Quarterly Report
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended June 28, 2009

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 has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

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

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

 

Title of Class   Units Outstanding As Of August 1, 2009
Units Representing   55,207,340
Limited Partner Interests  

 

 

 


Table of Contents

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

INDEX

FORM 10 - Q

 

Part I - Financial Information

  

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

   3-12

Item 2.

  

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

   13-20

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   20

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   20

Part II - Other Information

  

Item 1A.

  

Risk Factors

   21

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   21

Item 6.

  

Exhibits

   21

Signatures

   22

Index to Exhibits

   23

 

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Table of Contents

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     6/28/09     12/31/08  

ASSETS

    

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 31,982      $ 13,873   

Receivables

     28,263        8,518   

Inventories

     49,647        28,591   

Prepaids and other current assets

     48,831        13,552   
                
     158,723        64,534   

Property and Equipment:

    

Land

     297,309        320,200   

Land improvements

     323,957        315,519   

Buildings

     581,637        573,842   

Rides and equipment

     1,345,618        1,295,076   

Construction in progress

     12,368        28,110   
                
     2,560,889        2,532,747   

Less accumulated depreciation

     (753,611     (707,656
                
     1,807,278        1,825,091   

Goodwill

     228,942        222,602   

Other Intangibles, net

     54,187        54,078   

Other Assets

     46,085        19,778   
                
   $ 2,295,215      $ 2,186,083   
                

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY

    

Current Liabilities:

    

Current maturities of long-term debt

   $ 17,183      $ 17,450   

Accounts payable

     40,503        14,627   

Deferred revenue

     73,527        17,590   

Accrued interest

     9,488        3,395   

Accrued taxes

     10,200        16,581   

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

     17,638        17,822   

Self-insurance reserves

     21,210        20,686   

Other accrued liabilities

     12,131        7,088   
                
     201,880        115,239   

Deferred Tax Liability

     134,243        124,269   

Derivative Liability

     118,994        128,214   

Other Liabilities

     4,974        4,950   

Long-Term Debt:

    

Revolving credit loans

     135,800        22,700   

Term debt

     1,653,863        1,683,925   
                
     1,789,663        1,706,625   

Partners’ Equity:

    

Special L.P. interests

     5,290        5,290   

General partner

     (2     (1

Limited partners, 55,207 and 55,076 units outstanding at June 28, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively

     155,876        242,123   

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (115,703     (140,626
                
     45,461        106,786   
                
   $ 2,295,215      $ 2,186,083   
                

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

 

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended     Twelve months ended  
     6/28/09
(13 weeks)
    6/29/08
(13 weeks)
   6/28/09
(26 weeks)
    6/29/08
(26 weeks)
    6/28/09
(52 weeks)
    6/29/08
(53 weeks)
 

Net revenues:

             

Admissions

   $ 150,540      $ 163,647    $ 160,863      $ 181,246      $ 545,883      $ 571,905   

Food, merchandise and games

     96,028        112,156      107,481        129,852        333,546        369,774   

Accommodations and other

     17,558        20,431      22,248        25,538        70,759        77,917   
                                               
     264,126        296,234      290,592        336,636        950,188        1,019,596   
                                               

Costs and expenses:

             

Cost of food, merchandise and games revenues

     24,906        27,836      28,758        33,242        86,142        94,828   

Operating expenses

     118,042        124,731      179,122        193,016        404,656        429,957   

Selling, general and administrative

     37,524        41,859      51,088        58,791        124,179        142,549   

Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles

     —          —        —          —          86,988        —     

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net

     —          3,265      30        3,265        5,190        58,163   

Depreciation and amortization

     42,977        44,089      47,191        50,272        122,757        130,924   
                                               
     223,449        241,780      306,189        338,586        829,912        856,421   
                                               

Operating income (loss)

     40,677        54,454      (15,597     (1,950     120,276        163,175   

Interest expense

     30,909        34,262      59,811        67,063        122,309        142,864   

Other (income) expense

     (177     167      (205     (448     (166     (1,482
                                               

Income (loss) before taxes

     9,945        20,025      (75,203     (68,565     (1,867     21,793   

Provision (credit) for taxes

     2,557        5,337      (29,310     (39,471     9,226        5,784   
                                               

Net income (loss)

     7,388        14,688      (45,893     (29,094     (11,093     16,009   

Net income (loss) allocated to general partner

     —          —        (1     —          (1     1   
                                               

Net income (loss) allocated to limited partners

   $ 7,388      $ 14,688    $ (45,892   $ (29,094   $ (11,092   $ 16,008   
                                               

Basic earnings per limited partner unit:

             

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

     55,195        54,995      55,161        55,407        55,111        55,343   

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit

   $ 0.13      $ 0.27    $ (0.83   $ (0.53   $ (0.20   $ 0.29   
                                               

Diluted earnings per limited partner unit:

             

Weighted average limited partner units outstanding

     55,905        55,603      55,161        55,407        55,111        56,125   

Net income (loss) per limited partner unit

   $ 0.13      $ 0.26    $ (0.83   $ (0.53   $ (0.20   $ 0.29   
                                               

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

 

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ EQUITY

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 28, 2009

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

     Six Months
Ended
06/28/09
 

Limited Partnership Units Outstanding

  

Beginning balance

     55,076   

Limited partnership unit options exercised

     23   

Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation

     108   
        
     55,207   
        

Limited Partners’ Equity

  

Beginning balance

   $ 242,123   

Net loss

     (45,892

Partnership distribution declared ($0.73 per limited partnership unit)

     (40,260

Expense recognized for limited partnership unit options

     (17

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

     (1,242

Issuance of limited partnership units as compensation

     1,164   
        
     155,876   
        

General Partner’s Equity

  

Beginning balance

     (1

Net loss

     (1
        
     (2
        

Special L.P. Interests

     5,290   
        

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

  

Cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment:

  

Beginning balance

     (6,075

Current period activity, net of tax ($2,638)

     2,268   
        
     (3,807
        

Unrealized loss on cash flow hedging derivatives:

  

Beginning balance

     (134,551

Current period activity, net of tax ($3,240)

     22,655   
        
     (111,896
        
     (115,703
        

Total Partners’ Equity

   $ 45,461   
        

Summary of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  

Net loss

   $ (45,893

Other comprehensive income

     24,923   
        

Total Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   $ (20,970
        

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

 

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Three months ended     Six months ended     Twelve months ended  
     6/28/09
(13 weeks)
    6/29/08
(13 weeks)
    6/28/09
(26 weeks)
    6/29/08
(26 weeks)
    6/28/09
(52 weeks)
    6/29/08
(53 weeks)
 

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

            

Net income (loss)

   $ 7,388      $ 14,688      $ (45,893   $ (29,094   $ (11,093   $ 16,009   

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

            

Non-cash expense

     45,816        46,071        50,997        54,247        131,116        135,723   

Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles

     —          —          —          —          86,988        —     

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net

     —          3,265        30        3,265        5,190        58,163   

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense

     —          (1,380     —          (1,433     —          (1,442

Net change in working capital

     32,647        32,285        10,777        17,264        (8,001     (13,647

Net change in other assets/liabilities

     (282     1,027        (184     (1,216     (16,377     19,342   
                                                

Net cash from operating activities

     85,569        95,956        15,727        43,033        187,823        214,148   
                                                

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

            

Acquisition of Paramount Parks, net of cash acquired

     —          —          —          6,431        —          6,431   

Capital expenditures

     (18,312     (35,467     (40,840     (60,738     (62,874     (86,231
                                                

Net cash for investing activities

     (18,312     (35,467     (40,840     (54,307     (62,874     (79,800
                                                

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

            

Net borrowings (payments) on revolving credit loans

     (12,900     (14,340     113,100        89,365        12,349        (23,199

Term debt payments, including early termination penalties

     (17,329     (4,362     (30,329     (4,362     (43,417     (17,450

Distributions paid to partners

     (13,798     (26,410     (40,260     (52,223     (93,115     (103,733

Exercise of limited partnership unit options

     —          4,085        —          4,538        —          5,210   

Excess tax benefit from unit-based compensation expense

     —          1,380        —          1,433        —          1,442   
                                                

Net cash from (for) financing activities

     (44,027     (39,647     42,511        38,751        (124,183     (137,730
                                                

EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH

     846        15        711        (67     (1,695     141   
                                                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

            

Net increase (decrease) for the period

     24,076        20,857        18,109        27,410        (929     (3,241

Balance, beginning of period

     7,906        12,054        13,873        5,501        32,911        36,152   
                                                

Balance, end of period

   $ 31,982      $ 32,911      $ 31,982      $ 32,911      $ 31,982      $ 32,911   
                                                

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

            

Cash payments for interest expense

   $ 29,344      $ 32,789      $ 50,814      $ 54,658      $ 116,938      $ 136,594   

Interest capitalized

     281        390        844        855        1,612        1,633   

Cash payments for income taxes

     5,002        2,752        6,559        4,318        16,860        14,974   

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

 

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CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE PERIODS ENDED JUNE 28, 2009 AND JUNE 29, 2008

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 fiscal twelve-month periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 to accompany the quarterly results. Because amounts for the fiscal twelve months ended June 28, 2009 include actual 2008 peak season operating results, they may not be indicative of 2009 full calendar year operations. Additionally, the fiscal twelve-month period ended June 28, 2009 includes one less week compared with the fiscal twelve-month period ended June 29, 2008.

(1) Significant Accounting and Reporting Policies:

The Partnership’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 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, 2008, which were included in the Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009. 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 (the 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 eleven amusement parks, six separately gated outdoor water parks, one indoor water park and five hotels. In order to more efficiently manage its properties, 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’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; California’s Great America located in Santa Clara, California; and three Knott’s Soak City water parks located in California. Star Trek: The Experience (Star Trek), an interactive adventure in Las Vegas, was included in the western region until its closure on September 2, 2008. The results of operations of Star Trek are not material to the consolidated financial statements. The Partnership also owns and operates the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, and 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.

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 periodically during the season, (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.

 

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(3) Derivative Financial Instruments:

On January 1, 2009, the Partnership adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (FASB) Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133.” The adoption of SFAS No. 161 had no impact on the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements and only required additional financial statement disclosures. The Partnership has applied the requirements of SFAS No. 161 on a prospective basis. Accordingly, disclosures related to interim periods prior to the date of adoption have not been presented.

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 does not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. Under the original terms of its Credit Agreement, the Partnership was required to swap at least 50% of its aggregate term debt to fixed rates for a period of not less than three years.

The Partnership has effectively converted a total of $1.3 billion of its variable-rate debt to fixed rates through the use of several interest rate swap agreements. Cash flows related to these interest rate swap agreements are included in interest expense over the term of the agreements. Of the swap agreements outstanding, $300 million expired in July 2009 and $1.0 billion are set to expire in August 2012. The Partnership has designated all of its interest rate swap agreements and hedging relationships as cash flow hedges. The fair market value of these agreements at June 28, 2009 was recorded as a liability of $96.8 million in “Derivative Liability” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. No ineffectiveness was recorded in any period presented.

The Partnership has also effectively converted $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 through the use of cross-currency swap agreements. The Partnership has designated these cross-currency swaps as foreign currency cash flow hedges. Cash flows related to these swap agreements, which expire in February 2012, are included in interest expense over the term of the agreement. The fair market value of the cross-currency swaps was a liability of $22.2 million at June 28, 2009, which was recorded in “Derivative Liability” on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. No ineffectiveness was recorded in any period presented.

Fair Value of Derivative Instruments in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet:

 

(In thousands):

   Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet Location
   Fair Value as of
June 28, 2009

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133:

     

Interest rate swaps

   Derivative Liability    $ 96,811

Cross-currency swaps

   Derivative Liability      22,183
         

Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133

      $ 118,994
         

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments under SFAS No. 133:

     

Interest rate swaps

   N/A      N/A

Cross-currency swaps

   N/A      N/A
         

Total Derivatives

      $ 118,994
         

 

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Effects of Derivative Instruments on Income and Other Comprehensive Income:

 

(In thousands):

   Amount of Gain (Loss)
recognized in OCI on
Derivatives (Effective
Portion)
    Amount and Location of Gain (Loss)
Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into
Income (Effective Portion)
    Amount and Location of
Gain (Loss) Recognized in
Income on Derivative
(Ineffective Portion)

Derivatives in SFAS No. 133 Cash Flow
Hedging Relationships

   Three months
ended
6/28/09
    Six months
ended
6/28/09
         Three months
ended
6/28/09
    Six months
ended
6/28/09
    Three months
ended
6/28/09
   Six months
ended
6/28/09

Interest rate swaps

   $ 15,132      $ 18,091      Interest Expense    $ (15,563   $ (29,077   None    None

Cross currency swaps

     (16,241     (8,871   Interest Expense      (3,825     (4,757   None    None
                                        

Total

   $ (1,109   $ 9,220         $ (19,388   $ (33,834     
                                        

The amounts reclassified from accumulated OCI into income for the three and six-month periods noted above are in large part the result of the Partnership’s requirement to swap at least 50% of its aggregate term debt to fixed rates under the terms of its Credit Agreement.

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

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended     Twelve months ended
     06/28/09
(13 weeks)
   06/29/08
(13 weeks)
   06/28/09
(26 weeks)
    06/29/08
(26 weeks)
    06/28/09
(52 weeks)
    06/29/08
(53 weeks)
     (In thousands except per unit amounts)

Basic weighted average units outstanding

     55,195      54,995      55,161        55,407        55,111        55,343

Effect of dilutive units:

              

Unit options

     71      355      —          —          —          548

Phantom units

     639      253      —          —          —          234
                                            

Diluted weighted average units oustanding

     55,905      55,603      55,161        55,407        55,111        56,125
                                            

Net income (loss) per unit - basic

   $ 0.13    $ 0.27    $ (0.83   $ (0.53   $ (0.20   $ 0.29
                                            

Net income (loss) per unit - diluted

   $ 0.13    $ 0.26    $ (0.83   $ (0.53   $ (0.20   $ 0.29
                                            

The effect of out-of-the-money and/or antidilutive unit options on the three, six, and twelve months ended June 28, 2009, had they not been out of the money or antidilutive, would have been 425,000, 900,000, and 1,152,000 units, respectively. The effect of out-of-the-money and/or antidilutive unit options on the three, six, and twelve months ended June 29, 2008, had they not been out of the money or antidilutive, would have been 19,000, 718,000, and 68,000 units, respectively.

 

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(6) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:

In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” goodwill is not amortized, but, along with indefinite-lived trade-names, is evaluated for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill and trade-names have been assigned at the reporting unit, or park level, for purposes of impairment testing. Goodwill related to parks acquired prior to 2006 is annually tested for impairment as of October 1st. The Partnership completed this review during the fourth quarter in 2008 and determined the goodwill was not impaired. Goodwill and trade-names related to the Paramount Parks (PPI) acquisition in 2006, as further described in Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, as included in the Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009, is annually tested for impairment as of April 1st. During the second quarter of 2009, we completed our annual impairment test on goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles related to PPI, which did not indicate any impairment.

A summary of changes in the Partnership’s carrying value of goodwill is as follows:

 

(In thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2008

   $ 222,602

Translation

     6,340
      

Balance at June 28, 2009

   $ 228,942
      

At June 28, 2009, the Partnership’s other intangible assets consisted of the following:

 

June 28, 2009

(In thousands)

   Gross
Carrying
Amount
   Accumulated
Amortization
   Net
Carrying
Value

Other intangible assets:

        

Trade names

   $ 44,567    $ —      $ 44,567

License / franchise agreements

     13,644      4,104      9,540

Non-compete agreements

     200      120      80
                    

Total other intangible assets

   $ 58,411    $ 4,224    $ 54,187
                    

Amortization expense of other intangible assets for the six months ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008 was $670,000 and $680,000, respectively. The estimated amortization expense for the remainder of 2009 is $671,000. Estimated amortization expense is expected to total $1.4 million from 2010 through 2011 and $1.3 million in 2012 and 2013.

(7) 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 2009, 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 pays 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.

 

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(8) Fair Value Measurements:

The Partnership adopted SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements,” on January 1, 2008. SFAS No. 157 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (an exit price). The standard outlines a valuation framework and creates a fair value hierarchy in order to increase the consistency and comparability of fair value measurements and the related disclosures. Under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), certain assets and liabilities must be measured at fair value, and SFAS No. 157 details the disclosures that are required for items measured at fair value. Under SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” entities are permitted to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Partnership did not elect the fair value measurement option under SFAS No. 159 for any of its financial assets or liabilities.

In February 2008, the FASB issued two Staff Positions (FSPs) on SFAS No. 157: FSP 157-1, “Application of FASB Statement No. 157 to FASB Statement No. 13 and Other Accounting Pronouncements That Address Fair Value Measurements for Purposes of Lease Classification or Measurement Under Statement 13”, and FSP 157-2, “Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157.” FSP 157-1 excludes fair value measurements related to leases from the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 157. FSP 157-2 delayed the effective date of SFAS No. 157 for all non-recurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities until fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2008. The application of FSP 157-2 had no effect on the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

SFAS No. 157 establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:

 

   

Level 1 – inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

 

   

Level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

 

   

Level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

The table below presents the balances of liabilities measured at fair value as of June 28, 2009 on a recurring basis:

 

(In thousands)

   Total    Level 1    Level 2    Level 3

Interest rate swap agreements

   $ 96,811    $ —      $ 96,811    $ —  

Cross-currency swap agreements

     22,183      —        22,183      —  
                           

Total (1)

   $ 118,994    $ —      $ 118,994    $ —  
                           

 

(1)    Included in “Derivative Liability” on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

Fair values of the interest rate and cross-currency swap agreements are provided by the counterparty. The significant inputs, including the LIBOR and foreign currency forward curves, used by the counterparty to determine fair values are considered Level 2 observable market inputs. In addition, the Partnership considered the effect of its credit and non-performance risk on the fair values provided, and recognized an adjustment reducing the derivative liabilities by approximately $2.0 million as of June 28, 2009. The Partnership monitors the credit and non-performance risk associated with its derivative counterparties and believes them to be insignificant and not warranting a credit adjustment at June 28, 2009.

In April 2009, the FASB issued an FSP on SFAS No. 107-1 and Accounting Principles Board (APB) 28-1, “Interim Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”. FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 amend SFAS No. 107, “Disclosures about Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, to require disclosures about the fair value of financial instruments in interim financial statements, as well as in annual financial statements. This FSP also amends APB Opinion No. 28, “Interim Financial Reporting”, to require those disclosures in all interim financial statements. FSP 107-1 and APB 28-1 is effective for interim periods ending after June 15, 2009. The adoption of this FSP did not have a material effect on the Partnership’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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The fair value of our term debt at June 28, 2009, was approximately $1,388.8 million, based on borrowing rates currently available to the Partnership on long-term debt with similar terms and average maturities. Under terms of the Credit Agreement and swap agreements, the Partnership may prepay some or all of its debt without premium or penalty at any time.

(9) Subsequent Events:

In connection with the preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements and in accordance with SFAS No. 165, the Partnership evaluated subsequent events after the balance sheet date of June 28, 2009 through August 6, 2009, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.

In July 2009, the Partnership finalized an agreement with the Vaughan Health Campus of Care in Ontario, Canada for the sale of 87 acres of surplus land near Canada’s Wonderland. Net proceeds from the sale of the land total approximately $50 million and will be used entirely to pay down term debt. The Partnership anticipates closing on the transaction in the third quarter of 2009. The aggregate net book value of the land, totaling approximately $29.2 million at June 28, 2009, has been considered an asset held for sale and is classified as “Other assets” on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

On August 5, 2009, the Partnership also announced that it has received consent from its lenders to amend its Credit Agreement and that lenders holding approximately $900 million of its term debt agreed to extend the maturity date of their commitments by two years. The extended term debt will mature in 2014 and bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 400 basis points. The amendment and extension of the Credit Agreement are subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, which the Partnership expects to finalize shortly.

 

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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.

In order to efficiently manage our properties, we created regional designations for our parks. The northern region, which is the largest, includes Cedar Point and the adjacent Soak City water park, Kings Island, Canada’s Wonderland, Dorney Park, Valleyfair, Geauga Lake’s Wildwater Kingdom and Michigan’s Adventure. The southern region includes Kings Dominion, Carowinds, Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun. Finally, our western region includes Knott’s Berry Farm, California’s 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 the management contract with Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in Gilroy, California and Star Trek, an interactive adventure in Las Vegas, which closed to the public on September 2, 2008, after management concluded it would not renew a contract scheduled to expire on December 31, 2008. The results of operations of Star Trek are not material to the consolidated financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies:

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations 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 amounts reported 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.

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 at the reporting unit, or park level, 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 appraisals 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 by management 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 assets, including disposition, are less than the carrying value of the assets. 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 (park 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.

 

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Long-lived Intangible Assets - Goodwill and indefinite-lived trade-names are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill and trade-names have been assigned at the reporting unit, or park level, for purposes of impairment testing. Goodwill related to parks acquired prior to 2006 is annually tested for impairment as of October 1st. Goodwill and trade-names related to the PPI acquisition in 2006 are annually tested for impairment as of April 1st.

A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a decline in expected future cash flows; a sustained decline in equity price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have an impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

An impairment loss may be recognized if the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, which is estimated using both an income (discounted cash flow) and market approach as required by GAAP. See Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, as included in the Form 10-K filed on March 2, 2009, for a more detailed discussion of these approaches. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, an impairment charge is recorded for the difference.

As previously noted, during the second quarter of 2009, we completed our annual impairment test on goodwill and other non-amortizable intangibles related to PPI. No impairment was indicated by the testing.

It is possible that our assumptions about future performance, as well as the economic outlook, and related conclusions regarding the valuation of our reporting units (parks), could change adversely, which may result in an impairment charge that could have a material effect on our financial position and results of operations, in future periods.

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. Reserves are established for both identified claims and incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims. Such amounts are accrued for when claim amounts become probable and estimable. Reserves for identified claims are based upon our own historical claims experience and third-party estimates of settlement costs. Reserves for IBNR claims, which are not material to our condensed consolidated financial statements, are based upon our own claims data history, as well as industry averages. All reserves are periodically reviewed for changes in facts and circumstances and adjustments are made as necessary.

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 do not use derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.

The use of derivative financial instruments is accounted for according to FASB 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.

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 periodically during the season. 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.

Adjusted EBITDA:

We believe that adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and other non-cash items) is a meaningful measure of park-level operating profitability because we use it for measuring returns on capital investments, evaluating potential acquisitions, determining awards under incentive compensation plans, and calculating compliance with certain loan covenants.

 

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Adjusted EBITDA is provided in the discussion of results of operations that follows as a supplemental measure of our operating results and is not intended to be a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities as defined under generally accepted accounting principles. In addition, adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. The table below sets forth a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) for the three, six and twelve-month periods ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008.

 

     Three months ended    Six months ended     Twelve months ended  
     6/28/09
(13 weeks)
    6/29/08
(13 weeks)
   6/28/09
(26 weeks)
    6/29/08
(26 weeks)
    6/28/09
(52 weeks)
    6/29/08
(53 weeks)
 
     (In thousands)  

Net income (loss)

   $ 7,388      $ 14,688    $ (45,893   $ (29,094   $ (11,093   $ 16,009   

Provision (credit) for taxes

     2,557        5,337      (29,310     (39,471     9,226        5,784   

Interest expense

     30,909        34,262      59,811        67,063        122,309        142,864   

Depreciation and amortization

     42,977        44,089      47,191        50,272        122,757        130,924   

Equity-based compensation

     296        328      459        458        717        671   

Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles

     —          —        —          —          86,988        —     

Loss on impairment/retirement of fixed assets, net

     —          3,265      30        3,265        5,190        58,163   

Other (income) expense

     (177     167      (205     (448     (166     (1,482
                                               

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 83,950      $ 102,136    $ 32,083      $ 52,045      $ 335,928      $ 352,933   
                                               

Results of Operations:

Six Months Ended June 28, 2009 –

The fiscal six-month period ended June 28, 2009, consisted of 26 weeks and included a total of 940 operating days compared with 26 weeks and 979 operating days (excluding Star Trek which closed in September 2008) for the fiscal six-month period ended June 29, 2008. The difference in operating days was primarily the result of the early Easter/Spring break season in 2008, which fell in March allowing us to open several parks, including Kings Dominion, Carowinds and Great America, earlier to take advantage of the early holiday.

The following table presents key financial information for the six months ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008:

 

     Six months
ended
6/28/09

(26 weeks)
    Six months
ended
6/29/08

(26 weeks)
    Increase (Decrease)  
       $     %  
     (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending)  

Attendance

     6,639        7,570        (931   (12.3

Per capita spending

   $ 39.50      $ 40.45      $ (0.95   (2.3

Out-of-park revenues

   $ 36,575      $ 40,479      $ (3,904   (9.6

Net revenues

   $ 290,592      $ 336,636      $ (46,044   (13.7

Cash operating costs and expenses

     258,509        284,591        (26,082   (9.2
                              

Adjusted EBITDA

     32,083        52,045        (19,962   (38.4

Depreciation and amortization

     47,191        50,272        (3,081   (6.1

Equity-based compensation

     459        458        1      0.2   

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets

     30        3,265        (3,235   (99.1
                              

Operating (loss)

   $ (15,597   $ (1,950   $ (13,647   N/M   
                              
 

N/M - not meaningful

 

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Net revenues for the six months ended June 28, 2009 decreased $46.0 million to $290.6 million from $336.6 million during the six months ended June 29, 2008. On a same-park basis, excluding revenues from Star Trek which closed in September 2008, net revenues decreased $40.0 million between years.

The decrease in revenues reflects a 12%, or 931,000-visit, decrease in attendance for the first six months of 2009 when compared with the same period a year ago. This decrease in attendance was the result of a decline in group sales business, which has been negatively affected by the continued uncertainty in the economy, as well as a reduction in season-pass visits due to fewer operating days in 2009 and a decline in the number of season passes sold for the year. In addition, overall attendance numbers were negatively impacted by poor early-season weather, in particular cooler than normal temperatures, at most of our properties. The revenue shortfall also reflects a decrease of 2%, or $0.95, in average in-park guest per capita spending for the period. In-park guest per capita spending represents the amount spent per attendee to gain admission to a park plus all amounts spent while inside the park gates. Average in-park per capita spending increased in the southern and western regions through the first six months of the year, but this increase was offset by a decline in the northern region. Out-of-park revenues, which represent the sale of hotel rooms, food, merchandise and other complementary activities located outside of the park gates, decreased 10%, or $3.9 million between years, due primarily to declines in hotel occupancy.

Excluding depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses, operating costs and expenses decreased 9%, or $26.1 million, to $258.5 million for the period ended June 28, 2009 versus $284.6 million for the same period in 2008. This decrease was largely due to the fewer operating days through the first six months of 2009, cost savings from the closure of Star Trek and tight control of operating expenses in the face of decreased revenue. After depreciation, amortization, loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, and all other non-cash costs, the operating loss for the period increased $13.7 million to $15.6 million in 2009 from an operating loss of $1.9 million in 2008. Depreciation expense for the period decreased $3.1 million due to the decrease in operating days in 2009. Additionally impacting 2008 results was a $3.3 million impairment charge related to the sale of fixed assets at Geauga Lake as part of that park’s restructuring.

Interest expense for the six months ended June 28, 2009 decreased $7.3 million to $59.8 million, primarily due to lower interest rates on our variable-rate outstanding borrowings along with a reduction in average borrowings.

During the first half of the year, a credit for taxes of $29.3 million was recorded to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and publicly traded partnership (“PTP”) taxes. This compares with a $39.5 million credit for taxes for the same fiscal six-month period in 2008. 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 2009 estimated annual effective tax rate includes the effect of an anticipated adjustment to the valuation allowance that relates to foreign tax credit carry-forwards 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. Cash taxes paid or payable are not impacted by these interim tax provisions and are estimated to be between $18-$21 million for the 2009 calendar year.

After interest expense and the credit for taxes, the net loss for the six months ended June 28, 2009 totaled $45.9 million, or $0.83 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with a net loss of $29.1 million, or $0.53 per unit, for the same period a year ago.

For the six-month period, adjusted EBITDA, which management believes is a meaningful measure of the company’s park-level operating results, decreased $20.0 million to $32.0 million compared with $52.0 million during the same period a year ago. The decline in EBITDA is primarily attributable to the decrease in revenues caused by fewer operating days, declines in group business sales and season-pass visits, as well as soft per capita trends. The decline in operating days through the first six months will reverse itself over the last half of the year as we add 70 operating days, for a total of 31 additional operating days in 2009 compared to 2008.

Second Quarter –

The second fiscal quarter ended June 28, 2009 and second fiscal quarter ended June 29, 2008, each contained a 13-week period and had a comparable number of operating days.

 

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The following table presents key financial information for the three months ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008:

 

     Three months
ended

6/28/09
(13 weeks)
   Three months
ended

6/29/08
(13 weeks)
   Increase (Decrease)  
         $     %  
     (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending)  

Attendance

     6,219      6,865      (646   (9.4

Per capita spending

   $ 39.43    $ 40.16    $ (0.73   (1.8

Out-of-park revenues

   $ 26,340    $ 29,534    $ (3,194   (10.8

Net revenues

   $ 264,126    $ 296,234    $ (32,108   (10.8

Cash operating costs and expenses

     180,176      194,098      (13,922   (7.2
                        

Adjusted EBITDA

     83,950      102,136      (18,186   (17.8

Depreciation and amortization

     42,977      44,089      (1,112   (2.5

Equity-based compensation

     296      328      (32   (9.8

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets

     —        3,265      (3,265   —     
                        

Operating income

   $ 40,677    $ 54,454    $ (13,777   (25.3
                        

For the quarter ended June 28, 2009, net revenues decreased 11%, or $32.1 million, to $264.1 million from $296.2 million in 2008. The decrease reflects a 9% decline in attendance, a 2% decrease in average in-park per capita spending, and an 11%, or $3.2 million, decrease in out-of-park revenues. As mentioned in the six-month discussion above, revenue and attendance declines were primarily due to softness in group sales business, driven by the poor economy, and a decline in season-pass sales and visits due to the soft economy and inclement weather across most of our parks.

Excluding depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses, operating costs and expenses for the quarter decreased 7%, or $13.9 million, to $180.2 million from $194.1 million in 2008, resulting from the closure of Star Trek in September 2008, as well as a continued focus on controlling cash operating costs across the parks. After depreciation, amortization, other non-cash costs, operating income for the quarter totaled $40.7 million, down $13.8 million from $54.5 million for the second quarter of 2008.

Interest expense for the second quarter of 2009 decreased $3.4 million to $30.9 million. The decrease in interest expense is attributable to lower interest rates on our variable-rate debt, along with lower average term debt borrowings during the period.

During the quarter, a provision for taxes of $2.6 million was recorded to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and PTP taxes, compared to a provision for taxes of $5.3 million in the same period a year ago. After interest expense and the provision for taxes, net income for the quarter totaled $7.4 million, or $0.13 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $14.7 million, or $0.26 per unit, a year ago.

For the quarter, adjusted EBITDA decreased 18% to $84.0 million from $102.1 million in 2008. The $18.1 million decrease in EBITDA was primarily attributable to soft second-quarter revenues resulting from the decline in attendance and per capita spending, offset somewhat by our continued focus on cost controls across all of our parks during the period.

Twelve Months Ended June 28, 2009 –

The twelve-month period ended June 28, 2009, consisted of 52 weeks compared with 53 weeks in the twelve-month period ended June 29, 2008.

 

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The following table presents key financial information for the twelve months ended June 28, 2009 and June 29, 2008:

 

     Twelve months
ended

6/28/09
(52 weeks)
   Twelve months
ended

6/29/08
(53 weeks)
   Increase (Decrease)  
         $     %  
     (Amounts in thousands except per capita spending)  

Attendance

     21,790      22,954      (1,164   (5.1

Per capita spending

   $ 39.82    $ 40.52    $ (0.70   (1.7

Out-of-park revenues

   $ 106,018    $ 113,982    $ (7,964   (7.0

Net revenues

   $ 950,188    $ 1,019,596    $ (69,408   (6.8

Cash operating costs and expenses

     614,260      666,663      (52,403   (7.9
                        

Adjusted EBITDA

     335,928      352,933      (17,005   (4.8

Depreciation and amortization

     122,757      130,924      (8,167   (6.2

Equity-based compensation

     717      671      46      6.9   

Loss on impairment of goodwill and other intangibles

     86,988      —        86,988      N/M   

Loss on impairment / retirement of fixed assets, net

     5,190      58,163      (52,973   N/M   
                        

Operating income

   $ 120,276    $ 163,175    $ (42,899   (26.3
                        
 

N/M - not meaningful

Net revenues for the twelve months ended June 28, 2009, were $950.2 million compared with $1,019.6 million for the twelve months ended June 29, 2008. The decrease of $69.4 million in net revenues reflects a 5%, or 1.2 million-visit decrease in attendance, a 2%, or $0.70, decrease in average in-park guest per capita spending and a 7%, or $8.0 million, decrease in out-of-park revenues, including our resort hotels. The fiscal twelve months ended June 28, 2009 included one less week of operations when compared to the fiscal twelve months ended June 29, 2008. Excluding the additional operating week, revenues would have decreased approximately 2%, or $24.0 million, on a 1% decrease in average in-park per capita spending and an attendance decline of less than one percent.

For the twelve-month period, operating costs and expenses, before depreciation, amortization and other non-cash costs, decreased 8%, or $52.4 million, to $614.3 million from $666.7 million for the same period a year ago. This decrease in costs was due to the one less operating week in the current twelve-month period, as well as continued efforts to control operating costs across all of our regions. Excluding the additional operating week, operating costs would have decreased approximately 4%. For the twelve-month period ended June 28, 2009, we recognized an $87.0 million charge for the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets relating to the PPI acquisition, and a $5.2 million net charge for the impairment / retirement of fixed assets across all of our properties. This compares with a $58.2 million impairment charge on fixed assets due to the restructuring of Geauga Lake recognized in the twelve-month period ended June 29, 2008. After these impairment charges, depreciation, amortization and other non-cash expenses, operating income for period ended June 28, 2009 totaled $120.3 million compared with operating income of $163.2 million a year ago.

Interest expense for the twelve months ended June 28, 2009 decreased $20.6 million to $122.3 million from $142.9 million for the same period in 2008. This decrease was the result of a lower average cost of debt over the twelve-month period, along with a reduction in average term debt borrowings outstanding during the period. During the twelve months ended June 28, 2009, we recorded a provision for taxes of $9.2 million to account for the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries and PTP taxes, which compares with a provision for taxes of $5.8 million a year ago.

After interest expense, other expense and provision for taxes, the net loss for the twelve months ended June 28, 2009 totaled $11.1 million, or $0.20 per diluted limited partner unit, compared with net income of $16.0 million, or $0.29 per diluted limited partner unit, for the twelve months ended June 29, 2008.

For the 2009 twelve-month period, adjusted EBITDA decreased 5%, or $17.0 million, to $335.9 million, while our adjusted EBITDA margin improved 80 basis points (bps) to 35.4% from 34.6% in 2008. The increase in margin was due in large part to strong operating results during the third and fourth quarters of 2008, primarily in our northern region, as well as continued effective costs controls over the past two seasons. The decrease in adjusted EBITDA in 2009 was largely due to the additional week of operations in the twelve-month period ending June 29, 2008. On a comparable number of weeks, adjusted EBITDA for the trailing-twelve-month periods would be essentially flat.

 

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July 2009 –

Based on preliminary July results, revenues for the first seven months of the year, on a same-park basis, decreased $64.9 million to $561.6 million from $626.5 million for the same period a year ago, on 39, or 4%, fewer operating days, (excluding operations of Star Trek which closed in September 2008). This decrease is the result of a decline in attendance to 12.6 million visitors compared with 14.0 million in 2008, a 1% decrease in average in-park guest per capita spending, and a decrease in out-of-park revenues of $7.7 million to $59.6 million, primarily due to declines in hotel occupancy.

Over the past five weeks, consolidated revenues were down 9%, or approximately $26 million, on a same-park basis. This decrease was largely due to an 8%, or 495,000-visit, decrease in combined attendance and a $5 million decrease in out-of-park revenues. Over the same five-week period, average in-park guest per capita spending was essentially flat. Although modestly better than trends through the first six months of the year, the July-revenue shortfall was primarily due to difficult economic conditions and inconsistent weather patterns, in particular cooler than normal temperatures at most of our parks.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

With respect to both liquidity and cash flow, we ended the second quarter of 2009 in sound condition. The negative working capital ratio (current liabilities divided by current assets) of 1.3 at June 28, 2009 is the result of our seasonal business and careful management of cash flow to reduce borrowings. Receivables and inventories are at normal seasonal levels and credit facilities are in place to fund current liabilities.

At the end of the quarter, we had $1,671.0 million of variable-rate term debt and $135.8 million of outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facilities. After letters of credit, which totaled $11.2 million at June 28, 2009, we had $198.0 million of available borrowings under our revolving credit agreements. Of our total term debt, $17.2 million is scheduled to mature within the next twelve months.

In 2006, we entered into several interest rate swap agreements which effectively converted $1.0 billion of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate of 7.6%. In January 2008, we entered into several additional interest rate swap agreements which effectively converted another $300.0 million of our variable-rate debt to a fixed rate of 4.7%. The January 2008 swaps expired in July 2009.

In 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 converted $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.

We entered into these various swap arrangements as a means of reducing the risk associated with volatility in interest rates in order to keep our cash interest costs predictable. Although the fair market value of these instruments is recorded as a liability of $119.0 million in “Derivative Liability” on the June 28, 2009 condensed consolidated balance sheet with the offset reducing Partners’ Equity, this is expected to reverse over time as the swaps approach their maturity dates and continue to serve their purpose of leveling cash interest costs.

Given the current uncertainty of the credit markets and our need to refinance our debt in the future, we continue to look at a wide range of alternatives to address our capital structure and reduce debt levels. One such alternative examined was our distribution policy. In response to this examination, in March 2009, we announced that we were reducing our annual distribution rate from $1.92 per unit to $1.00 per unit beginning with the distribution declared during the second quarter of 2009. A $0.92 reduction in the per-unit rate, along with scheduled debt repayments and interest savings on the lower debt balance, will allow us to reduce our debt by approximately $200 million over the next three fiscal years. During the first six months of 2009, we used the cash available from our reduced distributions to repay $26.0 million of term debt.

As part of the March 2009 announcement, we also made note of the marketing for sale of three of our amusement parks, as well as the continued marketing efforts to sell excess land. In July 2009, we finalized an agreement with the Vaughan Health Campus of Care in Ontario, Canada for the sale of 87 acres of surplus land near Canada’s Wonderland. Net proceeds from the sale of the land will total approximately $50 million and will be used entirely to pay down term debt. We expect the transaction to close during the third quarter of 2009. The reduction of our distribution, along with the continued successful execution of selling select assets, will have a positive impact on our leverage ratio, which in turn should benefit upcoming debt refinancing efforts.

Credit facilities and cash flows from operations are expected to be sufficient to meet working capital needs, debt service and planned capital expenditures for the foreseeable future.

 

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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 our 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

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 June 28, 2009, $1,562.6 million of our outstanding long-term debt represented fixed-rate debt and $244.3 million represented variable-rate debt. Assuming an average balance on our revolving credit borrowings, the cash flow impact of a hypothetical one percentage point change in the applicable interest rates on our variable-rate debt, after the rate swap agreements, would be approximately $4.5 million as of June 28, 2009.

A uniform 10% strengthening of the U.S. dollar relative to the Canadian dollar would result in an approximate $3.6 million decrease in annual operating income.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures -

The Partnership maintains a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Partnership in its reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the Commission and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Partnership’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. As of June 28, 2009, 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.

 

(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 2009 second 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.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

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, 2008.

 

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

The annual meeting of the limited partners of Cedar Fair, L.P. was held on May 14, 2009 to consider and vote upon: 1) the election of two Directors of the general partner for a three-year term expiring in 2012; and 2) to confirm the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm. The following table summarizes the results for each proposal voted upon at the annual meeting:

Proposal I. The election of two class II directors to serve until 2012.

 

Nominee

   For    Withheld

Michael D. Kwiatkowski

   46,071,695    1,889,577

Steven H. Tishman

   46,123,810    1,841,674

Proposal II. The appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

For    Against    Abstain
47,198,846    445,043    317,189

 

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

 

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SIGNATURES

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

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.
  (Registrant)
By   Cedar Fair Management, Inc.
      General Partner

 

Date: August 7, 2009  

/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)

 

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

 

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