Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

OR

 

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

For the transition period from              to             .

COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 0-32453

 

 

Inergy, L.P.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   43-1918951

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

 

Two Brush Creek Blvd., Suite 200

Kansas City, Missouri

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

(816) 842-8181

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  x     Accelerated filer  ¨    
Non-accelerated filer  ¨     Smaller Reporting company  ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)  

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

The following units were outstanding at May 1, 2008:

Common Units                    49,847,550

 

 

 


Table of Contents

INERGY, L.P.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

     Page

Part I – Financial Information

  

Item 1 – Financial Statements of Inergy, L.P.:

  

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and September 30, 2007

   3

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

   4

Unaudited Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Capital for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2008

   5

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007

   6

Unaudited Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

   8

Item 2 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   18

Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   29

Item 4 – Controls and Procedures

   31

Part II – Other Information

  

Item 1 – Legal Proceedings

   32

Item 1A – Risk Factors

   32

Item 2 – Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

   32

Item 3 – Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   32

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

   32

Item 5 – Other Information

   32

Item 6 – Exhibits

   32

Signature

   34

 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements of Inergy L.P.

INERGY L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in millions, except unit information)

 

     March 31,
2008
   September 30,
2007
     (unaudited)     

Assets

     

Current assets:

     

Cash

   $ 21.1    $ 7.7

Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4.4 million and $3.4 million at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively

     183.7      112.2

Inventories (Note 3)

     70.6      100.5

Assets from price risk management activities

     19.0      55.0

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     17.8      23.2
             

Total current assets

     312.2      298.6

Property, plant and equipment (Note 3)

     1,114.6      1,000.3

Less: accumulated depreciation

     212.0      179.6
             

Property, plant and equipment, net

     902.6      820.7

Intangible assets (Note 3):

     

Customer accounts

     243.0      238.8

Other intangible assets

     120.1      116.8
             
     363.1      355.6

Less: accumulated amortization

     91.4      78.8
             

Intangible assets, net

     271.7      276.8

Goodwill

     370.0      347.2

Other assets

     7.2      1.1
             

Total assets

   $ 1,863.7    $ 1,744.4
             

Liabilities and partners’ capital

     

Current liabilities:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 96.0    $ 100.3

Accrued expenses

     62.1      61.5

Customer deposits

     26.9      73.9

Liabilities from price risk management activities

     19.0      49.6

Current portion of long-term debt (Note 5)

     32.9      25.5
             

Total current liabilities

     236.9      310.8

Long-term debt, less current portion (Note 5)

     844.9      684.7

Other long-term liabilities

     3.5      7.7

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s subsidiaries (Note 4)

     3.1      —  

Partners’ capital (Note 6):

     

Common unitholders (49,843,986 and 49,764,486 units issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively)

     773.4      739.5

Non-managing general partner and affiliate

     1.9      1.7
             

Total partners’ capital

     775.3      741.2
             

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

   $ 1,863.7    $ 1,744.4
             

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

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in millions, except unit and per unit data)

(unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007     2008     2007  

Revenue:

        

Propane

   $ 526.1     $ 460.5     $ 928.7     $ 787.9  

Other

     122.1       93.1       234.1       174.0  
                                
     648.2       553.6       1,162.8       961.9  

Cost of product sold (excluding depreciation and amortization as shown below)

        

Propane

     381.6       313.3       688.9       544.0  

Other

     75.8       56.0       144.0       103.9  
                                
     457.4       369.3       832.9       647.9  
                                

Gross profit

     190.8       184.3       329.9       314.0  

Expenses:

        

Operating and administrative

     70.5       65.9       135.6       131.5  

Depreciation and amortization

     23.2       19.0       46.0       39.5  

Gain (loss) on disposal of assets

     0.1       (0.2 )     1.2       (0.9 )
                                

Operating income

     97.2       99.2       149.5       142.1  

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense, net

     (14.9 )     (13.4 )     (29.8 )     (27.1 )

Other income

     —         1.0       0.1       1.2  
                                

Income before income taxes and interest of non-controlling partners in ASC

     82.3       86.8       119.8       116.2  

Provision for income taxes

     (0.1 )     (0.3 )     (0.4 )     (0.3 )

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s consolidated net income (Note 4)

     (0.2 )     —         (0.5 )     —    
                                

Net income

   $ 82.0     $ 86.5     $ 118.9     $ 115.9  
                                

Partners’ interest information:

        

Non-managing general partner and affiliates interest in net income

   $ 9.4     $ 6.9     $ 17.9     $ 13.0  

Distribution paid on restricted units

     0.1       0.1       0.2       0.1  
                                

Total interest in net income not attributable to limited partners’

   $ 9.5     $ 7.0     $ 18.1     $ 13.1  
                                

Total limited partners’ interest in net income:

   $ 72.5     $ 79.5     $ 100.8     $ 102.8  
                                

Net income per limited partner unit:

        

Basic

   $ 1.46     $ 1.70     $ 2.03     $ 2.24  
                                

Diluted

   $ 1.46     $ 1.70     $ 2.02     $ 2.23  
                                

Weighted average limited partners’ units outstanding (in thousands):

        

Basic

     49,693       46,656       49,675       45,884  

Dilutive units

     77       170       96       192  
                                

Diluted

     49,770       46,826       49,771       46,076  
                                

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

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

(in millions)

(unaudited)

 

     Common Unit
Capital
    Non-Managing
General Partner
and Affiliate
    Total Partners’
Capital
 

Balance at September 30, 2007

   $ 739.5     $ 1.7     $ 741.2  

Net proceeds from common unit options exercised

     1.0       —         1.0  

Contribution from unit based compensation charges

     0.8       —         0.8  

Distributions

     (59.8 )     (17.7 )     (77.5 )

Comprehensive income:

      

Net income

     101.0       17.9       118.9  

Unrealized gain on cash flow hedges, net of reclassification of realized gains on cash flow hedges into earnings of $9.1 million

     (9.1 )     —         (9.1 )
                        

Comprehensive income

         109.8  
            

Balance at March 31, 2008

   $ 773.4     $ 1.9     $ 775.3  
                        

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

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in millions)

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Operating activities

    

Net income

   $ 118.9     $ 115.9  

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

    

Depreciation

     34.6       27.4  

Amortization

     11.4       12.1  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1.1       1.2  

Unit-based compensation charges

     0.8       0.3  

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s consolidated net income

     0.5       —    

Provision for doubtful accounts

     1.2       1.1  

(Gain) Loss on disposal of assets

     (1.2 )     0.9  

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

    

Accounts receivable

     (72.8 )     (43.7 )

Inventories

     30.0       54.5  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     5.6       18.0  

Other assets (liabilities)

     (0.3 )     1.3  

Accounts payable

     (4.8 )     4.4  

Accrued expenses

     (8.4 )     (13.1 )

Customer deposits

     (46.7 )     (67.8 )

Net assets (liabilities) from price risk management activities

     (4.3 )     9.2  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     65.6       121.7  

Investing activities

    

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

   $ (43.7 )   $ (81.2 )

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

     (101.5 )     (31.2 )

Proceeds from sale of assets

     24.7       3.9  

Other

     (0.5 )     (0.2 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (121.0 )     (108.7 )

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

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)

(in millions)

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Financing activities

    

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

   $ 395.8     $ 254.8  

Principal payments on long-term debt

     (250.5 )     (280.1 )

Distributions

     (77.5 )     (63.3 )

Net proceeds from unit options exercised

     1.0       2.9  

Net proceeds from issuance of common units

     —         104.7  
                

Net cash provided by financing activities

     68.8       19.0  

Net increase in cash

     13.4       32.0  

Cash at beginning of period

     7.7       12.0  
                

Cash at end of period

   $ 21.1     $ 44.0  
                

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities

    

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

   $ 2.3     $ 2.7  
                

Net change to property, plant and equipment through accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 4.3     $ 0.6  
                

Increase in the fair value of long-term debt and related interest rate swap

   $ 7.6     $ 0.9  
                

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired:

    

Current assets

   $ 0.1     $ 0.1  

Property, plant and equipment

     33.7       43.3  

Intangible assets, net

     5.2       9.9  

Goodwill

     22.7       32.1  

Other assets

     0.6       —    

Current liabilities

     (2.3 )     (1.5 )

Other liabilities

     (16.3 )     (2.7 )
                
   $ 43.7     $ 81.2  
                

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

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

Note 1 – Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

The consolidated financial statements of Inergy, L.P. (“Inergy”, the “Partnership” or the “Company”) include the accounts of Inergy and its subsidiaries, including Inergy Propane, LLC (“Inergy Propane”), Inergy Midstream, LLC (collectively, the “Operating Companies”) and Inergy Finance Corp.

Inergy Partners, LLC (“Inergy Partners” or the “Non-Managing General Partner”), a subsidiary of Inergy Holdings, L.P. (“Holdings”), owns the Non-Managing General Partner interest in the Company. Inergy GP, LLC (“Inergy GP” or the “Managing General Partner”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Holdings, has sole responsibility for conducting the Company’s business and managing its operations. Holdings is a holding company whose principal business, through its subsidiaries, is its management of and ownership in the Company. Holdings also directly owns the incentive distribution rights (“IDR”) with respect to Inergy.

Pursuant to a partnership agreement, Inergy GP or any of its affiliates is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on behalf of Inergy and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to Inergy or otherwise reasonably incurred by Inergy GP in connection with operating the Company’s business. These costs, which totaled approximately $1.5 million and $1.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, and $2.7 million and $5.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, include compensation, bonuses and benefits paid to officers and employees of Inergy GP and its affiliates.

As of March 31, 2008, Holdings owns an aggregate 10.3% interest in Inergy, L.P., inclusive of ownership of all of the non-managing general partner and the managing general partner. This ownership is comprised of an approximate 0.9% general partnership interest and an approximate 9.4% limited partnership interest.

Nature of Operations

Inergy is engaged primarily in the sale, distribution, storage, marketing, trading, processing and fractionation of propane, natural gas and other natural gas liquids. The retail propane market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings, as well as for agricultural purposes. Inergy’s retail operations are primarily concentrated in the Midwest, Northeast, and South regions of the United States.

Basis of Presentation

The financial information contained herein as of March 31, 2008 and for the three-month and six-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is unaudited. The Company believes this information has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The Company also believes this information includes all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods then ended. The retail distribution business is largely seasonal due to propane’s primary use as a heating source in residential and commercial buildings. Accordingly, the results of operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended March 31, 2008 are not indicative of the results of operations that may be expected for the entire fiscal year.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of Inergy, L.P. and subsidiaries and the notes thereto included in Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

Reclassifications

The consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2007 reflect a reclassification of finance charge income of $0.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, from a component of other income (expense) to other revenue.

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

Note 2 – Accounting Policies

Financial Instruments and Price Risk Management

Inergy utilizes certain derivative financial instruments to (i) manage its exposure to commodity price risk, specifically, the related change in the fair value of inventories, as well as the variability of cash flows related to forecasted transactions; (ii) ensure adequate physical supply of commodity will be available; and (iii) manage its exposure to interest rate risk. Inergy records all derivative instruments on the balance sheet as either assets or liabilities measured at fair value under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”), as amended. Changes in the fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recorded either through current earnings or as other comprehensive income, depending on the type of transaction.

Inergy is party to certain commodity derivative financial instruments that are designated as hedges of selected inventory positions, and qualify as fair value hedges, as defined in SFAS 133. Inergy’s overall objective for entering into fair value hedges is to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices and changes in the fair market value of its inventories. These derivatives are recorded at fair value on the balance sheets as price risk management assets or liabilities and the related change in fair value is recorded to earnings in the current period as cost of product sold. Any ineffective portion of the fair value hedges is recognized as cost of product sold in the current period. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, Inergy recognized an immaterial net gain and $0.2 million net gain, respectively, related to the ineffective portion of its fair value hedging instruments. In addition, in both the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, Inergy recognized an immaterial net gain related to the portion of fair value hedging instruments that Inergy excluded from its assessment of hedge effectiveness.

Inergy also enters into derivative financial instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges, which hedge the exposure of variability in expected future cash flows predominantly attributable to forecasted purchases to supply fixed price sale contracts. These derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value as price risk management assets or liabilities. The effective portion of the gain or loss on these cash flow hedges is recorded in other comprehensive income in partner’s capital and reclassified into earnings in the same period in which the hedge transaction affects earnings. Any ineffective portion of the gain or loss is recognized as cost of product sold in the current period. Accumulated other comprehensive income was $0.1 million and $1.1 million at March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

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

Revenue Recognition

Sales of propane and other liquids are recognized at the later of the time the product is shipped or delivered to the customer. Gas processing and fractionation fees are recognized upon delivery of the product. Revenue from the sale of propane appliances and equipment is recognized at the later of the time of sale or installation. Revenue from repairs and maintenance is recognized upon completion of the service. Revenue from storage contracts is recognized during the period in which storage services are provided.

Expense Classification

Cost of product sold consists of tangible products sold including all propane, distillates and natural gas liquids sold and all propane related appliances sold. Operating and administrative expenses consist of all expenses incurred by Inergy other than those described above in cost of product sold and depreciation and amortization. Certain of Inergy’s operating and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization are incurred in the distribution of the product sales but are not included in cost of product sold. These amounts were $34.5 million and $29.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively, and $67.0 million and $58.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

Use of Estimates

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

Inventories

Inventories for retail operations, which mainly consist of propane gas and other liquids, are stated at the lower of cost or market and are computed using the average-cost method. Wholesale propane and other liquids inventories are designated under a fair value hedge program and are consequently marked to market. All wholesale propane and other liquids inventories being hedged and carried at market value at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007 amount to $21.2 million and $59.5 million, respectively. Inventories for midstream operations are stated at the lower of cost or market determined using the first-in-first-out method.

Shipping and Handling Costs

Shipping and handling costs are recorded as part of cost of product sold at the time product is shipped or delivered to the customer except as discussed in “Expense Classification”.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed by the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows:

 

     Years

Buildings and improvements

   25–40

Office furniture and equipment

   3–10

Vehicles

   5–10

Tanks and plant equipment

   5–30

Identifiable Intangible Assets

The Company has recorded certain identifiable intangible assets, including customer accounts, covenants not to compete, trademarks, deferred financing costs and deferred acquisition costs. Customer accounts, covenants not to compete, and trademarks have arisen from the various acquisitions by Inergy. Deferred financing costs represent financing costs incurred in obtaining financing and are amortized over the term of the related debt. Additionally, an acquired intangible asset is separately recognized if the benefit of the intangible asset is obtained through contractual or other legal rights, or if the intangible asset can be sold, transferred, licensed, rented or exchanged, regardless of the acquirer’s intent to do so.

Certain intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives, as follows:

 

     Years

Customer accounts

   15

Covenants not to compete

   2–10

Deferred financing costs

   1–10

Trademarks have been assigned an indefinite economic life and are not being amortized, but are subject to an annual impairment evaluation.

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

Sales Tax

Inergy accounts for the collection and remittance of sales tax on a net tax basis. As a result, these amounts are not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Per Unit

The Company calculates basic net income per unit by dividing net income, after considering the Non-Managing General Partner’s interest, including priority distributions, by the weighted average number of limited partner units outstanding. Under this method, the calculation of net income per unit reflects an allocation of earnings to each class of units that is consistent with the partnership agreement’s treatment of the respective classes’ capital accounts. Diluted net income per limited partner unit is computed by dividing net income, after considering the Non-Managing General Partner’s interest, by the sum of weighted average number of common units and the effect of other dilutive units.

Accounting for Unit-Based Compensation

Inergy has a unit-based employee compensation plan, which is accounted for under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”). SFAS 123(R) supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”), and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” SFAS 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be recognized in the income statement based on their fair values.

The amount of compensation expense recorded by the Company under the provisions of SFAS 123(R) during the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 was approximately $0.8 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The compensation expense includes unit-based compensation expense for options and restricted shares on Inergy Holdings, L.P. units granted to the Company’s employees.

Segment Information

SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information” (“SFAS 131”) establishes standards for reporting information about operating segments, as well as related disclosures about products and services, geographic areas, and major customers. Further, SFAS 131 defines operating segments as components of an enterprise for which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources and assessing performance. In determining reportable segments under the provisions of SFAS 131, Inergy examined the way it organizes its business internally for making operating decisions and assessing business performance. See Note 8 for disclosures related to Inergy’s propane and midstream segments.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

FASB Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” provides a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, treatment of interest and penalties, and disclosure. The Company adopted FIN 48 on October 1, 2007. The adoption of FIN 48 did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial statements.

SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”) was issued in February 2007 to permit entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value at specified election dates. A business entity is required to report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS 159 is required to be adopted by the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The Company is evaluating the potential financial statement impact of SFAS 159 to its consolidated financial statements.

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”) was issued in September 2006 to define fair value, establish a framework for measuring fair value according to generally accepted accounting principles, and expand disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is required to be adopted by the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2009. The Company is evaluating the potential financial statement impact of SFAS 157 to its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141R”), which replaces FASB Statement No. 141. SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any non-controlling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. The Statement also establishes disclosure requirements that will enable users to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS 141R is required to be adopted by the Company for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after October 1, 2009.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires that accounting and reporting for minority interests will be recharacterized as non-controlling interests and classified as a component of equity. SFAS 160 also establishes reporting requirements that provide sufficient disclosures that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the non-controlling owners. SFAS 160 applies to all entities that prepare consolidated financial statements, except not-for-profit organizations, but will affect only those entities that have an outstanding non-controlling interest in one or more subsidiaries or that deconsolidate a subsidiary. SFAS 160 is required to be adopted by the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. The Company is evaluating the potential financial statement impact of SFAS 160 to its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities – an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“Statement 161”). Statement 161 applies to all derivative instruments and related hedged items accounted for under FASB Statement No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“Statement 133”). Statement 161 requires entities to provide greater transparency about (a) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, (b) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under Statement 133 and its related interpretations, and (c) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, results of operations, and cash flows. Statement 161 is required to be adopted by the Company for the interim period ended March 31, 2009. The Company is evaluating the potential financial statement impact of Statement 161 to its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB ratified EITF Issue No. 07-4, “Application of the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128 to Master Limited Partnerships” (“EITF 07-4”). EITF 07-4 applies to Master Limited Partnerships (“MLP”) that are required to make incentive distributions when certain thresholds have been met regardless of whether the IDR is a separate limited partner (“LP”) interest or embedded in the general partner interest. EITF 07-4 addresses how the current period earnings of an MLP should be allocated to the general partner, LPs, and, when applicable, IDRs. EITF 07-4 is required to be adopted by the Company for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2010. The Company is evaluating the potential financial statement impact of EITF 07-4 to its consolidated financial statements.

Note 3 – Certain Balance Sheet Information

Inventories consist of the following at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     March 31,
2008
   September 30,
2007

Propane gas and other liquids

   $ 57.4    $ 88.5

Appliances, parts and supplies

     13.2      12.0
             

Total inventory

   $ 70.6    $ 100.5
             

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

Property, plant and equipment consists of the following at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     March 31,
2008
   September 30,
2007

Tanks and plant equipment

   $ 659.6    $ 619.2

Land and buildings

     256.3      233.9

Vehicles

     99.6      97.7

Construction in process

     76.4      27.7

Office furniture and equipment

     22.7      21.8
             
     1,114.6      1,000.3

Less: accumulated depreciation

     212.0      179.6
             

Total property, plant and equipment, net

   $ 902.6    $ 820.7
             

Intangible assets consist of the following at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     March 31,
2008
   September 30,
2007

Customer accounts

   $ 243.0    $ 238.8

Covenants not to compete

     63.4      60.9

Deferred financing and other costs

     23.9      23.1

Trademarks

     32.8      32.8
             
     363.1      355.6

Less: accumulated amortization

     91.4      78.8
             

Total intangible assets, net

   $ 271.7    $ 276.8
             

Note 4 – Business Acquisitions

In October 2007, the Company acquired the assets of Riverside Gas & Oil Co., Inc. (“Riverside”). Riverside is headquartered in Chestertown, New York and delivers retail propane to approximately 3,800 customers.

In October 2007, the Company also acquired 100% of the membership interests of Arlington Storage Company, LLC (“ASC”). ASC is the majority owner and operator of the Steuben Gas Storage Company (“Steuben”), which owns a natural gas storage facility located in Steuben County, New York. In addition to Steuben, ASC owns the development rights to the Thomas Corners Natural Gas Storage Project, also located in Steuben County, and on March 14, 2008, filed an application with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to develop and operate Thomas Corners. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Steuben. A non-controlling interest on the consolidated financial statements of the Company has been recorded for the third parties’ interest in the accounts of Steuben.

In February 2008, the Company acquired the assets of Capitol Propane, L.L.C. located near Columbus, Ohio. In March 2008, the Company acquired the assets of Rice Oil Co., Inc. located in Greenfield, Massachusetts. These combined operations serve approximately 10,500 customers.

As a result of the above acquisitions, the Company has allocated $22.6 million to goodwill and $7.5 million to intangible assets, consisting primarily of customer accounts and covenants not to compete. The purchase price allocation for these acquisitions has been prepared on a preliminary basis pending final asset valuation and asset rationalization, and changes are expected when additional information becomes available. Changes to reflect final asset valuation of prior fiscal year acquisitions have been included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements but are not material.

Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission requires that for any material subsidiary pro-forma information must be disclosed. None of the fiscal 2008 acquisitions were, individually or in the aggregate, considered a significant subsidiary. Therefore, no pro-forma results from operations are provided.

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

The operating results for these acquisitions are included in the consolidated results of operations from the dates of acquisition through March 31, 2008.

Note 5 – Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     March 31,
2008
   September 30,
2007

Credit agreement

   $ 219.7    $ 71.0

Senior unsecured notes

     630.1      622.4

ASC credit agreement

     11.2      —  

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

     16.8      16.8
             
     877.8      710.2

Less: current portion

     32.9      25.5
             

Total long-term debt

   $ 844.9    $ 684.7
             

The Company’s credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) consists of a $75 million revolving working capital facility (the “Working Capital Facility”) and a $350 million revolving acquisition facility (the “Acquisition Facility”). The effective amount of working capital borrowing capacity available under the two facilities is $200 million utilizing capacity under the acquisition credit facility for working capital needed during the winter heating season.

At March 31, 2008 the balance outstanding under the Credit Agreement was $219.7 million, including $182.0 million borrowed for acquisitions and growth capital expenditures and $37.7 million borrowed for working capital purposes. At September 30, 2007, the balance outstanding under the Credit Agreement was $71.0 million, including $40.0 million borrowed for acquisitions and growth capital expenditures and $31.0 million borrowed for working capital purposes. The interest rates of these revolvers are based on prime rate and LIBOR plus the applicable spreads, which was between 4.06% and 5.25% at March 31, 2008, and between 7.0% and 7.2% at September 30, 2007, for all outstanding debt under the Credit Agreement. Unused borrowings under the Credit Agreement amounted to $168.4 million and $327.4 million at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively. Outstanding standby letters of credit under the Credit Agreement amounted to $36.9 million and $26.6 million at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.

In conjunction with the acquisition of ASC, the Company assumed an existing credit agreement (“ASC Credit Agreement”) that is scheduled to mature in December 2015. The interest rate on approximately half of the ASC Credit Agreement is at a fixed rate, while the other half is based on LIBOR plus the applicable spreads. See Note 4 for a discussion of the acquisition of ASC.

Inergy is party to five interest rate swap agreements scheduled to mature in December 2014, each designed to hedge $25 million in underlying fixed rate senior unsecured notes in order to manage interest rate risk exposure. These swap agreements, which expire on the same date as the maturity date of the related senior unsecured notes due 2014 and contain call provisions consistent with the underlying senior unsecured notes, require the counterparty to pay the Company an amount based on the stated fixed interest rate due every six months. In exchange, Inergy is required to make semi-annual floating interest rate payments on the same dates to the counterparty based on an annual interest rate equal to the 6-month LIBOR interest rate plus spreads between 0.92% and 2.20% applied to the same notional amount of $125 million. The swap agreements have been recognized as fair value hedges. Amounts to be received or paid under the agreements are accrued and recognized over the life of the agreements as an adjustment to interest expense. During the six months ended March 31, 2008, Inergy recorded an approximate $7.6 million increase in the fair market value of the related senior unsecured notes with a corresponding change in the fair value of its interest rate swaps, which are recorded in other assets.

At March 31, 2008, the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

Note 6 – Partners’ Capital

Quarterly Distributions of Available Cash

A summary of Inergy’s limited partner quarterly distributions for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 is presented below:

 

Six Months Ended March 31, 2008

Record Date

  

Payment Date

   Per Unit Rate    Distribution Amount
(in millions)

November 7, 2007

   November 14, 2007    $ 0.595    $ 38.2

February 7, 2008

   February 14, 2008    $ 0.605      39.3
            
         $ 77.5
            

Six Months Ended March 31, 2007

Record Date

  

Payment Date

   Per Unit Rate    Distribution Amount
(in millions)

November 7, 2006

   November 14, 2006    $ 0.555    $ 31.2

February 7, 2007

   February 14, 2007    $ 0.565      32.1
            
         $ 63.3
            

On April 23, 2008, Inergy declared a distribution of $0.615 per limited partner unit to be paid on May 15, 2008 to unitholders of record on May 8, 2008 for a total distribution of $40.2 million with respect to the second fiscal quarter of 2008. On May 15, 2007, a quarterly distribution of $0.575 per limited partner unit was paid to unitholders of record on May 8, 2007 with respect to the second fiscal quarter of 2007, for a total distribution of $36.2 million.

Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies

Inergy periodically enters into agreements with suppliers to purchase fixed quantities of propane, distillates, natural gas and liquids at fixed prices. At March 31, 2008, the total of these firm purchase commitments was approximately $284.8 million and the purchases associated with these commitments will occur over the course of the next two years. The Company also enters into non-binding agreements with suppliers to purchase quantities of propane, distillates, natural gas and liquids at variable prices at future dates at the then prevailing market prices.

Inergy has entered into certain purchase commitments in connection with the identified growth projects related to the Stagecoach, Thomas Corners and West Coast NGL midstream assets. At March 31, 2008, the total of these firm purchase commitments was approximately $66.9 million and the purchases associated with these commitments will occur over the course of the next year.

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

Inergy utilizes third-party insurance subject to varying retention levels of self-insurance, which management considers prudent. Such self-insurance relates to losses and liabilities primarily associated with medical claims, workers’ compensation claims and general, product, vehicle, and environmental liability. Losses are accrued based upon management’s estimates of the aggregate liability for claims incurred using certain assumptions followed in the insurance industry and based on past experience. At March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007, Inergy’s self-insurance reserves were $15.5 million and $13.2 million, respectively.

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

Note 8 – Segments

Inergy’s financial statements reflect two operating and reportable segments: propane operations and midstream operations. Inergy’s propane operations include propane sales to end users, the sale of propane-related appliances and service work for propane-related equipment, the sale of distillate products and wholesale distribution of propane and marketing and price risk management services to other users, retailers and resellers of propane. Inergy’s midstream operations include storage of natural gas for third parties, fractionation of natural gas liquids, processing of natural gas and the distribution of natural gas liquids. Results of operations for acquisitions that occurred during the three and six months ended March 31, 2008, excluding ASC, are included in the propane segment. The results of operations for ASC are included in the midstream segment.

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

Revenues, gross profit, identifiable assets, property, plant and equipment and goodwill for each of Inergy’s reportable segments are presented below (in millions):

 

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2008
     Propane
Operations
   Midstream
Operations
   Intersegment
Operations
    Corporate
Assets
   Total

Retail propane revenues

   $ 352.9    $ —      $ —       $ —      $ 352.9

Wholesale propane revenues

     166.4      6.8      —         —        173.2

Storage, fractionation and other midstream revenues

     —        57.7      (0.2 )     —        57.5

Transportation revenues

     2.9      0.1      —         —        3.0

Propane-related appliance sales revenues

     4.6      —        —         —        4.6

Retail service revenues

     3.7      —        —         —        3.7

Rental service and other revenues

     8.1      —        —         —        8.1

Distillate revenues

     45.2      —        —         —        45.2

Gross profit

     165.3      25.5      —         —        190.8

Identifiable assets

     230.0      24.3      —         —        254.3

Goodwill

     262.4      107.6      —         —        370.0

Property, plant and equipment

     681.7      423.7      —         9.2      1,114.6
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2007
     Propane
Operations
   Midstream
Operations
   Intersegment
Operations
    Corporate
Assets
   Total

Retail propane revenues

   $ 312.9    $ —      $ —       $ —      $ 312.9

Wholesale propane revenues

     139.8      7.8      —         —        147.6

Storage, fractionation and other midstream revenues

     —        34.5      (0.3 )     —        34.2

Transportation revenues

     3.1      —        —         —        3.1

Propane-related appliance sales revenues

     5.2      —        —         —        5.2

Retail service revenues

     4.2      —        —         —        4.2

Rental service and other revenues

     7.0      —        —         —        7.0

Distillate revenues

     39.4      —        —         —        39.4

Gross profit

     167.0      17.3      —         —        184.3

Identifiable assets

     180.9      14.8      —         —        195.7

Goodwill

     259.6      104.9      —         —        364.5

Property, plant and equipment

     664.8      242.9      —         8.1      915.8

 

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INERGY, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

     Six Months Ended March 31, 2008
     Propane
Operations
   Midstream
Operations
   Intersegment
Operations
    Corporate
Assets
   Total

Retail propane revenues

   $ 602.8    $ —      $ —       $ —      $ 602.8

Wholesale propane revenues

     312.4      13.5      —         —        325.9

Storage, fractionation and other midstream revenues

     —        113.0      (0.3 )     —        112.7

Transportation revenues

     7.7      0.7      —         —        8.4

Propane-related appliance sales revenues

     12.0      —        —         —        12.0

Retail service revenues

     9.2      —        —         —        9.2

Rental service and other revenues

     14.6      —        —         —        14.6

Distillate revenues

     77.2      —        —         —        77.2

Gross profit

     282.2      47.7      —         —        329.9

Identifiable assets

     230.0      24.3      —         —        254.3

Goodwill

     262.4      107.6      —         —        370.0

Property, plant and equipment

     681.7      423.7      —         9.2      1,114.6
     Six Months Ended March 31, 2007
     Propane
Operations
   Midstream
Operations
   Intersegment
Operations
    Corporate
Assets
   Total

Retail propane revenues

   $ 532.1    $ —      $ —       $ —      $ 532.1

Wholesale propane revenues

     242.1      13.7      —         —        255.8

Storage, fractionation and other midstream revenues

     —        70.0      (0.4 )     —        69.6

Transportation revenues

     5.5      —        —         —        5.5

Propane-related appliance sales revenues

     12.8      —        —         —        12.8

Retail service revenues

     9.5      —        —         —        9.5

Rental service and other revenues

     13.5      —        —         —        13.5

Distillate revenues

     63.1      —        —         —        63.1

Gross profit

     283.7      30.3      —         —        314.0

Identifiable assets

     180.9      14.8      —         —        195.7

Goodwill

     259.6      104.9      —         —        364.5

Property, plant and equipment

     664.8      242.9      —         8.1      915.8

Note 9 – Subsequent Events

In April 2008, the Company purchased the retail division of Farm & Home Oil Company LLC (“Farm & Home”) from Buckeye Partners, L.P. Farm & Home distributes retail propane and liquid fuels, as well as providing other retail services, to customers in eastern Pennsylvania. Farm & Home will serve over 20,000 customers from six new retail locations.

In April 2008, Inergy announced the pricing of $200 million of senior notes under Rule 144A to eligible purchasers. The 8  1/4% notes mature on March 1, 2016, and were issued at 102% of the principal amount to yield 7.813%. Inergy intends to use the net proceeds from the private placement to repay borrowings under its existing revolving acquisition credit facility.

 

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

“Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” should be read in conjunction with the accompanying consolidated financial statements and “Item 7, Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Inergy, L.P. for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

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

Overview

We are a growing retail and wholesale propane supply, marketing and distribution business. We also own and operate a growing midstream operation, including a high performance, multicycle natural gas storage facility (“Stagecoach”), an LPG storage facility and an NGL business in California, which includes natural gas processing, NGL fractionation, NGL rail and truck terminals, bulk storage, trucking and marketing operations. We further intend to pursue our growth objectives through, among other things, future acquisitions, maintaining a high percentage of retail sales to residential customers, operating in attractive markets and focusing our operations under established, and locally recognized trade names.

We have grown primarily through acquisitions. Since the inception of our predecessor in November 1996 through March 31, 2008, we have acquired 76 companies, including 71 retail propane companies and 5 midstream businesses, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.5 billion, including working capital, assumed liabilities and acquisition costs.

In October 2007, we acquired the assets of Riverside Gas & Oil Co., Inc. and the membership interests of ASC. ASC is the majority owner and operator of Steuben and owns the development rights to the Thomas Corners Natural Gas Storage Project. In February 2008, we acquired the assets of Capitol Propane, L.L.C. and in March 2008, we acquired the assets of Rice Oil Co., Inc. The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions, net of cash acquired, was approximately $45.9 million. The purchase price allocation for these acquisitions has been prepared on a preliminary basis pending final asset valuation and asset rationalization, and changes are expected when additional information becomes available. Changes to final asset valuation of prior fiscal year acquisitions have been included in our consolidated financial statements but are not material.

The retail propane distribution business is largely seasonal due to propane’s primary use as a heating source in residential and commercial buildings. As a result, cash flows from operations are generally highest from November through April when customers pay for propane purchased during the six-month peak heating season of October through March.

Because a substantial portion of our propane is used in the weather-sensitive residential markets, the temperatures realized in our areas of operations, particularly during the six-month peak heating season, have a significant effect on our financial performance. In any given area, warmer-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in reduced propane use, while sustained colder-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in greater propane use. Therefore, we use information on normal temperatures in understanding how historical results of operations are affected by temperatures that are colder or warmer than normal and in preparing forecasts of future

 

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operations, which are based on the assumption that normal weather will prevail in each of our operating regions. “Heating degree days” are a general indicator of how weather impacts propane usage and are calculated for any given period by adding the difference between 65 degrees and the average temperature of each day in the period (if less than 65 degrees).

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

We believe our wholesale supply, marketing and distribution business complements our retail distribution business. Through our wholesale operations, we distribute propane and also offer price risk management services to propane retailers, resellers and other related businesses as well as energy marketers and dealers, through a variety of financial and other instruments, including:

 

   

forward contracts involving the physical delivery of propane;

 

   

swap agreements which require payments to (or receipt of payments from) counterparties based on the differential between a fixed and variable price for propane; and

 

   

options, futures contracts on the New York Mercantile Exchange and other contractual arrangements.

We engage in derivative transactions to reduce the effect of price volatility on our product costs and to help ensure the availability of propane during periods of short supply. We attempt to balance our contractual portfolio by purchasing volumes only when we have a matching purchase commitment from our wholesale customers. However, we may experience net unbalanced positions from time to time.

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2007

The following table summarizes the consolidated income statement components for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
    Change  
     2008     2007     In Dollars     Percentage  

Revenue

   $ 648.2     $ 553.6     $ 94.6     17.1 %

Cost of product sold

     457.4       369.3       88.1     23.9  
                          

Gross profit

     190.8       184.3       6.5     3.5  

Operating and administrative expenses

     70.5       65.9       4.6     7.0  

Depreciation and amortization

     23.2       19.0       4.2     22.1  

Gain (loss) on disposal of assets

     0.1       (0.2 )     0.3     *  
                          

Operating income

     97.2       99.2       (2.0 )   (2.0 )

Interest expense, net

     (14.9 )     (13.4 )     (1.5 )   (11.2 )

Other income

     —         1.0       (1.0 )   (100.0 )
                          

Income before income taxes and interest of non-controlling partners in ASC

     82.3       86.8       (4.5 )   (5.2 )

Provision for income taxes

     (0.1 )     (0.3 )     0.2     66.7  

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s consolidated net income

     (0.2 )     —         (0.2 )   *  
                          

Net income

   $ 82.0     $ 86.5     $ (4.5 )   (5.2 )%
                              

 

* not meaningful

 

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The following table summarizes revenues, including associated volume of gallons sold, for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     Revenues     Gallons  
     Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Change     Three Months Ended
March 31,
   Change  
     2008    2007    In Dollars    Percent     2008    2007    In Units     Percent  

Retail propane

   $ 352.9    $ 312.9    $ 40.0    12.8 %   138.6    152.5    (13.9 )   (9.1 )%

Wholesale propane

     173.2      147.6      25.6    17.3     117.3    137.5    (20.2 )   (14.7 )

Other retail

     64.6      58.9      5.7    9.7     —      —      —       —    

Storage, fractionation and midstream

     57.5      34.2      23.3    68.1     —      —      —       —    
                                         

Total

   $ 648.2    $ 553.6    $ 94.6    17.1 %   255.9    290.0    (34.1 )   (11.8 )%
                                                 

Volume. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, we sold 138.6 million retail gallons of propane, a decrease of 13.9 million gallons or 9.1% from the 152.5 million retail gallons sold during the same three-month period in 2007. This decrease was due primarily to customer conservation, which we believe was due principally to an approximate 51% increase in the average Mt. Belvieu propane cost in the current quarter versus the prior year period. To a lesser extent, expected volume losses from a loss of less profitable customers and fewer gallon sales to lower margin customers contributed to the decline in gallons sold during the current quarter. Offsetting the decrease in retail gallons sold described above was acquisition-related volume, which resulted in an increase of 4.3 million retail gallons in the quarter ended March 31, 2008, and higher sales volumes in certain of our operating areas resulting from slightly colder weather during the current quarter. Overall, weather for the quarter was approximately 2% colder in our service areas than the prior year period and approximately 2% warmer than normal.

Wholesale gallons delivered decreased 20.2 million gallons, or 14.7%, to 117.3 million gallons in the three months ended March 31, 2008 from 137.5 million gallons in the three months ended March 31, 2007. The decrease is due primarily to lower volumes sold to existing customers due to customer conservation as a result of higher product cost.

The total natural gas liquid gallons sold or processed by our West Coast NGL operations increased 5.7 million gallons, or 48.3%, to 17.5 million gallons during the three months ended March 31, 2008 from 11.8 million gallons during the same three-month period in 2007. This increase was attributable to the addition of natural gas liquid marketing and processing contracts in late fiscal 2007 which became effective this fiscal year. During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, Stagecoach had 26.25 bcf and 13.25 bcf of working gas storage capacity, respectively, with the increased capacity the result of our expansion project becoming commercially operational effective September 1, 2007. Stagecoach’s storage services were 100% contracted during each of the periods noted above. During the three months ended March 31, 2008, Steuben had 6.2 bcf of working gas storage capacity. Steuben’s storage services were 100% contracted during the period noted above.

Revenues. Revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2008 were $648.2 million, an increase of $94.6 million, or 17.1%, from $553.6 million during the same three-month period in 2007.

Revenues from retail propane sales were $352.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $312.9 million during the same three-month period in 2007. This $40.0 million, or 12.8%, increase resulted primarily from the higher average selling price of propane and acquisition-related sales, which contributed $66.5 million and $10.7 million, respectively, to the higher revenues. These factors were partially offset by a $37.2 million reduction in retail propane revenues arising from lower retail volume sales at our existing locations as discussed above.

Revenues from wholesale propane sales were $173.2 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of $25.6 million or 17.3%, from $147.6 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007. This increase resulted primarily from the higher average selling price of propane, which contributed $47.3 million to the higher revenues. The higher selling price in our wholesale division in 2008 compared to 2007 was the result of the higher cost of propane. The increase was partially offset by a $21.7 million decrease in wholesale propane revenues attributable to lower wholesale sale to our existing customers.

 

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Revenues from other sales, which primarily includes distillates, service, rental, appliance sales and transportation services, were $64.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of $5.7 million, or 9.7%, from $58.9 million during the same three-month period in 2007. This increase was primarily related to acquisition-related sales, which contributed a $3.9 million increase, and higher distillate revenues from existing locations, which resulted in an increase of approximately $2.6 million. Distillate revenues increased quarter to quarter due primarily to a 27% increase in our average selling price. These factors were partially offset by a $0.8 million decline in revenues related to other retail products and services, primarily appliances and retail services.

Revenues from storage, fractionation and other midstream activities were $57.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of $23.3 million or 68.1% from $34.2 million during the same three-month period in 2007. Approximately $5.8 million of this increase was due to the acquisition of ASC and the placement of the Stagecoach Phase II expansion into full service in September 2007. In addition, revenues from our West Coast NGL operations were $2.6 million higher as a result of increased transportation and processing activities and $14.9 million was due to increases in commodity cost and expected changes in the variety of natural gas liquid products sold.

Cost of Product Sold. Retail propane cost of product sold was $215.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $172.4 million for the same three-month period in 2007. This $43.1 million, or 25.0%, increase in retail cost of product sold was driven by an approximate 37% higher average per gallon cost of propane, which resulted in a $56.8 million increase in cost, and an increase of $6.7 million associated with acquisition-related volume. These factors, which increased retail propane cost of product sold, were partially offset by lower volume sales at our existing locations as discussed above, which reduced costs by approximately $20.4 million.

Wholesale propane cost of product sold in the three months ended March 31, 2008 was $166.1 million, an increase of $25.2 million or 17.9%, from wholesale cost of product sold of $140.9 million in 2007. These higher costs were primarily a result of an approximate $45.9 million increase due to the higher average cost of propane, partially offset by a $20.7 million decrease attributable to lower volumes sold. Average propane cost per gallon increased approximately $0.39 or 37.8% to an average of $1.42 in the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $1.03 in the three months ended March 31, 2007.

Other cost of product sold was $42.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $38.6 million during the same three-month period in 2007. This $4.2 million, or 10.9%, increase was primarily due to higher costs associated with distillate sales from existing locations of $2.9 million and a $2.8 million increase related to acquisitions. These increases to cost of goods sold were partially offset by a $1.5 million decline in costs for other products and services.

Storage, fractionation and other midstream cost of product sold was $33.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of $15.6 million, or 89.7%, from $17.4 million during the same three-month period in 2007. Of this $15.6 million increase, $15.0 million was attributable to our West Coast NGL operations which was due to the higher cost of product sold and increased costs associated with the expected changes in the variety of natural gas liquid product sold. The remaining $0.6 million increase was attributable to transportation and processing activities, the acquisition of ASC and the placement of the Stagecoach Phase II expansion into full service in September 2007.

Our retail and wholesale cost of product sold consists primarily of tangible products sold including all propane, distillates and other natural gas liquids sold and all propane-related appliances sold. Other costs incurred in conjunction with the distribution of these products are included in operating and administrative expenses and consist primarily of wages to delivery personnel, delivery vehicle costs consisting of fuel costs, repair and maintenance and lease expense, and depreciation on tanks being rented to customers. Costs associated with delivery vehicles approximated $19.1 million and $17.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In addition, the depreciation expense associated with the delivery vehicles and customer tanks is reported within depreciation and amortization expense and amounted to $7.7 million and $7.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Since we include these costs in our operating and administrative expenses rather than in cost of product sold, our results may not be comparable to other entities in our lines of business if they include these costs in cost of product sold.

Our storage, fractionation and other midstream cost of product sold consists primarily of commodity and transportation costs. Other costs incurred in conjunction with these services are included in operating and administrative expenses and consist primarily of depreciation and wages. Depreciation expense for storage, fractionation and other midstream amounted to $7.3 million and $3.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Wages for personnel directly involved in providing midstream services amounted to $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.

 

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Since we include these costs in our operating and administrative expenses rather than in cost of product sold, our results may not be comparable to other entities in our lines of business if they include these costs in cost of product sold.

Gross Profit. Retail propane gross profit was $137.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $140.5 million in the same three-month period in 2007. This $3.1 million, or 2.2%, decrease was attributable to a $16.6 million decline resulting from lower retail gallon sales at existing locations as discussed above, partially offset by a $9.7 million increase related to a higher cash margin per gallon and $4.0 million associated with acquisitions. The increase in cash margin per gallon was primarily the result of our ability to raise selling prices in certain markets in excess of the increased cost of propane.

Wholesale propane gross profit was $7.1 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $6.7 million in the three months ended March 31, 2007, an increase of $0.4 million or 6.0%. This increase was the result of slightly higher margins on sales to existing customers, partially offset by lower gallons sold.

Other gross profit was $21.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $20.3 million for the same three-month period in 2007. This $1.5 million, or 7.4%, increase was due primarily to acquisitions and higher distillate sales.

Storage, fractionation and other midstream gross profit was $24.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $16.8 million in the same three-month period in 2007, an increase of $7.7 million, or 45.8%. Approximately $6.2 million of this increase was due to the acquisition of ASC and the Stagecoach Phase II expansion being placed into full service in September 2007, while the remaining $1.5 million increase relates to higher transportation, processing activities and natural gas liquids gross profit at our West Coast NGL operations.

Operating and Administrative Expenses. Operating and administrative expenses were $70.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $65.9 million in the same three-month period in 2007. This $4.6 million, or 7.0%, increase in operating expenses was primarily the result of a $2.7 million increase arising from acquisitions. The remaining increase resulted from higher vehicle, insurance and employee benefit expenses, partially offset by lower wages and other personnel expenses due to integration efficiencies and lower expenses as a result of lesser volumes sold at existing locations.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $23.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $19.0 million during the same three-month period in 2007. This $4.2 million, or 22.1%, increase resulted primarily from acquisitions and the expansion of our midstream segment.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $14.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $13.4 million during the same three-month period in 2007. This $1.5 million, or 11.2%, increase was due to an increase in the average debt outstanding associated with acquisitions and capital improvement projects, partially offset by lower average interest rates. During the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, we capitalized $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of interest related to certain capital improvement projects at our West Coast NGL and Stagecoach facilities as further described below in “Liquidity and Sources of Capital – Capital Resource Activities.”

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s consolidated net income. We acquired a majority interest in the operations of Steuben when we acquired 100% of the membership interest in ASC. ASC holds a majority interest in the operations of Steuben.

Net Income. Net income was $82.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to net income of $86.5 million for the same three-month period in 2007. The $4.5 million, or 5.2%, decrease in net income was primarily attributable to higher operating expenses and depreciation and amortization, partially offset by a higher gross profit in the 2008 period.

 

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EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. The following table summarizes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  

EBITDA:

    

Net income

   $ 82.0     $ 86.5  

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s consolidated ITDA (a)

     (0.3 )     —    

Interest expense, net

     14.9       13.4  

Provision for income taxes

     0.1       0.3  

Depreciation and amortization

     23.2       19.0  
                

EBITDA

   $ 119.9     $ 119.2  
                

Non-cash (gain) loss on derivative contracts

     —         (0.2 )

Non-cash compensation expense

     0.4       0.2  

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (0.1 )     0.2  
                

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 120.2     $ 119.4  
                

 

(a)

ITDA – Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

EBITDA is defined as income before taxes, plus net interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, EBITDA was $119.9 million and $119.2 million, respectively. This $0.7 million improvement in EBITDA was primarily attributable to higher gross profit offset in part by higher operating expenses during the three months ended March 31, 2008. As indicated in the table, Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding the gain or loss on derivative contracts associated with retail fixed price propane sales, the gain or loss on the disposal of assets and long-term incentive and equity compensation expenses. Adjusted EBITDA was $120.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $119.4 million in the same three-month period in 2007. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, income before income taxes, cash flows from operating activities, or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as those items are used to measure operating performance, liquidity or the ability to service debt obligations. We believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide additional information for evaluating our ability to make the minimum quarterly distribution and are presented solely as supplemental measures. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as we define them, may not be comparable to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA or similarly titled measures used by other corporations or partnerships.

 

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Six Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Six Months Ended March 31, 2007

The following table summarizes the consolidated income statement components for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31,
    Change  
     2008     2007     In Dollars     Percentage  

Revenue

   $ 1,162.8     $ 961.9     $ 200.9     20.9 %

Cost of product sold

     832.9       647.9       185.0     28.6  
                          

Gross profit

     329.9       314.0       15.9     5.1  

Operating and administrative expenses

     135.6       131.5       4.1     3.1  

Depreciation and amortization

     46.0       39.5       6.5     16.5  

Gain (loss) on disposal of assets

     1.2       (0.9 )     2.1     *  
                          

Operating income

     149.5       142.1       7.4     5.2  

Interest expense, net

     (29.8 )     (27.1 )     (2.7 )   (10.0 )

Other income

     0.1       1.2       (1.1 )   (91.7 )
                          

Income before income taxes and interest of non-controlling partners in ASC

     119.8       116.2       3.6     3.1  

Provision for income taxes

     (0.4 )     (0.3 )     (0.1 )   (33.3 )

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s consolidated net income

     (0.5 )     —         (0.5 )   *  
                          

Net income

   $ 118.9     $ 115.9     $ 3.0     2.6 %
                              

 

* not meaningful

The following table summarizes revenues, including associated volume of gallons sold, for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     Revenues     Gallons  
     Six Months Ended
March 31,
   Change     Six Months Ended
March 31,
   Change  
     2008    2007    In Dollars    Percent     2008    2007    In Units     Percent  

Retail propane

   $ 602.8    $ 532.1    $ 70.7    13.3 %   243.0    263.7    (20.7 )   (7.8 )%

Wholesale propane

     325.9      255.8      70.1    27.4     225.9    246.3    (20.4 )   (8.3 )

Other retail

     121.4      104.4      17.0    16.3     —      —      —       —    

Storage, fractionation and midstream

     112.7      69.6      43.1    61.9     —      —      —       —    
                                         

Total

   $ 1,162.8    $ 961.9    $ 200.9    20.9 %   468.9    510.0    (41.1 )   (8.1 )%
                                                 

Volume. During the six months ended March 31, 2008, we sold 243.0 million retail gallons of propane, a decrease of 20.7 million gallons or 7.8% from the 263.7 million retail gallons sold during the same six-month period in 2007. The decrease was due primarily to customer conservation, which we believe was due principally to an approximate 55% increase in the average Mt. Belvieu propane cost in the current six-month period versus the prior year period. To a lesser extent, expected volume losses from a loss of less profitable customers and fewer gallon sales to lower margin customers, including agricultural sales, contributed to the decline in gallons sold during the current six-month period. Offsetting the decrease in retail gallons sold described above was acquisition-related volume, which resulted in an increase of 7.9 million retail gallons in the six months ended March 31, 2008. Our weather for the six months was approximately 6% warmer than normal in our service territories and was relatively consistent with the prior year period.

Wholesale gallons delivered decreased 20.4 million gallons, or 8.3%, to 225.9 million gallons in the six months ended March 31, 2008 from 246.3 million gallons in the six months ended March 31, 2007. This decrease is due primarily to lower volumes sold to existing customers due to customer conservation as a result of higher product cost.

 

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The total natural gas liquid gallons sold or processed by our West Coast NGL operations increased 6.0 million gallons, or 22.4%, to 32.8 million gallons during the six months ended March 31, 2008 from 26.8 million gallons during the same six-month period in 2007. This increase was attributable to the addition of natural gas liquid marketing and processing contracts in late fiscal 2007. During the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, Stagecoach had 26.25 bcf and 13.25 bcf of working gas storage capacity, respectively, with the increased capacity the result of our expansion project becoming commercially operational effective September 1, 2007. Stagecoach’s storage services were 100% contracted during each of the periods noted above. During the six months ended March 31, 2008, Steuben had 6.2 bcf of working gas storage capacity. Steuben’s storage services were 100% contracted during the period noted above.

Revenues. Revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2008 were $1,162.8 million, an increase of $200.9 million, or 20.9%, from $961.9 million during the same six-month period in 2007.

Revenues from retail propane sales were $602.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $532.1 million during the same six-month period in 2007. This $70.7 million, or 13.3%, increase resulted primarily from the higher average selling price of propane and acquisition-related sales, which contributed $108.9 million and $19.6 million, respectively, to the higher revenues. These factors were partially offset by a $57.8 million reduction in retail propane revenues arising from lower retail volume sales at our existing locations as discussed above.

Revenues from wholesale propane sales were $325.9 million in the six months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of $70.1 million or 27.4%, from $255.8 million in the six months ended March 31, 2007. This increase resulted primarily from the higher average selling price of propane, which contributed $91.3 million to the higher revenues. The higher selling price in our wholesale division in 2008 compared to 2007 was the result of the higher cost of propane. The increase was partially offset by a $21.2 million decrease in wholesale propane revenues attributable to lower wholesale sales to our existing customers.

Revenues from other sales, which primarily includes distillates, service, rental, appliance sales and transportation services, were $121.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of $17.0 million, or 16.3%, from $104.4 million during the same six-month period in 2007. This increase was primarily related to higher distillate revenues from existing locations, which contributed an increase of approximately $9.9 million, a $5.9 million increase arising from acquisition-related sales, and a $3.0 million increase in transportation revenues. Distillate revenues increased in the current period due primarily to a 24% increase in the average selling price. These increases were partially offset by a $1.8 million decline in revenues related to other products and services, primarily appliances, retail services and rental sales.

Revenues from storage, fractionation and other midstream activities were $112.7 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of $43.1 million or 61.9% from $69.6 million during the same six-month period in 2007. Approximately $13.2 million of this increase was due to the acquisition of ASC and the placement of the Stagecoach Phase II expansion into full service in September 2007. In addition, revenues from our West Coast NGL operations were $4.8 million higher as a result of increased transportation and processing activities and $25.1 million was due to increases in commodity cost and expected changes in the variety of natural gas liquid products sold.

Cost of Product Sold. Retail propane cost of product sold was $373.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $299.1 million for the same six-month period in 2007. This $74.2 million, or 24.8%, increase in retail cost of product sold was driven by an approximate 35% higher average per gallon cost of propane, which resulted in a $94.1 million increase in cost. Also contributing to the higher cost of product during the current period was an increase of $12.5 million associated with acquisition-related volume. These factors, which increased retail propane cost of product sold, were partially offset by lower volume sales at our existing locations as discussed above, which reduced costs by approximately $32.4 million.

Wholesale propane cost of product sold in the six months ended March 31, 2008 was $315.6 million, an increase of $70.7 million or 28.9%, from wholesale cost of product sold of $244.9 million in 2007. These higher costs were primarily a result of an approximate $91.0 million increase due to the higher average cost of propane, partially offset by a $20.3 million decrease attributable to lower volumes sold. Average propane cost per gallon increased approximately $0.41 or 41% to an average of $1.40 in the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $0.99 in the six months ended March 31, 2007.

 

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Other cost of product sold was $77.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $63.9 million during the same six-month period in 2007. This $13.9 million, or 21.8%, increase was primarily due to higher costs associated with distillate sales from existing locations of $10.2 million, a $3.9 million increase related to acquisitions and a $1.1 million increase in transportation costs. These increases to cost of goods sold were partially offset by a $1.3 million decline in costs for other products and services.

Storage, fractionation and other midstream cost of product sold was $66.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008, an increase of $26.2 million, or 65.5%, from $40.0 million during the same six-month period in 2007. Of this $26.2 million increase, $24.9 million was attributable to our West Coast NGL operations which was due to the higher cost of product sold and increased costs associated with the expected changes in the variety of natural gas liquid product sold. The remaining increase was from increased transportation and processing activities, the acquisition of ASC and the placement of the Stagecoach Phase II expansion into full service in September 2007.

Our retail and wholesale cost of product sold consists primarily of tangible products sold including all propane, distillates and other natural gas liquids sold and all propane-related appliances sold. Other costs incurred in conjunction with the distribution of these products are included in operating and administrative expenses and consist primarily of wages to delivery personnel, delivery vehicle costs consisting of fuel costs, repair and maintenance and lease expense, and depreciation on tanks being rented to customers. Costs associated with delivery vehicles approximated $37.9 million and $35.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. In addition, the depreciation expense associated with the delivery vehicles and customer tanks is reported within depreciation and amortization expense and amounted to $15.4 million and $15.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Since we include these costs in our operating and administrative expenses rather than in cost of product sold, our results may not be comparable to other entities in our lines of business if they include these costs in cost of product sold.

Our storage, fractionation and other midstream cost of product sold consists primarily of commodity and transportation costs. Other costs incurred in conjunction with these services are included in operating and administrative expenses and consist primarily of depreciation and wages. Depreciation expense for storage, fractionation and other midstream amounted to $13.0 million and $7.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Wages for personnel directly involved in providing midstream services amounted to $0.7 million and $0.4 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Since we include these costs in our operating and administrative expenses rather than in cost of product sold, our results may not be comparable to other entities in our lines of business if they include these costs in cost of product sold.

Gross Profit. Retail propane gross profit was $229.5 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $233.0 million in the same six-month period in 2007. This $3.5 million decrease was attributable to a $25.3 million decline resulting from lower retail gallon sales at existing locations as discussed above. These factors were partially offset by a $14.8 million increase related to a higher cash margin per gallon and $7.1 million associated with acquisitions. The increase in cash margin per gallon was primarily the result of our ability to raise selling prices in certain markets in excess of the increased cost of propane.

Wholesale propane gross profit was $10.3 million in the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $10.9 million in the six months ended March 31, 2007, a decrease of $0.6 million or 5.5%. This decrease was the result of reduced margins due to rising propane prices during the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to falling propane prices in the six months ended March 31, 2007 and lower volume sold to existing customers.

Other gross profit was $43.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $40.5 million for the same six-month period in 2007. This $3.1 million, or 7.7%, increase was due primarily to acquisitions and transportation activities.

Storage, fractionation and other midstream gross profit was $46.5 million in the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $29.6 million in the same six-month period in 2007, an increase of $16.9 million, or 57.1%. Approximately $13.2 million of this increase was due to the acquisition of ASC and the Stagecoach Phase II expansion being placed into full service in September 2007, while the remaining $3.7 million increase relates to higher transportation, processing activities and natural gas liquids gross profit at our West Coast NGL operations.

 

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Operating and Administrative Expenses. Operating and administrative expenses were $135.6 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $131.5 million in the same six-month period in 2007. This $4.1 million, or 3.1%, increase in operating expenses was primarily the result of a $5.5 million increase arising from acquisitions together with higher vehicle, insurance and employee benefit expenses, partially offset by lower expenses of approximately $1.4 million due to integration efficiencies and lower expenses as a result of lesser volumes sold at existing locations.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $46.0 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $39.5 million during the same six-month period in 2007. This $6.5 million, or 16.5%, increase was primarily a result of acquisitions and the expansion of our midstream segment.

Interest Expense. Interest expense was $29.8 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $27.1 million during the same six-month period in 2007. This $2.7 million, or 10.0%, increase was due to an increase in the average debt outstanding associated with acquisitions and capital improvement projects, partially offset by lower average interest rates. During the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, we capitalized $1.7 million and $1.4 million, respectively, of interest related to certain capital improvement projects at our West Coast NGL and Stagecoach facilities as further described below in “Liquidity and Sources of Capital – Capital Resource Activities.”

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s consolidated net income. We acquired a majority interest in the operations of Steuben when we acquired 100% of the membership interest in ASC. ASC holds a majority interest in the operations of Steuben.

Net Income. Net income was $118.9 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to net income of $115.9 million for the same six-month period in 2007. The $3.0 million, or 2.6%, increase in net income was primarily attributable to higher gross profit partially offset by higher operating expenses and depreciation and amortization in the 2008 period.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA. The following table summarizes EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively (in millions):

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31,
     2008     2007

EBITDA:

    

Net income

   $ 118.9     $ 115.9

Interest of non-controlling partners in ASC’s consolidated ITDA (a)

     (0.5 )     —  

Interest expense, net

     29.8       27.1

Provision for income taxes

     0.4       0.3

Depreciation and amortization

     46.0       39.5
              

EBITDA

   $ 194.6     $ 182.8
              

Non-cash loss on derivative contracts

     0.1       —  

Non-cash compensation expense

     0.8       0.3

(Gain) loss on disposal of assets

     (1.2 )     0.9
              

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 194.3     $ 184.0
              

 

(a)

ITDA – Interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

EBITDA is defined as income before taxes, plus net interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense. For the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, EBITDA was $194.6 million and $182.8 million, respectively. This $11.8 million improvement in EBITDA was primarily attributable to higher gross profit partially offset by higher operating expenses during the six months ended March 31, 2008. As indicated in the table, Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA excluding the gain or loss on derivative contracts associated with retail fixed price propane sales, the gain or loss on the disposal of assets and long-term incentive and equity compensation expenses. Adjusted EBITDA was $194.3 million for the six months ended March 31, 2008 compared to $184.0 million in the same six-month period in 2007. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to net income, income before income taxes, cash flows from operating activities, or any other measure of financial performance calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles as those items are used to measure operating performance, liquidity or the ability to service debt obligations. We believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide additional information for evaluating our ability to

 

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make the minimum quarterly distribution and are presented solely as supplemental measures. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, as we define them, may not be comparable to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA or similarly titled measures used by other corporations or partnerships.

Seasonality

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

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

Capital Resource Activities

We have identified growth projects related to our Stagecoach, Thomas Corners and West Coast NGL midstream businesses that are expected to require a total capital investment of approximately $387 million. Of the $387 million, we have invested approximately $204 million toward completion of these projects through March 31, 2008, primarily on the Stagecoach expansion. On September 1, 2007, the Phase II expansion project was placed into full commercial operation, which increased our total working gas capacity to 26.25 bcf from 13.25 bcf. The expanded facility is 100% contracted with long term firm storage contracts that commenced upon full commercial operation. Stagecoach is also expected to construct a pipeline to interconnect with the proposed Millennium Pipeline, which will enhance and further diversify our supply sources and provide interruptible wheeling services to the shipper community. The Thomas Corners Natural Gas Storage Project is expected to total 5.7 bcf of working gas capacity. The West Coast NGL project consists of the construction of a butane isomerization unit and related ancillary facilities, as well as the expansion of butane storage capacity. The isomerization unit is projected to have a capacity of 10,000 barrels per day and provide isobutane supplies to refiners or wholesale distributors for gasoline blending. This project is expected to be in service by the winter of 2008.

Cash Flows and Contractual Obligations

Net operating cash inflows were $65.6 million and $121.7 million for the six-month periods ending March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The $56.1 million decrease in operating cash flows was primarily attributable to net changes in working capital balances.

Net investing cash outflows were $121.0 million and $108.7 million for the six-month periods ending March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Net cash outflows were primarily impacted by a $70.3 million increase in capital expenditures, a $37.5 million decrease in cash outlays related to acquisitions and a $20.8 million increase in proceeds from the sale of assets.

Net financing cash inflows were $68.8 million and $19.0 million for the six-month periods ending March 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Net cash inflows were primarily impacted by a $170.6 million increase in proceeds related to the issuance of long-term debt, net of payments on long-term debt, a $104.7 million decrease in the proceeds from issuance of common units, a $1.9 million decrease in proceeds from unit option exercises and a $14.2 million increase in distributions paid.

We believe that anticipated cash from operations and borrowing capacity under our Credit Agreement described below will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs for the foreseeable future. If our plans or assumptions change or are inaccurate, or we make acquisitions, we may need to raise additional capital.

Description of Credit Facility

We maintain borrowing capacity under a credit facility (“Credit Agreement”), which consists of a $75 million revolving working capital facility (“Working Capital Facility”) and a $350 million revolving acquisition facility (“Acquisition Facility”). The effective amount of working capital borrowing capacity available to us under the two facilities is $200 million utilizing capacity under the acquisition credit facility for working capital needed during the winter heating season. The Credit Agreement accrues interest at either prime rate or LIBOR plus applicable spreads, resulting in interest rates between 4.06% and 5.25% at March 31, 2008. At March 31, 2008, borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement were $219.7 million, including $182.0 million borrowed for acquisitions

 

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and growth capital expenditures and $37.7 million borrowed for working capital purposes. The Credit Agreement is guaranteed by each of our domestic subsidiaries.

During each fiscal year beginning October 1, the outstanding balance of the Working Capital Facility must be reduced to $10.0 million or less for a minimum of 30 consecutive days during the period commencing March 1 and ending September 30 of each calendar year.

At our option, loans under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either the prime rate or LIBOR (preadjusted for reserves), plus, in each case, an applicable margin. The applicable margin varies quarterly based on its leverage ratio. We also pay a fee based on the average daily unused commitments under the Credit Agreement.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We have long-term debt and a revolving line of credit subject to the risk of loss associated with movements in interest rates. At March 31, 2008, we had floating rate obligations totaling approximately $350.3 million including amounts borrowed under our Credit Agreement, the ASC Credit Agreement and interest rate swaps, which convert a portion of our fixed rate senior unsecured notes due 2014 to floating rate debt. The floating rate obligations expose us to the risk of increased interest expense in the event of increases in short-term interest rates.

If the floating rate were to fluctuate by 100 basis points from March 2008 levels, our interest expense would change by a total of approximately $3.5 million per year.

Commodity Price, Market and Credit Risk

Inherent in our contractual portfolio are certain business risks, including market risk and credit risk. Market risk is the risk that the value of the portfolio will change, either favorably or unfavorably, in response to changing market conditions. Credit risk is the risk of loss from nonperformance by suppliers, customers or financial counterparties to a contract. We take an active role in managing and controlling market and credit risk and have established control procedures, which are reviewed on an ongoing basis. We monitor market risk through a variety of techniques, including daily reporting of the portfolio’s position to senior management. We attempt to minimize credit risk exposure through credit policies and periodic monitoring procedures as well as through customer deposits, letters of credit and entering into netting agreements that allow for offsetting counterparty receivable and payable balances for certain financial transactions, as deemed appropriate. The counterparties associated with assets from price risk management activities as of March 31, 2008 and 2007 were propane retailers, resellers, energy marketers and dealers.

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

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

 

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Notional Amounts and Terms

The notional amounts and terms of our derivative financial instruments include the following at March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007 (in millions):

 

     March 31, 2008    September 30, 2007
     Fixed Price
Payor
   Fixed Price
Receiver
   Fixed Price
Payor
   Fixed Price
Receiver

Propane, crude and heating oil (barrels)

   3.8    3.8    5.0    4.8

Natural gas (MMBTU’s)

   0.1    —      7.9    7.9

Notional amounts reflect the volume of transactions, but do not accurately measure our exposure to market or credit risks.

Fair Value

The fair value of the derivatives and inventory exchange contracts related to price risk management activities as of March 31, 2008 and September 30, 2007 was assets of $19.0 million and $55.0 million, respectively, and liabilities of $19.0 million and $49.6 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the change in the unrealized fair value of energy derivative contracts related to risk management activities for the six months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 where settlement has not yet occurred (in millions):

 

     Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
     2008     2007  

Net fair value gain (loss) of contracts outstanding at beginning of period

   $ 5.4     $ (2.8 )

Net change in physical exchange contracts

     (0.3 )     (1.7 )

Initial recorded value of new contracts entered into during the period

     —         1.4  

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

     (6.3 )     21.1  

Realized (gains) losses

     1.2       (12.3 )
                

Net fair value of contracts outstanding at end of period

   $ —       $ 5.7  
                

We use observable market values for determining the fair value of our trading instruments. In cases where actively quoted prices are not available, other external sources are used which incorporate information about commodity prices in actively quoted markets, quoted prices in less active markets and other market fundamental analysis. Our risk management department compares valuations to independent sources and models on a quarterly basis.

All contracts subject to price risk had a maturity of twenty-two months or less.

Sensitivity Analysis

A theoretical change of 10% in the underlying commodity value would result in a $(0.1) million change in the market value of the contracts as there were approximately (0.7) million gallons of net unbalanced positions at March 31, 2008.

 

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain controls and procedures designed to provide a reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 are recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the rules and forms of the SEC, and that information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 31, 2008 at the reasonable assurance level. There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13(a)-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) or in other factors during the period ended March 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Part I, Item 1. Financial Statements, Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in “Item 1A, Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2007.

 

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

 

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

None.

 

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

  3.1 Certificate of Limited Partnership of Inergy, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Inergy, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-56976) filed on March 14, 2001).

 

  3.1A Certificate of Correction of Certificate of Limited Partnership of Inergy, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Inergy, L.P.’s Form 10-Q (Registration No. 000-32543) filed on May 12, 2003).

 

  3.2 Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Inergy, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Inergy, L.P.’s Form 10-Q (Registration No. 000-32453) filed on February 13, 2004).

 

  3.2A Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Inergy L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Inergy, L.P.’s Form 10-Q (Registration No. 000-32453) filed on May 14, 2004).

 

  3.2B Amendment No. 2 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Inergy, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Inergy, L.P.’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2005).

 

  3.2C Amendment No. 3 to Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Inergy, L.P. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Inergy, L.P.’s Form 8-K/A filed on August 17, 2005).

 

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    3.3 Certificate of Formation as relating to Inergy Propane, LLC, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Inergy, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-56976) filed on May 7, 2001).

 

    3.4 Third Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Inergy Propane, LLC, dated as of July 31, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Inergy, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-89010 filed on May 24, 2002).

 

    3.5 Certificate of Formation of Inergy GP, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to Inergy, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-56976) filed on May 7, 2001).

 

    3.6 Limited Liability Company Agreement of Inergy GP, LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to Inergy, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-56976) filed on May 7, 2001).

 

    3.7 Certificate of Formation as relating to Inergy Partners, LLC, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to Inergy, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1/A (Registration No. 333-56976) filed on May 7, 2001).

 

    3.8 Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Inergy Partners, LLC, dated as of July 31, 2001 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to Inergy, L.P.’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-89010) filed on May 24, 2002).

 

  31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Inergy, L.P. pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Inergy, L.P pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Inergy, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

  32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Inergy, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURE

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

 

  INERGY, L.P.
  By:   INERGY GP, LLC
    (its managing general partner)
Date: May 8, 2008   By:  

/s/ R. Brooks Sherman, Jr.

    R. Brooks Sherman, Jr.
    Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
    (Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

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