FORM 10 - K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10 - K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended: December 31, 2005

Commission file number 1-9444

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

State of incorporation: DELAWARE

I.R.S. Employer Identification No.: 34-1560655

Principal executive offices: One Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870-5259

Registrant's telephone number: (419) 626-0830

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Depositary Units (Representing Limited Partner Interests)

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes [X ] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes [ ] No [ X ]

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of "accelerated filer and large accelerated filer" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer [ X ] Accelerated filer [ ] Non-accelerated filer [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Yes [ ] No [ X ]

The aggregate market value of Depositary Units held by non-affiliates of the Registrant based on the closing price of such units on June 24, 2005 of $32.10 per unit was approximately $1,683,793,000.

Number of Depositary Units representing limited partner interests outstanding as of March 1, 2006: 53,887,830

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Part III of this Form 10-K incorporates by reference certain information from the Registrant's definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of unitholders to be held in May 2006, which will be filed by the Registrant within 120 days after the close of its 2005 fiscal year.

*********************************

The Exhibit Index is located on page 43

Page 1 of 140 pages

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

INDEX

 

 

 

 

PART I

 

PAGE

     

Item 1.

Business

3

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

10

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

11

Item 2.

Properties

11

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

12

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

12

     

PART II

   
     

Item 5.

Market for Registrant's Depositary Units and Related Unitholder Matters

13

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

13

Item 7.

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

15

Item 7a.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

21

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

21

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

35

Item 9a.

Controls and Procedures

36

Item 9b.

Other Information

37

     

PART III

   
     

Item 10.

Directors and Executive Officers of Registrant

38

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

38

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

38

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

39

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

39

     

PART IV

   
     

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K

40

     

Signatures

 

42

     

Exhibit Index

 

43

     

Consents

 

136

     

Certifications

 

138

 

 

 

 

 

PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Cedar Fair, L.P., together with its affiliated companies, (the "Partnership") is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed in 1987 and managed by Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio corporation whose shares are held by an Ohio trust (the "General Partner").

The Partnership owns and operates seven amusement parks: Cedar Point, located on Lake Erie between Cleveland and Toledo in Sandusky, Ohio; Knott's Berry Farm, located near Los Angeles in Buena Park, California; Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom ("Dorney Park"), located near Allentown in South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania; Valleyfair, located near Minneapolis/St. Paul in Shakopee, Minnesota; Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, Missouri; Geauga Lake & Wildwater Kingdom ("Geauga Lake"), located near Cleveland in Aurora, Ohio; and Michigan's Adventure near Muskegon, Michigan. The parks are family-oriented, with recreational facilities for people of all ages, and provide clean and attractive environments with exciting rides and entertainment. The Partnership also owns and operates the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort in Sandusky, Ohio, and five separate-gated outdoor water parks. Three of the outdoor water parks are located adjacent to Cedar Point, Knott's Berry Farm and Worlds of Fun, the fourth is located near San Diego, and the fifth is in Palm Springs, California. All principal rides and attractions at the amusement and water parks are owned and operated by the Partnership.

The Partnership's six seasonal amusement parks are generally open during weekends beginning in April or May, and then daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day, after which they are open during weekends in September and, in some cases, October. The five water parks also operate seasonally, generally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, plus some additional weekends before and after this period. As a result, virtually all of the operating revenues of these parks are derived during an approximate 130 to 140-day operating season. Both Knott's Berry Farm and Castaway Bay are open daily on a year-round basis. Each park charges a basic daily admission price, which allows unlimited use of most rides and attractions, with the exception of "RipCord," "Screamin' Swing," "X-Treme Trampoline," go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses and rock climbing attractions at several of the parks.

The demographic groups that are most important to the parks are young people ages 12 through 24 and families. Families are believed to be attracted by a combination of rides and live entertainment and the clean, wholesome atmosphere. Young people are believed to be attracted by the action-packed rides. During their operating seasons, the parks conduct active television, radio, and newspaper advertising campaigns in their major market areas geared toward these two groups.

CEDAR POINT

Cedar Point, which was first developed as a recreational area in 1870, is located on a peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio bordered by Lake Erie and Sandusky Bay, approximately 60 miles west of Cleveland and 100 miles southeast of Detroit. Cedar Point is believed to be the largest seasonal amusement park in the United States, measured by the number of rides and attractions and the hourly ride capacity, and has been named the Best Amusement Park in the World for eight consecutive years by Amusement Today's international survey. It serves a six-state region in the Midwestern United States, which includes nearly all of Ohio and Michigan, western Pennsylvania and New York, northern West Virginia and Indiana, and southwestern Ontario, Canada. The park's total market area includes approximately 26 million people, and the major areas of dominant influence in this market area, which are Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, Akron, Columbus, Grand Rapids, Flint, and Lansing, include approximately 15 million people.

The main amusement areas of Cedar Point consist of over two miles of midways, with more than 65 rides and attractions, including "Top Thrill Dragster," one of the world's tallest and fastest roller coasters, standing 420 feet tall and reaching speeds up to 120 mph; "Millennium Force," the world's top-rated steel roller coaster; "Magnum XL-200," "Raptor," "Wicked Twister," "Mantis" and "Mean Streak," which are among the world's tallest steel, inverted, "double-impulse," stand-up and wooden roller coasters, respectively; nine additional roller coasters; "Skyhawk," the world's tallest swing ride which is scheduled to open in 2006; "Power Tower," a 300-foot-tall thrill ride; four theaters featuring live entertainment shows performed by talented college students; "Snake River Falls," one of the world's tallest water flume rides; "Camp Snoopy," a family play-land themed around the popular "PEANUTS" comic strip characters; and "Snoopy's Summer Vacation," a family-oriented ice show featuring Snoopy and the other "PEANUTS" characters. In addition, the park offers more than 50 restaurants, fast food outlets and refreshment stands, including a Johnny Rockets restaurant; more than 40 gift and novelty shops; and more than 40 game stands.

Located adjacent to the park is "Soak City" water park, a separate-gated attraction that features more than 20 water rides and attractions, including "Splash Zone," a multi-story interactive play area; "Zoom Flume," a large water slide raft ride; twelve additional water slides; two river rafting rides; two children's activity areas; and a giant wave pool, as well as food and merchandise shops. "Challenge Park," which includes extra-charge attractions "RipCord," a free-fall ride from a height of more than 15 stories, "X-Treme Trampoline," two 18-hole themed miniature golf courses and two go-kart tracks, is also located adjacent to the park.

Cedar Point also owns and operates four hotel facilities. The park's only year-round hotel is Castaway Bay, an indoor water park resort, which is located at the Causeway entrance to the park. Castaway Bay features a tropical Caribbean theme with 237 hotel rooms centered around a 38,000-square-foot indoor water park. Highlighting the attractions in the water park is a 100,000-gallon wave pool; a 35-foot-high, 520-foot-long water roller coaster; a multi-story interactive play area with a 1,000-gallon bucket that empties on guests every few minutes; and numerous other water activities. In addition, the resort offers a state-of-the-art arcade, various dining and merchandising facilities, and a T.G.I. Friday's restaurant. The park's largest hotel, the historic Hotel Breakers, has more than 600 guest rooms, including 230 in the 10-story Breakers Tower. Hotel Breakers has various dining and lounge facilities, a private beach, lake swimming, a conference/meeting center and two outdoor pools. Breakers Tower has 18 tower suites with spectacular views, an indoor pool, and a TGI Friday's restaurant. Located near the Causeway entrance to the park is Breakers Express, a 350-room, limited-service seasonal hotel. In addition to the Hotel Breakers and Breakers Express, Cedar Point offers the lakefront Sandcastle Suites Hotel, which features 187 suites, a courtyard pool, tennis courts and the Breakwater Cafe, a contemporary waterfront restaurant.

Cedar Point also owns and operates the Cedar Point Marina, Castaway Bay Marina and Camper Village. Cedar Point Marina is one of the largest full-service marinas on the Great Lakes and provides dockage facilities for more than 740 boats, including floating docks and full guest amenities. In addition, Cedar Point Marina features a Famous Dave's Bar-B-Que restaurant and an upscale seafood restaurant, called Bay Harbor, both of which are accessible by the general public. Castaway Bay Marina is a full-service marina featuring 160 slips and full guest amenities. Camper Village includes campsites for more than 100 recreational vehicles and Lighthouse Point, an upscale camping area designed in a nautical New England style, which offers a total of 64 lakefront cottages, 40 cabins and 97 full-service recreation vehicle campsites.

The Partnership, through a wholly owned subsidiary, owns and operates the Cedar Point Causeway across Sandusky Bay. This Causeway is a major access route to Cedar Point. The Partnership also owns dormitory facilities located near the park that house up to 2,800 of the park's approximately 4,200 seasonal and part-time employees.

KNOTT'S BERRY FARM

Knott's Berry Farm, located near Los Angeles in Buena Park, California, first opened in 1920 and was acquired by the Partnership late in 1997. The park is one of several year-round theme parks in Southern California and serves a total market area of approximately 20 million people centered in Orange County, and a large national and international tourism population.

Knott's Berry Farm is comprised of six distinctively themed areas, including "Ghost Town," "Wild Water Wilderness," "The Boardwalk," "Indian Trails," "Fiesta Village" and "Camp Snoopy." The park offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including "Silver Bullet," a 146-foot-tall inverted roller coaster; "Xcelerator," a world-class roller coaster; "Supreme Scream," a 300-foot-tall thrill ride; "Ghost Rider," one of the tallest, longest and fastest wooden roller coasters in the West; four additional roller coasters; "Bigfoot Rapids," a white water raft ride; "Timber Mountain Log Ride," one of the first log flume rides in the United States; a nostalgic train ride; an antique Dentzel carousel; an old-fashioned ferris wheel; a 2,100-seat theatre; a children's activity area themed with the popular "PEANUTS" comic strip characters; live entertainment shows in 22 indoor and outdoor theatre venues; and "Independence Hall," an authentic replica of the Philadelphia original, complete with a 2,075 pound Liberty Bell. In addition, there are more than 30 restaurants, fast food outlets and refreshment stands, including a Johnny Rockets restaurant that is new in 2006, and a number of gift shops, novelty shops and game areas in the park. Located just outside the park's gates is Knott's California Marketplace, a dining and shopping area that is accessible free of charge and features Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant and a T.G.I. Friday's restaurant.

The park is also renowned for its seasonal events, including a special Christmas promotion, "Knott's Merry Farm," and a Halloween event called "Knott's Scary Farm," which has been held for more than 30 years and was named Best Halloween Event in the industry by Amusement Today's international survey in 2005.

The Partnership also owns and operates three water parks in California. Adjacent to the theme park is "Knott's Soak City-Orange County," a separate-gated seasonal water park that features more than 20 separate water rides and attractions, including 16 high-speed water slides; "Pacific Spin," a tornado-style water slide which is new for the 2006 season; a wave pool; a lazy river; a children's activity area; food and merchandise shops; and a second-story sundeck available for public dining and catered events. Just south of San Diego in Chula Vista, California is "Knott's Soak City-San Diego," which offers its guests more than 20 water rides and attractions, including 16 water slides; a wave pool; a tornado-style water slide, called "Pacific Spin," which is new for 2006; and a children's activity area, as well as numerous food and merchandise shops. "Knott's Soak City-Palm Springs" is a 16-acre seasonal water park, located in Palm Springs, California, that offers 20 separate water rides and attractions, including 13 water slides, a giant wave pool, a lazy river inner tube ride and a children's activity area, as well as various food and merchandise shops.

The Partnership also owns and operates the Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel, a 320-room, full-service hotel located adjacent to the park, which features a pool, tennis courts and meeting/banquet facilities.

DORNEY PARK

Dorney Park, located near Allentown in South Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania, was first developed as a summer resort area in 1884, and was acquired by the Partnership in 1992. Dorney Park is one of the largest amusement parks in the Northeast and serves a total market area of approximately 35 million people. The park's major markets include Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City, Lancaster, Harrisburg, York, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, Hazleton and the Lehigh Valley.

Dorney Park features more than 75 rides and attractions, including "Hydra - The Revenge," one of the world's tallest and fastest floorless roller coasters; "Talon," one of the tallest and fastest inverted roller coasters in the world; "Dominator," a 200-foot-tall thrill ride; "Steel Force," one of the tallest and fastest steel roller coasters in the world; five additional roller coasters; "White Water Landing," one of the world's tallest water flume rides; "Thunder Canyon," a white-water rafting ride; "Camp Snoopy," a family play-land themed around the popular "PEANUTS" comic strip characters; live musical shows featuring talented college students; and an antique Dentzel carousel carved in 1921. Included in the price of admission is "Wildwater Kingdom," one of the largest water parks in the United States, which features more than 20 water slides, including "Patriot's Plunge," "Jumpin' Jack Splash," and "Aquablast," one of the longest elevated water slides in the world; two giant wave pools, one of which is scheduled to open in 2006; and two children's activity areas. In addition, there are more than 30 restaurants, fast food outlets and refreshment stands, and a number of gift shops, novelty shops and game areas located throughout the park.

VALLEYFAIR

Valleyfair, which opened in 1976 and was acquired by the Partnership's predecessor in 1978, is located near Minneapolis-St. Paul in Shakopee, Minnesota, and is the largest amusement park in Minnesota. Valleyfair's market area is centered in Minneapolis-St. Paul, which has a population of approximately two million, but the park also draws visitors from other areas in Minnesota and surrounding states with a combined population base of 8 million people.

Valleyfair offers more than 50 rides and attractions, including "Xtreme Swing," a giant, high-powered swing ride which will be new for the 2006 season; "Rip Tide," a suspended spinning thrill ride; "Steel Venom," a 185-foot-tall "double-impulse" coaster; "Power Tower," a 275-foot-tall thrill ride; "Wild Thing," one of the tallest and fastest steel roller coasters in the world; five additional roller coasters; a water park named "Whitewater Country," which includes "Hurricane Falls," a large water slide raft ride, and "Splash Station," a children's water park; "KidWorks," which is an indoor/outdoor children's activity area; a 430-seat indoor theatre for live show presentations; and "Challenge Park," an extra-charge attraction area that includes "RipCord," a free-fall ride from a height of more than 15 stories, a Can-Am-style go-kart track and a 36-hole themed miniature golf course. In addition, there are more than 20 restaurants, fast food outlets and refreshment stands, and a number of gift shops, novelty shops and game areas located throughout the park. Admission to "Whitewater Country" water park is included in admission to the amusement park.

WORLDS OF FUN

Worlds of Fun, which opened in 1973, and Oceans of Fun, the adjacent water park that opened in 1982, were acquired by the Partnership in 1995. Located in Kansas City, Missouri, Worlds of Fun serves a total market area of approximately 7 million people centered in Kansas City, but also including most of Missouri, as well as portions of Kansas and Nebraska.

Worlds of Fun is a traditional amusement park themed around Jules Verne's adventure book Around the World in Eighty Days. The park offers more than 40 rides and attractions, including "Patriot," which is scheduled to open in 2006 and will be one of the world's tallest and fastest inverted roller coasters; "Boomerang," a 12-story-tall steel roller coaster; "MAMBA," one of the tallest and fastest roller coasters in the world; "Timber Wolf," a world-class wooden roller coaster; "Detonator," a 185-foot-tall thrill ride, which launches riders straight up its twin-tower structure; "Camp Snoopy," a family play-land featuring the popular "PEANUTS" comic strip characters; "RipCord," an extra-charge attraction that lifts riders to a height of more than 15 stories before dropping them back to earth in a free fall; "Monsoon," a water flume ride; "Fury of the Nile," a white-water rafting ride; and live musical shows. In addition, the park offers more than 25 restaurants, fast food outlets and refreshment stands, and a number of gift shops, novelty shops and game areas.

The park also features Worlds of Fun Village, an upscale camping area that offers overnight guest accommodations next to the park in 20 wood-side cottages, 22 log cabins and 80 deluxe RV sites. Also, included within the Village is a clubhouse with a swimming pool and arcade games.

Oceans of Fun, which requires a separate admission fee, is located adjacent to Worlds of Fun and features a wide variety of water attractions including "Paradise Falls," a large interactive play area geared toward the whole family; "Hurricane Falls," a large water slide raft ride; "The Typhoon," one of the world's longest dual water slides; a giant wave pool; and several children's activity areas, including "Crocodile Isle," as well as food and merchandise shops.

GEAUGA LAKE

Geauga Lake, near Cleveland, Ohio, was first developed as a recreational area in 1888, and was acquired by the Partnership in April of 2004. This family-oriented amusement/water park serves a total market area of approximately 17 million people. The park's major markets include Cleveland/Akron, Youngstown and Pittsburgh.

Geauga Lake features more than 50 rides and attractions, including "X-Flight," a flying coaster that guides riders on a thrilling flying experience laying down; "Dominator," the world's longest floorless coaster; the "Big Dipper" and seven additional roller coasters; "KidWorks," which is an indoor/outdoor children's activity area; a 3D/4D movie theater; various live shows featuring talented college students; and extra-charge attractions that include "RipCord," go-karts and a trampoline jump. In addition, there are more than 30 restaurants, fast food outlets and refreshment stands, and a number of gift shops, novelty shops and game areas located throughout the park. Also included in the price of admission is a 20-acre water park, "Wildwater Kingdom," which includes a 60-foot-tall tornado slide; an activity pool; an action river; a children's area with a multi-story interactive play structure; and new for 2006, a 30,000-square-foot wave pool. In addition, the park offers more than 25 restaurants, fast food outlets and refreshment stands, and a number of gift shops, novelty shops and game areas.

Located adjacent to the park are the 145-room Geauga Lake Hotel and the Geauga Lake Campgrounds, which features 300 developed campsites. Both the hotel and campgrounds are owned and operated by the Partnership.

 

MICHIGAN'S ADVENTURE

Michigan's Adventure, which was acquired by the Partnership in 2001, is the largest amusement park in Michigan. Located near Muskegon, Michigan, the park serves a total market area of approximately 5 million people, principally from central and western Michigan and eastern Indiana.

Michigan's Adventure offers guests more than 50 rides and attractions, including "Shivering Timbers," one of the world's highest-rated wooden roller coasters; the "Wolverine Wildcat" wooden coaster; four additional roller coasters; "Grand Rapids," a 1,500-foot-long river rapids ride which will be new for 2006; an eight-story-tall gondola wheel; "Adventure Falls" water ride; "RipCord," an extra-charge attraction that lifts riders to a height of more than 15 stories before dropping them back to earth in a free fall; and "Wild Water Adventure," a water park featuring more than 20 water rides and attractions, including three wave action pools, a 612-foot-long water slide adventure, the "Mineshaft" inner tube ride and a lazy river. Admission to "Wild Water Adventure" water park is included in admission to the amusement park. In addition, there are a number of restaurants, fast food outlets and refreshment stands, a Coasters restaurant opening in 2006, and a number of gift shops, novelty shops and game areas located throughout the park.

WORKING CAPITAL AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

During the operating season, the Partnership carries significant receivables and inventories of food and merchandise, as well as payables and payroll-related accruals. Amounts are substantially reduced in non-operating periods. Seasonal working capital needs are met with a revolving credit facility, which is established at a level sufficient to accommodate the Partnership's peak borrowing requirements in April and May as the seasonal parks complete preparations for opening. Revolving credit borrowings are reduced daily with the Partnership's strong positive cash flow during the seasonal operating period.

The Partnership believes that annual park attendance is influenced to some extent by the investment in new attractions from year to year. Capital expenditures are planned on a seasonal basis with the majority of such capital expenditures made in the period from October through May, prior to the beginning of the peak operating season. Capital expenditures made in a calendar year may differ materially from amounts identified with a particular operating season because of timing considerations such as weather conditions, site preparation requirements and availability of ride components, which may result in accelerated or delayed expenditures around calendar year-end.

COMPETITION

In general, the Partnership competes with all phases of the recreation industry within its primary market areas of Cleveland, Detroit, Los Angeles, San Diego, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Kansas City, including several other amusement/theme parks in the Partnership's market areas. The Partnership's business is subject to factors generally affecting the recreation and leisure market, such as economic conditions, changes in discretionary spending patterns and weather conditions.

In Cedar Point's major markets, its primary amusement park competitors are Paramount's Kings Island in southern Ohio and the Partnership's other park, Geauga Lake, near Cleveland.

In Southern California, Knott's Berry Farm's primary amusement/theme park competitors are Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, which are approximately 10 minutes away, Universal Studios, approximately 40 minutes away, and Six Flags Magic Mountain, approximately 75 minutes away. The San Diego Zoo and Sea World-San Diego are located approximately 90 minutes from Knott's. LEGOLAND, a children's park, is located approximately 70 minutes away in Carlsbad, California.

Dorney Park has a number of competitors, with Hershey Park in central Pennsylvania and Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey being the major competitors in its market area.

In Worlds of Fun's major markets, its primary amusement park competitors are Six Flags Over Mid-America in eastern Missouri and Silver Dollar City in southern Missouri.

In Geauga Lake's major markets, its primary amusement park competitors are the Partnership's other park, Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, and Kennywood in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. These parks are located approximately 90 miles and 120 miles, respectively, from the park.

Michigan's Adventure competes in northern Indiana with Six Flags Great America, which is located approximately 250 miles away in Gurnee, Illinois, and with the Partnership's other park, Cedar Point.

The principal competitive factors in the amusement park industry include the uniqueness and perceived quality of the rides and attractions in a particular park, its proximity to metropolitan areas, the atmosphere and cleanliness of the park, and the quality and variety of the food and entertainment available. The Partnership believes that its amusement parks feature a sufficient quality and variety of rides and attractions, restaurants, gift shops and family atmosphere to make them highly competitive with other parks.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

All rides are run and inspected daily by both the Partnership's maintenance and ride operations personnel before being put into operation. The parks are also periodically inspected by the Partnership's insurance carrier and, at Cedar Point, Knott's Berry Farm, Dorney Park, Geauga Lake, Worlds of Fun and Michigan's Adventure, by state ride-safety inspectors.

EMPLOYEES

The Partnership has approximately 1,300 full-time employees. During the operating season, Cedar Point, Dorney Park, Valleyfair, Worlds of Fun, Geauga Lake and Michigan's Adventure have approximately 4,200, 1,800, 1,500, 1,700, 2,000 and 1,100 seasonal and part-time employees, respectively, most of whom are high school and college students. Knott's Berry Farm hires approximately 2,100 seasonal employees for peak periods and 500 part-time employees who work year-round. Approximately 2,800 of Cedar Point's seasonal employees and 400 of Valleyfair's seasonal employees live in dormitories owned by the Partnership. The Partnership maintains training programs for all new employees and believes that its relations with its employees are good.

SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Name

 

Age

 

Position with General Partner

         

Richard L. Kinzel

 

65

 

Dick Kinzel has served as Chairman since 2003 and President and Chief Executive Officer since 1986. Mr. Kinzel has been employed by the Partnership or its predecessor since 1972, and from 1978 to 1986 he served as vice president and general manager of Valleyfair. Mr. Kinzel has an employment contract with the Partnership for a term beginning June 1, 2003 and ending on January 2, 2008.

Jacob T. (Jack) Falfas

 

54

 

Jack Falfas has served as Chief Operating Officer since April 2005. Prior to that, he served as Vice President & General Manager of West Coast Operations from 2001 through 2005 and as Vice President & General Manager of Knott's Berry Farm from December 1997 through 2000.

Peter J. Crage

 

44

 

Peter Crage has served as Corporate Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer since July 2005. In August 2004, he rejoined Cedar Fair to serve as Vice President and Corporate Controller after having served as Vice President of Finance at Delaware North Companies in their Parks and Resorts Division. Prior to that Mr. Crage served as Corporate Treasurer of Cedar Fair from 1999 to 2002.

Robert A. Decker

 

45

 

Rob Decker has served as Corporate Vice President of Planning & Design since the end of 2002. Prior to that, he served as Corporate Director of Planning and Design since 1999.

Craig J. Freeman

 

51

 

Craig Freeman has served as Vice President of Administration since September 2005. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and General Manager of Knott's Camp Snoopy at the Mall of America from 1996 through 2005.

         

 

SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS (continued)

 

Name

 

Age

 

Position with General Partner

         

Brian C. Witherow

 

39

 

Brian Witherow has served as Vice President and Corporate Controller since July 2005. Prior to that, he served as Corporate Treasurer from May 2004 to June 2005 and as Corporate Director of Investor Relations from 1995 through 2004.

H. John Hildebrandt

 

56

 

John Hildebrandt has served as Vice President & General Manager of Cedar Point since March 2005. Prior to that, he served as Vice President & General Manager of Dorney Park from June 2004 to February 2005 and as Vice President of Marketing at Cedar Point from 1983 to 2004.

Gregory Picon

 

40

 

Gregg Picon has served as Vice President & General Manager of West Coast Operations since April 2005. Prior to that, he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Knott's Soak City Water Park in Palm Springs, California since its acquisition in May 2001 and as Vice President of Operations at Knott's Berry Farm from 1999 through 2001.

Gregory P. Scheid

 

42

 

Greg Scheid has served as Vice President & General Manager of Dorney Park since March 2005. Prior to that, he was in charge of Retail and Games at Cedar Point from 2001 to 2004, and served as Director of Games at Cedar Point from 2000 to 2001.

Larry L. MacKenzie

 

50

 

Larry MacKenzie has served as Vice President & General Manager of Valleyfair since the end of 2001. He served as interim General Manager of Michigan's Adventure for several months subsequent to its acquisition in late May 2001. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Revenue Operations at Dorney Park from 1997 to 2001.

H. Philip Bender

 

50

 

Phil Bender has served as Vice President & General Manager of Worlds of Fun / Oceans of Fun since the end of 2000. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Retail Operations at Worlds of Fun since the beginning of 2000, and as Director of Retail Operations at Worlds of Fun from 1995 to 2000.

William G. Spehn

 

46

 

Bill Spehn has served as Vice President & General Manager of Geauga Lake since March 2004. Prior to that, he served as Vice President of Park Operations at Cedar Point from 2002 to 2004 and as Director of Park Operations at Cedar Point from 2000 to 2002.

Camille Jourden-Mark

 

39

 

Camille Jourden-Mark has served as Vice President & General Manager of Michigan's Adventure since the end of 2001. Prior to that, she served under previous ownership as General Manager of the park for more than ten years.

 

 

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Copies of the Partnership's annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and current reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports as filed or furnished with the Securities and Exchange Commission are available without charge upon written request to the Partnership's Investor Relations Office or through our web site (www.cedarfair.com).

You may read and copy any materials filed with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20549. You may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site at www.sec.gov that contains the Partnership's reports, proxy statements and other information.

 

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

Risks Related to Our Business

We compete with many other entertainment alternatives and are subject to factors that generally affect the recreation and leisure industry.

Our parks compete with other amusement, water and theme parks and with other types of recreational activities and forms of entertainment, including movies, sports events, restaurants and vacation travel. Our business is also subject to factors that generally affect the recreation and leisure industries and are not within our control. Such factors include, but are not limited to, general economic conditions and changes in consumer tastes and spending habits. In particular, we believe that regional economic conditions can have an impact on attendance figures and guest spending patterns at our parks, in that, difficult economic conditions can disproportionately affect different segments of our target customers within our core markets. Both attendance and guest per capita spending at our parks are key drivers of our revenues and profitability, and reductions in either can directly and negatively affect revenues and profitability.

Bad or extreme weather conditions can adversely impact attendance at our parks, which in turn would reduce our revenues.

Because most of the attractions at our parks are outdoors, attendance at our parks can be adversely affected by bad or extreme weather and also can be adversely affected by forecasts of bad or mixed weather conditions.

Unanticipated construction delays in completing capital improvement projects in our parks and resort facilities can adversely affect our revenues.

A principal competitive factor for an amusement park is the uniqueness and perceived quality of its rides and attractions in a particular market area. Accordingly, the regular addition of new rides and attractions is important, and a key element of our revenue growth is strategic capital spending on new rides and attractions. Any construction delays or ride down-time can adversely affect our attendance and our ability to realize revenue growth.

Other factors, including local events, natural disasters and terrorist activities, can adversely impact park attendance and our revenues.

Lower attendance may result from various local events, natural disasters or terrorist activities, all of which are outside of our control.

There is a risk of accidents occurring at amusement parks, which may reduce attendance and negatively impact our revenues.

All of our amusement parks feature thrill rides. There are inherent risks involved with these attractions, and an accident or a serious injury at any of our amusement parks may reduce attendance and result in decreased revenues. In addition, accidents or injuries at parks operated by our competitors may influence the general attitudes of amusement park patrons and adversely affect attendance at our amusement parks.

The operating season at most of our parks is of limited duration, which magnifies the impact of adverse conditions or events occurring within that operating season.

Six of our amusement parks are seasonal, generally operating only during a portion of May, then daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day, and during weekends in September and, in some cases, October. Our water parks also operate seasonally, generally from Memorial Day through Labor Day and during some additional weekends before and after that period. Most of our revenues are generated during this 130 to 140-day annual operating season. As a result, when conditions or events described as risk factors occur during the operating season, particularly during the peak season of July and August, there is only a limited period of time during which the impact of those conditions or events can be mitigated. Accordingly, such conditions or events may have a disproportionately adverse effect upon our revenues.

If we lose key personnel, our business may be adversely affected.

Our success depends in part upon a number of key employees, including our senior management team, whose members have been involved in the amusement park industry for an average of more than 20 years. The loss of the services of our key employees could have a materially adverse effect on our business. With the exception of our Chief Executive Officer, we do not have employment agreements with our key employees.

 

The terms of our debt agreements could, under certain circumstances, impose limitations upon our activities.

The agreements governing our senior notes and our revolving credit facility include covenants that under some circumstances could limit, among other things, our ability to: incur additional debt; create liens; make certain investments; consolidate or transfer assets; and enter into certain transactions with our affiliates.

Our debt agreements also require us to maintain specified financial ratios and satisfy certain other financial tests. A breach of any of these covenants could result in an event of default under our debt agreements. If an event of default occurs, our lenders could elect to cause our outstanding debt to become immediately due and payable, requiring it to be refinanced under market conditions at that time.

Rising interest rates could adversely affect the market price of our Units, which in turn may limit our ability to raise capital for future expansion or acquisitions.

As a result of our historically strong cash flow and the increasing cash distributions to our unitholders since our initial public offering in 1987, we believe that investors may value our Units based on their yield. In the event of a rise in the prevailing interest rates for similar securities, our Units may be perceived to become less attractive and the market price of our Units may be affected. This in turn could limit our ability to use our Units to raise capital for future expansion or acquisitions.

 

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

 

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

Cedar Point and Soak City are located on approximately 365 acres owned by the Partnership on the Cedar Point peninsula in Sandusky, Ohio. The Partnership also owns approximately 100 acres of property on the mainland adjoining the approach to the Cedar Point Causeway. The Breakers Express hotel, the Castaway Bay Waterpark Resort and adjoining TGI Friday's restaurant, Castaway Bay Marina and two seasonal-employee housing complexes are located on this property.

The Partnership controls, through ownership or an easement, a six-mile public highway and owns approximately 38 acres of vacant land adjacent to this highway, which is a secondary access route to Cedar Point and serves about 250 private residences. The roadway is maintained by the Partnership pursuant to deed provisions. The Cedar Point Causeway, a four-lane roadway across Sandusky Bay, is the principal access road to Cedar Point and is owned by a subsidiary of the Partnership.

Knott's Berry Farm and Knott's Soak City are situated on approximately 160 acres and 13 acres, respectively, virtually all of which have been developed. Knott's Soak City-San Diego is located on 65 acres, of which 32 acres have been developed and 33 acres remain available for future expansion. Knott's Soak City-Palm Springs is located on 21 acres, of which 16 acres have been developed and 5 acres remain available for future expansion.

Dorney Park is situated on approximately 200 acres, of which 170 acres have been developed and 30 acres remain available for future expansion.

At Valleyfair, approximately 115 acres have been developed, and approximately 75 additional acres remain available for future expansion.

Worlds of Fun is located on approximately 350 acres, of which 253 acres have been developed and 97 acres remain available for future expansion.

Geauga Lake is situated on approximately 670 acres, of which 375 acres have been developed, approximately 200 acres are restricted from use under environmental conditions, and 75 acres remain available for future expansion.

Michigan's Adventure is situated on approximately 235 acres, of which 80 acres have been developed and 155 acres remain available for future expansion.

The Partnership, through its subsidiary Cedar Point of Michigan, Inc., also owns approximately 450 acres of land in southern Michigan.

All of the Partnership's property is owned in fee simple without encumbrance. The Partnership considers its properties to be well maintained, in good condition and adequate for its present uses and business requirements.

 

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

The Partnership is involved in various claims and routine litigation incidental to its business. The Partnership believes that these claims and proceedings are unlikely to have a material adverse effect on the Partnership's financial statements.

 

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

None.

 

PART II

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S DEPOSITARY UNITS AND RELATED

UNITHOLDER MATTERS.

Cedar Fair, L.P. Depositary Units representing limited partner interests are listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." As of February 28, 2006, there were approximately 10,200 registered holders of Cedar Fair, L.P. Depositary Units, representing limited partner interests, including 5,000 participants in the Partnership's distribution reinvestment plan. Attention is directed to Note 5 in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for information regarding the Partnership's equity incentive plans. The cash distributions declared and the high and low prices of the Partnership's units are shown in the table below:

2005

Distribution

High

Low

4th Quarter

$0.46

$30.58

$25.66

3rd Quarter

0.46

33.01

28.34

2nd Quarter

0.46

32.49

29.50

1st Quarter

0.46

34.00

30.00

2004

Distribution

High

Low

4th Quarter

$0.45

$33.00

$28.65

3rd Quarter

0.45

31.67

28.80

2nd Quarter

0.45

35.24

29.70

1st Quarter

0.45

36.01

30.20

 

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

 

2005

2004(1)

2003

2002

2001(2)

 

(In thousands, except per unit and per capita amounts)

           

Operating Data

         

Net revenues

$568,707

$541,972

$509,976

$502,851

$477,256

Operating income

137,322

117,830

125,149

121,192

98,557

Income before taxes

111,576

97,030

103,806

88,576

74,414

Net income

160,852

78,315

85,888

71,417

57,894

Per limited partner unit (3)

2.93

1.47

1.67

1.39

1.13

           

Financial Position

         

Total assets

$1,024,794

$993,208

$819,341

$822,257

$810,231

Working capital (deficit)

(90,123)

(88,557)

(81,917)

(77,101)

(69,832)

Long-term debt

470,850

462,084

368,647

375,150

383,000

Partners' equity

434,234

370,483

308,891

305,320

308,250

           

Distributions Declared

         

Per limited partner unit

$1.84

$1.80

$1.76

$1.66

$1.60

           

Other Data

         

Depreciation and amortization

$55,765

$50,690

$44,693

$41,682

$42,486

Adjusted EBITDA (4)

194,200

173,018

175,707

170,103

152,704

Capital expenditures

75,655

75,878

39,789

55,279

47,801

Combined attendance (5)

12,738

12,635

12,245

12,380

11,890

Combined guest per capita

spending (6)

$37.68

$36.59

$35.48

$34.50

$34.41

 

NOTE 1 - Operating results for Geauga Lake are included for the period subsequent to the acquisition date in April 2004.

NOTE 2 - Operating results for Michigan's Adventure and Knott's Soak City-Palm Springs are included for the periods subsequent to their respective acquisition dates in 2001.

NOTE 3 - Net income per limited partner unit is computed based on the weighted average number of units and equivalents outstanding - assuming dilution.

NOTE 4 - Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and other non-cash costs. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of operating performance computed in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as a substitute for operating income, net income or cash flows from operating activities computed in accordance with GAAP. We believe that adjusted EBITDA 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. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to operating income (the most comparable financial measure) is provided below.

 

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

 

(in thousands)

           

Operating income

$ 137,322

$ 117,830

$ 125,149

$ 121,192

$ 98,557

Depreciation and amortization

55,765

50,690

44,693

41,682

42,486

Non-cash unit option expense

1,113

4,498

5,865

4,029

11,661

Provision for loss on asset retirement

-

-

-

3,200

-

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 194,200

$ 173,018

$ 175,707

$ 170,103

$ 152,704

 

NOTE 5 - Combined attendance includes attendance figures from the seven amusement parks and the five separately gated outdoor water parks.

NOTE 6 - Combined guest per capita spending includes all amusement park, outdoor water park, causeway tolls and parking revenues for the amusement park and water park operating seasons. Revenues from indoor water park, hotel, campground, marina and other out-of-park operations are excluded from these statistics.

ITEM 7. 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. The fixed nature of these costs makes attendance a key factor in the profitability of each park. Results of operations include Geauga Lake since its acquisition in April of 2004.


The table below presents certain financial data expressed as a percent of total net revenues and selective statistical information for the periods indicated.

For the years ended December 31,

2005

2004

2003

 

(In millions)

 

(In millions)

 

(In millions)

 

Net revenues:

           

Admissions

$ 292.4

51.4%

$ 276.8

51.1%

$ 259.4

50.9%

Food, merchandise and games

219.1

38.5%

211.2

38.9%

200.7

39.3%

Accommodations and other

57.2

10.1%

54.0

10.0%

49.9

9.8%

Net revenues

568.7

100.0%

542.0

100.0%

510.0

100.0%

             

Cash operating costs and expenses

374.5

65.9%

369.0

68.1%

334.3

65.6%

Adjusted EBITDA (1)

194.2

34.1%

173.0

31.9%

175.7

34.4%

             

Depreciation and amortization

55.8

9.8%

50.7

9.4%

44.7

8.8%

Other non-cash costs

1.1

0.2%

4.5

0.8%

5.9

1.1%

Operating income

137.3

24.1%

117.8

21.7%

125.1

24.5%

             

Interest and other expense, net

25.7

4.5%

20.8

3.8%

21.3

4.2%

Provision (benefit) for taxes

(49.3)

(8.7%)

18.7

3.4%

17.9

3.5%

Net income

$ 160.9

28.3%

$ 78.3

14.5%

$ 85.9

16.8%

             

Selective Statistical Information:

           

Amusement park attendance
(in thousands)

 

11,264

 

11,257

 

10,700

Amusement park per capita spending

 

$ 39.46

 

$ 38.21

 

$ 37.49

Water park attendance
(in thousands)

 

1,474

 

1,378

 

1,545

Water park per capita spending

 

$ 24.04

 

$ 23.35

 

$ 21.61

(1) Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and other non-cash costs. For additional information regarding adjusted EBITDA, including a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to operating income (the most comparable financial measure), see Note 4 in Item 6, "Selected Financial Data," on page 14.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our 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 consolidated financial statements and related notes. The following discussion addresses our critical accounting policies, which are those that are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and operating results and involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity (see Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial Statements for a complete discussion of our significant accounting policies). Application of the critical accounting policies described below involves the exercise of judgment and the use of assumptions as to future uncertainties, and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions. In addition, other companies may utilize different estimates and assumptions, which may impact the comparability of our results of operations to similar businesses.

Property and Equipment

Buildings, rides and equipment are depreciated over their estimated useful lives on a straight-line basis over each park's operating season. Expenditures made to maintain such assets in their original operating condition are expensed as incurred, and improvements and upgrades are capitalized. The composite method of depreciation is used for assets obtained together in an acquisition of a business. Under this method, groups of related assets are depreciated over composite average lives as a whole rather than individually. This method is used in acquisitions because it is very difficult to accurately estimate the remaining useful lives of individual assets that have been acquired, installed and maintained by others over varying time 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. These estimates are established based upon historical claims data and third-party estimates of settlement costs for incurred claims. These reserves are periodically reviewed for changes in these factors and adjustments are made as needed.

Revenue Recognition

Revenues on multi-day admission tickets are recognized over the estimated number of visits expected for each type of ticket, and are adjusted at the end of each seasonal period. All other revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spending at our facilities, or over the park operating season in the case of certain marina dockage revenues.

Results of Operations

2005 vs. 2004

Consolidated net revenues in 2005 increased 5%, or $26.7 million, to $568.7 million. The increase in net revenues was the result of a 1% increase in combined attendance across our 12 properties (to 12.7 million from 12.6 million in 2004), a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending (to $37.68 from $36.59 in 2004), and a 12%, or $10.2 million, increase in out-of-park revenues. Although combined attendance increased only 1%, or approximately 100,000 visits, in-park revenues increased approximately $16.5 million on the strength of improved average in-park guest per capita spending. The increase in out-of-park revenues was due to the first full-year performance of the Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark resort, as well as improved results at our Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel and the introduction of a new T.G.I. Friday's restaurant at Knott's in July of 2005.

The increase in attendance in 2005 was led by strong performances from Dorney Park and Michigan's Adventure, both of which introduced successful new attractions this season, and our two Midwest water parks, which benefited from a hot, dry summer. These gains helped offset attendance shortfalls at our Cedar Point, Valleyfair and Worlds of Fun amusement parks. For the year, combined attendance at our seven amusement parks was unchanged at 11.3 million guests, and attendance at our five water parks totaled 1.5 million guests, up 7% between years. The 3% increase in our average in-park guest per capita spending level in 2005 was principally due to increased admission revenues at our amusement parks.

Excluding depreciation and all other non-cash charges, total operating costs and expenses in 2005 increased 1.5%, or $5.5 million, to $374.5 million from $369.0 million in 2004. This was primarily due to the additional operating costs and expenses of Geauga Lake, which was acquired in April 2004, and the incremental operating costs of Castaway Bay, which opened in November 2004. As a percent of revenues, operating costs decreased between years. After depreciation and a $1.1 million non-cash charge for unit options, operating income in 2005 increased 17% to $137.3 million from $117.8 million a year ago. This increase is primarily attributable to the strong results at Knott's Berry Farm and Dorney Park.

Because we strongly emphasize generating cash flow for distributions to our unitholders, a meaningful measure of our operating results is adjusted EBITDA, which represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and other non-cash charges and credits (for additional information regarding adjusted EBITDA, see Note 4 in Item 6, "Selected Financial Data," on page 14). In 2005, adjusted EBITDA increased 12%, or $21.2 million, to $194.2 million, in large part due to improved operating results at Knott's Berry Farm. Increased attendance and strong operating results at Dorney Park and Michigan's Adventure also contributed nicely. Our consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin in 2005 increased to 34.1% from 31.9% in 2004, with adjusted EBITDA margins improving at all of our parks due to a continued focus on controlling operating costs and expenses.

In 2002, we recorded a $7.6 million non-cash charge related to the change in fair value of two of our interest rate swap agreements that could not be designated as effective hedges under the applicable accounting rules. This amount reversed into income over the life of the swaps as they continued to serve the purpose of leveling cash interest costs. In 2005, we recognized a non-cash credit of $459,000 for the change in fair value of the swaps as they expired in the first quarter. This compared to a non-cash credit of $4.5 million in 2004. These amounts are aggregated with interest expense in the accompanying table.

After non-cash credits, interest expense and provision for taxes, net income for the period totaled $160.9 million, or $2.93 per diluted limited partner unit, compared to net income of $78.3 million, or $1.47 per unit, a year ago.

Reflected in the 2005 provision for taxes is the reversal of $62.6 million of contingent liabilities recorded in prior years related to publicly traded partnership (PTP) taxes. The accrual was established when the PTP taxes first came into effect, because we could not be certain at that time how the taxes would be applied. Now after a number of years of filing returns, we have a fair amount of evidence as to how the taxes are imposed, including the completion of examinations of our tax filings. Based on this evidence, we determined that the prior years' accruals were no longer required and have reversed the $62.6 million of contingent liabilities back into income in 2005. The adjustment to the PTP tax accrual, which was offset somewhat by PTP taxes payable for the year and the impact of the tax attributes of our corporate subsidiaries, resulted in a net tax benefit of $49.3 million in 2005. It is important to note that since this is a reversal of a previously recorded accrual, it has no affect on our cash flow in the current period. Excluding the impact of reversing the PTP tax accrual and computing a 2005 accrual consistent with the treatment applied in 2004, net income for the year would have been $87.6 million, or $1.59 per diluted limited partner unit, up $9.3 million, or 12%, from 2004.

2004 vs. 2003

Net revenues in 2004 increased 6%, or $32.0 million, to $542.0 million. The increase in net revenues was the result of a 3% increase in combined attendance across our 12 properties (to 12.6 million from 12.2 million in 2003), a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending (to $36.59 from $35.48 in 2003), and a 5% increase in out-of-park revenues. The increase in out-of-park revenues was primarily driven by improvement in occupancy levels at our resort hotels at Cedar Point. Excluding results from the acquisition of Geauga Lake, net revenues in 2004 would have increased 2%, or $7.5 million, on a 3% decrease in combined attendance, a 3% increase in average in-park guest per capita spending, and a 4% increase in out-of-park revenues.

In 2004, the addition of Geauga Lake, along with a strong year at Knott's Berry Farm, offset soft attendance numbers at some of our seasonal amusement parks resulting from inconsistent weather during the peak summer months and a moderate capital program. Good weather, together with favorable tourism and pricing trends in the Southern California market, contributed to Knott's strong performance. For the year, combined attendance at our seven amusement parks totaled 11.3 million guests, up 5% from 2003. Excluding the impact of Geauga Lake, combined attendance at our amusement parks would have decreased 1% to 10.6 million. At our five water parks, the comparisons entering 2004 were very difficult following record performances at several of the parks in 2003. For the full year, combined attendance at our five water parks totaled 1.4 million guests, down 11% from 2003, with the majority of that decrease coming at Oceans of Fun in Kansas City, where temperatures stayed well below average all summer long. The 3% increase in our average in-park guest per capita spending level in 2004 was due to solid improvements in guest spending on admissions and foods, as well as a shift in the mix of attendance away from lower per capita parks, such as our water parks.

Excluding depreciation and all other non-cash charges, total operating costs and expenses in 2004 increased 10%, or $34.7 million, to $369.0 million from $334.3 million in 2003. This increase was largely due to the acquisition of Geauga Lake. Excluding operations at Geauga Lake, total cash operating costs and expenses for 2004 would have increased only 2%, or $6.2 million, from 2003, and all operating costs as a percent of revenues remained relatively level between years.

In 2004, adjusted EBITDA decreased 2%, or $2.7 million, to $173.0 million, due entirely to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.0 million generated at Geauga Lake during the period subsequent to its acquisition (for additional information regarding adjusted EBITDA, see Note 4 in Item 6, "Selected Financial Data," on page 14). Excluding the impact of Geauga Lake, adjusted EBITDA would have increased 1%, or $1.3 million, to $177.0 million in 2004, due primarily to increases in average in-park guest per capita spending and out-of-park revenues. Our consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin in 2004 decreased to 31.9% from 34.4% in 2003, due almost entirely to the impact of Geauga Lake's operations and its adjusted EBITDA loss of $4.0 million. Excluding Geauga Lake, our consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin remained relatively comparable between years at 34.2%.

In 2003, we began accounting for unit options using the fair value method under SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation." In 2004, we recorded a $4.5 million non-cash charge for unit options, compared to a charge of $5.9 million in 2003.

In 2004, we recognized a non-cash credit of $4.5 million for the change in fair value during the year of the two interest rate swap agreements that could not be designated as effective hedges, which compared to a non-cash credit of $2.7 million in 2003. These amounts are aggregated with interest expense in the accompanying table.

After these non-cash items, and interest expense and provision for partnership taxes, both of which were up between years due to the Geauga Lake acquisition, net income for 2004 decreased $7.6 million to $78.3 million, or $1.47 per diluted limited partner unit, from $85.9 million, or $1.67 per unit, in 2003.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We ended 2005 in sound financial condition in terms of both liquidity and cash flow. The negative working capital ratio (current liabilities divided by current assets) of 3.2 at December 31, 2005 is the result of our highly seasonal business and careful management of cash flow to reduce borrowings. Receivables and inventories are at normally low seasonal levels and credit facilities are in place to fund current liabilities, capital expenditures and pre-opening expenses as required.

Operating Activities

Net cash from operating activities in 2005 increased $12.3 million, or 8%, to $160.5 million from $148.2 million in 2004. This increase reflects an increase in operating profit of $19.5 million between years, offset by changes in working capital and higher cash interest payments.

In 2004, net cash from operating activities increased $13.2 million, or 10%, from the previous year. This increase was primarily due to normal fluctuations in current liabilities and accrued taxes, offset by a decrease in net income of $7.6 million. The acquisition of Geauga Lake, combined with the timing of payments of liabilities, contributed to the increase in current liabilities and accrued taxes.

Investing Activities

Investing activities consist principally of acquisitions and capital investments we make in our amusement parks and resort properties. During 2005, net cash used for investing activities totaled $75.7 million, compared to $220.1 million in 2004, which included $144.3 million for the acquisition of Geauga Lake. Excluding the acquisition of Geauga Lake, capital expenditures remained comparable between years.

Historically, we have been able to improve our revenues and profitability by continuing to make substantial investments in our parks and resort facilities. This has enabled us to maintain consistently high attendance levels, as well as generate increases in guest per capita spending and revenues from guest accommodations, while carefully controlling operating and administrative expenses.

For the 2006 operating season, we are investing approximately $58 million in capital improvements at our 12 properties, including the addition of a new world-class roller coaster at Worlds of Fun and new thrill rides at both Cedar Point and Valleyfair. The 2006 program will also include a new wave pool at Dorney Park, completion of the second phase of the Geauga Lake water park, and the addition of a river-rafting ride at Michigan's Adventure. Michigan's Adventure will also introduce Coasters, a classic 1950's-style diner that has proven very popular at several of our other parks.

In addition to adding great new thrill rides, we are also lowering a number of admission prices for the 2006 season at both Cedar Point and Knott's Berry Farm. This is a bold step and a first for both parks, but we feel it is the right response to the difficult economic conditions that exist in northern Ohio and southeast Michigan, two of Cedar Point's major markets, as well as the increased competition that Knott's Berry Farm faces in Southern California. Our goal is to make Cedar Point and Knott's Berry Farm more affordable to more families and introduce the parks to those who have not had the chance to experience all we have to offer.

We believe the combination of our capital programs, our new value pricing at Cedar Point and Knott's Berry Farm, and continued focus on guest service, all communicated through an exciting marketing program, will improve attendance and operating results company wide in 2006. However, stable population trends in the parks' market areas and uncontrollable factors, such as weather, the economy, and competition for leisure time and spending, preclude us from anticipating significant long-term increases in attendance.

Financing Activities

Net cash utilized for financing activities totaled $83.8 million in 2005, compared to net cash provided from financing activities of $73.1 million in 2004 and net cash utilized of $95.1 million in 2003. The $73.1 million of net cash provided from financing activities in 2004 reflects the issuance of $75.0 million of senior notes and the completion of an equity offering that generated net proceeds of $73.3 million, both related to the acquisition of Geauga Lake. Excluding these items, net cash utilized for financing activities in 2004 would have totaled $75.1 million. In 2005, we had a net cash receipt of $3.0 million related to the early termination of "in-the-money" interest rate swap agreements and $0.9 million from option exercises. In addition, net revolving credit borrowings totaled $30.5 million in 2005. Cash used in financing activities during 2005 reflects $20.0 million for scheduled term loan repayments and $98.1 million to pay cash distributions.

Capital Resources

At December 31, 2005, we had $365 million of fixed-rate term debt, with staggered maturities ranging from 2006 to 2018, as well as a $180 million revolving credit facility, which is available through March 2007. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility totaled $105.9 million as of December 31, 2005. Of the total term debt, $20 million is scheduled to mature in 2006. Based on interest rates in effect at year-end for variable-rate debt, cash interest payments for 2006 would total approximately $28 million, slightly higher than interest paid in 2005 due to continued increases in short-term rates. In addition, cash distributions in 2006, at the current rate of $1.88 per unit, would total approximately $101 million, 3% higher than the distributions paid in 2005.

We are in the process of negotiating an agreement with our bank group and expect to have a new $250 million 5-year revolving credit facility in place by the end of the first quarter of 2006. We expect the new credit facility will carry somewhat lower overall rates than the previous credit facility, but we do not expect the impact on interest expense to be material. Total credit facilities and cash flows from operations are expected to be adequate to fund seasonal working capital needs, planned capital expenditures and regular quarterly distributions to partners for the foreseeable future.

 

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes certain obligations at December 31, 2005 (in millions):

 

Payments Due by Period

 

Total

Less than
1 year

1-3 years

3-5 years

More than

5 years

           

Long term debt (1)

$ 610.9

$ 41.5

$ 202.8

$ 90.9

$ 275.7

Capital expenditures (2)

52.9

43.9

9.0

-

-

Total

$ 663.8

$ 85.4

$ 211.8

$ 90.9

$ 275.7

  1. Represents maturities on long-term debt obligations, plus contractual interest payments on all fixed-rate debt. See Note 3 in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for further information.
  2. Represents contractual obligations in place at year-end for the purchase of new rides and attractions. Obligations not denominated in U.S. dollars have been converted based on the exchange rates existing on December 31, 2005.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no significant off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

We are exposed to market risks from fluctuations in interest rates and, from time to time, currency exchange rates on imported rides and equipment. The objective of our financial risk management is to reduce the potential negative impact of interest rate and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations to acceptable levels. We do not acquire market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes.

At December 31, 2005, $365 million of our outstanding long-term debt represented fixed-rate debt and $105.9 million represented variable-rate debt. Assuming an average annual 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 would be approximately $1.3 million as of December 31, 2005.

 

Impact of Inflation

Substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent such increases could possibly not be passed along to our guests. In particular, increases in labor, supplies, taxes and utility expenses could have an impact on our operating results. The majority of our employees are seasonal and are paid hourly rates, which although not tied directly to federal and state minimum wage laws, do follow those wage trends. Historically, we have been able to pass along cost increases to guests through increases in admission, food, merchandise and other prices, and we believe that we will continue to have the ability to do so over the long term. We believe that the effects of inflation, if any, on our operating results and financial condition have been and will continue to be minor.

 

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 this Form 10-K, could adversely affect our future financial performance and cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.

 

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Reference is made to the information appearing under the subheading "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" under the heading "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" on page 20 of this Report.

 

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Quarterly operating results for 2005 and 2004, as restated for deferred income taxes, are presented in the table below (in thousands, except per unit amounts):

(Unaudited)

Net revenues

Operating income

(loss)

Net income

(loss)

Net income

(loss) per limited partner unit-diluted

2005

       

1st Quarter

$ 24,801

$ (27,445)

$ (24,564)

$ (0.46)

2nd Quarter

148,852

22,361

12,270

0.22

3rd Quarter

317,025

136,173

170,831

3.11

4th Quarter

78,029

6,233

2,315

0.04

 

$ 568,707

$ 137,322

$ 160,852

$ 2.93

2004

       

1st Quarter

$ 23,210

$ (24,085)

$ (20,535)

$ (0.40)

2nd Quarter

145,001

22,894

14,869

0.29

3rd Quarter

305,602

125,186

91,723

1.70

4th Quarter

68,159

(6,165)

(7,742)

(0.14)

 

$ 541,972

$ 117,830

$ 78,315

$ 1.47

Note: To assure that our highly seasonal operations will not result in misleading comparisons of interim periods, the Partnership has adopted the following reporting procedures: (a) seasonal operating costs are expensed over the operating season, including some costs incurred prior to the season, which are deferred and amortized over the season, and (b) all other costs are expensed as incurred or ratably over the entire year.

 

 

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms

To the Partners of Cedar Fair, L.P.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Cedar Fair, L.P. and subsidiaries (the "Partnership") as of December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations, partners' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Cedar Fair, L.P. and subsidiaries at December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 27, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting and an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Cleveland, Ohio

February 27, 2006

 

To the Partners of Cedar Fair, L.P.:

In our opinion, the consolidated statements of operations, of cash flows and of partners' equity for the year ended December 31, 2003 present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of Cedar Fair, L.P. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2003, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Cleveland, Ohio

March 10, 2004

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

December 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Current Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$ 4,421

 

$ 3,353

 

Receivables

 

7,259

 

4,766

 

Inventories

 

17,678

 

17,632

 

Prepaids and other current assets

 

11,252

 

7,209

 

 

Total current assets

 

40,610

 

32,960

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and Equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

174,081

 

174,143

 

Land improvements

 

163,952

 

153,498

 

Buildings

 

308,748

 

298,037

 

Rides and equipment

 

714,862

 

671,830

 

Construction in progress

 

23,434

 

20,470

 

 

 

 

1,385,077

 

1,317,978

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(417,821)

 

(371,007)

 

 

 

 

967,256

 

946,971

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangibles and other assets, net

 

16,928

 

13,277

 

 

 

 

$ 1,024,794

 

$ 993,208

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Current maturities of long-term debt

 

$ 20,000

 

$ 20,000

 

Accounts payable

 

16,590

 

10,804

 

Distribution payable to partners

 

24,747

 

24,066

 

Deferred revenue

 

10,794

 

10,904

 

Accrued interest

 

6,698

 

6,857

 

Accrued taxes

 

21,395

 

17,832

 

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

 

14,021

 

13,751

 

Self-insurance reserves

 

14,386

 

14,258

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

2,102

 

3,045

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

130,733

 

121,517

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued Taxes

 

-

 

52,438

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Liabilities

 

8,977

 

6,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-Term Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

Revolving credit loans

 

105,850

 

75,400

 

Term debt

 

345,000

 

366,684

 

 

 

 

450,850

 

442,084

Partners' Equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Special L.P. interests

 

5,290

 

5,290

 

General partner

 

1

 

-

 

Limited partners, 53,797 and 53,480 units outstanding

 

 

 

 

 

 

in 2005 and 2004, respectively

 

428,943

 

365,193

 

 

Total partners' equity

 

434,234

 

370,483

 

 

 

 

$ 1,024,794

 

$ 993,208

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

 

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the years ended December 31,

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Admissions

$ 292,408

 

$ 276,761

 

$ 259,448

 

Food, merchandise, and games

219,094

 

211,260

 

200,677

 

Accommodations and other

57,205

 

53,951

 

49,851

 

 

 

568,707

 

541,972

 

509,976

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of food, merchandise and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

games revenues

57,606

 

56,721

 

52,779

 

Operating expenses

243,643

 

242,062

 

216,832

 

Selling, general and administrative

73,258

 

70,171

 

64,658

 

Non-cash unit option expense (substantially

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

all selling, general and administrative)

1,113

 

4,498

 

5,865

 

Depreciation and amortization

55,765

 

50,690

 

44,693

 

 

 

431,385

 

424,142

 

384,827

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

137,322

 

117,830

 

125,149

Interest expense

26,205

 

25,263

 

24,070

Other (income)

(459)

 

(4,463)

 

(2,727)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before taxes

111,576

 

97,030

 

103,806

Provision (benefit) for taxes

(49,276)

 

18,715

 

17,918

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

$ 160,852

 

$ 78,315

 

$ 85,888

Net income (loss) allocated to general partner

2

 

(32)

 

86

Net income allocated to limited partners

$ 160,850

 

$ 78,347

 

$ 85,802

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings Per Limited Partner Unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average limited partner units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

outstanding - basic

53,659

 

51,968

 

50,615

 

Net income per limited partner unit - basic

$ 3.00

 

$ 1.51

 

$ 1.70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average limited partner units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and equivalents outstanding - diluted

54,950

 

53,315

 

51,334

 

Net income per limited partner unit - diluted

$ 2.93

 

$ 1.47

 

$ 1.67

 

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

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

For the years ended December 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2003

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$ 160,852

 

$ 78,315

 

$ 85,888

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash

 

 

 

 

 

 

from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

55,765

 

50,690

 

44,693

 

Non-cash unit option expense

 

1,113

 

4,498

 

5,865

 

Other non-cash (income) expense

 

76

 

(4,463)

 

(2,727)

 

Deferred income taxes

 

(3,071)

 

-

 

-

 

Issuance of L.P. units as compensation

 

-

 

31

 

-

 

Change in assets and liabilities, net of effects

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

from acquisition:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Increase) in inventories

 

(46)

 

(1,679)

 

(1,010)

 

 

(Increase) decrease in current and other assets

 

(9,380)

 

153

 

(57)

 

 

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

 

5,786

 

(1,047)

 

(7,823)

 

 

Increase (decrease) in accrued taxes

 

(49,906)

 

12,735

 

8,027

 

 

Increase (decrease) in self-insurance reserves

 

128

 

3,357

 

(349)

 

 

Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue and other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

current liabilities

 

(538)

 

2,083

 

4,267

 

 

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

 

(231)

 

3,488

 

(1,856)

 

 

Net cash from operating activities

 

160,548

 

148,161

 

134,918

CASH FLOWS (FOR) INVESTING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Acquisition of Geauga Lake assets

 

-

 

(144,269)

 

-

Capital expenditures

 

(75,655)

 

(75,878)

 

(39,789)

 

 

Net cash (for) investing activities

 

(75,655)

 

(220,147)

 

(39,789)

CASH FLOWS FROM (FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net proceeds from public offering of limited

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

partnership units

 

-

 

73,268

 

-

Net proceeds (payments) on revolving credit loans

 

30,450

 

37,650

 

(97,400)

Term debt borrowings

 

-

 

75,000

 

100,000

Term debt payments

 

(20,000)

 

(20,000)

 

(10,000)

Distributions paid to partners

 

(98,122)

 

(92,151)

 

(88,141)

Termination of interest rate swap agreements

 

2,981

 

-

 

-

Exercise of limited partnership unit options

 

866

 

86

 

435

Cash paid in repurchase of 0.1% general partner interest

 

-

 

(708)

 

-

 

 

Net cash from (for) financing activities

 

(83,825)

 

73,145

 

(95,106)

CASH

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase for the year

 

1,068

 

1,159

 

23

 

Balance, beginning of year

 

3,353

 

2,194

 

2,171

 

Balance, end of year

 

$ 4,421

 

$ 3,353

 

$ 2,194

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash payments for interest expense

 

$ 26,364

 

$ 24,027

 

$ 24,402

 

Interest capitalized

 

602

 

1,214

 

633

 

Cash payments for income taxes

 

8,752

 

8,832

 

7,189

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

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except per unit amounts)

Limited

Accumulated

Partner

Limited

General

Special

Other

Total

Units

Partners'

Partner's

L.P.

Comprehensive

Partners'

 

 

 

 

Outstanding

Equity

 

Equity

 

Interests

 

Loss

 

Equity

Balance at December 31, 2002

50,549

$ 300,550

$ 70

$ 5,290

$ (590)

$ 305,320

Net income

-

85,802

86

-

-

85,888

Partnership distributions declared

($1.76 per limited partner unit)

-

(89,116)

(91)

-

-

(89,207)

Expense recognized for limited

partnership unit options

-

5,865

-

-

-

5,865

Limited partnership unit options exercised

124

435

-

-

-

435

Change in unrealized loss on interest rate

swap agreements

-

-

-

-

590

590

Balance at December 31, 2003

50,673

303,536

65

5,290

-

308,891

Net income (loss)

-

78,347

(32)

-

-

78,315

Partnership distributions declared

($1.80 per limited partner unit)

-

(93,874)

(24)

-

-

(93,898)

Expense recognized for limited

partnership unit options

-

4,498

-

-

-

4,498

Limited partnership unit options exercised

150

86

-

-

-

86

Issuance of limited partner units as

compensation

1

31

-

-

-

31

Repurchase of 0.1% general partner interest

-

(3,441)

(9)

-

-

(3,450)

Issuance of limited partner units to

repurchase 0.1% general partner interest

89

2,742

-

-

-

2,742

Net proceeds from sale of limited

partnership units

partnership units

2,567

73,268

-

-

-

73,268

Balance at December 31, 2004

53,480

365,193

-

5,290

-

370,483

Net income

-

160,850

2

-

-

160,852

Partnership distributions declared

($1.84 per limited partner unit)

-

(98,802)

(1)

-

-

(98,803)

Expense recognized for limited

partnership unit options

-

1,113

-

-

-

1,113

Limited partnership unit options exercised

294

866

-

-

-

866

Tax effect of units involved in option

exercises and treasury unit transactions

-

(1,031)

-

-

-

(1,031)

Issuance of limited partner units as

compensation

23

754

-

-

-

754

Balance at December 31, 2005

53,797

$ 428,943

$ 1

$ 5,290

$ -

$ 434,234


2005

2004

2003

Summary of Comprehensive Income

Net income

$ 160,852

$ 78,315

$ 85,888

Other comprehensive income on interest

rate swap agreements

-

-

590

Total Comprehensive Income

$ 160,852

$ 78,315

$ 86,478

 

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

Notes To Consolidated Financial Statements

(1) Partnership Organization:

Cedar Fair, L.P. (the "Partnership") is a Delaware limited partnership that commenced operations in 1983 when it acquired Cedar Point, Inc., and became a publicly traded partnership in 1987. The Partnership's general partner is Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio corporation whose shares are held by an Ohio trust (the "General Partner"). The General Partner owns a 0.001% interest in the Partnership's income, losses and cash distributions, except in defined circumstances, and has full control over all activities of the Partnership. At December 31, 2005, there were 53,796,827 outstanding limited partnership units registered on The New York Stock Exchange, net of 565,156 units held in treasury.

At a special meeting of limited partners held on June 8, 2004, a plan was approved to allow unitholders to elect the board of directors of the General Partner. Under the approved plan, the Partnership's former general partner, Cedar Fair Management Company, was removed and replaced, and the unitholders elected the members of a staggered board of directors of a new general partner, Cedar Fair Management, Inc. In addition, the partnership agreement was amended to reduce the General Partner's interest in the Partnership from 0.1% to 0.001%, and the new General Partner was granted the authority to implement a unitholders' rights plan, which would allow the board of directors to resist a change or potential change in control of the Partnership if they deem that it is not in the best interest of all unitholders. To this point, no such plan has been implemented by the General Partner. The equity interest of the former general partner was redeemed by the Partnership for $0.7 million in cash and 89,172 Cedar Fair, L.P. units valued at $2.7 million.

The General Partner may, with the approval of a specified percentage of the limited partners, make additional capital contributions to the Partnership, but is only obligated to do so if the liabilities of the Partnership cannot otherwise be paid or there exists a negative balance in its capital account at the time of its withdrawal from the Partnership. The General Partner, in accordance with the terms of the Partnership Agreement, is required to make regular cash distributions on a quarterly basis of all the Partnership's available cash, as defined.

 

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

The following policies are used by the Partnership in its preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Partnership and its subsidiaries, all of which are wholly owned. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Segment Reporting Although the Partnership manages its parks with a high degree of autonomy, each park offers similar products and services to similar customers. Therefore, the Partnership operates within the single reportable segment of amusement/water parks with accompanying resort facilities.

Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.

Inventories The Partnership's inventories primarily consist of purchased products, such as merchandise and food, for sale to its customers. All inventories are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out (FIFO) cost or market.

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. Depreciation expense totaled $55.2 million in 2005, $50.1 million in 2004, and $44.3 million in 2003.

Under the composite depreciation method, assets with similar estimated lives are grouped together and the several pools of assets are depreciated on an aggregate basis. No gain or loss is recognized on normal retirements of composite assets. Instead, the acquisition cost of a retired asset reduces accumulated depreciation for the composite group. Abnormal retirements of composite assets could result in the recognition of a gain or loss. Management periodically reviews the composite groups to ensure that retirements have not extended the asset lives beyond their estimated remaining economic life.

Under the unit method of depreciation, individual assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives, with gains and losses on all asset retirements recognized currently in income.

The weighted average useful lives combining both methods are approximately:

Land improvements

23 Years

Buildings

29 Years

Rides

19 Years

Equipment

11 Years


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Effective January 1, 2002, the Partnership adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets," which requires that long-lived assets be reviewed for impairment upon the occurrence of events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable.

Goodwill Goodwill as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 totaled approximately $9.1 million. Effective January 1, 2002, the Partnership adopted SFAS No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets," which requires that goodwill no longer be amortized, but instead be tested for impairment. An impairment charge would be recognized for the amount, if any, by which the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. The fair value of a reporting unit and the related implied fair value of its respective goodwill are established through independent fair-market appraisals. Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment. The Partnership completed this review during the fourth quarter in 2005 and determined that goodwill is not impaired.

Self-Insurance Reserves Reserves are recorded for the estimated amounts of guest and employee claims and expenses incurred each period that are not covered by insurance. These estimates are established based upon historical claims data and third-party estimates of settlement costs for incurred claims. These reserves are periodically reviewed for changes in these factors and adjustments are made as needed.

Derivative Financial Instruments The Partnership accounts for the use of derivative financial instruments according to SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," and related amendments. For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure of variability in short-term rates, designated 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. For derivative instruments that hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of certain fixed-rate debt, designated as fair value hedges, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative instrument is reported in "Other assets" or "Other liabilities" with a corresponding adjustment to the liability being hedged. For the ineffective portion of a derivative, the change in fair value, if any, is recognized currently in earnings together with the changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedges. Derivative financial instruments used in hedging transactions are assessed both at inception and quarterly thereafter to ensure they are effective in offsetting changes in either the fair value or 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 at the end of each seasonal period. All other revenues are recognized on a daily basis based on actual guest spending at our facilities, or over the park operating season in the case of certain marina dockage revenues.

Advertising Costs The Partnership expenses all costs associated with its advertising, promotion and marketing programs over each park's operating season, including certain costs incurred prior to the season that are amortized over the season. Advertising expense totaled $35.4 million in 2005, $34.5 million in 2004 and $30.8 million in 2003. Amounts incurred through year-end for the following year's advertising programs are included in prepaid expenses.

Unit-Based Compensation Effective January 1, 2003, the Partnership began to account for unit options under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." The Partnership selected the modified prospective method of adoption described in SFAS No. 148, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation-Transition and Disclosure." Approximately $1.1 million, $4.5 million and $5.9 million in non-cash compensation expense was recognized in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively, which is the same amount that would have been recognized had the provisions of SFAS No. 123 been applied from its original effective date.

In December 2004, SFAS No. 123 was reissued as SFAS No. 123R, "Share-Based Payment," which requires measurement of compensation cost for all equity-based awards at fair value on the date of grant and recognition of compensation over the service period for awards expected to vest. The Partnership adopted SFAS No. 123R effective January 1, 2006. Because the vast majority of its outstanding unit options are fully vested, the Partnership believes that the adoption of this standard will not have a material effect on its financial statements.

Income Taxes Because of its legal structure, the Partnership is not subject to corporate income taxes; rather the Partnership's tax attributes (except those of its corporate subsidiaries) are to be included in the individual tax returns of its partners. Neither the Partnership's financial reporting income, nor the cash distributions to unitholders, can be used as a substitute for the detailed tax calculations that the Partnership must perform annually for its partners. Net income from the Partnership is not treated as "passive income" for federal income tax purposes. As a result, partners subject to the passive activity loss rules are not permitted to offset income from the Partnership with passive losses from other sources.

The tax returns of the Partnership are subject to examination by state and federal tax authorities. If such examinations result in changes to taxable income, the tax liability of the partners could be changed accordingly. The tax returns of the Partnership and its corporate subsidiaries have been examined through December 2003 and March 1999, respectively.

Earnings Per Unit For purposes of calculating the basic and diluted earnings per limited partner unit, no adjustments have been made to the reported amounts of net income. The unit amounts used are as follows:

 

2005

2004

2003

(In thousands except per unit amounts)

     

Basic weighted average units outstanding

53,659

51,968

50,615

Effect of dilutive units:

     

Unit options (Note 5)

1,123

1,163

719

Phantom units (Note 6)

168

184

-

Diluted weighted average units outstanding

54,950

53,315

51,334

Net income per unit - basic

$ 3.00

$ 1.51

$ 1.70

Net income per unit - diluted

$ 2.93

$ 1.47

$ 1.67

 

(3) Long- Term Debt:

Long-term debt at December 31, 2005 and 2004 consisted of the following:

(In thousands)

2005

2004

     

Revolving credit loans

$ 105,850

$ 75,400

Term debt:

   

August 1994 senior notes at 8.43% (due 2006)

10,000

20,000

January 1998 senior notes at 6.68% (due 2007-2011)

50,000

50,000

August 2001 senior notes at 6.40% (due 2006-2008)

30,000

40,000

February 2002 senior notes at 6.44% average rate (due 2007-2015)

100,000

100,000

December 2003 senior notes at 5.38% average rate (due 2009-2018)

100,000

100,000

April 2004 senior notes at 4.72% (due 2011-2015)

75,000

75,000

Fair value hedges on December 2003 senior notes

-

1,684

 

470,850

462,084

Less current portion

20,000

20,000

 

$ 450,850

$ 442,084

 

Revolving Credit Loans In December 2003, the Partnership entered into a new credit agreement with seven banks under which it has available a $180 million revolving credit facility through March 2007, plus an additional $30 million uncommitted bank credit facility. This credit facility was expanded to $230 million for part of 2004 in order to initially accommodate the acquisition of Geauga Lake. As of December 31, 2005, borrowings under the credit facility were $105.9 million at an effective rate of 5.1%. The maximum outstanding revolving credit balance during 2005 was $198.1 million under the credit facilities.

Borrowings under the agreement bear interest at LIBOR plus 0.875% per annum, with other rate options. The agreement also requires the Partnership to pay a commitment fee of 0.20% per annum on the unused portion of the credit facility. The Partnership, at its option, may make prepayments without penalty and reduce the loan commitments.

The Partnership's policy is to capitalize interest on major construction projects. Interest of $0.6 million, $1.2 million and $0.6 million was capitalized in 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Term Debt In April of 2004, the Partnership entered into a new note agreement for the issuance of $75 million in senior notes with maturities in 2011 - 2015 at an interest rate of 4.72%. The proceeds were used to repay revolving credit borrowings principally related to the acquisition of Geauga Lake.

At December 31, 2005, the scheduled annual maturities of term debt were as follows (in thousands):

2006

$ 20,000

2007

40,000

2008

20,000

2009

30,000

2010

30,000

Thereafter

225,000

 

$ 365,000


The fair value of the aggregate future repayments on term debt at December 31, 2005, as required by SFAS No.107, would be approximately $375.4 million, based on borrowing rates currently available to the Partnership on long-term debt with similar terms and average maturities. The Partnership may make prepayments on any of these notes with defined premiums.

Covenants Under the terms of the debt agreements, the Partnership, among other restrictions, is required to maintain a specified level of partners' equity, and comply with certain cash flow and interest coverage ratios. The Partnership was in compliance with these covenants as of December 31, 2005.

 

(4) Derivative Financial Instruments:

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

In August 2005, the Partnership terminated several interest rate swap agreements, which were converting $100 million of fixed-rate term debt to variable rates. In return for terminating the swaps, the Partnership received $3.0 million in cash, which was recorded as deferred income in "Other Liabilities" on the balance sheet and is being amortized over the remaining life of the underlying long-term debt that the swaps were effectively hedging prior to termination.

Two of the Partnership's interest rate swap agreements, which were entered into in 2001, contained provisions that did not meet the definition of derivative instruments that can be designated as hedges under SFAS No. 133. Consequently, the Partnership recognized a $7.6 million charge in other expense in 2002 related to the change in fair value of these two swaps. In 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Partnership recorded non-cash credits of $0.4 million, $4.5 million and $2.7 million, respectively, for the change in fair value of the same swaps through their expiration in 2005.

 

(5) Partners' Equity:

Special L.P. Interests In accordance with the Partnership Agreement, certain partners were allocated $5.3 million of 1987 and 1988 taxable income (without any related cash distributions) for which they received Special L.P. Interests. The Special L.P. Interests do not participate in cash distributions and have no voting rights. However, the holders of Special L.P. Interests will receive in the aggregate $5.3 million upon liquidation of the Partnership.

Unit Options In August 2000, the Partnership's unitholders approved the establishment of an Equity Incentive Plan allowing the award of up to 4.8 million unit options and other forms of equity as an element of compensation to senior management and other key employees, including the grant of 2.3 million unit options, with a variable exercise price, in connection with the restructuring of the Partnership's general partner fee and executive compensation systems. As of December 31, 2005, there were 1.5 million units available for issuance under the plan. The Partnership had 1,399,580 variable-price options and 494,750 fixed-price options outstanding under the plan at the end of 2005. All options vest over a five-year period and have a maximum term of ten years. The variable-price options have an exercise price that declines by the value of cash distributions declared on the underlying limited partnership units. The Partnership has a policy of issuing limited partnership units from treasury to satisfy option exercises and expects its treasury unit balance to be sufficient for 2006, based on estimates of option exercises for that period.

The following table sets forth information about the fair value of unit option grants in 2003 using a binomial option-pricing model and the weighted-average assumptions used for such grants. There were no unit options granted in 2005 or 2004.

 

2003

Weighted-average fair value of options granted

$ 4.05

Risk free interest rate

4.5%

Expected distribution yield

6.2%

Expected volatility factor

19.4%

Expected life

10 years

 

A summary of unit option activity during 2003, 2004 and 2005 is presented below:

 

 

 

Number of Units

Weighted Average Exercise Price

2003

   

Options outstanding at beginning of year

3,005,450

$17.28

Granted

55,000

28.45

Exercised

(255,250)

14.81

Forfeited

(8,300)

18.25

Options outstanding at end of year

2,796,900

$16.42

Options exercisable at end of year

1,417,270

$15.31

2004

   

Options outstanding at beginning of year

2,796,900

$16.42

Granted

-

-

Exercised

(283,570)

15.65

Forfeited

(72,780)

16.13

Options outstanding at end of year

2,440,550

$15.18

Options exercisable at end of year

1,706,570

$14.09

2005

   

Options outstanding at beginning of year

2,440,550

$15.18

Granted

-

-

Exercised

(511,070)

14.96

Forfeited

(35,150)

21.62

Options outstanding at end of year

1,894,330

$13.59

Options exercisable at end of year

1,724,530

$12.60

Cash received from unit option exercises totaled $866,000 in 2005, $86,000 in 2004, and $435,000 in 2003.

The following table summarizes information about unit options outstanding at December 31, 2005:

Options Outstanding

Vested Options

 

 

 

Type

 

 

Range of Exercise Prices

 

 

Number Outstanding

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

Weighted Average Exercise Price

 

 

Number Vested

Weighted Average Exercise Price

Variable

$ 9.26 - $24.83

1,399,580

4.2 years

$10.41

1,386,780

$10.28

Fixed

$17.85 - $28.45

494,750

5.8 years

22.60

337,750

22.15

 

$ 9.26 - $28.45

1,894,330

4.6 years

$13.59

1,724,530

$12.60

 

(6) Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan:

In 2002, the Partnership established a long-term incentive compensation plan for senior management, under which annual awards of "phantom units" are made based upon the Partnership's operating performance. The awards accrue additional "phantom units" on the date of each quarterly distribution paid by the Partnership, calculated at the NYSE closing price on that date. Awards vest over a four-year period and can be paid with cash, limited partnership units, or a combination of both. The effect for outstanding "phantom units" has been included in the diluted earnings per unit calculation beginning in 2004, as half of the awards are expected to be settled in limited partnership units. The aggregate market value of the "phantom units" vested and outstanding at year-end, which has been reflected on the balance sheet in "Other liabilities," was $5.5 million in 2005, $5.4 million in 2004 and $4.2 million in 2003.

 

(7) Retirement Plans:

The Partnership has trusteed, noncontributory retirement plans for the majority of its full-time employees. Contributions are discretionary and amounts accrued were $2,742,000 in 2005, $3,556,000 in 2004, and $3,298,000 in 2003. These plans also permit employees to contribute specified percentages of their salary, matched up to a limit by the Partnership. Matching contributions, net of forfeitures, approximated $1,246,000 in 2005, $754,000 in 2004, and $1,015,000 in 2003.

In addition, approximately 140 employees are covered by union-sponsored, multi-employer pension plans for which approximately $660,000, $654,000 and $645,000 were contributed for the years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively. The Partnership believes that, as of December 31, 2005, it would have no withdrawal liability as defined by the Multi-employer Pension Plan Amendments Act of 1980.

 

(8) Income Taxes

Federal and state tax legislation in 1997 provided a permanent income tax exemption to existing publicly traded partnerships (PTP), such as Cedar Fair, L.P., with new taxes levied on partnership gross income (net revenues less cost of food, merchandise and games) beginning in 1998. Reflected in the 2005 provision for taxes is the reversal of $62.6 million of contingent liabilities recorded from 1998 through 2004 related to PTP taxes. The accrual was established when the PTP taxes first came into effect, because the Partnership could not be certain at that time how the taxes would be applied. Now after a number of years of filing returns, management has a fair amount of evidence as to how the taxes are imposed, including the completion of examinations of the Partnership's tax filings. Based on this evidence, management determined that the accrual was no longer required and has reversed the $62.6 million of contingent liabilities back into income in 2005. The adjustment to the PTP tax accrual, which was offset somewhat by PTP taxes payable for the year and the impact of the tax attributes of the Partnership's corporate subsidiaries, resulted in a net credit for taxes of $49.3 million in 2005.

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 Partnership provides reserves for liabilities that may arise from tax exposures which result from specific positions taken in its tax returns or from tax planning strategies employed to minimize its tax liabilities. Management determines tax exposure items based on positions asserted by tax authorities, as well as management's own assessment of exposures from unasserted items. The calculation of the provision for taxes involves significant estimates and assumptions and actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The provision (benefit) for taxes for 2005 includes the following income tax components:

(In thousands)

2005

   

Income taxes:

 

Current federal

$ 5,967

Current state and local

1,475

Deferred federal, state and local

(3,071)

 

$ 4,371

The provision for income taxes for the Partnership's corporate subsidiaries was not material in 2004 or 2003.

The provision for income taxes for the Partnership's corporate subsidiaries differed from amounts computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% to the Partnership's income before taxes as follows:

(In thousands)

2005

Income tax expense based upon the federal statutory rate

$ 39,052

Partnership income not subject to income taxes

(34,776)

State and local taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

238

Tax credits

(201)

Nondeductible meals, entertainment and other expenses

58

 

$ 4,371

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 are as follows:

(In thousands)

2005

2004

     

Deferred tax assets:

   

Options and deferred compensation

$ 12,258

$ 10,026

Accrued expenses

2,017

2,119

Other, net

866

-

Gross deferred tax assets

15,141

12,145

     

Deferred tax liabilities:

   

Depreciation

6,546

6,543

Other, net

-

78

Gross deferred tax liabilities

6,546

6,621

Net deferred tax asset

$ 8,595

$ 5,524

The net current and non-current components of deferred taxes recognized as of December 31, 2005 and 2004 in the consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

(In thousands)

2005

2004

     

Net current deferred tax asset

$ 3,077

$ 743

Net non-current deferred tax asset

5,518

4,781

Net deferred tax asset

$ 8,595

$ 5,524

The net current deferred tax asset amounts are included in "Prepaids and other current assets" and the net non-current deferred tax asset amounts are included in "Intangibles and other assets" in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

 

 

(9) 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.

 

(10) Acquisition:

On April 8, 2004, the Partnership completed the acquisition of Six Flags Worlds of Adventure, located near Cleveland, Ohio, from Six Flags, Inc., in a cash transaction valued at $144.3 million. The transaction involved the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the park, including the adjacent hotel and campground, but excluded all animals located at the park, all personal property assets directly related to those animals, the use of the name "Six Flags" and the intellectual property related to that name, and the license to use Warner Bros. characters, all of which were retained by Six Flags. The Partnership assumed the complete operations and management of the park as of April 9, 2004 and renamed the park "Geauga Lake." The transaction was financed with $75 million of term debt borrowings at a fixed rate of 4.72% and an average term of nine years, with the balance initially financed through the Partnership's expanded revolving credit agreement with a group of banks.

On July 20, 2004, the Partnership completed a public offering of 2,400,000 limited partner units at $30.00 per unit, and an additional 167,000 units were sold to the underwriters on August 17, 2004 to cover over-allotments. The Partnership used the net proceeds from the sale of the units (approximately $73.3 million) to repay borrowings under its revolving credit facility principally related to the acquisition of Geauga Lake.

Geauga Lake's assets, liabilities and results of operations since April 9, 2004 are included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The acquisition has been accounted for as a purchase, and accordingly the purchase price has been allocated to property and equipment ($144.2 million), inventories ($1.0 million) and current liabilities ($0.9 million) based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. Pro forma information has not been presented in the financial statements as the effect of the acquisition was deemed not to be significant.

 

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING

AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

 

 

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Partnership maintains a system of controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. 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, as of December 31, 2005. Based upon that evaluation, the chief executive officer and chief financial officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 2005, the Partnership's disclosure controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to information required to be included in the Partnership's periodic SEC filings.

 

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

The Partnership's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal controls over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Partnership's internal control system over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to management and the General Partner's board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005. In making this assessment, it used the criteria described in "Internal Control - Integrated Framework" issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations (COSO) of the Treadway Commission. As a result of this assessment, management concluded that, as of December 31, 2005, the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting was effective in providing reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

Management's assessment of the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 has been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, and their report is included herein.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in the Partnership's internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the fourth quarter of 2005 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Partnership's internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Partners of Cedar Fair, L.P.:

We have audited management's assessment, included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that Cedar Fair, L.P. and subsidiaries (the "Partnership") maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Partnership's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management's assessment and an opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management's assessment, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinions.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, management's assessment that the Partnership maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, is fairly stated, in all material respects, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Also in our opinion, the Partnership maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2005 of the Partnership and our report dated February 27, 2006 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Cleveland, Ohio

February 27, 2006

 

 

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

Cedar Fair Management, Inc., an Ohio corporation owned by an Ohio trust, is the General Partner of the Partnership and has full responsibility for the management of the Partnership. For additional information, attention is directed to Note 1 in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" on page 27 of this Report.

 

A. Identification of Directors:

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of limited partner unitholders to be held on or about May 18, 2006 (the "Proxy Statement") under the captions "Election of Directors," "Board Committees" and "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance."

B. Identification of Executive Officers:

Information regarding executive officers of the Partnership is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the caption "Supplemental Item. Executive Officers" in Item I of Part I and is incorporated herein by reference.

C. Code of Ethics:

In accordance with Section 406 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and Item 406 of Regulation S-K, the Partnership has adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics (the "Code"), which applies to all directors, officers and employees of the Partnership, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Senior Financial Officers. A copy of the Code is available on the Internet at the Investor Relations section of our web site (www.cedarfair.com).

The Partnership submitted an unqualified Section 303A.12(a) Chief Executive Officer certification to the New York Stock Exchange on June 10, 2005, stating that the Partnership was in compliance with the NYSE's Corporate Governance Listing Standards. The Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer certifications created under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act are included as exhibits to this Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the caption "Executive Compensation."

 

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND

MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS.

A. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the caption "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners."

Attention is directed to Note 5 in "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements" for information regarding the Partnership's equity incentive plans.

B. Security Ownership of Management.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the caption "Security Ownership of Management."

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the caption "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."

 

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to the material in our Proxy Statement under the caption "Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."

 

 

PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND

REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

 

A. 1. Financial Statements

The following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant, the notes thereto and the related Reports of Independent Public Accountants are filed under Item 8 of this Report:

Page

(i)

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms.

22

(ii)

Consolidated Balance Sheets - December 31, 2005 and 2004.

23

(iii)

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

24

(iv)

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

25

(v)

Consolidated Statements of Partners' Equity - Years ended December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

26

(vi)

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - December 31, 2005, 2004, and 2003.

27-35

A. 2. Financial Statement Schedules

All Schedules are omitted, as the information is not required or is otherwise furnished.

A. 3. Exhibits

The exhibits listed below are incorporated herein by reference to prior SEC filings by Registrant or are included as exhibits in this Form 10-K.

Exhibit

 

Number

Description

   

2

Asset Purchase Agreement between Cedar Fair, L.P. and Six Flags, Inc., Funtime, Inc., Aurora Campground, Inc., Ohio Campgrounds Inc., and Ohio Hotel LLC, dated April 8, 2004. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

3.1

Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Cedar Fair, L.P. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 23, 2004.

4*

Form of Deposit Agreement.

10.1

Private Shelf Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America dated August 24, 1994 for $50,000,000, 8.43% Senior Notes Due August 24, 2006.

10.2

Cedar Fair, L.P. Executive Severance Plan dated as of July 26, 1995. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

10.3

Private Shelf Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America dated January 28, 1998 for $50,000,000, 6.68% Series B Notes Due August 24, 2011.

10.4

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement dated July 26, 2000.

10.5

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2000 Senior Executive Management Incentive Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit C to the Registrant's Proxy Statement dated July 26, 2000.

 

Exhibit

Number

Description

   

10.6

Senior Series C Notes issued under the Private Shelf Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America dated January 28, 1998 for $50,000,000, 6.40% Series C Notes due August 24, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

10.7

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of February 8, 2002 between Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries and NY Life Insurance Company, NY Life Insurance and Annuity Corp., The Travelers Insurance Company, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and Jackson National Life Insurance Company. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

10.8

Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan approved November 7, 2002. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

10.9

Employment Agreement with Richard L. Kinzel. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2003.

10.10

Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2003 among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries as co-borrowers, and KeyBank National Association and six other banks as lenders. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

10.11

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of December 22, 2003 between Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, First Colony Life Insurance Company, Minnesota Life Insurance Company, NY Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, NY Life Insurance Company, The Northwest Mutual Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, and The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

10.12

Amendment No. 1 dated as of December 22, 2003 to the Private Shelf Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

10.13

Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of April 7, 2004, among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Knott's Berry Farm as co-issuers, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and affiliated companies as purchasers. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

10.14

Amendment No. 1 dated April 8, 2004 to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2003 among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries as co-borrowers, and KeyBank National Association and six other banks as lenders. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

21

Subsidiaries of Cedar Fair, L.P.

23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

   

*

Incorporated herein by reference to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Cedar Fair, L.P., Registration No. 1-9444, filed April 23, 1987.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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)

DATED: March 10, 2006

 

/S/ Richard L. Kinzel

Richard L. Kinzel

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been executed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

 

Signature

 

Title

Date

         

/S/

Richard L. Kinzel

 

Chairman, President and Chief

March 10, 2006

 

Richard L. Kinzel

 

Executive Officer, Director

 
         

/S/

Peter J. Crage

 

Corporate Vice President-Finance

March 10, 2006

 

Peter J. Crage

 

(Chief Financial Officer)

 
         

/S/

Brian C. Witherow

 

Vice President and Corporate Controller

March 10, 2006

 

Brian C. Witherow

 

(Chief Accounting Officer)

 
         

/S/

Darrel D. Anderson

 

Director

March 10, 2006

 

Darrel D. Anderson

     
         

/S/

Richard S. Ferreira

 

Director

March 10, 2006

 

Richard S. Ferreira

     
         

/S/

Michael D. Kwiatkowski

 

Director

March 10, 2006

 

Michael D. Kwiatkowski

     
         

/S/

David L. Paradeau

 

Director

March 10, 2006

 

David L. Paradeau

     
         

/S/

Steven H. Tishman

 

Director

March 10, 2006

 

Steven H. Tishman

     
         

/S/

Thomas A. Tracy

 

Director

March 10, 2006

 

Thomas A. Tracy

     

 

 

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

CEDAR FAIR, L.P.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2005

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit

Number

Description

Page

     

2

Asset Purchase Agreement between Cedar Fair, L.P. and Six Flags, Inc., Funtime, Inc., Aurora Campground, Inc., Ohio Campgrounds Inc., and Ohio Hotel LLC, dated April 8, 2004. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

*

3.1

Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Cedar Fair, L.P. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to the Registrant's Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 23, 2004.

*

4*

Form of Deposit Agreement.

*

10.1

Private Shelf Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America dated August 24, 1994 for $50,000,000, 8.43% Senior Notes Due August 24, 2006.

45 - 88

10.2

Cedar Fair, L.P. Executive Severance Plan dated as of July 26, 1995. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

*

10.3

Private Shelf Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America dated January 28, 1998 for $50,000,000, 6.68% Series B Notes Due August 24, 2011.

89 - 134

10.4

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2000 Equity Incentive Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit B to the Registrant's Proxy Statement dated July 26, 2000.

*

10.5

Cedar Fair, L.P. 2000 Senior Executive Management Incentive Plan. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit C to the Registrant's Proxy Statement dated July 26, 2000.

*

10.6

Senior Series C Notes issued under the Private Shelf Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America dated January 28, 1998 for $50,000,000, 6.40% Series C Notes due August 24, 2008. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2001.

*

10.7

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of February 8, 2002 between Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries and NY Life Insurance Company, NY Life Insurance and Annuity Corp., The Travelers Insurance Company, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America and Jackson National Life Insurance Company. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

*

10.8

Senior Management Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan approved November 7, 2002. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002.

*

10.9

Employment Agreement with Richard L. Kinzel. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 29, 2003.

*

10.10

Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2003 among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries as co-borrowers, and KeyBank National Association and six other banks as lenders. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

*

EXHIBIT INDEX (continued)

Exhibit

Number

Description

Page

     

10.11

Note Purchase Agreement dated as of December 22, 2003 between Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company, First Colony Life Insurance Company, Minnesota Life Insurance Company, NY Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, NY Life Insurance Company, The Northwest Mutual Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, The Prudential Insurance Company of America, and The Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

*

10.12

Amendment No. 1 dated as of December 22, 2003 to the Private Shelf Agreement with The Prudential Insurance Company of America. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Registrant's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003.

*

10.13

Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement dated as of April 7, 2004, among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Knott's Berry Farm as co-issuers, and Prudential Investment Management, Inc. and affiliated companies as purchasers. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

*

10.14

Amendment No. 1 dated April 8, 2004 to the Credit Agreement dated as of December 22, 2003 among Cedar Fair, L.P. and Subsidiaries as co-borrowers, and KeyBank National Association and six other banks as lenders. Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed on April 23, 2004.

*

21

Subsidiaries of Cedar Fair, L.P.

135

23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

136

23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

137

31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

138

31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

139

32.1

Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

140