HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS L P
10-Q, 1998-07-09
RETAIL STORES, NEC
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<PAGE>   1
                                    FORM 10-Q

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MAY 31, 1998

                                       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 1-11727

                         HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


           DELAWARE                                         73-1493906
(State or other jurisdiction of                          (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)                          Identification No.)


                        8801 SOUTH YALE AVENUE, SUITE 310
                              TULSA, OKLAHOMA 74137
                              (Address of principal
                                executive offices
                                  and zip code)

                                 (918) 492-7272
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes      x          No
     ---------          ---------

At June 30, 1998, the registrant had units outstanding as follows:

<TABLE>
<S>                                         <C>               <C>
Heritage Propane Partners, L.P.             4,770,924         Common Units
                                            3,702,943         Subordinated Units
</TABLE>





<PAGE>   2
                                    FORM 10-Q
                         HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P.

                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                Pages
                                                                                                -----
<S>                                                                                             <C>
PART I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

         Item 1.  Financial Statements

         Heritage Propane Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries

         Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 31, 1998 and August 31, 1997
                                                                                                  1
         Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months and nine
           months ended May 31, 1998 and 1997                                                     2

         Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital for the nine months ended
           May 31, 1998                                                                           3

         Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended May
           31, 1998 and 1997                                                                      4

         Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                               5

         Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
           and Results of Operations                                                              6

PART II  OTHER INFORMATION

         Item 2.  Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds                                      10

         Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K                                               11

         Signatures
</TABLE>


                                       -i-
<PAGE>   3


                                    FORM 10-Q
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    ASSETS                                            May 31,    August 31,
                                                                                       1998         1997
                                                                                       ----         ----
                                                                                   (unaudited)
<S>                                                                                  <C>         <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash                                                                               $  3,136    $  2,025
  Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts                          12,913      11,170
  Inventories                                                                           9,977      13,361
  Prepaid expenses                                                                      1,173       1,395
                                                                                     --------    --------
     Total current assets                                                              27,199      27,951
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, net                                                    135,957     117,962
INVESTMENT IN AFFILIATES                                                                4,966       4,097
INTANGIBLES AND OTHER ASSETS, net                                                      67,836      53,789
                                                                                     --------    --------
     Total assets                                                                    $235,958    $203,799
                                                                                     ========    ========

                     LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Working capital facilities                                                         $  1,200    $ 12,250
  Accounts payable                                                                     13,546      14,000
  Accrued and other current liabilities                                                 9,407       7,376
  Current maturities of long-term debt                                                  1,184         800
                                                                                     --------    --------
     Total current liabilities                                                         25,337      34,426
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current maturities                                               176,631     148,453
                                                                                     --------    --------
     Total liabilities                                                                201,968     182,879
                                                                                     --------    --------

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

PARTNERS' CAPITAL:
  Common unitholders                                                                   22,863      11,295
  Subordinated unitholders                                                             10,786       9,417
  General Partner                                                                         341         208
                                                                                     --------    --------
     Total partners' capital                                                           33,990      20,920
                                                                                     --------    --------
     Total liabilities and partners' capital                                         $235,958    $203,799
                                                                                     ========    ========
</TABLE>


              THE ACCOMPANYING NOTES ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF THESE
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS.


                                       1
<PAGE>   4


                HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                  (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT UNIT AND PER UNIT DATA)
                                   (UNAUDITED)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             Three Months Ended              Nine Months Ended
                                                                  May 31,                         May 31,
                                                            1998            1997            1998            1997
                                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>        
REVENUES:
  Retail                                                $    31,051     $    26,438     $   118,866     $   113,664
  Wholesale                                                   7,200          10,898          26,300          49,080
  Other                                                       4,034           3,576          14,681          13,551
                                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
     Total revenues                                          42,285          40,912         159,847         176,295
                                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
  Cost of products sold                                      21,052          24,453          84,637         113,519
  Depreciation and amortization                               3,736           2,848           9,990           8,165
  Selling, general, and administrative                        1,448           1,342           4,007           3,978
  Operating expenses                                         12,060           9,812          35,293          31,323
                                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------
     Total costs and expenses                                38,296          38,455         133,927         156,985
                                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

OPERATING INCOME                                              3,989           2,457          25,920          19,310

  Gain (loss) on disposal of assets                             (62)            (44)            329             267
  Equity in earnings of affiliates                              305             111             857             562
  Other income (expense)                                        (90)             17            (206)            (34)
  Interest expense                                           (3,619)         (2,961)        (10,824)         (8,911)
                                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE MINORITY INTEREST                          523            (420)         16,076          11,194

  Minority interest                                            (104)            (71)           (536)           (493)
                                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

NET INCOME  (LOSS)                                              419            (491)         15,540          10,701

GENERAL PARTNER'S INTEREST IN NET INCOME  (LOSS)                  4              (5)            155             108
                                                        -----------     -----------     -----------     -----------

LIMITED PARTNERS' INTEREST IN NET INCOME  (LOSS)        $       415     $      (486)    $    15,385     $    10,593
                                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========

BASIC NET INCOME (LOSS) PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT        $       .05          $.(06)     $      1.86     $      1.33
                                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========

BASIC WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS OUTSTANDING        8,390,529       7,987,943       8,282,964       7,987,943
                                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========

DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) LIMITED PARTNER UNIT          $       .05     $      (.06)    $      1.85     $      1.33
                                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========

DILUTED WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS OUTSTANDING      8,423,773       7,987,943       8,314,189       7,987,943
                                                        ===========     ===========     ===========     ===========
</TABLE>





                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of these consolidated financial statements.


                                       2
<PAGE>   5


                HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
                        (in thousands, except 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, AUGUST 31, 1997                4,285,000      3,702,943     $ 11,295     $  9,417     $  208    $20,920

Unit distribution                            --             --         (6,806)      (5,554)      (125)   (12,485)
Issuance of restricted Common Units
  in connection with acquisitions         418,824           --          9,760         --         --        9,760
Capital contribution from General
  Partner in connection with
  issuance of Common Units                   --             --           --           --          100        100
Deferred compensation on Restricted            
  Units                                      --             --             41          111          3        155
Net Income                                   --             --          8,573        6,812        155     15,540
                                        ---------      ---------     --------     --------     ------    -------
BALANCE, MAY 31, 1998                   4,703,824      3,702,943     $ 22,863     $ 10,786     $  341    $33,990
                                        =========      =========     ========     ========     ======    =======
</TABLE>


                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of these consolidated financial statements.


                                       3
<PAGE>   6


                HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                            (in thousands, unaudited)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Nine Months Ended
                                                                               May 31,
                                                                          1998         1997
                                                                       ---------     --------
<S>                                                                    <C>           <C>     
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net  income                                                          $  15,540     $ 10,701
  Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided
  by  operating activities-
  Depreciation and amortization                                            9,990        8,165
  Provision for losses on accounts receivable                                324          492
  Gain on disposal of assets                                                (329)        (267)
  Deferred compensation on restricted units                                  155         --
  Undistributed earnings of affiliates                                      (869)        (519)
  Minority interest                                                           67         --
  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effect of acquisitions:
   Accounts receivable                                                      (797)        (775)
   Inventories                                                             4,008        2,868
   Prepaid expenses                                                          458          (26)
   Intangibles and other assets                                             (459)        (301)
   Accounts payable                                                       (1,145)      (3,495)
   Accrued and other current liabilities                                   1,554        3,127
                                                                       ---------     --------
        Net cash provided by operating activities                         28,497       19,970
                                                                       ---------     --------

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired                       (23,342)      (3,941)
  Capital expenditures                                                    (6,607)      (5,566)
  Proceeds  from asset sales                                               5,233        1,360
                                                                       ---------     --------
        Net cash used in investing activities                            (24,716)      (8,147)
                                                                       ---------     --------

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from borrowings                                               112,573       45,013
  Principal payments on debt                                            (102,858)     (45,393)
  Unit distribution                                                      (12,485)     (10,917)
    Capital contribution from General Partner                                100         --
                                                                       ---------     --------
        Net cash used in financing activities                             (2,670)     (11,297)
                                                                       ---------     --------

INCREASE IN CASH                                                           1,111          526

CASH, beginning of period                                                  2,025        1,170
                                                                       ---------     --------

CASH, end of period                                                    $   3,136     $  1,696
                                                                       =========     ========

NONCASH FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Notes payable incurred on noncompete agreements                      $   5,722     $  1,294
  Issuance of  Common Units in connection with
  acquisitions                                                         $   9,760         --
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the period for interest                             $   7,680     $  6,561
</TABLE>


                   The accompanying notes are an integral part
                   of these consolidated financial statements.


                                    4
<PAGE>   7


                HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

              NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        (in thousands, except unit data)

1.       GENERAL:

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared
by Heritage Propane Partners, L.P. (the Partnership), and include the accounts
of the Partnership and its subsidiaries, including Heritage Operating, L.P. (the
"Operating Partnership"), and a majority owned partnership. The partnership
accounts for its 50 percent partnership interest in another propane retailer
under the equity method. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts
have been eliminated in consolidation. The General Partner's 1.0101 percent
interest in the Operating Partnership is accounted for in the consolidated
financial statements as a minority interest. The accompanying financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the Partnership's consolidated
financial statements as of August 31, 1997, and the notes thereto included in
the Partnership's consolidated financial statements included in Form 10-K as
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The accompanying financial
statements include only normal recurring accruals and all adjustments that the
Partnership considers necessary for a fair presentation. Due to the seasonal
nature of the Partnership's business, the results of operations for interim
periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full
year.

2.       DETAILS TO CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS:

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market. The cost of fuel
inventories is determined using average cost while the cost of appliances, parts
and fittings is determined by the first-in, first-out method.
Inventories consist of the following:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 May 31,         August 31,
                                                 1998             1997
                                                --------         --------
                                              (Unaudited)
<S>                                             <C>              <C>     
 Fuel                                           $  5,716         $  9,468
 Appliances, parts and fittings                    4,261            3,893
                                                --------         --------
                                                $  9,977         $ 13,361
                                                ========         ========
</TABLE>


3.       NET INCOME PER LIMITED PARTNER UNIT:

Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 128, "Earnings per Share"
("Statement No. 128"), issued in February 1997 and effective for financial
statements for periods ending after December 15, 1997, establishes and
simplifies standards for computing and presenting earnings per share. Statement
No. 128 requires restatement of all prior-period earnings per share data
presented. Basic net income per limited partner unit is computed by dividing net
income, after considering the General Partner's one percent interest, by the
weighted average number of Common and Subordinated Units outstanding. Diluted
net income per limited partner unit is computed by dividing net income, after
considering the General Partner's one percent interest, by the weighted average
number of Common and Subordinated Units outstanding and the weighted average
number of Restricted Units ("Phantom Units") granted under the Restricted Unit
Plan.

4.       CASH DISTRIBUTIONS:

The Minimum Quarterly Distribution (MQD) of $3,993, or $.50 per Common and
Subordinated Unit, was paid on October 15, 1997, to Unitholders of record on
September 30, 1998, and $82 was distributed to the General Partner. On January
14, 1998, the Partnership paid the MQD of $4,176, or $.50 per Common and


                                       5
<PAGE>   8

Subordinated Unit, and $85 was distributed to the General Partner, to holders of
record on January 5, 1998. On April 14, 1998, the Partnership paid the MQD of
$4,176, or $.50 per Common and Subordinated Unit, and $85 was distributed to the
General Partner, to holders of record on April 3, 1998. On June 29, 1998, the
Partnership declared the MQD of $4,237, or $.50 per Common and Subordinated
Unit, and $86 to be distributed to the General Partner, payable on July 15,
1998, to holders of record on July 9, 1998.

5.       REGISTRATION STATEMENT:

Effective November 19, 1997, the Partnership registered 2,000,000 additional
Common Units which may be issued from time to time by the Partnership by means
of a prospectus delivered in connection with its negotiations for acquisition of
other businesses, properties or securities in business combination transactions.
As of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q, no Common Units have been issued
with respect to this registration statement.


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
         OF OPERATIONS

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

         This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements
that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The factors that could cause actual
results to differ materially include those discussed herein. Readers are
cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which
generally speak only as of the date of this Report on Form 10-Q. The General
Partner undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revision to these
forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of
the Report on Form 10-Q.

ANALYSIS OF UNAUDITED HISTORICAL RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

         On June 28, 1996, Heritage Propane Partners, L.P. (the Partnership)
acquired certain assets of Heritage Holdings, Inc. (the Company) and completed
an initial public offering. The Partnership operates 142 districts in 25 states,
serving over 240,000 customers. The Partnership has made 18 acquisitions since
the initial public offering. The following discussion reflects the results of
operations and operating data for the Partnership for the periods indicated.

         Since May 31, 1997, the Partnership has consummated 7 acquisitions
which affect the comparability of prior period financial results as they are,
for the most part included in the three months ended May 31, 1998, yet the
acquisition activity was not included in the comparable period of the prior
year. These acquisitions also affect the comparability of the nine months ended
May 31, 1998, and the same period last fiscal year as there is acquisition
activity from these in the current nine month period and not in the same nine
month period of last year.

         Amounts discussed below reflect 100% of the results of operations of
M-P Energy Partnership, formerly named M-P Oils Partnership, a general
partnership in which the Partnership owns a 60% interest. Because M-P Energy
Partnership is primarily engaged in lower-margin wholesale propane distribution,
its contribution to the Partnership's net income and EBITDA is not significant.

         The Partnership's results of operations are dependent in a large part
on weather conditions in its service areas. Because a substantial portion of the
propane sold by the Partnership is used in the heating-sensitive residential and
commercial markets, the temperatures realized in the Partnership's areas of
operations have a significant effect on the financial performance of the
Partnership. As a result, volumes of propane sold are highest during the peak
heating season of November through March. Warmer than normal weather during this
peak season will tend to have a negative effect on the volumes of propane sold.
Thus far in fiscal 1998, the Partnership has experienced one of the warmest
heating seasons this century. The weather patterns commonly referred to as El
Nino negatively affected every operating region in the Partnership's operations.

         The retail propane business is a "margin-based" business in which gross
profits depend on the excess of sales price over propane supply costs. The
market price of propane is often subject to volatile changes as a result of
supply or other market conditions over which the Partnership has no control.


                                       6
<PAGE>   9


Since rapid increases in the wholesale cost of propane, as was seen during the
1996 - 1997 heating season, may not be immediately passed on to retail
customers, such increases could reduce the Partnership's gross profits.
Conversely, declining wholesale prices may not necessarily increase operating
margins.

         The Partnership competes in the highly competitive propane industry.
The Partnership competes against other major propane companies as well as local
independent companies in most of its markets. The Partnership must also compete
against other energy sources such as natural gas, oil and electricity.

         Three Months Ended May 31, 1998 Compared to the Three Months Ended May
31, 1997.

         Volume. During the three months ended May 31, 1998, the Partnership
sold 34.6 million retail gallons, an increase of 8.0 million retail gallons or
30.1% from the 26.6 million retail gallons sold in the three months ended May
31, 1997. This increase was attributable to acquisition related volumes and to a
lesser extent, by internal growth.

         The Partnership also sold approximately 20.4 million wholesale gallons
in the three months ended May 31, 1998, a decrease of 8.7 million wholesale
gallons or 29.9% from the 29.1 million wholesale gallons sold in the three
months ended May 31, 1997. The decrease in wholesale volumes was attributable to
a decrease of 6.5 million gallons in the foreign operations of M-P Energy
Partnership and 2.2 million gallons in the U. S wholesale operations, both
primarily due to warmer than normal weather.

         Revenues. Total revenues increased $1.4 million or 3.4% to $42.3
million for the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $40.9 million
for the same three month period last year. Domestic retail fuel revenues
increased $4.6 million or 17.4% to $31.1 million for the three months ended May
31, 1998, as compared to $26.5 million for the three months ended May 31, 1997.
Domestic wholesale revenues decreased $.8 million or 36.4% from the $2.2 million
for the three months ended May 31, 1997, to $1.4 million for May 31, 1998.
Foreign wholesale revenues decreased $2.9 million or 33.3% to $5.8 million for
the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $8.7 million for the same
three month period last year. The decrease in foreign wholesale revenues was
attributable to decreased volumes and sales prices whereas the decreased
domestic wholesale fuel revenues resulted from decreased volumes offset somewhat
by increased sales prices. The increase in domestic retail fuel revenues was
attributable to the increase in retail volumes offset by a decrease in the sales
prices for the three months ended May 31, 1998 as compared to the three months
ended May 31, 1997. The three months ended May 31, 1997, was affected by the
higher inventory values coming out of a winter that had the most volatile
product costs in the history of the industry. The Partnership responded to these
high fuel costs with increased selling prices where necessary. During the three
months ended May 31, 1998, selling prices decreased as compared to the three
months ended May 31, 1997.

         Cost of Sales. Total cost of sales decreased $3.3 million or 13.5% to
$21.1 million for the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $24.4
million for the three months ended May 31, 1997. Domestic cost of sales
decreased $.4 million or 2.5% to $15.5 million for the three months ended May
31, 1998, as compared to $15.9 million for the comparable three month period
last year. Foreign cost of sales decreased $2.9 million or 34.1% to $5.6 million
for the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $8.5 million for the
same three month period last year. The decrease in foreign cost of sales was
attributable to decreased volumes and a decrease in the cost per gallon of
propane from last year's prices. The decrease in domestic cost of sales was also
due to the decrease in domestic wholesale volumes and the decrease in propane
costs in the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to the three month
period ended May 31, 1997, offset by the increase in retail volumes.

         Gross Profit. Total gross profit increased $4.7 million or 28.5% to
$21.2 million for the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $16.5
million for the same three month period last year. This increase was
attributable to an increase in retail volumes sold and the reduction of fuel
costs.

         Operating Expenses.  Operating expenses increased by $2.3 million or 
23.5% to $12.1 million in the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to
$9.8 million in the three months ended May 31, 1997. This increase was primarily
attributable to costs associated with acquisitions.


                                       7
<PAGE>   10

         Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were $1.4 million for the three months ended May 31,
1998, an increase of 7.7% from the $1.3 million for the three months ending May
31, 1997.

         Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased
approximately $.8 million or 27.6% to $3.7 million in the three months ended May
31, 1998, as compared to $2.9 million for the same three month period last year.
This increase was primarily the result of additional depreciation and
amortization associated with acquisitions.

         Operating Income. Operating income increased $1.5 million or 60.0% to
$4.0 million for the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $2.5
million for the three months ended May 31, 1997. This increase was due to the
increase in gross profit offset by the acquisition related increase in operating
expenses and depreciation and amortization.

         Net Income. Net income increased $.9 million to $.4 million for the
three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to the net loss of ($.5) million
for the three months ended May 31, 1997. This increase is the result of higher
operating income for the three months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to the
same three month period last year, partially offset by increased interest costs.

         EBITDA. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization
increased $2.5 million or 44.6% to $8.1 million in the three months ended May
31, 1998, as compared to $5.6 million for the same three month period of fiscal
1997. This increase was due to increased gross profit offset by the acquisition
related increase in operating expenses.

         Nine Months Ended May 31, 1998 Compared to the Nine Months Ended May
31, 1997.

         Volume. During the nine months ended May 31, 1998, the Partnership sold
125.3 million retail gallons, an increase of 18.3 million retail gallons or
17.1% from the 107.0 million retail gallons sold in the nine months ended May
31, 1997. This increase was primarily attributable to acquisition related
volumes offset, to a certain extent, by warmer weather in the Partnership's
areas of operations during the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to
the same period of the prior year.

         The Partnership also sold approximately 70.2 million wholesale gallons
in the nine months ended May 31, 1998, a decrease of 27.6 million wholesale
gallons or 28.2% from the 97.8 million wholesale gallons sold in the nine months
ended May 31, 1997. The decrease in wholesale volumes was attributable to a
decline of 18.2 million gallons in the foreign operations of M-P Energy
Partnership and 9.4 million gallons in U. S. wholesale operations, both
primarily due to warmer than normal weather in those areas of operations.

         Revenues. Total revenues decreased $16.5 million or 9.4% to $159.8
million for the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $176.3 million
for the same nine month period last fiscal year. Domestic retail fuel revenues
increased $5.2 million or 4.6% to $118.9 million for the nine months ended May
31, 1998, as compared to $113.7 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1997.
Domestic wholesale revenues decreased $5.9 million or 54.6% from the $10.8
million for the nine months ended May 31, 1997, to $4.9 million for the nine
months ended May 31, 1998. Foreign wholesale revenues accounted for the
remaining decline, showing a decrease of $16.9 million or 44.1% to $21.4 million
for the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $38.3 million for the
same nine month period last year. The decrease in foreign and domestic wholesale
revenues was attributable to both decreased volumes and sales prices. The
increased domestic retail fuel revenues resulted from increased volumes offset
somewhat by decreased sales prices.

         Cost of Sales. Total cost of sales decreased $28.9 million or 25.5% to
$84.6 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $113.5
million for the nine months ended May 31, 1997. Domestic cost of sales decreased
$11.9 million or 15.6% to $64.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1998,
as compared to $76.1 million for the comparable nine month period last year.
Foreign cost of sales decreased $17.0 million or 45.5% to $20.4 million for the
nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $37.4 million for the same nine
month period last year. The decrease in foreign cost of sales was attributable
to decreased volumes and a decrease in the cost per gallon of propane. The
decrease in domestic cost of sales was also due to the decrease in domestic
wholesale volumes and 


                                       8
<PAGE>   11

the decrease in propane costs in the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared
to the same nine month period ended May 31, 1997, partially offset by the
increased volumes of retail fuel.

         Gross Profit. Total gross profit increased $12.4 million or 19.7% to
$75.2 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $62.8
million for the same nine month period last year. This increase was attributable
to an increase in retail volumes sold, the impact of higher margins and an
increase in other propane related gross profit.

         Operating Expenses. Operating expenses increased by $4.0 million or
12.8% to $35.3 million in the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to
$31.3 million in the nine months ended May 31, 1997. This increase was primarily
attributable to costs associated with acquisitions.

         Selling, General and Administrative. Selling, general and
administrative expenses were $4.0 million for the nine months ended May 31,
1998, unchanged from the prior year.

         Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased
approximately $1.8 million or 22.0% to $10.0 million in the nine months ended
May 31, 1998, as compared to $8.2 million for the same nine month period last
year. This increase was primarily the result of additional depreciation and
amortization associated with acquisitions.

         Operating Income. Operating income increased $6.6 million or 34.2% to
$25.9 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to $19.3
million for the nine months ended May 31, 1997. This increase was due to the
increase in gross profit, offset by the acquisition related increase in
operating expenses and depreciation and amortization.

         Net Income. Net income increased $4.8 million to $15.5 million for the
nine months ended May 31, 1998, as compared to net income of $10.7 million for
the nine months ended May 31, 1997. This increase is the result of higher
operating income, partially offset by increased interest costs.

         EBITDA. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization
was $36.8 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1998 as compared to $28.3
million for the same nine month period for fiscal 1997, representing a 30.0%
increase. This increase was due to increased gross profit offset by the
acquisition related increase in operating expenses.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

         Cash Flows

         Cash provided by operating activities during the nine months ended May
31, 1998, was $28.5 million compared to $20.0 million during the nine months
ended May 31, 1997. The cash flows from operations during the nine months ended
May 31, 1998, consisted primarily of net income of $15.5 million and noncash
charges of $9.3 million, principally depreciation and amortization.

         Cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended May 31,
1998, included capital expenditures for acquisitions amounting to $23.3 million,
net of cash received. The Partnership spent an additional $6.6 million for both
maintenance capital needed to sustain operations at current levels, as well as
new customer tanks to support growth of operations and other miscellaneous
capitalized items.

         Cash used in financing activities during the nine months ended May 31,
1998, of $2.7 million is the net of $9.7 million of debt incurred, reduced by
the full Minimum Quarterly Distribution to unitholders of $12.5 million.


         Financing and Sources of Liquidity

         The Partnership has a Bank Credit Facility, which includes a Working
Capital Facility, a revolving credit facility providing for up to $15.0 million
of borrowings to be used for working capital and 


                                       9
<PAGE>   12


other general partnership purposes, and an Acquisition Facility, a revolving
credit facility providing for up to $35.0 million of borrowings to be used for
acquisitions and improvements.

         On November 19, 1997 the Partnership entered into a Note Purchase
Agreement that provides for the issuance of up to $100 million of senior secured
promissory notes (the "Notes") if certain conditions are met. An initial
placement of $32 million of Notes at an average interest rate of 7.23% with an
average 10 year maturity was completed at the closing of the Note Purchase
Agreement. An additional placement of $15 million of Notes at an average
interest rate of 6.59% with an average 12 year maturity was completed in March
1998. The proceeds of the Notes were used to refinance amounts outstanding under
the Acquisition Facility. As of June 30, 1998, the Acquisition Facility had
$35.0 million available to fund future acquisitions and the Working Capital
Facility had $9.1 million available for borrowings.

         Effective November 19, 1997, the Partnership registered 2,000,000
additional Common Units which may be issued from time to time by the Partnership
by means of a prospectus delivered in connection with its negotiations for
acquisition of other businesses, properties or securities in business
combination transactions. As of the date of the filing of this Form 10-Q, no
Common Units have been issued with respect to this registration statement.

         The Partnership uses its cash provided by operating and financing
activities to provide distributions to unitholders and to fund acquisition,
maintenance and growth capital expenditures. Acquisition capital expenditures,
which include expenditures related to the acquisition of retail propane
operations, were $23.3 million for the nine months ended May 31, 1998, as
compared to $3.9 million during the nine months ended May 31, 1997. In addition
to the $23.3 million of cash expended for acquisitions during the nine months
ended May 31, 1998, $9.8 million of Common Units, restricted as to
transferability of the Units, were issued in connection with acquisitions.

         The assets utilized in the propane business do not typically require
lengthy manufacturing process time nor complicated, high technology components.
Accordingly, the Partnership does not have any significant financial commitments
for capital expenditures. In addition, the Partnership has not experienced any
significant increases attributable to inflation in the cost of these assets.

         The ability of the Partnership to satisfy its obligations will depend
on its future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic,
financial, business and weather conditions and other factors, many of which are
beyond its control. Future operating needs of the Partnership are expected to be
provided by future operations, existing cash balances and the Working Capital
Facility. The Partnership may incur additional indebtedness or issue additional
Units to fund possible future acquisitions.

YEAR 2000 MATTERS

The Partnership has a number of information system improvement initiatives under
way that will require increased expenditures during the next several years.
These initiatives include the modification of certain computer software and
hardware systems to be Year 2000 compliant. Although the final estimates to
modify current systems have not yet been determined, the Partnership does not
expect that such costs, which will be expensed when incurred, will have a
material effect on the Partnership's results of operations.

                                   FORM 10-Q
                           PART II $ OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2.  CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

(c)      During the three months ended May 31, 1998, the Partnership issued
         54,999 Common Units ("Units") to Heritage Holdings, Inc., the
         Partnership's General Partner. These Units were issued in connection
         with the assumption of certain liabilities by the General Partner from
         the Partnership's acquisitions of certain assets of other propane
         companies. Subsequent to May 31, 1998, the Partnership issued an
         additional 67,100 Units to Heritage Holdings, Inc., also in relation to
         the assumption of certain liabilities by the General Partner from the
         Partnership's 


                                       10
<PAGE>   13


         acquisitions of certain assets of other propane companies. These
         Common Units were not registered with the Securities and Exchange
         Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, by virtue of
         an exemption under Section 4(2) thereof. These Common Units carry a
         restrictive legend with regard to transfer of the Units.

ITEM 6.  EXHIBITS AND REPORTS OF FORM 8-K

(a)      The following exhibits are filed as part of this Report. Exhibits
         required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K, but which are not listed below,
         are not applicable.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                  Exhibit
                  Number            Description
                  ------            -----------
<S>                 <C>             <C>
         (1)        3.1             Agreement of Limited Partnership of Heritage Propane Partners, L.P.

         (1)       10.1             Form of Bank Credit Facility

         (3)       10.1.1           Amendment of Bank Credit Facility dated as of July 9, 1996

         (4)       10.1.2           Amendment of Bank Credit Facility dated as of February 28, 1997

         (5)       10.1.3           Third Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of September 30,1997

         (6)       10.1.4           Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of November 18, 1997

         (1)       10.2             Form of Note Purchase Agreement

         (3)       10.2.1           Amendment of Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 25, 1996

         (4)       10.2.2           Amendment of Note Purchase Agreement dated as of March 11, 1997

         (1)       10.3             Form of Contribution, Conveyance and Assumption Agreement among Heritage
                                    Holdings, Inc., Heritage Holdings Partners, L.P. and Heritage Operating L.P.

         (1)       10.4             1989 Stock Option Plan

         (1)       10.5             1995 Stock Option Plan

         (1)       10.6             Restricted Unit Plan

         (4)       10.6.1           Amendment of Restricted Unit Plan dated as of October 17, 1996

         (2)       10.7             Employment Agreement for James E. Bertelsmeyer

         (1)       10.8             Employment Agreement for R.C. Mills

         (1)       10.9             Employment Agreement for G.A. Darr

         (1)       10.10            Employment Agreement for H. Michael Krimbill

         (6)       10.16            Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 19, 1997

                   27.1             Financial Data Schedule - Filed with EDGAR version only
</TABLE>
- - - - -------------------

(1)      Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to Registrant's
         Registration Statement on Form S-3, File No. 333-4018, filed with the
         Commission on June 21,1996.


                                       11
<PAGE>   14


(2)      Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Registrant's Registration
         Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-4018, filed with the Commission on
         June 21, 1996.

(3)      Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to Registrant's
         Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 1996.

(4)      Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to Registrant's
         Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 1997.

(5)      Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to Registrant's
         Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 1997.

(6)      Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to Registrant's
         Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 1997.


- - - - ---------------------

(b)      No reports on Form 8-K have been filed by the registrant for the
         quarter for which this report is filed.


                                       12
<PAGE>   15


                                    SIGNATURE

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


                                      HERITAGE PROPANE PARTNERS, L.P.

                                  By:  Heritage Holdings, Inc., General Partner



Date: July 9, 1998                By:            /s/ H. Michael Krimbill
                                               -----------------------------
                                               H. Michael Krimbill
                                               (Chief Accounting Officer and
                                               officer duly authorized to sign
                                               on behalf of the registrant)


                                       13
<PAGE>   16
                              INDEX TO EXHIBITS



EXHIBIT NO.                      DESCRIPTION
- - - - -----------                      -----------

   27                      Financial Data Schedule


<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
<S>                             <C>                      <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS                    6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1998              AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                             MAR-01-1998              SEP-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               MAY-31-1998              MAY-31-1998
<CASH>                                           3,136                    3,136
<SECURITIES>                                         0                        0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   13,349                   13,349
<ALLOWANCES>                                       436                      436
<INVENTORY>                                      9,977                    9,977
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                27,199                   27,199
<PP&E>                                         168,875                  168,875
<DEPRECIATION>                                  32,918                   32,918
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 235,958                  235,958
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           25,337                   25,337
<BONDS>                                        176,631                  176,631
                                0                        0
                                          0                        0
<COMMON>                                             0                        0
<OTHER-SE>                                      33,990                   33,990
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   235,958                  235,958
<SALES>                                         42,285                  159,847
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                42,285                  159,847
<CGS>                                           21,052                   84,637      
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   38,296                  133,927
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 (153)                    (980)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                               3,619                   10,824
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    523                   16,076
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0                        0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                419                   15,540
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0                        0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0                        0
<CHANGES>                                            0                        0
<NET-INCOME>                                       419                   15,540
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .05                     1.86
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .05                     1.85
        

</TABLE>


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