Table of Contents

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Form 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

 

x

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2010

 

 

 

or

 

 

 

 

o

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

 

 

 

For the transition period from          to              

 

Commission file numbers: 001-11331, 333-06693, 000-50182 and 000-50183

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

Ferrellgas, L.P.

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

(Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)

 

Delaware

 

43-1698480

Delaware

 

43-1742520

Delaware

 

43-1698481

Delaware

 

14-1866671

(States or other jurisdictions of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Nos.)

 

 

 

7500 College Boulevard,
Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas

 

66210

(Address of principal executive office)

 

(Zip Code)

 

Registrants’ telephone number, including area code:

(913) 661-1500

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have 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 registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x     No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files).  Yes o     No  x*

 

* The registrants have not yet been phased into the interactive data requirements.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, accelerated filers, non-accelerated filers, or smaller reporting companies. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.:

 

Large accelerated filer x

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company o

 

 

(do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp, Ferrellgas, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp.:

 

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer x

Smaller reporting company o

 

 

(do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P.  Yes o     No x

 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp.  Yes x     No o

 

At March 8, 2010, the registrants had common units or shares of common stock outstanding as follows:

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

 

69,521,818

 

Common Units

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

 

1,000

 

Common Stock

Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

n/a

 

n/a

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

 

1,000

 

Common Stock

 

Documents Incorporated by Reference: None

 

EACH OF FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP. AND FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP. MEET THE CONDITIONS SET FORTH IN GENERAL INSTRUCTION I (1)(A) AND (B) OF FORM 10-K AND ARE THEREFORE, WITH RESPECT TO EACH SUCH REGISTRANT, FILING THIS FORM 10-Q WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.

 

 

 



Table of Contents

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

 

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2010

FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT

 

Table of Contents

 

 

 

 

Page

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings – Three and six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Capital – Six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets – January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Earnings – Three and six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

16

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

Note to Condensed Financial Statements

 

17

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009

 

18

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings – Three and six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

19

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Capital – Six months ended January 31, 2010

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

21

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets – January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Earnings – Three and six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

32

 



Table of Contents

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009

 

33

 

 

 

 

 

Note to Condensed Financial Statements

 

33

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

34

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

49

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

50

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

 

51

 

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

51

 

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

51

 

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

RESERVED

 

51

 

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

51

 

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

 

52

 



Table of Contents

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except unit data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

25,904

 

$

7,066

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

213,428

 

106,910

 

Inventories

 

143,976

 

129,808

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

26,426

 

15,031

 

Total current assets

 

409,734

 

258,815

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $535,614 and $521,044 at 2010 and 2009, respectively)

 

671,125

 

666,535

 

Goodwill

 

248,939

 

248,939

 

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $270,886 and $263,855 at 2010 and 2009, respectively)

 

231,757

 

212,037

 

Other assets, net

 

33,990

 

18,651

 

Total assets

 

$

1,595,545

 

$

1,404,977

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

124,211

 

$

49,337

 

Short-term borrowings

 

97,150

 

66,159

 

Other current liabilities

 

108,479

 

108,763

 

Total current liabilities

 

329,840

 

224,259

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1,080,074

 

1,010,073

 

Other liabilities

 

19,803

 

19,300

 

Contingencies and commitments (Note I)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital:

 

 

 

 

 

Common unitholders (69,450,318 and 68,236,755 units outstanding at 2010 and 2009, respectively)

 

211,604

 

206,255

 

General partner unitholder (701,518 and 689,260 units outstanding at 2010 and 2009, respectively)

 

(57,935

)

(57,988

)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

7,739

 

(1,194

)

Total Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. partners’ capital

 

161,408

 

147,073

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

4,420

 

4,272

 

Total partners’ capital

 

165,828

 

151,345

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$

1,595,545

 

$

1,404,977

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1



Table of Contents

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands, except per unit data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the three months ended
January 31,

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

724,348

 

$

647,536

 

$

1,052,014

 

$

1,084,424

 

Other

 

53,504

 

68,089

 

77,908

 

111,275

 

Total revenues

 

777,852

 

715,625

 

1,129,922

 

1,195,699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sold - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

503,980

 

428,527

 

704,900

 

746,272

 

Cost of product sold - other

 

25,208

 

43,625

 

31,388

 

60,439

 

Operating expense

 

104,550

 

105,710

 

201,440

 

201,927

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

20,647

 

20,219

 

41,174

 

41,535

 

General and administrative expense

 

11,346

 

11,761

 

25,124

 

20,847

 

Equipment lease expense

 

3,127

 

4,781

 

6,901

 

10,136

 

Employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

2,261

 

1,656

 

4,263

 

3,405

 

Loss on disposal of assets and other

 

1,122

 

4,019

 

2,784

 

6,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

105,611

 

95,327

 

111,948

 

104,537

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(26,216

)

(23,393

)

(48,911

)

(47,063

)

Debt prepayment premiums

 

 

 

(17,308

)

 

Other income (expense), net

 

(863

)

(343

)

(556

)

(1,161

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

78,532

 

71,591

 

45,173

 

56,313

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

674

 

1,167

 

252

 

866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

77,858

 

70,424

 

44,921

 

55,447

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

847

 

772

 

575

 

682

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

 

77,011

 

69,652

 

44,346

 

54,765

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: General partner’s interest in net earnings

 

12,614

 

11,633

 

443

 

548

 

Common unitholders’ interest in net earnings

 

$

64,397

 

$

58,019

 

$

43,903

 

$

54,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net earnings per common unitholders’ interest

 

$

0.93

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.86

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2



Table of Contents

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of units

 

 

 

 

 

comprehensive income (loss)

 

Ferrellgas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

 

 

General

 

 

 

Currency

 

 

 

Partners, L.P.

 

Non-

 

Total

 

 

 

Common

 

partner

 

Common

 

partner

 

Risk

 

translation

 

Pension

 

partners’

 

controlling

 

partners’

 

 

 

unitholders

 

unitholder

 

unitholders

 

unitholder

 

management

 

adjustments

 

liability

 

capital

 

interest

 

capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2008

 

62,961.7

 

636.0

 

$

201,618

 

$

(58,036

)

$

18,749

 

$

26

 

$

(233

)

$

162,124

 

$

4,220

 

$

166,344

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions in connection with ESOP and stock-based compensation charges

 

 

 

3,981

 

40

 

 

 

 

4,021

 

41

 

4,062

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common unit distribution

 

 

 

(63,077

)

(637

)

 

 

 

(63,714

)

(770

)

(64,484

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units issued in connection with acquisition

 

230.8

 

2.3

 

4,465

 

45

 

 

 

 

4,510

 

46

 

4,556

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

54,217

 

548

 

 

 

 

54,765

 

682

 

55,447

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss on risk management derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

(92,203

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of derivatives to earnings

 

 

 

 

 

(16,703

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

(13

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax effect on foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pension liability adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

(108,911

)

 

 

(108,911

)

Comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(54,146

)

682

 

(53,464

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2009

 

63,192.5

 

638.3

 

$

201,204

 

$

(58,040

)

$

(90,157

)

$

15

 

$

(227

)

$

52,795

 

$

4,219

 

$

57,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2009

 

68,236.8

 

689.3

 

$

206,255

 

$

(57,988

)

$

(989

)

$

22

 

$

(227

)

$

147,073

 

$

4,272

 

$

151,345

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions in connection with ESOP and stock-based compensation charges

 

 

 

7,279

 

73

 

 

 

 

7,352

 

75

 

7,427

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

 

 

(68,843

)

(696

)

 

 

 

(69,539

)

(829

)

(70,368

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units issued in connection with acquisition

 

155.1

 

1.5

 

3,061

 

31

 

 

 

 

3,092

 

31

 

3,123

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units issued in offering, net of issuance costs

 

1,058.4

 

10.7

 

19,949

 

202

 

 

 

 

20,151

 

204

 

20,355

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

 

 

43,903

 

443

 

 

 

 

44,346

 

575

 

44,921

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings on risk management derivatives

 

 

 

 

 

13,486

 

 

 

 

 

138

 

 

 

Reclassification of derivatives to earnings

 

 

 

 

 

(4,554

)

 

 

 

 

(46

)

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

8,933

 

 

 

9,025

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

53,279

 

667

 

53,946

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2010

 

69,450.3

 

701.5

 

$

211,604

 

$

(57,935

)

$

7,943

 

$

23

 

$

(227

)

$

161,408

 

$

4,420

 

$

165,828

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

3



Table of Contents

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the six months

 

 

 

ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

44,921

 

$

55,447

 

Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

41,174

 

41,535

 

Employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

4,263

 

3,405

 

Stock-based compensation charge

 

3,164

 

657

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

1,359

 

3,030

 

Loss on transfer of accounts receivable related to the accounts receivable securitization

 

3,968

 

5,521

 

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

 

(24

)

129

 

Other

 

5,083

 

3,828

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net of securitization

 

(169,410

)

(109,742

)

Inventories

 

(14,168

)

35,890

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(6,783

)

(14,240

)

Accounts payable

 

74,769

 

61,598

 

Accrued interest expense

 

2,634

 

559

 

Other current liabilities

 

30

 

1,030

 

Other liabilities

 

545

 

(464

)

Accounts receivable securitization:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from new accounts receivable securitizations

 

68,000

 

109,000

 

Proceeds from collections reinvested in revolving period accounts receivable securitizations

 

652,229

 

701,744

 

Remittances of amounts collected as servicer of accounts receivable securitizations

 

(661,229

)

(725,744

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

50,525

 

173,183

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(40,879

)

(298

)

Capital expenditures

 

(20,489

)

(27,545

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

3,161

 

4,905

 

Other

 

(1,808

)

(2,460

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(60,015

)

(25,398

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

(69,539

)

(63,714

)

Proceeds from increase in long-term debt

 

604,952

 

186,806

 

Reductions in long-term debt

 

(541,929

)

(168,026

)

Net additions to (reductions in) short-term borrowings

 

30,991

 

(98,285

)

Cash paid for financing costs

 

(15,674

)

(3,191

)

Noncontrolling interest activity

 

(625

)

(770

)

Proceeds from equity offering, net of issuance costs

 

19,949

 

 

Cash contribution from general partner in connection with equity offering

 

202

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

28,327

 

(147,180

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

1

 

(13

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

18,838

 

592

 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

7,066

 

16,614

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

$

25,904

 

$

17,206

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2010

(Dollars in thousands, except per unit data, unless otherwise designated)

(unaudited)

 

A.            Partnership organization and formation

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”) is a publicly traded limited partnership, owning an approximate 99% limited partner interest in Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “operating partnership”). Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership are collectively referred to as “Ferrellgas.” Ferrellgas, Inc. (the “general partner”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, Inc. (“Ferrell Companies”), has retained a 1% general partner interest in Ferrellgas Partners and also holds an approximate 1% general partner interest in the operating partnership, representing an effective 2% general partner interest in Ferrellgas on a combined basis. As general partner, it performs all management functions required by Ferrellgas. At January 31, 2010, Ferrell Companies beneficially owned 20.3 million of Ferrellgas Partners’ outstanding common units.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed consolidated financial statements were of a normal, recurring nature. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, each as set forth in Ferrellgas’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2009.

 

B.            Summary of significant accounting policies

 

(1) Nature of operations:

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two subsidiaries, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners owns a 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., whose only business activity is to act as the co-issuer and co-obligor of any debt issued by Ferrellgas Partners. The operating partnership is the only operating subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners.

 

The operating partnership is engaged primarily in the distribution of propane and related equipment and supplies in the United States. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, the results of operations for the six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. The operating partnership serves approximately one million residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

 

(2) Accounting estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates impacting the condensed consolidated financial statements include accruals that have been established for contingent liabilities, pending claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business, useful lives of property, plant and equipment assets, residual values of tanks, capitalization of customer tank installation costs, amortization methods of intangible assets, valuation methods used to value sales returns and allowances, allowance for doubtful accounts, financial derivative contracts and stock and unit-based compensation calculations.

 

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(3) Supplemental cash flow information:

Certain cash flow and significant non-cash activities are presented below:

 

 

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

CASH PAID FOR:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

41,682

 

$

42,774

 

Income taxes

 

332

 

332

 

NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Issuance of common units in connection with acquisitions

 

$

3,061

 

$

4,515

 

Issuance of liabilities in connection with acquisitions

 

5,494

 

1,002

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

 

1,059

 

1,866

 

 

(4) Accounts receivable securitization:

Ferrellgas has agreements to transfer, on an ongoing basis, a portion of its trade accounts receivable through Ferrellgas Receivables, an accounts receivable securitization facility that is a wholly-owned unconsolidated special purpose entity. Ferrellgas retains servicing responsibilities as well as a retained interest in the transferred receivables. Ferrellgas also holds a note receivable from Ferrellgas Receivables to the extent that expected cash proceeds from the sales of accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables have not been received. Ferrellgas has no other continuing involvement with the transferred receivables, other than servicing the receivables. The related receivables are transferred from the condensed consolidated balance sheets and a retained interest and note receivable are recorded for the amount of receivables sold in excess of cash received and a related loss on the transfer is recorded, which represents the discount on the sale. The retained interest and note receivable are included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Ferrellgas determines the fair value of its retained interest and note receivable based on the present value of future expected cash flows using management’s best estimates of various factors, including credit loss experience and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. These assumptions are updated periodically based on actual results; therefore, the estimated credit loss and discount rates utilized are materially consistent with historical performance. Due to the short-term nature of Ferrellgas’ trade receivables, variations in the credit and discount assumptions would not significantly impact the fair value of the retained interests and note receivable. Costs associated with the sale of receivables are included in “Loss on disposal of assets and other” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. See Note D — Accounts and notes receivable, net and accounts receivable securitization — for further discussion of these transactions.

 

(5) New accounting standards:

 

Transfers of Financial Assets

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance that amends the previous derecognition guidance to improve the accounting for transfers of financial assets. This guidance is effective for financial asset transfers that occur in annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance.

 

Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance that changes the approach to determining a variable interest entity’s primary beneficiary and requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance.

 

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FASB Codification

In June 2009, the FASB approved its Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) as the exclusive authoritative reference for U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification, which changes the referencing of accounting standards, is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of the Codification effective August 1, 2009 did not have a significant impact on Ferrellgas’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, how the acquirer recognizes and measures goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase (formerly negative goodwill) and how the acquirer determines what information to disclose. This guidance is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this guidance effective August 1, 2009 did not have a significant impact on Ferrellgas’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest (formerly minority interest) in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary and it clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Ferrellgas adopted this guidance effective August 1, 2009 and updated the condensed consolidated financial statements accordingly, including a retrospective application to the prior period presentation of the condensed consolidated statement of partners’ capital. This retrospective application did not materially affect the condensed consolidated statement of partners’ capital.

 

Application of the Two-Class Method to Master Limited Partnerships

In March 2008, the FASB issued guidance that addresses the computation of incentive distribution rights and the appropriate allocation of these rights to current period earnings in the computation of earnings per share. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2008 and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. The adoption of this guidance effective August 1, 2009 did not have a significant impact on Ferrellgas’ financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

C.            Supplemental financial statement information

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Propane gas and related products

 

$

124,062

 

$

109,606

 

Appliances, parts and supplies

 

19,914

 

20,202

 

Inventories

 

$

143,976

 

$

129,808

 

 

In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas enters into contracts primarily to buy propane for supply procurement purposes. Most of these contracts have terms of less than one year and call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. All supply procurement fixed price contracts have terms of fewer than 24 months. As of January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to take net delivery of approximately 52.2 million gallons of propane at fixed prices.

 

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

 

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January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Accrued interest

 

$

22,353

 

$

19,719

 

Accrued payroll

 

19,786

 

23,395

 

Customer deposits and advances

 

21,882

 

23,115

 

Other

 

44,458

 

42,534

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

108,479

 

$

108,763

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets and other consists of the following:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

$

483

 

$

1,757

 

$

1,359

 

$

3,030

 

Loss on transfer of accounts receivable related to the accounts receivable securitization

 

2,208

 

3,468

 

3,968

 

5,521

 

Service income related to the accounts receivable securitization

 

(1,569

)

(1,206

)

(2,543

)

(1,950

)

Loss on disposal of assets and other

 

$

1,122

 

$

4,019

 

$

2,784

 

$

6,601

 

 

Shipping and handling expenses are classified in the following condensed consolidated statements of earnings line items:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Operating expense

 

$

47,586

 

$

48,460

 

$

91,367

 

$

91,612

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

1,398

 

1,200

 

2,701

 

2,433

 

Equipment lease expense

 

3,376

 

4,371

 

7,239

 

9,322

 

 

 

$

52,360

 

$

54,031

 

$

101,307

 

$

103,367

 

 

D.            Accounts and notes receivable, net and accounts receivable securitization

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net consist of the following:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

77,190

 

$

33,903

 

Note receivable from Ferrellgas Receivables

 

64,235

 

52,038

 

Retained interest

 

76,556

 

24,979

 

Other

 

312

 

284

 

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(4,865

)

(4,294

)

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

$

213,428

 

$

106,910

 

 

The operating partnership transfers a portion of its trade accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables, which finances its acquisition of the trade receivable assets by issuing beneficial interests in (securitizing) the receivables to a commercial paper conduit for proceeds of up to $145.0 million. The operating partnership does not provide any guarantee or similar support to the collectability of these receivables. The operating partnership structured the facility using a wholly-owned, unconsolidated special purpose entity in order to facilitate the transaction while complying with Ferrellgas’ various debt covenants. If the covenants are compromised, funding from the facility could be restricted or suspended, or its costs could increase. As a servicer, the operating partnership remits daily to this special purpose entity funds collected on the trade receivables held by Ferrellgas Receivables.

 

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The operating partnership transfers a portion of its trade accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables and retains an interest and a note receivable related to these transferred receivables. As these transferred receivables are subsequently collected, the funding from the accounts receivable securitization facility is reduced. Ferrellgas Receivables recorded the following on its balance sheet:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Trade accounts receivable transferred from the operating partnership

 

$

241,379

 

$

118,982

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable to the operating partnership

 

64,235

 

52,038

 

 

The operating partnership’s condensed consolidated balance sheets do not include trade accounts receivables transferred, but do include a note receivable from Ferrellgas Receivables which represents expected cash proceeds from the sale of accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables that have not yet been received. As of January 31, 2010, the operating partnership had received proceeds from trade accounts receivable sales of $94.0 million with the ability to receive proceeds of an additional $5.0 million.

 

Other accounts receivable securitization activity consists of the following:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net non-cash activity

 

$

639

 

$

2,262

 

$

1,425

 

$

3,571

 

Bad debt expense

 

(500

)

50

 

(500

)

300

 

 

The net non-cash activity reported in “Loss on disposal of assets and other” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings approximates the financing cost of issuing commercial paper backed by these accounts receivable transferred to Ferrellgas Receivables. See details of the net non-cash activity disclosed in Note C — Supplemental financial statement information — “Loss on transfer of accounts receivable related to the accounts receivable securitization” and “Service income related to the accounts receivable securitization.” The weighted average discount rate used to value the retained interest in the transferred receivables was 3.5% and 3.6% as of January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively.

 

E.              Debt

 

Short-term borrowings

 

Ferrellgas classified a portion of its credit facility borrowings as short-term because it was used to fund working capital needs that management had intended to pay down within the 12 month period following each balance sheet date. As of January 31, 2010, and July 31, 2009, $97.2 million and $66.2 million, respectively, were classified as short-term borrowings. For further discussion see the secured credit facility section below.

 

Long-term debt

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

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January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Senior notes

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate, 6.75% due 2014, net of unamortized discount of $24,271 and $26,458 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively

 

$

425,729

 

$

423,542

 

Fixed rate, 9.125%, due 2017, net of unamortized discount of $4,055 and $0 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively

 

295,945

 

 

Fixed rate, 8.75%, due 2012, net of unamortized premium of $902 and $1,091 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively

 

268,902

 

269,091

 

Fixed rate, Series D-E, ranging from 7.24% to 7.42% due 2010-2013

 

 

152,000

 

Fixed rate, Series C, 8.87%, due 2009

 

 

73,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit facility

 

 

 

 

 

Secured, variable interest rate, expiring 2012 (net of $97.2 million classified as short-term borrowings)

 

81,950

 

 

Unsecured, variable interest rate, expiring 2010 (net of $66.2 million classified as short-term borrowings)

 

 

88,541

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable, 9.5% and 8.4% weighted average interest rate at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively, due 2010 to 2016, net of unamortized discount of $3,388 and $1,301 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively

 

9,927

 

5,321

 

 

 

1,082,453

 

1,011,495

 

Less: current portion, included in other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets

 

2,379

 

1,422

 

Long-term debt

 

$

1,080,074

 

$

1,010,073

 

 

Senior notes

 

During August 2009, Ferrellgas made scheduled principal payments of $73.0 million on the 8.87% Series C senior notes.

 

During September 2009, Ferrellgas issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of new 9.125% senior notes due 2017 at an offering price equal to 98.6% of par with the proceeds used to fund the October 2009 note payments discussed below and to reduce borrowings on the unsecured credit facility due April 2010.

 

During October 2009, Ferrellgas prepaid the outstanding principal amount on its $82.0 million 7.24% series D notes due August 1, 2010 and its $70.0 million 7.42% series E notes due August 1, 2013 and the related prepayment premiums of $17.3 million.

 

Secured credit facility

 

During November 2009, Ferrellgas closed on a new secured credit facility that provides $400.0 million in revolving credit for loans and has a $200.0 million sublimit for letters of credit. This secured credit facility replaced Ferrellgas’ unsecured credit facility due April 2010 and will mature in November 2012.

 

The secured credit facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants and default provisions, as well as requirements with respect to the maintenance of specified financial ratios and limitations on the making of loans and investments.

 

As of January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas had total borrowings outstanding under this secured credit facility due November 2012 of $179.1 million, of which $82.0 million was classified as long-term debt.

 

Borrowings under the secured credit facility due November 2012 had a weighted average interest rate

 

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of 4.47% at January 31, 2010. All borrowings under the facility bear interest, at Ferrellgas’ option, at a rate equal to either:

 

·            for Base Rate Loans or Swing Line Loans, the Base Rate, which is defined as the higher of i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, ii) Bank of America’s prime rate; or iii) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%; plus a margin varying from 2.50% to 3.25% (as of January 31, 2010, the margin was 3.00%); or

·            for Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Eurodollar Rate, which is defined as the LIBOR Rate plus a margin varying from 3.50% to 4.25% (as of January 31, 2010, the margin was 4.00%).

 

As of January 31, 2010, the federal funds rate and Bank of America’s prime rate were 0.12% and 3.25%, respectively. As of January 31, 2010, the one-month and three-month Eurodollar Rates were 0.28% and 0.40%, respectively.

 

In addition, an annual commitment fee is payable at a per annum rate of 0.50% times the actual daily amount by which the facility exceeds the sum of (i) the outstanding amount of revolving credit loans and (ii) the outstanding amount of letter of credit obligations.

 

The obligations under this secured credit facility are secured by substantially all assets of the operating partnership, the general partner and certain subsidiaries of the operating partnership but specifically excluding (a) assets that are subject to the operating partnership’s receivables securitization facility, (b) the general partner’s equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners and (c) equity interest in certain unrestricted subsidiaries. Such obligations are also guaranteed by the general partner and certain subsidiaries of the operating partnership.

 

Letters of credit outstanding at January 31, 2010 totaled $47.1 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and to a lesser extent, product purchases. Letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2009 totaled $44.4 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and to a lesser extent, product purchases. At January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $152.9 million. At July 31, 2009, Ferrellgas had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $105.6 million.

 

F.              Partners’ capital

 

Common unit issuances

 

During October 2009, Ferrellgas completed an offering of 1.1 million common units representing limited partner interests. The net proceeds of $20.0 million were used to reduce borrowings under Ferrellgas’ unsecured credit facility. Ferrellgas also issued $3.1 million of common units in connection with the acquisition of propane distribution assets.

 

Partnership distributions paid

 

Ferrellgas Partners has paid the following distributions:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Public common unit holders

 

$

22,384

 

$

19,266

 

$

44,161

 

$

38,416

 

Ferrell Companies (1)

 

10,040

 

10,040

 

20,081

 

20,081

 

FCI Trading Corp. (2)

 

98

 

98

 

196

 

196

 

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (3)

 

26

 

26

 

51

 

51

 

James E. Ferrell (4)

 

2,177

 

2,167

 

4,354

 

4,333

 

General partner

 

351

 

319

 

696

 

637

 

 

 

$

35,076

 

$

31,916

 

$

69,539

 

$

63,714

 

 

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(1)          Ferrell Companies is the owner of the general partner and a 29% beneficial owner of Ferrellgas’ common units and thus a related party.

(2)          FCI Trading Corp. (“FCI Trading”) is an affiliate of the general partner and thus a related party.

(3)          Ferrell Propane, Inc. (“Ferrell Propane”) is controlled by the general partner and thus a related party.

(4)          James E. Ferrell is the Executive Chairman of the general partner and thus a related party.

 

On February 25, 2010, Ferrellgas Partners declared a cash distribution of $0.50 per common unit for the three months ended January 31, 2010, which is expected to be paid on March 17, 2010.

 

Included in this cash distribution are the following amounts expected to be paid to related parties:

 

Ferrell Companies

 

$

10,040

 

FCI Trading Corp.

 

98

 

Ferrell Propane, Inc.

 

26

 

James E. Ferrell

 

2,177

 

General partner

 

351

 

 

See additional discussions about transactions with related parties in Note H — Transactions with related parties.

 

Other comprehensive income (“OCI”)

 

See Note G — Derivatives — for details regarding changes in fair value on risk management financial derivatives recorded within OCI for the six months ended January 31, 2010.

 

G.            Derivatives

 

Commodity Price Risk Management

 

Ferrellgas’ risk management activities primarily attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase, storage, transport and sale of propane generally in the contract and spot markets from major domestic energy companies on a short-term basis. Ferrellgas attempts to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments and forward propane purchase and sales contracts.

 

Ferrellgas’ risk management strategy involves taking positions in the forward or financial markets that are equal and opposite to Ferrellgas’ positions in the physical products market in order to minimize the risk of financial loss from an adverse price change. This risk management strategy is successful when Ferrellgas’ gains or losses in the physical product markets are offset by its losses or gains in the forward or financial markets. These financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.

 

Ferrellgas’ risk management activities include the use of financial derivative instruments including, but not limited to, price swaps, options, futures and basis swaps to seek protection from adverse price movements and to minimize potential losses. Ferrellgas enters into these financial derivative instruments directly with third parties in the over-the-counter market and with brokers who are clearing members with the New York Mercantile Exchange. Ferrellgas also enters into forward propane purchase and sales contracts with counterparties. These forward contracts qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception within GAAP guidance and are therefore not recorded by Ferrellgas prior to settlement.

 

Cash Flow Hedging Activity

 

Ferrellgas uses financial derivative instruments for risk management purposes to hedge a portion of its exposure to market fluctuations in propane prices. These financial derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedging instruments, thus the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the financial derivatives are recorded in OCI prior to settlement and are subsequently recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings in “Cost of goods sold — propane and other gas

 

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liquids sales” when the forward or forecasted propane sales transaction impacts earnings. The effectiveness of cash flow hedges is evaluated at inception and on an on-going basis. Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges due to hedge ineffectiveness, if any, are recognized in “Cost of product sold — propane and other gas liquids sales.” During the six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, Ferrellgas did not recognize any gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness and did not exclude any component of the financial derivative contract gain or loss from the assessment of hedge effectiveness related to these cash flow hedges.

 

The fair value of the financial derivative instruments below are included within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other current liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

 

 

January 31,
2010

 

July 31,
2009

 

Derivatives – Price risk management assets

 

$

8,574

 

$

3,391

 

Derivatives – Price risk management liabilities

 

539

 

4,380

 

 

Ferrellgas had the following cash flow hedge activity included in OCI in the condensed consolidated statement of partners’ capital:

 

 

 

For the six
months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

Fair value gain adjustment classified as OCI with offset in Price risk management assets and Price risk management liabilities

 

$

13,624

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of net gains originally recorded within OCI to Cost of product sold — propane and other gas liquids

 

4,600

 

 

Assuming a minimal change in future market prices, Ferrellgas expects to reclassify net gains of approximately $8.0 million to earnings during the next year. These net gains are expected to be offset by margins on propane sales commitments Ferrellgas has with its customers that qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception.

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, Ferrellgas had no reclassifications to earnings resulting from discontinuance of any cash flow hedges arising from the probability of the original forecasted transactions not occurring within the originally specified period of time defined within the hedging relationship.

 

As of January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas had financial derivative contracts covering 1.2 million barrels of propane that were entered into as cash flow hedges of forward and forecasted purchases of propane.

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2010, four counterparties represented 69% of net settled cash flow hedging positions reported in “Cost of goods sold — propane and other gas liquids sales.” During the six months ended January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas neither held nor entered into financial derivative contracts that contained credit risk related contingency features.

 

In accordance with GAAP, Ferrellgas determines the fair value of its assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement by using the highest possible “Level” as defined within the GAAP hierarchy. The three levels defined by the GAAP hierarchy are as follows:

 

·                  Level 1 – Quoted prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

·                  Level 2 – Pricing inputs not quoted in active markets but either directly or indirectly observable.

·                  Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing that have little or no transparency with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Ferrellgas considers over-the-counter derivative instruments entered into directly with third parties as Level 2 valuation since the values of these derivatives are quoted by third party brokers and are on an exchange for similar transactions. The market prices used to value Ferrellgas’ derivatives have been determined using independent third party prices, readily available market information, broker quotes, and appropriate valuation techniques.

 

At January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, all derivative assets and liabilities qualified for classification as Level 2 - other observable inputs as defined by the GAAP hierarchy. All financial derivatives assets and liabilities were non-trading positions.

 

H.            Transactions with related parties

 

Ferrellgas has no employees and is managed and controlled by its general partner. Pursuant to Ferrellgas’ partnership agreements, the general partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on behalf of Ferrellgas and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to Ferrellgas or otherwise reasonably incurred by its general partner in connection with operating Ferrellgas’ business. These costs primarily include compensation and benefits paid to employees of the general partner who perform services on Ferrellgas’ behalf and are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings as follows:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Operating expense

 

$

55,950

 

$

59,934

 

$

109,262

 

$

108,807

 

General and administrative expense

 

8,417

 

6,077

 

14,872

 

11,743

 

 

During fiscal 2009, Ferrellgas had a subleasing and a shared services agreement with Samson Dental Practice Management, LLC (“Samson”), a company wholly-owned by James E. Ferrell. During the three and six months ended January 31, 2009, Ferrellgas received payments totaling $75 thousand and $120 thousand, respectively, for services provided to and sublease revenue receipts from Samson.

 

Elizabeth Solberg, a member of the general partner’s Board of Directors, serves as the General Manager of Fleishman-Hillard Inc. During the three and six months ended January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas paid Fleishman-Hillard Inc. $50 thousand and $92 thousand, respectively, for marketing and communications services. Ms. Solberg did not serve as the General Manager of Fleishman-Hillard, Inc. in 2009 and thus was not a related party during the three and six months ended January 31, 2009.

 

See additional discussions about transactions with related parties in Note F – Partners’ capital.

 

I.                 Contingencies

 

Ferrellgas’ operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing, transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of combustible liquids such as propane. As a result, at any given time, Ferrellgas is threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Currently, Ferrellgas is not a party to any legal proceedings other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, management is of the opinion that there are no known claims or contingent claims that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Ferrellgas.

 

Ferrellgas has been named as a defendant in lawsuits filed in multiple federal and state courts that seek to certify nationwide or statewide classes. The plaintiffs in each case generally allege that

 

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Ferrellgas failed to inform consumers of the amount of propane contained in propane tanks they purchased related to its Blue Rhino branded propane tank exchange activities. The federal cases have been coordinated for multidistrict treatment in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Based on Ferrellgas’ business and consumer notification practices in its Blue Rhino tank exchange operations, Ferrellgas believes that all of these claims are without merit and intends to defend the claims vigorously.

 

J.              Net earnings per common unitholders’ interest

 

Below is a calculation of the basic and diluted net earnings per common unitholders’ interest in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the periods indicated. In accordance with guidance issued by the FASB regarding participating securities and the two-class method, Ferrellgas calculates net earnings per common unitholders’ interest for each period presented according to distributions declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings, as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. In periods with undistributed earnings above certain levels, the calculation according to the two-class method results in an increased allocation of undistributed earnings to the general partner and a dilution of the earnings to the limited partners. Due to the seasonality of the propane business, the dilution effect of the guidance on the two-class method typically impacts only the three months ending January 31. The dilutive effect resulting from this guidance on basic and diluted net earnings per common unitholders’ interest was $0.17 and $0.18 for the three months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. This guidance did not result in a dilutive effect for the six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009.

 

In periods with year-to-date net losses, the allocation of the net losses to the limited partners and the general partner will be determined based on the same allocation basis specified in the Ferrellgas Partners’ partnership agreement that would apply to periods in which there were no undistributed earnings. Ferrellgas typically incurs net losses in the three month period ended October 31.

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common unitholders’ interest in net earnings

 

$

64,397

 

$

58,019

 

$

43,903

 

$

54,217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common units outstanding (in thousands)

 

69,450.3

 

63,192.5

 

68,979.1

 

63,122.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive securities

 

136.8

 

58.0

 

128.3

 

58.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common units outstanding plus dilutive securities

 

69,587.1

 

63,250.5

 

69,107.4

 

63,180.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net earnings per common unitholders’ interest

 

$

0.93

 

$

0.92

 

$

0.64

 

$

0.86

 

 

K.            Subsequent events

 

Ferrellgas has evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through the date Ferrellgas’ condensed consolidated financial statements were issued, and concluded that there were no events or transactions occurring during this period that required recognition or disclosure in its financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.)

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in dollars)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,000

 

Total assets

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value; 2,000 shares authorized; 1,000 shares issued and outstanding

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid in capital

 

5,791

 

5,594

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(5,791

)

(5,594

)

Total stockholder’s equity

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,000

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in dollars)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the three months ended
January 31,

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

 

$

 

$

 

$

197

 

$

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

 

$

 

$

(197

)

$

(45

)

 

See note to condensed financial statements.

 

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FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.)

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in dollars)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(197

)

$

(45

)

Cash used in operating activities

 

(197

)

(45

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital contribution

 

197

 

45

 

Cash provided by financing activities

 

197

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in cash

 

 

 

Cash – beginning of period

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

Cash – end of period

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,000

 

 

See note to condensed financial statements.

 

NOTE TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2010

(unaudited)

 

A.            Formation

 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Finance Corp.”), a Delaware corporation, was formed on March 28, 1996, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P (the “Partnership”).

 

The condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed financial statements were of a normal, recurring nature.

 

The Finance Corp. has nominal assets, does not conduct any operations, has no employees and serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the Partnership.

 

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Table of Contents

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

25,770

 

$

7,050

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

213,428

 

106,910

 

Inventories

 

143,976

 

129,808

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

26,261

 

14,356

 

Total current assets

 

409,435

 

258,124

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $535,614 and $521,044 at 2010 and 2009, respectively)

 

671,125

 

666,535

 

Goodwill

 

248,939

 

248,939

 

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $270,886 and $263,855 at 2010 and 2009, respectively)

 

231,757

 

212,037

 

Other assets, net

 

32,559

 

17,414

 

Total assets

 

$

1,593,815

 

$

1,403,049

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

124,211

 

$

49,337

 

Short-term borrowings

 

97,150

 

66,159

 

Other current liabilities

 

105,252

 

105,661

 

Total current liabilities

 

326,613

 

221,157

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

811,172

 

740,982

 

Other liabilities

 

19,803

 

19,300

 

Contingencies and commitments (Note I)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital

 

 

 

 

 

Limited partner

 

424,068

 

418,532

 

General partner

 

4,328

 

4,272

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

7,831

 

(1,194

)

Total partners’ capital

 

436,227

 

421,610

 

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$

1,593,815

 

$

1,403,049

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

724,348

 

$

647,536

 

$

1,052,014

 

$

1,084,424

 

Other

 

53,504

 

68,089

 

77,908

 

111,275

 

Total revenues

 

777,852

 

715,625

 

1,129,922

 

1,195,699

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sold - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

503,980

 

428,527

 

704,900

 

746,272

 

Cost of product sold - other

 

25,208

 

43,625

 

31,388

 

60,439

 

Operating expense

 

104,485

 

105,647

 

201,251

 

201,790

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

20,647

 

20,219

 

41,174

 

41,535

 

General and administrative expense

 

11,346

 

11,761

 

25,124

 

20,847

 

Equipment lease expense

 

3,127

 

4,781

 

6,901

 

10,136

 

Employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

2,261

 

1,656

 

4,263

 

3,405

 

Loss on disposal of assets and other

 

1,122

 

4,019

 

2,784

 

6,601

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

105,676

 

95,390

 

112,137

 

104,674

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(20,290

)

(17,467

)

(37,059

)

(35,211

)

Debt prepayment premiums

 

 

 

(17,308

)

 

Other income (expense), net

 

(863

)

(343

)

(556

)

(1,161

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

 

84,523

 

77,580

 

57,214

 

68,302

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

674

 

1,149

 

252

 

819

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

83,849

 

$

76,431

 

$

56,962

 

$

67,483

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Limited

 

General

 

Risk

 

translation

 

Pension

 

partners’

 

 

 

partner

 

partner

 

management

 

adjustments

 

liability

 

capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2009

 

$

418,532

 

$

4,272

 

$

(989

)

$

22

 

$

(227

)

$

421,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions in connection with ESOP and stock-based compensation charges

 

7,352

 

75

 

 

 

 

7,427

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contributions in connection with acquisitions

 

3,061

 

31

 

 

 

 

3,092

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash contributed by Ferrellgas Partners and general partner

 

20,000

 

204

 

 

 

 

20,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarterly distributions

 

(81,264

)

(829

)

 

 

 

(82,093

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

56,387

 

575

 

 

 

 

56,962

 

Other comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings on risk management derivatives

 

 

 

13,624

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of derivatives to earnings

 

 

 

(4,600

)

 

 

 

 

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

9,025

 

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

65,987

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2010

 

$

424,068

 

$

4,328

 

$

8,035

 

$

23

 

$

(227

)

$

436,227

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$

56,962

 

$

67,483

 

Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

41,174

 

41,535

 

Employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

4,263

 

3,405

 

Stock-based compensation charge

 

3,164

 

657

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

1,359

 

3,030

 

Loss on transfer of accounts receivable related to the accounts receivable securitization

 

3,968

 

5,521

 

Deferred tax expense (benefit)

 

(24

)

129

 

Other

 

4,957

 

3,800

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net of securitization

 

(169,410

)

(109,742

)

Inventories

 

(14,168

)

35,890

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(6,783

)

(14,240

)

Accounts payable

 

74,769

 

61,598

 

Accrued interest expense

 

2,634

 

559

 

Other current liabilities

 

(95

)

768

 

Other liabilities

 

544

 

(464

)

Accounts receivable securitization:

 

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from new accounts receivable securitizations

 

68,000

 

109,000

 

Proceeds from collections reinvested in revolving period accounts receivable securitizations

 

652,229

 

701,744

 

Remittances of amounts collected as servicer of accounts receivable securitizations

 

(661,229

)

(725,744

)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

62,314

 

184,929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(40,910

)

(298

)

Capital expenditures

 

(20,489

)

(27,545

)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

3,161

 

4,905

 

Other

 

(1,808

)

(2,460

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(60,046

)

(25,398

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

(82,093

)

(76,209

)

Proceeds from increase in long-term debt

 

604,952

 

186,806

 

Reductions in long-term debt

 

(541,929

)

(168,026

)

Net additions to (reductions in) short-term borrowings

 

30,991

 

(98,285

)

Contributions from partners

 

20,204

 

 

Cash paid for financing costs

 

(15,674

)

(3,191

)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

16,451

 

(158,905

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

1

 

(13

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

18,720

 

613

 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

7,050

 

16,545

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

$

25,770

 

$

17,158

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2010

(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise designated)

(unaudited)

 

A.            Partnership organization and formation

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. is a limited partnership that owns and operates propane distribution and related assets. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”), a publicly traded limited partnership, owns an approximate 99% limited partner interest in, and consolidates, Ferrellgas, L.P. Ferrellgas, Inc. (the “general partner”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, Inc. (“Ferrell Companies”), holds an approximate 1% general partner interest in Ferrellgas, L.P. and performs all management functions required by Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. owns a 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Finance Corp., whose only business activity is to act as the co-issuer and co-obligor of any debt issued by Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas, L.P. and subsidiaries reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed consolidated financial statements were of a normal, recurring nature. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, each as set forth in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2009.

 

B.            Summary of significant accounting policies

 

(1) Nature of operations:

Ferrellgas, L.P. is engaged primarily in the distribution of propane and related equipment and supplies in the United States. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, the results of operations for the six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. We serve approximately one million residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

 

(2) Accounting estimates:

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates impacting the condensed consolidated financial statements include accruals that have been established for contingent liabilities, pending claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business, useful lives of property, plant and equipment assets, residual values of tanks, capitalization of customer tank installation costs, amortization methods of intangible assets, valuation methods used to value sales returns and allowances, allowance for doubtful accounts, financial derivative contracts and stock and unit-based compensation calculations.

 

(3) Supplemental cash flow information:

Certain cash flow and significant non-cash activities are presented below:

 

22



Table of Contents

 

 

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

CASH PAID FOR:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

29,956

 

$

31,048

 

Income taxes

 

332

 

284

 

NON-CASH INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Assets contributed from Ferrellgas Partners in connection with acquisitions

 

$

3,061

 

$

4,515

 

Issuance of liabilities in connection with acquisitions

 

5,494

 

1,002

 

Property, plant and equipment additions

 

1,059

 

1,866

 

 

(4) Accounts receivable securitization:

Ferrellgas, L.P. has agreements to transfer, on an ongoing basis, a portion of its trade accounts receivable through Ferrellgas Receivables, an accounts receivable securitization facility that is a wholly-owned unconsolidated special purpose entity. Ferrellgas, L.P. retains servicing responsibilities as well as a retained interest in the transferred receivables. Ferrellgas, L.P. also holds a note receivable from Ferrellgas Receivables to the extent that expected cash proceeds from the sales of accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables have not been received. Ferrellgas, L.P. has no other continuing involvement with the transferred receivables, other than servicing the receivables. The related receivables are transferred from the condensed consolidated balance sheets and a retained interest and note receivable are recorded for the amount of receivables sold in excess of cash received and a related loss on the transfer is recorded, which represents the discount on the sale. The retained interest and note receivable are included in “Accounts and notes receivable, net” in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. determines the fair value of its retained interest and note receivable based on the present value of future expected cash flows using management’s best estimates of various factors, including credit loss experience and discount rates commensurate with the risks involved. These assumptions are updated periodically based on actual results; therefore, the estimated credit loss and discount rates utilized are materially consistent with historical performance. Due to the short-term nature of Ferrellgas, L.P.’s trade receivables, variations in the credit and discount assumptions would not significantly impact the fair value of the retained interests and note receivable. Costs associated with the sale of receivables are included in “Loss on disposal of assets and other” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. See Note D — Accounts and notes receivable, net and accounts receivable securitization — for further discussion of these transactions.

 

(5) New accounting standards:

 

Transfers of Financial Assets

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance that amends the previous derecognition guidance to improve the accounting for transfers of financial assets. This guidance is effective for financial asset transfers that occur in annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009. Ferrellgas, L.P. is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance.

 

Variable Interest Entities

In June 2009, the FASB issued guidance that changes the approach to determining a variable interest entity’s primary beneficiary and requires ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2009. Ferrellgas, L.P. is currently evaluating the potential impact of this guidance.

 

FASB Codification

In June 2009, the FASB approved its Accounting Standards Codification (“Codification”) as the

 

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exclusive authoritative reference for U.S. GAAP for SEC registrants. The Codification, which changes the referencing of accounting standards, is effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009. The adoption of the Codification effective August 1, 2009 did not have a significant impact on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Business Combinations

In December 2007, the FASB issued guidance that establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination recognizes and measures the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, how the acquirer recognizes and measures goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase (formerly negative goodwill) and how the acquirer determines what information to disclose. This guidance is effective for business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this guidance effective August 1, 2009 did not have a significant impact on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

C.            Supplemental financial statement information

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Propane gas and related products

 

$

124,062

 

$

109,606

 

Appliances, parts and supplies

 

19,914

 

20,202

 

Inventories

 

$

143,976

 

$

129,808

 

 

In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas, L.P. enters into contracts primarily to buy propane for supply procurement purposes. Most of these contracts have terms of less than one year and call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. All supply procurement fixed price contracts have terms of fewer than 24 months. As of January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas, L.P. had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to take net delivery of approximately 52.2 million gallons of propane at fixed prices.

 

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Accrued interest

 

$

19,357

 

$

16,723

 

Accrued payroll

 

19,786

 

23,395

 

Customer deposits and advances

 

21,882

 

23,115

 

Other

 

44,227

 

42,428

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

105,252

 

$

105,661

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets and other consists of the following:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Loss on disposal of assets

 

$

483

 

$

1,757

 

$

1,359

 

$

3,030

 

Loss on transfer of accounts receivable related to the accounts receivable securitization

 

2,208

 

3,468

 

3,968

 

5,521

 

Service income related to the accounts receivable securitization

 

(1,569

)

(1,206

)

(2,543

)

(1,950

)

Loss on disposal of assets and other

 

$

1,122

 

$

4,019

 

$

2,784

 

$

6,601

 

 

Shipping and handling expenses are classified in the following condensed consolidated statements of

 

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earnings line items:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Operating expense

 

$

47,586

 

$

48,460

 

$

91,367

 

$

91,612

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

1,398

 

1,200

 

2,701

 

2,433

 

Equipment lease expense

 

3,376

 

4,371

 

7,239

 

9,322

 

 

 

$

52,360

 

$

54,031

 

$

101,307

 

$

103,367

 

 

D.            Accounts and notes receivable, net and accounts receivable securitization

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net consist of the following:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Accounts receivable

 

$

77,190

 

$

33,903

 

Note receivable from Ferrellgas Receivables

 

64,235

 

52,038

 

Retained interest

 

76,556

 

24,979

 

Other

 

312

 

284

 

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

(4,865

)

(4,294

)

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

$

213,428

 

$

106,910

 

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. transfers a portion of its trade accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables, which finances its acquisition of the trade receivable assets by issuing beneficial interests in (securitizing) the receivables to a commercial paper conduit for proceeds of up to $145.0 million. Ferrellgas, L.P. does not provide any guarantee or similar support to the collectability of these receivables. Ferrellgas, L.P. structured the facility using a wholly-owned, unconsolidated special purpose entity in order to facilitate the transaction while complying with Ferrellgas, L.P.’s various debt covenants. If the covenants are compromised, funding from the facility could be restricted or suspended, or its costs could increase. As a servicer, Ferrellgas, L.P. remits daily to this special purpose entity funds collected on the trade receivables held by Ferrellgas Receivables.

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. transfers a portion of its trade accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables and retains an interest and a note receivable related to these transferred receivables. As these transferred receivables are subsequently collected, the funding from the accounts receivable securitization facility is reduced. Ferrellgas Receivables recorded the following on its balance sheet:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Trade accounts receivable transferred from Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

$

241,379

 

$

118,982

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note payable to Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

64,235

 

52,038

 

 

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated balance sheets do not include trade accounts receivables transferred, but do include a note receivable from Ferrellgas Receivables which represents expected cash proceeds from the sale of accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables that have not yet been received. As of January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas, L.P. had received proceeds from trade accounts receivable sales of $94.0 million with the ability to receive proceeds of an additional $5.0 million.

 

Other accounts receivable securitization activity consists of the following:

 

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For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months
ended January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Net non-cash activity

 

$

639

 

$

2,262

 

$

1,425

 

$

3,571

 

Bad debt expense

 

(500

)

50

 

(500

)

300

 

 

The net non-cash activity reported in “Loss on disposal of assets and other” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings approximates the financing cost of issuing commercial paper backed by these accounts receivable transferred to Ferrellgas Receivables. See details of the net non-cash activity disclosed in Note C — Supplemental financial statement information — “Loss on transfer of accounts receivable related to the accounts receivable securitization” and “Service income related to the accounts receivable securitization.” The weighted average discount rate used to value the retained interest in the transferred receivables was 3.5% and 3.6% as of January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively.

 

E.              Debt

 

Short-term borrowings

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. classified a portion of its credit facility borrowings as short-term because it was used to fund working capital needs that management had intended to pay down within the 12 month period following each balance sheet date. As of January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, $97.2 million and $66.2 million, respectively, were classified as short-term borrowings. For further discussion see the secured credit facility section below.

 

Long-term debt

 

Long-term debt consists of the following:

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Senior notes

 

 

 

 

 

Fixed rate, 6.75% due 2014, net of unamortized discount of $24,271 and $26,458 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively

 

$

425,729

 

$

423,542

 

Fixed rate, 9.125%, due 2017, net of unamortized discount of $4,055 and $0 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively

 

295,945

 

 

Fixed rate, Series D-E, ranging from 7.24% to 7.42% due 2010-2013

 

 

152,000

 

Fixed rate, Series C, 8.87%, due 2009

 

 

73,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit facility

 

 

 

 

 

Secured, variable interest rate, expiring 2012 (net of $97.2 million classified as short-term borrowings)

 

81,950

 

 

Unsecured, variable interest rate, expiring 2010 (net of $66.2 million classified as short-term borrowings)

 

 

88,541

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes payable, 9.5% and 8.4% weighted average interest rate at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively, due 2010 to 2016, net of unamortized discount of $3,388 and $1,301 at January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively

 

9,927

 

5,321

 

 

 

813,551

 

742,404

 

Less: current portion, included in other current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheets

 

2,379

 

1,422

 

Long-term debt

 

$

811,172

 

$

740,982

 

 

Senior notes

 

During August 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. made scheduled principal payments of $73.0 million on the

 

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8.87% Series C senior notes.

 

During September 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of new 9.125% senior notes due 2017 at an offering price equal to 98.6% of par with the proceeds used to fund the October 2009 note payments discussed below and to reduce borrowings on the unsecured credit facility due April 2010.

 

During October 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. prepaid the outstanding principal amount on its $82.0 million 7.24% series D notes due August 1, 2010 and its $70.0 million 7.42% series E notes due August 1, 2013 and the related prepayment premiums of $17.3 million.

 

Secured credit facility

 

During November 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. closed on a new secured credit facility that provides $400.0 million in revolving credit for loans and has a $200.0 million sublimit for letters of credit. This secured credit facility replaced Ferrellgas, L.P.’s unsecured credit facility due April 2010 and will mature in November 2012.

 

The secured credit facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants and default provisions, as well as requirements with respect to the maintenance of specified financial ratios and limitations on the making of loans and investments.

 

As of January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas, L.P. had total borrowings outstanding under this secured credit facility due November 2012 of $179.1 million, of which $82.0 million was classified as long-term debt.

 

Borrowings under the secured credit facility due November 2012 had a weighted average interest rate of 4.47% at January 31, 2010. All borrowings under the facility bear interest, at Ferrellgas, L.P.’s option, at a rate equal to either:

 

·            for Base Rate Loans or Swing Line Loans, the Base Rate, which is defined as the higher of i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, ii) Bank of America’s prime rate; or iii) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%; plus a margin varying from 2.50% to 3.25% (as of January 31, 2010, the margin was 3.00%); or

·            for Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Eurodollar Rate, which is defined as the LIBOR Rate plus a margin varying from 3.50% to 4.25% (as of January 31, 2010, the margin was 4.00%).

 

As of January 31, 2010, the federal funds rate and Bank of America’s prime rate were 0.12% and 3.25%, respectively. As of January 31, 2010, the one-month and three-month Eurodollar Rates were 0.28% and 0.40%, respectively).

 

In addition, an annual commitment fee is payable at a per annum rate of 0.50% times the actual daily amount by which the facility exceeds the sum of (i) the outstanding amount of revolving credit loans and (ii) the outstanding amount of letter of credit obligations.

 

The obligations under this secured credit facility are secured by substantially all assets of Ferrellgas, L.P., the general partner and certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas, L.P. but specifically excluding (a) assets that are subject to Ferrellgas, L.P.’s receivables securitization facility, (b) the general partner’s equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners and (c) equity interest in certain unrestricted subsidiaries. Such obligations are also guaranteed by the general partner and certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

Letters of credit outstanding at January 31, 2010 totaled $47.1 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and to a lesser extent, product purchases. Letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2009 totaled $44.4 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and to a lesser extent, product purchases. At January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas, L.P. had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $152.9 million. At July 31, 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $105.6 million.

 

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F.              Partners’ capital

 

Partnership contributions

 

During October 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. received cash contributions of $20.0 million and $0.2 million from Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner, respectively. The proceeds were used to reduce borrowings outstanding under the unsecured credit facility. Ferrellgas, L.P. also received asset contributions of $3.1 million in connection with the acquisition of propane distribution assets.

 

Partnership distributions paid

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. has paid the following distributions:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Ferrellgas Partners

 

$

46,801

 

$

43,640

 

$

81,264

 

$

75,439

 

General partner

 

477

 

446

 

829

 

770

 

 

 

$

47,278

 

$

44,086

 

$

82,093

 

$

76,209

 

 

On February 25, 2010, Ferrellgas, L.P. declared distributions for the three months ended January 31, 2010 to Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner of $35.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively, which is expected to be paid on March 17, 2010.

 

See additional discussions about transactions with related parties in Note H — Transactions with related parties.

 

Other comprehensive income (“OCI”)

 

See Note G — Derivatives — for details regarding changes in fair value on risk management financial derivatives recorded within OCI for the six months ended January 31, 2010.

 

G.            Derivatives

 

Commodity Price Risk Management

 

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s risk management activities primarily attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase, storage, transport and sale of propane generally in the contract and spot markets from major domestic energy companies on a short-term basis. Ferrellgas, L.P. attempts to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments and forward propane purchase and sales contracts.

 

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s risk management strategy involves taking positions in the forward or financial markets that are equal and opposite to Ferrellgas, L.P.’s positions in the physical products market in order to minimize the risk of financial loss from an adverse price change. This risk management strategy is successful when Ferrellgas, L.P.’s gains or losses in the physical product markets are offset by its losses or gains in the forward or financial markets. These financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.

 

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s risk management activities include the use of financial derivative instruments including, but not limited to, price swaps, options, futures and basis swaps to seek protection from adverse price movements and to minimize potential losses. Ferrellgas, L.P. enters into these financial derivative instruments directly with third parties in the over-the-counter market and with brokers who are clearing members with the New York Mercantile Exchange. Ferrellgas, L.P. also enters into

 

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forward propane purchase and sales contracts with counterparties. These forward contracts qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception within GAAP guidance and are therefore not recorded by Ferrellgas, L.P. prior to settlement.

 

Cash Flow Hedging Activity

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. uses financial derivative instruments for risk management purposes to hedge a portion of its exposure to market fluctuations in propane prices. These financial derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedging instruments, thus the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the financial derivatives are recorded in OCI prior to settlement and are subsequently recognized in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings in “Cost of goods sold — propane and other gas liquids sales” when the forward or forecasted propane sales transaction impacts earnings. The effectiveness of cash flow hedges is evaluated at inception and on an on-going basis. Changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges due to hedge ineffectiveness, if any, are recognized in “Cost of product sold — propane and other gas liquids sales.” During the six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. did not recognize any gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness and did not exclude any component of the financial derivative contract gain or loss from the assessment of hedge effectiveness related to these cash flow hedges.

 

The fair value of the financial derivative instruments below are included within “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” and “Other current liabilities” on the condensed consolidated balance sheets:

 

 

 

January 31,
2010

 

July 31,
2009

 

Derivatives – Price risk management assets

 

$

8,574

 

$

3,391

 

Derivatives – Price risk management liabilities

 

539

 

4,380

 

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. had the following cash flow hedge activity included in OCI in the condensed consolidated statement of partners’ capital:

 

 

 

For the six
months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

Fair value gain adjustment classified as OCI with offset in Price risk management assets and Price risk management liabilities

 

$

13,624

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassification of net gains originally recorded within OCI to Cost of product sold – propane and other gas liquids

 

4,600

 

 

Assuming a minimal change in future market prices, Ferrellgas, L.P. expects to reclassify net gains of approximately $8.0 million to earnings during the next year. These net gains are expected to be offset by margins on propane sales commitments Ferrellgas, L.P. has with its customers that qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception.

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. had no reclassifications to earnings resulting from discontinuance of any cash flow hedges arising from the probability of the original forecasted transactions not occurring within the originally specified period of time defined within the hedging relationship.

 

As of January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas, L.P. had financial derivative contracts covering 1.2 million barrels of propane that were entered into as cash flow hedges of forward and forecasted purchases of propane.

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2010, four counterparties represented 69% of net settled cash flow hedging positions reported in “Cost of goods sold — propane and other gas liquids sales.”

 

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During the six months ended January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas, L.P. neither held nor entered into financial derivative contracts that contained credit risk related contingency features.

 

In accordance with GAAP, Ferrellgas, L.P. determines the fair value of its assets and liabilities subject to fair value measurement by using the highest possible “Level” as defined within the GAAP hierarchy. The three levels defined by the GAAP hierarchy are as follows:

 

·                  Level 1 – Quoted prices available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

·                  Level 2 – Pricing inputs not quoted in active markets but either directly or indirectly observable.

·                  Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing that have little or no transparency with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation.

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. considers over-the-counter derivative instruments entered into directly with third parties as Level 2 valuation since the values of these derivatives are quoted by third party brokers and are on an exchange for similar transactions. The market prices used to value Ferrellgas, L.P.’s derivatives have been determined using independent third party prices, readily available market information, broker quotes, and appropriate valuation techniques.

 

At January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, all derivative assets and liabilities qualified for classification as Level 2 - other observable inputs as defined by the GAAP hierarchy. All financial derivatives assets and liabilities were non-trading positions.

 

H.            Transactions with related parties

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. has no employees and is managed and controlled by its general partner. Pursuant to Ferrellgas, L.P.’s partnership agreement, the general partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on behalf of Ferrellgas, L.P., and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to Ferrellgas, L.P. or otherwise reasonably incurred by its general partner in connection with operating Ferrellgas, L.P.’s business. These costs primarily include compensation and benefits paid to employees of the general partner who perform services on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s behalf and are reported in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings as follows:

 

 

 

For the three months
ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

Operating expense

 

$

55,950

 

$

59,934

 

$

109,262

 

$

108,807

 

General and administrative expense

 

8,417

 

6,077

 

14,872

 

11,743

 

 

During fiscal 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. had a subleasing and a shared services agreement with Samson Dental Practice Management, LLC (“Samson”), a company wholly-owned by James E. Ferrell. During the three and six months ended January 31, 2009, Ferrellgas, L.P. received payments totaling $75 thousand and $120 thousand, respectively, for services provided to and sublease revenue receipts from Samson.

 

Elizabeth Solberg, a member of the general partner’s Board of Directors, serves as the General Manager of Fleishman—Hillard Inc. During the three and six months ended January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas, L.P. paid Fleishman-Hillard Inc. $50 thousand and $92 thousand, respectively, for marketing and communications services. Ms. Solberg did not serve as the General Manager of Fleishman-Hillard Inc. in 2009 and thus was not a related party during the three and six months ended January 31, 2009.

 

See additional discussions about transactions with related parties in Note F — Partners’ capital.

 

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I.                 Contingencies

 

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing, transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of combustible liquids such as propane. As a result, at any given time, Ferrellgas, L.P. is threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Currently, Ferrellgas, L.P. is not a party to any legal proceedings other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, management is of the opinion that there are no known claims or contingent claims that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. has been named as a defendant in lawsuits filed in multiple federal and state courts that seek to certify nationwide or statewide classes. The plaintiffs in each case generally allege that Ferrellgas, L.P. failed to inform consumers of the amount of propane contained in propane tanks they purchased related to its Blue Rhino branded propane tank exchange activities. The federal cases have been coordinated for multidistrict treatment in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Based on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s business and consumer notification practices in its Blue Rhino tank exchange operations, Ferrellgas, L.P. believes that all of these claims are without merit and intends to defend the claims vigorously.

 

J.              Subsequent events

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. has evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through the date Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated financial statements were issued, and concluded that there were no events or transactions occurring during this period that required recognition or disclosure in its financial statements.

 

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FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P.)

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in dollars)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

1,100

 

$

1,100

 

Total assets

 

$

1,100

 

$

1,100

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value; 2,000 shares authorized; 1,000 shares issued and outstanding

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid in capital

 

9,929

 

6,757

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(9,829

)

(6,657

)

Total stockholder’s equity

 

$

1,100

 

$

1,100

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in dollars)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the three months ended
January 31,

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

 

$

20

 

$

3,000

 

$

3,172

 

$

3,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(20

)

$

(3,000

)

$

(3,172

)

$

(3,000

)

 

See note to condensed financial statements.

 

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FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

(A wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P.)

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in dollars)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

For the six months ended
January 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(3,172

)

$

(3,000

)

Cash used in operating activities

 

(3,172

)

(3,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Capital contribution

 

3,172

 

3,000

 

Cash provided by financing activities

 

3,172

 

3,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in cash

 

 

 

Cash – beginning of period

 

1,100

 

1,100

 

Cash – end of period

 

$

1,100

 

$

1,100

 

 

See note to condensed financial statements.

 

NOTE TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2010

(unaudited)

 

A.            Formation

 

Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (the “Finance Corp.”), a Delaware corporation, was formed on January 16, 2003 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P (the “Partnership”).

 

The condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed financial statements were of a normal, recurring nature.

 

The Finance Corp. has nominal assets, does not conduct any operations, has no employees and serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the Partnership.

 

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ITEM 2.       MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

 

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations relates to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. have nominal assets, do not conduct any operations and have no employees other than officers. Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of Ferrellgas, L.P. Accordingly, and due to the reduced disclosure format, a discussion of the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. is not presented in this section.

 

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context indicates otherwise:

 

·      “us,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” or “consolidated” are references exclusively to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., except when used in connection with “common units,” in which case these terms refer to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. without its consolidated subsidiaries;

 

·      “Ferrellgas Partners” refers to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. itself, without its consolidated subsidiaries;

 

·      the “operating partnership” refers to Ferrellgas, L.P., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ferrellgas Finance Corp.;

 

·      our “general partner” refers to Ferrellgas, Inc.;

 

·      “Ferrell Companies” refers to Ferrell Companies, Inc., the sole shareholder of our general partner;

 

·      “unitholders” refers to holders of common units of Ferrellgas Partners;

 

·      “customers” refers to customers other than our wholesale customers or our other bulk propane distributors or marketers;

 

·      “retail sales” refers to Propane and other gas liquid sales: Retail — Sales to End Users or the volume of propane sold primarily to our residential, industrial/commercial and agricultural customers;

 

·      “wholesale sales” refers to Propane and other gas liquid sales: Wholesale — Sales to Resellers or the volume of propane sold primarily to our portable tank exchange customers and bulk propane sold to wholesale customers;

 

·      “other gas sales” refers to Propane and other gas liquid sales: Other Gas Sales or the volume of bulk propane sold to other third party propane distributors or marketers and refined fuel volumes sold;

 

·      “propane sales volume” refers to the volume of propane sold to our retail sales and wholesale sales customers; and

 

·      “Notes” refers to the notes of the condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership, as applicable.

 

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two direct subsidiaries, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners’ only significant assets are its approximate 99% limited partnership interest in the operating partnership and its 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. The common units of Ferrellgas Partners are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and our activities are primarily conducted through the operating

 

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partnership.

 

The operating partnership was formed on April 22, 1994, and accounts for substantially all of our consolidated assets, sales and operating earnings, except for interest expense related to $268.0 million in the aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due 2012 co-issued by Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

 

Our general partner performs all management functions for us and our subsidiaries and holds a 1% general partner interest in Ferrellgas Partners and an approximate 1% general partner interest in the operating partnership. The parent company of our general partner, Ferrell Companies, beneficially owns approximately 29% of our outstanding common units. Ferrell Companies is owned 100% by an employee stock ownership trust.

 

We file annual, quarterly, and other reports and information with the SEC. You may read and download our SEC filings over the Internet from several commercial document retrieval services as well as at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy our SEC filings at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information concerning the Public Reference Room and any applicable copy charges. Because our common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, under the ticker symbol of “FGP,” we also provide our SEC filings and particular other information to the New York Stock Exchange. You may obtain copies of these filings and such other information at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange located at 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005. In addition, our SEC filings are available on our website at www.ferrellgas.com at no cost as soon as reasonably practicable after our electronic filing or furnishing thereof with the SEC. Please note that any Internet addresses provided in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be hyperlinks. Accordingly, no information found and/or provided at such Internet addresses is intended or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein.

 

The following is a discussion of our historical financial condition and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with our historical condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

The discussions set forth in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections generally refer to Ferrellgas Partners and its consolidated subsidiaries. However, in these discussions there exist two material differences between Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership. Those material differences are:

 

·      because Ferrellgas Partners has issued $268.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due fiscal 2012, the two partnerships incur different amounts of interest expense on their outstanding indebtedness; see the statements of earnings in their respective condensed consolidated financial statements and Note E — Debt in the respective notes to their condensed consolidated financial statements; and

 

·      Ferrellgas Partners issued common units during both fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010.

 

Overview

 

We are a leading distributor of propane and related equipment and supplies to customers primarily in the United States and conduct our business as a single reportable operating segment. We believe that we are the second largest retail marketer of propane in the United States, and the largest national provider of propane by portable tank exchange, as measured by our propane sales volumes in fiscal 2009.

 

We serve approximately one million residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Our operations primarily include the distribution and sale of propane and related equipment and supplies with concentrations in the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest regions of the United States. Our

 

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propane distribution business consists principally of transporting propane purchased from third parties to propane distribution locations and then to tanks on customers’ premises or to portable propane tanks delivered to nationwide and local retailers. Our portable tank exchange operations, nationally branded under the name Blue Rhino, are conducted through a network of independent and partnership-owned distribution outlets. Our market areas for our residential and agricultural customers are generally rural, but also include urban areas for industrial applications. Our market area for our industrial/commercial and portable tank exchange customers is generally urban.

 

In the residential and industrial/commercial markets, propane is primarily used for space heating, water heating, cooking and other propane fueled appliances. In the portable tank exchange market, propane is used primarily for outdoor cooking using gas grills. In the agricultural market, propane is primarily used for crop drying, space heating, irrigation and weed control. In addition, propane is used for a variety of industrial applications, including as an engine fuel which is burned in internal combustion engines that power vehicles and forklifts, and as a heating or energy source in manufacturing and drying processes.

 

The market for propane is seasonal because of increased demand during the months of November through March (the “winter heating season”) primarily for the purpose of providing heating in residential and commercial buildings. Consequently, sales and operating profits are concentrated in our second and third fiscal quarters, which are during the winter heating season. However, our propane by portable tank exchanges sales volume provides us increased operating profits during our first and fourth fiscal quarters due to its counter-seasonal business activities. These sales also provide us the ability to better utilize our seasonal resources at our propane distribution locations. Other factors affecting our results of operations include competitive conditions, volatility in energy commodity prices, demand for propane, timing of acquisitions and general economic conditions in the United States.

 

We use information on temperatures to understand how our results of operations are affected by temperatures that are warmer or colder than normal. We use the definition of “normal” temperatures based on information published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”). Based on this information we calculate a ratio of actual heating degree days to normal heating degree days. Heating degree days are a general indicator of weather impacting propane usage.

 

Weather conditions have a significant impact on demand for propane for heating purposes during the winter heating season. Accordingly, the volume of propane used by our customers for this purpose is directly affected by the severity of the winter weather in the regions we serve and can vary substantially from year to year. In any given region, sustained warmer-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in reduced propane usage, while sustained colder-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in greater usage. Although there is a direct correlation between weather and customer usage, there is a natural time lag between the onset of cold weather and increased sales to customers.

 

Our gross margin from the retail distribution of propane is primarily based on the cents-per-gallon difference between the sale price we charge our customers and our costs to purchase and deliver propane to our propane distribution locations. Our residential customers and portable tank exchange customers typically provide us a greater cents-per-gallon margin than our industrial/commercial, agricultural, wholesale and other customers. We track “Propane sales volumes,” “Revenues — Propane and other gas liquids sales” and “Gross margin — Propane and other gas liquids sales” by customer; however, we are not able to specifically allocate operating and other costs in a manner that would determine their specific profitability with a high degree of accuracy. The wholesale propane price per gallon is subject to various market conditions and may fluctuate based on changes in demand, supply and other energy commodity prices, primarily crude oil and natural gas, as propane prices tend to correlate with the fluctuations of these underlying commodities.

 

We employ risk management activities that attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase, storage, transport and sale of propane. We enter into propane sales commitments with a portion of our customers that provide for a contracted price agreement for a specified period of time. These commitments can expose us to product price risk if not immediately hedged with an offsetting propane

 

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purchase commitment.

 

Our open financial derivative purchase commitments are designated as hedges primarily for fiscal 2010 sales commitments and, as of January 31, 2010, have experienced a net mark to market gain of approximately $8.0 million. Because these financial derivative purchase commitments qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the resulting asset, liability and related net mark to market gains are recorded on the balance sheet as prepaid and other current assets, other current liabilities and accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), respectively, until settled. Upon settlement, realized gains or losses on these contracts will be reclassified to “Cost of product sold-propane and other gas liquid sales” in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. These financial derivative purchase commitment net gains are expected to be offset by reduced margins on propane sales commitments that qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exception. At January 31, 2010 we estimate 95% of currently open financial derivative purchase commitments, the related propane sales commitments, and the resulting gross margin will be realized into earnings during the remainder of fiscal 2010.

 

Our business strategy is to:

 

·      expand our operations through disciplined acquisitions and internal growth;

·      capitalize on our national presence and economies of scale;

·      maximize operating efficiencies through utilization of our technology platform; and

·      align employee interests with our investors through significant employee ownership.

 

Forward-looking Statements

 

Statements included in this report include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified as any statement that does not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements often use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “position,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,”  “may,” “will,” or the negative of those terms or other variations of them or comparable terminology. These statements often discuss plans, strategies, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future and are based upon the beliefs and assumptions of our management and on the information currently available to them. In particular, statements, express or implied, concerning our future operating results or our ability to generate sales, income or cash flow are forward-looking statements.

 

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will affect our future results are beyond our ability to control or predict.

 

Some of our forward-looking statements include the following:

 

·      whether the operating partnership will have sufficient funds to meet its obligations, including its obligations under its debt securities, and to enable it to distribute to Ferrellgas Partners sufficient funds to permit Ferrellgas Partners to meet its obligations with respect to its existing debt and equity securities;

 

·      whether Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership will continue to meet all of the quarterly financial tests required by the agreements governing their indebtedness; and

 

·      our expectation that “Operating income” and “Net earnings” during the remainder of fiscal 2010 will be higher than the same period during fiscal 2009.

 

When considering any forward-looking statement, you should also keep in mind the risk factors set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our fiscal 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Any of these risks could

 

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impair our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any such impairment may affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders or pay interest on the principal of any of our debt securities. In addition, the trading price, if any, of our securities could decline as a result of any such impairment.

 

Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or risk factors after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

 

In addition, the classification of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership as partnerships for federal income tax purposes means that we do not generally pay federal income taxes. We do, however, pay taxes on the income of our subsidiaries that are corporations. We rely on a legal opinion from our counsel, and not a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, as to our proper classification for federal income tax purposes. See the section in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal 2009 entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors — Tax Risks.” The IRS could treat us as a corporation for tax purposes or changes in federal or state laws could subject us to entity-level taxation, which would substantially reduce the cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

 

Results of Operations

 

Three months ended January 31, 2010 compared to January 31, 2009

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Three months ended January 31,

 

2010

 

2009

 

Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Variance

 

Propane sales volumes (gallons):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail — Sales to End Users

 

269,801

 

245,862

 

23,939

 

10

%

Wholesale — Sales to Resellers

 

83,882

 

68,094

 

15,788

 

23

%

 

 

353,683

 

313,956

 

39,727

 

13

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail — Sales to End Users

 

$

502,235

 

$

508,588

 

$

(6,353

)

(1

)%

Wholesale — Sales to Resellers

 

144,725

 

123,946

 

20,779

 

17

%

Other Gas Sales

 

77,388

 

15,002

 

62,386

 

416

%

 

 

$

724,348

 

$

647,536

 

$

76,812

 

12

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales: (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail — Sales to End Users

 

$

170,298

 

$

189,074

 

$

(18,776

)

(10

)%

Wholesale — Sales to Resellers

 

40,297

 

29,545

 

10,752

 

36

%

Other Gas Sales

 

9,773

 

390

 

9,383

 

NM

 

 

 

$

220,368

 

$

219,009

 

$

1,359

 

1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

105,611

 

$

95,327

 

$

10,284

 

11

%

Interest expense

 

26,216

 

23,393

 

(2,823

)

(12

)%

Interest expense - operating partnership

 

20,290

 

17,467

 

(2,823

)

(16

)%

 


(a)   Gross margin from propane and other gas liquids sales represents “Propane and other gas liquids sales” less “Cost of product sold — propane and other gas liquids sales.”

 

NM- Not meaningful

 

Propane sales volumes during the three months ended January 31, 2010 increased 39.7 million gallons from that of the prior year period due to 23.9 million of increased gallon sales to our retail customers and 15.8 million increased gallon sales to our wholesale customers.

 

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Retail sales volumes increased 11.3 million gallons through acquisitions completed during the last twelve months and due to gallons gained from our focus on expanding our operations through an internal growth strategy. These gallon gains were somewhat offset by the impact of weather in the more highly concentrated geographic areas we serve that was 5% warmer than those of the prior year period.

 

We believe wholesale sales volumes increased due to our emphasis on expanding this portion of our business.

 

The wholesale market price at one of the major supply points, Mt. Belvieu, Texas, during the three months ended January 31, 2010, averaged 74% higher than the prior year period. The wholesale market price averaged $1.20 and $0.69 per gallon during the three months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

 

Revenues - Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

Retail sales decreased $6.4 million compared to the prior year period. This decrease resulted primarily from a $50.9 million decrease in sales price per gallon primarily due to a competitive pricing environment, offset by a $27.0 million increase from greater propane sales volumes due to the internal growth strategy, which was somewhat offset by decreased volumes due to weather and $17.6 million from gallons gained through acquisitions, each as discussed above.

 

Wholesale sales increased $20.8 million compared to the prior year period. This increase resulted primarily from a $27.2 million increase due to greater propane sales volumes as discussed above, partially offset by a $6.5 million decrease in sales price per gallon.

 

Other gas sales increased $62.4 million compared to the prior year period. This increase resulted primarily from a $45.4 million increase due to greater propane sales volumes and a $16.9 million increase in sales price per gallon.

 

Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

Retail sales gross margin decreased $18.8 million compared to the prior year period. This decrease resulted primarily from a $33.9 million decrease in gross margin per gallon primarily due to a competitive pricing environment, partially offset by a $9.6 million increase from greater propane sales volumes due to the internal growth strategy, which was somewhat offset by decreased volumes due to weather and $5.5 million from gallons gained through acquisitions, each as discussed above.

 

Wholesale sales gross margin increased $10.8 million compared to the prior year period. This increase resulted primarily from a $7.6 million increase due to greater propane sales volumes as discussed above.

 

Other gas sales gross margin increased $9.4 million compared to the prior year period due to increased volumes of sales of excess inventory to other third-party customers.

 

Operating income

 

Operating income increased $10.3 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $3.8 million increase in gross margin from “Revenues: Other”, a decrease of $2.9 million in “Loss on disposal of assets and other”, a $1.7 million decrease in “Equipment lease expense” and a $1.2 million decrease in “Operating Expense”. “Revenues: Other” increased primarily due to a $5.7 million increase in miscellaneous fees, partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in gross margin on appliance sales. “Loss on disposal of assets and other” decreased primarily due to a $1.3 million decrease resulting from the timing of the disposal of field related assets and a $1.3 million decrease in losses on sales to the accounts receivable securitization facility. “Equipment lease expense” decreased primarily due to a $1.2 million decrease in computer related lease expense. “Operating expense” decreased due to $5.7 million of

 

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reduced performance based incentive expenses which was somewhat offset by increases of $2.1 million in operating costs associated with acquisitions, $1.8 million of personnel related costs and $1.1 million of insurance related costs.

 

Interest expense - consolidated

 

Interest expense increased $2.8 million primarily due to a $2.3 million increase due to the issuance of new senior debt at higher interest rates than the debt retired and due to higher interest rates on borrowings on our secured credit facility.

 

Interest expense - operating partnership

 

Interest expense increased $2.8 million primarily due to a $2.3 million increase due to the issuance of new senior debt at higher interest rates than the debt retired and due to the higher interest rates on borrowings on our secured credit facility.

 

Six months ended January 31, 2010 compared to January 31, 2009

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Six months ended January 31,

 

2010

 

2009

 

Favorable
(Unfavorable)
Variance

 

Propane sales volumes (gallons):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail — Sales to End Users

 

402,275

 

372,395

 

29,880

 

8

%

Wholesale — Sales to Resellers

 

130,956

 

113,770

 

17,186

 

15

%

 

 

533,231

 

486,165

 

47,066

 

10

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues -

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail — Sales to End Users

 

$

707,662

 

$

806,257

 

$

(98,595

)

(12

)%

Wholesale — Sales to Resellers

 

238,728

 

242,508

 

(3,780

)

(2

)%

Other Gas Sales

 

105,624

 

35,659

 

69,965

 

196

%

 

 

$

1,052,014

 

$

1,084,424

 

$

(32,410

)

(3

)%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross margin —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales: (a)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail — Sales to End Users

 

$

255,246

 

$

278,805

 

$

(23,559

)

(8

)%

Wholesale — Sales to Resellers

 

81,701

 

59,341

 

22,360

 

38

%

Other Gas Sales

 

10,167

 

6

 

10,161

 

NM

 

 

 

$

347,114

 

$

338,152

 

$

8,962

 

3

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

$

111,948

 

$

104,537

 

$

7,411

 

7

%

Interest expense

 

48,911

 

47,063

 

(1,848

)

(4

)%

Interest expense - operating partnership

 

37,059

 

35,211

 

(1,848

)

(5

)%

Debt prepayment premiums

 

17,308

 

 

(17,308

)

NM

 

 


(a) Gross margin from propane and other gas liquids sales represents “Propane and other gas liquids sales” less “Cost of product sold — propane and other gas liquids sales.”

 

NM- Not meaningful

 

Propane sales volumes during the six months ended January 31, 2010 increased 47.1 million gallons from that of the prior year period due to 29.9 million of increased gallon sales to our retail customers and 17.2 million of increased gallon sales to our wholesale customers.

 

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Retail sales volumes increased 15.5 million gallons through acquisitions completed during the last twelve months and due to gallons gained from our focus on expanding our operations through an internal growth strategy. These gallon gains were somewhat offset by the impact of weather in the more highly concentrated geographic areas we serve that was 1% warmer than those of the prior year period.

 

We believe wholesale sales volumes increased due to our emphasis on expanding this portion of our business.

 

The wholesale market price at one of the major supply points, Mt. Belvieu, Texas, during the six months ended January 31, 2010 averaged 1% more than the prior year period. The wholesale market price averaged $1.07 and $1.06 per gallon during the six months ended January 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. While the average price did not change significantly between the two periods, the movement in prices within those periods was different. The wholesale market price at Mt. Belvieu averaged $1.40 during the three months ended October 31, 2008 and $0.69 during the three months ended January 31, 2009. During that six month period, we decreased our sales price at a slower rate than the wholesale market price. Conversely, the wholesale market price at Mt. Belvieu averaged $0.95 during the three months ended October 31, 2009 and $1.20 during the three months ended January 31, 2010. During this six month period a competitive pricing environment did not allow us to increase our sales price at a similar rate as the wholesale market price increased.

 

Revenues - Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

Retail sales decreased $98.6 million compared to the prior year period. This decrease resulted primarily from a $151.2 million decrease in sales price per gallon primarily due to a competitive pricing environment and volatility experienced in the wholesale market price of propane, each as discussed above. These decreases were partially offset by a $29.4 million increase from greater propane sales volumes due to the internal growth strategy, which was somewhat offset by decreased volumes due to weather and $23.2 million from gallons gained through acquisitions, each as discussed above.

 

Wholesale sales decreased $3.8 million compared to the prior year period. This decrease resulted from a $35.1 million decrease in sales price per gallon, offset by a $31.3 million increase due to greater propane sales volumes as discussed above.

 

Other gas sales increased $70.0 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to a $73.0 million increase in propane sales volumes.

 

Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

Retail sales gross margin decreased $23.6 million compared to the prior year period. This decrease resulted primarily from a $42.5 million decrease in gross margin per gallon primarily due to a competitive pricing environment and volatility experienced in the wholesale market price of propane, each as discussed above. These decreases were partially offset by an $11.9 million increase in propane sales volumes due to the internal growth strategy, which was somewhat offset by decreased volumes due to weather and  $7.0 million from gallons gained through acquisitions, each as discussed above.

 

Wholesale sales gross margin increased $22.4 million compared to the prior year period. This increase resulted from both an $11.6 million increase in gross margin per gallon and a $10.7 million increase due to greater propane sales volumes as discussed above.

 

Other gas sales gross margin increased $10.2 million compared to the prior year period due to sales of excess inventory to other third-party customers.

 

Operating income

 

Operating income increased $7.4 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to the $9.0 million increase in “Gross margin — Propane and other gas liquids sales” as discussed above, a decrease

 

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of $3.8 million in “Loss on disposal of assets and other” and a $3.2 million decrease in “Equipment lease expense”, partially offset by a $4.3 million decrease in gross margin from “Revenues: Other” and a $4.3 million increase in “General and administrative expense.” “Loss on disposal of assets and other” decreased primarily due to $1.7 million from the timing of the disposal of field related assets and a $1.6 million decrease in losses on sales to the accounts receivable securitization facility. “Equipment lease expense” decreased primarily due to a $2.3 million decrease in computer related lease expense. “Revenues: Other” decreased primarily due to a $2.7 million decrease in margins on sales of appliances and a $0.7 million decrease in miscellaneous fees. “General and administrative expense” increased primarily due to a $1.9 million increase in performance based incentive expenses and $1.8 million non-cash stock option issuance expense allocated from Ferrell Companies. “Operating expense” decreased due to $4.8 million of reduced performance based incentive expense, $1.8 million of reduced corporate support related expenses and $1.2 million of vehicle maintenance and fuel related costs, which was somewhat offset by increases of $4.2 million of personnel related costs and $3.3 million in operating costs associated with acquisitions.

 

Interest expense - consolidated

 

Interest expense increased $1.8 million primarily due to a $2.4 million increase due to the issuance of new senior debt at higher interest rates than the debt retired and due to higher interest rates on borrowings on our secured credit facility. These increases were partially offset by a $0.8 million reduction in expense due to decreased borrowings on our secured credit facility.

 

Interest expense - operating partnership

 

Interest expense increased $1.8 million primarily due to a $2.4 million increase due to the issuance of new senior debt at higher interest rates than the debt retired and due to higher interest rates on borrowings on our secured credit facility. These increases were partially offset by a $0.8 million reduction in expense due to decreased borrowings on our secured credit facility.

 

Debt prepayment premiums

 

During October 2009, we prepaid the outstanding principal amount on our $82.0 million 7.24% series D notes due August 1, 2010 and our $70.0 million 7.42% series E notes due August 1, 2013, and the related prepayment premiums of $17.3 million.

 

Forward looking statements

 

We expect increases during the remainder of fiscal 2010 for “Operating income” and “Net earnings” as compared to the same period in fiscal 2009 primarily due to our assumption that investments in acquisitions and internal growth will improve gross margins during the remainder of fiscal 2010.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

Our liquidity and capital resources enable us to fund our working capital requirements, letter of credit requirements, debt service payments, acquisition and capital expenditures and distributions to our unitholders. Our liquidity may be affected by an inability to access the capital markets or by unforeseen demands on cash, or other events beyond our control, such as the general market disruption experienced during fiscal 2009.

 

During fiscal 2010, we completed a $300.0 million debt offering, made scheduled principal payments of $73.0 million on the series C senior notes, prepaid the outstanding principal amount of $152.0 million of our series D and E notes and entered into a new secured Credit Agreement (“secured credit facility”). The secured credit facility replaces our unsecured credit facility and provides for a $400.0 million revolving credit facility with the entire amount available for loans and with a sublimit of $200.0 million for letters of

 

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credit. Additionally, we issued $20.0 million of common units for which the proceeds were used to reduce borrowings on our credit facility. With these financings and the application of the proceeds, we have addressed all of our significant outstanding debt maturities through 2011 and increased our liquidity to finance ongoing business strategies.

 

Currently, we believe we will continue to have sufficient access to capital markets at yields acceptable to us to support our expected growth expenditures and refinancing of debt maturities. Our disciplined approach to fund necessary capital spending and other partnership needs, combined with sufficient trade credit to operate our business efficiently and available credit under our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility should provide us the means to meet our anticipated liquidity and capital resource requirements.

 

During periods of high volatility our risk management activities expose us to the risk of counterparty margin calls in amounts greater than we have the capacity to fund. Likewise our counterparties may not be able to fulfill their margin calls to us or may default on the settlement of positions with us.

 

Our working capital requirements are subject to, among other things, the price of propane, delays in the collection of receivables, volatility in energy commodity prices, liquidity imposed by insurance providers, downgrades in our credit ratings, decreased trade credit, significant acquisitions, the weather and other changes in the demand for propane. Relatively colder weather or higher propane prices during the winter heating season are factors that could significantly increase our working capital requirements.

 

Our ability to satisfy our obligations is dependent upon our future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic, financial, business and weather conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Due to the seasonality of the retail propane distribution business, a significant portion of our cash flow from operations is generated during the winter heating season. Our net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects earnings from our business activities adjusted for depreciation and amortization and changes in our working capital accounts. Historically, we generate significantly lower net cash from operating activities in our first and fourth fiscal quarters as compared to the second and third fiscal quarters due to the seasonality of our business. Subject to meeting the financial tests discussed below, our general partner believes that the operating partnership will have sufficient funds available to meet its obligations, and to distribute to Ferrellgas Partners sufficient funds to permit Ferrellgas Partners to meet its obligations in the remainder of fiscal 2010.

 

Subject to the risk factors identified in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K, our general partner believes the operating partnership will have sufficient funds available to distribute to Ferrellgas Partners sufficient cash to pay the minimum quarterly distribution on all of its common units in the remainder of fiscal 2010. A quarterly distribution of $0.50 is expected to be paid on March 17, 2010, to all common units that were outstanding on March 10, 2010. This represents the sixty-second consecutive minimum quarterly distribution paid to our common unitholders dating back to October 1994.

 

Our secured credit facility, public debt, private debt and accounts receivable securitization facility contain several financial tests and covenants restricting our ability to pay distributions, incur debt and engage in certain other business transactions. In general, these tests are based on our debt-to-cash flow ratio and cash flow-to-interest expense ratio. Our general partner currently believes that the most restrictive of these tests are debt incurrence limitations under the terms of our credit and accounts receivable securitization facilities and limitations on the payment of distributions within our 8.75% senior notes due 2012. The credit and accounts receivable securitization facilities generally limit the operating partnership’s ability to incur debt if it exceeds prescribed ratios of either debt to cash flow or cash flow to interest expense. Our 8.75% senior notes restrict payments if a minimum ratio of cash flow to interest expense is not met, assuming certain exceptions to this ratio limit have previously been exhausted. This restriction places limitations on our ability to make restricted payments such as the payment of cash distributions to our unitholders. The cash flow used to determine these financial tests generally is based upon our most recent cash flow performance giving pro forma effect for acquisitions and divestitures made during the test period. Our secured credit facility, public debt, private debt and accounts receivable

 

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securitization facility do not contain early repayment provisions related to a potential decline in our credit rating.

 

As of January 31, 2010, we met all the required quarterly financial tests and covenants. Based upon current estimates of our cash flow, our general partner believes that we will be able to continue to meet all of the required quarterly financial tests and covenants during the remainder of fiscal 2010. However, we may not meet the applicable financial tests in future quarters if we were to experience:

 

·                  significantly warmer than normal winter temperatures;

·                  a continued volatile energy commodity cost environment;

·                  an unexpected downturn in business operations;

·                  a continuance of the current economic downturn in the United States; or

·                  a material downturn in the credit and/or equity markets.

 

Failure to meet applicable financial tests could have a materially adverse effect on our operating capacity and cash flows and could restrict our ability to incur debt or to make cash distributions to our unitholders, even if sufficient funds were available. Depending on the circumstances, we may consider alternatives to permit the incurrence of debt or the continued payment of the quarterly cash distribution to our unitholders. No assurances can be given, however, that such alternatives can or will be implemented with respect to any given quarter.

 

We expect our future capital expenditures and working capital needs to be provided by a combination of cash generated from future operations, existing cash balances, the secured credit facility or the accounts receivable securitization facility. See additional information about the accounts receivable securitization facility in “Operating Activities — Accounts receivable securitization.” In order to reduce existing indebtedness, fund future acquisitions and expansive capital projects, we may obtain funds from our facilities, we may issue additional debt to the extent permitted under existing financing arrangements or we may issue additional equity securities, including, among others, common units.

 

Toward this purpose, the following registration statements were effective upon filing or declared effective by the SEC:

 

·                  a shelf registration statement for the periodic sale of up to $750.0 million in common units, debt securities and/or other securities; Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. may, at our election, be the co-issuer and co-obligor on any debt securities issued by Ferrellgas Partners under this shelf registration statement; as of January 31, 2010, we had $730.0 million available under this shelf registration statement; and

 

·                  an “acquisition” shelf registration statement for the periodic sale of up to $250.0 million in common units to fund acquisitions; as of January 31, 2010 we had $231.5 million available under this shelf agreement.

 

During December 2009, a shelf registration statement with availability of $200.0 million in common units in connection with Ferrellgas Partners direct purchase and distribution reinvestment plan expired and was not renewed. We believe the availability remaining under our other shelf registration statements will provide us with adequate access to liquidity and capital resources.

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $50.5 million for the six months ended January 31, 2010, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $173.2 million for the prior year period. This decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to an $88.0 million increase in working capital requirements, a $26.0 million decrease in net funding from our accounts receivable securitization facility and a $9.6 million decrease in cash flow from operations. The increase in working capital requirements was primarily due to $59.7 million from the impact of increased sales volumes during the second quarter as well as the timing of billings and collections on accounts receivable and $50.1 million

 

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from the timing of inventory purchases. These increases in working capital requirements were somewhat offset by $13.2 million due to the timing of accounts payable disbursements. The decrease in cash flow from operations is primarily due to a decrease in net earnings resulting from the debt prepayment premiums of $17.3 million on the early redemption of our series D and E notes. The $26.0 million decrease in net funding from our accounts receivable securitization facility is primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable available for sale to the facility.

 

Accounts receivable securitization

 

Cash flows from our accounts receivable securitization facility decreased $26.0 million. We received net funding of $59.0 million from this facility during the six months ended January 31, 2010 as compared to receiving net funding of $85.0 million from this facility in the prior year period.

 

Our strategy is to maximize liquidity by utilizing the accounts receivable securitization facility along with borrowings under the operating partnership’s credit facility. See additional discussion about the operating partnership’s credit facility in “Financing Activities — Secured credit facility.” Our utilization of the accounts receivable securitization facility is limited by the amount of accounts receivable that we are permitted to transfer according to the facility agreement. This arrangement allows for the proceeds of up to $145.0 million from the sale of accounts receivable, depending on the available undivided interests in our accounts receivable from certain customers. We renewed this facility effective April 20, 2009, for a 364-day commitment with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., JS Siloed Trust and Fifth Third Bank. At January 31, 2010, we had received cash proceeds of $94.0 million related to the transfer of our trade accounts receivable to the accounts receivable securitization facility with the ability to receive cash proceeds, at our option, of an additional $5.0 million. As our trade accounts receivable increase during the winter heating season, the securitization facility permits us to receive greater proceeds as eligible trade accounts receivable increases, thereby providing additional cash for working capital needs. This transaction is reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements as a sale of accounts receivable and a retained interest in transferred accounts receivable.

 

The operating partnership

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $62.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2010, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $184.9 million for the prior year period. This decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to an $87.9 million increase in working capital requirements, a $26.0 million decrease in net funding from our accounts receivable securitization facility and a $9.7 million decrease in cash flow from operations. The increase in working capital requirements was primarily due to $59.7 million from the impact of increased sales volumes during the second quarter as well as the timing of billings and collections on accounts receivable and a $50.1 million increase from the timing of inventory purchases. These increases in working capital requirements were somewhat offset by $13.2 million due to the timing of accounts payable disbursements. The decrease in cash flow from operations is primarily due to a decrease in net earnings resulting from the debt prepayment premiums of $17.3 million on the early redemption of our series D and E notes. The $26.0 million decrease in net funding from our accounts receivable securitization facility is primarily due to a decrease in accounts receivable available for sale to the facility.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities was $60.0 million for the six months ended January 31, 2010, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $25.4 million for the prior year period. This increase in net cash used in investing activities is primarily due to increased capital expenditures related to the acquisition of propane distribution assets.

 

Acquisition expenditures

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2010, we used $40.9 million in cash for costs associated with the acquisition of propane distribution assets as compared to $0.3 million in the prior year period.

 

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Financing Activities

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2010, net cash provided by financing activities was $28.3 million compared to net cash used in financing activities of $147.2 million for the prior year period. The increase in net cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to a $129.3 million increase in the need for short term borrowings to fund working capital requirements, a $44.2 million net increase in long-term borrowings and $20.0 million of proceeds from the issuance of common units. These cash increases were somewhat offset by a $12.5 million use of cash to fund transaction costs associated with the issuance of new term debt and secured credit facility.

 

Distributions

 

Ferrellgas Partners paid a $0.50 per unit quarterly distribution on all common units, as well as the related general partner distributions, totaling $70.4 million during the six months ended January 31, 2010 in connection with the distributions declared for the three months ended July 31, 2009 and October 31, 2009. The quarterly distribution on all common units and the related general partner distributions for the three months ended January 31, 2010 of $35.5 million is expected to be paid on March 17, 2010 to holders of record on March 10, 2010.

 

Secured credit facility

 

During November 2009, we closed on a new secured credit facility that provides $400.0 million in revolving credit for loans and has a $200.0 million sublimit for letters of credit. This secured credit facility replaced our unsecured credit facility due April 2010 and will mature in November 2012.

 

The secured credit facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants and default provisions, as well as requirements with respect to the maintenance of specified financial ratios and limitations on the making of loans and investments.

 

As of January 31, 2010, we had total borrowings outstanding under this secured credit facility due November 2012 of $179.1 million, of which $82.0 million was classified as long-term debt.

 

Borrowings under the secured credit facility had a weighted average interest rate of 4.47% at January 31, 2010. All borrowings under the secured credit facility bear interest, at Ferrellgas, L.P.’s option, at a rate equal to either:

 

·                  for Base Rate Loans or Swing Line Loans, the Base Rate, which is defined as the higher of i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, ii) Bank of America’s prime rate; or iii) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1%; plus a margin varying from 2.50% to 3.25% (as of January 31, 2010, the margin was 3.00%); or

·                  for Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Eurodollar Rate, which is defined as the LIBOR Rate plus a margin varying from 3.50% to 4.25% (as of January 31, 2010, the margin was 4.00%).

 

As of January 31, 2010, the federal funds rate and Bank of America’s prime rate were 0.12% and 3.25%, respectively. As of January 31, 2010, the one-month and three-month Eurodollar Rates were 0.28% and 0.40%, respectively.

 

In addition, an annual commitment fee is payable at a per annum rate of 0.50% times the actual daily amount by which the facility exceeds the sum of (i) the outstanding amount of revolving credit loans and (ii) the outstanding amount of letter of credit obligations.

 

All standby letter of credit commitments under our secured credit facility bear a per annum rate varying from 3.5% to 4.25% (as of January 31, 2010, the rate was 4.00%) times the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit. Letter of credit fees are computed on a quarterly basis in arrears.

 

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The obligations under this secured credit facility are secured by substantially all assets of the operating partnership, the general partner and certain subsidiaries of the operating partnership but specifically excluding (a) assets that are subject to the operating partnership’s accounts receivable securitization facility, (b) the general partner’s equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners and (c) equity interest in certain unrestricted subsidiaries. Such obligations are also guaranteed by the general partner and certain subsidiaries of the operating partnership.

 

Availability under our secured and unsecured credit facilities are shown below:

 

 

 

Secured
Credit Facility

 

Unsecured
Credit Facility

 

 

 

January 31,
2010

 

July 31,
2009

 

Total borrowing capacity

 

$

400,000

 

$

448,000

 

Less: Letters of credit outstanding

 

(47,077

)

(44,444

)

Cash borrowings outstanding

 

(179,100

)

(154,700

)

Credit facility availability

 

$

173,823

 

$

248,856

 

 

Debt issuances and repayments

 

During August 2009, the operating partnership made scheduled principal payments of $73.0 million on the 8.87% Series C senior notes.

 

During September 2009, the operating partnership issued $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of new 9.125% senior notes due 2017 at an offering price equal to 98.6% of par. The proceeds from this transaction were used to fund the October 2009 note payments discussed below and to reduce credit facility borrowings.

 

During October 2009, the operating partnership prepaid the outstanding principal amount on its $82.0 million 7.24% series D notes due August 1, 2010 and its $70.0 million 7.42% series E notes due August 1, 2013 and the related prepayment premiums of $17.3 million.

 

We believe that the liquidity available from our secured credit facility and the accounts receivable securitization facility will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure, working capital and letter of credit requirements for the remainder of fiscal 2010. Additionally, we have redeemed all significant outstanding debt maturities through 2011. See “Operating Activities” for discussion about our accounts receivable securitization facility. However, if we were to experience an unexpected significant increase in these requirements, our needs could exceed our immediately available resources. Events that could cause increases in these requirements include, but are not limited to the following:

 

·                  a significant increase in the wholesale cost of propane;

·                  a significant delay in the collections of accounts receivable;

·                  increased volatility in energy commodity prices related to risk management activities;

·                  increased liquidity requirements imposed by insurance providers;

·                  a significant downgrade in our credit rating leading to decreased trade credit; or

·                  a significant acquisition.

 

If one or more of these or other events caused a significant use of available funding, we may consider alternatives to provide increased liquidity and capital funding. No assurances can be given, however, that such alternatives would be available, or, if available, could be implemented. See discussion of related risk factors in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

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The operating partnership

 

The financing activities discussed above also apply to the operating partnership except for cash flows related to distributions and contributions received, as discussed below.

 

Distributions

 

The operating partnership paid cash distributions of $82.1 million during the six months ended January 31, 2010. The operating partnership expects to pay cash distributions of $35.5 million on March 17, 2010.

 

Disclosures about Effects of Transactions with Related Parties

 

We have no employees and are managed and controlled by our general partner. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, our general partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on our behalf, and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to us or otherwise reasonably incurred by our general partner in connection with operating our business. These reimbursable costs, which totaled $124.1 million for the six months ended January 31, 2010, include operating expenses such as compensation and benefits paid to employees of our general partner who perform services on our behalf, as well as related general and administrative expenses.

 

Related party common unitholder information consisted of the following:

 

 

 

Common unit
ownership at
January 31, 2010

 

Distributions paid during
the six months ended
January 31, 2010

 

Ferrell Companies (1)

 

20,080,776

 

$

20,080,776

 

FCI Trading Corp. (2)

 

195,686

 

195,686

 

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (3)

 

51,204

 

51,204

 

James E. Ferrell (4)

 

4,353,475

 

4,353,475

 

 


(1)          Ferrell Companies is the sole shareholder of our general partner.

(2)          FCI Trading Corp. is an affiliate of the general partner and is wholly-owned by Ferrell Companies.

(3)          Ferrell Propane, Inc. is wholly-owned by our general partner.

(4)   James E. Ferrell is the Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of our general partner.

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2010, Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership together paid the general partner distributions of $1.5 million.

 

On March 17, 2010 Ferrellgas Partners expects to pay distributions to Ferrell Companies, FCI Trading Corp., Ferrell Propane, Inc., James E. Ferrell (indirectly) and the general partner of $10.0 million, $0.1 million, $26 thousand, $2.2 million and $0.7 million, respectively.

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2010, we paid Fleishman-Hillard Inc. $92 thousand for marketing and communications services. Elizabeth Solberg, a member of our general partner’s Board of Directors, serves as the General Manager of Fleishman-Hillard Inc.

 

See Note H — Transactions with related parties — and Note F — Partners’ capital — to our condensed consolidated financial statements for additional discussion regarding the effects of transactions with related parties.

 

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ITEM 3.                             QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

 

We did not enter into any risk management trading activities during the six months ended January 31, 2010. Our remaining market risk sensitive instruments and positions have been determined to be “other than trading.”

 

Commodity Price Risk Management

 

Our risk management activities primarily attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase, storage, transport and sale of propane generally in the contract and spot markets from major domestic energy companies on a short-term basis. We attempt to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments and forward propane purchase and sales contracts.

 

Our risk management strategy involves taking positions in the forward or financial markets that are equal and opposite to our positions in the physical products market in order to minimize the risk of financial loss from an adverse price change. This risk management strategy is successful when our gains or losses in the physical product markets are offset by our losses or gains in the forward or financial markets. These financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.

 

Our risk management activities include the use of financial derivative instruments including, but not limited to, price swaps, options, futures and basis swaps to seek protection from adverse price movements and to minimize potential losses. We enter into these financial derivative instruments directly with third parties in the over-the-counter market and with brokers who are clearing members with the New York Mercantile Exchange. We also enter into forward propane purchase and sales contracts with counterparties. These forward contracts qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception within GAAP guidance and are therefore not recorded prior to settlement on our financial statements.

 

Market risks associated with energy commodities are monitored daily by senior management for compliance with our commodity risk management policy. This policy includes an aggregate dollar loss limit and limits on the term of various contracts. We also utilize volume limits for various energy commodities and review our positions daily where we remain exposed to market risk, so as to manage exposures to changing market prices.

 

We have prepared a sensitivity analysis to estimate the exposure to market risk of our energy commodity positions. Forward contracts, futures, swaps and options outstanding as of January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, that were used in our risk management activities were analyzed assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse change in prices for the delivery month for all energy commodities. The potential loss in future earnings from these positions due to a 10% adverse movement in market prices of the underlying energy commodities was estimated at $6.3 million and $7.2 million as of January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, respectively. The preceding hypothetical analysis is limited because changes in prices may or may not equal 10%, thus actual results may differ.

 

Our sensitivity analysis includes designated hedging and the anticipated transactions associated with these hedging transactions. These hedging transactions are anticipated to be 100% effective; therefore, there is no effect on our sensitivity analysis from these hedging transactions. To the extent option contracts are used as hedging instruments for anticipated transactions we have included the offsetting effect of the anticipated transactions, only to the extent the option contracts are in the money, or would become in the money as a result of the 10% hypothetical movement in prices. All other anticipated transactions for risk management activities have been excluded from our sensitivity analysis.

 

Credit Risk

 

We maintain credit policies with regard to our counterparties for propane procurement that we believe significantly minimize overall credit risk. These policies include an evaluation of counterparties’ financial condition (including credit ratings), and entering into agreements with counterparties that govern credit guidelines.

 

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These counterparties consist of major energy companies who are suppliers, wholesalers, retailers, end users and financial institutions. The overall impact due to certain changes in economic, regulatory and other events may impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively in that counterparties may be similarly impacted. Based on our policies, exposures, credit and other reserves, management does not anticipate a material adverse effect on financial position or results of operations as a result of counterparty performance.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

At January 31, 2010 and July 31, 2009, we had $179.1 million and $154.7 million, respectively, in variable rate credit facility borrowings. Thus, assuming a one percent increase in our variable interest rate, our interest rate risk related to the borrowings on our variable rate credit facility would result in a loss in future earnings of $1.8 million for the twelve months ending January 31, 2011. The preceding hypothetical analysis is limited because changes in interest rates may or may not equal one percent, thus actual results may differ.

 

ITEM 4.             CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

 

An evaluation was performed by the management of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, were effective.

 

The management of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Based on the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the above mentioned Partnerships and Corporations have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Therefore, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide such reasonable assurances of achieving our desired control objectives, and the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner have concluded, as of January 31, 2010, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in achieving that level of reasonable assurance.

 

During the most recent fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2010, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

 

Our operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing, transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of combustible liquids such as propane. As a result, at any given time, we are threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the

 

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ordinary course of business. Currently, we are not a party to any legal proceedings other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, management is of the opinion that there are no known claims or contingent claims that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

We have been named as a defendant in lawsuits filed in multiple federal and state courts that seek to certify nationwide or statewide classes. The plaintiffs in each case generally allege that we failed to inform consumers of the amount of propane contained in propane tanks they purchased related to our Blue Rhino branded propane tank exchange activities. The federal cases have been coordinated for multidistrict treatment in the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Based on our business and consumer notification practices in our Blue Rhino tank exchange operations, we believe that all of these claims are without merit and intend to defend the claims vigorously.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

 

None.

 

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS.

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.    RESERVED.

 

ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION.

 

None.

 

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ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS.

 

The exhibits listed below are furnished as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K of the Securities Act, which are not listed, are not applicable.

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description

3.1

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of February 18, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

3.2

 

First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of March 8, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

3.3

 

Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of June 29, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

3.4

 

Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of October 11, 2006. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

3.5

 

Certificate of Incorporation of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations on March 28, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

3.6

 

Bylaws of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

3.7

 

Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P. dated as of April 7, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

3.8

 

Certificate of Incorporation of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations on January 16, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

3.9

 

Bylaws of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. adopted as of January 16, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

4.1

 

Specimen Certificate evidencing Common Units representing Limited Partner Interests. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Exhibit 3.1 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 

 

 

4.2

 

Indenture dated as of September 24, 2002, with form of Note attached, among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $170,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the Registrant’s 8 ¾% Senior Notes due 2012. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

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4.3

 

Indenture dated as of April 20, 2004, with form of Note attached, among Ferrellgas Escrow LLC, Ferrellgas Finance Escrow Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to 6 ¾% Senior Notes due 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

 

 

4.4

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. Note Purchase Agreement dated as of July 1, 1998, relating to: $109,000,000 6.99% Senior Notes, Series A, due August 1, 2005, $37,000,000 7.08% Senior Notes, Series B, due August 1, 2006, $52,000,000 7.12% Senior Notes, Series C, due August 1, 2008, $82,000,000 7.24% Senior Notes, Series D, due August 1, 2010, and $70,000,000 7.42% Senior Notes, Series E, due August 1, 2013. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

 

 

4.5

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. Note Purchase Agreement dated as of February 1, 2000, relating to: $21,000,000 8.68% Senior Notes, Series A, due August 1, 2006, $90,000,000 8.78% Senior Notes, Series B, due August 1, 2007, and $73,000,000 8.87% Senior Notes, Series C, due August 1, 2009. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

 

 

4.6

 

Indenture dated as of August 4, 2008, with form of Note attached, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to 6 ¾% Senior Notes due 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 5, 2008.

 

 

 

4.7

 

Indenture dated as of September 14, 2009 with form of Note attached, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to 9 1/8% Senior Notes due 2017. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 14, 2009.

 

 

 

4.8

 

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of September 14, 2009, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and the initial purchasers named therein. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 14, 2009.

 

 

 

4.9

 

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 4, 2008, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and the initial purchasers named therein. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 5, 2008.

 

 

 

4.10

 

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 17, 1999, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Williams Natural Gas Liquids, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

 

 

4.11

 

First Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 14, 2000, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Williams Natural Gas Liquids, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

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4.12

 

Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 6, 2001, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and The Williams Companies, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

 

 

4.13

 

Third Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 29, 2005, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and JEF Capital Management, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 30, 2005.

 

 

 

10.1

 

Credit Agreement dated as of November 2, 2009, among Ferrellgas, L.P. as the borrower, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the general partner of the borrower, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and the lenders party hereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 4, 2009.

 

 

 

10.2

 

Amended and Restated Receivable Interest Sale Agreement dated as of June 7, 2005 between Ferrellgas, L.P., as originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 8, 2005.

 

 

 

10.3

 

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Receivable Interest Sale Agreement and Subordinated Note dated as of June 6, 2006 between Ferrellgas, L.P., as originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on June 8, 2006.

 

 

 

10.4

 

Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Receivable Interest Sale Agreement dated as of August 16, 2006 between Ferrellgas, L.P., as originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 12, 2006.

 

 

 

10.5

 

Amendment No. 3 to Amended and Restated Receivable Interest Sale Agreement dated as of May 31, 2007 between Ferrellgas, L.P., as originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K Filed June 1, 2007.

 

 

 

10.6

 

Amendment No. 4 to Amended and Restated Receivable Interest Sale Agreement dated as of May 5, 2008 between Ferrellgas, L.P., as originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K Filed May 6, 2008.

 

 

 

10.7

 

Second Amended and Restated Receivable Sale Agreement dated as of April 15, 2009 between Ferrellgas, L.P., as originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K Filed April 20, 2009.

 

 

 

10.8

 

Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of June 6, 2006, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 8, 2006.

 

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10.9

 

Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of August 16, 2006, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Jupiter Securitization Company, LLC, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 18, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.10

 

Amendment No. 2 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 31, 2007, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Jupiter Securitization Company, LLC, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 1, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.11

 

Amendment No. 3 to Second Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of May 5, 2008, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., Falcon Asset Securitization Company, LLC, as assignee of Jupiter Securitization Company, LLC, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A,. as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 6, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.12

 

Third Amended and Restated Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 15, 2009, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Falcon Asset Securitization Company, LLC, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 20, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.13

 

Assignment and Amendment Agreement dated as of May 20, 2009, by and between Falcon Asset Securitization Company, LLC as assignor and JS Siloed Trust as assignee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 28, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

*

10.14

 

Ferrell Companies, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.15

 

Amended and Restated Ferrellgas Unit Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.16

 

Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective October 11, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 28, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.17

 

Employment, Confidentiality, and Noncompete Agreement dated as of July 17, 1998 by and among Ferrell Companies, Inc. as the company, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company, James E. Ferrell as the executive and LaSalle National Bank as trustee of the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2009.

 

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#

 

10.18

 

Waiver to Employment, Confidentiality, and Noncompete Agreement dated as of December 19, 2006 by and among Ferrell Companies, Inc. as the company, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company, James E. Ferrell as the executive and Greatbanc Trust Company as successor trustee to LaSalle National Bank. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 9, 2007.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.19

 

Amended and Restated Change In Control Agreement dated as of March 5, 2008 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Patrick J. Walsh as the executive. Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.25 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 7, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.20

 

Change In Control Agreement dated as of March 5, 2008 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Richard V. Mayberry as the executive. Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.28 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 7, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.21

 

Change In Control Agreement dated as of October 9, 2006 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and James E. Ferrell as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 12, 2006.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.22

 

Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2009 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Stephen L. Wambold as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.23

 

Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2009 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and James R. VanWinkle as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.24

 

Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2009 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Jennifer Boren as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.25

 

Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2009 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Tod Brown as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.26

 

Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2009 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Eugene D. Caresia as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.27

 

Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2009 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and George L. Koloroutis as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 10, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.28

 

Agreement and release dated as of December 4, 2007 by and among Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners L.P., Ferrellgas L.P. and Brian J. Kline as the employee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed December 6, 2007.

 

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#

 

10.29

 

Agreement and release dated as of March 28, 2008 by and among Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P. and Kevin T. Kelly as the employee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 28, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.30

 

Services Agreement dated as of September 26, 2008 between Samson Dental Practice Management, LLC as the client and Ferrellgas, L.P. as the provider. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2008.

 

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.31

 

Amendment No. 1 to Services Agreement dated as of May 1, 2009 between Samson Dental Practice Management, LLC as the client and Ferrellgas, L.P. as the provider. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 4, 2009.

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

31.1

 

Certification of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

31.2

 

Certification of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

31.3

 

Certification of Ferrellgas, L.P. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

31.4

 

Certification of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

32.1

 

Certification of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

32.2

 

Certification of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

32.3

 

Certification of Ferrellgas, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

32.4

 

Certification of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

 


 

*

Filed herewith

 

#

Management contracts or compensatory plans.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

 

 

 

 

By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 10, 2010

 

By

/s/ J. Ryan VanWinkle

 

 

J. Ryan VanWinkle

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;

 

 

Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 10, 2010

 

By

/s/ J. Ryan VanWinkle

 

 

J. Ryan VanWinkle

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 10, 2010

 

By

/s/ J. Ryan VanWinkle

 

 

J. Ryan VanWinkle

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer;

 

 

Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 10, 2010

 

By

/s/ J. Ryan VanWinkle

 

 

J. Ryan VanWinkle

 

 

Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

 

58