1
EXHIBIT 13
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1996
---------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (note 2) $ 4,069 $ 2,122
Accounts receivable (less allowances for doubtful accounts of $7,875
and $6,579, respectively) 78,341 85,926
Insurance indemnification receivable 3,168 19,024
Inventories (notes 2 and 6) 64,933 69,688
Prepaid propane purchases (note 2) 21,700 13,269
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 10,880 9,423
---------- ----------
Total current assets 183,091 199,452
Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation and
amortization of $167,385 and $138,850, respectively) (notes 2 and 7) 444,677 454,112
Intangible assets (less accumulated amortization of $116,557 and
$94,785, respectively) (note 2) 677,116 691,688
Other assets (note 2) 13,777 15,040
---------- ----------
Total assets $1,318,661 $1,360,292
========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
Current liabilities:
Current maturities of long-term debt (note 4) $ 6,420 $ 5,150
Bank loans (note 4) 28,000 15,000
Accounts payable -- trade 50,055 46,891
Accounts payable -- related parties (note 10) 4,533 2,552
Employee compensation and benefits accrued 17,776 22,983
Interest accrued 27,700 28,037
Refunds and deposits 20,314 13,545
Other current liabilities (note 11) 26,071 43,174
---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 180,869 177,332
Long-term debt (note 4) 684,308 687,303
Other noncurrent liabilities 50,904 47,924
Commitments and contingencies (note 9)
Minority interest (note 2) 5,043 5,497
Partners' capital (note 8):
Common Unitholders (units issued -- 22,060,407 and
21,949,272, respectively) 208,253 230,376
Subordinated Unitholders (units issued -- 19,782,146) 185,310 207,439
General Partner 3,974 4,421
---------- ----------
Total partners' capital 397,537 442,236
---------- ----------
Total liabilities and partners' capital $1,318,661 $1,360,292
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
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2
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER UNIT)
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, APRIL 19 TO
------------------------ SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1996 1995
---- ---- ----
Revenues (note 2):
Propane $ 994,200 $ 924,810 $ 233,610
Other 83,625 88,415 35,890
----------- ----------- -----------
1,077,825 1,013,225 269,500
----------- ----------- -----------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales -- propane 563,959 526,255 123,414
Cost of sales -- other 36,413 43,472 18,319
Operating and administrative expenses (note 10) 316,392 317,396 124,473
Depreciation and amortization (note 2) 62,004 61,631 26,585
Miscellaneous income, net (note 14) (11,316) (8,395) (3,203)
----------- ----------- -----------
967,452 940,359 289,588
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating income (loss) 110,373 72,866 (20,088)
Interest expense (65,658) (62,782) (27,312)
----------- ----------- -----------
Income (loss) before income taxes 44,715 10,084 (47,400)
Income tax (expense) benefit (note 2) (180) 365 (140)
Minority interest (note 2) (555) (211) 433
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income (loss) $ 43,980 $ 10,238 $ (47,107)
=========== =========== ===========
General partner's interest in net income (loss) $ 440 $ 102 $ (471)
=========== =========== ===========
Limited partners' interest in net income (loss) $ 43,540 $ 10,136 $ (46,636)
=========== =========== ===========
Income (loss) per limited partner unit $ 1.04 $ .24 $ (1.12)
=========== =========== ===========
Average limited partner units outstanding (thousands) 41,799 41,729 41,714
=========== =========== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
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3
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
APRIL 19 TO
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1996 1995
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss) $ 43,980 $ 10,238 $ (47,107)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization 62,004 61,631 26,585
Other, net 3,939 (3,438) (938)
--------- --------- ---------
109,923 68,431 (21,460)
Net change in:
Accounts receivable 1,511 (27,802) 13,712
Inventories and prepaid propane purchases (3,110) (3,192) (24,153)
Accounts payable 5,101 12,708 2,761
Other current assets and liabilities (3,259) (1,767) 36,271
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by operating activities 110,166 48,378 7,131
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Expenditures for property, plant and equipment (24,470) (21,908) (11,282)
Proceeds from disposals of assets 10,613 5,423 1,210
Payment to General Partner for purchase of
Petrolane Class B shares -- -- (109,609)
(Increase) decrease in short-term investments -- 9,000 (9,000)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired (11,627) (20,909) (3,978)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash used by investing activities (25,484) (28,394) (132,659)
--------- --------- ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Distributions (92,861) (92,727) (18,797)
Minority interest activity (1,024) (1,042) (242)
Increase in bank loans 6,000 15,000 --
Issuance of long-term debt 8,131 37,009 --
Repayment of long-term debt (3,007) (10,911) (1,294)
Net proceeds from issuance of Common Units -- -- 346,414
Capital contribution from General Partner 26 -- 872
Issuance of long-term debt associated with
Partnership Formation -- -- 208,454
Cash transfers from predecessor companies -- -- 56,414
Repayment of long-term debt and related interest
associated with Partnership Formation -- -- (417,057)
Partnership Formation fees and expenses -- (4,758) (9,669)
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided (used) by financing activities (82,735) (57,429) 165,095
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents increase (decrease) $ 1,947 $ (37,445) $ 39,567
========= ========= =========
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
End of period $ 4,069 $ 2,122 $ 39,567
Beginning of period 2,122 39,567 --
--------- --------- ---------
Increase (decrease) $ 1,947 $ (37,445) $ 39,567
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
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4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT UNIT DATA)
NUMBER OF UNITS TOTAL
---------------------------- GENERAL PARTNERS'
COMMON SUBORDINATED COMMON SUBORDINATED PARTNER CAPITAL
------ ------------ ------ ------------ ------- -------
Balance April 19, 1995 -- -- $ -- $ -- $ -- $ --
Contributions of net assets of
predecessor companies
(notes 1 and 2) 4,330,146 19,782,146 147,857 133,361 2,840 284,058
Issuance of units
to public (note 1) 17,602,000 178,492 160,994 3,429 342,915
Cash contribution
by General Partner 449 405 9 863
Effect of contribution
of net proceeds of
Senior Notes to
AmeriGas Propane, L.P. (506) (457) (10) (973)
Net loss (24,520) (22,116) (471) (47,107)
Distributions (note 3) (9,784) (8,825) (188) (18,797)
---------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance September 30, 1995 21,932,146 19,782,146 291,988 263,362 5,609 560,959
---------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income 5,332 4,804 102 10,238
Distributions (note 3) (48,279) (43,521) (927) (92,727)
Issuance of Common
Units in connection
with acquisition (note 10) 17,126 413 4 417
Adjustments to net assets
contributed (note 2) (19,078) (17,206) (367) (36,651)
---------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance September 30, 1996 21,949,272 19,782,146 230,376 207,439 4,421 442,236
---------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income 22,857 20,683 440 43,980
Distributions (note 3) (48,411) (43,521) (929) (92,861)
Issuance of Common Units
in connection with
acquisition 111,135 2,645 27 2,672
Capital contribution from
General Partner 786 709 15 1,510
---------- ---------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance September 30, 1997 22,060,407 19,782,146 $ 208,253 $ 185,310 $ 3,974 $ 397,537
========== ========== ========= ========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
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5
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER UNIT)
1. PARTNERSHIP ORGANIZATION AND FORMATION
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
3. QUARTERLY DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH
4. DEBT
5. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT
BENEFITS
6. INVENTORIES
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
8. PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
11. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
12. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
14. MISCELLANEOUS INCOME
15. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
1. PARTNERSHIP ORGANIZATION AND FORMATION
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. (AmeriGas Partners) was formed on November 2, 1994 as
a Delaware limited partnership. AmeriGas Partners and its subsidiary AmeriGas
Propane, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the "Operating Partnership"),
were formed to acquire and operate the propane businesses and assets of AmeriGas
Propane, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and AmeriGas Propane-2, Inc.
(collectively, "AmeriGas Propane"), wholly owned subsidiaries of AmeriGas, Inc.
(AmeriGas), and Petrolane Incorporated (Petrolane). AmeriGas Propane and
Petrolane are collectively referred to herein as the "Predecessor Companies."
The Operating Partnership is, and the Predecessor Companies were, engaged in the
distribution of propane and related equipment and supplies. The Operating
Partnership is the largest retail propane distributor in the United States
serving residential, commercial, industrial, motor fuel and agricultural
customers from locations in 45 states, including Alaska and Hawaii.
On April 19, 1995, AmeriGas Propane and certain of its operating subsidiaries
merged into the Operating Partnership (the "Formation Merger"), and Petrolane
conveyed substantially all of its assets and liabilities to the Operating
Partnership (the "Petrolane Conveyance"). As a result of the Formation Merger
and the Petrolane Conveyance, AmeriGas Propane, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation
and the general partner of AmeriGas Partners (the "General Partner"), and
Petrolane each received a limited partner interest in the Operating Partnership.
Immediately after the Formation Merger and the Petrolane Conveyance, the
General Partner conveyed its limited partner interest in the Operating
Partnership to AmeriGas Partners in exchange for 2,922,235 Common Units and
13,350,146 Subordinated Units of AmeriGas Partners, and Petrolane conveyed its
limited partner interest in the Operating Partnership to AmeriGas Partners in
exchange for 1,407,911 Common Units and 6,432,000 Subordinated Units of AmeriGas
Partners. Both Common and Subordinated units represent limited partner interests
in AmeriGas Partners. The General Partner also has a 1% general partner interest
in AmeriGas Partners and a 1.01% general partner interest in the Operating
Partnership, or an effective 2% general partner interest in the Operating
Partnership.
Following these transactions, on April 19, 1995, AmeriGas Partners completed
an initial public offering of 15,452,000 Common Units (the "IPO") at a price to
the public of $21.25 a unit. The net proceeds of approximately $307,000 from the
IPO and the net proceeds from the issuance of $100,000 face value of AmeriGas
Partners' 10.125% Senior Notes, along with existing cash balances of the
Predecessor Companies, were used on April 19, 1995 to repay Petrolane's
revolving credit loan, term loans and related accrued interest and fees which
were assumed by the Operating Partnership. In addition, certain senior
indebtedness of Petrolane and AmeriGas Propane with a combined face value of
$408,000 was assumed by the Operating Partnership and immediately exchanged for
First Mortgage Notes of the Operating Partnership. The Operating Partnership
also issued $110,000 face value of First Mortgage Notes, the proceeds of which
were used by an AmeriGas subsidiary to acquire by merger (the "Petrolane
Merger") the 65% of Petrolane common shares not already owned by AmeriGas'
parent company, UGI Corporation (UGI), or its subsidiaries. On May 11, 1995, the
underwriters of the IPO exercised their overallotment option in the amount of
2,150,000 Common Units. These Common Units were issued on May 17, 1995 at a
price of $21.25 a unit.
AmeriGas Partners and the Operating Partnership have no employees. The
General Partner conducts, directs and manages all activities of AmeriGas
Partners and the Operating Partnership and is reimbursed on a monthly basis for
all direct and indirect expenses it incurs on their behalf.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
CONSOLIDATION PRINCIPLES. The consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of AmeriGas Partners, the Operating Partnership and their subsidiaries,
collectively referred to herein as "the Partnership." All significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
The General Partner's 1.01% interest in the Operating Partnership is accounted
for in the consolidated financial statements as a minority interest.
RECLASSIFICATIONS. Certain prior-period balances have been reclassified to
conform with the current period presentation.
USE OF ESTIMATES. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual
results could differ from these estimates.
FISCAL YEAR. The Partnership's fiscal year ends on September 30. Accordingly,
the accompanying consolidated results of operations of the Partnership are for
the fiscal years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April 19,
1995 (date of inception) to September 30, 1995. Previously, the Predecessor
Companies' fiscal periods ended on the 23rd of the month. For
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
14
6
comparative purposes, Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements includes
unaudited pro forma consolidated results of operations data for the 53-week
period September 24, 1994 to September 30, 1995. Combined revenues of the
Predecessor Companies for the period September 24 to September 30, 1994 were
approximately $12,700.
REVENUE RECOGNITION. Revenues from the sale of propane are recognized
principally as product is shipped or delivered to customers.
INVENTORIES AND PREPAID PROPANE PURCHASES. Inventories are stated at the
lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using an average cost method for
propane, specific identification for appliances, and the first-in, first-out
(FIFO) method for all other inventories. The Partnership also enters into
contracts with certain of its suppliers under which it prepays the purchase
price of a fixed volume of propane for future delivery. The amount of such
prepayments is included in the consolidated balance sheets as "prepaid propane
purchases."
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT AND RELATED DEPRECIATION. Property, plant and
equipment is stated at cost. Amounts assigned to property, plant and equipment
of acquired businesses are based upon estimated fair value at date of
acquisition. When plant and equipment are retired or otherwise disposed of, any
gains or losses are reflected in results of operations.
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment is computed using the
straight-line method over estimated service lives ranging from two to 40 years.
Depreciation expense during the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the
period April 19, 1995 to September 30, 1995, was $37,366, $36,910 and $15,500,
respectively.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Intangible assets comprise the following at September 30:
1997 1996
-------- --------
Goodwill (less accumulated amortization of $79,265 and $64,007, respectively).. $537,396 $545,353
Excess reorganization value (less accumulated amortization of $35,939 and
$27,398, respectively) .................................................... 135,128 143,426
Other (less accumulated amortization of $1,353 and $3,380, respectively) ...... 4,592 2,909
-------- --------
Total intangible assets ....................................................... $677,116 $691,688
======== ========
Goodwill recognized as a result of business combinations accounted for as
purchases, including goodwill resulting from the Petrolane Merger, is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Excess reorganization value
(which represents reorganization value in excess of amounts allocable to
identifiable assets of Petrolane resulting from Petrolane's July 15, 1993
reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code) is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over the 20-year period commencing July 15,
1993. Other intangible assets are being amortized over the estimated periods of
benefit which do not exceed ten years. Amortization expense of intangible assets
during the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April 19,
1995 through September 30, 1995, was $24,469, $24,551 and $10,492, respectively.
The Partnership evaluates the impairment of long-lived assets, including
intangibles, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is
evaluated based upon undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by
such assets.
OTHER ASSETS. Included in other assets at September 30, 1997 and 1996 are net
deferred financing costs of $12,456 and $13,698, respectively. These costs are
being amortized over the term of the related debt.
INCOME TAXES. AmeriGas Partners and the Operating Partnership are not
directly subject to federal and state income taxes. Instead, their taxable
income or loss is allocated to the individual partners. The Operating
Partnership does, however, have certain subsidiaries which operate in corporate
form and are subject to federal and state income taxes.
UNIT-BASED COMPENSATION. The Partnership adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation"
(SFAS 123) in 1997. SFAS 123 encourages, but does not require, companies to
recognize compensation expense for grants of stock, stock options, and other
equity instruments to employees based upon fair value or, alternatively, permits
them to continue to apply the existing accounting rules contained in Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" (APB
25). Companies choosing not to adopt the expense recognition provisions of SFAS
123 are required to disclose pro forma net income and earnings per share data as
if such provisions had been applied. The Partnership has elected to continue to
account for unit-based compensation in accordance with APB 25.
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER UNIT. Net income (loss) per unit is computed by
dividing net income (loss), after deducting the General Partner's 1% interest,
by the weighted average number of outstanding Common and Subordinated units.
Common Units issued on May 17, 1995 pursuant to the exercise of the
underwriters' overallotment option are considered to have been issued, for
purposes of the calculation of net income (loss) per unit, as of April 19, 1995.
ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS. The Partnership utilizes derivative
commodity instruments, including price swap agreements, call and put option
contracts, and futures contracts to manage market risk associated with a portion
of its anticipated propane supply requirements, principally during the heating
season.
Gains or losses on derivative commodity instruments associated with
forecasted transactions are recognized when such forecasted transactions affect
earnings. If a derivative instrument is terminated early because it is probable
that a transaction or forecasted transaction will not occur, any gain or loss as
of such date is immediately recognized in earnings. If such derivative
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
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7
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER UNIT)
instrument is terminated early for other economic reasons, any gain or loss as
of the termination date is deferred and recorded when the associated transaction
or forecasted transaction affects earnings.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS. Cash equivalents include all highly
liquid investments with maturities of three months or less when purchased and
are recorded at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates market value.
Interest paid during the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period
April 19, 1995 to September 30, 1995, totaled $67,103, $62,846 and $404,
respectively.
The combined net assets contributed to the Operating Partnership pursuant to
the Formation Merger and the Petrolane Conveyance, adjusted for the effects of
the tax basis reallocation described below, are as follows:
APRIL 19, 1995
--------------
Current assets ...................................... $ 192,905
Property, plant and equipment, net .................. 456,128
Goodwill and other intangibles, net ................. 556,782
Excess reorganization value, net .................... 155,687
Other assets ........................................ 30,228
----------
Total assets contributed ......................... 1,391,730
----------
Current liabilities ................................. 133,227
Long-term debt ...................................... 929,828
Other noncurrent liabilities ........................ 78,744
----------
Total liabilities assumed ........................ 1,141,799
----------
Net assets contributed to the Operating Partnership.. $ 249,931
==========
In February 1996, the General Partner completed AmeriGas Partners' and the
Operating Partnership's federal income tax returns for the Partnership's initial
period of operation. As a part of this process, a final determination was made
as to how to allocate the tax basis of certain of the assets contributed to the
Partnership by the Predecessor Companies. The completion of the allocation
process resulted in reductions in the deferred income tax liabilities of the
General Partner and Petrolane existing at April 19, 1995, which had been
recorded in connection with the Petrolane Merger and the formation of the
Partnership. It also resulted in a reduction to the net assets contributed by
the General Partner and Petrolane to the Operating Partnership in conjunction
with the Partnership Formation, which adjustment was recorded by the Partnership
during the year ended September 30, 1996 as a $37,025 reduction in goodwill, a
$36,651 reduction in partners' capital, and a $374 reduction in minority
interest. Additional adjustments may be required to reflect the resolution of
other tax issues of Petrolane existing at the date of the Partnership Formation.
3. QUARTERLY DISTRIBUTIONS OF AVAILABLE CASH
The Partnership makes distributions to its partners approximately 45 days
after the end of each fiscal quarter in an aggregate amount equal to its
Available Cash for such quarter. Available Cash generally means, with respect to
any fiscal quarter of the Partnership, all cash on hand at the end of such
quarter plus all additional cash on hand as of the date of determination
resulting from borrowings after the end of such quarter less the amount of cash
reserves established by the General Partner in its reasonable discretion. These
reserves may be retained for the proper conduct of the Partnership's business
and for distributions during the next four quarters. In addition, reserves for
the payment of debt principal and interest are required under the provisions of
certain of the Partnership's debt agreements.
Distributions in an amount equal to 100% of the Partnership's Available Cash
will generally be made 98% to the Common and Subordinated unitholders and 2% to
the General Partner, subject to the payment of incentive distributions in the
event Available Cash exceeds the Minimum Quarterly Distribution (MQD) of $.55 on
all units. To the extent there is sufficient Available Cash, the holders of
Common Units have the right to receive the MQD, plus any arrearages, prior to
the distribution of Available Cash to holders of Subordinated Units. Common
Units will not accrue arrearages for any quarter after the Subordination Period
(as defined below), and Subordinated Units will not accrue any arrearages for
any quarter.
The Subordination Period will generally extend until the first day of any
quarter beginning on or after April 1, 2000 in respect of which (a)
distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus (generally defined as
$40,000 plus $42,879 of cash on hand as of April 19, 1995 plus all operating
cash receipts less all operating cash expenditures and cash reserves) equal or
exceed the MQD on each of the outstanding Common and Subordinated units for each
of the four consecutive four-quarter periods immediately preceding such date;
(b) the Adjusted Operating Surplus (generally defined as Operating Surplus
adjusted to exclude working capital borrowings, reductions in cash reserves and
$40,000 plus $42,879 of cash on hand as of April 19, 1995 and to include
increases in reserves to provide for distributions resulting from Operating
Surplus generated during such period) generated during both (i) each of the two
immediately preceding four-quarter periods and (ii) the immediately preceding
sixteen-quarter period, equals or exceeds the MQD on each of the Common and
Subordinated units outstanding during those periods; and (c) there are no
arrearages on the Common Units.
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
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8
Prior to the end of the Subordination Period but not before March 31, 1998,
4,945,537 Subordinated Units will convert into Common Units for any quarter
ending on or after March 31, 1998, and an additional 4,945,537 Subordinated
Units will convert into Common Units for any quarter ending on or after March
31, 1999, if (a) distributions of Available Cash from Operating Surplus on each
of the outstanding Common and Subordinated Units equal or exceed the MQD for
each of the three consecutive four-quarter periods immediately preceding such
date; (b) the Adjusted Operating Surplus generated during the immediately
preceding twelve-quarter period equals or exceeds the MQD on all of the Common
and Subordinated units outstanding during that period; (c) the General Partner
makes a good faith determination that the Partnership will, with respect to the
four-quarter period commencing with such date, generate Adjusted Operating
Surplus in an amount equal to or exceeding the MQD on all of the outstanding
Common and Subordinated units; and (d) there are no arrearages on the Common
Units.
4. DEBT
Long-term debt comprises the following at September 30:
1997 1996
--------- ---------
First Mortgage Notes:
Series A, 9.34%-11.71%, due April 2000 through April 2009 (including
unamortized premium of $14,785 and $15,952,
respectively, calculated at an 8.91% effective rate) .................... $ 222,785 $ 223,952
Series B, 10.07%, due April 2001 through April 2005
(including unamortized premium of $11,557 and $13,130,
respectively, calculated at an 8.74% effective rate) .................... 211,557 213,130
Series C, 8.83%, due April 2003 through April 2010 ........................ 110,000 110,000
AmeriGas Partners Senior Notes, 10.125%, due April 2007 ...................... 100,000 100,000
Acquisition Facility ......................................................... 37,000 30,000
Special Purpose Facility ..................................................... -- 7,000
Other (including capital lease obligations of $2,145 and $2,349, respectively) 9,386 8,371
--------- ---------
Total long-term debt ......................................................... 690,728 692,453
Less current maturities ...................................................... (6,420) (5,150)
--------- ---------
Total long-term debt due after one year ...................................... $ 684,308 $ 687,303
========= =========
Scheduled repayments of long-term debt for each of the next five fiscal years
ending September 30 are as follows: 1998 - $6,420; 1999 - $5,551; 2000 -
$16,580; 2001 - $71,232; 2002 - $72,606.
The 10.125% Senior Notes of AmeriGas Partners contain covenants which
restrict the ability of the Partnership to, among other things, incur additional
indebtedness, incur liens, issue preferred interests, and effect mergers,
consolidations and sales of assets. The Senior Notes are not redeemable prior to
April 15, 2000. Thereafter, AmeriGas Partners has the option to redeem the
Senior Notes, in whole or in part, at a premium. In addition, AmeriGas Partners
may, under certain circumstances following the disposition of assets, be
required to prepay the Senior Notes. Pursuant to the Indenture under which the
Senior Notes were issued, AmeriGas Partners is generally permitted to make cash
distributions in an amount equal to available cash, as defined, as of the end of
the immediately preceding quarter, as long as no event of default exists or
would exist upon making such distributions and if the Partnership's consolidated
fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined, is at least 1.75-to-1. If such ratio is
not met, cash distributions may be made in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$24,000 less the aggregate of all distributions made during the immediately
preceding 16 fiscal quarters. At September 30, 1997, such ratio was 2.57-to-1.
The Operating Partnership's obligations under the First Mortgage Notes, as
amended, are collateralized by substantially all of its assets. The General
Partner and Petrolane are co-obligors of the First Mortgage Notes. The Operating
Partnership may, at its option, and under certain circumstances following the
disposition of assets be required to, prepay the First Mortgage Notes, in whole
or in part. Certain of these prepayments will be at a premium.
Effective September 15, 1997, the Operating Partnership amended and restated
its bank credit agreement (Bank Credit Agreement). At September 30, 1997, the
credit facilities under the Bank Credit Agreement consist of a Revolving Credit
Facility and an Acquisition Facility. The Operating Partnership's obligations
under the Bank Credit Agreement are collateralized by substantially all of its
assets. The General Partner and Petrolane are co-obligors of the bank credit
facilities.
The Revolving Credit Facility provides for borrowings of up to $100,000
(including a $35,000 sublimit for letters of credit). The Revolving Credit
Facility expires September 15, 2002, but may be extended, upon timely notice,
for additional one-year periods with the consent of the participating banks
representing at least 80% of the commitments thereunder. The Revolving Credit
Facility permits the Operating Partnership to borrow at the Base Rate, defined
as the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus .50% per annum or the agent bank's
reference rate (6.31% and 8.50%, respectively, at September 30, 1997), or at
prevailing one-, two-,
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
17
9
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER UNIT)
three-, or six-month offshore interbank borrowing rates, plus a margin (.50% per
annum as of September 30, 1997). The applicable margin on such offshore
interbank borrowing rates, and the Revolving Credit Facility commitment fee rate
(.20% per annum as of September 30, 1997), are dependent upon the Operating
Partnership's ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, income taxes,
depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), each as defined in the Bank Credit
Agreement. The Operating Partnership is also required to pay letter of credit
fees on the undrawn amount of outstanding letters of credit equal to the
applicable margin on offshore interbank borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility and on the face amount of outstanding letters of credit equal to .125%
per annum. At September 30, 1997 and 1996, borrowings under the Revolving Credit
Facility totaled $28,000 and $15,000, respectively, and are classified as bank
loans. The weighted-average interest rates on the Operating Partnership's bank
loans outstanding as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 were 6.44% and 6.00%,
respectively. Issued outstanding letters of credit under the Revolving Credit
Facility totaled $2,305 at September 30, 1996. There were no issued outstanding
letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility at September 30, 1997.
The Acquisition Facility provides the Operating Partnership with the ability
to borrow up to $75,000 to finance propane business acquisitions. The
Acquisition Facility operates as a revolving facility through September 15,
2000, at which time any amount then outstanding will convert to a quarterly
amortizing four-year term loan. The Acquisition Facility permits the Operating
Partnership to borrow at the Base Rate or prevailing one-, two-, three-, or
six-month offshore interbank borrowing rates, plus a margin (.50% as of
September 30, 1997). The applicable margin on such offshore interbank borrowing
rates, and the Acquisition Facility commitment fee rate (.20% per annum at
September 30, 1997), are dependent upon the Operating Partnership's ratio of
funded debt to EBITDA, as defined. The weighted-average interest rates on the
Operating Partnership's acquisition loans outstanding as of September 30, 1997
and 1996 were 6.32% and 6.34%, respectively.
Prior to September 15, 1997, the Bank Credit Agreement included a Special
Purpose Facility comprising a $30,000 nonrevolving line of credit to be used for
the payment of certain liabilities of the Operating Partnership. On September
15, 1997, borrowings under the Special Purpose Facility of $7,000 were converted
to borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.
The Bank Credit Agreement and the First Mortgage Notes contain restrictive
covenants which include restrictions on the incurrence of additional
indebtedness and restrictions on certain liens, guarantees, loans and advances,
payments, mergers, consolidations, sales of assets and other transactions. They
also require the ratio of total indebtedness, as defined, to EBITDA, as defined
(and as calculated on a rolling four-quarter basis or eight-quarter basis
divided by two), to be less than or equal to 5.25-to-1. In addition, the Bank
Credit Agreement requires that the Operating Partnership maintain a ratio of
EBITDA to interest expense, as defined, of at least 2.25-to-1 on a rolling
four-quarter basis. Generally, as long as no default exists or would result, the
Operating Partnership is permitted to make cash distributions not more
frequently than quarterly in an amount not to exceed available cash, as defined,
for the immediately preceding calendar quarter.
The Operating Partnership also has a revolving credit agreement with the
General Partner under which it may borrow up to $20,000 to fund working capital,
capital expenditures, and interest and distribution payments. This agreement is
coterminous with, and generally comparable to, the Operating Partnership's
Revolving Credit Facility except that borrowings under the General Partner
Facility are unsecured and subordinated to all senior debt of the Partnership.
Interest rates on borrowings are based upon one-month offshore interbank
borrowing rates. Facility fees are determined in the same manner as fees under
the Revolving Credit Facility. UGI has agreed to contribute on an as needed
basis through its subsidiaries up to $20,000 to the General Partner to fund such
borrowings.
5. PENSION PLANS AND OTHER POSTEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
During the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April 19,
1995 to September 30, 1995, the General Partner sponsored 401(k) savings plans
for eligible employees. Generally, participants in these plans could contribute
a portion of their compensation on a pre-tax basis. Effective October 1, 1996,
the General Partner provides a dollar-for-dollar match of participants'
contributions up to 5% of eligible compensation. Prior to October 1, 1996, the
General Partner, at its discretion, could match a portion of participants'
contributions. In addition, during the year ended September 30, 1996 and the
period April 19, 1995 to September 30, 1995, substantially all eligible
employees of the General Partner were also covered by noncontributory defined
contribution pension plans. Contributions to the pension plans represented a
percentage of each covered employee's salary. Effective October 1, 1996, the
General Partner ceased to contribute to the pension plans and the assets were
merged into the savings plans. The cost of benefits under the pension and
savings plans for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period
April 19, 1995 to September 30, 1995, was $4,762, $4,943 and $2,614,
respectively.
The General Partner provides postretirement health care benefits to a closed
group of retired employees of the Predecessor Companies and also provides
limited life insurance benefits to substantially all active employees of the
General Partner and certain retired employees of the General Partner and the
Predecessor Companies. The cost of postretirement medical and life insurance
benefits for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April
19, 1995 to September 30, 1995, and the accumulated benefit obligations as of
the end of such periods, were not material.
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
18
10
6. INVENTORIES
Inventories comprise the following at September 30:
1997 1996
------- -------
Propane gas ................. $47,641 $47,861
Materials, supplies and other 12,519 15,539
Appliances for sale ......... 4,773 6,288
------- -------
$64,933 $69,688
======= =======
In addition to inventories on hand, the Partnership also enters into
contracts to purchase propane to meet a portion of its supply requirements.
Generally, such contracts have terms of less than one year and call for payment
based on either fixed prices or market prices at date of delivery.
7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment comprise the following at September 30:
1997 1996
--------- ---------
Land ......................................... $ 52,849 $ 51,672
Buildings and improvements ................... 50,566 48,079
Transportation equipment ..................... 53,284 53,612
Storage facilities ........................... 58,200 55,432
Equipment, primarily cylinders and tanks ..... 387,554 372,805
Capital leases ............................... 5,211 8,457
Other ........................................ 4,398 2,905
--------- ---------
612,062 592,962
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (167,385) (138,850)
--------- ---------
Net property, plant and equipment ............ $ 444,677 $ 454,112
========= =========
8. PARTNERS' CAPITAL AND INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
Partners' capital consists of 22,060,407 Common Units representing a 52.2%
limited partner interest, 19,782,146 Subordinated Units representing a 46.8%
limited partner interest, and a 1% general partner interest.
During the Subordination Period, the Partnership may issue up to 9,400,000
additional Common Units (excluding Common Units issued in connection with (i)
employee benefit plans and (ii) the conversion of Subordinated Units into Common
Units) or an equivalent number of securities ranking on a parity with the Common
Units without the approval of a majority of the Common Unitholders. The
Partnership may issue an unlimited number of additional Common Units or parity
securities without Common Unitholder approval if such issuance occurs in
connection with acquisitions, including, in certain circumstances, the repayment
of debt incurred in connection with an acquisition. In addition, under certain
conditions, the Partnership may issue, without Common Unitholder approval, an
unlimited number of Common Units or parity securities for the repayment of up to
$150,000 of long-term indebtedness of the Partnership. After the Subordination
Period, the General Partner may cause the Partnership to issue an unlimited
number of additional limited partner interests and other equity securities of
the Partnership for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as shall
be established by the General Partner in its sole discretion.
On October 28, 1996, the General Partner adopted the AmeriGas Propane, Inc.
1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (1997 Propane Plan), effective October 1, 1996.
Under the 1997 Propane Plan, the General Partner may grant to key employees the
right to receive Common Units, or cash generally equivalent to the fair market
value of such Common Units, on the payment date. In addition, the 1997 Propane
Plan provides for the crediting of distribution equivalents to participants'
accounts from the grant date through the date of payment. Distribution
equivalents will be paid in cash, and such payment may, at the participant's
request, be deferred. The number of Common Units which may be made the subject
of grants under the 1997 Propane Plan may not exceed 500,000. Generally, each
grant, to the extent it has not previously been paid, will terminate when the
participant ceases to be employed by the General Partner.
The actual number of Common Units (or their cash equivalent) that may be
delivered pursuant to the 1997 Propane Plan, as well as the amount of the
distribution equivalent, are contingent upon the date on which the requirements
for early conversion of Subordinated Units are met. If the requirements for
early conversion are not met by September 30, 2001, no payments under the 1997
Propane Plan will be made. During the year ended September 30, 1997, 84,500
Common Units were made the subject of grants under the 1997 Propane Plan. At
September 30, 1997, 415,500 Common Units were available for future grants.
Compensation expense for the year ended September 30, 1997 associated with
the 1997 Propane Plan was $1,560. Compensation expense as determined under the
provisions of SFAS 123 is the same.
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
19
11
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER UNIT)
9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Partnership leases various buildings and transportation, data processing
and office equipment under operating leases. Certain of the leases contain
renewal and purchase options and also contain escalation clauses. The aggregate
rental expense for such leases for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996,
and the period April 19, 1995 through September 30, 1995, was $23,481, $23,090
and $8,866, respectively.
Minimum future payments under noncancelable capital and operating leases are
as follows:
CAPITAL LEASES OPERATING LEASES
============== ================
Year ending September 30,
1998...................................... $1,417 $21,604
1999...................................... 926 17,743
2000...................................... 7 13,963
2001...................................... - 11,121
2002...................................... - 7,396
Thereafter................................ - 20,419
------ --------
2,350 $ 92,246
========
Less imputed interest (205)
------
Present value of capital lease obligations $2,145
======
The Partnership has succeeded to the lease guarantee obligations of Petrolane
relating to Petrolane's divestiture of nonpropane operations prior to its 1989
acquisition by QFB Partners. These leases are currently estimated to aggregate
approximately $67,000. The leases expire through 2010, and some of them are
currently in default. The Partnership has succeeded to the indemnity agreement
of Petrolane by which Texas Eastern Corporation (Texas Eastern), a prior owner
of Petrolane, agreed to indemnify Petrolane against any liabilities arising out
of the conduct of businesses that do not relate to, and are not a part of, the
propane business, including lease guarantees. To date, Texas Eastern has
directly satisfied defaulted lease obligations without the Partnership's having
to honor its guarantee. The Partnership believes the probability that it will be
required to directly satisfy such lease obligations is remote.
In addition, the Partnership has succeeded to Petrolane's agreement to
indemnify Shell Petroleum N.V. (Shell) for various scheduled claims that were
pending against Tropigas de Puerto Rico (Tropigas). This indemnification
agreement had been entered into by Petrolane in conjunction with Petrolane's
sale of the international operations of Tropigas to Shell in 1989. The
Partnership also succeeded to Petrolane's right to seek indemnity on these
claims first from International Controls Corp., which sold Tropigas to
Petrolane, and then from Texas Eastern. To date, neither the Partnership nor
Petrolane has paid any sums under this indemnity, but several claims by Shell,
including claims related to certain antitrust actions aggregating at least
$68,000, remain pending.
The Partnership has identified environmental contamination at several of its
properties. The Partnership's policy is to accrue environmental investigation
and cleanup costs when it is probable that a liability exists and the amount or
range of amounts can be reasonably estimated. However, in many circumstances
future expenditures cannot be reasonably quantified because of a number of
factors, including various costs associated with potential remedial
alternatives, the unknown number of other potentially responsible parties
involved and their ability to contribute to the costs of investigation and
remediation, and changing environmental laws and regulations. The Partnership
intends to pursue recovery of any incurred costs through all appropriate means,
although such recovery cannot be assured.
In addition to these environmental matters, there are various other pending
claims and legal actions arising out of the normal conduct of the Partnership's
business. The final results of environmental and other matters cannot be
predicted with certainty. However, it is reasonably possible that some of them
could be resolved unfavorably to the Partnership. Management believes, after
consultation with counsel, that damages or settlements, if any, recovered by the
plaintiffs in such claims or actions will not have a material adverse effect on
the Partnership's financial position but could be material to operating results
and cash flows in future periods depending on the nature and timing of future
developments with respect to these matters and the amounts of future operating
results and cash flows.
10. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership, the
General Partner is entitled to reimbursement of all direct and indirect expenses
incurred or payments it makes on behalf of the Partnership, and all other
necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to the Partnership or otherwise
reasonably incurred by the General Partner in connection with the Partnership's
business. These costs, which totaled $177,210, $176,425 and $72,648 for the
years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April 19, 1995 to
September 30, 1995, respectively, include employee compensation and benefit
expenses of employees of the General Partner and general and administrative
expenses. UGI provides certain financial and administrative services to the
General Partner. UGI bills the General Partner for these direct and indirect
corporate expenses, and the General Partner is
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
20
12
reimbursed by the Partnership for these expenses. For the years ended September
30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April 19, 1995 to September 30, 1995, such
corporate expenses totaled $6,557, $7,786 and $4,116, respectively. In addition,
UGI and certain of its subsidiaries provide office space and general liability,
automobile and workers' compensation insurance to the Partnership. For the years
ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April 19, 1995 to September
30, 1995, expenses associated with these items totaled $3,009, $3,189, and
$1,207, respectively.
On November 16, 1995, a wholly owned subsidiary of the General Partner,
Diamond Acquisition, Inc. (Diamond), contributed to the Partnership the net
assets (including acquisition debt payable to UGI relating thereto) of Oahu Gas
Service, Inc. (Oahu), a Hawaii corporation acquired by Diamond on October 31,
1995. In consideration of the retention of certain income tax liabilities
relating to Oahu, AmeriGas Partners issued 17,126 Common Units to Diamond having
a fair value of $413.
11. OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Other current liabilities comprise the following at September 30:
1997 1996
-------- --------
Self-insured property and casualty liability..... $ 10,969 $ 12,429
Insured property and casualty liability.......... 1,801 19,024
Taxes other than income taxes.................... 9,981 5,198
Other............................................ 3,320 6,523
-------- --------
$ 26,071 $ 43,174
======== ========
12. UNAUDITED PRO FORMA FINANCIAL INFORMATION
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for
the 53 weeks ended September 30, 1995 was derived from the historical statements
of operations of the Predecessor Companies for the period September 24, 1994 to
April 19, 1995 and the statement of operations of the Partnership for the period
April 19, 1995 to September 30, 1995. The pro forma consolidated statement of
operations was prepared to reflect the effects of the Partnership Formation as
if the formation had been completed in its entirety as of September 24, 1994.
The pro forma consolidated statement of operations does not purport to
present the results of operations of the Partnership had the Partnership
Formation actually been completed as of September 24, 1994. In addition, the pro
forma consolidated statement of operations is not necessarily indicative of the
results of future operations of the Partnership and should be read in
conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of the Partnership and
the Predecessor Companies appearing in the Partnership's Annual Report on Form
10-K.
53 WEEKS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
(Unaudited)
------------------
Revenues:
Propane.................................... $ 779,167
Other...................................... 99,421
---------
878,588
---------
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales.............................. 458,990
Depreciation and amortization.............. 62,259
Operating expenses......................... 301,570
Miscellaneous income, net.................. (7,968)
---------
814,851
---------
Operating income.............................. 63,737
Interest expense.............................. (62,823)
Income taxes.................................. (140)
Minority interest............................. (115)
---------
Net income $ 659
=========
Net income per limited partner unit $ .02
=========
Significant pro forma adjustments reflected in the data above include (a) the
elimination of income taxes as a result of operating
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
21
13
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, EXCEPT PER UNIT)
in a partnership structure; (b) an adjustment to interest expense resulting from
the retirement of approximately $377,000 of Petrolane term loans, the
restructuring of Petrolane and AmeriGas Propane senior debt, and the issuance of
an aggregate $210,000 face value of notes of AmeriGas Partners and the Operating
Partnership; (c) the elimination of management fees previously charged to
Petrolane by UGI; (d) a net reduction in amortization expense resulting from the
longer-term (40-year) amortization of the excess purchase price over fair value
of 65% of the net identifiable assets of Petrolane, compared with the
amortization of 65% of Petrolane's excess reorganization value over 20 years;
and (e) the elimination of intercompany revenues and expenses.
13. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and
cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and bank loans
approximate fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these
financial instruments. Based upon current market prices and discounted present
value methods calculated using borrowing rates currently available for debt with
similar credit ratings, terms and maturities, the fair values of total long-term
debt outstanding at September 30, 1997 and 1996 are estimated to be $737,000 and
$720,000, respectively.
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Partnership to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of trade accounts receivable.
The risk associated with trade accounts receivable is limited due to the
Partnership's large customer base and its dispersion across many different U.S.
markets. At September 30, 1997 and 1996, the Partnership had no significant
concentrations of credit risk.
14. MISCELLANEOUS INCOME
Miscellaneous income comprises the following:
APRIL 19 TO
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1997 1996 1995
-------- ------- --------------
Interest income.......................... $ 1,475 $ 1,278 $ 1,795
Gain on sale of Atlantic Energy, Inc..... 4,700 - -
Gain on sale of fixed assets............. 1,001 1,855 366
Other.................................... 4,140 5,262 1,042
----- ----- -----
$ 11,316 $ 8,395 $ 3,203
======== ======= =======
15. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
The following quarterly data includes all adjustments (consisting only of
normal recurring adjustments with the exception of those listed below) which the
Partnership considers necessary for a fair presentation of such information.
Quarterly results fluctuate because of the seasonal nature of the Partnership's
propane business.
DECEMBER 31, MARCH 31, JUNE 30, SEPTEMBER 30,
1996 1995 1997(a) 1996(b) 1997 1996 1997 1996
---- ---- ------- ------- ---- ---- ---- ----
Revenues $360,116 $285,796 $371,149 $374,768 $ 177,666 $ 175,552 $ 168,894 $ 177,109
Operating
income (loss) 57,699 33,528 65,794 67,144 593 (6,929) (13,713) (20,877)
Net income (loss) 39,951 17,427 48,508 51,298 (15,152) (22,146) (29,327) (36,341)
Net income (loss) per
limited partner unit .95 .41 1.15 1.22 (.36) (.53) (.69) (.86)
(a) Includes gain from the sale of the Partnership's 50% equity interest in
Atlantic Energy, Inc., which owns and operates a liquefied petroleum gas
storage terminal in Chesapeake, Virginia. The gain increased operating
income by $4,700 and net income by $4,652 or $.11 per limited partner
unit.
(b) Includes reduction in operating expenses of $4,356 from the refund of
insurance premium deposits and $3,312 from a reduction in accrued
environmental costs which increased operating income by $7,668 and net
income by $7,590 or $.18 per limited partner unit.
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
22
14
GENERAL PARTNER'S REPORT
The Partnership's consolidated financial statements and other financial
information contained in this Annual Report are prepared by management of the
General Partner, AmeriGas Propane, Inc., which is responsible for their
fairness, integrity and objectivity. The consolidated financial statements and
related information were prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles and include amounts that are based on management's best
judgments and estimates.
The General Partner has established a system of internal controls. Management
of the General Partner believes the system provides reasonable assurance that
assets are safeguarded and that transactions are executed in accordance with
management's authorization and are properly recorded to permit the preparation
of reliable financial information. There are limits in all systems of internal
control, based on the recognition that the cost of the system should not exceed
the benefits to be derived. We believe that the internal control system is cost
effective and provides reasonable assurance that material errors or
irregularities will be prevented or detected within a timely period. The
internal control system and compliance therewith are monitored by UGI
Corporation's internal audit staff.
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the General Partner is
composed of two members, neither of whom is an employee of the Company. This
Committee is responsible, among other things, for reviewing the adequacy of
corporate financial reporting and accounting systems and controls, for
overseeing the external and internal auditing functions and for recommending to
the Board of Directors the independent public accountants to conduct the annual
audit of the Partnership's consolidated financial statements. The Committee
maintains direct channels of communication between the Board of Directors and
both the independent public accountants and internal auditors.
The independent public accountants, who are appointed by the Board of
Directors of the General Partner, perform certain procedures, including an
evaluation of internal controls to the extent required by generally accepted
auditing standards, in order to express an opinion on the consolidated financial
statements and to obtain reasonable assurance that such financial statements are
free of material misstatement.
/s/ Lon R. Greenberg /s/ Charles L. Ladner
- ------------------------------------ --------------------------------------
Lon R. Greenberg Charles L. Ladner
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Chief Financial and Accounting Officer
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Partners of AmeriGas Partners, L.P. and
the Board of Directors of AmeriGas Propane, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of AmeriGas
Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 and the
related consolidated statements of operations, partners' capital and cash flows
for the years ended September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April 19, 1995
to September 30, 1995. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
management of AmeriGas Propane, Inc. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended
September 30, 1997 and 1996, and the period April 19, 1995 to September 30,
1995, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Arthur Andersen
- --------------------------------------
Chicago, Illinois
November 14, 1997
AmeriGas Partners, L.P. 1997 Annual Report
23