ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATION
Forward-Looking Statements
Information contained in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations may contain forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements use forward-looking
words such as "believe," "plan," "anticipate," "continue," "estimate," "expect,"
"may," "will," or other similar words. These statements discuss plans,
strategies, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may
occur in the future.
A forward-looking statement may include a statement of the assumptions or bases
underlying the forward-looking statement. We believe that we have chosen these
assumptions or bases in good faith and that they are reasonable. However, we
caution you that actual results almost always vary from assumed facts or bases,
and the differences between actual results and assumed facts or bases can be
material, depending on the circumstances. When considering forward-looking
statements, you should keep in mind the following important factors which could
affect our future results and could cause those results to differ materially
from those expressed in our forward-looking statements: (1) adverse weather
conditions resulting in reduced demand; (2) cost volatility and availability of
propane and other LPG, oil, electricity and natural gas and the capacity to
transport product to our market areas; (3) changes in domestic and foreign laws
and regulations, including safety, tax and accounting matters; (4) inability to
timely recover costs through utility rate proceedings; (5) the impact of pending
and future legal proceedings; (6) competitive pressures from the same and
alternative energy sources; (7) failure to acquire new customers thereby
reducing or limiting any increase in revenues; (8) liability for environmental
claims; (9) increased customer conservation measures due to high energy prices
and improvements in energy efficiency and technology resulting in reduced
demand; (10) adverse labor relations; (11) large customer, counterparty or
supplier defaults; (12) liability in excess of insurance coverage for personal
injury and property damage arising from explosions and other catastrophic
events, including acts of terrorism, resulting from operating hazards and risks
incidental to generating and distributing electricity and transporting, storing
and distributing natural gas, propane and other LPG; (13) political, regulatory
and economic conditions in the United States and in foreign countries, including
foreign currency rate fluctuations, particularly in the euro; (14) capital
market conditions, including reduced access to capital markets and interest rate
fluctuations; (15) changes in commodity market prices resulting in significantly
higher cash collateral requirements; (16) reduced distributions from
subsidiaries; and (17) the timing and success of the Company's efforts to
develop new business opportunities.
These factors are not necessarily all of the important factors that could cause
actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any of our
forward-looking statements. Other unknown or unpredictable factors could also
have material adverse effects on future results. We undertake no obligation to
update publicly any forward-looking statement whether as a result of new
information or future events except as required by the federal securities laws.
- 34 -
Table of Contents
UGI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
ANALYSIS OF RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following analyses compare our results of operations for the three months
ended March 31, 2009 ("2009 three-month period") with the three months ended
March 31, 2008 ("2008 three-month period") and the six months ended March 31,
2009 ("2009 six-month period") with the six months ended March 31, 2008 ("2008
six-month period"). Our analyses of results of operations should be read in
conjunction with the segment information included in Note 3 to the condensed
consolidated financial statements.
Executive Overview
Because most of our businesses sell energy products used in large part for
heating purposes, our results are significantly influenced by temperatures in
our service territories, particularly during the peak-heating season months of
November through March. As a result, our earnings are generally higher in the
first and second fiscal quarters.
Our net income for the 2009 three-month period increased to $158.2 million from
$126.1 million in the prior-year three-month period. The increase principally
reflects greater net income from our International Propane operations and, to a
much lesser extent, greater net income from AmeriGas Propane, Energy Services
and Gas Utility. Temperatures in our International Propane operations were
colder than normal in the 2009 three-month period and colder than in the prior
year. International Propane volumes increased as a result of significantly
colder weather while our AmeriGas Propane volumes were lower than in the prior
year principally as a result of the effects of recessionary economic conditions,
customer conservation and slightly warmer weather. Our International Propane and
AmeriGas Propane 2009 three-month period results benefited from higher average
retail unit margins resulting from significantly lower and less volatile LPG
product costs following a rapid and precipitous decline in wholesale LPG product
costs during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. We expect unit margins in these
businesses to return to more normal levels over the remainder of Fiscal 2009.
Our higher Gas Utility results include the operations of CPG subsequent to its
acquisition on October 1, 2008. Energy Services net income improved as greater
natural gas unit margins and higher peaking services and asset management income
were offset, in part, by lower electric generation net income.
Our net income for the 2009 six-month period increased to $273.1 million from
net income of $206.1 million in the prior-year six-month period principally
reflecting greater net income from International Propane and AmeriGas Propane
and, to a much lesser extent, greater net income from Gas Utility. International
Propane LPG volumes increased as a result of colder weather while our AmeriGas
Propane volumes were lower than in the prior year due to the effects on volumes
sold of recessionary economic conditions and customer conservation. As was the
case in the 2009 three-month period, our International Propane and AmeriGas
Propane results benefited from higher average retail unit margins resulting from
significantly lower LPG product costs as a result of a rapid and precipitous
decline in wholesale LPG commodity prices during the first quarter of Fiscal
2009. Our Gas Utility six-month period results include the results of CPG
subsequent to its acquisition on October 1, 2008. Energy Services net income was
equal to the prior-year period as greater natural gas unit margins and higher
peaking services and asset management income were offset, in large part, by
lower electric generation net income.
- 35 -
Table of Contents
UGI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
The U.S. dollar was stronger versus the euro in the 2009 three and six-month
periods compared with such periods in Fiscal 2008. However, the adverse effects
of the stronger dollar on reported International Propane net income were
substantially offset by the effects of gains on forward currency contracts used
to hedge purchases of dollar-denominated LPG.
Net income (loss) by business unit:
Three Months Ended Six Months Ended
March 31, March 31,
2009 2008 2009 2008
(Millions of dollars) (Millions of dollars)
Net income (loss):
AmeriGas Propane (a) $ 40.2 $ 36.0 $ 74.5 (b) $ 51.0
International Propane 54.5 32.7 94.7 55.1
Gas Utility 41.8 39.8 70.1 63.8
Electric Utility 2.8 3.5 5.6 7.5
Energy Services 19.6 16.4 30.3 30.3
Corporate & Other (0.7 ) (2.3 ) (2.1 ) (1.6 )
Total net income $ 158.2 $ 126.1 $ 273.1 $ 206.1
|
(a) Amounts are
net of
minority
interests in
AmeriGas
Partners,
L.P.
(b) Includes net
income of
$10.4 million
from sale of
the
Partnership's
California
LPG storage
facility.
2009 three-month period compared to the 2008 three-month period
AmeriGas Propane:
Increase
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 2008 (Decrease)
(Millions of dollars)
Revenues $ 823.3 $ 1,006.6 $ (183.3 ) (18.2 )%
Total margin (a) $ 349.3 $ 330.6 $ 18.7 5.7 %
Partnership EBITDA (b) $ 187.3 $ 171.8 $ 15.5 9.0 %
Operating income $ 168.1 $ 153.2 $ 14.9 9.7 %
Retail gallons sold (millions) 342.9 368.5 (25.6 ) (6.9 )%
Degree days - % (warmer) than normal (c) (2.3 )% (1.0 )% - -
|
(a) Total margin
represents
total revenues
less total
cost of sales.
(b) Partnership
EBITDA
(earnings
before
interest
expense,
income taxes
and
depreciation
and
amortization)
should not be
considered as
an alternative
to net income
(as an
indicator of
operating
performance)
and is not a
measure of
performance or
financial
condition
under
accounting
principles
generally
accepted in
the United
States of
America.
Management
uses
Partnership
EBITDA as the
primary
measure of
segment
profitability
for the
AmeriGas
Propane
segment (see
Note 3 to
condensed
consolidated
financial
statements).
(c) Deviation from
average
heating
degree-days
for the
30-year period
1971-2000
based upon
national
weather
statistics
provided by
the National
Oceanic and
Atmospheric
Administration
("NOAA") for
335 airports
in the United
States,
excluding
Alaska.
Based upon heating degree-day data, average temperatures in our service
territories were 2.3% warmer than normal during the 2009 three-month period
compared with temperatures in the prior-year period that were 1.0% warmer than
normal. Notwithstanding the benefit of the October 1, 2008 acquisition of the
net assets of CPP, retail gallons sold were less than the prior-year period
reflecting, among other things, the adverse effects of the significant
deterioration in general economic activity which has occurred over the last
year, continued customer conservation and the slightly warmer weather.
- 36 -
Table of Contents
UGI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Retail propane revenues declined $154.9 million during the 2009 three-month
period reflecting a $92.7 million decrease due to lower average selling prices
and a $62.2 million decrease as a result of the lower retail volumes sold.
Wholesale propane revenues declined $25.3 million reflecting a decrease in
year-over-year wholesale selling prices. Wholesale propane commodity prices at
Mont Belvieu, Texas, one of the major supply points in the U.S., generally
stabilized during the three months ended March 31, 2009 following a more than
50% decline in prices during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. Wholesale prices
at Mont Belvieu during the 2009 three-month period were more than 50% lower than
such prices a year ago. Total cost of sales decreased $202.0 million to
$474.0 million principally reflecting the effects of the lower propane product
costs.
Total margin was $18.7 million greater in the 2009 three-month period reflecting
the beneficial impact of higher than normal retail unit margins resulting from
the previously mentioned significantly lower and less volatile propane product
costs. We expect unit margins to return to more normal levels over the remainder
of Fiscal 2009.
EBITDA during the 2009 three-month period was $187.3 million compared with
EBITDA of $171.8 million in the 2008 three-month period. The greater 2009
three-month period EBITDA reflects the previously mentioned $18.7 million
increase in total margin partially offset by lower other income and slightly
higher operating and administrative expenses. The higher operating and
administrative expenses reflect greater compensation and benefits expenses,
including incremental expenses resulting from the purchase of the CPP net
assets, offset in large part by lower vehicle fuel expense.
Operating income increased $14.9 million reflecting the $15.5 million increase
in EBITDA and slightly higher depreciation and amortization expense associated
with acquisitions and plant and equipment expenditures made since the prior
year.
International Propane:
Increase
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 2008 (Decrease)
(Millions of euros)
Revenues € 259.2 € 249.6 € 9.6 3.8 %
Total margin (a) € 143.1 € 105.1 € 38.0 36.2 %
Operating income € 68.1 € 37.0 € 31.1 84.1 %
Income before income taxes € 62.4 € 31.5 € 30.9 98.1 %
(Millions of dollars)
Revenues $ 338.6 $ 375.0 $ (36.4 ) (9.7 )%
Total margin (a) $ 187.1 $ 157.9 $ 29.2 18.5 %
Operating income $ 89.7 $ 54.8 $ 34.9 63.7 %
Income before income taxes $ 82.0 $ 46.1 $ 35.9 77.9 %
Antargaz retail gallons sold 103.1 97.0 6.1 6.3 %
Degree days - % colder (warmer) than
normal (b) 5.4 % (10.3 )% - -
|
(a) Total margin
represents
total
revenues
less total
cost of
sales.
(b) Deviation
from average
heating
degree days
for the
30-year
period
1971-2000 at
more than 30
locations in
our French
service
territory.
- 37 -
Table of Contents
UGI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Based upon heating degree day data, temperatures in Antargaz' service territory
were approximately 5.4% colder than normal during the 2009 three-month period
compared with temperatures that were approximately 10.3% warmer than normal
during the prior-year period. Temperatures in Flaga's service territory were
colder than normal in the 2009 three-month period compared with weather that was
warmer than normal in the prior-year period. Wholesale propane product costs
were significantly lower during the 2009 three-month period following
significant declines during the first quarter of Fiscal 2009. The average
wholesale commodity price for propane in northwest Europe during the 2009
three-month period was approximately 44% lower than such price during the same
period last year. Wholesale butane prices were also significantly lower in the
2009 three-month period. Antargaz' 2009 three-month period retail propane
volumes were higher than in the prior-year period principally as a result of the
colder weather partially offset by continued customer conservation, the effects
of competition from alternate energy sources and the deterioration of general
economic conditions in France.
Our International Propane base-currency results are translated into U.S. dollars
based upon exchange rates experienced during each of the reporting periods.
During the 2009 three-month period, the average currency translation rate was
$1.30 per euro compared to a rate of $1.51 per euro during the prior-year
three-month period. Although the stronger dollar resulted in lower translated
International Propane operating results, the effects of the stronger dollar on
reported International Propane net income were substantially offset by the
effects of gains on forward currency contracts used to hedge purchases of
dollar-denominated LPG.
International Propane euro-based revenues increased €9.6 million or 3.8%
reflecting the higher retail gallons sold partially offset by lower average
selling prices. The lower average selling prices reflect the effects of the
previously mentioned year-over-year decrease in wholesale LPG product costs. In
U.S. dollars, revenues declined $36.4 million or 9.7% as the previously
mentioned higher euro-based revenues were more than offset by the effects of the
stronger U.S. dollar. International Propane's total cost of sales decreased to
€116.1 million in the 2009 three-month period from €144.6 million in the prior
year reflecting the lower per-unit LPG commodity costs and the effects of gains
on forward currency contracts used to hedge purchases of dollar-denominated LPG.
International Propane total margin increased €38.0 million or 36.2% in the 2009
three-month period largely reflecting the beneficial impact of higher than
normal retail unit margins resulting from lower and less volatile LPG product
costs following a rapid and sharp decline in LPG product costs earlier in the
2009 Fiscal Year. We presently expect unit margins to return to more normal
levels over the remainder of Fiscal 2009. Antargaz was adversely affected by
lower unit margins in the prior-year period as a result of the rapid increase in
LPG product costs which occurred last year. In U.S. dollars, total margin
increased $29.2 million or 18.5% reflecting the effects of the stronger dollar
on translated euro base-currency revenues and cost of sales.
International Propane euro-based operating income increased €31.1 million or
84.1% principally reflecting the previously mentioned increase in total margin
and slightly higher operating and administrative costs principally resulting
from the consolidation of the operations of ZLH effective in January 2009. On a
U.S. dollar basis, operating income increased $34.9 million or 63.7% reflecting
the previously-mentioned increase in U.S. dollar-denominated total margin and
lower U.S. dollar-denominated operating expenses and depreciation and
amortization principally as a result of the stronger U.S. dollar. Euro-based
income before income taxes was €30.9 million or 98.1% greater than in the prior
year principally reflecting the higher operating income. In U.S. dollars, income
before income taxes increased $35.9 million or 77.9% reflecting the benefit of
the higher dollar-denominated operating income and the effects of the stronger
dollar on translated interest expense.
- 38 -
Table of Contents
UGI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Gas Utility:
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 2008 Increase
(Millions of dollars)
Revenues $ 542.8 $ 476.7 $ 66.1 13.9 %
Total margin (a) $ 149.9 $ 121.6 $ 28.3 23.3 %
Operating income $ 80.0 $ 75.5 $ 4.5 6.0 %
Income before income taxes $ 69.6 $ 66.0 $ 3.6 5.5 %
System throughput - billions of
cubic feet ("bcf") 56.5 49.6 6.9 13.9 %
Degree days - % colder (warmer) than
normal (b) 4.1 % (1.7 )% - -
|
(a) Total margin
represents
total revenues
less total
cost of sales.
(b) Deviation from
average
heating degree
days for the
15-year period
1990-2004
based upon
weather
statistics
provided by
the National
Oceanic and
Atmospheric
Administration
("NOAA") for
airports
located within
Gas Utility's
service
territory.
Temperatures in the Gas Utility service territory based upon heating degree days
were 4.1% colder than normal in the 2009 three-month period compared with
temperatures that were 1.7% warmer than normal in the prior-year period. In
Fiscal 2009, Gas Utility began calculating normal degree days using the 15-year
period 1990-2004. Previously, normal degree days were based upon recent 30-year
periods. For comparability purposes, the prior-year period weather variance has
been recalculated using the new 15-year period. Total distribution system
throughput increased 6.9 bcf in the 2009 three-month period reflecting the
effects of the CPG Acquisition and increases in firm- residential, commercial
and industrial ("retail core-market") and retail delivery service (collectively,
"core market") volumes resulting from the colder 2009 three-month period weather
and year-over-year customer growth. These increases in system throughput were
partially offset by the effects on volumes sold and transported from lower
demand from commercial and industrial customers due to the deterioration in
general economic activity which has occurred over the last year.
Gas Utility revenues increased $66.1 million principally reflecting
$85.5 million in incremental revenues from CPG partially offset by a decline in
low-margin off-system sales revenues. Changes in average purchased gas cost
("PGC") rates did not have a significant effect on period-over-period revenues.
Under the PGC recovery mechanism, Gas Utility records the cost of gas associated
with sales to retail core-market customers at amounts included in PGC rates. The
difference between actual gas costs and the amounts included in rates is
deferred on the balance sheet as a regulatory asset or liability and represents
amounts to be collected from or refunded to customers in a future period. As a
result of this PGC recovery mechanism, increases or decreases in the cost of gas
associated with retail core-market customers have no direct effect on retail
core-market margin. Deferred fuel costs included on the Condensed Consolidated
Balance Sheet at March 31, 2009 principally reflect the effects of significantly
higher unrealized losses on natural gas futures contracts due to recent declines
in wholesale natural gas prices. Gas Utility's cost of gas was $392.9 million in
the 2009 three-month period compared with $355.1 million in the prior-year
period principally reflecting incremental cost of sales of $60.4 million
associated with CPG partially offset by the effects on cost of sales of the
lower off-system sales.
- 39 -
Table of Contents
UGI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Gas Utility total margin increased $28.3 million principally reflecting
incremental margin from CPG and higher total retail core-market margin resulting
from the higher retail core-market volumes sold.
The increase in Gas Utility operating income during the 2009 three-month period
principally reflects the previously mentioned greater total margin partially
offset by higher operating, administrative and depreciation expenses, including
incremental expenses associated with CPG, and, to a lesser extent, higher
provisions for bad debts, environmental matters, pension expense and
distribution system maintenance expenses. The increase in income before income
taxes reflects the previously mentioned higher operating income partially offset
by higher interest expense associated with the $108 million face value of 6.375%
Senior Notes issued to finance a portion of the CPG acquisition.
Electric Utility:
For the three months ended March 31, 2009 2008 Decrease
(Millions of dollars)
Revenues $ 38.1 $ 38.6 $ (0.5 ) (1.3 )%
Total margin (a) $ 11.9 $ 12.2 $ (0.3 ) (2.5 )%
Operating income $ 5.5 $ 6.5 $ (1.0 ) (15.4 )%
Income before income taxes $ 5.1 $ 5.9 $ (0.8 ) (13.6 )%
Distribution sales - millions of
kilowatt hours ("gwh") 273.1 279.1 (6.0 ) (2.1 )%
|
(a) Total margin
represents
total revenues
less total cost
of sales and
revenue-related
taxes, i.e.
Electric
Utility gross
receipts taxes,
of $2.0 million
and
$2.2 million
during the
three-month
periods ended
March 31, 2009
and 2008,
respectively.
For financial
statement
purposes,
revenue-related
taxes are
included in
"Utility taxes
other than
income taxes"
on the
Condensed
Consolidated
Statements of
Income.
Electric Utility's kilowatt-hour sales in the 2009 three-month period were lower
than in the prior year. Temperatures based upon heating degree days were
approximately 2.2% colder than last year resulting in greater sales to
residential heating customers. These greater sales were more than offset however
by lower sales to commercial and industrial customers as a result of the
deterioration in general economic activity. Electric Utility revenues decreased
$0.5 million principally as a result of the lower sales partially offset by
higher Provider of Last Resort ("POLR") rates. In accordance with the terms of
its June 2006 POLR Settlement, Electric Utility increased its POLR rates
effective January 1, 2009. This increase raised the average cost to a
residential heating customer by approximately 1.5% over costs in effect during
calendar year 2008. Electric Utility cost of sales were $24.2 million in both
the 2009 three-month period and the 2008 three-month period principally
reflecting the effects of the lower sales and slightly lower per-unit purchased
power costs offset by greater electricity transmission costs.
- 40 -
Table of Contents
UGI CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notwithstanding the increase in POLR rates, Electric Utility total margin
decreased $0.3 million during the 2009 three-month period principally reflecting
the effects of the lower sales and greater electricity transmission costs.
Electric Utility operating income and income before income taxes in the 2009
three-month period were $1.0 million and $0.8 million lower than such amounts in
the prior-year period, respectively, reflecting the previously mentioned lower
total margin and higher operating and administrative costs including greater
provisions for bad debts and higher pension expense.
Energy Services:
. . .
|