FORM 10 - Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

(Mark One)

[x] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period endedMarch 28,June 27, 2004

OR

[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________ to ________.

Commission file number1-9444

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

34-1560655

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259

(Address of principal executive offices)

(zip code)

(419) 626-0830

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Yes X No.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes X No.

Title of Class

Depositary Units

(Representing Limited Partner Interests)Interests

Units Outstanding As Of

MayAugust 1, 2004

50,792,26653,337,200

 

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

INDEX

FORM 10 - Q

Part I - Financial Information

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3-8

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

9-109-11

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

1112

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

1112

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

13

Item 2.

Changes in Securities, Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

13

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

13

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

13

Item 5.

Other Information

13

Item 6.

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

1214

Signatures

1315

Index to Exhibits

1416

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

3/28/04

12/31/03

6/27/04

12/31/03

ASSETS

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Current Assets:

Current Assets:

Cash

$ 3,218

$ 2,194

Cash

$ 15,485

$ 2,194

Receivables

4,098

6,560

Receivables

17,435

6,560

Inventories

18,782

14,905

Inventories

27,103

14,905

Prepaids

8,220

6,118

Prepaids

8,332

6,118

34,318

29,777

68,355

29,777

Property and Equipment:

Property and Equipment:

Property and Equipment:

Land

150,089

150,144

Land

174,121

150,144

Land improvements

131,837

131,765

Land improvements

151,227

131,765

Buildings

257,354

257,102

Buildings

290,042

257,102

Rides and equipment

552,113

553,927

Rides and equipment

645,547

553,927

Construction in progress

25,841

10,832

Construction in progress

20,406

10,832

1,117,234

1,103,770

1,281,343

1,103,770

Less accumulated depreciation

(327,691)

(326,731)

Less accumulated depreciation

(343,695)

(326,731)

789,543

777,039

937,648

777,039

Intangibles and other assets, net

16,796

12,525

Intangibles and other assets

Intangibles and other assets

11,946

12,525

$ 1,017,949

$ 819,341

$ 840,657

$ 819,341

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Current Liabilities:

Current Liabilities:

Current maturities of long-term debt

$ 20,000

$ 20,000

Current maturities of long-term debt

$ 20,000

$ 20,000

Accounts payable

32,040

20,757

Accounts payable

52,878

20,757

Distribution payable to partners

22,844

22,319

Distribution payable to partners

22,922

22,319

Accrued interest

2,365

5,621

Accrued interest

5,858

5,621

Accrued taxes

6,522

15,087

Accrued taxes

10,393

15,087

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

9,391

11,406

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

14,042

11,406

Self-insurance reserves

10,672

10,901

Self-insurance reserves

11,227

10,901

Other accrued liabilities

6,405

5,603

Other accrued liabilities

10,146

5,603

110,239

111,694

147,466

111,694

Accrued Taxes

Accrued Taxes

51,802

42,448

Accrued Taxes

51,756

42,448

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities

5,468

7,661

Other Liabilities

7,187

7,661

Long-Term Debt:

Long-Term Debt:

Long-Term Debt:

Revolving credit loans

100,550

37,750

Revolving credit loans

180,000

37,750

Term debt

315,082

310,897

Term debt

382,718

310,897

415,632

348,647

562,718

348,647

Partners' Equity:

Partners' Equity:

Partners' Equity:

Special L.P. interests

5,290

5,290

Special L.P. interests

5,290

5,290

General partner

12

65

General partner

-

65

Limited partners, 50,713 and 50,673 units outstanding at

Limited partners, 50,937 and 50,673 units outstanding at

March 28, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively

252,214

303,536

June 27, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively

243,532

303,536

257,516

308,891

248,822

308,891

$ 840,657

$ 819,341

$ 1,017,949

$ 819,341

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands except per unit amounts)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

Three months ended

Six months ended

Twelve months ended

3/28/04

3/30/03

3/28/04

3/30/03

6/27/04

6/29/03

6/27/04

6/29/03

6/27/04

6/29/03

Net revenues:

Net revenues:

Net revenues:

Admissions

$ 9,052

$ 8,248

$ 260,252

$ 250,586

Admissions

$ 71,151

$ 70,429

$ 80,203

$ 78,677

$260,974

$250,265

Food, merchandise and games

11,477

10,806

201,348

200,218

Food, merchandise and games

60,029

60,156

71,506

70,962

201,221

198,763

Accommodations and other

2,681

2,445

50,087

49,610

Accommodations and other

13,821

14,630

16,502

17,075

49,278

49,032

23,210

21,499

511,687

500,414

145,001

145,215

168,211

166,714

511,473

498,060

Costs and expenses:

Costs and expenses:

Costs and expenses:

Cost of food, merchandise

Cost of food, merchandise

and games revenues

3,480

3,328

52,931

52,623

and games revenues

15,777

15,536

19,257

18,864

53,172

51,886

Operating expenses

30,886

31,279

216,439

215,416

Operating expenses

69,465

65,281

100,351

96,560

220,623

217,201

Selling, general and administrative

8,149

6,756

66,051

62,764

Selling, general and adminstrative

19,778

19,568

27,927

26,324

66,261

62,744

Non-cash unit option expense

1,337

1,243

5,959

5,311

Non-cash unit option expense

983

1,835

2,320

3,078

5,107

5,788

Depreciation and amortization

3,443

3,218

44,918

41,600

Depreciation and amortization

16,104

15,443

19,547

18,661

45,579

42,527

47,295

45,824

386,298

377,714

122,107

117,663

169,402

163,487

390,742

380,146

Operating income (loss)

Operating income (loss)

(24,085)

(24,325)

125,389

122,700

Operating income (loss)

22,894

27,552

(1,191)

3,227

120,731

117,914

Interest expense

Interest expense

5,792

5,937

23,925

25,107

Interest expense

6,362

6,422

12,154

12,359

23,865

24,804

Other (income) expense

Other (income) expense

(863)

185

(3,775)

6,341

Other (income) expense

(1,594)

(469)

(2,457)

(284)

(4,900)

3,995

Income (loss) before taxes

Income (loss) before taxes

(29,014)

(30,447)

105,239

91,252

Income (loss) before taxes

18,126

21,599

(10,888)

(8,848)

101,766

89,115

Provision for taxes

Provision for taxes

871

1,087

17,702

17,350

Provision for taxes

4,947

4,907

5,818

5,994

17,742

17,322

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss)

(29,885)

(31,534)

87,537

73,902

Net income (loss)

13,179

16,692

(16,706)

(14,842)

84,024

71,793

Net income (loss) allocated to

Net income (loss) allocated to

Net income (loss) allocated to

general partner

(30)

(32)

88

74

general partner

(3)

17

(33)

(15)

68

72

Net income (loss) allocated to

Net income (loss) allocated to

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) allocated to

limited partners

$ (29,855)

$ (31,502)

$ 87,449

$ 73,828

limited partners

$ 13,182

$ 16,675

$ (16,673)

$ (14,827)

$ 83,956

$ 71,721

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:

Weighted average limited partner

Weighted average limited partner

units outstanding

50,679

50,575

50,644

50,538

units outstanding

50,810

50,605

50,746

50,591

50,691

50,561

Net income (loss) per limited

Net income (loss) per limited

partner unit

$ (0.59)

$ (0.62)

$ 1.73

$ 1.46

partner unit

$ 0.26

$ 0.33

$ (0.33)

$ (0.29)

$ 1.66

$ 1.42

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:

Weighted average limited partner

Weighted average limited partner

units outstanding

50,679

50,575

51,569

51,242

units outstanding

51,981

51,286

50,746

50,591

51,739

51,190

Net income (loss) per limited

Net income (loss) per limited

partner unit

$ (0.59)

$ (0.62)

$ 1.70

$ 1.44

partner unit

$ 0.25

$ 0.33

$ (0.33)

$ (0.29)

$ 1.62

$ 1.40

 

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

Three months ended

3/28/04

SPECIAL L.P. INTERESTS

$ 5,290

GENERAL PARTNER'S EQUITY

Beginning balance, December 31, 2003

65

Net (loss)

(30)

Partnership distributions declared

(23)

12

LIMITED PARTNERS' EQUITY

Beginning balance, December 31, 2003

303,536

Net (loss)

(29,855)

Partnership distributions declared

($0.45 per limited partnership unit)

(22,821)

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options

1,337

Limited partnership unit options exercised

17

252,214

Total Partners' Equity

$ 257,516

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of this statement.

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTSSTATEMENT OF CASH FLOWSPARTNERS' EQUITY

(In thousands)thousands except per unit amounts)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

3/28/04

3/30/03

3/28/04

3/30/03

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING

ACTIVITIES

Net income (loss)

$ (29,885)

$ (31,534)

$ 87,537

$ 73,902

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net

cash from (for) operating activities

Depreciation and amortization

3,443

3,218

44,918

41,600

Non-cash unit option expense

1,337

1,243

5,959

5,311

Other non-cash (income) expense

(863)

185

(3,775)

6,341

Change in assets and liabilities:

(Increase) decrease in inventories

(3,877)

(4,918)

31

18

(Increase) decrease in current and other assets

185

1,083

(955)

1,119

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

11,283

5,035

(1,040)

2,418

Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes

789

(444)

9,260

8,594

Increase (decrease) in self-insurance reserves

(229)

(1,180)

602

(731)

Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities

(4,469)

(9,503)

8,766

(595)

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

(1,330)

(423)

(2,763)

1,689

Net cash from (for) operating activities

(23,616)

(37,238)

148,540

139,666

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING

ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures

(15,858)

(13,975)

(41,673)

(50,977)

Net cash (for) investing activities

(15,858)

(13,975)

(41,673)

(50,977)

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING

ACTIVITIES

Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit loans

62,800

73,000

(107,600)

(41,350)

Term debt borrowings

-

-

100,000

46,667

Term debt payments

-

-

(10,000)

(10,000)

Distributions paid to partners

(22,319)

(21,252)

(89,207)

(83,969)

Exercise of limited partnership unit options

17

30

422

30

Net cash from (for) financing activities

40,498

51,778

(106,385)

(88,622)

CASH

Net increase for the period

1,024

565

482

67

Balance, beginning of period

2,194

2,171

2,736

2,669

Balance, end of period

$ 3,218

$ 2,736

$ 3,218

$ 2,736

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Cash payments for interest expense

$ 9,048

$ 9,812

$ 23,638

$ 24,424

Interest capitalized

137

301

469

910

Cash payments for income taxes

4

3

7,190

7,496

Special

General

Limited

Total

L.P.

Partner's

Partners'

Partners'

Interests

Equity

Equity

Equity

Balance at December 31, 2003

$ 5,290

$ 65

$ 303,536

$ 308,891

Allocation of net (loss)

-

(30)

(29,855)

(29,885)

Partnership distribution declared

($0.45 per limited partnership unit)

-

(23)

(22,821)

(22,844)

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options

-

-

1,337

1,337

Limited partnership unit options exercised

-

-

17

17

Balance at March 28, 2004

5,290

12

252,214

257,516

Allocation of net income

-

(3)

13,182

13,179

Repurchase 0.1% general partner interest

-

(9)

(3,441)

(3,450)

Issuance of L.P. units to repurchase 0.1% general

partner interest

-

-

3,450

3,450

Partnership distribution declared

($0.45 per limited partnership unit)

-

-

(22,922)

(22,922)

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options

-

-

983

983

Limited partnership unit options exercised

-

-

66

66

Balance at June 27, 2004

$ 5,290

$ -

$ 243,532

$ 248,822

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

Three months ended

Six months ended

Twelve months ended

6/27/04

6/29/03

6/27/04

6/29/03

6/27/04

6/29/03

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING

ACTIVITIES

Net income (loss)

$ 13,179

$ 16,692

$ (16,706)

$ (14,842)

$ 84,024

$ 71,793

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net

cash from operating activities

Depreciation and amortization

16,104

15,443

19,547

18,661

45,579

42,527

Non-cash unit option expense

983

1,835

2,320

3,078

5,107

5,788

Other non-cash (income) expense

(1,594)

(469)

(2,457)

(284)

(4,900)

3,995

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from

acquisition:

(Increase) in inventories

(7,273)

(5,420)

(11,150)

(10,338)

(1,822)

(1,560)

(Increase) decrease in current and other assets

(16,063)

(12,363)

(15,878)

(11,280)

(4,655)

2,582

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

19,900

12,054

31,183

17,089

6,806

(2,420)

Increase in accrued taxes

3,825

3,768

4,614

3,324

9,317

9,525

Increase (decrease) in self-insurance reserves

555

309

326

(871)

848

(1,007)

Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities

11,885

14,734

7,416

5,231

5,917

(62)

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

3,313

208

1,983

(215)

342

1,571

Net cash from operating activities

44,814

46,791

21,198

9,553

146,563

132,732

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING

ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures

(19,950)

(12,053)

(35,808)

(26,027)

(49,570)

(49,612)

Acquisition of Geauga Lake assets

(144,269)

-

(144,269)

-

(144,269)

-

Net cash (for) investing activities

(164,219)

(12,053)

(180,077)

(26,027)

(193,839)

(49,612)

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING

ACTIVITIES

Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit loans

10,181

(3,850)

72,981

69,150

(93,569)

9,550

Term debt borrowings

-

-

-

-

100,000

-

Term debt payments

-

-

-

-

(10,000)

(10,000)

Distributions paid to partners

(22,844)

(22,288)

(45,163)

(43,541)

(89,763)

(85,525)

Exercise of limited partnership unit options

66

381

83

411

107

411

Acquisition of Geauga Lake assets:

Borrowings on revolving credit loans

69,269

-

69,269

-

69,269

-

Term debt borrowings

75,000

-

75,000

-

75,000

-

Net cash from (for) financing activities

131,672

(25,757)

172,170

26,020

51,044

(85,564)

CASH

Net increase (decrease) for the period

12,267

8,981

13,291

9,546

3,768

(2,444)

Balance, beginning of period

3,218

2,736

2,194

2,171

11,717

14,161

Balance, end of period

$ 15,485

$ 11,717

$ 15,485

$ 11,717

$ 15,485

$ 11,717

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Cash payments for interest expense

$ 2,869

$ 2,343

$ 11,917

$ 12,155

$ 24,164

$ 24,056

Interest capitalized

145

190

282

491

424

785

Cash payments for income taxes

1,185

1,102

1,189

1,105

7,273

7,274

The accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED MARCH 28,JUNE 27, 2004 AND MARCH 30, 2003.JUNE 29, 2003

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared from the financial records of Cedar Fair, L.P. (the Partnership) without audit and reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the results of the interim periods covered in this report.

Due to the highly seasonal nature of the Partnership's amusement and water park operations, the results for any interim period are not indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Accordingly, the Partnership has elected to present financial information regarding operations and cash flows for the preceding twelve-month periods ended March 28,June 27, 2004 and March 30,June 29, 2003 to accompany the quarterlythree and six-month results. Because amounts for the twelve months ended March 28,June 27, 2004 include 2003 peak season operating results, they may not be indicative of 2004 full calendar year operations.

 

 

(1) Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies:

The Partnership's consolidated financial statements for the periods ended March 28,June 27, 2004 and March 30,June 29, 2003 included in this Form 10-Q report have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2003, which were included in the Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2004. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Form 10-K referred to above.

(2) Interim Reporting:

The Partnership owns and operates sixseven amusement parks: Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio; Knott's Berry Farm located near Los Angeles in Buena Park, California; Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom near Allentown, Pennsylvania; Geauga Lake near Cleveland, Ohio; Valleyfair near Minneapolis; Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri; and Michigan's Adventure near Muskegon, Michigan. The Partnership also owns and operates five seasonal water parks, which are located near San Diego and in Palm Springs, California, and adjacent to Cedar Point, Knott's Berry Farm and Worlds of Fun, and operates Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota under a management contract. Virtually all of the Partnership's revenues from its seasonal amusement parks, as well as its water parks and other seasonal resort facilities, are realized during a 130-day operating period beginning in early May, with the major portion concentrated in the third quarter during the peak vacation months of July and August.August . Knott's Berry Farm is open year-r oundyear-round but operates at its lowesthighest level of attendance during the firstthird quarter of the year.year as well.

To assure that these highly seasonal operations will not result in misleading comparisons of current and subsequent interim periods, the Partnership has adopted the following accounting and reporting procedures for its seasonal parks: (a) revenues on multi-day admission tickets are recognized over the estimated number of visits expected for each type of ticket and are adjusted at the end of each seasonal period, (b) depreciation, advertising and certain seasonal operating costs are expensed during each park's operating season, including certain costs incurred prior to the season which are amortized over the season, and (c) all other costs are expensed as incurred or ratably over the entire year.

(3) Contingencies:

The Partnership is a party to a number of lawsuits arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, these matters will not have a material effect in the aggregate on the Partnership's financial statements.

(4) Earnings per Unit:

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit is calculated based on the following unit amounts:

  

Three months ended

 

Twelve months ended

  

3/28/04

 

3/30/03

 

3/28/04

 

3/30/03

 

(In thousands except per unit amounts)

         

Basic weighted average units outstanding

 

50,679

 

50,575

 

50,644

 

50,538

Dilutive effect of unit options

 

-

 

-

 

925

 

704

         

Diluted weighted average units outstanding

 

50,679

 

50,575

 

51,569

 

51,242

         

Net income (loss) per unit - basic

 

$ (0.59)

 

$ (0.62)

 

$ 1.73

 

$ 1.46

         

Net income (loss) per unit - diluted

 

$ (0.59)

 

$ (0.62)

 

$ 1.70

 

$ 1.44

         

Three months ended

Six months ended

Twelve months ended

6/27/04

6/29/03

6/27/04

6/29/03

6/27/04

6/29/03

(In thousands except per unit amounts)

Basic weighted average units outstanding

50,810

50,605

50,746

50,591

50,691

50,561

Effect of dilutive units:

Unit options

1,171

681

-

-

1,048

629

Diluted weighted average units outstanding

51,981

51,286

50,746

50,591

51,739

51,190

Net income (loss) per unit - basic

$ 0.26

$ 0.33

$ (0.33)

$ (0.29)

$ 1.66

$ 1.42

Net income (loss) per unit - diluted

$ 0.25

$ 0.33

$ (0.33)

$ (0.29)

$ 1.62

$ 1.40

(5) Subsequent Event:Amendment to Limited Partnership Agreement:

On June 8, 2004, the Partnership obtained the approval from its limited partners of a plan to allow unitholders to elect the board of directors of the general partner. Under the approved plan, the Partnership's former general partner, Cedar Fair Management Company, was replaced and the unitholders elected the members of a staggered board of directors of a new general partner, Cedar Fair Management, Inc. In addition, the partnership agreement was amended to reduce the general partner's interest in the Partnership from 0.1% to 0.001%, and the new general partner was granted the authority to implement a unitholders' rights plan, which would allow the board of directors to resist a change or potential change in control of the Partnership if they deem that it is not in the best interest of all unitholders. The equity interest of the former general partner was redeemed by the Partnership for approximately 114,000 Cedar Fair, L.P. units valued at $3.45 million.

(6) Acquisition:

On April 8, 2004, the Partnership completed the acquisition of Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, located near Cleveland, Ohio, from Six Flags, Inc., in a cash transaction valued at $144.3 million. The transaction involved the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the park, including the adjacent hotel and campground, but excluded all animals located at the park, all personal property assets directly related to those animals, the use of the name "Six Flags" and the intellectual property related to that name, and the license to use Warner Bros. characters, all of which were retained by Six Flags. Cedar FairThe Partnership assumed the complete operations and management of the park as of April 9, 2004 and has renamed the park "Geauga Lake." The transaction was financed with $75 million of term debt borrowings at a fixed rate of 4.72% and an average term of nine years, and the balance through the Partnership's revolving credit agreement with a group of banks, which was expandedbanks.

Geauga Lake's assets, liabilities and results of operations since April 9, 2004 are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase, and accordingly the purchase price has been preliminarily allocated to $230 million total capacity.property and equipment ($144.2 million), inventories ($1.0 million) and current liabilities ($0.9 million) based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.

(7) Subsequent Event:

On July 20, 2004, the Partnership completed a follow-on public offering of 2,400,000 limited partner units at $30.00 per unit. The Partnership used the net proceeds from the sale of the units (approximately $68.5 million before any over-allotment) to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility related to the acquisition of Geauga Lake. The underwriters of the follow-on offering have the option to purchase up to 360,000 more units at $30.00 per unit to cover any over-allotment of units.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Critical Accounting Policies:

Property and Equipment -Buildings, rides and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis over each park's operating season. Expenditures made to maintain such assets in their original operating condition are expensed as incurred, and improvements and upgrades are capitalized. The composite method of depreciation is used for groups of assets obtained together in an acquisition.

Self-Insurance Reserves -Reserves are recorded for the estimated amounts of guest and employee claims and expenses incurred each period that are not covered by insurance. These estimates are established based upon historical claims data and third-party estimates of settlement costs for incurred claims. These reserves are periodically reviewed for changes in these factors and adjustments are made to assure their adequacy.

Revenue Recognition -Revenues on multi-day admission tickets are recognized over the estimated number of visits expected for each type of ticket, and are adjusted at the end of each seasonal period. All other revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spending at our facilities, or over the park operating season in the case of certain marina dockage revenues.

Results of Operations:

FirstSecond Quarter -

Operating results forResults in the firstsecond quarter include normal off-seasonwere negatively impacted by cool temperatures and frequent rainfall in the Midwest throughout much of May and June, as well as the timing of the 2004 operating maintenance and administrative expenses at our five seasonal amusement parks and five water parks, and daily operations at Knott's Berry Farm,calendar, which is open year-round. Netshifted several operating days from the second to the third quarter. The second quarter was also significantly impacted by the addition of Geauga Lake, which was acquired in April 2004. For the quarter, consolidated net revenues for the first quarter of 2004 increaseddecreased slightly to $23.2$145.0 million from $21.5$145.2 million in 2003, due primarily to higher early-seasonon a 1% decrease in combined attendance and a 2% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending. Over this same period, out-of-park revenues, including resort hotels, decreased 4% between years. Excluding operations at Knott's Berry Farm compared to last year's first quarter, due to improved weather. OperationsGeauga Lake, net revenues in the first quarter of 2004 were only impacted by six days of rain, compareddecreased 5% to nine$138.1 million, on an 8% decrease in 2003, including five days on which the park was forced to close early.combined attendance and a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending.

Excluding depreciation and other non-cash charges, total operating costs and expenses for the quarter increased 3%5% to $42.5$105.0 million from $100.4 million in 2003, due to the acquisition of Geauga Lake. Excluding operations at Geauga Lake, total cash operating costs and expenses for the quarter decreased 5% to $95.4 million, due in large part to fewer operating days in the timing of advertising programs at Knott's Berry Farm.period. After depreciation and a $1.3$1.0 million non-cash charge for unit options, operating costs and expenses totaled $47.3 millionincome for the period compareddecreased to $45.8$22.9 million from $27.6 million a year ago, due primarily to Geauga Lake's operating loss of $4.5 million. On a same-park basis, operating income in 2003.the quarter decreased only slightly to $27.4 million.

In 2002,the 2004 second quarter, we recordedrecognized a $7.6non-cash credit of $1.6 million non-cash charge in other expense related tofor the change in fair value of two of our interest rate swap agreements that could not be designated as effective hedges under the applicable accounting rules. In the 2004 first quarter, we recognized a non-cash credit of $863,000 for the change in fair value of the swap agreements during the period, compared with an expensea credit of $185,000$469,000 in the same period a year ago. The remaining swap liability balance of the original non-cash charges (totaling $4.0approximately $2.5 million at the end of the first quarter)second quarter will reverse into income over the next fourthree quarters as the swaps continue to serve the purpose of leveling cash interest costs through their maturity in the first quarter of 2005.

After the non-cash credit, and interest expense and provision for taxes, both of which were downcomparable between years, net income for the quarter was $13.2 million, or $0.25 per diluted limited partner unit, compared to net income of $16.7 million, or $0.33 per unit, a year ago. Excluding the impact of Geauga Lake, net income in the quarter would have increased $2.3 million over the prior year to $19.0 million, or $0.37 per unit.

Six Months Ended June 27, 2004 -

During the first half of 2004, inclement weather in the Midwest, as well as the late timing of the operating calendar, negatively impacted results at several of our parks. For the six months ended June 27, 2004, net revenues increased 1% to $168.2 million from $166.7 million for the six-month period ended June 29, 2003, on a 2% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending, offset somewhat by a slight decrease in combined attendance and a 2% decrease in out-of-park revenues. Excluding the contribution of Geauga Lake, net revenues in the period decreased 3% to $161.3 million, on a 6% decrease in combined attendance and a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending.

Through the first six months of the year, our operating costs and expenses, before depreciation and other non-cash charges, increased 4% to $147.5 million, due primarily to the acquisition of Geauga Lake. On a same-park basis, cash operating costs and expenses for the first six months of the year decreased 3% to $137.9 million, due to a strong emphasis on expense controls at each of the parks, as well as fewer operating days in the period. After depreciation and a $2.3 million non-cash charge for unit option expense, the operating loss for the period was $1.2 million, compared to an operating profit of $3.2 million in 2003. Excluding the impact of Geauga Lake, operating profit for the first six months of the year would have increased slightly to $3.4 million.

We recognized a non-cash credit of $2.5 million for the change in fair value of our swap agreements during the six-month period, compared with a credit of $284,000 in the same period a year ago. After this non-cash credit, and after interest expense and provision for taxes, both of which were comparable between years, our net loss for the periodfirst six months of the year was $29.9$16.7 million, or $0.59$0.33 per diluted limited partner unit, compared to a net loss of $31.5$14.8 million, or $0.62$0.29 per unit, for the same period a year ago. Excluding the impact of Geauga Lake, our net loss through for the first six months of the year would have decreased to $10.9 million, or $0.21 per unit.

Twelve Months Ended March 28,July 2004 -

In July, weather conditions began to improve at most of our seasonal parks as temperatures and rainfall returned closer to normal levels. For the twelve months ended March 28, 2004, which included actual 2003 peak season operating results, netmonth, combined attendance at our properties, including the newly acquired Geauga Lake, increased 5% over last year, average in-park guest per capita spending increased 4%, and out-of-park revenues increased 7%. Excluding the impact of Geauga Lake, combined attendance in July was down 2% to $511.7 millionbetween years, average in-park guest per capita spending was up 4%, and out-of-park revenues were up 5%. Overall, combined revenues in July were up 9% between years, or up 2% on a same-park basis.

Through the end of July, combined attendance at our twelve properties was up 5% from $500.4 million2003, average in-park guest per capita spending was up 3%, and out-of-park revenues were up 2%. Excluding results from Geauga Lake, combined attendance through the first seven months of the year was down 2%, average in-park guest per capita spending was up 3% for the twelve months ended March 30, 2003, which included actual 2002 peak season operating results. Over this same period, operating costs and expenses,out-of-park revenues were up 1%.

Adjusted EBITDA -

We believe that adjusted EBITDA (earnings before depreciation and other non-cash charges, increased to $335.4 million from $330.8 million. Afterinterest, taxes, depreciation, and all other non-cash charges,items) is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability because we use it for measuring returns on capital investments, evaluating potential acquisitions, determining awards under incentive compensation plans, and calculating compliance with certain loan covenants. For the second quarter and six-month periods, adjusted EBITDA decreased $4.8 million and $4.3 million, respectively, due to the shortfall in attendance caused by poor weather during the periods, as well as fewer operating days caused by the late timing of the operating calendar. In addition, Geauga Lake generated an adjusted EBITDA loss of $2.7 million, which was primarily the result of start-up costs and weak early-season attendance.

Adjusted EBITDA is provided here as a supplemental measure of our operating results and is not intended to be a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities as defined under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income for the period increased to $125.4 million from $122.7 million,three and net income increased to $87.5 million, or $1.70 per diluted unit, from $73.9 million, or $1.44 per unit, a year ago.six-month periods ended June 27, 2004 and June 29, 2003.

Three months ended

Six months ended

6/27/04

6/29/03

6/27/04

6/29/03

(In thousands)

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 39,981

$ 44,830

$ 20,676

$ 24,966

Depreciation and amortization

16,104

15,443

19,547

18,661

Non-cash unit option expense

983

1,835

2,320

3,078

Operating income (loss)

22,894

27,552

(1,191)

3,227

Interest expense

6,362

6,422

12,154

12,359

Other (income) expense

(1,594)

(469)

(2,457)

(284)

Provision for taxes

4,947

4,907

5,818

5,994

Net income (loss)

$ 13,179

$ 16,692

$ (16,706)

$ (14,842)

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

We ended the firstsecond quarter of 2004 in sound financial condition in terms of both liquidity and cash flow. The negative working capital ratio of 3.22.2 at March 28,June 27, 2004 is the result of our highly seasonal business and careful management of cash flow to reduce borrowings. Receivables and inventories are at normal seasonal levels and credit facilities are in place to fund current liabilities and pre-opening expenses.liabilities.

At the end of the quarter, we had $330$405 million of fixed-rate term debt, with staggered maturities ranging from 2004 to 2018, as well as a $180$230 million revolving credit facility, which is available through March 2007. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility totaled $100.6$180 million as of March 28,June 27, 2004. Of the total term debt, $20 million is scheduled to mature within the next twelve months.

On July 20, 2004, we completed a follow-on public offering of 2,400,000 limited partner units at $30.00 per unit. We used the net proceeds from the sale of the units of approximately $68.5 million to repay borrowings incurred in the Geauga Lake acquisition under our revolving credit facility, and at the same time, reduced the credit facility back to its original capacity of $180 million.

We have converted $100 million of our fixed-rate term debt to variable rates through the use of several interest rate swap agreements. The fair market value of these swaps, which have been designated as fair value hedges on long-term debt, was a net assetliability of $5.1$2.3 million at March 28,June 27, 2004, and has been reflected on the balance sheet in "Intangibles and other assets""Other Liabilities" with a corresponding increasedecrease to "Term debt."

On April 8, 2004, we completed the acquisition of Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, located near Cleveland, Ohio, from Six Flags, Inc., in a cash transaction valued at $144.3 million. The transaction was financed with $75 million of term debt borrowings at a fixed rate of 4.72% and an average term of nine years, and the balance through our revolving credit agreement, which was expanded to $230 million of total capacity. We intend to enter the equity market later this year to complete the permanent funding of the acquisition and reduce the level of debt incurred in the acquisition.

Credit facilities and cash flow from operations are expected to be adequate to meet seasonal working capital needs, planned capital expenditures and regular quarterly cash distributions for the foreseeable future.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements:

We have no significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

Forward Looking Statements

Some of the statements contained in this report, including the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" section, constitute forward-looking statements. These statements may involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in such statements. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, we can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Important factors, including general economic conditions, competition for consumers' leisure time and spending, adverse weather conditions, unanticipated construction delays, equity market conditions,the absence of historical operating experience at Geauga Lake, and other factors could affect attendance at our parks and cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates and, from time to time, currency exchange rates on imported rides and equipment. The objective of our financial risk management is to reduce the potential negative impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to acceptable levels. We do not acquire market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

We are party to two interest rate swap agreements that convert $100 million of revolving credit borrowings to fixed-rate obligations averaging 5.82% for a period of 11 more months.through February 2005. In addition, we have converted $100 million of our term debt to variable rates averaging LIBOR plus 0.64% through the use of several swap agreements for a period of 6-15 years. As of March 28,June 27, 2004, of our outstanding long-term debt, $330.0$405 million represents fixed rate debt and $100.6$180 million represents variable-rate debt. A hypothetical one percentage point increase in the applicable interest rates on our variable-rate debt would increase annual interest expense by approximately $1.0 million as of March 28,June 27, 2004.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls -

The Partnership maintains a system of controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance as to the reliability of the financial statements and other disclosures included in this report. As of March 28,June 27, 2004, the Partnership has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its disclosure controls and procedures under supervision of management, including the Partnership's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in the Partnership's periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings. No significant changes were made to the Partnership's internal controls or other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - None

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES, USE OF PROCEEDS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

See Item 4 below.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES - None

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

A special meeting of the limited partners of Cedar Fair, L.P. was held on June 8, 2004. At the meeting, the unitholders of the Partnership took the following actions:

  1. Approved an amendment to the partnership agreement that installed a new general partner of Cedar Fair, L.P.; reduced the 0.1% interest of the general partner in the Partnership to 0.001% and increased the aggregate interests of the unitholders from 99.9% to 99.999%; and authorized a procedure by which the unitholders will meet annually to elect the Board of Directors of the new general partner. The vote was 35,203,658 for the proposal, 617,557 against, with 520,650 abstentions and 14,342,890 non-votes.
  2. Approved an amendment to the partnership agreement that permits the general partner to issue units or rights to acquire units at a price that is more or less than the market price of the units at the time of issuance; and authorizes the general partner to amend the partnership agreement to implement the terms and conditions of any such rights issued by the general partner. The vote was 29,795,697 for the proposal, 5,905,142 against, with 445,244 abstentions and 14,538,672 non-votes.
  3. Elected the following individuals to the Board of Directors of the new general partner, with votes as indicated opposite each director's name:

 

Nominee

For

Withheld

     

Class I

Richard Ferreira

35,696,463

645,419

Richard Kinzel

35,665,856

676,023

Thomas Tracy

35,669,656

672,225

     

Class II

Michael Kwiatkowski

35,508,218

833,663

Steven Tishman

35,575,606

766,273

     

Class III

Darrel Anderson

35,771,528

570,352

David Paradeau

35,469,908

871,971

Class I directors serve terms expiring in 2007, Class II directors serve terms expiring in 2006, and Class III directors serve terms expiring in 2005.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION - None

ItemITEM 6. Exhibits and Reports on FormEXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits:

Exhibit (2)(3)

Asset PurchaseFifth Amended and Restated Agreement betweenof Limited Partnership of Cedar Fair, L.P. and Six Flags, Inc., Funtime, Inc., Aurora Campground, Inc., Ohio Campgrounds Inc., and Ohio Hotel LLC, dated April 8, 2004. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2A to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23,Proxy Statement dated March 22, 2004.

Exhibit (10)

Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of April 7, 2004, among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Knott's Berry Farm as co-issuers, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and affiliated companies as purchasers. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

Exhibit (10.1)

Credit Agreement dated as of April 8, 2004 among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair, Magnum Management Corporation and Knott's Berry Farm as co-borrowers, and KeyBank National Association, Bank One, NA, National City Bank, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Fifth Third Bank, Comerica Bank, and UMB Bank, N.A. as lenders. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

Exhibit (31.1)

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit (31.2)

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

Exhibit (32.1)

Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

(b) Reports on Form 8-K:

The Registrant filed the following reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended March 28,June 27, 2004, and through the date of this filing:

On March 30,June 21, 2004, a Form 8-K was filed announcing a change infor the registrant's certifying accountant.

purpose of updating the description of its units representing limited partner interests.

On April 23,July 16, 2004, a Form 8-K was filed announcingto incorporate the completionunderwriting agreement dated July 14, 2004, by reference into the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-116711) of Cedar Fair, L.P., filed with the acquisition of Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, located near Cleveland, Ohio, from Six Flags, Inc., in a cash transaction valued at $144,250,000.Securities and Exchange Commission on June 22, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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.

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

(Registrant)

By Cedar Fair Management, CompanyInc.

General Partner

 

 

Date: May 7,August 4, 2004

/s/ Bruce A. Jackson

 

Bruce A. Jackson

 

Corporate Vice President - Finance

 

(Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer)

  
  

/s/ Charles M. Paul

Charles M. Paul

Vice President and Corporate Controller

(Chief Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

 

   

Page Number

Exhibit (2)(3)

Asset PurchaseFifth Amended and Restated Agreement betweenof Limited Partnership of Cedar Fair, L.P. and Six Flags, Inc., Funtime, Inc., Aurora Campground, Inc., Ohio Campgrounds Inc., and Ohio Hotel LLC, dated April 8, 2004. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

*

Exhibit (10)

Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of April 7, 2004, among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Knott's Berry Farm as co-issuers, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and affiliated companies as purchasers. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

*

Exhibit (10.1)

Credit Agreement dated as of April 8, 2004 among Cedar Fair, L.P., Cedar Fair, Magnum Management Corporation and Knott's Berry Farm as co-borrowers, and KeyBank National Association, Bank One, NA, National City Bank, Wachovia Bank, National Association, Fifth Third Bank, Comerica Bank, and UMB Bank, N.A. as lenders. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

 

*

    

Exhibit (31.1)

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

1517

    

Exhibit (31.2)

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

1618

    

Exhibit (32.1)

Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

1719

 

* IncorporatedIncorporate herein by reference: see Item 6(a).