FORM 10 - Q


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10 - Q


(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 25,September 30, 2007

OR

 

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

For the transition period from            to            .

Commission file number 1-9444

 


CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 


 

DELAWARE 34-1560655

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(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 a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and larger accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):

Large Accelerated Filer  x    Accelerated Filer  ¨    Non-Accelerated Filer  ¨

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

 

Title of Class

 

Units Outstanding As Of May

Units RepresentingOctober 1, 2007

Units Representing

Limited Partner Interests

 54,206,93254,227,529

 



CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

INDEX

FORM 10—10 - Q

 

Part I - Financial Information  

Item 1.

  Financial Statements  3-93-10

Item 2.

  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations  10-1311-18

Item 3.

  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk  1419

Item 4.

  Controls and Procedures  1419

Item 5.

Other Information19
Part II - Other Information  

Item 1A.

  Risk Factors  1520

Item 6.

  Exhibits  1520

Signatures

  1621

Index to Exhibits

  1722


PART I—I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

  3/25/07 12/31/06   9/30/07 12/31/06 
ASSETS      

Current Assets:

      

Cash and cash equivalents

  $22,871  $30,203   $36,970  $30,203 

Receivables

   16,553   21,796    58,234   21,796 

Inventories

   37,297   26,377    32,116   26,377 

Prepaids and other current assets

   29,886   26,132    16,581   26,132 
       
   106,607   104,508        
   143,901   104,508 

Property and Equipment:

      

Land

   326,118   325,617    343,647   325,617 

Land improvements

   315,154   315,406    320,534��  315,406 

Buildings

   581,653   580,588    585,035   580,588 

Rides and equipment

   1,236,610   1,237,790    1,294,998   1,237,790 

Construction in progress

   45,876   25,288    12,847   25,288 
              
   2,505,411   2,484,689    2,557,061   2,484,689 

Less accumulated depreciation

   (499,145)  (498,980)   (608,281)  (498,980)
              
   2,006,266   1,985,709    1,948,780   1,985,709 

Goodwill

   315,169   314,057    321,856   314,057 

Other Intangibles, net

   64,567   64,837    66,293   64,837 

Other Assets

   38,138   41,810    27,397   41,810 
              
  $2,530,747  $2,510,921   $2,508,227  $2,510,921 
              
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY   

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

   

Current Liabilities:

      

Current maturities of long-term debt

  $17,450  $17,450   $17,450  $17,450 

Accounts payable

   34,162   19,764    41,362   19,764 

Deferred revenue

   29,276   19,490    19,700   19,490 

Accrued interest

   9,887   1,345    899   1,345 

Accrued taxes

   10,209   38,632    91,333   38,632 

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

   12,127   27,537    29,767   27,537 

Self-insurance reserves

   21,319   22,124    23,831   22,124 

Other accrued liabilities

   18,088   12,916    15,483   12,916 
              
   152,518   159,258    239,825   159,258 

Deferred Tax Liability

   146,801   146,801    130,641   146,801 

Other Liabilities

   39,305   34,534    85,650   34,534 

Long-Term Debt:

      

Revolving credit loans

   147,150   40,888    —     40,888 

Term debt

   1,718,825   1,718,825    1,705,737   1,718,825 
              
   1,865,975   1,759,713    1,705,737   1,759,713 

Partners' Equity:

   

Partners’ Equity:

   

Special L.P. interests

   5,290   5,290    5,290   5,290 

General partner

   —     1    1   1 

Limited partners, 54,204 and 54,092 units outstanding at March 25, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

   360,886   440,516 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

   (40,028)  (35,192)

Limited partners, 54,227 and 54,092 units outstanding at September 30, 2007 and December 31, 2006, respectively

   369,201   440,516 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

   (28,118)  (35,192)
              
   326,148   410,615    346,374   410,615 
              
  $2,530,747  $2,510,921   $2,508,227  $2,510,921 
              

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   Three months ended  Nine months ended  Twelve months ended
  3/25/07 3/26/06 3/25/07 3/26/06   9/30/07  9/24/06  9/30/07  9/24/06  9/30/07 9/24/06

Net revenues:

                

Admissions

  $11,332  $8,519  $462,288  $292,746   $320,361  $309,616  $481,847  $389,569  $551,753  $432,920

Food, merchandise and games

   13,973   11,782   309,105   219,642    202,059   193,200   322,192   264,570   364,536   294,892

Accommodations and other

   4,694   3,644   66,050   55,463    45,093   39,333   67,487   57,384   75,103   61,740
                               
   29,999   23,945   837,443   567,851    567,513   542,149 �� 871,526   711,523   991,392   789,552
                               

Costs and expenses:

                

Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues

   4,390   3,624   80,968   57,714    49,518   46,952   80,558   66,577   94,183   74,746

Operating expenses

   58,104   36,068   362,300   244,006    160,665   157,546   342,946   264,760   418,450   308,206

Selling, general and administrative

   14,069   8,473   106,320   73,273    65,980   52,138   117,424   80,803   137,345   94,261

Impairment loss on fixed assets

   39,218   —     39,218   —     39,218   —  

Depreciation and amortization

   4,318   3,474   91,547   55,785    67,204   56,312   117,175   78,004   129,874   84,727
                               
   80,881   51,639   641,135   430,778    382,585   312,948   697,321   490,144   819,070   561,940
                               

Operating income

   184,928   229,201   174,205   221,379   172,322   227,612

Interest expense

   41,036   34,966   110,634   50,207   149,583   56,599

Other expense, net

   1,768   4,643   2,067   4,643   1,200   4,643
                  

Operating income (loss)

   (50,882)  (27,694)  196,308   137,073 

Interest expense

   33,405   7,201   115,358   26,905 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   —     —     4,697   —   

Other (income) expense

   120   —     (799)  —   
             

Income (loss) before taxes

   (84,407)  (34,895)  77,052   110,168 

Provision (credit) for taxes

   (29,283)  (8,391)  18,195   (48,744)
             

Income before taxes

   142,124   189,592   61,504   166,529   21,539   166,370

Provision for taxes

   87,992   56,689   56,966   49,070   46,983   46,596
                  

Net income (loss)

   (55,124)  (26,504)  58,857   158,912    54,132   132,903   4,538   117,459   (25,444)  119,774

Net income (loss) allocated to general partner

   (1)  —     —     2 

Net income allocated to general partner

   1   1   —     1   —     1
                               

Net income (loss) allocated to limited partners

  $(55,123) $(26,504) $58,857  $158,910   $54,131  $132,902  $4,538  $117,458  $(25,444) $119,773
             
                  

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:

                

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

   54,129   53,853   54,022   53,745    54,220   53,968   54,188   53,912   54,161   53,876

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit

  $(1.02) $(0.49) $1.09  $2.96   $1.00  $2.46  $0.08  $2.18  $(0.47) $2.22
                               

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:

                

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

   54,129   53,853   54,892   54,931    55,068   54,964   55,010   54,915   54,161   54,930

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit

  $(1.02) $(0.49) $1.07  $2.89   $0.98  $2.42  $0.08  $2.14  $(0.47) $2.18
                               

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

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE THREENINE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 25,SEPTEMBER 30, 2007

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

   

Three Months

Ended

03/25/07

 

Limited Partnership Units Outstanding

  

Beginning balance

   54,092 

Limited partnership unit options exercised

   60 

Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation

   52 
     
   54,204 
     

Limited Partners' Equity

  

Beginning balance

  $440,516 

Net loss

   (55,123)

Partnership distribution declared ($0.47 per limitedpartnership unit)

   (25,432)

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options

   16 

Limited partnership unit options exercised

   12 

Tax effect of units involved in option exercises andtreasury unit transactions

   (597)

Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation

   1,494 
     
   360,886 
     

General Partner's Equity

  

Beginning balance

   1 

Net loss

   (1)
     
   —   
     

Special L.P. Interests

   5,290 
     

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

  

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment:

  

Beginning balance

   (2,039)

Current period activity, net of tax ($185)

   325 
     
   (1,714)
     

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:

  

Beginning balance

   (33,153)

Current period activity, net of tax ($41)

   (5,161)
     
   (38,314)
     
   (40,028)
     

Total Partners' Equity

  $326,148 
     

Summary of Comprehensive Loss

  

Net loss

  $(55,124)

Other comprehensive loss

   (4,836)
     

Total Comprehensive Loss

  $(59,960)
     
   Nine Months
Ended
09/30/07
 

Limited Partnership Units Outstanding

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

   54,092 

Limited partnership unit options exercised

   83 

Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation

   52 
     
   54,227 
     

Limited Partners’ Equity

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

  $440,516 

Net income

   4,538 

Partnership distribution declared ($1.42 per limited partnership unit)

   (76,932)

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options

   35 

Limited partnership unit options exercised

   253 

Tax effect of units involved in option exercises and treasury unit transactions

   (703)

Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation

   1,494 
     
   369,201 
     

General Partner’s Equity

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

   1 

Net income

   —   
     
   1 
     

Special L.P. Interests

   5,290 
     

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment:

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

   (2,039)

Current period activity, net of tax ($7,399)

   13,682 
     
   11,643 
     

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:

  

Beginning balance 12/31/06

   (33,153)

Current period activity, net of tax ($1,188)

   (6,608)
     
   (39,761)
     
   (28,118)
     

Total Partners’ Equity

  $346,374 
     

Summary of Comprehensive Income

  

Net income

  $4,538 

Other comprehensive income

   7,074 
     

Total Comprehensive Income

  $11,612 
     

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   Three months ended Nine months ended Twelve months ended 
  3/25/07 3/26/06 3/25/07 3/26/06   9/30/07 9/24/06 9/30/07 9/24/06 9/30/07 9/24/06 

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

            
 

Net income (loss)

  $(55,124) $(26,504) $58,857  $158,912   $54,132  $132,903  $4,538  $117,459  $(25,444) $119,774 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from (for) operating activities:

     

Depreciation and amortization

   4,318   3,474   91,547   55,785 

Non-cash unit option expense

   16   12   79   170 

Loss on early extinguishment of debt

   —     —     4,697   —   

Other non-cash (income) expense

   706   79   3,816   13 

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects from acquisition:

     

(Increase) decrease in current assets

   (9,271)  (2,325)  32,037   (4,416)

(Increase) decrease in other assets

   204   583   2,425   4,501 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

   12,552   4,100   (17,985)  4,339 

Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes

   (29,334)  (10,400)  (8,301)  (62,038)

Increase (decrease) in self-insurance reserves

   (813)  (596)  306   563 

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue and other current liabilities

   10,223   94   (37,130)  2,804 

Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes and other liabilities

   (2,488)  (1,273)  (1,760)  536 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash from operating activities:

       

Non-cash expense

   111,345   63,399   166,888   85,421   179,608   93,156 

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense

   (10)  (242)  (366)  (749)  (472)  (960)

Net change in working capital

   40,100   11,617   45,263   12,008   (450)  8,267 

Net change in other assets/liabilities

   (11,241)  21   (16,421)  4,528   (10,065)  81 
                                

Net cash from (for) operating activities

   (69,011)  (32,756)  128,588   161,169 

Net cash from operating activities

   194,326   207,698   199,902   218,667   143,177   220,318 
                                

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

     
        

Acquisition of Paramount Parks, net of cash acquired

   —     —     (1,253,564)  —      —     (1,252,685)  —     (1,252,685)  —     (1,252,685)

Capital expenditures

   (21,400)  (16,431)  (64,563)  (74,789)   (13,620)  (10,988)  (66,853)  (48,800)  (74,731)  (63,507)
                                

Net cash (for) investing activities

   (21,400)  (16,431)  (1,318,127)  (74,789)   (13,620)  (1,263,673)  (66,853)  (1,301,485)  (74,731)  (1,316,192)
                                

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

            
 

Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit loans

   106,262   73,750   (32,450)  28,250 

Net payments on revolving credit loans

   (146,650)  (196,600)  (40,888)  (105,850)  —     (72,500)

Term debt borrowings

   —     —     1,745,000   —      —     1,745,000   —     1,745,000   —     1,745,000 

Term debt payments, including early termination penalties

   —     —     (379,778)  (20,000)   (8,726)  (371,053)  (13,088)  (371,053)  (21,813)  (371,053)

Payment of debt issuance costs

   (2,000)  —     (28,310)  —   

Distributions paid to partners

   (25,432)  (24,747)  (101,463)  (98,803)   (25,748)  (25,343)  (76,932)  (75,427)  (102,351)  (100,158)

Termination of interest rate swap agreements

   3,867   —     3,867   2,981    —     —     3,867   —     3,867   —   

Exercise of limited partnership unit options

   12   296   465   1,125    242   —     253   —     253   —   

Payment of debt issuance costs

   —     (26,962)  (2,000)  (26,962)  (1,348)  (26,962)

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense

   299   —     1,245   —      10   242   366   749   472   960 
                                

Net cash from (for) financing activities

   83,008   49,299   1,208,576   (86,447)   (180,872)  1,125,284   (128,422)  1,166,457   (120,920)  1,175,287 
                                

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

   71   —     (699)  —      984   (212)  2,140   (212)  1,596   (212)
                                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

            

Net increase (decrease) for the period

   (7,332)  112   18,338   (67)   818   69,097   6,767   83,427   (50,878)  79,201 

Balance, beginning of period

   30,203   4,421   4,533   4,600    36,152   18,751   30,203   4,421   87,848   8,647 
                                

Balance, end of period

  $22,871  $4,533  $22,871  $4,533   $36,970  $87,848  $36,970  $87,848  $36,970  $87,848 
                                

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

            

Cash payments for interest expense

  $23,805  $9,712  $108,126  $26,001 

Cash payments for interest expense (1)

  $45,303  $30,643  $105,312  $45,306  $151,585  $49,053 

Interest capitalized

   398   293   1,263   695    426   226   1,769   826   2,101   1,010 

Cash payments for income taxes

   825   453   10,108   9,187    6,741   5,091   16,109   7,069   18,776   9,511 

(1)Cash payments for interest expense for the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 reflects thirteen months of interest payments.

The accompanying Notes to Unaudited Condensed 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 MARCH 25,SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND MARCH 26,SEPTEMBER 24, 2006

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 March 25,September 30, 2007 and March 26,September 24, 2006 to accompany the quarterly results. Because amounts for the twelve months ended March 25,September 30, 2007 include actual 2006 peak seasonfourth quarter operating results, they may not be indicative of 2007 full calendar year operations. Additionally, the twelve month period ended September 30, 2007 includes an additional week compared to the twelve month period ending September 24, 2006.

On June 30, 2006, Cedar Fair, L.P. completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Paramount Parks, Inc. (“PPI”) from a subsidiary of CBS Corporation at an aggregate cash purchase price of $1,243 million,$1.24 billion, prior to direct acquisition costs and certain adjustments per the purchase agreement related to working capital, which have yet to be finalized. Upon closing of the transaction, the Partnership acquired, indirectly through Magnum Management Corporation, its wholly owned subsidiary, the following amusement parks: Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto, Canada; Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; Kings Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds near Charlotte, North Carolina; and Great America located in Santa Clara, California. The Partnership also acquired Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas, and a management contract for Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California. The results of operations of PPI since June, 30, 2006 are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Further discussion of this transaction can be found under Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, which was included in the Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2007.

(1) Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies:

The Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods ended March 25,September 30, 2007 and March 26,September 24, 2006 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, 2006, which were included in the Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2007. 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 12eleven amusement parks, fivesix outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and sixfive hotels. In order to more efficiently manage its properties and communicate its results, management has created regional designations for the parks. Parks in the Partnership’s northern region include Cedar Point and the adjacent Soak City water park in Sandusky, Ohio; Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto, Canada; Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom near Allentown, Pennsylvania; Valleyfair, near Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota; Geauga Lake &Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom near Cleveland, Ohio; and Michigan’s Adventure near Muskegon, Michigan. In the southern region are Kings Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds near Charlotte, North Carolina; and Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri. The western region parks include Knott’s Berry Farm, near Los Angeles in Buena Park, California; Great America located in Santa Clara, California; and three Knott’s Soak City water parks located in California. The Partnership also owns and operates the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio and Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas, and it operates Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California under a management contract. Virtually all of the Partnership’s revenues from its seasonal amusement parks, as well as its outdoor water parks and other seasonal resort facilities, are realized during a 130- to 140-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. Castaway Bay, Star Trek: The Experience and Knott’s Berry Farm are open year-round, but Knott’s operates at its lowesthighest level of attendance during the first quarterthird and fourth quarters of the 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) Derivative Financial Instruments:

Derivative financial instruments are only used within the Partnership’s overall risk management program to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks from time to time. The Partnership has only limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and does not use them for trading purposes.

During 2006, the Partnership entered into several interest rate swap agreements which effectively convert $1.0 billion of its variable-rate debt to a fixed-rate of 7.6%. Cash flows related to these interest rate swap agreements are included in interest expense over the term of the agreements, which are set to expire in 2012. The Partnership has designated these interest rate swap agreements and hedging relationships as cash flow hedges. The fair market value of these agreements at March 25,September 30, 2007, which was obtained from broker quotes, was recorded as a liability of $32.4$35.8 million in “Other Liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. No ineffectiveness was recorded in the firstthird quarter of 2007.

In February 2007, the Partnership terminated two cross-currency interest rate swap agreements, which were effectively converting $268.7 million of term debt related to its wholly owned Canadian subsidiary from variable U.S. dollar denominated debt to fixed-rate Canadian dollar denominated debt. In return for terminatingAs a result of the termination of the swaps, the Partnership received $3.9 million inof cash. The swaps were hedging the functional-currency-equivalent cash which has been deferred inflows of debt that was re-measured at spot exchange rates. Accordingly, gains were previously reclassified out of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss”income” (AOCI) into earnings to offset the related FASB Statement No. 52 transaction losses on the condensed consolidated balance sheetdebt. This offset the value received on the terminated swaps and resulted in an overall deferred hedging loss in AOCI of $8.6 million at the termination date, which is being amortized over thethrough August 2011 (the original hedge period and remaining term of the underlying long-term debt that the swaps were effectively hedging prior to termination.debt).

The terminated swaps were replaced with two new cross-currency swap agreements, which effectively convert the variable U.S. dollar denominated debt, and the associated interest payments, to 6.3% fixed-rate Canadian dollar denominated debt. The Partnership designated the new cross currency swaps as foreign currency cash flow hedges. The fair market value of the cross-currency swaps was a liability of $1.4$44.6 million at March 25,September 30, 2007, which was recorded in “Other Liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. No ineffectiveness was recorded in the firstthird quarter of 2007.

(4) 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.

(5) Earnings per Unit:

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

 

  Three months ended Twelve months ended  Three months ended  Nine months ended  Twelve months ended
  03/25/07 03/26/06 03/25/07  03/26/06  09/30/07  09/24/06  09/30/07  09/24/06  09/30/07 09/24/06
  (In thousands except per unit amounts)  (In thousands except per unit amounts)

Basic weighted average units outstanding

   54,129   53,853   54,022   53,745   54,220   53,968   54,188   53,912   54,161   53,876

Effect of dilutive units:

                 

Unit options

   —     —     695   1,022   631   805   629   847   —     889

Phantom units

   —     —     175   164   217   191   193   156   —     165
                              

Diluted weighted average units outstanding

   54,129   53,853   54,892   54,931   55,068   54,964   55,010   54,915   54,161   54,930
                              

Net income (loss) per unit – basic

  $(1.02) $(0.49) $1.09  $2.96

Net income (loss) per unit - basic

  $1.00  $2.46  $0.08  $2.18  $(0.47) $2.22
                              

Net income (loss) per unit – diluted

  $(1.02) $(0.49) $1.07  $2.89

Net income (loss) per unit - diluted

  $0.98  $2.42  $0.08  $2.14  $(0.47) $2.18
                              

The effect of unit options and phantom units onfor the threetwelve months ended March 25,September 30, 2007, and March 26, 2006, had they not been antidilutive, would have been 800,000640,000 and 1.0 million196,000 units, respectively.

(6) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

As further described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, goodwill acquired during 2006 was the result of the completion of the acquisition of PPI. The Partnership is still in the process of obtainingobtained third-party valuations of certain tangible and intangible assets as well as developing its planduring the second quarter of integration; thus2007 which were used to adjust the preliminary purchase price allocation of the purchase price to assets and liabilities is subject to adjustment.goodwill acquired in 2006. In accordance with FASB Statement No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is not amortized, but is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis. During the second quarter of 2007, we completed our annual impairment test on goodwill related to PPI, which did not indicate any impairment of goodwill. A summary of changes in the Partnership’s carrying value of goodwill is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2006

  $314,057  $314,057 

Translation adjustment

   452   16,314 

Purchase accounting adjustments

   660   (8,515)
       

Balance at March 25, 2007

  $315,169

Balance at September 30, 2007

  $321,856 
       

At March 25,September 30, 2007, the Partnership’s other intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

(In thousands)

  Gross
Carrying Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying Value
  

Gross

Carrying Amount

  

Accumulated

Amortization

  

Net

Carrying Value

Other intangible assets:

            

Trade names

  $51,597  $—    $51,597  $54,110  $—    $54,110

License / franchise agreements

   14,146   1,346   12,800   14,046   2,003   12,043

Non-compete agreements

   200   30   170   200   60   140
                  

Total other intangible assets

  $65,943  $1,376  $64,567  $68,356  $2,063  $66,293
                  

Amortization expense of other intangible assets for the threenine months ended March 25,September 30, 2007 was $341,000.$1.0 million. The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2007 is $342,000. Estimated amortization expense for the next five years is $1.4 million annually.

(7) Geauga Lake and Wildwater Kingdom Restructuring:

On September 21, 2007, the Board of Directors of Cedar Fair, L.P. announced that Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom, its combined water park/amusement park located in Aurora, Ohio, will be operated exclusively as a water park beginning with the 2008 season.

In connection with this restructuring, Cedar Fair incurred losses associated with non-cash charges for impairment of fixed assets totaling $39.2 million. Certain assets (primarily land and rides), with aggregate net book value totaling approximately $28.0 million at September 30, 2007, are being held for sale and for development and are classified as “Prepaids and other current assets” and “Property and Equipment,” respectively, on the accompanying balance sheet. The company used two independent consulting firms to determine the estimated fair value of such assets.

Additionally, employee costs of $240,000 related to severance and benefits were recorded in the third quarter.

(8) Income and Partnership Taxes:

Under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable by the Partnership’s corporate subsidiaries for the current year and for the impact of deferred tax assets and liabilities, which represent future tax consequences of events that have been recognized differently in the financial statements than for tax purposes. The income tax provision (benefit) for interim periods is determined by applying an estimated annual effective tax rate to the quarterly income (loss) of the Partnership’s corporate subsidiaries. For 2007, the estimated annual effective rate includes the effect of an anticipated adjustment to the valuation allowance that relates to foreign tax credit carryforwards arising from the corporate subsidiaries. The amount of this adjustment has a disproportionate impact on the annual effective tax rate that results in a significant variation in the customary relationship between the provision for taxes and income before taxes in interim periods. In addition to income taxes on its corporate subsidiaries, the Partnership is levied a publicly traded partnership tax (PTP tax) on partnership-level gross income (net revenues less cost of food, merchandise and games). As such, the Partnership’s total provision for taxes includes amounts for both the PTP tax and for income taxes on its corporate subsidiaries.

(9) New Accounting Pronouncements:

FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes”On July 13, 2006, the FASB issued FIN 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes—An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an entity’s financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attributes for financial statement disclosure of tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under FIN 48, the impact of an uncertain income tax position on the income tax return must be recognized at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. Additionally, FIN 48 provides guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006.

The Partnership, which applied the provisions of FIN 48 on January 1, 2007, has no unrecognized income tax benefits. As such, the implementation of FIN 48 did not have a materialany effect on its financial position and results of operations. Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, arewould be recognized in income tax expense.

The Partnership and its corporate subsidiaries are subject to taxation in the U.S., Canada and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Partnership and its corporate subsidiaries are no longer subject to examination by the major taxing authorities for tax years before 2003.

FASB Statement No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements”—In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 157, which establishes a common definition for fair value to be applied to GAAP guidance requiring use of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure about such fair value measurements. Statement No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Partnership is currently assessing the impact this Statement will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

FASB Statement No. 159, “The Fair Value OpinionOption for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities”—In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, which permits entities to choose to measure financial instruments and certain other financial assets and financial liabilities at fair value. Statement No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Partnership is currently assessing the impact this Statement will have on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

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

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

Business Overview:

We generate our revenues primarily from sales of (1) admission to our parks, (2) food, merchandise and games inside our parks, and (3) hotel rooms, food and other attractions outside our parks. Our principal costs and expenses, which include salaries and wages, advertising, maintenance, operating supplies, utilities and insurance, are relatively fixed and do not vary significantly with attendance.

On June 30, 2006, we completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Paramount Parks, Inc. (“PPI”) from a subsidiary of CBS Corporation. Upon closing of the transaction, we acquired, indirectly through Magnum Management Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cedar Fair, the following amusement parks: Canada’s Wonderland near Toronto, Canada; Kings Island near Cincinnati, Ohio; Kings Dominion near Richmond, Virginia; Carowinds near Charlotte, North Carolina; and Great America located in Santa Clara, California. We also acquired Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas, and a management contract for BonfanteGilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California. The acquisition represents a major strategic event in Cedar Fair’s history and is expected to result in cost synergies as well as future growth opportunities. The results of PPI operations have been included in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statementsunaudited condensed consolidated financial statements from June 30, 2006, the date of the acquisition. With this acquisition we expect to generate 2007 full year revenues between $950 million and $1 billion and full-year adjusted EBITDA in the $320 – $340 million range.

With this acquisition, we are now 18 distinct locations, covering a much larger and diversified footprint. In order to efficiently manage our properties and communicate our results going forward, we have created regional designations for our parks. The Northern Region,northern region, which is the largest, includes Cedar Point and the adjacent Soak City water park, Kings Island, Canada’s Wonderland, Dorney Park, Valleyfair, Michigan’s Adventure and Geauga Lake and Michigan’s Adventure.Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom. The southern region includes Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. Finally, our Western Regionwestern region includes Knott’s Berry Farm, Great America and the Soak City water parks located in Palm Springs, San Diego and adjacent to Knott’s Berry Farm. This region also includes Star Trek: The Experience, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas and the management contract with Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California.

Critical Accounting Policies:

This management’s discussion and analysis is based upon our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These principles require us to make judgments, estimates and assumptions during the normal course of business that affect the reported amounts in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates under different assumptions and conditions. The following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results and involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity (See(see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2006, as included in the Form 10-K filed on March 1, 2007, for a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies).

Accounting for Business Combinations – Business combinations are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting. The amounts assigned to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in connection with acquisitions are based on estimated fair values as of the date of the acquisition, with the remainder, if any, recorded as goodwill. The fair values are determined by management, taking into consideration information obtained during the due diligence process, valuations supplied by independent appraisal experts and other relevant information. The valuations are generally based upon future cash flow projections for the acquired assets, discounted to present value. The determination of fair values requires significant judgment both by management and outside experts engaged to assist in this process.

Property and Equipment – Property and equipment are 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 is used for the group of assets acquired as a whole in 1983, as well as for the groups of like assets of each subsequent business acquisition. The unit method is used for all individual assets purchased.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – The carrying values of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, are reviewed whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying values of the assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss may be recognized when estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset, including disposition, are less than the carrying value of the asset. The measurement of the impairment loss to be recognized is based on the difference between the fair value and the carrying amounts of the assets. Fair value is generally determined based on a discounted cash flow analysis. In order to determine if an asset has been impaired, assets are grouped and tested at the lowest level for which identifiable, independent cash flows are available.

The determination of both undiscounted and discounted cash flows requires management to make significant estimates and consider an anticipated course of action as of the balance sheet date. Subsequent changes in estimated undiscounted and discounted cash flows arising from changes in anticipated actions could impact the determination of whether impairment exists, the amount of the impairment charge recorded and whether the effects could materially impact the consolidated financial statements.

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 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 and certain sponsorship revenues.

Derivative Financial Instruments – Derivative financial instruments are only used within our overall risk management program to manage certain interest rate and foreign currency risks from time to time. We only have limited involvement with derivative financial instruments and do not use them for trading purposes.

The use of derivative financial instruments is accounted for according to SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” and related amendments. For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” and reclassified into earnings in the period during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Derivative financial instruments used in hedging transactions are assessed both at inception and quarterly thereafter to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of the related underlying exposures.

Results of Operations:

Our results of operations for the threenine and twelve months ended March 25,September 30, 2007 and March 26,September 24, 2006 are not directly comparable due to the acquisition of PPI on June 30, 2006. Since material changes todifferences in our statements of operations during these periods are primarily due to this acquisition, we will also discuss operating results on a same-park basis compared to previous periods.

First Quarter –

Operating results forThe third fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2007 also includes an additional week when compared to the firstthird fiscal quarter include normal off-season operating, maintenance and administrative expenses atended September 24, 2006. During this time our 11 seasonal amusement parks and five outdoor water parks, as well as daily operations at Knott’swere open weekends only, while our year-round properties (Knott’s Berry Farm, Castaway Bay and Star Trek: The Experience, which are open year-round.Experience) were in operation for the full week. For ease of comparison, we will also briefly discuss the impact the additional week had on third quarter 2007 revenue and attendance figures.

Third Quarter –

The following table presents key financial information for the three months ended March 25,September 30, 2007 and March 26,September 24, 2006:

 

  All Properties (a) Same Park Comparison (b)   

Three months
ended

9/30/07

  

Three months
ended

9/24/06

  Increase (Decrease) 
  

Three months
ended

3/25/07

  

Three months
ended

3/25/07

  

Three months
ended

3/26/06

  Increase (Decrease)   

$

 % 
 $ %   (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending) 

Attendance

   12,875   13,025   (150) (1.2)

Per capita spending

  $40.55  $38.75  $1.80  4.6 

Out-of-park revenues

  $53,527  $51,279  $2,248  4.4 
  (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending) 

Net revenues

  $29,999  $25,547  $23,945  $1,602  6.7   $567,513  $542,149  $25,364  4.7 

Operating costs and expenses

   76,563   47,159   48,165   (1,006) (2.1)

Cash operating costs and expenses

   276,125   256,614   19,511  7.6 
           

Adjusted EBITDA

   291,388   285,535   5,853  2.0 

Depreciation and amortization

   4,318   3,534   3,474   60  1.7    67,204   56,312   10,892  19.3 

Equity-based compensation

   38   22   16  72.7 

Impairment loss on fixed assets

   39,218   —     39,218  —   
                       

Operating loss

  $(50,882) $(25,146) $(27,694)  (2,548) (9.2)

Operating income

  $184,928  $229,201  $(44,257) (19.3)
                       

For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, which included one more week than the prior year’s third quarter, consolidated net revenues increased 5%, or $25.4 million, to $567.5 million from $542.1 million in 2006. This increase was primarily due to a 5% increase in per capita spending across all of the parks, offset somewhat by a 1% decrease, or 150,000 visits, in attendance primarily in the southern and western regions. Out-of-park revenues, including resort hotels, increased 4%, or $2.2 million.

The additional operating days in the third quarter of 2007 provided approximately a $14 million benefit to revenues in the quarter as well as an additional 304,000 guest visits.

We are pleased with the strength in our in-park per capita spending during the third quarter, which more than offset somewhat disappointing attendance trends during this same period. The 5% increase in guest spending was more than enough to offset the 3% decrease in attendance over a comparable operating period (excluding the 304,000 guest visits during the additional operating days). This is a transitional year for us as we are testing our new markets with various pricing strategies and marketing promotions in an effort to strengthen price integrity at the newly acquired parks. During the 2007 operating season, we made adjustments to ticket distributions at the newly acquired parks, including the elimination of many complimentary tickets. We also made changes to the 2007 season pass programs to make them more comparable to our existing parks. For the quarter ended September 30, 2007, we eliminated over 220,000 complimentary tickets at the newly acquired parks. We also experienced a decrease of approximately 300,000 season pass visits during this same period. While we anticipated a decrease in season pass visitors due to changes in pricing and benefits that were previously offered, the decrease was larger than originally anticipated. We will continue to adjust the season pass programs at all of our parks in an effort to achieve an optimal mix of attendance to maximize revenue and profits. Our long-term strategy is to build integrity into our pricing structure, while offering a high value, high quality experience to our guests.

Excluding depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges, total operating costs and expenses for the quarter increased 8% to $276.1 million from $256.6 million in 2006 due primarily to the additional operating days in the current period. For the quarter, adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash costs), which management believes is a meaningful measure of the company’s park-level operating results, increased 2%, or $5.8 million, to $291.4 million from $285.5 million a year ago. The majority of this increase is attributable to the additional week in the quarter, aided in part by improved performances at several of our parks located in the northern region.

On September 21, 2007 we announced plans to operate Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom, our property located in Aurora, Ohio, exclusively as a water park beginning in 2008. After four years of operation, we determined that the market demand was not sufficient to support the park as it was structured. We plan to market the excess property and have identified assets to be relocated to other locations, to be sold and/or disposed. In connection with this restructuring, we incurred losses associated with non-cash charges for impairment of fixed assets totaling $39.2 million for the quarter. Further discussion of this transaction can be found in Note 7 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

For the period, depreciation and amortization expense increased $10.9 million to $67.2 million due primarily to the additional operating days in the current period. After depreciation, amortization and impairment losses, operating income for the quarter decreased to $184.9 million from $229.2 million a year ago.

Interest expense for the third quarter in 2007 compared to the third quarter of 2006 increased $6.1 million to $41.0 million due primarily to the additional days in the current quarter. A provision for taxes of $88.0 million was recorded to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and publicly traded partnership (“PTP”) taxes during the third quarter of 2007, which compares to a provision for taxes of $56.7 million in the same period a year ago. To determine the interim period income tax provision (benefit) of our corporate subsidiaries we apply an estimated annual effective tax rate to our year-to-date income (loss). The 2007 estimated annual effective rate includes the effect of an anticipated adjustment to the valuation allowance that relates to foreign tax credit carryforwards arising from our corporate subsidiaries. The amount of this adjustment has a disproportionate impact on our annual effective tax rate that results in a significant variation in the customary relationship between the provision for taxes and income before taxes in interim periods. This is expected to substantially reverse in the fourth quarter. Cash taxes paid or payable are not impacted by these interim tax provisions and are estimated to be between $15-18 million for the 2007 calendar year.

After interest expense, a charge for impairment of assets and provision for taxes, net income for the period totaled $54.1 million, or $0.98 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $132.9 million, or $2.42 per unit, a year ago.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007 –

The nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes additional operating days when compared with the nine months ended September 24, 2006. During this additional week our seasonal amusement parks were open weekends only, while our year-round properties (Knott’s Berry Farm, Castaway Bay and Star Trek: The Experience) were in operation for the full week. For ease of comparison, we will also briefly discuss the impact the additional week had on the first nine-months of 2007 revenue and attendance figures.

The following table presents key financial information for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 and September 24, 2006:

   All Properties (a)  Same Park Comparison (b) 
   

Nine months
ended

9/30/07

  Nine months
ended
9/30/07
  Nine months
ended
9/24/06
  Increase (Decrease) 
         $  % 
   (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending) 

Attendance

   19,604   10,688   10,810   (122) (1.1)

Per capita spending

  $40.62  $39.69  $37.75  $1.94  5.1 

Out-of-park revenues

  $90,421  $84,754  $82,661  $2,093  2.5 

Net revenues

  $871,526  $503,169  $482,442  $20,727  4.3 

Cash operating costs and expenses

   540,527   297,744   297,680   64  0.0 
                  

Adjusted EBITDA

   330,999   205,425   184,762   20,663  11.2 

Depreciation and amortization

   117,175   55,083   50,779   4,304  8.5 

Equity-based compensation

   401   —     —     —    —   

Impairment loss on fixed assets

   39,218   39,218   —     39,218  —   
                  

Operating income (loss)

  $174,205  $111,124  $133,983  $(22,859) (17.1)
                  

(a)Includes results for all owned and/or managed properties and corporate costs as of March 25,September 30, 2007.
(b)Same park comparison includes properties owned and operated for the full periods in 2007 and 2006 and excludes the newly acquired parks.parks and corporate costs.

Same-Park Comparison:

ForOperating results on a same-park basis for the quarternine months ended March 25,September 30, 2007, reflect an additional week compared to the nine months ended September 24, 2006. Through the first nine months of the year, consolidated net revenues on a same-park basis increased 7%4%, or $1.6$20.7 million, to $25.5$503.2 million from $23.9$482.4 million for the same period in 2006. ThisThe increase was primarilyin revenues is due to improveda 5% increase in per capita spending across all of our parks, offset somewhat by a 1% decrease, or 122,000 visits, in combined attendance and attendance atan increase of 3%, or $2.1 million, in out-of-park revenues, including resort hotels.

On a same-park basis, the additional operating days provided approximately an $8 million benefit to revenues as well as an additional 166,000 guest visits for the current period. Excluding the impact of the additional days of operations, the increase in revenues for the first nine months of the year was the result of increased in-park per capita spending across all of our Western Region parks which more than offset a decrease in the quarter.attendance.

Excluding depreciation, amortization and amortization,other non-cash charges, total operating costs and expenses for the quarter,first nine months remained relatively unchanged on a same-park basis. A decrease in operating costs and expenses during the first half of the year, resulting from a decrease in operating days and a reduction in operating costs in our northern region, primarily at Geauga Lake, were offset by the additional week in the third quarter. For the period, adjusted EBITDA on a same-park basis totaled $205.4 million, $20.7 million higher than last year. The increase in adjusted EBITDA is the result of improved operating results in our northern and western regions and, to a lesser extent, the additional operating days in 2007.

For the period, depreciation and amortization expense on a same-park basis increased $4.3 million, or 9%, due primarily to the accelerated depreciation on certain Geauga Lake assets and an additional week in 2007. After depreciation, amortization and impairment losses, operating income for the period on a same-park basis decreased 2% to $47.1$111.1 million from $48.2 million in 2006. The decrease in operating costs is attributable to our continued focus on bringing costs in-line with attendance trends at our Northern Region parks, particularly at Geauga Lake. The savings we generated in operating costs in the period were somewhat offset by higher operating costs in our Western Region parks, resulting from higher attendance.

After depreciation and amortization, the operating loss for the quarter on a same-park basis decreased 9%, or $2.5 million, to $25.1 million from $27.7$134.0 million a year ago.

Combined Results:

On a combined basis, including the results of the newly acquired parks, consolidated net revenues for the quarterfirst nine months of 2007 were $30.0 million. $871.5 million compared to $711.5 million in 2006. As mentioned in the “Third Quarter” section above, the additional operating days provided a benefit of approximately $14 million to revenues as well as an additional 304,000 guest visits for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007.

Excluding depreciation, amortization and amortization,other non-cash charges, combined operating costs and expenses totaled $76.5were $540.5 million versus $412.1 million a year ago. Adjusted EBITDA for the nine-month period increased $31.6 million to $331.0 million. After depreciation, amortization and amortization,a $39.2 million impairment loss from the Geauga Lake restructuring, operating lossincome for the quarterperiod, on a combined basis, was $50.9$174.2 million compared with $27.7$221.4 million for the first nine months in 2006.

As we continue to integrate the acquired parks, we remain focused on reducing costs, particularly when the parks are not in operation. During the first quarter we successfully identified additional operating efficiencies through cost synergies at the new parks.

Interest expense forover the first quarternine-month period increased $26.2$60.4 million to $33.4$110.6 million, due to principally to the acquisition.acquisition of PPI. A net creditprovision for taxes of $29.3$57.0 million was recorded in 2007 to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and PTP taxes, during the first quarter of 2007. This compared towhich compares with a net creditprovision for taxes of $8.4$49.1 million infor the same period in 2006. As explained in the “Third Quarter” section above, the tax provision for the current nine-month period reflects a year ago.significant variation in the customary relationship between income before taxes and the provision for taxes due to the timing of certain tax adjustments affecting the annual effective tax rate. This is expected to substantially reverse in the fourth quarter. Cash taxes paid or payable are not impacted by these interim tax provisions and are expected to be between $15-18 million for the full 2007 calendar year.

After interest expense and the creditprovision for taxes, the net lossincome for the periodnine months totaled $55.1$4.5 million, or $1.02$0.08 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with a net lossincome of $26.5$117.5 million, or $0.49$2.14 per unit, a year ago.

Twelve Months Ended March 25,September 30, 2007 –

The twelve months ended September 30, 2007 includes an additional week when compared to the twelve months ended September 24, 2006. During this additional week our seasonal amusement parks were open weekends only, while our year-round properties (Knott’s Berry Farm, Castaway Bay and Star Trek: The Experience) were in operation for the full week. For ease of comparison, we will also briefly discuss the impact the additional week had on the twelve months ended September 30, 2007 revenue and attendance figures.

The following table presents key financial information for the twelve months ended March 25,September 30, 2007 and March 26,September 24, 2006:

 

  All Properties (a)  Same Park Comparison (b)   All Properties (a)  Same Park Comparison (b) 
  

Twelve months
ended

3/25/07

  

Twelve months
ended

3/25/07

  

Twelve months
ended

3/26/06

  Increase (Decrease)   

Twelve months
ended

9/30/07

  

Twelve months
ended

9/30/07

  

Twelve months
ended

9/24/06

  

Increase (Decrease)

 
  $ %   $ % 
  (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending)   (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending) 

Attendance

   22,282   12,495   12,606   (111) (0.9)

Per capita spending

  $40.41  $39.43  $37.65  $1.78  4.7 

Out-of-park revenues

  $106,799  $99,692  $96,734  $2,958  3.1 

Net revenues

  $837,443  $568,083  $567,851  $232  —     $991,392  $585,151  $560,471  $24,680  4.4 

Operating costs and expenses

   549,588   375,199   374,993   206  0.1 

Cash operating costs and expenses

   649,416   371,113   362,753   8,360  2.3 
              

Adjusted EBITDA

   341,976   214,038   197,718   16,320  8.3 

Depreciation and amortization

   91,547   57,552   55,785   1,767  3.2    129,874   61,796   57,502   4,294  7.5 

Equity-based compensation

   562   —     —     —    —   

Impairment loss on fixed assets

   39,218   39,218   —     39,218  —   
                          

Operating income

  $196,308  $135,332  $137,073   (1,741) (1.3)  $172,322  $113,024  $140,216  $(27,192) (19.4)
                          

(a)Includes results for all owned and/or managed properties and corporate costs as of March 25,September 30, 2007.
(b)Same park comparison includes properties owned and operated for the full periods in 2007 and 2006 and excludes the newly acquired parks.parks and corporate costs.

Same-Park Comparison:

For the twelve months ended March 25,September 30, 2007, which included actual 2006 peak seasonfourth quarter operating results, net revenues on a same-park basis increased slightly4% to $568.1$585.2 million from $567.9$560.5 million for the twelve months ended March 26,September 24, 2006, which included actual 2005 peak seasonfourth quarter operating results. Over thisThe increase in consolidated net revenues was the result of a 5% increase in guest per capita spending, a 1% decrease, or 111,000 visits, in combined attendance and a 3% increase, or $3.0 million, in out-of-park revenues.

As mentioned in the “Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007” section above, the current period benefits from the additional operating days in the third quarter. On a same-park basis, the additional operating days provided approximately an $8 million benefit to revenues as well as an additional 166,000 guest visits for the current twelve-month period. Excluding the impact of the additional week in the third quarter, improvement in revenues for the trailing twelve months was the result of increased in-park per capita spending in our northern and western regions which more than offset a decrease in attendance in those same period,regions.

For the twelve months ended September 30, 2007, operating costs and expenses before depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges increased 2%, or $8.4 million, to $371.1 million on a same park basis. The increase in net revenues more than offset the increase in operating costs and expenses, producing an 8%, or $16.3 million, increase in adjusted EBITDA for the twelve-month period. For the period, depreciation and amortization expense on a same-park basis beforeincreased $4.3 million, or 8%, primarily due to the additional operating days in 2007 and the accelerated depreciation and amortization, increased slightly to $375.2 million from $375.0 million a year ago.on certain Geauga Lake assets. After depreciation, amortization and amortization,impairment losses, operating income for the twelve month period was 1% lower at $135.3decreased to $113.0 million compared to $137.1from $140.2 million a year ago, on a same-park basis.ago.

Combined Results:

On a combined basis, consolidated net revenues for the twelve months ended March 25,September 30, 2007, were $837.4$991.4 million. Excluding depreciation, amortization and amortization,other non-cash charges, combined operating costs and expenses were $549.6$649.4 million, generating adjusted EBITDA for the period of $342.0 million. After depreciation, amortization, other non-cash costs and amortization,impairment losses, which totaled $169.7 million, operating income for the twelve months on a combined basis, was $196.3$172.3 million compared with $137.1$227.7 million for the same period in 2006.

Interest expense for the twelve month period increased $88.4$93.0 million to $115.3$150.0 million, due primarily to the acquisition.acquisition of PPI. During the period, we recorded a provision for taxes of $18.2$47.0 million to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and PTP taxes. Thistaxes, which compares with a creditprovision for taxes of $48.7$46.6 million a year ago, when we reversed $66.1 million of contingent liabilities related to PTP taxes. Theago. As explained in the “Third Quarter” section above,

the tax provision for the current twelve-month period ended March 26, 2006, also reflects a significant variation in the recognitioncustomary relationship between income before taxes and the provision for taxes due to the timing of a $4.7certain tax adjustments affecting the annual effective tax rate. This is expected to substantially reverse in the fourth quarter. Cash taxes paid or payable are not impacted by these interim tax provisions and are expected to be between $15-18 million loss onfor the early extinguishment of debt during the period.full 2007 calendar year.

After interest expense, and provision for taxes, and the $1.2 million of other expense, the net incomeloss for the twelve months ended March 25,September 30, 2007 was $58.9$25.4 million, or $1.07$0.47 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $158.9$119.8 million, or $2.89$2.18 per diluted limited partner unit, for the twelve months ended March 26,September 24, 2006.

October 2007 –

Overall, results of operations improved significantly during the month of October, as our fall promotions continue to gain in popularity with our guests. New attractions, along with more than favorable weather conditions in our northern region, resulted in a $6.9 million, or 10%, increase in revenues for the month of October. This increase was a result of a 2% increase in in-park per capita spending and a 7% increase, or 119,000 visits, in attendance, and an 8% increase, or $494,000, in out-of-park revenues.

Combined revenues, including the newly acquired parks, through the end of October totaled $946.3 million. During this same period the parks entertained 20.9 million visitors, average in-park per capita spending totaled $40.62, while our out-of-park revenues, including resort hotels, totaled $96.0 million. On a same-park basis, excluding the results of the newly acquired parks, revenues through the end of October increased 3%, or $16.0 million, to $549.4 million. The increase in revenues is attributable to a 5% increase in in-park per capita spending to $39.93 and a 2% increase, or $1.8 million, in out-of-park revenues. This was slightly offset by a decrease of 2%, or 241,000 visits, in attendance.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

We ended the firstthird quarter of 2007 in sound financial condition in terms of both liquidity and cash flow. The negative working capital ratio (current liabilities divided by current assets) of 1.41.7 at March 25,September 30, 2007 is the result of our seasonal business.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.

In June 2006, and as amended in August 2006, in connection with the acquisition of PPI we entered into a new $2,090 million$2.09 billion credit agreement with several banks and certain “Lenders” party thereto (the “Credit Agreement”). In February 2007, we took advantage of favorable market conditions and amended the Credit Agreement, reducing interest rate spreads on term borrowings under the agreement by 50 basis points (bps). The 50 bps reduction in interest rate is expected to save us approximately $8.0 million in cash interest costs annually.

At the end of the quarter, we had $1,736.3 million$1.73 billion of variable-rate term debt and $147.2 million inno outstanding borrowings underon our revolving credit facilities. Of our total term debt, $17.5 million is scheduled to mature within the next twelve months.

In 2006, we entered into several interest rate swap agreements which effectively convert $1.0 billion of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate of 7.6%. InDuring the first quarter of 2007, we terminated two cross-currency swaps, which were effectively converting variable-rate debt related to our wholly owned Canadian subsidiary to fixed-rate debt, and received $3.9 million in cash upon termination. We replaced these swaps with two new cross-currency swap agreements, which effectively convert $268.7 million of term debt, and the associated interest payments, from U.S. dollar denominated debt at a rate of LIBOR plus 200 bps to 6.3% fixed-rate Canadian dollar denominated debt.

Credit facilities and cash flow from operations are expected to be adequatesufficient to meet working capital needs, debt service, 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) that are not historical in nature are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, including statements as to our expectations, beliefs and strategies regarding the future. These forward-looking statements may involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, may be beyond our control and 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 be correct. Important factors, including those listed under Item 1A in the Partnership’s Form 10-K, could adversely affect our future financial performance and cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.

ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates, and to a lesser extent on currency exchange rates on our operations in Canada and, from time to time, 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 manage interest rate risk through the use of a combination of interest rate swaps, which fix a portion of our variable-rate long-term debt, and variable-rate borrowings under our revolving credit loans. We mitigate a portion of our foreign currency exposure from the Canadian dollar through the use of foreign-currency denominated debt. Hedging of the U.S. dollar denominated debt, used to fund a substantial portion of our net investment in our Canadian operations, is accomplished through the use of cross currency swaps. Any gain or loss on the hedging instrument offsets the gain or loss on the underlying debt. Translation exposures with regard to our Canadian operations are not hedged.

After considering the impact of interest rate swap agreements, at March 25,September 30, 2007, $1,269 million$1.28 billion of our outstanding long-term debt represented fixed-rate debt and $614$451 million represented 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 $6.0$5.7 million as of March 25,September 30, 2007.

A uniform 1% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would result in a $350,000 decrease in annual operating income.

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

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 March 25,September 30, 2007, 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.

 

(b)Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting -

There were no significant changes in the Partnership’s internal controls over financial reporting in connection with its 2007 firstthird quarter evaluation, or subsequent to such evaluation, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

(a) On September 26, 2007, Cedar Fair filed a Form 8-K indicating that Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom will be operated as a waterpark beginning in the 2008 season. At that time and in accordance with Item 2.05 “Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” of Form 8-K, Cedar Fair indicated that it would provide additional information once it was able to make good faith determinations of the estimated cost associated with the change. Please see Note 7 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of the costs associated with the change.

PART II—II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS –

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006.

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

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 By Cedar Fair Management, Inc.
  

General Partner

Date: May 4,November 8, 2007  

/s/ Peter J. Crage

  Peter J. Crage
  Corporate Vice President - Finance
  (Chief Financial Officer)
  

/s/ Brian C. Witherow

  Brian C. Witherow
  Vice President and Corporate Controller
  (Chief Accounting Officer)

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Page
Number
Exhibit (31.1) Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 200218
Exhibit (31.2) Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 200219
Exhibit (32.1) Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 200220

 

1722