,438
<DEPRECIATION>                                  28,963
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 185,403
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           25,286
<BONDS>                                        103,616
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                        56,385
<OTHER-SE>                                          63
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   185,403
<SALES>                                         28,807
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                30,237
<CGS>                                           11,978
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   11,739
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 3,050
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                  (15)
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               2,185
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  1,300
<INCOME-TAX>                                         6
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                              1,294
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     1,294
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .20
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .20
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission