Suburban Propane(US:SPH)2024-11-27 16:31Business Operations - Suburban Propane Partners served approximately 1.0 million customers and sold about 378.3 million gallons of propane and 16.9 million gallons of fuel oil and refined fuels during the year ended September 28, 2024[11]. - The company operates a nationwide retail distribution network with approximately 700 locations across 42 states, primarily concentrated in the east and west coast regions of the United States[16]. - Approximately 60% of residential customers receive propane through an automatic delivery system, utilizing proprietary technology for scheduling[16]. - The company operates a large propane storage facility in Elk Grove, California, which helps ensure supply during periods of high demand[40]. - The retail propane and fuel oil distribution businesses are seasonal, with approximately two-thirds of retail propane volume sold during the peak heating season from October through March[47]. - The company serves approximately 28,000 natural gas and electricity customers in New York and Pennsylvania, facing challenges from state regulations affecting customer eligibility in the deregulated market[45]. - The company has arrangements with approximately 20 suppliers at about 45 supply points for fuel oil, indicating a diversified supply chain[44]. - The propane supply is secured from approximately 40 wholesalers at 135 supply points, with no single supplier accounting for 10% or more of total purchases in fiscal 2024[40]. Financial Performance - In fiscal 2024, approximately 96% of propane gallons sold were to retail customers, with 42% to residential, 39% to commercial, 9% to industrial, 6% to government, and 4% to agricultural customers[39]. - Sales of fuel oil and refined fuels amounted to 16.9 million gallons in fiscal 2024, with 63% sold to residential customers and 7% to commercial customers[42]. - The company expects to secure adequate propane supplies during fiscal 2025 despite potential market volatility[40]. - The company expects to secure adequate supplies of fuel oil during fiscal 2025 despite potential supply constraints[44]. - The company expects lower operating profits and potential net losses during the third and fourth fiscal quarters, from April through September[47]. Strategic Initiatives - Suburban Propane's acquisition strategy targets businesses with steady cash flow to expand market presence and diversify operations[14]. - The company aims to improve customer retention and acquisition through enhanced customer service and training[33]. - The company has made investments in training for exceptional customer service and advanced sales techniques[33]. - The company has made investments in training employees to enhance customer service and improve customer retention and acquisition[36]. Environmental and Regulatory Compliance - Environmental liabilities accrued as of September 28, 2024, amount to $1.3 million for remediation and monitoring of properties[49]. - The company is subject to various federal, state, and local environmental regulations, which may require significant compliance costs in the future[49]. - The climate change regulatory landscape is complex and evolving, potentially increasing capital and operating costs for the company[51]. - The company anticipates generating RINs from RFS-compliant biofuel production, which can be sold in the open market[51]. - The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) mandates the use of renewable fuel in transportation, aiming to increase energy security and reduce GHG emissions, with compliance enforced through a credit system based on renewable identification numbers (RINs)[51]. - The Inflation Reduction Act includes incentives such as grants and tax credits for renewable energy production, with guidance from the EPA, DOE, and IRS still forthcoming[51]. - The California Low Carbon Fuel Standard (CA LCFS), Oregon Clean Fuels Program (OR CFP), and Washington Clean Fuel Standard (WA CFS) aim to reduce GHG emissions from transportation fuels, generating LCFS Credits for compliant fuels[51]. - The company generates LCFS Credits by selling compliant fuels in state-level markets, contributing to its revenue stream[51]. Governance and Cybersecurity - The company emphasizes sound corporate governance, with seven of eight Supervisors being independent as of September 28, 2024[53]. - The company has established performance-based incentive policies, including clawback provisions for financial restatements and insider trading prohibitions[53]. - The company has implemented a comprehensive cybersecurity program based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, regularly updated and tested by independent third parties[54]. - Independent third parties periodically review and test the cybersecurity program to ensure alignment with industry best practices[54]. - The Board conducts annual self-assessments to evaluate effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities[53]. - The CEO is required to hold Common Units equivalent to 5x base salary, promoting alignment with shareholder interests[53]. - Supervisors must hold Common Units valued at 4x their annual retainer within two years of joining the Board, reinforcing commitment to the Partnership[53]. - Independent Supervisors chair all Committees, enhancing governance and oversight[53]. Market Position - Suburban Propane is recognized as the third-largest retail marketer of propane in the U.S. based on retail gallons sold in 2023[11]. - The ten largest retailers, including the company, account for approximately 32% of total retail sales of propane in the United States[41]. - The retail propane industry is highly fragmented, with the ten largest retailers, including the company, accounting for approximately 32% of total retail sales in the U.S.[41].