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 endedSeptember 26, 2004March 27, 2005

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

Units Representing

Limited Partner Interests

Units Outstanding As Of

NovemberMay 1, 20042005

53,478,76953,588,200

 

 

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

 

9-119-10

Item 3.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

1211

Item 4.

 

Controls and Procedures

 

1211

     

Part II - Other Information

  
     

Item 1.

 

Legal Proceedings

 

1312

     

Item 2.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

1312

     

Item 3.

 

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

1312

     

Item 4.

 

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

1312

     

Item 5.

 

Other Information

 

1312

     

Item 6.

 

Exhibits

 

1312

     

Signatures

   

1413

     

Index to Exhibits

   

1514

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

(Audited)

9/26/04

12/31/03

3/27/05

12/31/04

ASSETS

ASSETS

Current Assets:

Current Assets:

Current Assets:

Cash

$ 9,783

$ 2,194

Cash

$ 4,600

$ 3,353

Receivables

20,482

6,560

Receivables

2,868

4,766

Inventories

19,132

14,905

Inventories

22,121

17,632

Prepaids

3,406

6,118

Prepaids and other current assets

9,109

7,209

52,803

29,777

38,698

32,960

Property and Equipment:

Property and Equipment:

Property and Equipment:

Land

174,142

150,144

Land

174,143

174,143

Land improvements

152,630

131,765

Land improvements

153,523

153,498

Buildings

289,430

257,102

Buildings

298,076

298,037

Rides and equipment

643,814

553,927

Rides and equipment

671,362

671,830

Construction in progress

37,207

10,832

Construction in progress

35,911

20,470

1,297,223

1,103,770

1,333,015

1,317,978

Less accumulated depreciation

(364,394)

(326,731)

Less accumulated depreciation

(372,247)

(371,007)

932,829

777,039

960,768

946,971

Intangibles and other assets

14,369

12,525

$ 1,000,001

$ 819,341

Intangibles and other assets, net

Intangibles and other assets, net

21,291

13,277

$ 1,020,757

$ 993,208

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

41,006

20,757

Accounts payable

31,644

21,708

Distribution payable to partners

24,065

22,319

Distribution payable to partners

24,630

24,066

Accrued interest

3,094

5,621

Accrued interest

3,283

6,857

Accrued taxes

16,973

15,087

Accrued taxes

9,513

17,832

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

20,474

11,406

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

9,688

13,751

Self-insurance reserves

13,004

10,901

Self-insurance reserves

13,227

14,258

Other accrued liabilities

4,095

5,603

Other accrued liabilities

2,641

3,045

142,711

111,694

114,626

121,517

Accrued Taxes

Accrued Taxes

51,622

42,448

Accrued Taxes

62,489

52,438

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities

6,239

7,661

Other Liabilities

4,346

6,686

Long-Term Debt:

Long-Term Debt:

Long-Term Debt:

Revolving credit loans

24,400

37,750

Revolving credit loans

151,350

75,400

Term debt

367,738

310,897

Term debt

364,911

366,684

392,138

348,647

516,261

442,084

Partners' Equity:

Partners' Equity:

Partners' Equity:

Special L.P. interests

5,290

5,290

Special L.P. interests

5,290

5,290

General partner

1

65

General partner

-

-

Limited partners, 53,479 and 50,673 units outstanding at

Limited partners, 53,542 and 53,480 units outstanding at

September 26, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively

402,000

303,536

March 27, 2005 and December 31, 2004, respectively

317,745

365,193

407,291

308,891

323,035

370,483

$ 1,000,001

$ 819,341

$ 1,020,757

$ 993,208

 

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

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

3/27/05

3/28/04

3/27/05

3/28/04

(As restated,

see Note 5)

Net revenues:

Admissions

$ 8,181

$ 9,052

$ 275,890

$ 260,252

Food, merchandise and games

11,234

11,477

211,017

201,348

Accommodations and other

5,386

2,681

56,656

50,087

24,801

23,210

543,563

511,687

Costs and expenses:

Cost of food, merchandise

and games revenues

3,516

3,480

56,757

52,931

Operating expenses

35,705

30,886

246,881

216,439

Selling, general and administrative

8,616

8,149

70,638

66,051

Non-cash unit option expense

(substantially all selling, general

and administrative)

955

1,337

4,116

5,959

Depreciation and amortization

3,454

3,443

50,701

44,918

52,246

47,295

429,093

386,298

Operating income (loss)

(27,445)

(24,085)

114,470

125,389

Interest expense

6,501

5,792

25,972

23,925

Other (income)

(459)

(863)

(4,059)

(3,775)

Income (loss) before taxes

(33,487)

(29,014)

92,557

105,239

Provision (credit) for taxes

(8,923)

(8,479)

18,271

17,702

Net income (loss)

(24,564)

(20,535)

74,286

87,537

Net income (loss) allocated to

general partner

-

(30)

(2)

88

Net income (loss) allocated to

limited partners

$ (24,564)

$(20,505)

$ 74,288

$ 87,449

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:

Weighted average limited partner

units outstanding

53,487

50,679

52,639

50,644

Net income (loss) per limited

partner unit

$ (0.46)

$ (0.40)

$ 1.41

$ 1.73

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:

Weighted average limited partner

units outstanding

53,487

50,679

53,968

51,569

Net income (loss) per limited

partner unit

$ (0.46)

$ (0.40)

$ 1.38

$ 1.70

Three months ended

Nine months ended

Twelve months ended

9/26/04

9/28/03

9/26/04

9/28/03

9/26/04

9/28/03

Net revenues:

Admissions

$ 159,870

$ 148,705

$ 240,073

$ 227,382

$ 272,139

$ 257,797

Food, merchandise and games

113,849

104,760

185,355

175,722

210,310

199,267

Accommodations and other

31,883

28,747

48,385

45,822

52,414

49,695

305,602

282,212

473,813

448,926

534,863

506,759

Costs and expenses:

Cost of food, merchandise

and games revenues

29,226

26,359

48,483

45,223

56,039

52,335

Operating expenses

94,959

80,660

195,310

177,220

234,922

215,565

Selling, general and adminstrative

30,718

27,850

58,645

54,174

69,129

64,297

Non-cash unit option expense

1,088

1,282

3,408

4,360

4,913

5,395

Depreciation and amortization

24,425

20,091

43,972

38,752

49,913

44,022

180,416

156,242

349,818

319,729

414,916

381,614

Operating income

125,186

125,970

123,995

129,197

119,947

125,145

Interest expense

7,105

6,056

19,259

18,415

24,914

24,443

Other (income)

(1,175)

(1,163)

(3,632)

(1,447)

(4,912)

(633)

Income before taxes

119,256

121,077

108,368

112,229

99,945

101,335

Provision for taxes

10,383

9,650

16,201

15,644

18,475

17,823

Net income

108,873

111,427

92,167

96,585

81,470

83,512

Net income (loss) allocated to

general partner

1

111

(32)

97

(43)

84

Net income allocated to

 

 

 

 

 

 

limited partners

$ 108,872

$ 111,316

$ 92,199

$ 96,488

$ 81,513

$ 83,428

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:

Weighted average limited partner

units outstanding

52,779

50,630

50,928

50,604

51,229

50,590

Net income per limited

partner unit

$ 2.06

$ 2.20

$ 1.81

$ 1.91

$ 1.59

$ 1.65

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:

Weighted average limited partner

units outstanding

53,860

51,429

52,086

51,223

52,347

51,242

Net income per limited

partner unit

$ 2.02

$ 2.16

$ 1.77

$ 1.88

$ 1.56

$ 1.63

 

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

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

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

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

Net income (loss)

-

(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

Net income

-

1

108,872

108,873

Partnership distribution declared

($0.45 per limited partnership unit)

-

-

(24,065)

(24,065)

Net proceeds from sale of 2,567,000 limited

partnership units

-

-

73,278

73,278

Adjustment of limited partnership units issued to

repurchase 0.1% general partner interest

-

-

(708)

(708)

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options

-

-

1,088

1,088

Limited partnership unit options exercised

-

-

3

3

Balance at September 26, 2004

$ 5,290

$ 1

$ 402,000

$ 407,291

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' EQUITY

FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 27, 2005

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

Limited

Partner

Limited

General

Special

Total

Units

Partners'

Partner's

L.P.

Partners'

Outstanding

Equity

Equity

Interests

Equity

Balance at December 31, 2004

53,480

$ 365,193

$ -

$ 5,290

$ 370,483

Net (loss)

-

(24,564)

-

-

(24,564)

Partnership distribution declared

($0.46 per limited partnership unit)

-

(24,630)

-

-

(24,630)

Expense recognized for limited

partnership unit options

-

955

-

-

955

Limited partnership unit options

exercised

39

37

-

-

37

Issuance of limited partner units

as compensation

23

754

-

-

754

Balance at March 27, 2005

53,542

$ 317,745

$ -

$ 5,290

$ 323,035

 

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

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

3/27/05

3/28/04

3/27/05

3/28/04

(As restated,

see Note 5)

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING

ACTIVITIES

Net income (loss)

$ (24,564)

$ (20,535)

$ 74,286

$ 87,537

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net

cash from (for) operating activities:

Depreciation and amortization

3,454

3,443

50,701

44,918

Non-cash unit option expense

955

1,337

4,116

5,959

Other non-cash (income)

(459)

(863)

(4,059)

(3,775)

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects

from acquisition:

(Increase) decrease in inventories

(4,489)

(3,877)

(3,339)

31

(Increase) in current and other assets

(9,835)

(9,165)

(517)

(955)

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

9,936

11,283

(396)

(1,040)

Increase in accrued taxes

1,732

789

13,678

9,260

Increase (decrease) in self-insurance reserves

(1,031)

(229)

2,555

602

Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities

(8,041)

(4,469)

(2,549)

8,766

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

(1,216)

(1,330)

3,633

(2,763)

Net cash from (for) operating activities

(33,558)

(23,616)

138,109

148,540

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING

ACTIVITIES

Acquisition of Geauga Lake assets

-

-

(144,269)

-

Capital expenditures

(17,116)

(15,858)

(77,026)

(41,673)

Net cash (for) investing activities

(17,116)

(15,858)

(221,295)

(41,673)

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING

ACTIVITIES

Acquisition of Geauga Lake assets:

Net proceeds from public offering of limited

partnership units

-

-

73,268

-

Term debt borrowings

-

-

75,000

-

Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit loans

75,950

62,800

50,800

(107,600)

Term debt borrowings

-

-

-

100,000

Term debt repayments

-

-

(20,000)

(10,000)

Distributions paid to partners

(24,066)

(22,319)

(93,898)

(89,207)

Exercise of limited partnership unit options

37

17

106

422

Cash paid in repurchase of 0.1% general partner

interest

-

-

(708)

-

Net cash from (for) financing activities

51,921

40,498

84,568

(106,385)

CASH

Net increase for the period

1,247

1,024

1,382

482

Balance, beginning of period

3,353

2,194

3,218

2,736

Balance, end of period

$ 4,600

$ 3,218

$ 4,600

$ 3,218

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Cash payments for interest expense

$ 10,075

$ 9,048

$ 25,054

$ 23,638

Interest capitalized

200

137

1,277

469

Cash payments for income taxes

18

4

8,846

7,190

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed 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

Nine months ended

Twelve months ended

9/26/04

9/28/03

9/26/04

9/28/03

9/26/04

9/28/03

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING

ACTIVITIES

Net income

$108,873

$111,427

$ 92,167

$ 96,585

$ 81,470

$ 83,512

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

cash from operating activities

Depreciation and amortization

24,425

20,091

43,972

38,752

49,913

44,022

Non-cash unit option expense

1,088

1,282

3,408

4,360

4,913

5,395

Other non-cash (income)

(1,175)

(1,163)

(3,632)

(1,447)

(4,912)

(633)

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from

acquisition:

(Increase) decrease in inventories

7,971

7,604

(3,179)

(2,734)

(1,455)

(905)

(Increase) decrease in current and other assets

4,184

2,703

(11,694)

(8,577)

(3,174)

2,201

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

(11,872)

(16,971)

19,311

118

11,905

(4,237)

Increase in accrued taxes

6,446

4,086

11,060

7,410

11,677

8,664

Increase (decrease) in self-insurance reserves

1,777

398

2,103

(473)

2,227

(176)

Increase (decrease) in other current liabilities

(2,383)

(2,443)

5,033

2,788

5,977

(452)

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

227

1,317

2,210

1,102

(748)

2,678

Net cash from operating activities

139,561

128,331

160,759

137,884

157,793

140,069

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING

ACTIVITIES

Capital expenditures

(19,314)

(6,001)

(55,122)

(32,029)

(62,882)

(42,998)

Acquisition of Geauga Lake assets

-

-

(144,269)

-

(144,269)

-

Net cash (for) investing activities

(19,314)

(6,001)

(199,391)

(32,029)

(207,151)

(42,998)

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING

ACTIVITIES

Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit loans

(82,322)

(95,650)

(9,341)

(26,500)

(80,241)

300

Term debt borrowings

-

-

-

-

100,000

-

Term debt (payments)

(20,000)

(10,000)

(20,000)

(10,000)

(20,000)

(10,000)

Distributions paid to partners

(22,922)

(22,300)

(68,085)

(65,840)

(90,386)

(87,093)

Exercise of limited partnership unit options

3

24

86

435

86

435

Cash paid in place of limited partnership units to

(708)

-

(708)

-

(708)

-

repurchase 0.1% general partner interest

Acquisition of Geauga Lake assets:

Proceeds from public offering of limited

73,278

-

73,278

-

73,278

-

partnership units

Term debt borrowings

-

-

75,000

-

75,000

-

Proceeds applied to reduce revolving credit loans

(73,278)

-

(4,009)

-

(4,009)

-

Net cash (for) financing activities

(125,949)

(127,926)

46,221

(101,905)

53,020

(96,358)

CASH

Net increase (decrease) for the period

(5,702)

(5,596)

7,589

3,950

3,662

713

Balance, beginning of period

15,485

11,717

2,194

2,171

6,121

5,408

Balance, end of period

$ 9,783

$ 6,121

$ 9,783

$ 6,121

$ 9,783

$ 6,121

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Cash payments for interest expense

$ 9,869

$ 10,335

$ 21,785

$ 22,490

$ 23,698

$ 24,527

Interest capitalized

480

43

762

534

861

1,341

Cash payments for income taxes

4,585

3,685

5,774

4,790

8,173

6,888

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

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED SEPTEMBER 26,MARCH 27, 2005 AND MARCH 28, 2004 AND SEPTEMBER 28, 2003

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed 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 September 26,March 27, 2005 and March 28, 2004 and September 28, 2003 to accompany the three and nine-monthquarterly results. Because amounts for the twelve months ended September 26, 2004March 27, 2005 include actual 2003 fourth quarter2004 peak season operating results, they may not be indicative of 20042005 full calendar year operations.

(1) Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies:

The Partnership's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods ended September 26,March 27, 2005 and March 28, 2004 and September 28, 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, 2003,2004, which were included in the Form 10-K filed on March 15, 2004.16, 2005. 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.

Effective January 1, 2003, the Partnership began to account for unit options under the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." The Partnership selected the modified prospective method of adoption described in SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure." Approximately $1.0 million and $1.3 million in non-cash compensation expense was recognized in the three months ended March 27, 2005 and March 28, 2004, respectively, which is the same amount that would have been recognized had the provisions of SFAS No. 123 been applied from its original effective date.

Statement 123R was issued in December 2004, requiring that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in the financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value of the equity or liability instruments issued. Statement 123R covers a wide range of share-based compensation arrangements including share options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights, and employee share purchase plans. Statement 123R replaces SFAS No. 123. The provisions of this Statement become effective for the Partnership on January 1, 2006. The Partnership has not yet determined the impact that this Statement will have on its consolidated financial statements.

(2) Interim Reporting:

The Partnership owns and operates seven 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 & Wildwater Kingdom 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 seasonalseparate-gated 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 AmericaCastaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort in Bloomington, Minnesota under a management contract.Sandusky, Ohio. 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-roundyea r-round but operates at its highestlowest level of attendance during the thirdfirst quarter of the year as well.year.

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 per limited partner unit is calculated based on the following unit amounts:

Three months ended

Nine months ended

Twelve months ended

Three months ended

Twelve months ended

9/26/2004

9/28/2003

9/26/2004

9/28/2003

9/26/2004

9/28/2003

3/27/2005

3/28/2004

3/27/2005

3/28/2004

(In thousands except per unit amounts)

(In thousands except per unit amounts)

Basic weighted average units outstanding

Basic weighted average units outstanding

Basic weighted average units outstanding

outstanding

52,779

50,630

50,928

50,604

51,229

50,590

53,487

50,679

52,639

50,644

Effect of dilutive units:

Unit options

1,081

799

1,158

619

1,118

652

-

-

1,169

925

Phantom units

-

-

160

-

Diluted weighted average units

outstanding

53,860

51,429

52,086

51,223

52,347

51,242

53,487

50,679

53,968

51,569

Net income per unit - basic

$ 2.06

$ 2.20

$ 1.81

$ 1.91

$ 1.59

$ 1.65

$ (0.46)

$ (0.40)

$ 1.41

$ 1.73

Net income per unit - diluted

$ 2.02

$ 2.16

$ 1.77

$ 1.88

$ 1.56

$ 1.63

$ (0.46)

$ (0.40)

$ 1.38

$ 1.70

The effect of unit options and phantom units on the three months ended March 27, 2005 and March 28, 2004, had they not been antidilutive, would have been 1.4 million and 1.2 million units, respectively.

(5) Acquisition:Restatement of Unaudited Interim Results:

On April 8, 2004,Management of the Partnership completeddetermined during 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 allpreparation 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"annual financial statements for 2004, and the intellectual propertyanalysis of deferred tax accounts related tothereto, that name, and the license to use Warner Bros. characters, all of which were retained by Six Flags. The Partnership assumed the complete operations and management of the park as of April 9, 2004 and 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, with the balance initially financed through the Partnership's revolving credit agreement with a group of banks.

On July 20, 2004, the Partnership completed a follow-on public offeringhad incorrectly accounted for the provision for income taxes in addressing the tax attributes of 2,400,000 limited partner units at $30.00 per unit, and an additional 167,000 units were sold toits corporate subsidiaries.   There was no effect on the underwriters on August 17, 2004 to cover over-allotments. The Partnership usedprovision for taxes or net income in the net proceeds from the sale of the units (approximately $73.3 million) to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility principally related to the acquisition of Geauga Lake.

Geauga Lake's assets, liabilities and results of operations since April 9, 2004 arefinancial statements included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.Partnership's 2004 Form 10-K; however, the impact on a quarterly basis was material due to the seasonality of its operations.

As a result, the Partnership concluded that it should restate its accounting for deferred income taxes as presented in its fiscal 2004 quarters, and the effect of the restatement on the 2004 first quarter is as set forth below. The acquisition hasamounts for the twelve months ended March 28, 2004 have not been accounted forrestated as a purchase, and accordingly the purchase price has been preliminarily allocated to 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.impact in that period was not material.

 

Three Months

 

Ended March 28, 2004

 

As Previously Reported

As

Restated

Consolidated Statements of Operations

  

Income (loss) before taxes

$ (29,014)

$ (29,014)

Provision (credit) for taxes

871

(8,479)

Net income (loss)

(29,885)

(20,535)

Net income (loss) per limited partner

  

unit - basic and diluted

$ (0.59)

$ (0.40)

   

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Critical Accounting Policies:

Property and Equipment -Buildings, rides-Property and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis over each park's operating season.recorded at cost. Expenditures made to maintain such assets in their original operating condition are expensed as incurred, and improvements and upgrades are capitalized. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The composite method of depreciation is used for the group of assets acquired as a whole in 1983, as well as for the groups of like assets obtained together in anof each subsequent business acquisition. The unit method is used for all individual assets purchased.

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.as needed.

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:

As discussed in Note 5 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, results for the three months ended March 28, 2004 have been restated. This discussion and analysis gives effect to the restatement.

Third

First Quarter -

ResultsOperating results for the thirdfirst quarter were negatively impacted by unseasonably coolinclude normal off-season operating, maintenance and wet weather throughout much of July and Augustadministrative expenses at our six seasonal amusement parks offsettingand five water parks, and daily operations at Knott's Berry Farm and Castaway Bay, which are open year-round. Net revenues for the benefitfirst quarter of the 2004 operating calendar, which shifted several operating days2005 increased 7% to $24.8 million from the second$23.2 million, due entirely to the third quarter. Third quarter results also include operations from Geauga Lake, near Cleveland, Ohio,first-quarter contribution of Castaway Bay, which opened in November 2004. The strong performance of Castaway Bay helped offset a $2.0 million revenue shortfall at Knott's Berry Farm, which was acquiredthe result of losing approximately 100,000 guest visits during the period due to record rainfall in early April this year. For the quarter, net revenues increased 8% to $305.6 million from $282.2 million in 2003, on a 5% increase in combined attendance and a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending. Over this same period, out-of-park revenues, including resort hotels, increased 8% between years. Excluding operations at Geauga Lake, net revenues in the quarter increased 3%, on a 1.5% decrease in combined attendance, a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending, and a 6% increase in out-of-park revenues.Southern California.

Excluding depreciation and other non-cash charges, total operating costs and expenses for the quarter increased 15%13% to $154.9$47.8 million from $134.9$42.5 million in 2003,2004, due primarily to the operations of Geauga Lake. Excluding operations at Geauga Lake, total cash operating costs and expenses for the quarter increased 4%, due to having more operating daysof Geauga Lake, which was acquired in the period.April 2004, and Castaway Bay. After depreciation and a $1.1$1.0 million non-cash charge for unit options, operating income for the quarter decreased slightlycosts and expenses increased $4.9 million to $125.2$52.2 million from $126.0 million a year ago, due to Geauga Lake's operating loss of $1.8$47.3 million in the period.2004. On a same-park basis, operating incomecosts and expenses in the period increased 1% to $127.0 million.

In the 2004 third quarter, we recognized a non-cash credit of3% or $1.2 million fordue to the change in fair valueoperations of two interest rate swap agreements during the period, which was comparable to last year's third quarter credit. The remaining swap liability balance of approximately $1.4 million at the end of the third quarter will reverse into income over the next two quarters as the swaps continue to serve the purpose of leveling cash interest costs through their maturity in the first quarter of 2005.Castaway Bay.

After the non-cash credit, and interest expense and provision for partnership taxes, both of which were up between years due to the Geauga Lake acquisition,our net incomeloss for the quarterperiod was $108.9$24.6 million, or $2.02$0.46 per diluted limited partner unit, compared to a net incomeloss of $111.4$20.5 million, or $2.16$0.40 per unit, a year ago. Excluding the impact of Geauga Lake, the net income inloss for the quarterperiod would have increased $0.7 million over the prior year to $112.1been $20.0 million, or $2.16$0.39 per unit.

NineTwelve Months Ended September 26, 2004March 27, 2005 -

In spite of inclement weather throughout much ofFor the operating season at most of our seasonal parks, consolidated net revenues for the ninetwelve months ended September 26,March 27, 2005, which included actual 2004 peak season operating results, net revenues increased 6% to $473.8$543.6 million from $448.9$511.7 million for the nine-monthtwelve months ended March 28, 2004, which included actual 2003 peak season operating results. Over this same period, ended September 28, 2003. This increase was the result of a 3% increase in combined attendance, a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending, and a 3% increase in out-of-park revenues. Excluding the contribution of Geauga Lake, net revenues in the period would have increased only slightly to $451.1 million, on a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending, a 2% increase in out-of-park revenues, and a 3% decrease in combined attendance.

Through the first nine months of the year, our operating costs and expenses, before depreciation and other non-cash charges, increased to $302.4$374.3 million from $276.6$335.4 million, last year, due primarily to the acquisition of Geauga Lake. On a same-park basis, cash operating costs and expenses for the first nine months of the year increased only slightly to $278.4 million, due to a continued emphasis on expense controls at each of the parks. After depreciation and a $3.4 million non-cash charge for unit option expense, operating income decreased to $124.0 million from $129.2 million in 2003, due to Geauga Lake's operating loss of $6.3 million in the period. On a same-park basis, operating income for the nine-month period increased slightly to $130.3 million.

We recognized a non-cash credit of $3.6 million for the change in fair value of our swap agreements during the nine-month period, compared with a credit of $1.4 million in the same period a year ago. After this non-cash credit, and after interest expense and provision for partnership taxes, both of which were up somewhat between years due to the addition of Geauga Lake ourand Castaway Bay, and net income decreased to $74.3 million, or $1.38 per diluted unit, from $87.5 million, or $1.70 per unit, in the prior period.

On a same-park basis, net revenues increased $7.4 million, or 1%, to $519.1 million for the twelve months ended March 27, 2005. After depreciation and all other non-cash charges, operating income for the first nine months of the year decreasedperiod increased 2% to $92.2$127.9 million from $125.4 million, and net income increased $4.8 million to $92.3 million, or $1.77 per diluted limited partner unit, from $96.6 million, or $1.88 per unit, for the same period a year ago. Excluding the impact of Geauga Lake, our net income for the first nine months of the year would have increased $4.7 million to $101.3 million, or $1.97 per unit.

October 2004 -

In October, our operating results benefited from improved weather and an extra weekend of operations at several of our parks. For the month, combined attendance increased 9% over last year, and average in-park guest per capita spending increased 3%. Excluding operations at Geauga Lake, combined October attendance was still up 4% between years and average in-park guest per capita spending was also up 4%.

Adjusted EBITDA -

We believe that adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and other non-cash 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 third quarter, adjusted EBITDA increased $3.4 million, or 2%, to $150.7 million, due in part to the addition of Geauga Lake, as well as the increase in average in-park guest per capita spending and each park's ability to control its operating costs in the period. Excluding the contribution of Geauga Lake, adjusted EBITDA would have increased 1% for the quarter. Through the first nine months of the year, adjusted EBITDA decreased to $171.4 million from $172.3 million in the same period a year ago. This small decrease resulted from essentially flat results on a same-park basis and an adjusted EBITDA loss of $ 1.3 million generated at Geauga Lake due to poor attendance during the period subsequent to its acquisition.

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 three and nine-month periods ended September 26, 2004 and September 28, 2003.

Three months ended

Nine months ended

Twelve months ended

9/26/2004

9/28/2003

9/26/2004

9/28/2003

9/26/2004

9/28/2003

(In thousands)

Adjusted EBITDA

$150,699

$147,343

$171,375

$172,309

$174,773

$174,562

Depreciation and amortization

24,425

20,091

43,972

38,752

49,913

44,022

Non-cash unit option expense

1,088

1,282

3,408

4,360

4,913

5,395

Operating income

125,186

125,970

123,995

129,197

119,947

125,145

Interest expense

7,105

6,056

19,259

18,415

24,914

24,443

Other (income)

(1,175)

(1,163)

(3,632)

(1,447)

(4,912)

(633)

Provision for taxes

10,383

9,650

16,201

15,644

18,475

17,823

Net income

$108,873

$111,427

$92,167

$96,585

$81,470

$83,512

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

We ended the thirdfirst quarter of 20042005 in sound financial condition in terms of both liquidity and cash flow. The negative working capital ratio (current liabilities divided by current assets) of 2.73.0 at September 26, 2004March 27, 2005 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.

At the end of the quarter, we had $385 million of fixed-rate term debt, with staggered maturities ranging from 2005 to 2018, as well as a $180 million revolving credit facility, which is available through March 2007.2007, and an additional $30 million uncommitted bank credit facility. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility totaled $24.4$151.4 million as of September 26, 2004.March 27, 2005. Of the total term debt, $20 million is scheduled to mature within the next twelve months.

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 $2.7 million$89,000 at September 26, 2004,March 27, 2005, and has been reflected on the balance sheet in "Intangibles and other assets""Other liabilities" with a corresponding increasedecrease to "Term debt."

Credit facilities and cash flow from operations are expected to be adequate to meet 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, the absence of historical operating experience at Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom, 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 variable-rate borrowings to fixed-rate obligations averaging 5.82% 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 September 26, 2004,March 27, 2005, of our outstanding long-term debt, $385$285 million represents fixed rate debt and $24.4$251.4 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 $1.2$1.7 million as of September 26, 2004.March 27, 2005.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures -

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 September 26, 2004,March 27, 2005, 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

(b) Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting -

As indicated in the Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2005, management has implemented procedures to separately analyze and account for the tax attributes of the Partnership's corporate subsidiaries on a regular basis beginning in 2005 under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting For Income Taxes." Other than this, no significant changes were made toduring the Partnership's internal controls or other factorsfirst quarter of 2005 that have materially affected or that are reasonably likely to materially affect, these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation.Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS - None

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS - None

On October 5, 2004, the Partnership issued 89,172 units of limited partner interest to our former general partner, Cedar Fair Management Company (CFMC), for distribution to its shareholders and certain other executives of CFMC that had an interest as shareholder equivalents in CFMC. These units were issued as part of the restructuring plan that was approved by the Partnership's limited partners in June 2004. The offer, sale and issuance of the units were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(2) of the Securities Act, because the issuance of units to the recipients did not involve a public offering.

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

Exhibits:

Exhibit (10.1)

Amendment No. 3 dated March 27, 2005 to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2003 among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries as co-borrowers, and KeyBank National Association and six other banks as lenders.

Exhibit (10.2)

Amendment to the 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.

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

  

 

 

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, Inc.

General Partner

 

 

Date: November 5, 2004May 11, 2005

/s/ Bruce A. Jackson

 

Bruce A. Jackson

 

Corporate Vice President - Finance

 

(Chief Financial Officer)

  
  
  
 

/s/ Peter J. Crage

 

Peter J. Crage

 

Vice President and Corporate Controller

 

(Chief Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

 

   

Page Number

    

Exhibit (10.1)

Amendment No. 3 dated March 27, 2005 to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2003 among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries as co-borrowers, and KeyBank National Association and six other banks as lenders.

15

Exhibit (10.2)

Amendment to the 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.

22

Exhibit (31.1)

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

1628

    

Exhibit (31.2)

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to

Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

1729

    

Exhibit (32.1)

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

Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

 

1830