10-Q 1 fgp-20190131x10q.htm 10-Q fgp_Current Folio_10Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10‑Q

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

 

 

 

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2019

 

or

 

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

 

 

 

For the transition period from to

 

Commission file 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 ☒ No ◻

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 such files). Yes ☒ No ◻

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

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.:

 

 

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☐

 

 

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer ☐

Accelerated filer ☐

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company ☐

 

 

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. ☐

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. ☐

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 ☐ No 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. Yes  No ☐

At February 28, 2019, the registrants had common units or shares of common stock outstanding as follows:

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

97,152,665

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

H(1)(A) AND (B) OF FORM 10‑Q AND ARE THEREFORE, WITH RESPECT TO EACH SUCH REGISTRANT, FILING THIS FORM 10‑Q WITH THE REDUCED DISCLOSURE FORMAT.

 

 

 

 


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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, 2019 and July 31, 2018

2

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

3

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss – Three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

4

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Deficit – Six months ended January 31, 2019

5

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

6

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets – January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018

25

 

Condensed Statements of Operations – Three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

26

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

27

 

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

28

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018

29

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

30

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss – Three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

31

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Deficit – Six months ended January 31, 2019

32

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

33

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

34

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets – January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018

59

 

Condensed Statements of Operations – Three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

60

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

61

 

Notes to Condensed Financial Statements

62

 

 

 

ITEM 2. 

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

63

ITEM 3. 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

85

ITEM 4. 

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

86

 

 

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION 

 

ITEM 1. 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

87

ITEM 1A. 

RISK FACTORS

88

ITEM 2. 

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

88

ITEM 3. 

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

88

ITEM 4. 

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

88

ITEM 5. 

OTHER INFORMATION

88

ITEM 6. 

EXHIBITS

89

 

1


 

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, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

40,647

 

$

119,311

Accounts and notes receivable, net (including $201,717 and $120,079 of accounts receivable pledged as collateral at January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, respectively)

 

 

203,164

 

 

126,054

Inventories

 

 

89,784

 

 

83,694

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

36,616

 

 

34,862

Total current assets

 

 

370,211

 

 

363,921

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

584,334

 

 

557,723

Goodwill, net

 

 

247,478

 

 

246,098

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $407,795 and $399,629 at January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, respectively)

 

 

113,558

 

 

120,951

Other assets, net

 

 

72,539

 

 

74,588

Total assets

 

$

1,388,120

 

$

1,363,281

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT

 

 

  

 

 

  

Current liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts payable

 

$

63,639

 

$

46,820

Short-term borrowings

 

 

 —

 

 

32,800

Collateralized note payable

 

 

140,000

 

 

58,000

Other current liabilities

 

 

147,253

 

 

142,025

Total current liabilities

 

 

350,892

 

 

279,645

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

Long-term debt

 

 

2,083,031

 

 

2,078,637

Other liabilities

 

 

37,547

 

 

39,476

Contingencies and commitments (Note K)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

Partners' deficit:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Common unitholders (97,152,665 units outstanding at January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018)

 

 

(997,154)

 

 

(978,503)

General partner unitholder (989,926 units outstanding at January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018)

 

 

(69,981)

 

 

(69,792)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(9,049)

 

 

20,510

Total Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. partners' deficit

 

 

(1,076,184)

 

 

(1,027,785)

Noncontrolling interest

 

 

(7,166)

 

 

(6,692)

Total partners' deficit

 

 

(1,083,350)

 

 

(1,034,477)

Total liabilities and partners' deficit

 

$

1,388,120

 

$

1,363,281

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except unit data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

550,112

 

$

592,239

 

$

885,078

 

$

894,997

 

Midstream operations

 

 

 —

 

 

117,276

 

 

 —

 

 

238,036

 

Other

 

 

23,265

 

 

45,641

 

 

40,608

 

 

76,778

 

Total revenues

 

 

573,377

 

 

755,156

 

 

925,686

 

 

1,209,811

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

 

311,531

 

 

362,918

 

 

515,667

 

 

542,433

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 —

 

 

107,067

 

 

 

 

215,192

 

Cost of sales - other

 

 

3,422

 

 

20,787

 

 

6,469

 

 

34,489

 

Operating expense

 

 

121,219

 

 

123,716

 

 

231,550

 

 

234,178

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

19,605

 

 

25,485

 

 

38,597

 

 

51,217

 

General and administrative expense

 

 

16,342

 

 

14,891

 

 

30,521

 

 

28,055

 

Equipment lease expense

 

 

8,415

 

 

6,954

 

 

16,278

 

 

13,695

 

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

1,944

 

 

4,031

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

 

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,216

 

 

39,249

 

 

6,720

 

 

40,144

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Operating income

 

 

88,683

 

 

40,053

 

 

75,192

 

 

32,410

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(44,891)

 

 

(42,673)

 

 

(88,769)

 

 

(83,480)

 

Other income, net

 

 

86

 

 

684

 

 

105

 

 

1,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

43,878

 

 

(1,936)

 

 

(13,472)

 

 

(49,875)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 3

 

 

(162)

 

 

161

 

 

215

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

43,875

 

 

(1,774)

 

 

(13,633)

 

 

(50,090)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

531

 

 

69

 

 

38

 

 

(332)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

 

 

43,344

 

 

(1,843)

 

 

(13,671)

 

 

(49,758)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less: General partner's interest in net earnings (loss)

 

 

433

 

 

(19)

 

 

(137)

 

 

(498)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common unitholders' interest in net earnings (loss)

 

$

42,911

 

$

(1,824)

 

$

(13,534)

 

$

(49,260)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common unit

 

$

0.44

 

$

(0.02)

 

$

(0.14)

 

$

(0.51)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash distributions declared per common unit

 

$

 —

 

$

0.10

 

$

 —

 

$

0.20

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

43,875

 

$

(1,774)

 

$

(13,633)

 

$

(50,090)

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in value of risk management derivatives

 

 

(21,080)

 

 

1,072

 

 

(29,234)

 

 

23,521

 

Reclassification of (gains) losses on derivatives to earnings, net

 

 

3,807

 

 

(9,743)

 

 

(626)

 

 

(13,692)

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(17,273)

 

 

(8,671)

 

 

(29,860)

 

 

9,829

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

26,602

 

 

(10,445)

 

 

(43,493)

 

 

(40,261)

 

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

357

 

 

(19)

 

 

(263)

 

 

(234)

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

 

$

26,245

 

$

(10,426)

 

$

(43,230)

 

$

(40,027)

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ DEFICIT

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Number of units

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

Accumulated

    

Total Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

 

 

 

General

 

other

 

Partner, L.P.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common

 

Partner

 

Common

 

Partner

 

comprehensive

 

partners’

 

Non-controlling

 

Total partners’

 

    

unitholders

    

unitholder

    

unitholders

    

unitholder

    

income (loss)

    

deficit

    

interest

    

deficit

Balance at July 31, 2018

 

97,152.7

 

989.9

 

$

(978,503)

 

$

(69,792)

 

$

20,510

 

$

(1,027,785)

 

$

(6,692)

 

$

(1,034,477)

Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP compensation charges

 

 

 

 

4,599

 

 

46

 

 

 —

 

 

4,645

 

 

47

 

 

4,692

Distributions

 

 

 

 

(9,716)

 

 

(98)

 

 

 —

 

 

(9,814)

 

 

(258)

 

 

(10,072)

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

 

 

(13,534)

 

 

(137)

 

 

 —

 

 

(13,671)

 

 

38

 

 

(13,633)

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

(29,559)

 

 

(29,559)

 

 

(301)

 

 

(29,860)

Balance at January 31, 2019

 

97,152.7

 

989.9

 

$

(997,154)

 

$

(69,981)

 

$

(9,049)

 

$

(1,076,184)

 

$

(7,166)

 

$

(1,083,350)

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

5


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net loss

 

$

(13,633)

 

$

(50,090)

Reconciliation of net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

38,597

 

 

51,217

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

6,720

 

 

40,144

Unrealized gain on derivative instruments

 

 

 —

 

 

(91)

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

1,576

 

 

1,688

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

141

 

 

364

Other

 

 

6,843

 

 

4,482

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts and notes receivable, net of securitization

 

 

(78,686)

 

 

(102,315)

Inventories

 

 

(6,090)

 

 

(17,275)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(16,351)

 

 

(4,682)

Accounts payable

 

 

16,441

 

 

11,510

Accrued interest expense

 

 

(260)

 

 

304

Other current liabilities

 

 

(8,944)

 

 

13,372

Other assets and liabilities

 

 

(6,164)

 

 

(2,920)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

 

(55,118)

 

 

(36,294)

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(5,069)

 

 

(14,862)

Capital expenditures

 

 

(58,330)

 

 

(35,693)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

1,960

 

 

4,207

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(61,439)

 

 

(46,348)

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Distributions

 

 

(9,814)

 

 

(19,627)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 —

 

 

23,580

Payments on long-term debt

 

 

(1,014)

 

 

(1,267)

Net reductions in short-term borrowings

 

 

(32,800)

 

 

(7,879)

Net additions to collateralized short-term borrowings

 

 

82,000

 

 

97,000

Cash paid for financing costs

 

 

(221)

 

 

(395)

Noncontrolling interest activity

 

 

(258)

 

 

(357)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

37,893

 

 

91,055

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(78,664)

 

 

8,413

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

 

119,311

 

 

5,760

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

$

40,647

 

$

14,173

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

(unaudited)

A.    Partnership organization and formation

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”) was formed April 19, 1994, and 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, collectively referred to as “Ferrellgas,” are both Delaware limited partnerships and are governed by their respective partnership agreements. Ferrellgas Partners was formed to acquire and hold a limited partner interest in the operating partnership. As of January 31, 2019, Ferrell Companies, Inc. ("Ferrell Companies") beneficially owns 22.8 million Ferrellgas Partners common units. Ferrellgas, Inc. (the "general partner"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, has retained an approximate 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. Unless contractually provided for, creditors of the operating partnership have no recourse with regards to Ferrellgas Partners.

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 debt issued by Ferrellgas Partners. The operating partnership is the only operating subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners.

Ferrellgas is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Ferrellgas serves residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Due to seasonality, the results of operations for the six months ended January 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending July 31, 2019.

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. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. 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 included in Ferrellgas’ Annual Report on Form 10‑K for fiscal 2018.

 

7


 

B.    Summary of significant accounting policies

(1) 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 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, fair value of reporting units, recoverability of long-lived assets, assumptions used to value business combinations, fair values of derivative contracts and stock-based compensation calculations.

(2) New accounting standards:

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2014‑09

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014‑09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014‑09”). The issuance is part of a joint effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") to enhance financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, thereby, improving the consistency of requirements, comparability of practices and usefulness of disclosures. Upon adoption, Ferrellgas applied ASU 2014‑09 only to contracts that were not completed, referred to as open contracts.

Ferrellgas adopted ASU 2014‑09 beginning on August 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. This method requires that the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014‑09 be recognized in partner’s deficit at the date of adoption, August 1, 2018. ASU 2014‑09 has not materially impacted Ferrellgas’ consolidated financial statements, and as a result there was no cumulative effect to record as of the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after August 1, 2018 are presented under ASU 2014‑09, while amounts reported for prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under accounting standards in effect for those periods. See Note G - Revenue from contracts with customers for additional information related to revenues and contract costs, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures required under ASU 2014‑09.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2016‑02

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The new standard requires lessees to apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. An entity may elect the transition relief option in ASU 2018-11, “Leases: Targeted Improvements” which, among other things, provides entities with an option to recognize the cumulative-effect adjustment from the modified retrospective application to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and consequently, continue to report comparative periods in compliance with the prior guidance (ASC 840). Ferrellgas expects to elect this additional transition method.

 

Ferrellgas is continuing to evaluate the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the consolidated financial statements. Ferrellgas has made significant progress in assessing the impact of the standard and planning for the adoption and implementation. The implementation team has completed initial scoping and is substantially complete in the data gathering process of our current lease portfolio. Ferrellgas is currently performing a completeness assessment over the lease population, analyzing the financial statement impact of adopting the standards, and evaluating the impact of adoption on our existing accounting policies and disclosures. Ferrellgas believes that the adoption of this standard,

8


 

which will be effective for Ferrellgas August 1, 2019, will result in material increases to right of use assets and lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet.

 

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2016‑13

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) which requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2017‑12

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017‑12, Financial Instruments - Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities which is intended to improve the financial reporting for hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2018‑15

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018‑15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-use Software (Subtopic 350‑40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract which is intended to clarify the accounting for implementation costs related to a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.

C.    Supplemental financial statement information

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Propane gas and related products

 

$

74,964

 

$

71,180

Appliances, parts and supplies, and other

 

 

14,820

 

 

12,514

Inventories

 

$

89,784

 

$

83,694

 

In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas enters into contracts to take delivery of propane for supply procurement purposes with terms that generally do not exceed 36 months. Most of these contracts call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to take delivery of approximately 14 million gallons of propane at fixed prices.

Other assets, net consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Notes receivable, less current portion

 

$

27,646

 

$

27,491

Other

 

 

44,893

 

 

47,097

Other assets, net

 

$

72,539

 

$

74,588

 

9


 

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Accrued interest

 

$

21,963

 

$

22,222

Customer deposits and advances

 

 

26,323

 

 

22,829

Other

 

 

98,967

 

 

96,974

Other current liabilities

 

$

147,253

 

$

142,025

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Operating expense

 

$

60,279

 

$

54,613

 

$

107,721

 

$

97,928

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

1,389

 

 

1,123

 

 

2,462

 

 

2,235

 

Equipment lease expense

 

 

7,869

 

 

6,296

 

 

15,388

 

 

12,364

 

 

 

$

69,537

 

$

62,032

 

$

125,571

 

$

112,527

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Cash paid for:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Interest

 

$

82,941

 

$

78,682

Income taxes

 

$

 2

 

$

12

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

  

Liabilities incurred in connection with acquisitions

 

$

1,174

 

$

1,508

Change in accruals for property, plant and equipment additions

 

$

2,815

 

$

47

 

 

A.

 

 

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

Accounts and notes receivable, net consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Accounts receivable pledged as collateral

 

$

201,717

 

$

120,079

Accounts receivable

 

 

4,651

 

 

8,272

Note receivable - current portion

 

 

126

 

 

132

Other

 

 

27

 

 

26

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

(3,357)

 

 

(2,455)

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

$

203,164

 

$

126,054

 

At January 31, 2019, $201.7 million of trade accounts receivable were pledged as collateral against $140.0 million of collateralized notes payable due to a commercial paper conduit. At July 31, 2018, $120.1 million of trade accounts receivable were pledged as collateral against $58.0 million of collateralized notes payable due to the commercial paper conduit. These accounts receivable pledged as collateral are bankruptcy remote from the operating partnership. The operating partnership does not provide any guarantee or similar support to the collectability of these accounts receivable pledged as collateral.

As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas had received cash proceeds of $140.0 million from trade accounts receivables securitized, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds or issue letters of credit. As of July 31, 2018,

10


 

Ferrellgas had received cash proceeds of $58.0 million from trade accounts receivables securitized, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds. Borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization facility had a weighted average interest rate of 5.3% and 5.2% as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, respectively.

E.    Debt

Short-term borrowings

Ferrellgas classifies borrowings on the revolving line of credit portion of its Senior Secured Credit Facility as short-term because they are used to fund working capital needs that management intends to pay down within the twelve month period following the balance sheet date. As of January 31, 2019, there were no amounts classified as short-term borrowings. As of July 31, 2018, $32.8 million was classified as short-term borrowings. For further discussion see the secured credit facility section below.

Secured credit facilities

As of January 31, 2019, the operating partnership had borrowings of $275.0 million under the Term Loan at a rate of 8.27%, which was classified as long-term debt, and no borrowings under the Revolving Facility. As of January 31, 2019, the operating partnership had available borrowing capacity under its Revolving Facility of $196.2 million. As of July 31, 2018, the operating partnership had borrowings of $275.0 million under the Term Loan at a rate of 7.86%, which was classified as long-term debt, and $32.8 million under the Revolving Facility at a rate of 9.75%, which was classified as short-term borrowings. As of July 31, 2018, the operating partnership had available borrowing capacity under its Revolving Facility of $159.3 million.

Letters of credit outstanding at January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018 totaled $103.8 million and $107.9 million, respectively, and were used to secure insurance arrangements, product purchases and commodity hedges. At January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $21.2 million. At July 31, 2018, Ferrellgas had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $17.1 million.

Debt and interest expense reduction and refinancing strategy

Ferrellgas continues to execute on a strategy to further reduce its debt and interest expense. This strategy included entering into the new Senior Secured Credit Facility and amending its accounts receivable securitization facility in May 2018 and certain asset sales during fiscal 2018. Ferrellgas continues to evaluate its options to address its leverage.

Financial covenants

The indenture governing the outstanding notes of Ferrellgas Partners and the agreements governing the operating partnership’s indebtedness contain various covenants that limit Ferrellgas Partners’ ability and the ability of specified subsidiaries to, among other things, make restricted payments and incur additional indebtedness. The general partner believes that the most restrictive of these covenants are those related to the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indenture governing the outstanding notes of Ferrellgas Partners, and the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indentures governing the outstanding notes of the operating partnership.

Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio - Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., the master limited partnership

Under the Ferrellgas Partners indenture, before a restricted payment (as defined in the indenture) can be made by Ferrellgas Partners, Ferrellgas Partners must satisfy a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio requirement or have unused capacity under a limited exception to the ratio requirement. If Ferrellgas Partners is unable to make restricted payments, Ferrellgas Partners will not have the ability to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners common unitholders.

The restricted payments covenant requires that, for Ferrellgas Partners to make a restricted payment, the ratio of trailing four quarters EBITDA to interest expense (both as adjusted for certain, specified items) of Ferrellgas Partners be at least 1.75x on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events,

11


 

subject to its ability to make restricted payments under the limited exception described below. If this pro forma ratio is below 1.75x, Ferrellgas Partners may make restricted payments of up to $50.0 million in total over a sixteen quarter period. As of January 31, 2019, the ratio was 1.38x. As a result of distributions paid to common unitholders in September 2017, December 2017, March 2018, June 2018, and September 2018, while this ratio was less than 1.75x, Ferrellgas Partners has used substantially all of its capacity under the limited exception and therefore is currently restricted by this covenant from making future restricted payments, including distributions to common unitholders. Accordingly, no distributions were paid to common unitholders in December 2018 for the three months ended October 31, 2018 and no distributions will be paid for the three months ended January 31, 2019. Unless this indenture is amended or replaced, or our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio improves to at least 1.75x this covenant will continue to restrict us from making common unit distributions.

Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio - Ferrellgas, L.P., the operating partnership

Under the operating partnership indentures, before a restricted payment (as defined in the indentures) can be made by the operating partnership to Ferrellgas Partners, the operating partnership must satisfy a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio requirement or have unused capacity under a limited exception to the ratio requirement. If the operating partnership is unable to make restricted payments, Ferrellgas Partners will not have the ability to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners common unitholders or make interest payments on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020.

The restricted payment covenants require that, for the operating partnership to make a restricted payment, the ratio of trailing four quarters EBITDA to interest expense (both as adjusted for certain, specified items) of the operating partnership be at least 1.75x on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events, subject to its ability to make restricted payments under the limited exception described below. If this pro forma ratio is below 1.75x, the operating partnership may make restricted payments in limited amounts determined under the indentures. As of January 31, 2019, the ratio was 1.67x. As a result, it’s likely the distribution that will be made by the operating partnership on June 15, 2019 for payment of interest on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020 will be made from capacity under the limited exception to the ratio requirement. The operating partnership believes that its remaining capacity under the limited exception to the ratio requirement will allow it to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners sufficient to cover interest payments on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020 through maturity of those notes.

F.    Partners’ deficit

As of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, Ferrellgas Partners limited partner units, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FGP,” were beneficially owned by the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Public common unitholders

 

69,612,939

 

69,612,939

Ferrell Companies (1)

 

22,529,361

 

22,529,361

FCI Trading Corp. (2)

 

195,686

 

195,686

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (3)

 

51,204

 

51,204

James E. Ferrell (4)

 

4,763,475

 

4,763,475


(1)

Ferrell Companies is the owner of the general partner and is an approximate 23% direct owner of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units and thus a related party. Ferrell Companies also beneficially owns 195,686 and 51,204 common units of Ferrellgas Partners held by FCI Trading Corp. ("FCI Trading") and Ferrell Propane, Inc. ("Ferrell Propane"), respectively, bringing Ferrell Companies’ beneficial ownership to 23.4% at January 31, 2019.

(2)

FCI Trading is an affiliate of the general partner and thus a related party.

(3)

Ferrell Propane is controlled by the general partner and thus a related party.

(4)

James E. Ferrell is the Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of our general partner; and is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of our general partner and a related party. JEF Capital Management owns 4,758,859 of these common units and is owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust Two and other family trusts, all of which James E. Ferrell and/or his family members are the trustees and beneficiaries. James E. Ferrell holds all voting common stock of JEF Capital Management. The remaining 4,616 common units are held by Ferrell Resources

12


 

Holdings, Inc., which is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust One, for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary.

Partnership distributions

Ferrellgas Partners has recognized the following distributions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Public common unitholders

 

$

 —

 

$

6,962

 

$

6,962

 

$

13,923

 

Ferrell Companies

 

 

 —

 

 

2,253

 

 

2,253

 

 

4,506

 

FCI Trading Corp.

 

 

 —

 

 

20

 

 

20

 

 

40

 

Ferrell Propane, Inc.

 

 

 —

 

 

 5

 

 

 5

 

 

10

 

James E. Ferrell

 

 

 —

 

 

476

 

 

476

 

 

952

 

General partner

 

 

 —

 

 

98

 

 

98

 

 

196

 

 

 

$

 —

 

$

9,814

 

$

9,814

 

$

19,627

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners paid cash distributions as detailed in the table above. Ferrellgas Partners did not declare a cash distribution related to the three months ended October 31, 2018 or related to the three months ended January 31, 2019. As discussed in Note E – Debt, Ferrellgas Partners was not permitted, pursuant to the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio under its note indenture, to make restricted payments, including distributions to unitholders.

See additional discussions about transactions with related parties in Note J – Transactions with related parties.

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”)

See Note I – Derivative instruments and hedging activities – for details regarding changes in the fair value of risk management financial derivatives recorded within AOCI for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018.

General partner’s commitment to maintain its capital account

Ferrellgas’ partnership agreements allow the general partner to have an option to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest concurrent with the issuance of other additional equity.

During the six months ended January 31, 2019, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $0.1 million to Ferrellgas to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest.

During the six months ended January 31, 2018, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $0.2 million to Ferrellgas to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest.

G.    Revenue from contracts with customers

Ferrellgas adopted ASU 2014‑09 beginning on August 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. Ferrellgas earns revenue from contracts with customers primarily through the distribution of propane, as well as through the sale of propane related equipment and supplies. Revenues from propane and other gas liquids sales are comprised of revenue earned from the delivery of propane to tanks on customers’ premises, delivery of propane filled cylinders to customers, or from the sale of portable propane tanks to nationwide and local retailers and end use customers. Other revenues primarily include sales of appliances and other materials as well as other fees charged to customers. Upon adoption, Ferrellgas applied ASU 2014‑09 only to contracts that were not completed.

13


 

Contracts with customers

Ferrellgas’ contracts with customers are principally for the bulk delivery of propane to tanks, delivery of propane filled cylinders or the delivery of portable propane tanks to retailers. Ferrellgas sells propane to a wide variety of customers, including residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and others. Ferrellgas’ performance obligations in these contracts are generally limited to the delivery of propane thus revenues from these contracts are earned at the time product is delivered or in the case of some of Ferrellgas’ portable tank exchange retailers who have consignment agreements, at the time the tanks are sold to the end use customer. Payment is generally due within 30 days. Revenues from sales of propane are included in Propane and other gas liquids sales on the consolidated statements of operations.

Typically, Ferrellgas bills customers upon delivery and payment is generally due within 30 days. With its residential customers, Ferrellgas offers customers the ability to spread their annual heating costs over a longer period, typically twelve months. Customers who opt to spread their heating costs over a longer period are referred to as “even-pay” customers.

Ferrellgas charges other amounts to customers associated with the delivery of propane including hazardous materials fees and fuel surcharge fees. In some regions, Ferrellgas also sells appliances and related parts and fittings as well as other retail propane related services. Ferrellgas charges on an annual basis tank and equipment rental charges for customers that are using our equipment to store propane. Other revenues associated with deliveries of propane are earned at the time product is delivered. Revenues associated with sales of appliances and other materials or services are earned at the time of delivery or installation. Revenues associated with tank and equipment rentals are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over one year.

Accounting estimates related to recognition of revenue require that Ferrellgas make estimates and assumptions about various factors including credits issued for completed sales, future returns and total consideration payable in instances where we have customer incentives payable to the customer.

Disaggregation of revenue

Ferrellgas disaggregates revenues based upon the type of customer and on the type of revenue. The following table presents retail propane revenues, wholesale propane revenues and other revenues. Retail revenues result from sales to end use customers, wholesale revenues result from sales to or through resellers and all other revenues include sales of appliances and other materials, other fees charged to customers and equipment rental charges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Retail - Sales to End Users

 

$

415,827

 

$

417,472

 

$

633,591

 

$

601,266

 

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

 

115,392

 

 

128,654

 

 

209,336

 

 

227,083

 

Other Gas Sales

 

 

18,893

 

 

46,113

 

 

42,151

 

 

66,648

 

Other

 

 

23,265

 

 

45,641

 

 

40,608

 

 

76,778

 

Propane and related equipment revenues

 

$

573,377

 

$

637,880

 

$

925,686

 

$

971,775

 

 

Contract assets and liabilities

Ferrellgas’ performance obligations are generally limited to the delivery of propane for our retail and wholesale contracts. Ferrellgas’ performance obligations with respect to sales of appliances and other materials and other revenues are limited to the delivery of the agreed upon good or service. Ferrellgas does not have material performance obligations that are delivered over time, thus all of our revenue is recognized at the time the goods, including propane, are delivered or installed. Ferrellgas offers “even pay” billing programs that can create customer deposits or advances, depending on whether Ferrellgas has delivered more propane than the customer has paid for or whether the customer has paid for more propane than what has been delivered. Revenue is recognized from these customer deposits or advances to customers at

14


 

the time product is delivered. The advance or deposit is considered to be a contract asset or liability. Additionally, from time to time, we have customers that pay in advance for goods or services, and such amounts result in contract liabilities.

Ferrellgas incurs incremental commissions directly related to the acquisition or renewal of customer contracts. The commissions are calculated and paid based upon the number of gallons sold to the acquired or renewed customer. The total amount of commissions that we incur is not material and the commissions are expensed commensurate with the deliveries to which they relate, thus Ferrellgas does not capitalize these costs.

The following table presents the opening and closing balances of our receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Accounts receivable

 

$

189,151

 

$

119,818

Contract assets

 

$

18,519

 

$

8,691

Contract liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

  

  Deferred revenue (1)

 

$

35,609

 

$

29,933


(1)

Of the beginning balance of deferred revenue, $17.1 million was recognized as revenue during the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Remaining performance obligations

Ferrellgas’ remaining performance obligations are generally limited to situations where its customers have remitted payment but have not yet received deliveries of propane. This most commonly occurs in Ferrellgas’ even pay billing programs and Ferrellgas expects that these balances will be recognized within a year or less as the customer takes delivery of propane.

H.    Fair value measurements

Derivative financial instruments

The following table presents Ferrellgas’ financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, including both current and noncurrent portions, as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset (Liability)

 

 

Quoted Prices in Active

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Markets for Identical

 

Significant Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets and Liabilities

 

Observable Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

 

 

 

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Total

January 31, 2019:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Assets:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives

 

$

 —

 

$

5,848

 

$

 —

 

$

5,848

Liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives

 

$

 —

 

$

(15,148)

 

$

 —

 

$

(15,148)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2018:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Assets:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives

 

$

 —

 

$

22,470

 

$

 —

 

$

22,470

Liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives

 

$

 —

 

$

(1,910)

 

$

 —

 

$

(1,910)

 

15


 

Methodology

The fair values of Ferrellgas’ non-exchange traded commodity derivative contracts are based upon indicative price quotations available through brokers, industry price publications or recent market transactions and related market indicators.

Other financial instruments

The carrying amounts of other financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities (except for current maturities of long-term debt) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The estimated fair value of various note receivable financial instruments classified in "Other assets, net" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are approximately $24.2 million, or $3.4 million less than their carrying amount as of January 31, 2019. The estimated fair values of these notes receivable were calculated using a discounted cash flow method which relied on significant unobservable inputs. At January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of Ferrellgas’ long-term debt instruments was $1,825.1 million and $1,935.1 million, respectively. Ferrellgas estimates the fair value of long-term debt based on quoted market prices. The fair value of our consolidated debt obligations is a Level 2 valuation based on the observable inputs used for similar liabilities.

Ferrellgas has other financial instruments such as trade accounts receivable which could expose it to concentrations of credit risk. The credit risk from trade accounts receivable is limited because of a large customer base which extends across many different U.S. markets.

I.    Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Ferrellgas is exposed to certain market risks related to its ongoing business operations. These risks include exposure to changing commodity prices as well as fluctuations in interest rates. Ferrellgas utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. Of these, the propane commodity derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. Prior to the sale of Bridger Energy, LLC in January 2018, all other commodity derivative instruments were neither qualified nor were designated as cash flow hedges, therefore, changes in their fair value were recorded currently in earnings. Ferrellgas also periodically utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.

Derivative instruments and hedging activity

During the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018, Ferrellgas did not recognize any gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness and did not exclude any component of financial derivative contract gains or losses from the assessment of hedge effectiveness related to commodity cash flow hedges.

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value of derivatives in Ferrellgas’ condensed consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2019

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

    

Location

    

Fair value

    

Location

    

Fair value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

5,408

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

13,859

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Other assets, net

 

 

440

 

Other liabilities

 

 

1,289

 

 

Total

 

$

5,848

 

Total

 

$

15,148

 

16


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2018

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

    

Location

    

Fair value

    

Location

    

Fair value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

17,123

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

1,832

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Other assets, net

 

 

5,347

 

Other liabilities

 

 

78

 

 

Total

 

$

22,470

 

Total

 

$

1,910

 

Ferrellgas’ exchange traded commodity derivative contracts require cash margin deposit as collateral for contracts that are in a negative mark-to-market position. These cash margin deposits will be returned if mark-to-market conditions improve or will be applied against cash settlement when the contracts are settled. Liabilities represent cash margin deposits received by Ferrellgas for contracts that are in a positive mark-to-market position. The following tables provide a summary of cash margin balances as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2019

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

Description

    

Location

    

Amount

    

Location

    

Amount

Margin Balances

 

Prepaid expense and other current assets

 

$

10,977

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

1,734

 

 

Other assets, net

 

 

2,617

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 3

 

 

 

 

$

13,594

 

  

 

$

1,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2018

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

Description

    

Location

    

Amount

    

Location

    

Amount

Margin Balances

 

Prepaid expense and other current assets

 

$

2,851

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

12,308

 

 

Other assets, net

 

 

927

 

Other liabilities

 

 

4,235

 

 

 

 

$

3,778

 

  

 

$

16,543

 

The following table provides a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas’ condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018 due to derivatives that were designated as fair value hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain Recognized on

 

Recognized on Fixed-Rated Debt

 

 

Location of Gain

 

Derivative

 

(Related Hedged Item)

 

    

Recognized on

    

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

Derivative Instrument

    

Derivative

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Interest rate swap agreements

 

Interest expense

 

$

 —

 

$

88

 

$

 —

 

$

(2,275)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Interest Expense

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain Recognized on

 

Recognized on Fixed-Rated Debt

 

 

Location of Amounts

 

Derivative

 

(Related Hedged Item)

 

    

Recognized on

    

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

Derivative Instrument

    

Derivative

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Interest rate swap agreements

 

Interest expense

 

$

 —

 

$

226

 

$

 —

 

$

(4,550)

 

17


 

The following tables provide a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas’ condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018 due to derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

 

 

    

 

    

Amount of Gain (Loss) 

 

 

Amount of Gain

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from

 

 

(Loss) Recognized in

 

Reclassified from 

 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

AOCI

    

AOCI into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

 

$

(21,080)

 

Cost of product sold- propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

3,807

 

$

 —

 

 

$

(21,080)

 

 

 

$

3,807

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from

 

 

Recognized in

 

Reclassified from

 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

AOCI

    

AOCI into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

 

$

960

 

Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

9,886

 

$

 —

Interest rate swap agreements

 

 

112

 

Interest expense

 

 

(143)

 

 

 —

 

 

$

1,072

 

 

 

$

9,743

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from

 

 

Recognized in

 

Reclassified from 

 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

AOCI

    

AOCI into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

 

$

(29,234)

 

Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

(626)

 

$

 —

 

 

$

(29,234)

 

 

 

$

(626)

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from

 

 

Recognized in

 

Reclassified from

 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

AOCI

    

AOCI into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

 

$

23,283

 

Cost of product sold- propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

14,018

 

$

 —

Interest rate swap agreements

 

 

238

 

Interest expense

 

 

(326)

 

 

 —

 

 

$

23,521

 

 

 

$

13,692

 

$

 —

 

The following table provides a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas’ condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018 due to the change in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

Amount of Gain (Loss)

    

Location of Gain (Loss) 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

Recognized in Income

 

Reclassified in Income

Commodity derivatives - crude oil

 

$

 —

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

18


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2018

 

    

Amount of Gain (Loss)

    

Location of Gain (Loss) 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

    

Recognized in Income

    

Reclassified in Income

Commodity derivatives - crude oil

 

$

(2,080)

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

Amount of Gain (Loss)

    

Location of Gain (Loss) 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

Recognized in Income

 

Reclassified in Income

Commodity derivatives - crude oil

 

$

 —

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2018

 

    

Amount of Gain (Loss)

    

Location of Gain (Loss) 

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

 

Recognized in Income

 

Reclassified in Income

Commodity derivatives - crude oil

 

$

(3,470)

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

The changes in derivatives included in AOCI for the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

Gains and losses on derivatives included in AOCI

    

2019

    

2018

Beginning balance

 

$

20,560

 

$

14,648

Change in value of risk management commodity derivatives

 

 

(29,234)

 

 

23,283

Reclassification of gains on commodity hedges to cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales, net

 

 

(626)

 

 

(14,018)

Change in value of risk management interest rate derivatives

 

 

 —

 

 

238

Reclassification of losses on interest rate hedges to interest expense

 

 

 —

 

 

326

Ending balance

 

$

(9,300)

 

$

24,477

 

Ferrellgas expects to reclassify net losses related to the risk management commodity derivatives of approximately $8.5 million to earnings during the next 12 months. These net losses are expected to be offset by increased 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, 2019 and 2018, Ferrellgas had no reclassifications to operations resulting from the 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, 2019, Ferrellgas had financial derivative contracts covering 3.9 million barrels of propane that were entered into as cash flow hedges of forward and forecasted purchases of propane.

Derivative financial instruments credit risk

Ferrellgas is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial and commodity instruments. Ferrellgas’ counterparties principally consist of major energy companies and major U.S. financial institutions. Ferrellgas maintains credit policies with regard to its counterparties that it believes reduces its overall credit risk. These policies include evaluating and monitoring its counterparties’ financial condition, including their credit ratings, and entering into agreements with counterparties that govern credit limits. Certain of these agreements call for the posting of collateral by the counterparty or by Ferrellgas in the forms of letters of credit, parent guarantees or cash. Ferrellgas has concentrations of credit risk associated with derivative financial instruments held by certain derivative financial instrument counterparties. If these counterparties that make up the concentration failed to perform according to the terms of their contracts at January 31, 2019, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that Ferrellgas would incur is $0.5 million, which is based upon the gross fair values of the derivative financial instruments.

19


 

From time to time Ferrellgas enters into derivative contracts that have credit-risk-related contingent features which dictate credit limits based upon Ferrellgas’ debt rating. There were no open derivative contracts with credit-risk-related contingent features as of January 31, 2019.

J.    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 the 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 operations as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Operating expense

 

$

69,285

 

$

65,291

 

$

129,243

 

$

122,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

 

$

7,197

 

$

8,422

 

$

13,309

 

$

15,930

 

 

See additional discussions about transactions with the general partner and related parties in Note F – Partners’ deficit.

K.    Contingencies and commitments

Litigation

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 and, prior to the sales of midstream operations in fiscal 2018, crude oil. As a result, at any given time, Ferrellgas can be threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than as discussed below, 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 consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Ferrellgas.

Ferrellgas has been named as a defendant, along with a competitor, in putative class action lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions. The lawsuits, which were consolidated in the Western District of Missouri on October 16, 2014, allege that Ferrellgas and a competitor coordinated in 2008 to reduce the fill level in barbeque cylinders and combined to persuade a common customer to accept that fill reduction, resulting in increased cylinder costs to direct customers and end-user customers in violation of federal and certain state antitrust laws. The lawsuits seek treble damages, attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief and costs on behalf of the putative class. These lawsuits have been consolidated into one case by a multidistrict litigation panel. The Federal Court for the Western District of Missouri initially dismissed all claims brought by direct and indirect customers other than state law claims of indirect customers under Wisconsin, Maine and Vermont law. The direct customer plaintiffs filed an appeal, which resulted in a reversal of the district court’s dismissal. We filed a petition for a writ of certiorari which was denied. An appeal by the indirect customer plaintiffs resulted in the court of appeals affirming the dismissal of the federal claims and remanding the case to the district court to decide whether to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims. Ferrellgas believes it has strong defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously defend against the consolidated case. Ferrellgas does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.

Ferrellgas has been named, along with several former officers, in several class action lawsuits alleging violations of certain securities laws based on alleged materially false and misleading statements in certain of our public disclosures. The lawsuits, the first of which was filed on October 6, 2016 in the Southern District of New York, seek unspecified compensatory damages. Derivative lawsuits with similar allegations have been filed naming Ferrellgas and several

20


 

current and former officers and directors as defendants. On April 2, 2018, the securities class action lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice. On April 30, 2018, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The parties have completed briefing and are preparing for oral argument. At this time the derivative lawsuits remain stayed by agreement. Ferrellgas believes that it has defenses and will vigorously defend these cases. Ferrellgas does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuits or the derivative actions.

Ferrellgas and Bridger Logistics, LLC, have been named, along with two former officers, in a lawsuit filed by Eddystone Rail Company ("Eddystone") on February 2, 2017 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (the "EDPA Lawsuit"). Eddystone indicated that it has prevailed or settled an arbitration against Jamex Transfer Services (“JTS”), then named Bridger Transfer Services, a former subsidiary of Bridger Logistics, LLC (“Bridger”). The arbitration involved a claim against JTS for money due for deficiency payments under a contract for the use of an Eddystone facility used to offload crude from rail onto barges. Eddystone alleges that Ferrellgas transferred assets out of JTS prior to the sale of the membership interest in JTS to Jamex Transfer Holdings, and that those transfers should be avoided so that the assets can be used to satisfy the amount owed by JTS to Eddystone under the arbitration. Eddystone also alleges that JTS was an “alter ego” of Bridger and Ferrellgas. Ferrellgas believes that Ferrellgas and Bridger have valid defenses to these claims and to Eddystone’s primary claim against JTS on the contract claim. The lawsuit does not specify a specific amount of damages that Eddystone is seeking; however, Ferrellgas believes that the amount of such damage claims, if ultimately owed to Eddystone, could be material to Ferrellgas. Ferrellgas intends to vigorously defend this claim. The lawsuit is in its early stages; as such, management does not currently believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time. On August 24, 2017, Ferrellgas filed a third-party complaint against JTS, Jamex Transfer Holdings, and other related persons and entities (the "Third-Party Defendants"), asserting claims for breach of contract, indemnification of any losses in the EDPA Lawsuit, tortious interference with contract, and contribution. On June 25, 2018, Ferrellgas entered into an agreement with the Third-Party Defendants which, among other things, resulted in a dismissal of the claims against the Third-Party Defendants from the lawsuit. On January 25, 2019, Ferrellgas, Bridger Logistics, LLC and all other defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction.

L.    Net earnings (loss) per common unit

Below is a calculation of the basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common unit in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated. Ferrellgas calculates net earnings (loss) per common unit for each period presented according to distributions declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings, as if all of the earnings or loss for the period had been distributed according to the incentive distribution rights in the Ferrellgas partnership agreement. Due to the seasonality of the propane business, the dilutive effect of the two-class method typically impacts only the three months ending January 31. 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 as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of total distributions payable to:

 

Quarterly distribution per common unit

    

Common unitholder

    

General partner

 

$0.56 to $0.63

 

86.9

%  

13.1

%

$0.64 to $0.82

 

76.8

%  

23.2

%

$0.83 and above

 

51.5

%  

48.5

%

 

There was no dilutive effect resulting from this method based on basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common unit for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 or 2018.

In periods with 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 Ferrellgas Partners’ partnership agreement that would apply to periods in which there were no undistributed earnings. Additionally, there are no dilutive securities in periods with net losses.

21


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

 

 

(in thousands, except per common unit amounts)

 

Common unitholders’ interest in net earnings (loss)

 

$

42,911

 

$

(1,824)

 

$

(13,534)

 

$

(49,260)

 

Weighted average common units outstanding (in thousands)

 

 

97,152.7

 

 

97,152.7

 

 

97,152.7

 

 

97,152.7

 

Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per common unit

 

$

0.44

 

$

(0.02)

 

$

(0.14)

 

$

(0.51)

 

B.

 

C.

 

 

M.    Segment reporting

As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas has one reportable operating segment: propane operations and related equipment sales. All remaining activities are included in Corporate and other.

Following is a summary of segment information for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 2019

 

 

Propane operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and related equipment

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

    

sales

    

other

    

Total

Segment revenues

 

$

573,377

 

$

 —

 

$

573,377

Direct costs (1)

 

 

443,533

 

 

10,188

 

 

453,721

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

129,844

 

$

(10,188)

 

$

119,656

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

Propane operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and related equipment

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

    

sales

    

other

    

Total

Segment revenues

 

$

637,880

 

$

117,276

 

$

755,156

Direct costs (1)

 

 

507,386

 

 

127,143

 

 

634,529

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

130,494

 

$

(9,867)

 

$

120,627

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Six months ended January 31, 2019

 

 

Propane operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and related equipment

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

    

sales

    

other

    

Total

Segment revenues

 

$

925,686

 

$

 —

 

$

925,686

Direct costs (1)

 

 

767,127

 

 

21,062

 

 

788,189

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

158,559

 

$

(21,062)

 

$

137,497

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

Propane operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and related equipment

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

    

sales

    

other

    

Total

Segment revenues

 

$

971,775

 

$

238,036

 

$

1,209,811

Direct costs (1)

 

 

810,715

 

 

252,253

 

 

1,062,968

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

161,060

 

$

(14,217)

 

$

146,843


(1)

Direct costs are comprised of "cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales", "cost of sales- midstream operations", "cost of sales-other", "operating expense", "general and administrative expense", and "equipment lease expense" less "severance charge", "legal fees and settlements", "unrealized (non-cash) losses on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments" and "multi-employer pension plan withdrawal settlement".

22


 

Following is a reconciliation of Ferrellgas’ total segment performance measure to condensed consolidated net loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 

 

Six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

 

$

43,344

 

$

(1,843)

 

$

(13,671)

 

$

(49,758)

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 3

 

 

(162)

 

 

161

 

 

215

 

Interest expense

 

 

44,891

 

 

42,673

 

 

88,769

 

 

83,480

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

19,605

 

 

25,485

 

 

38,597

 

 

51,217

 

EBITDA

 

 

107,843

 

 

66,153

 

 

113,856

 

 

85,154

 

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

1,944

 

 

4,031

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

 

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,216

 

 

39,249

 

 

6,720

 

 

40,144

 

Other income, net

 

 

(86)

 

 

(684)

 

 

(105)

 

 

(1,195)

 

Severance costs

 

 

1,600

 

 

 —

 

 

1,600

 

 

1,663

 

Legal fees and settlements

 

 

5,608

 

 

2,118

 

 

9,172

 

 

2,118

 

Unrealized (non-cash) loss on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 —

 

 

(314)

 

 

 —

 

 

1,293

 

Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal settlement

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,524

 

 

 —

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

531

 

 

69

 

 

38

 

 

(332)

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

119,656

 

$

120,627

 

$

137,497

 

$

146,843

 

 

Following are total assets by segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Propane operations and related equipment sales

 

$

1,315,233

 

$

1,196,084

Corporate and other

 

 

72,887

 

 

167,197

Total consolidated assets

 

$

1,388,120

 

$

1,363,281

 

Following are capital expenditures by segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 2019

 

 

Propane operations and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

related equipment sales

    

Corporate and other

    

Total

Capital expenditures:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Maintenance

 

$

31,460

 

$

549

 

$

32,009

Growth

 

 

23,316

 

 

 —

 

 

23,316

Total

 

$

54,776

 

$

549

 

$

55,325

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

Propane operations and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

related equipment sales

    

Corporate and other

    

Total

Capital expenditures:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Maintenance

 

$

12,016

 

$

1,427

 

$

13,443

Growth

 

 

18,311

 

 

1,013

 

 

19,324

Total

 

$

30,327

 

$

2,440

 

$

32,767

 

 

 

 

 

23


 

N.    Subsequent events

Ferrellgas 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 require recognition or disclosure in its condensed consolidated financial statements.

24


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 —

 

 

1,850

Total assets

 

$

1,000

 

$

2,850

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingencies and commitments (Note B)

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

29,111

 

 

29,020

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(29,111)

 

 

(27,170)

Total stockholder’s equity

 

$

1,000

 

$

2,850

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

25


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

General and administrative expense

 

$

1,941

    

$

225

 

$

1,941

 

$

275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(1,941)

 

$

(225)

 

$

(1,941)

 

$

(275)

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

26


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net loss

 

$

(1,941)

 

$

(275)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

1,850

 

 

 —

Cash used in operating activities

 

 

(91)

 

 

(275)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Capital contribution

 

 

91

 

 

275

Cash provided by financing activities

 

 

91

 

 

275

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Cash - beginning of period

 

 

1,000

 

 

1,000

Cash - end of period

 

$

1,000

 

$

1,000

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

27


 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

(unaudited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 presentation 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 and has no employees.

B.    Contingencies and commitments

The Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the Partnership.

The indenture governing the senior unsecured notes contains various restrictive covenants applicable to the Partnership and its subsidiaries, the most restrictive relating to additional indebtedness and restricted payments. As of January 31, 2019, the Partnership is in compliance with all requirements, tests, limitations and covenants related to this debt agreement, except for the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio.

The indenture governing the outstanding notes of the Partnership includes a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio test for the incurrence of debt and the making of restricted payments. The restricted payments covenant requires that, for the Partnership to make a restricted payment, the ratio of trailing four quarters EBITDA to interest expense (both as adjusted for certain, specified items) of the Partnership be at least 1.75x on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events, subject to its ability to make restricted payments under the limited exception described below. If this pro forma ratio is below 1.75x, the Partnership may make restricted payments of up to $50.0 million in total over a 16 quarter period. As of January 31, 2019, the ratio was 1.67x. As a result of distributions paid to common unitholders in September 2017, December 2017, March 2018, June 2018, and September 2018 while this ratio was less than 1.75x, the Partnership has used substantially all of its capacity under the limited exception and therefore is currently restricted by this covenant from making future restricted payments, including distributions to common unitholders. Accordingly, no distributions will be paid to common unitholders in December 2018 for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019. Unless this indenture is amended or replaced, or the Partnership’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio improves to at least 1.75x, this covenant will continue to restrict the Partnership from making common unit distributions.

 

28


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

40,552

 

$

119,308

Accounts and notes receivable, net (including $201,717 and $120,079 of accounts receivable pledged as collateral at January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, respectively)

 

 

203,164

 

 

126,054

Inventories

 

 

89,784

 

 

83,694

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

36,553

 

 

34,830

Total current assets

 

 

370,053

 

 

363,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

584,334

 

 

557,723

Goodwill

 

 

247,478

 

 

246,098

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $407,795 and $399,629 at January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, respectively)

 

 

113,558

 

 

120,951

Other assets, net

 

 

72,539

 

 

74,588

Total assets

 

$

1,387,962

 

$

1,363,246

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts payable

 

$

63,639

 

$

46,820

Short-term borrowings

 

 

 —

 

 

32,800

Collateralized note payable

 

 

140,000

 

 

58,000

Other current liabilities

 

 

143,319

 

 

138,091

Total current liabilities

 

 

346,958

 

 

275,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

1,730,468

 

 

1,728,137

Other liabilities

 

 

37,547

 

 

39,476

Contingencies and commitments (Note K)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ deficit:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Limited partner

 

 

(710,796)

 

 

(693,896)

General partner

 

 

(7,088)

 

 

(6,915)

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(9,127)

 

 

20,733

Total partners’ deficit

 

 

(727,011)

 

 

(680,078)

Total liabilities and partners’ deficit

 

$

1,387,962

 

$

1,363,246

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

29


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

550,112

 

$

592,239

 

$

885,078

 

$

894,997

 

Midstream operations

 

 

 —

 

 

117,276

 

 

 —

 

 

238,036

 

Other

 

 

23,265

 

 

45,641

 

 

40,608

 

 

76,778

 

Total revenues

 

 

573,377

 

 

755,156

 

 

925,686

 

 

1,209,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

 

311,531

 

 

362,918

 

 

515,667

 

 

542,433

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 —

 

 

107,067

 

 

 —

 

 

215,192

 

Cost of sales - other

 

 

3,422

 

 

20,787

 

 

6,469

 

 

34,489

 

Operating expense

 

 

121,219

 

 

123,716

 

 

231,550

 

 

234,178

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

19,605

 

 

25,485

 

 

38,597

 

 

51,217

 

General and administrative expense

 

 

16,341

 

 

14,890

 

 

30,516

 

 

28,054

 

Equipment lease expense

 

 

8,415

 

 

6,954

 

 

16,278

 

 

13,695

 

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

1,944

 

 

4,031

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

 

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,216

 

 

39,249

 

 

6,720

 

 

40,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

88,684

 

 

40,054

 

 

75,197

 

 

32,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(36,150)

 

 

(34,058)

 

 

(71,345)

 

 

(66,254)

 

Other income, net

 

 

86

 

 

684

 

 

105

 

 

1,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

52,620

 

 

6,680

 

 

3,957

 

 

(32,648)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 3

 

 

(167)

 

 

154

 

 

204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

52,617

 

$

6,847

 

$

3,803

 

$

(32,852)

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

30


 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

52,617

 

$

6,847

 

$

3,803

 

$

(32,852)

 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

Change in value of risk management derivatives

 

 

(21,080)

 

 

1,072

 

 

(29,234)

 

 

23,521

 

Reclassification of (gains) losses on derivatives to earnings, net

 

 

3,807

 

 

(9,743)

 

 

(626)

 

 

(13,692)

 

Other comprehensive income (loss)

 

 

(17,273)

 

 

(8,671)

 

 

(29,860)

 

 

9,829

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

35,344

 

$

(1,824)

 

$

(26,057)

 

$

(23,023)

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

31


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ DEFICIT

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other

 

Total

 

 

Limited

 

General

 

comprehensive

 

partners’

 

    

partner

    

partner

    

income (loss)

    

deficit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at July 31, 2018

 

$

(693,896)

 

$

(6,915)

 

$

20,733

 

$

(680,078)

Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP compensation charges

 

 

4,645

 

 

47

 

 

 —

 

 

4,692

Distributions

 

 

(25,310)

 

 

(258)

 

 

 —

 

 

(25,568)

Net earnings

 

 

3,765

 

 

38

 

 

 —

 

 

3,803

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(29,860)

 

 

(29,860)

Balance at January 31, 2019

 

$

(710,796)

 

$

(7,088)

 

$

(9,127)

 

$

(727,011)

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

32


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

3,803

 

$

(32,852)

Reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

38,597

 

 

51,217

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

6,720

 

 

40,144

Unrealized gain on derivative instruments

 

 

 —

 

 

(91)

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

 

1,576

 

 

1,688

Deferred income tax expense

 

 

141

 

 

364

Other

 

 

4,736

 

 

2,650

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

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts and notes receivable, net of securitization

 

 

(78,686)

 

 

(102,315)

Inventories

 

 

(6,090)

 

 

(17,275)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

(16,321)

 

 

(4,637)

Accounts payable

 

 

16,441

 

 

11,510

Accrued interest expense

 

 

(259)

 

 

304

Other current liabilities

 

 

(8,944)

 

 

13,662

Other assets and liabilities

 

 

(6,120)

 

 

(3,208)

Net cash used in operating activities

 

 

(39,714)

 

 

(20,841)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(5,069)

 

 

(14,862)

Capital expenditures

 

 

(58,330)

 

 

(35,693)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

1,960

 

 

4,207

Net cash used in investing activities

 

 

(61,439)

 

 

(46,348)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Distributions

 

 

(25,568)

 

 

(35,380)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 —

 

 

23,580

Payments on long-term debt

 

 

(1,014)

 

 

(1,267)

Net reductions in short-term borrowings

 

 

(32,800)

 

 

(7,879)

Net additions to collateralized short-term borrowings

 

 

82,000

 

 

97,000

Cash paid for financing costs

 

 

(221)

 

 

(395)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

 

22,397

 

 

75,659

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(78,756)

 

 

8,470

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

 

119,308

 

 

5,701

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

$

40,552

 

$

14,171

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

33


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(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, crude oil transportation and logistics related assets and salt water disposal wells in south Texas. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”), a publicly traded limited partnership, holds 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 debt issued by Ferrellgas, L.P.

Ferrellgas, L.P. is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Ferrellgas serves residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

Due to seasonality, the results of operations for the six months ended January 31, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending July 31, 2019.

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. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. 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 included in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10‑K for fiscal 2018.

B.    Summary of significant accounting policies

(1) 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 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, fair value of reporting units, recoverability of long-lived assets, assumptions used to value business combinations, fair values of derivative contracts and stock-based compensation calculations.

(2) New accounting standards:

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2014‑09

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014‑09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014‑09”). The issuance is part of a joint effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") to enhance financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, thereby, improving

34


 

the consistency of requirements, comparability of practices and usefulness of disclosures. Upon adoption, Ferrellgas, L.P. applied ASU 2014‑09 only to contracts that were not completed, referred to as open contracts.

Ferrellgas, L.P. adopted ASU 2014‑09 beginning on August 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. This method requires that the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2014‑09 be recognized in partner’s deficit at the date of adoption, August 1, 2018. ASU 2014‑09 has not materially impacted Ferrellgas, L.P.’s consolidated financial statements, and as a result there was no cumulative effect to record as of the date of adoption. Results for reporting periods beginning after August 1, 2018 are presented under ASU 2014‑09, while amounts reported for prior periods have not been adjusted and continue to be reported under accounting standards in effect for those periods. See Note G - Revenue from contracts with customers for additional information related to revenues and contract costs, including qualitative and quantitative disclosures required under ASU 2014‑09.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2016‑02

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The new standard requires lessees to apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. An entity may elect the transition relief option in ASU 2018-11, “Leases: Targeted Improvements” which, among other things, provides entities with an option to recognize the cumulative-effect adjustment from the modified retrospective application to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption and consequently, continue to report comparative periods in compliance with the prior guidance (ASC 840). Ferrellgas, L.P. expects to elect this additional transition method.

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. is continuing to evaluate the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the consolidated financial statements. Ferrellgas, L.P. has made significant progress in assessing the impact of the standard and planning for the adoption and implementation. The implementation team has completed initial scoping and is substantially complete in the data gathering process of our current lease portfolio. Ferrellgas, L.P. is currently performing a completeness assessment over the lease population, analyzing the financial statement impact of adopting the standards, and evaluating the impact of adoption on our existing accounting policies and disclosures. Ferrellgas, L.P. believes that the adoption of this standard, which will be effective for Ferrellgas, L.P. August 1, 2019, will result in material increases to right of use assets and lease liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet.

 

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2016‑13

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) which requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. Ferrellgas, L.P. is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2017‑12

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017‑12, Financial Instruments - Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities which is intended to improve the financial reporting for hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Ferrellgas, L.P. is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.

35


 

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2018‑15

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018‑15, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-use Software (Subtopic 350‑40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service Contract which is intended to clarify the accounting for implementation costs related to a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Ferrellgas, L.P. is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.

.

C.    Supplemental financial statement information

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Propane gas and related products

 

$

74,964

 

$

71,180

Appliances, parts and supplies, and other

 

 

14,820

 

 

12,514

Inventories

 

$

89,784

 

$

83,694

 

In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas, L.P. enters into contracts to take delivery of propane for supply procurement purposes with terms that generally do not exceed 36 months. Most of these contracts call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas, L.P. had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to take delivery of approximately 14 million gallons of propane at fixed prices.

Other assets, net consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Notes receivable, less current portion

 

$

27,646

 

$

27,491

Other

 

 

44,893

 

 

47,097

Other assets, net

 

$

72,539

 

$

74,588

 

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Accrued interest

 

 

18,029

 

 

18,288

Customer deposits and advances

 

 

26,323

 

 

22,829

Other

 

 

98,967

 

 

96,974

Other current liabilities

 

$

143,319

 

$

138,091

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Operating expense

 

$

60,279

 

$

54,613

 

$

107,721

 

$

97,928

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

1,389

 

 

1,123

 

 

2,462

 

 

2,235

 

Equipment lease expense

 

 

7,869

 

 

6,296

 

 

15,388

 

 

12,364

 

 

 

$

69,537

 

$

62,032

 

$

125,571

 

$

112,527

 

 

36


 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Cash paid for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

67,546

 

$

63,286

Income taxes

 

$

 9

 

$

 1

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

Liabilities incurred in connection with acquisitions

 

$

1,174

 

$

1,508

Change in accruals for property, plant and equipment additions

 

$

2,815

 

$

47

 

 

A.

 

 

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

Accounts and notes receivable, net consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Accounts receivable pledged as collateral

 

$

201,717

 

$

120,079

Accounts receivable

 

 

4,651

 

 

8,272

Note receivable - current portion

 

 

126

 

 

132

Other

 

 

27

 

 

26

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts

 

 

(3,357)

 

 

(2,455)

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

$

203,164

 

$

126,054

 

At January 31, 2019, $201.7 million of trade accounts receivable were pledged as collateral against $140.0 million of collateralized notes payable due to a commercial paper conduit. At July 31, 2018, $120.1 million of trade accounts receivable were pledged as collateral against $58.0 million of collateralized notes payable due to the commercial paper conduit. These accounts receivable pledged as collateral are bankruptcy remote from Ferrellgas, L.P. Ferrellgas, L.P. does not provide any guarantee or similar support to the collectability of these accounts receivable pledged as collateral.

As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas, L.P. had received cash proceeds of $140.0 million from trade accounts receivables securitized, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds or issue letters of credit. As of July 31, 2018, Ferrellgas, L.P. had received cash proceeds of $58.0 million from trade accounts receivables securitized, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds. Borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization facility had a weighted average interest rate of 5.3% and 5.2% as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, respectively.

E.    Debt

Short-term borrowings

Ferrellgas, L.P. classifies borrowings on the revolving line of credit portion of its Senior Secured Credit Facility as short-term because they are used to fund working capital needs that management intends to pay down within the twelve month period following the balance sheet date. As of January 31, 2019, there were no amounts classified as short-term borrowings. As of July 31, 2018, $32.8 million was classified as short-term borrowings. For further discussion see the secured credit facility section below.

Secured credit facilities

As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas, L.P. had borrowings of $275.0 million under the Term Loan at a rate of 8.27%, which was classified as long-term debt, and no borrowings under the Revolving Facility. As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas, L.P. had available borrowing capacity under its Revolving Facility of $196.2 million. As of July 31, 2018, Ferrellgas, L.P. had borrowings of $275.0 million under the Term Loan at a rate of 7.86%, which was classified as long-

37


 

term debt, and $32.8 million under the Revolving Facility at a rate of 9.75%, which was classified as short-term borrowings. As of July 31, 2018, Ferrellgas, L.P. had available borrowing capacity under its Revolving Facility of $159.3 million.

Letters of credit outstanding at January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018 totaled $103.8 million and $107.9 million, respectively, and were used to secure insurance arrangements, product purchases and commodity hedges. At January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas, L.P. had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $21.2 million. At July 31, 2018, Ferrellgas, L.P. had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $17.1 million.

Debt and interest expense reduction and refinancing strategy

Ferrellgas, L.P. continues to execute on a strategy to further reduce its debt and interest expense. This strategy included entering into the new Senior Secured Credit Facility and amending its accounts receivable securitization facility in May 2018 and certain asset sales during fiscal 2018. Ferrellgas, L.P. continues to evaluate its options to address its leverage.

Financial covenants

The agreements governing Ferrellgas, L.P.’s indebtedness contain various covenants that limit Ferrellgas, L.P.’s ability and the ability of specified subsidiaries to, among other things, make restricted payments and incur additional indebtedness. The general partner believes that the most restrictive of these covenants are those related to the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indentures governing the outstanding notes of Ferrellgas, L.P.

Under the indentures governing the outstanding notes of Ferrellgas, L.P., before a restricted payment (as defined in the indentures) can be made by Ferrellgas, L.P. to Ferrellgas Partners, Ferrellgas, L.P. must be satisfy a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio requirement or have unused capacity under a limited exception to the ratio requirement. If Ferrellgas, L.P. is unable to make restricted payments, Ferrellgas Partners will not have the ability to make distributions to its common unitholders or make interest payments on its unsecured senior notes due 2020.

The restricted payments covenants require that, for Ferrellgas, L.P. to make a restricted payment, the ratio of trailing four quarters EBITDA to interest expense (both as adjusted for certain, specified items) of Ferrellgas, L.P. be at least 1.75x on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events, subject to its ability to make restricted payments under the limited exception described below. If this pro forma ratio is below 1.75x, Ferrellgas, L.P. may make restricted payments in limited amounts determined under the indentures. As of January 31, 2019, the ratio was 1.67x. As a result, it’s likely the distribution that will be made by Ferrellgas, L.P. on June 15, 2019 for payment of interest on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020 will be made from capacity under the limited exception to the ratio requirement. Ferrellgas, L.P. believes that its remaining capacity under the limited exception to the ratio requirement will allow it to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners’ to cover interest payments on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020 through the maturity of those notes.

F.    Partners’ deficit

Partnership distributions

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Ferrellgas Partners

 

$

15,396

 

$

25,210

 

$

25,310

 

$

35,023

 

General partner

 

 

157

 

 

257

 

 

258

 

 

357

 

 

 

$

15,553

 

$

25,467

 

$

25,568

 

$

35,380

 

 

See additional discussions about transactions with related parties in Note J – Transactions with related parties.

38


 

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”)

See Note I – Derivative instruments and hedging activities – for details regarding changes in the fair value of risk management financial derivatives recorded within AOCI for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018.

General partner’s commitment to maintain its capital account

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s partnership agreement allows the general partner to have an option to maintain its 1.0101% general partner interest concurrent with the issuance of other additional equity.

During the six months ended January 31, 2019, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $0.1 million to Ferrellgas, L.P. to maintain its 1.0101% general partner interest.

During the six months ended January 31, 2018, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $0.1 million to Ferrellgas, L.P. to maintain its 1.0101% general partner interest.

G.    Revenue from contracts with customers

Ferrellgas, L.P. adopted ASU 2014‑09 beginning on August 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. Ferrellgas, L.P. earns revenue from contracts with customers primarily through the distribution of propane, as well as through the sale of propane related equipment and supplies. Revenues from propane and other gas liquids sales are comprised of revenue earned from the delivery of propane to tanks on customers’ premises, delivery of propane filled cylinders to customers, or from the sale of portable propane tanks to nationwide and local retailers and end use customers. Other revenues primarily include sales of appliances and other materials as well as other fees charged to customers. Upon adoption, Ferrellgas, L.P. applied ASU 2014‑09 only to contracts that were not completed.

Contracts with customers

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s contracts with customers are principally for the bulk delivery of propane to tanks, delivery of propane filled cylinders or the delivery of portable propane tanks to retailers. Ferrellgas, L.P. sells propane to a wide variety of customers, including residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and others. Ferrellgas, L.P.’s performance obligations in these contracts are generally limited to the delivery of propane thus revenues from these contracts are earned at the time product is delivered or in the case of some of Ferrellgas, L.P.’s portable tank exchange retailers who have consignment agreements, at the time the tanks are sold to the end use customer. Payment is generally due within 30 days. Revenues from sales of propane are included in Propane and other gas liquids sales on the consolidated statements of operations.

Typically, Ferrellgas, L.P. bills customers upon delivery and payment is generally due within 30 days. With its residential customers, Ferrellgas, L.P offers customers the ability to spread their annual heating costs over a longer period, typically twelve months. Customers who opt to spread their heating costs over a longer period are referred to as “even-pay” customers.

Ferrellgas, L.P. charges other amounts to customers associated with the delivery of propane including hazardous materials fees and fuel surcharge fees. In some regions, Ferrellgas, L.P. also sells appliances and related parts and fittings as well as other retail propane related services. Ferrellgas, L.P. charges on an annual basis tank and equipment rental charges for customers that are using our equipment to store propane. Other revenues associated with deliveries of propane are earned at the time product is delivered. Revenues associated with sales of appliances and other materials or services are earned at the time of delivery or installation. Revenues associated with tank and equipment rentals are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over one year.

Accounting estimates related to recognition of revenue require that Ferrellgas, L.P. make estimates and assumptions about various factors including credits issued for completed sales, future returns and total consideration payable in instances where we have customer incentives payable to the customer.

39


 

Disaggregation of revenue

Ferrellgas, L.P. disaggregates revenues based upon the type of customer and on the type of revenue. The following table presents retail propane revenues, wholesale propane revenues and other revenues. Retail revenues result from sales to end use customers, wholesale revenues result from sales to or through resellers and all other revenues include sales of appliances and other materials, other fees charged to customers and equipment rental charges.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Retail - Sales to End Users

 

$

415,827

 

$

417,472

 

$

633,591

 

$

601,266

 

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

 

115,392

 

 

128,654

 

 

209,336

 

 

227,083

 

Other Gas Sales

 

 

18,893

 

 

46,113

 

 

42,151

 

 

66,648

 

Other

 

 

23,265

 

 

45,641

 

 

40,608

 

 

76,778

 

Propane and related equipment revenues

 

$

573,377

 

$

637,880

 

$

925,686

 

$

971,775

 

 

Contract assets and liabilities

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s performance obligations are generally limited to the delivery of propane for our retail and wholesale contracts. Ferrellgas, L.P.’s performance obligations with respect to sales of appliances and other materials and other revenues are limited to the delivery of the agreed upon good or service. Ferrellgas, L.P. does not have material performance obligations that are delivered over time, thus all of our revenue is recognized at the time the goods, including propane, are delivered or installed. Ferrellgas, L.P. offers “even pay” billing programs that can create customer deposits or advances, depending on whether Ferrellgas, L.P. has delivered more propane than the customer has paid for or whether the customer has paid for more propane than what has been delivered. Revenue is recognized from these customer deposits or advances to customers at the time product is delivered. The advance or deposit is considered to be a contract asset or liability. Additionally, from time to time, we have customers that pay in advance for goods or services, and such amounts result in contract liabilities.

Ferrellgas, L.P. incurs incremental commissions directly related to the acquisition or renewal of customer contracts. The commissions are calculated and paid based upon the number of gallons sold to the acquired or renewed customer. The total amount of commissions that we incur is not material and the commissions are expensed commensurate with the deliveries to which they relate, thus Ferrellgas, L.P. does not capitalize these costs.

The following table presents the opening and closing balances of our receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Accounts receivable

 

$

189,151

 

$

119,818

Contract assets

 

$

18,519

 

$

8,691

Contract liabilities

 

 

  

 

 

  

  Deferred revenue (1)

 

$

35,609

 

$

29,933


(1)

Of the beginning balance of deferred revenue, $17.1 million was recognized as revenue during the six months ended January 31, 2019.

Remaining performance obligations

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s remaining performance obligations are generally limited to situations where its customers have remitted payment but have not yet received deliveries of propane. This most commonly occurs in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s even pay billing programs and Ferrellgas, L.P. expects that these balances will be recognized within a year or less as the customer takes delivery of propane.

40


 

H.    Fair value measurements

Derivative financial instruments

The following table presents Ferrellgas, L.P.’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, including both current and noncurrent portions, as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Asset (Liability)

 

 

Quoted Prices in Active

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markets for Identical

 

Significant Other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets and Liabilities

 

Observable Inputs

 

Unobservable Inputs

 

 

 

 

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Total

January 31, 2019:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assets:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives

 

$

 —

 

$

5,848

 

$

 —

 

$

5,848

Liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives

 

$

 —

 

$

(15,148)

 

$

 —

 

$

(15,148)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2018:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Assets:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives

 

$

 —

 

$

22,470

 

$

 —

 

$

22,470

Liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Commodity derivatives

 

$

 —

 

$

(1,910)

 

$

 —

 

$

(1,910)

 

Methodology

The fair values of Ferrellgas, L.P.’s non-exchange traded commodity derivative contracts are based upon indicative price quotations available through brokers, industry price publications or recent market transactions and related market indicators.

Other financial instruments

The carrying amounts of other financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities (except for current maturities of long-term debt) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The estimated fair value of various note receivable financial instruments classified in "Other assets, net" on the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are approximately $24.2 million, or $3.4 million less than their carrying amount as of January 31, 2019. The estimated fair values of these notes receivable were calculated using a discounted cash flow method which relied on significant unobservable inputs. At January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, the estimated fair value of Ferrellgas, L.P.’s long-term debt instruments was $1,560.0 million and $1,591.5 million, respectively. Ferrellgas, L.P. estimates the fair value of long-term debt based on quoted market prices. The fair value of our consolidated debt obligations is a Level 2 valuation based on the observable inputs used for similar liabilities.

Ferrellgas, L.P. has other financial instruments such as trade accounts receivable which could expose it to concentrations of credit risk. The credit risk from trade accounts receivable is limited because of a large customer base which extends across many different U.S. markets.

I.    Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Ferrellgas, L.P. is exposed to certain market risks related to its ongoing business operations. These risks include exposure to changing commodity prices as well as fluctuations in interest rates. Ferrellgas, L.P. utilizes derivative

41


 

instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. Of these, the propane commodity derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. Prior to the sale of Bridger Energy, LLC in January 2018, all other commodity derivative instruments were neither qualified nor were designated as cash flow hedges, therefore, changes in their fair value were recorded currently in earnings. Ferrellgas, L.P. also periodically utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.

Derivative instruments and hedging activity

During the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018, Ferrellgas, L.P. did not recognize any gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness and did not exclude any component of financial derivative contract gains or losses from the assessment of hedge effectiveness related to commodity cash flow hedges.

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value of derivatives in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2019

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

    

Location

    

Fair value

    

Location

    

Fair value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

5,408

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

13,859

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Other assets, net

 

 

440

 

Other liabilities

 

 

1,289

 

 

Total

 

$

5,848

 

Total

 

$

15,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2018

 

 

Asset Derivatives

 

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

    

Location

    

Fair value

    

Location

    

Fair value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

$

17,123

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

1,832

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Other assets, net

 

 

5,347

 

Other liabilities

 

 

78

 

 

Total

 

$

22,470

 

Total

 

$

1,910

 

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s exchange traded commodity derivative contracts require cash margin deposit as collateral for contracts that are in a negative mark-to-market position. These cash margin deposits will be returned if mark-to-market conditions improve or will be applied against cash settlement when the contracts are settled. Liabilities represent cash margin deposits received by Ferrellgas, L.P. for contracts that are in a positive mark-to-market position. The following tables provide a summary of cash margin balances as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2019

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

Description

    

Location

    

Amount

    

Location

    

Amount

Margin Balances

 

Prepaid expense and other current assets

 

$

10,977

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

1,734

 

 

Other assets, net

 

 

2,617

 

Other liabilities

 

 

 3

 

 

 

 

$

13,594

 

  

 

$

1,737

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July 31, 2018

 

 

Assets

 

Liabilities

Description

    

Location

    

Amount

    

Location

    

Amount

Margin Balances

 

Prepaid expense and other current assets

 

$

2,851

 

Other current liabilities

 

$

12,308

 

 

Other assets, net

 

 

927

 

Other liabilities

 

 

4,235

 

 

 

 

$

3,778

 

  

 

$

16,543

 

42


 

The following table provides a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018 due to derivatives that were designated as fair value hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Interest Expense

 

 

Location of Amounts

 

Amount of Gain Recognized on

 

Recognized on Fixed-Rated Debt

 

 

Recognized on

 

Derivative

 

(Related Hedged Item)

Derivative Instrument

 

Derivative

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

    

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Interest rate swap agreements

 

Interest expense

 

$

 —

 

$

88

 

$

 —

 

$

(2,275)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Interest Expense

 

 

Location of Gain

 

Amount of Gain Recognized on

 

Recognized on Fixed-Rated Debt

 

 

Recognized on

 

Derivative

 

(Related Hedged Item)

Derivative Instrument

 

Derivative

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

    

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

Interest rate swap agreements

 

Interest expense

 

$

 —

 

$

226

 

$

 —

 

$

(4,550)

 

The following tables provide a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018 due to derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from AOCI

 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

Recognized in AOCI

    

into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

 

$

(21,080)

    

Cost of product sold- propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

3,807

 

$

 —

 

 

$

(21,080)

 

  

 

$

3,807

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from AOCI

 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

Recognized in AOCI

    

into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

 

$

960

 

Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

9,886

 

$

 —

Interest rate swap agreements

 

 

112

 

Interest expense

 

 

(143)

 

 

 —

 

 

$

1,072

 

 

 

$

9,743

 

$

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2019

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from AOCI

 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

Recognized in AOCI

    

into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

 

$

(29,234)

 

Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

(626)

 

$

 —

 

 

$

(29,234)

 

 

 

$

(626)

 

$

 —

 

43


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

 

 

 

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Reclassified from AOCI

 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

Recognized in AOCI

    

into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

 

$

23,283

 

Cost of product sold- propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

14,018

 

$

 —

Interest rate swap agreements

 

 

238

 

Interest expense

 

 

(326)

 

 

 —

 

 

$

23,521

 

 

 

$

13,692

 

$

 —

 

The following table provides a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018 due to the change in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2019

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

    

Recognized in Income

    

Reclassified in Income

Commodity derivatives - crude oil

 

$

 —

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

    

Recognized in Income

    

Reclassified in Income

Commodity derivatives - crude oil

 

$

(2,080)

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2019

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

    

Recognized in Income

    

Reclassified in Income

Commodity derivatives - crude oil

 

$

 —

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

Amount of Gain (Loss)

 

Location of Gain (Loss)

Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments

    

Recognized in Income

    

Reclassified in Income

Commodity derivatives - crude oil

 

$

(3,470)

 

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

The changes in derivatives included in AOCI for the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

Gains and losses on derivatives included in AOCI

    

2019

    

2018

Beginning balance

 

$

20,560

 

$

14,648

Change in value of risk management commodity derivatives

 

 

(29,234)

 

 

23,283

Reclassification of gains on commodity hedges to cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales, net

 

 

(626)

 

 

(14,018)

Change in value of risk management interest rate derivatives

 

 

 —

 

 

238

Reclassification of losses on interest rate hedges to interest expense

 

 

 —

 

 

326

Ending balance

 

$

(9,300)

 

$

24,477

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. expects to reclassify net losses related to the risk management commodity derivatives of approximately $8.5 million to earnings during the next 12 months. These net losses are expected to be offset by increased 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, 2019 and 2018, Ferrellgas, L.P. had no reclassifications to operations resulting from the 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.

44


 

As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas, L.P. had financial derivative contracts covering 3.9 million barrels of propane that were entered into as cash flow hedges of forward and forecasted purchases of propane.

Derivative financial instruments credit risk

Ferrellgas, L.P. is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial and commodity instruments. Ferrellgas, L.P.’s counterparties principally consist of major energy companies and major U.S. financial institutions. Ferrellgas, L.P. maintains credit policies with regard to its counterparties that it believes reduces its overall credit risk. These policies include evaluating and monitoring its counterparties’ financial condition, including their credit ratings, and entering into agreements with counterparties that govern credit limits. Certain of these agreements call for the posting of collateral by the counterparty or by Ferrellgas, L.P. in the forms of letters of credit, parent guarantees or cash. Ferrellgas, L.P. has concentrations of credit risk associated with derivative financial instruments held by certain derivative financial instrument counterparties. If these counterparties that make up the concentration failed to perform according to the terms of their contracts at January 31, 2019, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that Ferrellgas, L.P. would incur is $0.5 million, which is based upon the gross fair values of the derivative financial instruments.

From time to time Ferrellgas, L.P. enters into derivative contracts that have credit-risk-related contingent features which dictate credit limits based upon Ferrellgas, L.P.’s debt rating. There were no open derivative contracts with credit-risk-related contingent features as of January 31, 2019.

J.    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 the 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 operations as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Operating expense

    

$

69,285

    

$

65,291

 

$

129,243

 

$

122,642

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

 

$

7,197

 

$

8,422

 

$

13,309

 

$

15,930

 

 

See additional discussions about transactions with the general partner and related parties in Note F – Partners’ deficit.

K.    Contingencies and commitments

Litigation

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 and, prior to the sales of midstream operations in fiscal 2018, crude oil. As a result, at any given time, Ferrellgas, L.P. can be threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than as discussed below, 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 consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Ferrellgas, L.P.

Ferrellgas, L.P. has been named as a defendant, along with a competitor, in putative class action lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions. The lawsuits, which were consolidated in the Western District of Missouri on October 16, 2014,

45


 

allege that Ferrellgas, L.P. and a competitor coordinated in 2008 to reduce the fill level in barbeque cylinders and combined to persuade a common customer to accept that fill reduction, resulting in increased cylinder costs to direct customers and end-user customers in violation of federal and certain state antitrust laws. The lawsuits seek treble damages, attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief and costs on behalf of the putative class. These lawsuits have been consolidated into one case by a multidistrict litigation panel. The Federal Court for the Western District of Missouri initially dismissed all claims brought by direct and indirect customers other than state law claims of indirect customers under Wisconsin, Maine and Vermont law. The direct customer plaintiffs filed an appeal, which resulted in a reversal of the district court’s dismissal. We filed a petition for a writ of certiorari which was denied. An appeal by the indirect customer plaintiffs resulted in the court of appeals affirming the dismissal of the federal claims and remanding the case to the district court to decide whether to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims. Ferrellgas, L.P. believes it has strong defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously defend against the consolidated case. Ferrellgas, L.P. does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.

Ferrellgas, L.P. has been named, along with several former officers, in several class action lawsuits alleging violations of certain securities laws based on alleged materially false and misleading statements in certain of our public disclosures. The lawsuits, the first of which was filed on October 6, 2016 in the Southern District of New York, seek unspecified compensatory damages. Derivative lawsuits with similar allegations have been filed naming Ferrellgas, L.P. and several current and former officers and directors as defendants. On April 2, 2018, the securities class action lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice. On April 30, 2018, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The parties have completed briefing and are preparing for oral argument. At this time the derivative lawsuits remain stayed by agreement. Ferrellgas, L.P. believes that it has defenses and will vigorously defend these cases. Ferrellgas, L.P. does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuits or the derivative actions.

Ferrellgas, L.P. and Bridger Logistics, LLC, have been named, along with two former officers, in a lawsuit filed by Eddystone Rail Company ("Eddystone") on February 2, 2017 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (the "EDPA Lawsuit"). Eddystone indicated that it has prevailed or settled an arbitration against Jamex Transfer Services (“JTS”), then named Bridger Transfer Services, a former subsidiary of Bridger Logistics, LLC (“Bridger”). The arbitration involved a claim against JTS for money due for deficiency payments under a contract for the use of an Eddystone facility used to offload crude from rail onto barges. Eddystone alleges that Ferrellgas, L.P. transferred assets out of JTS prior to the sale of the membership interest in JTS to Jamex Transfer Holdings, and that those transfers should be avoided so that the assets can be used to satisfy the amount owed by JTS to Eddystone under the arbitration. Eddystone also alleges that JTS was an “alter ego” of Bridger and Ferrellgas, L.P. Ferrellgas, L.P. believes that Ferrellgas, L.P. and Bridger have valid defenses to these claims and to Eddystone’s primary claim against JTS on the contract claim. The lawsuit does not specify a specific amount of damages that Eddystone is seeking; however, Ferrellgas, L.P. believes that the amount of such damage claims, if ultimately owed to Eddystone, could be material to Ferrellgas, L.P. Ferrellgas, L.P. intends to vigorously defend this claim. The lawsuit is in its early stages; as such, management does not currently believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time. On August 24, 2017, Ferrellgas, L.P. filed a third-party complaint against JTS, Jamex Transfer Holdings, and other related persons and entities (the "Third-Party Defendants"), asserting claims for breach of contract, indemnification of any losses in the EDPA Lawsuit, tortious interference with contract, and contribution. On June 25, 2018, Ferrellgas, L.P. entered into an agreement with the Third-Party Defendants which, among other things, resulted in a dismissal of the claims against the Third-Party Defendants from the lawsuit. On January 25, 2019, Ferrellgas, L.P., Bridger Logistics, LLC and all other defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction.

L.    Segment reporting

As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas, L.P. has one reportable operating segment: propane operations and related equipment sales. All remaining activities are included in Corporate and other.

46


 

Following is a summary of segment information for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

Propane operations

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

and related equipment

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

 

sales

 

other

 

Total

Segment revenues

 

$

573,377

 

$

 —

 

$

573,377

Direct costs (1)

 

 

443,533

 

 

10,187

 

 

453,720

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

129,844

 

$

(10,187)

 

$

119,657

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 2018

 

    

Propane operations

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

and related equipment

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

 

sales

 

other

 

Total

Segment revenues

 

$

637,880

 

$

117,276

 

$

755,156

Direct costs (1)

 

 

507,386

 

 

127,142

 

 

634,528

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

130,494

 

$

(9,866)

 

$

120,628

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

Propane operations

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

and related equipment

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

 

sales

 

other

 

Total

Segment revenues

 

$

925,686

 

$

 —

 

$

925,686

Direct costs (1)

 

 

767,127

 

 

21,057

 

 

788,184

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

158,559

 

$

(21,057)

 

$

137,502

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 2018

 

    

Propane operations

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

and related equipment

 

Corporate and

 

 

 

 

 

sales

 

other

 

Total

Segment revenues

 

$

971,775

 

$

238,036

 

$

1,209,811

Direct costs (1)

 

 

810,715

 

 

252,252

 

 

1,062,967

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

161,060

 

$

(14,216)

 

$

146,844


(1)

Direct costs are comprised of "cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales", "cost of sales- midstream operations", "cost of sales-other", "operating expense", "general and administrative expense", and "equipment lease expense" less "severance charge", "legal fees and settlements", "unrealized (non-cash) losses on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments" and "multi-employer pension plan withdrawal settlement".

47


 

Following is a reconciliation of Ferrellgas, L.P.’s total segment performance measure to condensed consolidated net loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Three months ended January 31, 

    

Six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

$

52,617

 

$

6,847

 

$

3,803

 

$

(32,852)

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 3

 

 

(167)

 

 

154

 

 

204

 

Interest expense

 

 

36,150

 

 

34,058

 

 

71,345

 

 

66,254

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

19,605

 

 

25,485

 

 

38,597

 

 

51,217

 

EBITDA

 

 

108,375

 

 

66,223

 

 

113,899

 

 

84,823

 

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

1,944

 

 

4,031

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

 

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,216

 

 

39,249

 

 

6,720

 

 

40,144

 

Other income, net

 

 

(86)

 

 

(684)

 

 

(105)

 

 

(1,195)

 

Severance costs

 

 

1,600

 

 

 —

 

 

1,600

 

 

1,663

 

Legal fees and settlements

 

 

5,608

 

 

2,118

 

 

9,172

 

 

2,118

 

Unrealized (non-cash) loss on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 —

 

 

(314)

 

 

 —

 

 

1,293

 

Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal settlement

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,524

 

 

 —

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

119,657

 

$

120,628

 

$

137,502

 

$

146,844

 

 

Following are total assets by segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

January 31, 2019

    

July 31, 2018

Assets

 

 

  

 

 

  

Propane operations and related equipment sales

 

$

1,315,233

 

$

1,196,084

Corporate and other

 

 

72,729

 

 

167,162

Total consolidated assets

 

$

1,387,962

 

$

1,363,246

 

Following are capital expenditures by segment:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

Propane operations and

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

related equipment sales

 

Corporate and other

 

Total

Capital expenditures:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Maintenance

 

$

31,460

 

$

549

 

$

32,009

Growth

 

 

23,316

 

 

 —

 

 

23,316

Total

 

$

54,776

 

$

549

 

$

55,325

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 2018

 

    

Propane operations and

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

related equipment sales

 

Corporate and other

 

Total

Capital expenditures:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Maintenance

 

$

12,016

 

$

1,427

 

$

13,443

Growth

 

 

18,311

 

 

1,013

 

 

19,324

Total

 

$

30,327

 

$

2,440

 

$

32,767

 

 

D.

 

 

48


 

M.    Guarantor financial information

The $500.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.75% senior notes due 2023 co-issued by Ferrellgas, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. are fully and unconditionally and jointly and severally guaranteed by all of Ferrellgas, L.P.’s 100% owned subsidiaries except: (i) Ferrellgas Finance Corp; (ii) certain special purposes subsidiaries formed for use in connection with our accounts receivable securitization; and (iii) foreign subsidiaries. Guarantees of these senior notes will be released under certain circumstances, including (i) in connection with any sale or other disposition of (a) all or substantially all of the assets of a guarantor or (b) all of the capital stock of such guarantor (including by way of merger or consolidation), in each case, to a person that is not Ferrellgas, L.P. or a restricted subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P., (ii) if Ferrellgas, L.P. designates any restricted subsidiary that is a guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary, (iii) upon defeasance or discharge of the notes, (iv) upon the liquidation or dissolution of such guarantor, or (v) at such time as such guarantor ceases to guarantee any other indebtedness of either of the issuers and any other guarantor.

The guarantor financial information discloses in separate columns the financial position, results of operations and the cash flows of Ferrellgas, L.P. (Parent), Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (co-issuer), Ferrellgas, L.P.’s guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis, and Ferrellgas, L.P.’s non-guarantor subsidiaries on a combined basis. The dates and the periods presented in the guarantor financial information are consistent with the periods presented in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

49


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

As of January 31, 2019

 

    

Ferrellgas, L.P.

    

Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Parent and

 

Finance Corp.

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Issuer)

 

(Co-Issuer)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

40,305

 

$

 1

 

$

246

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

40,552

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

 

(3,661)

 

 

 —

 

 

150

 

 

206,675

 

 

 —

 

 

203,164

Intercompany receivables

 

 

(9,201)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

9,201

 

 

 —

Inventories

 

 

89,784

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

89,784

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

36,551

 

 

 —

 

 

(1)

 

 

 3

 

 

 —

 

 

36,553

Total current assets

 

 

153,778

 

 

 1

 

 

395

 

 

206,678

 

 

9,201

 

 

370,053

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

584,335

 

 

 —

 

 

(1)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

584,334

Goodwill, net

 

 

247,478

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

247,478

Intangible assets, net

 

 

113,558

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

113,558

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries

 

 

74,072

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(74,072)

 

 

 —

Other assets, net

 

 

68,659

 

 

 —

 

 

2,875

 

 

1,005

 

 

 —

 

 

72,539

Total assets

 

$

1,241,880

 

$

 1

 

$

3,269

 

$

207,683

 

$

(64,871)

 

$

1,387,962

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Current liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts payable

 

$

63,526

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

113

 

$

 —

 

$

63,639

Collateralized note payable

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

140,000

 

 

 —

 

 

140,000

Intercompany payables

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(192)

 

 

(9,009)

 

 

9,201

 

 

 —

Other current liabilities

 

 

137,417

 

 

 —

 

 

388

 

 

5,514

 

 

 —

 

 

143,319

Total current liabilities

 

 

200,943

 

 

 —

 

 

196

 

 

136,618

 

 

9,201

 

 

346,958

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

1,730,468

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,730,468

Other liabilities

 

 

37,480

 

 

 —

 

 

67

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

37,547

Contingencies and commitments

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners' capital (deficit):

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Partners' equity

 

 

(717,884)

 

 

 1

 

 

3,006

 

 

71,065

 

 

(74,072)

 

 

(717,884)

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 

(9,127)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(9,127)

Total partners' capital (deficit)

 

 

(727,011)

 

 

 1

 

 

3,006

 

 

71,065

 

 

(74,072)

 

 

(727,011)

Total liabilities and partners' capital (deficit)

 

$

1,241,880

 

$

 1

 

$

3,269

 

$

207,683

 

$

(64,871)

 

$

1,387,962

 

50


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

As of July 31, 2018

 

    

Ferrellgas, L.P.

    

Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Parent and

 

Finance Corp.

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Issuer)

 

(Co-Issuer)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

ASSETS

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Current assets:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

119,133

 

$

 1

 

$

174

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

119,308

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

 

(3,420)

 

 

 —

 

 

9,395

 

 

120,079

 

 

 —

 

 

126,054

Intercompany receivables

 

 

15,660

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(15,660)

 

 

 —

Inventories

 

 

83,694

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

83,694

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

34,050

 

 

 —

 

 

775

 

 

 5

 

 

 —

 

 

34,830

Total current assets

 

 

249,117

 

 

 1

 

 

10,344

 

 

120,084

 

 

(15,660)

 

 

363,886

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

 

557,689

 

 

 —

 

 

34

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

557,723

Goodwill, net

 

 

246,098

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

246,098

Intangible assets, net

 

 

120,951

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

120,951

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries

 

 

59,937

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(59,937)

 

 

 —

Other assets, net

 

 

63,411

 

 

 —

 

 

9,961

 

 

1,216

 

 

 —

 

 

74,588

Total assets

 

$

1,297,203

 

$

 1

 

$

20,339

 

$

121,300

 

$

(75,597)

 

$

1,363,246

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Current liabilities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Accounts payable

 

$

45,171

 

$

 —

 

$

1,547

 

$

102

 

$

 —

 

$

46,820

Short-term borrowings

 

 

32,800

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

32,800

Collateralized note payable

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

58,000

 

 

 —

 

 

58,000

Intercompany payables

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(143)

 

 

15,803

 

 

(15,660)

 

 

 —

Other current liabilities

 

 

131,702

 

 

 —

 

 

6,036

 

 

353

 

 

 —

 

 

138,091

Total current liabilities

 

 

209,673

 

 

 —

 

 

7,440

 

 

74,258

 

 

(15,660)

 

 

275,711

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

 

1,728,137

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,728,137

Other liabilities

 

 

39,471

 

 

 —

 

 

 5

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

39,476

Contingencies and commitments

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners' capital (deficit):

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Partners' equity

 

 

(700,811)

 

 

 1

 

 

12,894

 

 

47,042

 

 

(59,937)

 

 

(700,811)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

 

20,733

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

20,733

Total partners' capital (deficit)

 

 

(680,078)

 

 

 1

 

 

12,894

 

 

47,042

 

 

(59,937)

 

 

(680,078)

Total liabilities and partners' capital (deficit)

 

$

1,297,203

 

$

 1

 

$

20,339

 

$

121,300

 

$

(75,597)

 

$

1,363,246

 

51


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

For the three months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

Ferrellgas, L.P.

    

Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Parent and

 

Finance Corp.

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Issuer)

 

(Co-Issuer)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

550,112

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

550,112

Other

 

 

23,216

 

 

 —

 

 

49

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

23,265

Total revenues

 

 

573,328

 

 

 —

 

 

49

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

573,377

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

 

311,531

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

311,531

Cost of sales - other

 

 

3,308

 

 

 —

 

 

114

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,422

Operating expense

 

 

121,180

 

 

 —

 

 

39

 

 

1,884

 

 

(1,884)

 

 

121,219

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

19,493

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

112

 

 

 —

 

 

19,605

General and administrative expense

 

 

16,338

 

 

 3

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

16,341

Equipment lease expense

 

 

8,415

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

8,415

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

1,944

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,944

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,045

 

 

 —

 

 

171

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

2,216

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

89,074

 

 

(3)

 

 

(275)

 

 

(1,996)

 

 

1,884

 

 

88,684

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(34,655)

 

 

 —

 

 

(38)

 

 

(1,457)

 

 

 —

 

 

(36,150)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

96

 

 

 —

 

 

(10)

 

 

2,916

 

 

(2,916)

 

 

86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

54,515

 

 

(3)

 

 

(323)

 

 

(537)

 

 

(1,032)

 

 

52,620

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

 3

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 3

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

 

 

(863)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

863

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

53,649

 

 

(3)

 

 

(323)

 

 

(537)

 

 

(169)

 

 

52,617

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

(17,273)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(17,273)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

36,376

 

$

(3)

 

$

(323)

 

$

(537)

 

$

(169)

 

$

35,344

 

52


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

For the three months ended January 31, 2018

 

    

Ferrellgas, L.P.

    

Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Parent and

 

Finance Corp.

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Issuer)

 

(Co-Issuer)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

592,275

 

$

 —

 

$

(36)

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

592,239

Midstream operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

117,276

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

117,276

Other

 

 

22,707

 

 

 —

 

 

22,934

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

45,641

Total revenues

 

 

614,982

 

 

 —

 

 

140,174

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

755,156

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

 

362,927

 

 

 —

 

 

(9)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

362,918

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

107,067

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

107,067

Cost of sales - other

 

 

2,853

 

 

 —

 

 

17,934

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

20,787

Operating expense

 

 

114,096

 

 

 —

 

 

9,795

 

 

1,833

 

 

(2,008)

 

 

123,716

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

18,521

 

 

 —

 

 

6,893

 

 

71

 

 

 —

 

 

25,485

General and administrative expense

 

 

13,833

 

 

 3

 

 

1,054

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

14,890

Equipment lease expense

 

 

6,862

 

 

 —

 

 

92

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

6,954

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

4,031

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,031

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

10,005

 

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

555

 

 

 —

 

 

38,694

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

39,249

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

91,304

 

 

(3)

 

 

(51,351)

 

 

(1,904)

 

 

2,008

 

 

40,054

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(21,212)

 

 

 —

 

 

(11,739)

 

 

(1,107)

 

 

 —

 

 

(34,058)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

408

 

 

 —

 

 

276

 

 

2,008

 

 

(2,008)

 

 

684

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

70,500

 

 

(3)

 

 

(62,814)

 

 

(1,003)

 

 

 —

 

 

6,680

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

82

 

 

 —

 

 

(249)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(167)

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiaries

 

 

(63,571)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

63,571

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

6,847

 

 

(3)

 

 

(62,565)

 

 

(1,003)

 

 

63,571

 

 

6,847

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

(8,671)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(8,671)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(1,824)

 

$

(3)

 

$

(62,565)

 

$

(1,003)

 

$

63,571

 

$

(1,824)

 

53


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

Ferrellgas, L.P.

    

Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Parent and

 

Finance Corp.

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Issuer)

 

(Co-Issuer)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

885,078

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

885,078

Other

 

 

40,559

 

 

 —

 

 

49

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

40,608

Total revenues

 

 

925,637

 

 

 —

 

 

49

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

925,686

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

 

515,667

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

515,667

Cost of sales - other

 

 

6,355

 

 

 —

 

 

114

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

6,469

Operating expense

 

 

231,511

 

 

 —

 

 

39

 

 

2,901

 

 

(2,901)

 

 

231,550

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

38,374

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

223

 

 

 —

 

 

38,597

General and administrative expense

 

 

30,511

 

 

 5

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

30,516

Equipment lease expense

 

 

16,278

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

16,278

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

4,692

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,692

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

4,041

 

 

 —

 

 

2,679

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

6,720

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

78,208

 

 

(5)

 

 

(2,783)

 

 

(3,124)

 

 

2,901

 

 

75,197

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(69,003)

 

 

 —

 

 

(38)

 

 

(2,304)

 

 

 —

 

 

(71,345)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

115

 

 

 —

 

 

(10)

 

 

5,119

 

 

(5,119)

 

 

105

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

9,320

 

 

(5)

 

 

(2,831)

 

 

(309)

 

 

(2,218)

 

 

3,957

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

154

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

154

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiary

 

 

(3,145)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

3,145

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

6,021

 

 

(5)

 

 

(2,831)

 

 

(309)

 

 

927

 

 

3,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

(29,860)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(29,860)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(23,839)

 

$

(5)

 

$

(2,831)

 

$

(309)

 

$

927

 

$

(26,057)

 

54


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

For the six months ended January 31, 2018

 

    

Ferrellgas, L.P.

    

Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Parent and

 

Finance Corp.

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Issuer)

 

(Co-Issuer)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

$

894,392

 

$

 —

 

$

605

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

894,997

Midstream operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

238,036

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

238,036

Other

 

 

39,384

 

 

 —

 

 

37,394

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

76,778

Total revenues

 

 

933,776

 

 

 —

 

 

276,035

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,209,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

 

541,746

 

 

 —

 

 

687

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

542,433

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

215,192

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

215,192

Cost of sales - other

 

 

5,562

 

 

 —

 

 

28,927

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

34,489

Operating expense

 

 

215,328

 

 

 —

 

 

19,058

 

 

3,015

 

 

(3,223)

 

 

234,178

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

36,868

 

 

 —

 

 

14,206

 

 

143

 

 

 —

 

 

51,217

General and administrative expense

 

 

24,588

 

 

 5

 

 

3,461

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

28,054

Equipment lease expense

 

 

13,510

 

 

 —

 

 

185

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

13,695

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

7,993

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

7,993

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

1,463

 

 

 —

 

 

38,681

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

40,144

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

 

86,718

 

 

(5)

 

 

(54,367)

 

 

(3,158)

 

 

3,223

 

 

32,411

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(41,606)

 

 

 —

 

 

(22,924)

 

 

(1,724)

 

 

 —

 

 

(66,254)

Other income (expense), net

 

 

623

 

 

 —

 

 

572

 

 

3,223

 

 

(3,223)

 

 

1,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

45,735

 

 

(5)

 

 

(76,719)

 

 

(1,659)

 

 

 —

 

 

(32,648)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense

 

 

72

 

 

 —

 

 

132

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

204

Equity in earnings (loss) of subsidiary

 

 

(78,515)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

78,515

 

 

 —

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

(32,852)

 

 

(5)

 

 

(76,851)

 

 

(1,659)

 

 

78,515

 

 

(32,852)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other comprehensive income

 

 

9,829

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

9,829

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

 

$

(23,023)

 

$

(5)

 

$

(76,851)

 

$

(1,659)

 

$

78,515

 

$

(23,023)

 

55


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2019

 

    

Ferrellgas, L.P.

    

Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Parent and

 

Finance Corp.

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Issuer)

 

(Co-Issuer)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

98,494

 

$

(5)

 

$

24,696

 

$

(80,899)

 

$

(82,000)

 

$

(39,714)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(5,069)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(5,069)

Capital expenditures

 

 

(58,330)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(58,330)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

1,960

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,960

Cash collected for purchase of interest in accounts receivable

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

710,497

 

 

(710,497)

 

 

 —

Cash remitted to Ferrellgas, L.P. for accounts receivable

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(792,497)

 

 

792,497

 

 

 —

Net changes in advances with consolidated entities

 

 

(56,291)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

56,291

 

 

 —

Other

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

(117,730)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(82,000)

 

 

138,291

 

 

(61,439)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Distributions

 

 

(25,568)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(25,568)

Payments on long-term debt

 

 

(1,014)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,014)

Net reductions in short-term borrowings

 

 

(32,800)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(32,800)

Net additions to collateralized short-term borrowings

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

82,000

 

 

 —

 

 

82,000

Net changes in advances with parent

 

 

 —

 

 

 5

 

 

(24,624)

 

 

80,910

 

 

(56,291)

 

 

 —

Cash paid for financing costs

 

 

(210)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(11)

 

 

 —

 

 

(221)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(59,592)

 

 

 5

 

 

(24,624)

 

 

162,899

 

 

(56,291)

 

 

22,397

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

(78,828)

 

 

 —

 

 

72

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(78,756)

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

 

 

119,133

 

 

 1

 

 

174

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

119,308

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year

 

$

40,305

 

$

 1

 

$

246

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

40,552

 

56


 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 2018

 

    

Ferrellgas, L.P.

    

Ferrellgas

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(Parent and

 

Finance Corp.

 

Guarantor

 

Non-Guarantor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Co-Issuer)

 

(Co-Issuer)

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiaries

 

Eliminations

 

Consolidated

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

$

(57,734)

 

$

(5)

 

$

13,335

 

$

120,563

 

$

(97,000)

 

$

(20,841)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

(14,862)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(14,862)

Capital expenditures

 

 

(34,391)

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,302)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(35,693)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

 

4,207

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

4,207

Cash collected for purchase of interest in accounts receivable

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

574,783

 

 

(574,783)

 

 

 —

Cash remitted to Ferrellgas, L.P. for accounts receivable

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(671,783)

 

 

671,783

 

 

 —

Net changes in advances with consolidated entities

 

 

132,748

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(132,748)

 

 

 —

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

87,702

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,302)

 

 

(97,000)

 

 

(35,748)

 

 

(46,348)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

Distributions

 

 

(35,380)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(35,380)

Proceeds from increase in long-term debt

 

 

23,580

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

23,580

Payments on long-term debt

 

 

(1,267)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(1,267)

Net reductions in short-term borrowings

 

 

(7,879)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(7,879)

Net additions to collateralized short-term borrowings

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

97,000

 

 

 —

 

 

97,000

Net changes in advances with parent

 

 

 —

 

 

 5

 

 

(12,190)

 

 

(120,563)

 

 

132,748

 

 

 —

Cash paid for financing costs

 

 

(395)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

(395)

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

(21,341)

 

 

 5

 

 

(12,190)

 

 

(23,563)

 

 

132,748

 

 

75,659

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

8,627

 

 

 —

 

 

(157)

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

8,470

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

 

 

5,327

 

 

 1

 

 

373

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

5,701

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year

 

$

13,954

 

$

 1

 

$

216

 

$

 —

 

$

 —

 

$

14,171

 

 

 

57


 

 

 

N.    Subsequent events

Ferrellgas, L.P. 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 require recognition or disclosure in its condensed consolidated financial statements.

58


 

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2019

 

July 31, 2018

ASSETS

 

 

  

 

 

  

Cash

 

$

1,100

 

$

1,100

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 —

 

 

1,500

Total assets

 

$

1,100

 

$

2,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingencies and commitments (Note B)

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

76,452

 

 

72,552

Accumulated deficit

 

 

(76,352)

 

 

(70,952)

Total stockholder's equity

 

$

1,100

 

$

2,600

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

59


 

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31, 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

 

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

General and administrative expense

 

$

3,850

 

$

3,666

 

$

5,400

 

$

5,216

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(3,850)

 

$

(3,666)

 

$

(5,400)

 

$

(5,216)

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

60


 

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended January 31, 

 

    

2019

    

2018

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(5,400)

 

$

(5,216)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

1,500

 

 

1,500

Cash used in operating activities

 

 

(3,900)

 

 

(3,716)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital contribution

 

 

3,900

 

 

3,716

Cash provided by financing activities

 

 

3,900

 

 

3,716

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net change in cash

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

Cash - beginning of period

 

 

1,100

 

 

1,100

Cash - end of period

 

$

1,100

 

$

1,100

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

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FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

(unaudited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 presentation 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 and has no employees.

B.    Contingencies and commitments

The Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the Partnership.

The indentures governing the senior notes agreements contains various restrictive covenants applicable to the Partnership and its subsidiaries, the most restrictive relating to additional indebtedness and restricted payments. The restricted payments covenants require that, for the Partnership to make a restricted payment, the ratio of trailing four quarters EBITDA to interest expense (both as adjusted for certain, specified items) of the Partnership be at least 1.75x on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events, subject to its ability to make restricted payments under the limited exception described below. If this pro forma ratio is below 1.75x, the Partnership may make restricted payments in limited amounts determined under the indentures. As of January 31, 2019, the ratio was 1.67x. As a result, it’s likely the distribution that will be made by the Partnership on June 15, 2019 for payment of interest on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020 will be made from capacity under the limited exception to the ratio requirement. the Partnership believes that its remaining capacity under the limited exception to the ratio requirement will allow it to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners’ to cover interest payments on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020 through the maturity of those notes.

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

Overview

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations relates to Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership.

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 while Ferrellgas Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the operating partnership. 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 Item 2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q, unless the context indicates otherwise:

·

“us,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” “consolidated,” or "Ferrellgas" 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;

·

"GAAP" refers to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States;

·

“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 the volume of refined fuel sold;

·

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

·

“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

63


 

common units of Ferrellgas Partners are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and our activities are primarily conducted through the operating 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 the senior notes 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 23% 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 Securities and Exchange Commission (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. Because our common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “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 consolidated financial statements and accompanying Notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for fiscal 2018 and in 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 exists one material difference between Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership: because Ferrellgas Partners has outstanding $357 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.625% senior notes due fiscal 2020, the two partnerships incur different amounts of interest expense on their outstanding indebtedness. See the statements of operations in their respective condensed consolidated financial statements.

Cautionary Note Regarding 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 the risk factors that may affect our business, financial condition or results of operations include:

·

the effect of weather conditions on the demand for propane;

64


 

·

the prices of wholesale propane, motor fuel and crude oil;

·

disruptions to the supply of propane;

·

competition from other industry participants and other energy sources;

·

energy efficiency and technology advances;

·

adverse changes in our relationships with our national tank exchange customers;

·

significant delays in the collection of accounts or notes receivable;

·

customer, counterparty, supplier or vendor defaults;

·

changes in demand for, and production of, hydrocarbon products;

·

increased trucking and rail regulations;

·

inherent operating and litigation risks in gathering, transporting, handling and storing propane;

·

our inability to complete acquisitions or to successfully integrate acquired operations;

·

costs of complying with, or liabilities imposed under, environmental, health and safety laws;

·

the impact of pending and future legal proceedings;

·

the interruption, disruption, failure or malfunction of our information technology systems including due to cyber attack;

·

the impact of changes in tax law that could adversely affect the tax treatment of Ferrellgas Partners for federal income tax purposes;

·

economic and political instability, particularly in areas of the world tied to the energy industry; and

·

disruptions in the capital and credit markets.

When considering any forward-looking statement, you should also keep in mind the risk factors set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for fiscal 2018. Any of these risks could 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 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.

Recent developments

Debt and interest expense reduction and refinancing strategy

We continue to execute on a strategy to further reduce our debt and interest expense. This strategy included entering into the new Senior Secured Credit Facility and amending its accounts receivable securitization facility in May 2018 and

65


 

certain asset sales during fiscal 2018. We continue to evaluate our options to address our leverage. We are in the process of engaging a financial advisor to assist us in addressing our upcoming debt maturities.

Financial covenants

The indenture governing the outstanding notes of Ferrellgas Partners and the agreements governing the operating partnership’s indebtedness contain various covenants that limit our ability and its subsidiaries to, among other things, make restricted payments and incur additional indebtedness. Our general partner believes that the most restrictive of these covenants are those related to the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, as defined in the indenture governing the outstanding notes of Ferrellgas Partners.

Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio - Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., the master limited partnership

Under the Ferrellgas Partners indenture, before a restricted payment (as defined in the indenture) can be made by Ferrellgas Partners, Ferrellgas Partners must satisfy a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio requirement or have unused capacity under a limited exception to the ratio requirement. If Ferrellgas Partners is unable to make restricted payments, Ferrellgas Partners will not have the ability to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners common unitholders.

The restricted payments covenant requires that, for Ferrellgas Partners to make a restricted payment, the ratio of trailing four quarters EBITDA to interest expense (both as adjusted for certain, specified items) of Ferrellgas Partners be at least 1.75x, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events, subject to its ability to make restricted payments under the limited exception described below. If this pro forma ratio is below 1.75x, Ferrellgas Partners may make restricted payments of up to $50.0 million in total over a sixteen quarter period. As of January 31, 2019, the ratio was 1.38x. As a result of distributions paid to common unitholders in September 2017, December 2017, March 2018, June 2018, and September 2018 while this ratio was less than 1.75x, Ferrellgas Partners has used substantially all of its capacity under the limited exception and therefore is currently restricted by this covenant from making future restricted payments, including distributions to common unitholders. Accordingly, no distributions will be paid to common unitholders in March 2019 for the three months ended January 31, 2019. Unless this indenture is amended or replaced, or our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio improves to at least 1.75x, this covenant will continue to restrict us from making common unit distributions.

Consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio - Ferrellgas, L.P., the operating partnership

Under the operating partnership indentures, before a restricted payment (as defined in the indentures) can be made by the operating partnership to Ferrellgas Partners, the operating partnership must satisfy a consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio requirement or have unused capacity under a limited exception to the ratio requirement. If the operating partnership is unable to make restricted payments, Ferrellgas Partners will not have the ability to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners common unitholders or make interest payments on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020.

The restricted payments covenants require that, for the operating partnership to make a restricted payment, the ratio of trailing four quarters EBITDA to interest expense (both as adjusted for certain, specified items) of the operating partnership be at least 1.75x on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events, subject to its ability to make restricted payments under the limited exception described below. If this pro forma ratio is below 1.75x, the operating partnership may make restricted payments in limited amounts determined under the indentures. As of January 31, 2019, the ratio was 1.67x. As a result, it’s likely the distribution that will be made by the operating partnership on June 15, 2019 for payment of interest on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020 will be made from capacity under the limited exception to the ratio requirement. The operating partnership believes that its remaining capacity under the limited exception to the ratio requirement will allow it to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners’ to cover interest payments on Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due 2020 through the maturity of those notes.

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Distributions

As discussed above, no distributions will be paid to common unitholders in March 2019 for the three months ended January 31, 2019. Unless the indenture governing the outstanding Ferrellgas Partners notes is amended or replaced, if our consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio under that indenture does not improve to at least 1.75x, this covenant will not allow us to make common unit distributions for our quarter ending January 31, 2019 and beyond.

How We Evaluate Our Operations

We evaluate our overall business performance based primarily on Adjusted EBITDA. We do not utilize depreciation, depletion and amortization expense in our key measures, because we focus our performance management on cash flow generation and our revenue generating assets have long useful lives.

Propane operations and related equipment sales

Based on our propane sales volumes in fiscal 2018, we believe that we are the second largest retail marketer of propane in the United States and a leading national provider of propane by portable tank exchange. We serve 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.

We use information on temperatures to understand how our results of operations are affected by temperatures that are warmer or colder than normal. Normal temperatures computed by us are the average of the last 10 years of information published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 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 primarily during the months of November through March (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 strong correlation between weather and customer usage, general economic conditions in the United States and the wholesale price of propane can have a significant impact on this correlation. Additionally, there is a natural time lag between the onset of cold weather and increased sales to customers. If the United States were to experience a cooling trend we could expect nationwide demand for propane to increase which could lead to greater sales, income and liquidity availability. Conversely, if the United States were to experience a continued warming trend, we could expect nationwide demand for propane for heating purposes to decrease which could lead to a reduction in our sales, income and liquidity availability as well as impact our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants.

We employ risk management activities that 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. We attempt to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments and forward propane purchase and sales contracts. 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 purchase commitment.

Our open financial derivative propane purchase commitments are designated as hedges primarily for fiscal 2019 and 2020 sales commitments and, as of January 31, 2019, have experienced net mark-to-market losses of approximately $9.3 million. Because these financial derivative purchase commitments qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the resulting asset, liability and related mark-to-market gains or losses are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” "Other assets, net," “Other current liabilities,” "Other liabilities" and “Accumulated other comprehensive loss,” respectively, until settled. Upon settlement, realized gains or losses on these contracts will be reclassified to “Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquid sales” in the condensed consolidated

67


 

statements of operations as the underlying inventory is sold. These financial derivative purchase commitment net losses are expected to be offset by increased margins on propane sales commitments that qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exception. At January 31, 2019, we estimate 78% of currently open financial derivative purchase commitments, the related propane sales commitments and the resulting gross margin will be realized into earnings during the next twelve months.

Summary Discussion of Results of Operations:

Items Impacting the Comparability of Our Financial Results

Our current and future results of operations will not be comparable to our historical results of operations for the periods presented due to the following transactions:

·

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we completed the sale of a subsidiary and a group of assets within the Midstream operations segment. The subsidiary sold was Bridger Environmental LLC, which encompassed all saltwater disposal activities previously operated by us. The group of assets sold included all assets, excluding working capital, associated with the crude oil trucking operations previously operated by us. Additionally, the sale included two crude oil injection terminals.

·

During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, we sold all 1,292 rail tank cars utilized in our Midstream operations segment.

·

During the second quarter of fiscal 2018, we completed the sale of Bridger Energy, LLC, included in our Midstream operations segment.

·

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, we completed the sale of a group of assets encompassing an immaterial reporting unit within our Propane operations segment that sold lower margin propane related equipment.

·

Operating loss and adjusted EBITDA associated with these divestitures in the three months ended January 31, 2018 was $51.4 million and $3.9 million, respectively. Operating loss and adjusted EBITDA associated with these divestitures in the six months ended January 31, 2018 was $54.4 million and $11.1 million, respectively.

For the three months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

During the three months ended January 31, 2019, we generated net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners L.P. of $43.3 million, compared to net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners L.P. of $1.8 million during the three months ended January 31, 2018.

Our propane operations and related equipment sales segment generated operating income of $108.1 million during the three months ended January 31, 2019, compared to operating income of $101.8 million earned during the three months ended January 31, 2018. The increase in operating income is primarily due to a $10.0 million impairment of goodwill related to an immaterial reporting unit that was not repeated in the current period and a $9.3 million increase in “Gross margin – Propane and other gas liquid sales”, partially offset by a $5.0 million decrease in “Gross margin – other”, a $3.9 million increase in "Operating, general and administrative expense", and a $1.7 million increase in "Equipment lease expense". The increase in "Operating, general and administrative expense" and "Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquid sales" primarily resulted from a 4% increase in retail customer count and related gallons sold. The impact of the sale of a group of assets that sold lower margin propane related equipment at the end of fiscal 2018 resulted in the decrease in "Gross margin - other". The increase in “Equipment lease expense” is due to both continued investment in new propane delivery trucks to serve our expanding customer base and to reduce the age of our fleet. In addition, we purchased new propane delivery trucks as discussed in “Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors”.

Our corporate and other operations recognized an operating loss of $19.4 million during the three months ended January 31, 2019, compared to an operating loss of $61.7 million during the three months ended January 31, 2018. This

68


 

decrease in operating loss was primarily due to a $42.3 million operating loss related to our midstream operations in fiscal 2018.

“Interest expense” for Ferrellgas increased $2.2 million primarily due to increased interest rates on our secured credit facility.

Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors decreased to $52.7 million in the current period from $79.2 million in the prior period primarily due to an $21.5 million increase in our maintenance capital expenditures. This increase in maintenance capital expenditures primarily relates to the purchase of new propane delivery trucks which have historically been leased.

Distributable cash flow excess decreased to $51.7 million in the current period from $67.9 million in the prior period, primarily due to an $21.5 million increase in our maintenance capital expenditures, as discussed above, partially offset by a $9.7 million decrease in distributions to common unitholders.

For the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

During the six months ended January 31, 2019, we generated net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners L.P. of $13.7 million, compared to net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners L.P. of $49.8 million during the six months ended January 31, 2018.

Our propane operations and related equipment sales segment generated operating income of $115.0 million during the six months ended January 31, 2019, compared to operating income of $113.0 million earned during the six months ended January 31, 2018. The increase in operating income is primarily due to a $16.8 million increase in “Gross margin – Propane and other gas liquid sales” and a $10.0 million impairment of goodwill related to an immaterial reporting unit that was not repeated in the current period, partially offset by a $10.6 million increase in "Operating, general and administrative expense", a $8.2 million decrease in "Gross margin - other", and a $3.1 million increase in "Equipment lease expense". The increase in "Operating, general and administrative expense" and "Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquid sales" primarily resulted from a 4% increase in retail customer count. The impact of the sale of a group of assets that sold lower margin propane related equipment at the end of fiscal 2018 resulted in the decrease in "Gross margin - other". The increase in “Equipment lease expense” is due to both continued investment in new propane delivery trucks to serve our expanding customer base and to reduce the age of our fleet. In addition, we purchased new propane delivery trucks as discussed in “Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors”.

Our corporate and other operations recognized an operating loss of $39.8 million during the six months ended January 31, 2019, compared to an operating loss of $80.6 million recognized during the six months ended January 31, 2018. This decrease in operating loss was primarily due to a $42.4 million operating loss related to our midstream operations in fiscal 2018, partially offset by increased corporate costs of $1.6 million.

“Interest expense” for Ferrellgas increased $5.3 million primarily due to increased interest rates on our secured credit facility.

Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors decreased to $25.3 million in the current period from $59.9 million in the prior period primarily due to a $18.2 million increase in our maintenance capital expenditures, a $9.2 million decrease in our Adjusted EBITDA related to midstream operations in fiscal 2018 and a $4.8 million increase in cash interest expense. This increase in maintenance capital expenditures primarily relates to the purchase of new propane delivery trucks, which have historically been leased.

Distributable cash flow excess decreased to $15.1 million in the current period from $39.3 million in the prior period, primarily due to a $18.2 million increase in our maintenance capital expenditures, a $9.2 million decrease in our Adjusted EBITDA related to midstream operations in fiscal 2018 and a $4.8 million increase in cash interest expense, partially offset by a $9.7 million decrease in distributions to common unitholders.

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Consolidated Results of Operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 

 

Six months ended January 31, 

 

(amounts in thousands)

    

2019

    

2018

    

2019

    

2018

 

Total revenues

 

$

573,377

 

$

755,156

 

$

925,686

 

$

1,209,811

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total cost of sales

 

 

314,953

 

 

490,772

 

 

522,136

 

 

792,114

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expense

 

 

121,219

 

 

123,716

 

 

231,550

 

 

234,178

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

19,605

 

 

25,485

 

 

38,597

 

 

51,217

 

General and administrative expense

 

 

16,342

 

 

14,891

 

 

30,521

 

 

28,055

 

Equipment lease expense

 

 

8,415

 

 

6,954

 

 

16,278

 

 

13,695

 

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

1,944

 

 

4,031

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

 

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,216

 

 

39,249

 

 

6,720

 

 

40,144

 

Operating income

 

 

88,683

 

 

40,053

 

 

75,192

 

 

32,410

 

Interest expense

 

 

(44,891)

 

 

(42,673)

 

 

(88,769)

 

 

(83,480)

 

Other income, net

 

 

86

 

 

684

 

 

105

 

 

1,195

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

 

43,878

 

 

(1,936)

 

 

(13,472)

 

 

(49,875)

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 3

 

 

(162)

 

 

161

 

 

215

 

Net earnings (loss)

 

 

43,875

 

 

(1,774)

 

 

(13,633)

 

 

(50,090)

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

531

 

 

69

 

 

38

 

 

(332)

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

 

 

43,344

 

 

(1,843)

 

 

(13,671)

 

 

(49,758)

 

Less: General partner's interest in net earnings (loss)

 

 

433

 

 

(19)

 

 

(137)

 

 

(498)

 

Common unitholders' interest in net earnings (loss)

 

$

42,911

 

$

(1,824)

 

$

(13,534)

 

$

(49,260)

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this Quarterly Report we present three primary non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA, Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors, and Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders.

Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., less the sum of the following: income tax expense (benefit), interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge, loss on asset sales and disposals, other income, net, severance costs, legal fees and settlements, multi-employer pension withdrawal settlement, unrealized (non-cash) loss on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments, and net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest. Management believes the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful because it allows investors to view the partnership’s performance in a manner similar to the method management uses, adjusted for items management believes makes it easier to compare its results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures. This method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA may not be consistent with that of other companies and should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.

Distributable Cash Flow Attributable to Equity Investors. Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA minus net cash interest expense, maintenance capital expenditures and cash paid for taxes, plus proceeds from asset sales. Management considers distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors a meaningful measure of the partnership’s ability to declare and pay quarterly distributions to equity investors. Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors, as management defines it, may not be comparable to distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors or similarly titled measurements used by other corporations and partnerships. Items added into our calculation of distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors may not be consistent with that of other companies and should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.

70


 

Distributable Cash Flow Attributable to Common Unitholders. Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders is calculated as Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors minus distributable cash flow attributable to general partner and noncontrolling interest. Management considers distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders a meaningful measure of the partnership’s ability to declare and pay quarterly distributions to common unitholders. Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders, as management defines it, may not be comparable to distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders or similarly titled measurements used by other corporations and partnerships. Items added into our calculation of distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders may not be consistent with that of other companies and should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.

The following table summarizes EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors and Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders for the three and six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 

 

Six months ended January 31, 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

2019

 

2018

 

2019

 

2018

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

 

$

43,344

 

$

(1,843)

 

$

(13,671)

 

$

(49,758)

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

 3

 

 

(162)

 

 

161

 

 

215

 

Interest expense

 

 

44,891

 

 

42,673

 

 

88,769

 

 

83,480

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

19,605

 

 

25,485

 

 

38,597

 

 

51,217

 

EBITDA

 

 

107,843

 

 

66,153

 

 

113,856

 

 

85,154

 

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

1,944

 

 

4,031

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

 

Assets impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,216

 

 

39,249

 

 

6,720

 

 

40,144

 

Other income, net

 

 

(86)

 

 

(684)

 

 

(105)

 

 

(1,195)

 

Severance costs

 

 

1,600

 

 

 —

 

 

1,600

 

 

1,663

 

Legal fees and settlements

 

 

5,608

 

 

2,118

 

 

9,172

 

 

2,118

 

Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal settlement

 

 

 —

 

 

 —

 

 

1,524

 

 

 —

 

Unrealized (non-cash) loss on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 —

 

 

(314)

 

 

 —

 

 

1,293

 

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

 

531

 

 

69

 

 

38

 

 

(332)

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

 

119,656

 

 

120,627

 

 

137,497

 

 

146,843

 

Net cash interest expense (a)

 

 

(41,679)

 

 

(39,734)

 

 

(82,578)

 

 

(77,791)

 

Maintenance capital expenditures (b)

 

 

(26,147)

 

 

(4,640)

 

 

(31,532)

 

 

(13,344)

 

Cash refund from (paid for) taxes

 

 

 4

 

 

(6)

 

 

 2

 

 

(12)

 

Proceeds from certain asset sales

 

 

899

 

 

2,999

 

 

1,960

 

 

4,207

 

Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors

 

 

52,733

 

 

79,246

 

 

25,349

 

 

59,903

 

Distributable cash flow attributable to general partner and non-controlling interest

 

 

(1,055)

 

 

(1,585)

 

 

(507)

 

 

(1,198)

 

Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders

 

 

51,678

 

 

77,661

 

 

24,842

 

 

58,705

 

Less: Distributions paid to common unitholders

 

 

 —

 

 

(9,716)

 

 

(9,715)

 

 

(19,431)

 

Distributable cash flow excess ( c)

 

$

51,678

 

$

67,945

 

$

15,127

 

$

39,274

 


(a)

Net cash interest expense is the sum of interest expense less non-cash interest expense and other income (expense), net. This amount includes interest expense related to the accounts receivable securitization facility.

(b)

Maintenance capital expenditures include capitalized expenditures for betterment and replacement of property, plant and equipment.

(c)

Distributable cash flow excess, if any, is retained to establish reserves to reduce debt, fund capital expenditures and for other partnership purposes.

71


 

Segment Operating Results for the three months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

Propane operations and related equipment sales

The following table summarizes propane sales volumes and the Adjusted EBITDA results of our propane operations and related equipment sales segment for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

 

2018

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

As of January 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail customers

 

 

706,741

 

 

681,671

 

 

25,070

 

 4

%

Tank exchange selling locations

 

 

53,740

 

 

48,791

 

 

4,949

 

10

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane sales volumes (gallons):

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Retail - Sales to End Users

 

 

239,044

 

 

235,071

 

 

3,973

 

 2

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

 

70,655

 

 

74,942

 

 

(4,287)

 

(6)

%

 

 

 

309,699

 

 

310,013

 

 

(314)

 

(0)

%

Revenues -

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Retail - Sales to End Users

 

$

415,827

 

 

417,472

 

$

(1,645)

 

(0)

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

 

115,392

 

 

128,654

 

 

(13,262)

 

(10)

%

Other Gas Sales (a)

 

 

18,893

 

 

46,113

 

 

(27,220)

 

(59)

%

Other (b)

 

 

23,265

 

 

45,641

 

 

(22,376)

 

(49)

%

Propane and related equipment revenues

 

$

573,377

 

$

637,880

 

$

(64,503)

 

(10)

%

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Gross Margin -

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales: (c)

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Retail - Sales to End Users (a)

 

$

192,747

 

$

182,129

 

$

10,618

 

 6

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers (a)

 

 

45,834

 

 

47,192

 

 

(1,358)

 

(3)

%

Other (b)

 

 

19,843

 

 

24,854

 

 

(5,011)

 

(20)

%

Propane and related equipment gross margin

 

 

258,424

 

 

254,175

 

 

4,249

 

 2

%

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Operating, general and administrative expense (d)

 

 

121,217

 

 

117,306

 

 

3,911

 

 3

%

Equipment lease expense

 

 

8,053

 

 

6,375

 

 

1,678

 

26

%

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Operating income

 

 

108,101

 

 

101,767

 

 

6,334

 

 6

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

18,995

 

 

18,167

 

 

828

 

 5

%

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,058

 

 

555

 

 

1,503

 

NM

 

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

(10,005)

 

NM

 

Severance costs

 

 

690

 

 

 —

 

 

690

 

NM

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

129,844

 

$

130,494

 

$

(650)

 

(0)

%


(a)

Gross margin for Other Gas Sales is allocated to Gross margin "Retail - Sales to End Users" and "Wholesale - Sales to Resellers" based on the volumes in each respective category.

(b)

Other primarily includes appliance and material sales, and to a lesser extent various customer fee income.

(c)

Gross margin from "Propane and other gas liquids sales" represents "Revenues - Propane and other gas liquids sales" less "Cost of sales - Propane and other gas liquids sales" and does not include depreciation and amortization.

(d)

Operating, general, and administrative expenses are included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. General and administrative expenses include only certain items that were directly attributable to the propane operations and related equipment sales segment.

72


 

Propane sales volumes during the three months ended January 31, 2019 essentially remained even with the prior year period due to increased sales to retail customers of 4.0 million gallons, offset by a decrease of 4.3 million gallons to wholesale customers. The increase in propane sales volumes to retail customers was primarily due to the 4% increase in retail customer count.

Weather in the more highly concentrated geographic areas we serve for the three months ended January 31, 2018 was approximately 2% colder than normal, and 1% colder than the prior year period. Retail gallons increased due to efforts to increase market share and to a lesser extent colder weather.

Our wholesale sales price per gallon largely correlates to the change in the wholesale market price of propane. The Mt. Belvieu, Texas major supply point during the three months ended January 31, 2019 averaged 26% less than the prior year period, while at the Conway, Kansas major supply point prices averaged 32% less than the prior period. The wholesale market price at Mt. Belvieu, Texas averaged $0.70 and $0.95 per gallon during the three months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, while the wholesale market price at Conway, Kansas averaged $0.61 and $0.90 per gallon during the three months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We believe this decrease in the wholesale cost of propane contributed to our decrease in revenues, but an increase in gross margin.

Revenues

Retail sales decreased $1.6 million compared to the prior period. This decrease resulted from an $8.7 million decrease in sales price per gallon, partially offset by $7.1 million in increased sales volumes, as discussed above.

Wholesale sales decreased $13.3 million compared to the prior period. This decrease primarily resulted from a $12.1 million decrease in sales price per gallon, as discussed above. Additionally, price per gallon decreased due to the impact of increased competitive pressures.

Other gas sales decreased $27.2 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to a decrease in sales volume.

Other revenues decreased $22.4 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to the sale of our lower margin propane related equipment business at the end of fiscal 2018.

Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquids sales

Gross margin increased $9.3 million due to both the increase in gross margin per gallon and gallon sales, both as discussed above. The increase in retail gross margin of $10.6 million resulted from an increase in gross margin per gallon and to a lesser extent increases in retail customer counts, both as discussed above. The $1.3 million decrease in wholesale gross margin primarily relates to decreased gross margin per gallon due to the impact of increased competitive pressures on the sales price per gallon, as discussed above.

Gross margin - other

Gross margin decreased $5.0 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to the sale of our lower margin propane related equipment business at the end of fiscal 2018.

Operating income

Operating income increased $6.3 million primarily due to a $10.0 million impairment of goodwill related to an immaterial reporting unit that was not repeated in the current period and a $9.3 million increase in “Gross margin – Propane and other gas liquid sales”, as discussed above, partially offset by a $5.0 million decrease in “Gross margin – other” and a $3.9 million increase in "Operating, general and administrative expense", as discussed above, and a $1.7 million increase in "Equipment lease expense". "Operating, general and administrative expense" increased primarily due to a $5.9 million increase in field personnel costs and a $1.7 million increase in general liability and workers compensation costs, partially offset by $3.4 million of costs incurred in the prior year period related to a business sold in

73


 

fiscal 2018. Equipment lease expense increased due to both continued investment in new propane delivery trucks to serve our expanding customer base and to reduce the age of our fleet.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.7 million primarily due to a $5.0 million decrease in “Gross margin – other”, a $3.5 million increase in "Operating, general and administrative expense", and a $1.7 million increase in "Equipment lease expense", partially offset by a $9.3 million increase in "Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquid sales", all as discussed above. "Operating, general and administrative expense" increased primarily due to a $5.2 million increase in field personnel costs, and a $1.7 million increase in general liability and worker compensation costs, partially offset by $3.4 million of costs incurred in the prior year period related to a business sold in fiscal 2018.

Corporate and other operations

The following table summarizes the financial results of our corporate operations for the periods indicated. Prior period amounts also include results of our midstream operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended January 31, 

    

2019

 

2018

 

Increase (Decrease)

 

Volumes (barrels):

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

    

  

 

Crude oil hauled

 

 

 —

 

 

11,065

 

 

(11,065)

 

NM

 

Crude oil sold

 

 

 —

 

 

1,556

 

 

(1,556)

 

NM

 

Salt water volume processed

 

 

 —

 

 

4,851

 

 

(4,851)

 

NM

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Revenues -

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Crude oil logistics

 

$

 —

 

$

15,886

 

$

(15,886)

 

NM

 

Crude oil sales

 

 

 —

 

 

97,646

 

 

(97,646)

 

NM

 

Other

 

 

 —

 

 

3,744

 

 

(3,744)

 

NM

 

 

 

$

 —

 

$

117,276

 

$

(117,276)

 

NM

 

Gross margin (a) -

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Crude oil logistics

 

$

 —

 

$

6,550

 

$

(6,550)

 

NM

 

Crude oil sales

 

 

 —

 

 

2,365

 

 

(2,365)

 

NM

 

Other

 

 

 —

 

 

1,294

 

 

(1,294)

 

NM

 

 

 

 

 —

 

 

10,209

 

 

(10,209)

 

NM

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Operating, general and administrative expense

 

 

16,344

 

 

21,301

 

 

(4,957)

 

(23)

%

Equipment lease expense

 

 

362

 

 

579

 

 

(217)

 

(37)

%

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Operating loss

 

 

(19,418)

 

 

(61,714)

 

 

42,296

 

(69)

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

610

 

 

7,318

 

 

(6,708)

 

(92)

%

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

1,944

 

 

4,031

 

 

(2,087)

 

(52)

%

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

158

 

 

38,694

 

 

(38,536)

 

NM

 

Severance costs

 

 

910

 

 

 —

 

 

910

 

NM

 

Unrealized (non-cash) losses on changes in fair value of derivatives

 

 

 —

 

 

(314)

 

 

314

 

NM

 

Legal fees and settlements

 

 

5,608

 

 

2,118

 

 

3,490

 

165

%

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

(10,188)

 

$

(9,867)

 

$

(321)

 

 3

%


NM - Not meaningful

(a)

Gross margin represents "Revenues - Midstream operations" less "Cost of sales - Midstream operations" and does not include depreciation and amortization.

In various dispositions that occurred during fiscal 2018, we sold our midstream businesses, thus much of the significant variances reported above result from the cessation of the midstream business by the end of fiscal 2018.

74


 

Operating loss

Operating loss decreased by $42.3 million during the three months ended January 31, 2019 as compared to the three months ended January 31, 2018. This decrease in operating loss was primarily due to the $42.1 million operating loss related to our midstream operations in fiscal 2018 and decreased corporate costs of $0.2 million. Corporate costs decreased primarily due to a $2.1 million decrease in non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation costs, $0.4 million decrease in depreciation and amortization, and $0.1 million decrease in equipment lease expense, partially offset by a $2.4 million increase in legal costs.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.3 million primarily due to the $2.3 million decrease in Adjusted EBITDA related to our midstream operations in fiscal 2018, offset by a $2.0 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA related to corporate costs. Corporate costs decreased primarily due to $1.1 million decrease in legal costs and $0.1 million decrease in equipment lease expense.

75


 

Segment Operating Results for the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018

Propane operations and related equipment sales

The following table summarizes propane sales volumes and the Adjusted EBITDA results of our propane operations and related equipment sales segment for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019

    

2018

    

Increase (Decrease)

 

As of January 31, 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retail customers

 

 

706,741

 

 

681,671

 

 

25,070

 

 4

%

Tank exchange selling locations

 

 

53,740

 

 

48,791

 

 

4,949

 

10

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane sales volumes (gallons):

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

    

  

 

Retail - Sales to End Users

 

 

368,711

 

 

354,365

 

 

14,346

 

 4

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

 

119,615

 

 

128,371

 

 

(8,756)

 

(7)

%

 

 

 

488,326

 

 

482,736

 

 

5,590

 

 1

%

Revenues -

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales:

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Retail - Sales to End Users

 

$

633,591

 

$

601,266

 

$

32,325

 

 5

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

 

209,336

 

 

227,083

 

 

(17,747)

 

(8)

%

Other Gas Sales (a)

 

 

42,151

 

 

66,648

 

 

(24,497)

 

(37)

%

Other (b)

 

 

40,608

 

 

76,778

 

 

(36,170)

 

(47)

%

Propane and related equipment revenues

 

$

925,686

 

$

971,775

 

$

(46,089)

 

(5)

%

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Gross Margin -

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales: (c)

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Retail - Sales to End Users (a)

 

$

283,222

 

$

260,560

 

$

22,662

 

 9

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers (a)

 

 

86,189

 

 

92,004

 

 

(5,815)

 

(6)

%

Other (b)

 

 

34,139

 

 

42,289

 

 

(8,150)

 

(19)

%

Propane and related equipment gross margin

 

$

403,550

 

$

394,853

 

$

8,697

 

 2

%

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Operating, general and administrative expense (d)

 

$

231,548

 

$

221,571

 

$

9,977

 

 5

%

Equipment lease expense

 

 

15,657

 

 

12,580

 

 

3,077

 

24

%

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Operating income

 

$

114,968

 

$

112,979

 

$

1,989

 

 2

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

37,336

 

 

36,255

 

 

1,081

 

 3

%

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

4,041

 

 

1,463

 

 

2,578

 

176

%

Asset impairments

 

 

 —

 

 

10,005

 

 

(10,005)

 

NM

 

Severance costs

 

 

690

 

 

358

 

 

332

 

93

%

Multi-employer pension plan withdrawal settlement

 

 

1,524

 

 

 —

 

 

1,524

 

NM

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

158,559

 

$

161,060

 

$

(2,501)

 

(2)

%


(a)

Gross margin for Other Gas Sales is allocated to Gross margin "Retail - Sales to End Users" and "Wholesale - Sales to Resellers" based on the volumes in each respective category.

(b)

Other primarily includes appliance and material sales, and to a lesser extent various customer fee income.

(c)

Gross margin from "Propane and other gas liquids sales" represents "Revenues - Propane and other gas liquids sales" less "Cost of sales - Propane and other gas liquids sales" and does not include depreciation and amortization.

(d)

Operating, general, and administrative expenses are included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. General and administrative expenses include only certain items that were directly attributable to the propane operations and related equipment sales segment.

 

76


 

Propane sales volumes during the six months ended January 31, 2019 increased 1% or 5.6 million gallons, from the prior year period due to increased sales to retail customers of 14.3 million gallons, partially offset by a decrease of 8.7 million gallons to wholesale customers. The increase in propane sales volumes to retail customers was primarily due to the 4% increase in retail customer count. The decrease in propane sales to wholesale customers relates to the impact of increased competitive pressures.

Weather in the more highly concentrated geographic areas we serve for the six months ended January 31, 2018 was approximately 3% colder than normal and 3% colder than the prior year period. Retail gallons increased due to efforts to increase market share and to a lesser extent colder weather.

Our wholesale sales price per gallon largely correlates to the change in the wholesale market price of propane. The wholesale market price at major supply points in Mt. Belvieu, Texas during the six months ended January 31, 2019 averaged 6% less than the prior year period, while at the Conway, Kansas major supply point prices averaged 19% less than the prior period. The wholesale market price at Mt. Belvieu, Texas averaged $0.85 and $0.90 per gallon during the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, while the wholesale market price at Conway, Kansas averaged $0.70 and $0.86 per gallon during the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We believe this decrease in the wholesale cost of propane contributed to our decrease in revenues, but an increase in gross margin.

Revenues

Retail sales increased $32.3 million compared to the prior period. This increase resulted from $24.3 million in increased sales volumes and an $8.0 million increase in sales price per gallon, both as discussed above.

Wholesale sales decreased $17.7 million compared to the prior period. This decrease primarily resulted from a $13.9 million decrease in sales price per gallon and $3.8 million due to decrease sales volumes, both as discussed above. Additionally, we believe the decrease in sales price per gallon was caused by the impact of increased competitive pressures.

Other gas sales decreased $24.5 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to decreased sales volumes.

Other revenues decreased $36.2 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to the sale of our lower margin propane related equipment business at the end of fiscal 2018.

Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquids sales

Gross margin increased $16.8 million primarily due to the increase in gallon sales, as discussed above, and to a lesser extent increased gross margin per gallon. The increase in retail gross margin of $22.7 million resulted from an increase in gross margin per gallon and to a lesser extent increases in retail customer counts, both as discussed above. The $5.9 million decrease in wholesale gross margin primarily relates to decreased gross margin per gallon due to the impact of increased competitive pressures on the sales price per gallon, as discussed above.

Gross margin - other

Gross margin decreased $8.2 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to the sale of our lower margin propane related equipment business at the end of fiscal 2018.

Operating income

Operating income increased $2.0 million primarily due to a $16.8 million increase in "Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquid sales", as discussed above, partially offset by a $10.6 million increase in "Operating, general and administrative expense", a $10.0 million impairment of goodwill related to an immaterial reporting unit that was not repeated in the current period, an $8.2 million decrease in "Gross margin - other", as discussed above, and a $3.1 million increase in "Equipment lease expense". "Operating, general and administrative expense" increased primarily due to a $10.3 million increase in field personnel costs, a $1.9 million increase in vehicle fuel costs, a $1.5 million pension

77


 

settlement charge associated with the withdrawal from a multi-employer pension plan and a $2.6 million increase in general liability and worker compensation costs, partially offset by $6.4 million of costs incurred in the prior year period related to a business sold in fiscal 2018. Equipment lease expense increased due to both continued investment in new propane delivery trucks to serve our expanding customer base and to reduce the age of our fleet.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $2.5 million primarily due to an $8.1 million increase in "Operating, general and administrative expense", an $8.2 million decrease in "Gross margin - other" and a $3.1 million increase in "Equipment lease expense", partially offset by a $16.8 million increase in "Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquid sales", all as discussed above. "Operating, general and administrative expense" increased primarily due to a $10.0 million increase in field personnel costs, a $1.9 million increase in vehicle fuel costs and a $2.6 million increase in general liability and worker compensation costs, partially offset by $6.4 million of costs incurred in the prior year period related to a business sold in fiscal 2018.

Corporate and other operations

The following table summarizes the financial results of our corporate operations for the periods indicated. Prior period amounts also include results of our midstream operations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended January 31, 

    

2019

    

2018

    

Increase (Decrease)

 

Volumes (barrels):

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Crude oil hauled

 

 

 —

 

 

23,215

 

 

(23,215)

 

NM

 

Crude oil sold

 

 

 —

 

 

3,385

 

 

(3,385)

 

NM

 

Salt water volume processed

 

 

 —

 

 

9,791

 

 

(9,791)

 

NM

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Revenues -

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Crude oil logistics

 

$

 —

 

$

33,227

 

$

(33,227)

 

NM

 

Crude oil sales

 

 

 —

 

 

196,665

 

 

(196,665)

 

NM

 

Other

 

 

 —

 

 

8,144

 

 

(8,144)

 

NM

 

 

 

$

 —

 

$

238,036

 

$

(238,036)

 

NM

 

Gross margin (a) -

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Crude oil logistics

 

$

 —

 

$

17,506

 

$

(17,506)

 

NM

 

Crude oil sales

 

 

 —

 

 

3,014

 

 

(3,014)

 

NM

 

Other

 

 

 —

 

 

2,324

 

 

(2,324)

 

NM

 

 

 

$

 —

 

$

22,844

 

$

(22,844)

 

NM

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Operating, general, and administrative expenses

 

$

30,521

 

$

40,662

 

$

(10,141)

 

(25)

%

Equipment lease expense

 

 

621

 

 

1,115

 

 

(494)

 

(44)

%

 

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

 

Operating loss

 

$

(39,776)

 

$

(80,569)

 

$

40,793

 

(51)

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

1,261

 

 

14,962

 

 

(13,701)

 

(92)

%

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

4,692

 

 

7,993

 

 

(3,301)

 

(41)

%

Loss on asset sales and disposals

 

 

2,679

 

 

38,681

 

 

(36,002)

 

(93)

%

Legal fees and settlements

 

 

9,172

 

 

2,118

 

 

7,054

 

333

%

Severance costs

 

 

910

 

 

1,305

 

 

(395)

 

(30)

%

Unrealized (non-cash) gain on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

 

 

 —

 

 

1,293

 

 

(1,293)

 

NM

 

Adjusted EBITDA

 

$

(21,062)

 

$

(14,217)

 

$

(6,845)

 

48

%


NM - Not meaningful

(a)

Gross margin represents "Revenues - Midstream operations" less "Cost of sales - Midstream operations" and does not include depreciation and amortization.

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In various dispositions that occurred during fiscal 2018, we sold our midstream businesses, thus much of the significant variances reported above result from the cessation of the midstream business by the end of fiscal 2018.

Operating loss

Operating loss decreased by $40.8 million during the six months ended January 31, 2019 as compared to the six months ended January 31, 2018. This decrease in operating loss was primarily due to the $42.4 million operating loss related to our midstream operations in fiscal 2018, partially offset by increased corporate costs of $1.6 million. Corporate costs increased primarily due to a $5.5 million increase in legal costs, partially offset by a $3.3 million decrease in non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation costs and a $0.3 million decrease in equipment lease expense.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $6.8 million primarily due to the $9.2 million in Adjusted EBITDA related to our midstream operations in fiscal 2018, partially offset by a $2.4 million decrease in corporate costs. Corporate costs decreased primarily due to a $1.6 million decrease in legal costs and a $0.3 million decrease in equipment lease expense.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operating activities, borrowings under our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility and funds received from sales of debt and equity securities. As of January 31, 2019, our total liquidity was $236.8 million, which is comprised of $40.6 million in cash and $196.2 million of availability under our secured credit facility. These sources of liquidity and short term capital resources are intended to fund our working capital requirements, letter of credit requirements, and acquisition and capital expenditures. Our access to long term capital resources, in order to address our leverage, may be affected by our ability to access the capital markets, covenants in our debt agreements, unforeseen demands on cash, or other events beyond our control. We are in the process of engaging a financial advisor to assist us in addressing our upcoming debt maturities.

Financial Covenants

As more fully described in Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis under the subheading “Financial Covenants”, the indenture governing the outstanding notes of Ferrellgas Partners and the agreements governing the operating partnership’s indebtedness contain various covenants that limit our ability to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness and make distribution payments to our common unitholders. Given the limitations of these covenants, we continue to execute on a strategy to reduce our debt and interest expense. If we are unsuccessful with our strategy to further reduce debt and interest expense, we will continue to be restricted from making distribution payments to our common unitholders.

We may not meet the applicable financial tests in future quarters if we were to experience:

·

significantly warmer than normal temperatures during the winter heating season;

·

significant and sustained increases in the wholesale cost of propane that we are unable to pass along to our customers;

·

a more volatile energy commodity cost environment;

·

an unexpected downturn in business operations;

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·

a significant delay in the collection of accounts or notes receivable;

·

a failure to execute our debt and interest expense reduction and refinancing initiatives;

·

a change in customer retention or purchasing patterns due to economic or other factors in the United States;

·

a material downturn in the credit and/or equity markets; or

·

a large uninsured, unfavorable lawsuit judgment or settlement.

We may seek additional capital as part of our debt reduction strategy.

As discussed above, no distributions will be paid to common unitholders for the three months ended January 31, 2019. Unless the indenture governing the outstanding notes is amended or replaced, or the Ferrellgas Partners’ consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio does improves to at least 1.75x, this covenant will continue to restrict us from making common unit distributions.

Distributable Cash Flow

Distributable cash flow to equity investors is reconciled to net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. in Item 2. Management’s Discuss and Analysis under the subheading "Non-GAAP Financial Measures." A comparison of distributable cash flow to distributions paid for the twelve months ended January 31, 2019 to the twelve months ended October 31, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

Distributable

    

Cash reserves

    

Cash distributions

    

 

 

 

Cash Flow to

 

(deficiency) approved 

 

paid to

 

 

 

 

equity investors

 

by our General Partner

 

equity investors

 

DCF ratio

Six months ended January 31, 2019

 

$

25,349

 

$

15,277

 

$

10,072

 

 

For the year ended July 31, 2018

 

 

62,904

 

 

22,934

 

 

39,970

 

 

Less: Six months ended January 31, 2018

 

 

59,903

 

 

39,919

 

 

19,984

 

 

Twelve months ended January 31, 2019

 

$

28,350

 

$

(1,708)

 

$

30,058

 

0.94

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twelve months ended October 31, 2018

 

 

54,863

 

 

14,891

 

 

39,972

 

1.37

Change

 

$

(26,513)

 

$

(16,599)

 

$

(9,914)

 

(0.43)

 

For the twelve months ended January 31, 2019, distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors decreased $26.5 million compared to the twelve months ended October 31, 2018, primarily due to the purchase of new propane delivery trucks funded through cash on hand. Cash distributions paid to equity investors decreased by $9.9 million during that twelve month period because no distributions have been made for the six months ended January 31, 2019. Our distribution coverage ratio decreased to 0.94 for the twelve months ended January 31, 2019, compared with the twelve months ended October 31, 2018. Cash reserves, which we utilize to meet future anticipated expenditures, decreased by $1.7 million during the twelve months ended January 31, 2019 compared to an increase of $14.9 million in the twelve months ended October 31, 2018.

We believe that the liquidity available from our cash on hand, cash flows from operating activities, our senior secured credit facility, and the accounts receivable securitization facility, combined with our other debt and interest expense reduction initiatives, will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure, working capital and letter of credit requirements.

During periods of high volatility, our risk management activities may 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 from us or may default on the settlement of positions with us.

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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, customer retention and purchasing patterns 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 weather, economic, financial and business 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 propane operations and related products cash flows 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 propane operations and related equipment sales operations.

Operating Activities

Ferrellgas Partners

Net cash used in operating activities was $55.1 million for the six months ended January 31, 2019, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $36.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2018. This decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a $20.8 million decrease in cash flow from operations and a $3.2 million outflow associated with other assets and other liabilities, partially offset by a $5.2 million decrease in working capital requirements.

The decrease in cash flow from operations is primarily due to a $14.1 million decrease in gross margin, as well as a net increase in "General and administrative expense" and "Equipment lease expense" of $5.0 million, and a $5.3 million increase in "Interest expense," due to increased interest rates on our secured credit facility.

The decrease in working capital requirements for the six months ended January 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended January 31, 2018 was primarily due to a $23.6 million decrease in requirements for accounts receivable in our propane operations and related equipment sales segment due to declining propane prices in the current quarter partially offset by increases in the volume of propane sold, a $11.2 million decrease in requirements for inventory primarily resulting from increases in crude oil inventory in the six months ended January 31, 2018, and a $4.9 million increase in accounts payable, partially offset by $22.3 million increase in requirements for other current liabilities due primarily to an increase in margin deposits paid by us during the six months ended January 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended January 31, 2018 and a $11.7 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

The operating partnership

Net cash used in operating activities was $39.7 million for the six months ended January 31, 2019, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $20.8 million for the six months ended January 31, 2018. This decrease in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a $20.9 million decrease in cash flow from operations and a $2.9 million outflow associated with other assets and other liabilities, partially offset by a $4.9 million decrease in working capital requirements.

The decrease in cash flow from operations is primarily due to a $14.1 million decrease in gross margin, as well as a net increase in "General and administrative expense" and "Equipment lease expense" of $5.0 million, and a $5.1 million increase in "Interest expense," due to increased interest rates on our secured credit facility.

The increase in working capital requirements for the six months ended January 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended January 31, 2018 was primarily due to a $23.6 million decrease in requirements for accounts receivable in our propane operations and related equipment sales segment due to declining propane prices in the current quarter partially offset by increases in the volume of propane sold, a $11.2 million decrease in requirements for inventory primarily

81


 

resulting from increases in crude oil inventory in the six months ended January 31, 2018, and a $4.9 million increase in accounts payable, partially offset by $22.6 million increase in requirements for other current liabilities due primarily to an increase in margin deposits paid by us during the six months ended January 31, 2019 compared to the six months ended January 31, 2018 and a $11.7 million increase in prepaid expenses and other current assets.

Investing Activities

Ferrellgas Partners

Capital Requirements

Our business requires continual investments to upgrade or enhance existing operations and to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. Capital expenditures for our business consist primarily of:

·

Maintenance capital expenditures. These capital expenditures include expenditures for betterment and replacement of property, plant and equipment rather than to generate incremental distributable cash flow. Examples of maintenance capital expenditures include a routine replacement of a worn-out asset or replacement of major vehicle components; and

·

Growth capital expenditures. These expenditures are undertaken primarily to generate incremental distributable cash flow. Examples include expenditures for purchases of both bulk and portable propane tanks and other equipment to facilitate expansion of our customer base and operating capacity.

Net cash used in investing activities was $61.4 million for the six months ended January 31, 2019, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $46.3 million for the six months ended January 31, 2018. This increase in net cash used in investing activities is primarily due to a $22.6 million increase in "Capital expenditures", partially offset by a $9.8 million decrease in "Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired".

The increase in "Capital expenditures" is primarily due to an increase in maintenance capital expenditures, and to a lesser extent an increase in growth capital expenditures, in our Propane operations and related equipment sales segment during the six months ended January 31, 2019. The increase in maintenance capital expenditures is primarily related to the purchase of new propane delivery trucks funded through cash on hand, compared to the six months ended January 31, 2018. Funding for these trucks has historically been secured through lease financing. The increase in growth capital expenditures is primarily due to the construction of new Blue Rhino production plants in the first quarter. The increase is also due to the continued rise in the number of cylinders and cages purchased to support increases in tank exchange sales and selling locations, as well as the number of cylinders purchased for industrial and commercial forklift sales.

The decrease in "Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired" is attributable to five immaterial acquisitions by our Propane operations and related equipment sales segment during the six months ended January 31, 2019 compared to the acquisitions completed during the six months ended January 31, 2018.

Due to the mature nature of our Propane operations and related equipment sales operations segment, we do not anticipate significant fluctuations in maintenance capital expenditures, with the exception of future decisions regarding lease versus buy financing options. However, future fluctuations in growth capital expenditures could occur due to the opportunistic nature of these projects.

On February 20, 2019, we received full payment for our $8.5 million secured promissory note due in May 2020 from Bridger Energy, LLC.

The operating partnership

The investing activities discussed above also apply to the operating partnership.

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Financing Activities

Ferrellgas Partners

Net cash provided by financing activities was $37.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2019, compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $91.1 million for the six months ended January 31, 2018. This decrease in cash flow provided by financing activities was primarily due to a $23.6 million decrease in proceeds from long-term debt and a $24.9 million net decrease in proceeds from short-term borrowings.

Distributions

During the six months ended January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas Partners paid quarterly a per unit distribution on all common units of $0.10 in connection with the distributions declared for the three month period ended July 31, 2018. No distribution on common units or the related general partner distribution was made for the three month period ended October 31, 2018.

Total distributions paid to common unitholders during the six months ended January 31, 2019, including the related general partner distributions, was $9.8 million. As discussed above, no distribution on common units or the related general partner distribution was made in December 2018 and will not be made in March 2019 for the six months ended January 31, 2019 or for any future quarterly period until Ferrellgas Partners’ fixed charge coverage ratio is at least 1.75x, or the indenture governing the notes of Ferrellgas Partners is amended or replaced.

Secured credit facility

The Senior Secured Credit Facility consists of a $300.0 million revolving line of credit (the "Revolving Facility") as well as a $275.0 million term loan (the "Term Loan"), which mature on May 4, 2023. Revolving Facility borrowings bear interest at the Prime Rate + 4.75% and Term Loan borrowings bear interest at LIBOR + 5.75%. The Revolving Facility includes a $125.0 million sublimit for the issuance of letters of credit. Borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility are available for working capital needs, capital expenditures and other general partnership purposes, including the refinancing of existing indebtedness and acquisitions, within certain limits.

The Term Loan does not include any scheduled principal payments and the Revolving Facility does not have any scheduled commitment reductions before maturity; however, the Term Loan requires prepayments pursuant to the following: 1) certain asset sales, 2) 50% of any excess cash flow, as defined by the Term Loan, in any fiscal year beginning with fiscal year 2019, 3) certain insurance proceeds, and 4) certain tax refunds.

The Senior Secured Credit Facility is secured with substantially all of the assets of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries, and Ferrellgas Partners’ and the general partner’s partnership interests in the operating partnership, and 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, 2019, the operating partnership had borrowings of $275.0 million under the Term Loan at a rate of 8.27%, which was classified as long-term debt, and no borrowings under the Revolving Facility. As of January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas had available borrowing capacity under the Revolving Facility of $196.2 million. As of July 31, 2018, the operating partnership had borrowings of $275.0 million under the Term Loan at a rate of 7.86%, which was classified as long-term debt, and $32.8 million under the Revolving Facility at a rate of 9.75%, which was classified as short-term borrowings. As of July 31, 2018, Ferrellgas had available borrowing capacity under its Revolving Facility of $159.3 million.

Letters of credit outstanding at January 31, 2019 totaled $103.8 million and were used to secure insurance arrangements, product purchases, and commodity hedges. At January 31, 2019, we had remaining letter of credit capacity of $21.2 million.

83


 

Accounts receivable securitization

Ferrellgas Receivables is a consolidated subsidiary. Expenses associated with accounts receivable securitization transactions are recorded in “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, borrowings and repayments associated with these transactions are recorded in “Cash flows from financing activities” in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

Cash flows from our accounts receivable securitization facility decreased $15.0 million, as we received net funding of $82.0 million from this facility during the six months ended January 31, 2019 as compared to receiving net funding of $97.0 million from this facility during the six months ended January 31, 2018.

Our utilization of the accounts receivable securitization facility is limited by the amount of accounts receivable that we are permitted to securitize according to the facility agreement. As of January 31, 2019, we had received cash proceeds of $140.0 million related to the securitization of our trade accounts receivable, with no remaining capacity receive additional proceeds. As of January 31, 2019, the weighted average interest rate was 5.3%. 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 increase, thereby providing additional cash for working capital needs.

The operating partnership

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

Distributions

The operating partnership paid cash distributions of $25.6 million and $35.4 million during the six months ended January 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The operating partnership will not make any distributions related to the three month period ended January 31, 2019.

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 agreements, 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 $76.5 million for the six months ended January 31, 2019, 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:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    

 

    

Distributions

 

 

Common unit

 

(in thousands)

 

 

ownership at

 

paid during the six months ended

 

 

January 31, 2019

 

January 31, 2019

Ferrell Companies (1)

 

22,529,361

 

$

2,253

FCI Trading Corp. (2)

 

195,686

 

 

20

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (3)

 

51,204

 

 

 5

James E. Ferrell (4)

 

4,763,475

 

 

476


(1)

Ferrell Companies is the owner of the general partner and is an approximate 23% direct owner of Ferrellgas Partners’ common units and thus a related party. Ferrell Companies also beneficially owns 195,686 and 51,204 common units of Ferrellgas Partners held by FCI Trading Corp. ("FCI Trading") and Ferrell Propane, Inc. ("Ferrell Propane"), respectively, bringing Ferrell Companies’ beneficial ownership to 23.4% at January 31, 2019.

(2)

FCI Trading is an affiliate of the general partner and thus a related party.

84


 

(3)

Ferrell Propane is controlled by the general partner and thus a related party.

(4)

James E. Ferrell is the Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the general partner; and is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the general partner and thus a related party. JEF Capital Management owns 4,758,859 of these common units and is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust Two and other family trusts, all of which James E. Ferrell and/or his family members are the trustees and beneficiaries. James E. Ferrell holds all voting common stock of JEF Capital Management. The remaining 4,616 common units are held by Ferrell Resources Holding, Inc., which is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust One, for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary.

During the six months ended January 31, 2019, Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership together paid the general partner distributions of $0.4 million.

As discussed previously, Ferrellgas Partners was not in compliance with the consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio under its note indenture, and thus was unable to make restricted payments, including distributions to unitholders.

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, 2019. 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. 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. Propane related 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 Intercontinental Exchange or the Chicago 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 on our financial statements until settled.

Transportation Fuel Price Risk

From time to time, our risk management activities also attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel for use in the transport of propane from retail fueling stations. When employed, we attempt to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments.

When employed, our risk management strategy involves taking positions in the financial markets that are not more than the forecasted purchases of fuel for our internal use in the retail and supply propane delivery fleet in order to minimize the risk of decreased earnings from an adverse price change. This risk management strategy locks in our purchase price and is successful when our gains or losses in the physical product markets are offset by our losses or gains in the financial markets. Our transport fuel financial derivatives are not designated as cash flow hedges.

85


 

Risk Policy and Sensitivity Analysis

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, 2019 and July 31, 2018, 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 $11.4 million and $13.7 million as of January 31, 2019 and July 31, 2018, 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 does not include the anticipated transactions associated with these transactions, which we anticipate will be 100% effective.

Credit risk

We maintain credit policies with regard to our counterparties 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.

Our other counterparties consist of major energy companies who are suppliers, marketers, 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, 2019, we had a total of $415.0 million in variable rate secured credit facility and collateralized note payable borrowings. Thus, assuming a one percent increase in our variable interest rate, our interest rate risk related to these borrowings would result in a reduction to future earnings of $4.2 million for the twelve months ending January 31, 2019. The preceding hypothetical analysis is limited because changes in interest rates may or may not equal one percent, thus actual results may differ. Our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by significant increases in interest rates.

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

86


 

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, 2019, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in achieving that level of reasonable assurance.

During the most recent fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2019, 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 and, prior to the sales of midstream operations in fiscal 2018, crude oil. As a result, at any given time, we can be threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than as discussed below, 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 consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We have been named as a defendant, along with a competitor, in putative class action lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions. The lawsuits, which were consolidated in the Western District of Missouri on October 16, 2014, allege that we and a competitor coordinated in 2008 to reduce the fill level in barbeque cylinders and combined to persuade a common customer to accept that fill reduction, resulting in increased cylinder costs to direct customers and end-user customers in violation of federal and certain state antitrust laws. The lawsuits seek treble damages, attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief and costs on behalf of the putative class. These lawsuits have been consolidated into one case by a multidistrict litigation panel. The Federal Court for the Western District of Missouri initially dismissed all claims brought by direct and indirect customers other than state law claims of indirect customers under Wisconsin, Maine and Vermont law. The direct customer plaintiffs filed an appeal, which resulted in a reversal of the district court’s dismissal. We filed a petition for a writ of certiorari which was denied. An appeal by the indirect customer plaintiffs resulted in the court appeals affirming the dismissal of the federal claims and remanding the case to the district court to decide whether to exercise supplemental jurisdiction over the remaining state law claims. We believe we have strong defenses to the claims and intend to vigorously defend against the consolidated case. We do not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.

We have been named, along with several former officers, in several class action lawsuits alleging violations of certain securities laws based on alleged materially false and misleading statements in certain of our public disclosures. The lawsuits, the first of which was filed on October 6, 2016 in the Southern District of New York, seek unspecified compensatory damages. Derivative lawsuits with similar allegations have been filed naming Ferrellgas and several current and former officers and directors as defendants. On April 2, 2018, the securities class action lawsuits were dismissed with prejudice. On April 30, 2018, the plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. The parties have completed briefing and are preparing for oral argument. At this time the derivative lawsuits remain stayed by agreement. We believe that we have defenses and will vigorously defend these cases. We do not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuits or the derivative actions.

We and Bridger Logistics, LLC, have been named, along with two former officers, in a lawsuit filed by Eddystone Rail Company ("Eddystone") on February 2, 2017 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (the "EDPA Lawsuit"). Eddystone indicated that it has prevailed or settled an arbitration against Jamex Transfer Services (“JTS”), then named Bridger Transfer Services, a former subsidiary of Bridger Logistics, LLC (“Bridger”). The arbitration involved a claim against JTS for money due for deficiency payments under a contract for the use of an Eddystone facility used to offload crude

87


 

from rail onto barges. Eddystone alleges that we transferred assets out of JTS prior to the sale of the membership interest in JTS to Jamex Transfer Holdings, and that those transfers should be avoided so that the assets can be used to satisfy the amount owed by JTS to Eddystone under the arbitration. Eddystone also alleges that JTS was an “alter ego” of Bridger and Ferrellgas. We believe that we and Bridger have valid defenses to these claims and to Eddystone’s primary claim against JTS on the contract claim. The lawsuit does not specify a specific amount of damages that Eddystone is seeking; however, we believe that the amount of such damage claims, if ultimately owed to Eddystone, could be material. We intend to vigorously defend this claim. The lawsuit is in its early stages; as such, management does not currently believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time. On August 24, 2017, we filed a third-party complaint against JTS, Jamex Transfer Holdings, and other related persons and entities (the "Third-Party Defendants"), asserting claims for breach of contract, indemnification of any losses in the EDPA Lawsuit, tortious interference with contract, and contribution. On June 25, 2018, we entered into an agreement with the Third-Party Defendants which, among other things, resulted in a dismissal of the claims against the Third-Party Defendants from the lawsuit. On January 25, 2019, Ferrellgas, Bridger Logistics, LLC and all other defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint for Lack of Subject Matter Jurisdiction.

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS

There have been no material changes from the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for fiscal 2018.

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

None.

ITEM 3.      DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.      MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

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 
N
umber

    

Description

3.1

 

Certificate of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2015.

3.2

 

Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership Agreement of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.14 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 7, 2018.

3.3

 

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.

3.4

 

Bylaws of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. adopted as of April 1, 1996. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to our registration statement on Form S‑3 filed March 6, 2009.

3.5

 

Certificate of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2015.

3.6

 

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.

3.7

 

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.

3.8

 

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 November 4, 2013 with form of Note attached, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $475 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed November 5, 2013; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

4.3

 

Indenture dated as of April 13, 2010, among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $280 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed April 13, 2010; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

4.4

 

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 13, 2010, with form of Note attached, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $280 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed April 13, 2010; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

4.5

 

Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 30, 2017, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed January 30, 2017.

4.6

 

Indenture dated as of November 24, 2010, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $500 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2021. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed November 30, 2010; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

4.7

 

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 4.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2014.

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4.8

 

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 4.7 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2014.

4.9

 

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 4.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2014.

4.10

 

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 4.13 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q filed June 9, 2010; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

4.11

 

Indenture, dated June 8, 2015, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Finance Corp. the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $500 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2023. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed June 8, 2015.

4.12

 

Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 30, 2017 by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the initial purchasers referred to therein. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed January 30, 2017.

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 Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2014.

10.2

 

Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated as of September 23, 2011, by and 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 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 26, 2011; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

10.3

 

Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated as of October 21, 2013, by and 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 October 23, 2013; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

10.4

 

Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement dated as of June 6, 2014, by and 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 June 9, 2014.

10.5

 

Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 2 to Security Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2015, by and 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 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q filed June 9, 2015.

10.6

 

Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement dated as of September 27, 2016, by and 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 10.37 to our Current Report on Form 10‑K filed September 28, 2016.

10.7

 

Amendment No. 6 to Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 3 to Security Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2017, by and 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 May 2, 2017.

+10.8

 

Financing Agreement, dated as of May 4, 2018, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., as the general partner of Ferrellgas, L.P., certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas, L.P., as guarantors, the lenders party thereto, TPG Specialty Lending, Inc. as administrative agent, collateral agent and lead arranger, and PNC Bank, National Association, as syndication agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed September 7, 2018.

90


 

10.9

 

Amended and Restated Receivable Sale Agreement dated as of January 19, 2012, between Ferrellgas, L.P. and Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, Inc., as originators, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed January 20, 2012; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

10.10

 

Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of January 19, 2012, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed January 20, 2012; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

10.11

 

First Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 30, 2012, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q filed June 8, 2012; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

10.12

 

Second Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 1, 2014, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed April 4, 2014.

10.13

 

Third Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of July 27, 2016, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed July 27, 2016.

10.14

 

Fourth Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 27, 2016, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to our Current Report on Form 10‑K filed September 28, 2016.

10.15

 

Amendment No. 5 to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 28, 2017, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed May 2, 2017.

+ 10.16

 

Amendment No. 7 to Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 14, 2018, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers party thereto, Fifth Third Bank and PNC Bank, National Association, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed September 7, 2018.

# 10.17

 

Ferrell Companies, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q filed March 10, 2010; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

# 10.18

 

Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective October 11, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2014.

# 10.19

 

Amendment to Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of March 7, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q filed June 9, 2010; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

# 10.20

 

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 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2014.

# 10.21

 

Form of Director/Officer Indemnification Agreement, by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. and each director and executive officer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q filed March 9, 2012; File No. 001‑11331; 000‑50182; 000‑50183 and 333‑06693.

# 10.22

 

Ferrell Companies, Inc. 2015 Deferred Appreciation Rights Plan, dated as of July 31, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2015.

91


 

# 10.23

 

Employment agreement dated July 10, 2015 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Alan C. Heitmann as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed July 15, 2015.

# 10.24

 

Employment agreement dated as of May 28, 2015 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Thomas M. Van Buren as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to our Annual Report on Form 10‑K filed September 29, 2015.

# 10.25

 

Thomas M. Van Buren Agreement and Release. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed September 15, 2017.

10.26

 

Purchase Agreement dated January 24, 2017 by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc. and the initial purchasers named therein. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed January 30, 2017.

# 10.27

 

Doran N. Schwartz offer letter dated as of September 8, 2017. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8‑K filed September 22, 2017.

# 10.28

 

Voluntary Retirement and Release dated March 8, 2018 by and between Randy V. Schott and Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.45 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q filed March 8, 2018.

* 10.29

 

Separation Agreement and release dated December 1, 2018 by and between Doran Schwartz and Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P.

* 10.30

 

Separation Agreement and release dated December 1, 2018 by and between Trenton D. Hampton and Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P.

* 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.

* 101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document.

* 101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

* 101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

* 101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

* 101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

* 101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.


*Filed herewith

#Management contracts or compensatory plans.

+Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the SEC.

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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 8, 2019

By

/s/ William E. Ruisinger

 

 

 

William E. Ruisinger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 8, 2019

By

/s/ William E. Ruisinger

 

 

 

William E. Ruisinger

 

 

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

 

 

By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 8, 2019

By

/s/ William E. Ruisinger

 

 

 

William E. Ruisinger

 

 

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

 

 

 

 

Date:

March 8, 2019

By

/s/ William E. Ruisinger

 

 

 

William E. Ruisinger

 

 

 

Interim Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

 

 

93