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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2005

 

or

 

o Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from __________ to __________

 

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

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

Ferrellgas, L.P.

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

 

(Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)

 

 

 

 

Delaware

Delaware

Delaware

Delaware

 

43-1698480

43-1742520

43-1698481

14-1866671

 

 

 

(States or other jurisdictions of

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

 

 

incorporation or organization)

 

 

7500 College Boulevard, Suite 1000, Overland Park, KS 66210

 

(Address of principal executive offices) (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 registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes

[ X ]

No

[

]

 

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

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

Yes

[ X ]

No

[

]

 

 

 

 

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

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

Yes

[

]

No

[ X ]

 

At February 28, 2005, the registrants had common units or shares of common stock outstanding as follows:

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

54,105,705

Common Units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

1,000

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas, L.P.

n/a

n/a

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

1,000

Common Stock

 

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.

 

For the quarterly period ended January 31, 2005

FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT

 

Table of Contents

Page

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004

1

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings –

Three and six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004

 

2

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Capital –

Six months ended January 31, 2005

 

3

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows –

Six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004

 

4

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets – January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004

17

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Earnings –

Three and six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004

 

17

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows –

Six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004

 

18

 

 

 

 

Note to Condensed Financial Statements

18

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004

19

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings –

Three and six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004

 

20

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Partners’ Capital –

Six months ended January 31, 2005

 

21

 

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows –

Six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004

 

22

 

 

 

 

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

23

 

 

 

 

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Balance Sheets – January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004

31

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Earnings –

Three and six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004

 

31

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows –

Six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004

 

32

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note to Condensed Financial Statements

32

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

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

 

33

 

ITEM 3.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

45

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

46

 

 

 

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

47

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

47

 

 

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

47

 

 

 

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

47

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

48

 

 

 

ITEM 6.

EXHIBITS

48

 

 

 

 

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except unit data)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

ASSETS

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$             31,501

 

$             15,428

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

141,226

 

114,211

Inventories

 

122,131

 

103,578

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

12,638

 

10,022

Total current assets

 

307,496

 

243,239

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

796,199

 

792,436

Goodwill

 

258,856

 

261,768

Intangible assets, net

 

268,321

 

265,125

Other assets, net

 

17,837

 

15,607

Total assets

 

$             1,648,709

 

$             1,578,175

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$             131,244

 

$             104,309

Short-term borrowings

 

70,600

 

-

Other current liabilities

 

87,369

 

92,793

Total current liabilities

 

289,213

 

197,102

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

1,059,389

 

1,153,652

Other liabilities

 

22,687

 

20,531

Contingencies and commitments (Note J)

 

-

 

-

Minority interest

 

5,532

 

4,791

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital:

 

 

 

 

Senior unitholder (1,994,146 units outstanding at January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004

 

 

 

 

- liquidation preference $79,766 at January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004)

 

79,766

 

79,766

Common unitholders (54,105,705 and 48,772,875 units outstanding

 

 

 

 

at January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004, respectively)

 

250,534

 

178,994

General partner unitholder (566,665 and 512,798 units outstanding

 

 

 

 

At January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004, respectively)

 

(56,707)

 

(57,391)

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(1,705)

 

730

Total partners’ capital

 

271,888

 

202,099

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$             1,648,709

 

$             1,578,175

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

 

(in thousands, except per unit data)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales

 

 

$ 605,744

 

$457,433

 

$932,855

 

$689,487

Other

 

 

50,564

 

24,348

 

83,141

 

47,708

Total revenues

 

 

656,308

 

481,781

 

1,015,996

 

737,195

Cost of product sold (exclusive of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

depreciation, shown with amortization below)

 

 

434,518

 

286,899

 

679,034

 

446,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 

221,790

 

194,882

 

336,962

 

291,047

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expense

 

 

97,971

 

79,804

 

187,011

 

152,283

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

 

21,333

 

12,665

 

41,180

 

23,860

General and administrative expense

 

 

11,517

 

8,982

 

21,839

 

15,873

Equipment lease expense

 

 

6,153

 

4,732

 

11,919

 

9,243

Employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

 

2,358

 

2,164

 

4,445

 

3,948

Loss on disposal of assets and other

 

 

1,817

 

1,926

 

3,073

 

3,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

 

 

80,641

 

84,609

 

67,495

 

82,288

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

 

(23,196)

 

(17,291)

 

(46,059)

 

(34,085)

Interest income

 

 

657

 

470

 

976

 

801

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes and minority interest

 

 

58,102

 

67,788

 

22,412

 

49,004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

339

 

-

 

(67)

 

-

Minority interest

 

 

645

 

733

 

350

 

595

Net earnings

 

 

57,118

 

67,055

 

22,129

 

48,409

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions to senior unitholder

 

 

1,994

 

1,994

 

3,988

 

3,988

Net earnings available to general partner unitholder

 

 

7,595

 

16,713

 

181

 

1,896

Net earnings available to common unitholders

 

 

$ 47,529

 

$ 48,348

 

$ 17,960

 

$ 42,525

 

Basic earnings per common unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed net earnings available to common unitholders

 

 

$ 0.50

 

$ 0.50

 

$ 1.00

 

$1.00

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

available to common unitholders

 

 

0.38

 

0.74

 

(0.65)

 

0.11

Net earnings per common unitholder

 

 

$ 0.88

 

$ 1.24

 

$ 0.35

 

$1.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributed net earnings available to common unitholders

 

 

$0.50

 

$0.50

 

$1.00

 

$1.00

Undistributed (distributions in excess of) net earnings

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

available to common unitholders

 

 

0.38

 

0.73

 

(0.66)

 

0.10

Net earnings per common unitholder

 

 

$ 0.88

 

$1.23

 

$0.34

 

$1.10

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other

 

 

 

 

 

Number of units

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

 

 

Currency

 

 

 

 

 

Senior

 

Common

 

partner

 

Senior

 

Common

 

partner

 

Risk

 

translation

 

 

 

Total

 

unit-

 

unit-

 

unit-

 

unit-

 

unit-

 

unit-

 

manage-

 

adjust-

 

Pension

 

partners’

 

holder

 

holders

 

holder

 

holder

 

holders

 

holder

 

ment

 

ments

 

liability

 

capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 1, 2004

1,994.1

 

48,772.9

 

512.8

 

$ 79,766

 

$ 178,994

 

$ (57,391)

 

$ 1,772

 

$ 16

 

$ (1,058)

 

$ 202,099

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution in connection with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESOP compensation charge

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,356

 

44

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,400

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common unit cash distribution

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(52,762)

 

(533)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(53,295)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior unit cash and accrued distributions

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(3,948)

 

(80)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(4,028)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units issued in public offering

-

 

2,875.0

 

29.0

 

-

 

54,891

 

554

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

55,445

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units issued in private offering

-

 

2,098.6

 

21.2

 

-

 

39,800

 

404

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

40,204

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common units issued in connection

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

with acquistions

-

 

341.2

 

3.5

 

-

 

6,993

 

71

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

7,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common unit options exercised

-

 

18.0

 

0.2

 

-

 

302

 

3

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

305

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

21,908

 

221

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

22,129

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses on risk management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

derivatives

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(1,969)

 

-

 

-

 

(1,969)

Reclassification of net losses on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

risk management derivatives

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(504)

 

-

 

-

 

(504)

Foreign currency translation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

adjustment

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

38

 

-

 

38

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19,694

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2005

1,994.1

 

54,105.7

 

566.7

 

$ 79,766

 

$ 250,534

 

$ (56,707)

 

$ (701)

 

$ 54

 

$ (1,058)

 

$ 271,888

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

3

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$             22,129

 

$             48,409

Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided

 

 

 

 

by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

41,180

 

23,860

Employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

4,445

 

3,948

Loss on disposal of assets

 

1,427

 

2,824

Minority interest

 

350

 

595

Other

 

1,519

 

3,169

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of

 

 

 

 

effects from business acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

(133,106)

 

(128,001)

Inventories

 

(20,107)

 

(14,899)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(1,714)

 

(538)

Accounts payable

 

27,082

 

57,275

Other current liabilities

 

(7,455)

 

(10,140)

Other liabilities

 

1,018

 

882

Accounts receivable securitization:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from new accounts receivable securitizations

 

104,400

 

30,000

Proceeds from collections reinvested in revolving

 

 

 

 

period accounts receivable securitizations

 

498,083

 

419,466

Remittances of amounts collected as servicer of

 

 

 

 

accounts receivable securitizations

 

(498,083)

 

(423,466)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

41,168

 

13,384

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(20,058)

 

(38,142)

Capital expenditures - technology initiative

 

(6,818)

 

(3,612)

Capital expenditures - other

 

(15,402)

 

(12,581)

Other

 

2,305

 

1,774

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(39,973)

 

(52,561)

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

(57,323)

 

(43,134)

 

Issuance of common units, net of issuance costs of $139

 

 

 

 

 

and $48 during 2005 and 2004, respectively

 

94,917

 

47,348

 

Net additions to short-term borrowings

 

70,600

 

42,700

 

Proceeds from issuance of debt

 

-

 

13,300

 

Principal payments on debt

 

(94,701)

 

(9,877)

 

Cash paid for financing costs

 

(331)

 

(44)

 

Proceeds from exercise of common unit options

 

301

 

459

 

Cash contribution from general partner

 

2,082

 

488

 

Minority interest activity

 

(705)

 

(145)

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

14,840

 

51,095

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

38

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

16,073

 

11,918

 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

15,428

 

11,154

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

$             31,501

 

$             23,072

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$             45,134

 

$             32,899

 

Income taxes

 

371

 

-

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2005

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

(unaudited)

 

A.

Organization

 

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”) is a publicly traded limited partnership, owning an approximate 99% limited partner interest in Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “operating partnership”). Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership are collectively referred to as “Ferrellgas.” Ferrellgas, Inc. (the “general partner”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, Inc. (“Ferrell Companies”), has retained a 1% general partner interest in Ferrellgas Partners and also holds a 1.0101% 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. Ferrell Companies beneficially owns 18.1 million of the outstanding Ferrellgas Partners common units. JEF Capital Management, Inc. (“JEF Capital”) is beneficially owned by James E. Ferrell (“Mr. Ferrell”), Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of the general partner, and thus is an affiliate. JEF Capital directly owns 100% of Ferrellgas’ senior units.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed consolidated financial statements were of a normal, recurring nature. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes as set forth in Ferrellgas’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.

 

B.

Unit and stock-based compensation

Ferrellgas accounts for the Ferrellgas Unit Option Plan (the “Unit Option Plan”) and the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ICP”) using the intrinsic value method under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” for all periods presented and makes the fair value method pro forma disclosures required under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the unit option plan or for the ICP in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined based upon the fair value at the grant date for awards under these plans, consistent with the methodology recommended under SFAS No. 123, Ferrellgas’ net earnings and net earnings per unit would have been adjusted as noted in the table below:

 

5

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months

ended January 31,

 

For the six months

ended January 31,

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

Net earnings available to common unitholders, as reported

 

$47,529

 

 

$48,348

 

 

$17,960

 

 

$42,525

 

Deduct: Total stock based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards

 

 

 

 

(316)

 

 

 

 

 

(240)

 

 

 

 

 

(632)

 

 

 

 

 

(475)

 

Pro forma net earnings available to common unitholders

 

$47,213

 

 

$48,108

 

 

$17,328

 

 

$42,050

 

Basic earnings per common unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic net earnings available to common unitholders, as reported

 

$0.88

 

 

$1.24

 

 

$0.35

 

$1.11

 

Basic net earnings available to common unitholders, pro forma

$0.88

 

$1.23

 

$0.33

 

$1.10

 

Diluted earnings per common unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings available to common unitholders, as reported

$0.88

 

$1.23

 

$0.34

 

$1.10

 

Diluted earnings available to common unitholders, pro forma

 

$0.88

 

 

$1.23

 

 

$0.33

 

 

$1.09

 

The fair value of the ICP stock options granted during the 2004, 2003, and 2002 fiscal years were determined using a binomial option valuation model with the following assumptions: a) a one percent dividend, b) average stock price volatility of 17.9%, 18.6% and 19.2% used in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively, c) the risk-free interest rate used was 3.8%, 4.0% and 4.3% in 2004, 2003 and 2002, respectively and d) expected life of the options between five and 12 years.

 

C.

Accounting estimates

 

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

 

 

6

 

 

 

D.

Reclassifications

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended January 31, 2004 to conform to the six months ended January 31, 2005 condensed consolidated statement of cash flows presentation. “Cash paid for financing costs” is disclosed separately in net cash provided by financing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. This amount was previously classified as “Other” in net cash provided by financing activities for the six months ended January 31, 2004.

 

E.

Nature of operations

 

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

 

The operating partnership is engaged primarily in the distribution of propane and related equipment and supplies in the United States. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, the results of operations for the six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. The operating partnership serves more than one million residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural and other customers in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

 

F.

Business combinations

 

During fiscal 2004, Ferrellgas completed a material business combination. The business combination was accounted for under the purchase method and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. We believe there are no outstanding valuation issues related to the Blue Rhino contribution, and we expect to complete our allocation of the purchase price in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The results of operations from this business combination are included in Ferrellgas’ condensed consolidated financial statements from the date of the business combination.

 

 

Allocation of purchase price

 

 

Business combinations

 

 

Purchase price

 

 

Working capital

 

Property plant & equipment

 

 

Intangible

assets

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

Other

Blue Rhino

(April 2004)

$414,278

$21,334

$95,772

$163,100

$129,973

$4,099

 

Blue Rhino contribution

 

On April 20, 2004, FCI Trading Corp. (“FCI Trading”), an affiliate of the general partner, acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Blue Rhino Corporation in an all-cash merger. Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 8, 2004, a subsidiary of FCI Trading merged with and into Blue Rhino Corporation whereby the then current stockholders of Blue Rhino Corporation were granted the right to receive a payment from FCI Trading of $17.00 in cash for each share of Blue Rhino Corporation common stock outstanding on April 20, 2004. FCI Trading thereafter became the sole stockholder of Blue Rhino Corporation and immediately after the merger, FCI Trading converted Blue Rhino Corporation into a limited liability company, Blue Rhino LLC.

 

 

7

 

 

 

In a non-cash contribution, pursuant to a Contribution Agreement dated February 8, 2004, FCI Trading contributed on April 21, 2004 all of the membership interests in Blue Rhino LLC to the operating partnership through a series of transactions and the operating partnership assumed FCI Trading’s obligation under the Agreement and Plan Of Merger to pay the $17.00 per share to the former stockholders of Blue Rhino Corporation together with other specific obligations, as detailed in the following table:

 

 

 

 

Assumption of obligations under the contribution agreement

 

$343,414

Common units and general partner interest issued

 

8,700

Assumption of Blue Rhino’s bank credit facility outstanding balance

 

43,719

Assumption of other liabilities and acquisition costs

 

18,445

 

 

$414,278

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also on April 21, 2004, subsequent to the contribution described above, Blue Rhino LLC merged with and into the operating partnership. The former operations of Blue Rhino LLC will hereafter be referred to as “Blue Rhino.”

 

Ferrellgas’ valuation of the tangible and intangible assets of the Blue Rhino contribution resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $130.0 million. This valuation of goodwill was based on Ferrellgas’ belief that the contributions of Blue Rhino will be beneficial to Ferrellgas’ and Blue Rhino’s operations as Blue Rhino’s counter-seasonal business activities and anticipated future growth is expected to provide Ferrellgas with the ability to better utilize its seasonal resources to complement Ferrellgas’ retail distribution locations with Blue Rhino’s existing distributor network.

 

The results of operations of Blue Rhino for the period from August 1, 2004 through January 31, 2005 are included in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings of the combined entity for the three and six months ended January 31, 2005.

 

Pro forma results of operations

 

The following summarized unaudited pro forma results of operations for the three and six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, assumes that the Blue Rhino contribution had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented. These unaudited pro forma financial results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and may not be indicative of (i) the results that would have occurred if Ferrellgas had completed the Blue Rhino contribution as of the beginning of the periods presented or (ii) the results that will be attained in the future.

 

 

For the three months

ended January 31,

 

For the six months

ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Propane and other gas liquids sales

$605,744

 

$516,675

 

$932,855

 

$797,999

 

Net earnings available to common unitholders

$ 47,529

 

$ 44,711

 

$ 17,960

 

$ 33.615

 

Basic net earnings available to common unitholders

 

$0.88

 

 

$0.93

 

 

$0.35

 

 

$0.71

 

Diluted net earnings available to common unitholders

 

$0.88

 

 

$0.93

 

 

$0.34

 

 

$0.71

 

 

8

 

 

 

G.

Cash and cash equivalents and non-cash activities

 

For purposes of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, Ferrellgas considers cash equivalents to include all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Significant non-cash operating, investing and financing activities are primarily related to the accounts receivable securitization, transactions with related parties and business combinations and are disclosed in Note F – Business combinations, Note H – Accounts receivable securitization, Note K – Partners’ capital and Note O – Transactions with related parties, respectively.

 

H.

Accounts receivable securitization

 

The operating partnership transfers certain of its trade accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC (“Ferrellgas Receivables”), a wholly-owned unconsolidated, special purpose entity, and retains an interest in a portion of these transferred receivables. As these transferred receivables are subsequently collected and the funding from the accounts receivable securitization facility is reduced, the operating partnership’s retained interest in these receivables is reduced. As of January 31, 2005, the balance of the retained interest was $30.4 million and was classified as accounts receivable on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. At January 31, 2005, $157.6 million had been transferred. At January 31, 2005, the operating partnership had $17.4 million of remaining capacity to transfer additional trade accounts receivable. The net non-cash activity relating to this retained interest was $0.2 million and $0.2 million during the three months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.3 million during the six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004 respectively. These amounts reported in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings approximate the financing cost of issuing commercial paper backed by these accounts receivable plus an allowance for doubtful accounts associated with the outstanding receivables transferred to Ferrellgas Receivables. The weighted average discount rate used to value the retained interest in the transferred receivables was 3.0% and 2.0% during the six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Ferrellgas renewed the facility for an additional 364-day commitment on September 21, 2004.

 

I.

Supplemental financial statement information

 

Inventories consist of:

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Propane gas and related products

$ 90,767

 

$ 69,570

 

Appliances, parts and supplies

31,364

 

34,008

 

 

$122,131

 

$103,578

 

In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas enters into contracts to buy product for supply purposes, primarily propane for supply procurement purposes. Nearly all of these contracts have terms of less than one year and most call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. All fixed price contracts have terms of less than 18 months. As of January 31, 2005, Ferrellgas had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to take net delivery of approximately 3.0 million gallons of propane at a fixed price.

 

 

 

 

9

 

 

 

Intangible assets, net consist of:

 

January 31, 2005

 

July 31, 2004

 

Gross

carrying

amount

 

Accum-ulated

amortization

 

 

 

Net

 

Gross

carrying

amount

 

Accum-ulated

amortization

 

 

 

Net

 

Amortized intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer lists

$338,497

 

$(148,467)

 

$190,030

 

$326,352

 

$(140,766)

 

$185,586

 

Non-compete agreements

35,426

 

(20,060)

 

15,366

 

71,697

 

(56,468)

 

15,229

 

Other

5,300

 

(1,375)

 

3,925

 

6,289

 

(979)

 

5,310

 

 

379,223

 

(169,902)

 

209,321

 

404,338

 

(198,213)

 

206,125

 

Unamortized intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tradenames & trademarks

59,000

 

-

 

59,000

 

59,000

 

-

 

59,000

 

 

$438,223

 

$(169,902)

 

$268,321

 

$463,338

 

$(198,213)

 

$265,125

 

        

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Aggregate amortization expense

$5,530

 

$2,876

 

$11,301

 

$6,043

 

 

Estimated amortization expense:

 

For the years ended July 31,

 

Amortization remaining in 2005

$ 11,206

2006

21,758

2007

20,258

2008

18,316

2009

17,257

 

 

Loss on disposal of assets and other

consist of:

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Loss on disposal of assets

$618

 

$1,503

 

$1,427

 

$2,824

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

 

1,752

 

 

931

 

 

2,570

 

 

1,547

Service income related to the accounts

receivable securitization

 

(553)

 

 

(508)

 

 

(924)

 

 

(819)

 

$1,817

 

$1,926

 

$3,073

 

$3,552

 

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

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Operating expense

$41,381

 

$39,856

 

$73,592

 

$70,356

Depreciation and amortization expense

1,609

 

2,146

 

3,310

 

4,182

Equipment lease expense

5,558

 

2,820

 

11,442

 

5,624

 

$48,548

 

$44,822

 

$88,344

 

$80,162

 

 

10

 

 

 

J.

Contingencies

 

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

 

K.

Partners’ capital

As of January 31, 2005 and July 31, 2004, partners’ capital consisted of the following limited partner units:

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

2005

 

2004

Senior units

1,994,146

 

1,994,146

Common units

54,105,705

 

48,772,875

 

 

 

 

 

As of January 31, 2005, total common units outstanding consisted of (i) 36.0 million held by third parties and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FGP,” (ii) 17.8 million held by Ferrell Companies, (iii) 0.2 million held by FCI Trading, a subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, and (iv) 0.1 million held by Ferrell Propane, Inc. (“Ferrell Propane”) which is controlled by the general partner. As of July 31, 2004, total common units outstanding consisted of (i) 30.7 million held by third parties, (ii) 17.8 million held by Ferrell Companies, (iii) 0.2 million held by FCI Trading and (iv) 0.1 million held by Ferrell Propane.

 

During August 2004, Ferrellgas Partners issued, in a public offering, 2.9 million of its common units at a price of $20.00 per unit, less commissions and underwriting expenses. After commissions and underwriting expenses, Ferrellgas Partners received net proceeds of $54.9 million for the issuance of these common units. In connection with this transaction, the general partner contributed $1.1 million in cash to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest in Ferrellgas. Ferrellgas Partners contributed the proceeds to the operating partnership to reduce borrowings outstanding under its bank credit facility.

 

On November 12, 2004, Ferrellgas Partners received net proceeds of $39.8 million pursuant to the issuance of 2.1 million common units in a private offering to a single, unaffiliated purchaser. In connection with this transaction, the general partner contributed $0.8 million to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest in Ferrellgas. Ferrellgas Partners contributed the proceeds to the operating partnership to reduce borrowings outstanding under its bank credit facility. In January 2005, the SEC declared effective a registration statement filed by Ferrellgas registering the resale of these units.

 

Ferrellgas Partners’ partnership agreement generally provides that it must use the cash proceeds of any offering of common units to redeem a portion of its outstanding senior units, otherwise a “Material Event” would be deemed to have occurred and JEF Capital as the holder of the senior units, would thereafter have specified rights, such as the right to convert the senior units into common units or the right to register the senior units. The number of common units issuable upon conversion of a senior unit is equal to the senior unit liquidation preference, currently $40 plus any accrued and unpaid distributions, divided by the then current market price of a common unit. Other “Material Events” include (i) a change in control, (ii) Ferrellgas’ treatment as an association taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes or (iii) the failure to pay the senior unit distribution in full for any fiscal

 

11

 

 

quarter. The conversion of these senior units into common units upon the occurrence of a Material Event may be dilutive to Ferrellgas Partners’ existing common unitholders.

 

L.

Earnings per common unit

 

Below is a calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per common unit in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings for the periods indicated. For diluted earnings per common unit purposes, the senior units were excluded as they are considered contingently issuable common units for which all necessary conditions for their issuance have not been satisfied as of the end of the reporting period. Distributions to the senior unitholder decrease the net earnings available to common unitholders.

 

Ferrellgas implemented Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) 03-6 “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share” in the quarter ended January 31, 2005, which was the first quarter affected by this consensus. EITF 03-6 requires the calculation of net earnings per limited partner unit for each period presented according to distributions declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings, as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. In periods with undistributed earnings above certain levels, the calculation according to the two-class method results in an increased allocation of undistributed earnings to the general partner and a dilution of the earnings to the limited partners. Due to the seasonality of the propane business, the dilution effect of EITF 03-6 on net earnings per limited partner unit will typically impact the three months and six months ending January 31. The dilutive effect of EITF 03-6 on basic net earnings per common unit was $0.14 and $0.41 for the three months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $0.04 for the six months ended January 31, 2004.

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

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

 

2005

2004

 

2005

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings available to

common unitholders

 

 

$47,529

$48,348

 

 

$17,960

$42,525

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common units

outstanding

 

 

 

53,706,476

39,048,164

 

 

 

52,032,542

38,377,230

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dilutive securities

 

38,891

175,607

 

44,217

158,871

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common units

outstanding plus dilutive securities

 

53,745,367

39,223,771

 

52,076,759

38,536,101

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

 

2005

2004

 

2005

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings per common unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings available to common

unitholders

 

 

$0.88

$1.24

 

 

$0.35

$1.11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per common unit:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings available

to common unitholders

 

$0.88

$1.23

 

$0.34

$1.10

 

 

M.

Distributions

 

On December 15 and September 14, 2004, Ferrellgas paid cash distributions of $1.00 and $0.50 per senior and common unit, respectively, for the three months ended October 31 and July 31, 2004. On February 18, 2005, Ferrellgas declared cash distributions of $1.00 and $0.50 per senior and common unit, respectively, for the three months ended January 31, 2005, that are expected to be paid on March 15, 2005.

 

See Note P – Subsequent event, for discussion about the extension of the cash distribution coverage to Ferrellgas Partners’ publicly held common unitholders.

 

N.

Adoption of new accounting standards

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) recently issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs – an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 (issued 11/04)” SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29” and EITF No. 04-1, “Accounting for Preexisting Relationships between the Parties to a Business Combination” and EITF No. 03-6, “Participating Securities and the Two-Class Method under FASB Statement No. 128, Earnings per Share.”

SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value, as of the grant date, of the equity or liability instruments issued. This statement is effective for interim or annual reporting periods that begin after June 15, 2005. Consequently, Ferrellgas will implement SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) during the quarter ended October 31, 2005. Currently, Ferrellgas accounts for the Unit Option Plan and the ICP using the intrinsic value method under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” for all periods presented and makes the fair value method pro forma disclosures required under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Unit Option Plan or for the ICP in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. See Note B – Unit and stock-based compensation, for current disclosures. Ferrellgas has not yet determined if SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) will have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

13

 

 

 

SFAS No. 151 amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing”, to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This Statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges. This statement is effective for inventory cost incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Consequently, Ferrellgas will implement SFAS No. 151 during the quarter ended October 31, 2005. Ferrellgas has studied SFAS No. 151 and believes it will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

SFAS No. 153 amends APB Opinion No. 29 which required that exchanges of nonmonetary assets be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. This Statement amends APB Opinion 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. This statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Consequently, Ferrellgas will implement SFAS No. 153 during the quarter ended October 31, 2005. Ferrellgas has studied SFAS No. 153 and believes it will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

EITF 03-6 requires the calculation of net earnings per limited partner unit for each period presented according to distributions declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings, as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. In periods with undistributed earnings above certain levels, the calculation according to the two-class method results in an increased allocation of undistributed earnings to the general partner and a dilution of the earnings to the limited partners. Due to the seasonality of the propane business, the dilution effect of EITF 03-6 on net earnings per limited partner unit will typically impact the three months and six months ending January 31. This consensus is effective for fiscal periods beginning after March 31, 2004. Ferrellgas implemented EITF 03-6 in the quarter ended January 31, 2005, which was the first quarter affected by this consensus. The dilutive effect of EITF 03-6 on basic net earnings per common unit was $0.14 and $0.41 for the three months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $0.04 for the six months ended January 31, 2004.

EITF 04-1 requires that pre-existing contractual relationships between two parties involved in a business combination be evaluated to determine if a settlement of the pre-existing contracts is required separately from the accounting for the business combination. This consensus is effective for business combinations consummated and goodwill impairment tests performed in reporting periods beginning after October 13, 2004. Consequently, Ferrellgas implemented EITF 04-1 during the quarter ended January 31, 2005, without a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

O.

Transactions with related parties

General and administrative

 

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

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Reimbursable costs

$57,214

 

$55,237

 

$107,245

 

$104,044

 

 

14

 

 

 

Partnership distributions

 

Ferrellgas paid senior unit distributions of $4.0 million to JEF Capital during each of the six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004. On January 31, 2005, Ferrellgas accrued a senior unit distribution of $2.0 million that Ferrellgas expects to pay to JEF Capital on March 15, 2005.

 

Ferrellgas Partners has paid the following common unit distributions to related parties:

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Ferrell Companies

$8,902

 

$8,902

 

$17,804

 

$17,804

FCI Trading

98

 

-

 

196

 

-

Ferrell Propane

26

 

26

 

51

 

51

The general partner

292

 

221

 

573

 

442

 

On February 18, 2005, Ferrellgas Partners declared distributions to Ferrell Companies, FCI Trading, Ferrell Propane and the general partner of $8.9 million, $0.1 million, $26 thousand and $0.3 million, respectively, that are expected to be paid on March 15, 2005. See Note K – Partners’ capital – for disclosure of related party transactions among Ferrellgas and the general partner related to the issuance of common units during August and November 2004.

 

Operations

 

Ferrell International Limited (“Ferrell International”) is beneficially owned by Mr. Ferrell and thus is an affiliate. Ferrellgas enters into transactions with Ferrell International in connection with Ferrellgas’ risk management activities and does so at market prices in accordance with Ferrellgas’ affiliate trading policy approved by the general partner’s Board of Directors. These transactions include forward, option and swap contracts and are all reviewed for compliance with the policy. Ferrellgas also provides limited accounting services for Ferrell International. Ferrellgas recognized the following net disbursements from purchases, sales and commodity derivative transactions and from providing accounting services for Ferrell International:

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months

ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Net disbursements

 

Receipts from providing accounting services

$(76)

 

10

 

$ -

 

10

 

$(2,699)

 

20

 

$ -

 

20

 

These net purchases, sales and commodity derivative transactions with Ferrell International are classified as cost of product sold on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. There was $0.1 million due to Ferrell International at January 31, 2005.

 

 

15

 

 

 

P.

Subsequent event

On March 7, 2005, Ferrellgas Partners amended its partnership agreement to reflect the extension of the existing agreement with Ferrell Companies involving the priority of quarterly distribution payments on common units held publicly. The existing provision in the partnership agreement, originally scheduled to expire December 31, 2005, was extended to April 30, 2010. This provision allows Ferrellgas Partners to defer distributions on the common units held by Ferrell Companies up to an aggregate outstanding amount of $36.0 million.

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

 

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

 

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(in dollars)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

Total assets

 

 

 

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value; 2,000 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

authorized; 1,000 shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid in capital

 

 

 

2,911

 

2,866

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

 

(2,911)

 

(2,866)

 

Total stockholder’s equity

 

 

 

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

$ -

 

$ -

 

$45

 

$45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$ -

 

$ -

 

$(45)

 

$(45)

 

See note to condensed financial statements.

 

 

 

17

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

 

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

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(in dollars)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

For the six months ended

January 31,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$(45)

 

$(45)

 

Cash used in operating activities

(45)

 

(45)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Capital contribution

45

 

45

 

Cash provided by financing activities

45

 

45

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in cash

-

 

-

 

Cash – beginning of period

1,000

 

1,000

 

Cash – end of period

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

See note to condensed financial statements.

 

 

NOTE TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JANUARY 31, 2005

(unaudited)

 

A.

Organization

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

18

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

ASSETS

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$             29,551

 

$             13,751

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

141,226

 

114,211

Inventories

 

122,131

 

103,578

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

11,710

 

9,285

Total current assets

 

304,618

 

240,825

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

796,199

 

792,436

Goodwill

 

258,856

 

261,768

Intangible assets, net

 

268,321

 

265,125

Other assets, net

 

13,835

 

10,836

Total assets

 

$             1,641,829

 

$             1,570,990

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$             131,244

 

$             104,162

Short-term borrowings

 

70,600

 

-

Other current liabilities

 

82,209

 

88,070

Total current liabilities

 

284,053

 

192,232

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt

 

788,589

 

882,662

Other liabilities

 

22,684

 

20,529

Contingencies and commitments (Note I)

 

-

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

Partners’ capital:

 

 

 

 

Limited partner

 

542,676

 

470,046

General partner

 

5,532

 

4,791

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(1,705)

 

730

Total partners’ capital

 

546,503

 

475,567

Total liabilities and partners’ capital

 

$             1,641,829

 

$             1,570,990

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

19

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales

$605,744

 

$457,433

 

$932,855

 

$689,487

Other

50,564

 

24,348

 

83,141

 

47,708

Total revenues

656,308

 

481,781

 

1,015,996

 

737,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of product sold (exclusive of

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

depreciation, shown with amortization below)

434,518

 

286,899

 

679,034

 

446,148

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

221,790

 

194,882

 

336,962

 

291,047

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expense

97,843

 

79,739

 

186,820

 

152,151

Depreciation and amortization expense

21,333

 

12,665

 

41,180

 

23,860

General and administrative expense

11,517

 

8,982

 

21,839

 

15,873

Equipment lease expense

6,153

 

4,732

 

11,919

 

9,243

Employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

2,358

 

2,164

 

4,445

 

3,948

Loss on disposal of assets and other

1,817

 

1,926

 

3,073

 

3,552

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income

80,769

 

84,674

 

67,686

 

82,420

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

(17,191)

 

(12,536)

 

(34,049)

 

(24,304)

Interest income

657

 

470

 

973

 

801

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earnings before income taxes

64,235

 

72,608

 

34,610

 

58,917

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

339

 

-

 

(67)

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

$63,896

 

$72,608

 

$34,677

 

$58,917

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

20

 

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS’ CAPITAL

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

comprehensive (loss) income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currency

 

 

 

Total

 

 

Limited

 

General

 

Risk

 

translation

 

Pension

 

partners’

 

 

partner

 

partner

 

management

 

adjustments

 

liability

 

capital

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 1, 2004

 

$ 470,046

 

$ 4,791

 

$ 1,772

 

$ 16

 

$ (1,058)

 

$475,567

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contribution in connection with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESOP compensation charge

 

4,400

 

45

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

4,445

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quarterly cash and accrued distributions

 

(69,048)

 

(705)

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

(69,753)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash contributed by Ferrellgas Partners and

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the general partner

 

95,814

 

977

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

96,791

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets contributed by Ferrellgas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Partners and cash contributed by the

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

general partner in connection with

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

acquistions

 

7,137

 

74

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

7,211

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comprehensive income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

34,327

 

350

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

34,677

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net losses on risk management derivatives

 

-

 

-

 

(1,969)

 

-

 

-

 

(1,969)

Reclassification of net losses on risk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

management derivatives

 

-

 

-

 

(504)

 

-

 

-

 

(504)

Foreign currency translation adjustment

 

-

 

-

 

-

 

38

 

-

 

38

Comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

32,242

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31, 2005

 

$ 542,676

 

$5,532

 

$ (701)

 

$ 54

 

$ (1,058)

 

$ 546,503

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

21

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net earnings

 

$             34,677

 

$             58,917

Reconciliation of net earnings to net cash provided

 

 

 

 

by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

41,180

 

23,860

Employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

4,445

 

3,948

Loss on disposal of assets

 

1,427

 

2,824

Other

 

1,234

 

2,926

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of

 

 

 

 

effects from business acquisitions:

 

 

 

 

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

(133,106)

 

(128,001)

Inventories

 

(20,107)

 

(14,899)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

(1,714)

 

(438)

Accounts payable

 

27,082

 

57,275

Other current liabilities

 

(7,643)

 

(10,311)

Other liabilities

 

1,018

 

882

Accounts receivable securitization:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from new accounts receivable securitizations

 

104,400

 

30,000

Proceeds from collections reinvested in revolving

 

 

 

 

period accounts receivable securitizations

 

498,083

 

419,466

Remittances of amounts collected as servicer of

 

 

 

 

accounts receivable securitizations

 

(498,083)

 

(423,466)

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

52,893

 

22,983

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(20,058)

 

(38,142)

Capital expenditures - technology initiative

 

(6,818)

 

(3,612)

Capital expenditures – other

 

(15,402)

 

(12,581)

Other

 

2,256

 

1,799

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(40,022)

 

(52,536)

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Distributions

 

(69,753)

 

(53,210)

 

 

Cash contributions from partners

 

96,865

 

38,266

 

 

Proceeds from issuance of debt

 

-

 

13,300

 

 

Principal payments on debt

 

(94,701)

 

(1,423)

 

 

Net additions to short-term borrowings

 

70,600

 

42,700

 

 

Cash paid for financing costs

 

(120)

 

-

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

2,891

 

39,633

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

38

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

15,800

 

10,080

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 

13,751

 

10,816

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 

$             29,551

 

$             20,896

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid for:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$             33,409

 

$             23,361

 

 

Income taxes

 

$              371

 

$              -

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

January 31, 2005

(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise designated)

(unaudited)

 

A.

Organization

 

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

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas, L.P. and subsidiaries reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair statement of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed consolidated financial statements were of a normal, recurring nature. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, as set forth in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.

 

B.

Unit and stock-based compensation

Ferrellgas, L.P. accounts for the Ferrellgas Unit Option Plan (the “Unit Option Plan”) and the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Incentive Plan (the “ICP”) using the intrinsic value method under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” for all periods presented and makes the fair value method pro forma disclosures required under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the Unit Option Plan or for the ICP in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined based upon the fair value at the grant date for awards under these plans, consistent with the methodology recommended under SFAS No. 123, Ferrellgas, L.P.’s net earnings would have been adjusted as noted in the table below:

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net earnings, as reported

$63,896

 

$72,608

 

$34,677

 

$58,917

 

 

Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expenses determined under the fair value based method for all awards

(319)

 

(245)

 

(639)

 

(485)

 

 

Pro forma net earnings available to common unitholders

$63,577

 

$72,363

 

$34,038

 

$58,432

 

 

 

23

 

 

 

C.

Accounting estimates

 

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

 

D. Nature of operations

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. is engaged primarily in the distribution of propane and related equipment and supplies in the United States. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, the results of operations for the six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full fiscal year. Ferrellgas, L.P. serves more than one million residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural and other customers in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada.

 

E. Business combinations

 

During fiscal 2004, Ferrellgas, L.P. completed a material business combination. The business combination was accounted for under the purchase method and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition date. We believe there are no outstanding valuation issues related to the Blue Rhino contribution, and we expect to complete our allocation of the purchase price in the third quarter of fiscal 2005. The results of operations from this business combination are included in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated financial statements from the dates of the business combination.

 

 

 

Allocation of purchase price

 

 

 

Business

combinations

 

 

 

Purchase price

 

 

 

Working capital

 

 

Property plant & equipment

 

 

 

Intangible

assets

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

 

 

 

Other

Blue Rhino

(April 2004)

$414,278

$21,334

$95,772

$163,100

$129,973

$4,099

 

Blue Rhino contribution

 

On April 20, 2004, FCI Trading Corp. (“FCI Trading”), an affiliate of the general partner, acquired all of the outstanding common stock of Blue Rhino Corporation in an all-cash merger. Pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger dated February 8, 2004, a subsidiary of FCI Trading merged with and into Blue Rhino Corporation whereby the then current stockholders of Blue Rhino Corporation were granted the right to receive a payment from FCI Trading of $17.00 in cash for each share of Blue Rhino Corporation common stock outstanding on April 20, 2004. FCI Trading thereafter became the sole stockholder of Blue Rhino Corporation and immediately after the merger, FCI Trading converted Blue Rhino Corporation into a limited liability company, Blue Rhino LLC.

 

 

24

 

 

 

In a non-cash contribution, pursuant to a Contribution Agreement dated February 8, 2004, FCI Trading contributed on April 21, 2004 all of the membership interests in Blue Rhino to Ferrellgas, L.P. through a series of transactions and Ferrellgas, L.P. assumed FCI Trading’s obligation under the Agreement and Plan Of Merger to pay the $17.00 per share to the former stockholders of Blue Rhino Corporation together with other specific obligations, as detailed in the following table:

 

 

 

Assumption of obligations under the contribution agreement

 

$343,414

Limited partner and general partner interests issued

 

8,700

Assumption of Blue Rhino’s bank credit facility outstanding balance

 

43,719

Assumption of other liabilities and acquisition costs

 

18,445

 

 

$414,278

 

Also on April 21, 2004, subsequent to the contribution described above, Blue Rhino LLC merged with and into Ferrellgas, L.P. The former operations of Blue Rhino LLC will hereafter be referred to as “Blue Rhino.”

 

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s valuation of the tangible and intangible assets of the Blue Rhino contribution resulted in the recognition of goodwill of $130.0 million. This valuation of goodwill was based on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s belief that the contributions of Blue Rhino will be beneficial to Ferrellgas, L.P.’s and Blue Rhino operations as Blue Rhino counter-seasonal business activities and anticipated future growth is expected to provide Ferrellgas, L.P. with the ability to better utilize its seasonal resources to complement Ferrellgas L.P.’s retail distribution locations with Blue Rhino’s existing distributor network.

 

The results of operations of Blue Rhino for the period from August 1, 2004 through January 31, 2005 are included in the condensed consolidated statement of earnings of the combined entity for the three months and six months ended January 31, 2005.

 

Pro forma information

 

The following summarized unaudited pro forma results of operations for the three and six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, assumes that the Blue Rhino contribution completed by the Ferrellgas, L.P. had occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented. These unaudited pro forma financial results have been prepared for comparative purposes only and may not be indicative of (i) the results that would have occurred if Ferrellgas, L.P. had completed the Blue Rhino contribution as of the beginning of the period presented or (ii) the results that will be attained in the future.

 

 

For the three months

ended January 31,

 

For the six months

ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Propane and

other gas

liquids sales

 

 

$605,744

 

 

 

$516,675

 

 

 

$932,855

 

 

 

$797,999

Net earnings

$63,896

 

$65,403

 

$34,677

 

$48,450

 

F.

Cash and cash equivalents and non-cash activities

 

For purposes of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows, Ferrellgas, L.P. considers cash equivalents to include all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Significant non-cash operating, investing and financing activities are primarily related to the accounts receivable securitization and transactions with related parties and business combinations and are disclosed in Note E – Business combinations, Note G – Accounts receivable securitization, Note J – Partners’ capital and Note M – Transactions with related parties, respectively.

 

 

25

 

 

 

G.

Accounts receivable securitization

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. transfers certain of its trade accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC (“Ferrellgas Receivables”), a wholly-owned unconsolidated, special purpose entity, and retains an interest in a portion of these transferred receivables. As these transferred receivables are subsequently collected and the funding from the accounts receivable securitization facility is reduced, Ferrellgas, L.P.’s retained interest in these receivables is reduced. As of January 31, 2005, the balance of the retained interest was $30.4 million, and was classified as accounts receivable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. At January 31, 2005, $157.6 million had been transferred. At January 31, 2005, Ferrellgas, L.P. had $17.4 million of remaining capacity to transfer additional trade accounts receivable. The net non-cash activity relating to this retained interest was $0.2 million and $0.2 million during the three months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.3 million during the six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. These amounts reported in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings approximate the financing cost of issuing commercial paper backed by these accounts receivable plus an allowance for doubtful accounts associated with the outstanding receivables transferred to Ferrellgas Receivables. The weighted average discount rate used to value the retained interest in the transferred receivables was 3.0% and 2.0% during the six months ended January 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. Ferrellgas, L.P. renewed the facility for an additional 364-day commitment on September 21, 2004.

 

H. Supplemental financial statement information

 

Inventories consist of:

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

Propane gas and related products

$ 90,767

 

$ 69,570

 

Appliances, parts and supplies

31,364

 

34,008

 

 

$122,131

 

$103,578

 

In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas, L.P. enters into contracts to buy product for supply purposes, primarily propane for supply procurement purposes. Nearly all of these contracts have terms of less than one year and most call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. All fixed price contracts have terms of less than 18 months. As of January 31, 2005, Ferrellgas, L.P. had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to take net delivery of approximately 3.0 million gallons of propane at a fixed price.

 

 

Intangible assets, net consist of:

 

 

January 31, 2005

 

July 31, 2004

 

Gross

carrying

amount

 

Accum-ulated

amortization

 

 

 

Net

 

Gross

carrying

amount

 

Accum-ulated

amortization

 

 

 

Net

 

Amortized intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customer lists

$338,497

 

$(148,467)

 

$190,030

 

$326,352

 

$(140,766)

 

$185,586

 

Non-compete agreements

35,426

 

(20,060)

 

15,366

 

71,697

 

(56,468)

 

15,229

 

Other

5,300

 

(1,375)

 

3,925

 

6,289

 

(979)

 

5,310

 

 

379,223

 

(169,902)

 

209,321

 

404,338

 

(198,213)

 

206,125

 

Unamortized intangible assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tradenames & trademarks

59,000

 

-

 

59,000

 

59,000

 

-

 

59,000

 

 

$438,223

 

$(169,902)

 

$268,321

 

$463,338

 

$(198,213)

 

$265,125

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

        

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Aggregate amortization expense

$5,530

 

$2,876

 

$11,301

 

$6,043

 

 

Estimated amortization expense:

 

 

For the years ended July 31,

 

Amortization remaining in 2005

$ 11,206

2006

21,758

2007

20,258

2008

18,316

2009

17,257

 

Loss on disposal of assets and other consists of:

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Loss on disposal of assets

$ 618

 

$1,503

 

$1,427

 

$2,824

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

1,752

 

931

 

2,570

 

1,547

Service income related to the accounts

receivable securitization

(553)

 

(508)

 

(924)

 

(819)

 

$1,817

 

$1,926

 

$3,073

 

$3,552

 

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

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Operating expense

$41,381

 

$39,856

 

$73,592

 

$70,356

Depreciation and amortization expense

1,609

 

2,146

 

3,310

 

4,182

Equipment lease expense

5,558

 

2,820

 

11,442

 

5,624

 

$48,548

 

$44,822

 

$88,344

 

$80,162

 

I.

Contingencies

 

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

 

 

27

 

 

 

J.

Partners’ capital

 

Partner’s capital consists of a 98.9899% limited partner interest held by Ferrellgas Partners and a 1.0101% general partner interest held by the general partner. During the six months ended January 31, 2005, Ferrellgas, L.P. received cash contributions of $96.8 million and net asset contributions of $7.2 million from Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner. The cash proceeds were used to reduce borrowings outstanding under its bank credit facility and for general partnership purposes, including the repayment of debt incurred to fund prior acquisitions.

 

K.

Distributions

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2005, Ferrellgas, L.P. paid cash distributions of $69.8 million. On February 18, 2005, Ferrellgas L.P. declared a cash distribution of $29.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2005, that is expected to be paid on March 15, 2005.

 

L.

Adoption of new accounting standards

 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) recently issued SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” SFAS No. 151, “Inventory Costs – an amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4 (issued 11/04)” SFAS No. 153, “Exchanges of Nonmonetary Assets, an amendment of APB Opinion No. 29” and Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) No. 04-1, “Accounting for Preexisting Relationships between the Parties to a Business Combination.”

SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) requires that the compensation cost relating to share-based payment transactions be recognized in financial statements. That cost will be measured based on the fair value, as of the grant date, of the equity or liability instruments issued. This statement is effective for interim or annual reporting periods that begin after June 15, 2005. Consequently, Ferrellgas, L.P. will implement SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) during the quarter ended October 31, 2005. Currently, Ferrellgas, L.P. accounts for the Unit Option Plan and the ICP using the intrinsic value method under the provisions of Accounting Principles Board No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” for all periods presented and makes the fair value method pro forma disclosures required under the provisions of SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure.” Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for the unit option plan or for the ICP in the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. See Note B – Unit and stock-based compensation, for current disclosures. Ferrellgas, L.P. has not yet determined if SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004) will have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

SFAS No. 151 amends the guidance in ARB No. 43, Chapter 4, “Inventory Pricing”, to clarify the accounting for abnormal amounts of idle facility expense, freight, handling costs, and wasted material (spoilage). This Statement requires that those items be recognized as current-period charges. This statement is effective for inventory cost incurred during fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. Consequently, Ferrellgas, L.P. will implement SFAS No. 151 during the quarter ended October 31, 2005. Ferrellgas, L.P. has studied SFAS No. 151 and believes it will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

SFAS No. 153 amends APB Opinion No. 29 which required that exchanges of nonmonetary assets be measured based on the fair value of the assets exchanged. This Statement amends APB Opinion 29 to eliminate the exception for nonmonetary exchanges of similar productive assets and replaces it with a general exception for exchanges of nonmonetary assets that do not have commercial substance. This statement is effective for nonmonetary asset exchanges occurring in fiscal periods beginning after June 15, 2005. Consequently, Ferrellgas, L.P. will implement SFAS No. 153 during the quarter ended October 31, 2005. Ferrellgas, L.P. has studied SFAS No. 153 and believes it will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

28

 

 

 

EITF 04-1 requires that pre-existing contractual relationships between two parties involved in a business combination be evaluated to determine if a settlement of the pre-existing contracts is required separately from the accounting for the business combination. This consensus is effective for business combinations consummated and goodwill impairment tests performed in reporting periods beginning after October 13, 2004. Consequently, Ferrellgas, L.P. implemented EITF 04-1 during the quarter ended January 31, 2005, without a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

M.

Transactions with related parties

General and administrative

 

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, which include compensation and benefits paid to employees of the general partner who perform services on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s behalf, as well as related general and administrative costs, are as follows:

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

Reimbursable costs

$57,214

 

$55,237

 

$107,245

 

$104,044

 

Partnership distributions

 

Ferrellgas, L.P. paid to Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner distributions of $69.0 million and $0.7 million, respectively, during the six months ended January 31, 2005. On February 18, 2005, Ferrellgas, L.P. declared distributions to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and the general partner of $29.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, that are expected to be paid on March 15, 2005.

 

During the first two quarters of fiscal 2005, Ferrellgas, L.P. received $96.9 million in cash contributions, from Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner, primarily related to equity offerings by Ferrellgas Partners. Ferrellgas, L.P. then used the cash contributions to reduce the borrowings outstanding under its bank credit facility and for general partnership purposes, including the repayment of debt incurred to fund prior acquisitions.

 

During the first two quarters of fiscal 2005, Ferrellgas, L.P. received $7.1 million in net asset contributions from Ferrellgas Partners related to acquisitions of propane related assets.

 

Operations

 

Ferrell International Limited (“Ferrell International”) is beneficially owned by James E. Ferrell, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the general partner, and thus is an affiliate. Ferrellgas, L.P. enters into transactions with Ferrell International in connection with Ferrellgas L.P.’s risk management activities and does so at market prices in accordance with Ferrellgas L.P.’s affiliate trading policy approved by the general partner’s Board of Directors. These transactions include forward, option and swap contracts and are all reviewed for compliance with the policy. Ferrellgas L.P. also provides limited accounting services for Ferrell International. Ferrellgas, L.P. recognized the following net disbursements from purchases, sales and commodity derivative transactions and from providing accounting services for Ferrell International:

 

 

29

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months

ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

Net disbursements

 

Receipts from providing accounting services

$(76)

 

10

 

$ -

 

10

 

$(2,699)

 

20

 

$ -

 

20

 

These net purchases, sales and commodity derivative transactions with Ferrell International are classified as cost of product sold on the condensed consolidated statements of earnings. There was $0.1 million due to Ferrell International at January 31, 2005.

 

30

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(in dollars)

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 31,

 

July 31,

ASSETS

 

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

 

 

$1,000

 

$1,000

Total assets

 

 

 

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $1.00 par value; 2,000 shares

 

 

 

 

 

 

Authorized; 1,000 shares issued and outstanding

 

 

 

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid in capital

 

 

 

929

 

929

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

 

 

(929)

 

(929)

Total stockholder’s equity

 

 

 

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

For the three months ended January 31,

 

For the six months ended January 31,

 

2005

 

2004

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative expense

$-

 

$185

 

$-

 

$185

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$-

 

$(185)

 

$-

 

$(185)

 

See note to condensed financial statements.

 

 

31

 

 

 

 

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

 

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

 

 

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(in dollars)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the six months ended

 

 

January 31,

 

 

2005

 

2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$ -

 

$ (185)

 

Cash used in operating activities

-

 

(185)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Capital contribution

-

 

185

 

Cash provided by financing activities

-

 

185

 

 

 

 

 

 

Change in cash

-

 

-

 

Cash – beginning of period

1,000

 

1,000

 

Cash – end of period

$1,000

 

$1,000

 

 

 

 

 

See note to condensed financial statements.

 

 

NOTE TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

JANUARY 31, 2005

(unaudited)

 

A.

Organization

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

32

 

 

 

ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

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

 

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

 

In this Quarterly Report, unless the context indicates otherwise, references to:

 

“us,” “we,” “our,” or “ours,” refer 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” or “senior 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.;

 

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

 

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

“propane sales volumes” refers to the volume of propane sold to our customers and excludes any volumes of propane sold to our wholesale customers and other bulk propane distributors or marketers; and

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

 

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two direct subsidiaries, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners’ only significant assets are its approximate 99% limited partnership interest in the operating partnership and its 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. The common units of Ferrellgas Partners are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and our activities are substantially 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 $268.0 million in the aggregate principal amount of 8.75% senior notes due 2012 co-issued by Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

 

Our general partner performs all management functions for us and our subsidiaries and holds a 1% general partner interest in Ferrellgas Partners and an approximate 1% general partner interest in the operating partnership. The parent company of our general partner, Ferrell Companies, Inc., owns approximately 35% of our outstanding common units. Ferrell Companies is in turn owned 100% by an employee stock ownership trust.

 

We file annual, quarterly, and other reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and download our SEC filings over the internet from several commercial document retrieval services as well as at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy our SEC filings at the SEC’s public reference room located at, 450 5th street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information concerning the public reference room and any applicable copy

 

33

 

 

charges. Because our common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, we also provide our SEC filings and particular other information to the New York Stock Exchange. You may obtain copies of these filings and this other information at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange located at 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005. In addition, our SEC filings are available on our website at www.ferrellgas.com at no cost as soon as reasonably practicable after our electronic filing or furnishing thereof with the SEC. Please note that any internet addresses provided in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be hyperlinks. Accordingly, no information found and/or provided at such internet addresses is intended or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein.

 

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

 

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

 

the two partnerships incur different amounts of interest expense on their outstanding indebtedness; see the “Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings” in their respective condensed consolidated financial statements;

Ferrellgas Partners issued common units in several transactions during the six months ended January 31, 2005; and

during fiscal year 2004, Ferrellgas Partners paid $8.5 million in cash to an unrelated third-party pursuant to a short-term, non-interest bearing note related to an acquisition made in fiscal year 2003.

 

Risk factors

 

As a result of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which was signed into law on October 22, 2004, the risk factors described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended July 31, 2004 under the heading “Tax Risks” should be updated as follows:

 

the risk factor entitled “There are limits on the deductibility of losses” indicates that the passive loss rules generally apply to individuals and closely held corporations. For tax years beginning after October 22, 2004, the passive loss rules also apply to regulated investment companies (or “mutual funds”) holding an interest in a “qualified publicly-traded partnership;”

the risk factor entitled “Tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies, and foreign persons face unique tax issues from owning common units that may result in additional tax liability or reporting requirements for them” indicates that very little of our income will be qualifying income to a regulated investment company. For tax years beginning after October 22, 2004, net income derived from an interest in a “qualified publicly-traded partnership” is qualifying income for a regulated investment company. We expect Ferrellgas Partners to be treated as a qualified publicly-traded partnership for this purpose; and

the risk factor entitled “Our tax shelter registration could increase the risk of potential IRS audit” indicates that we have registered with the IRS as a tax shelter pursuant to certain tax shelter registration rules, and provides a tax shelter registration number. The American Jobs Act of 2004 repealed the rules with respect to the registration of tax shelters and replaced them with certain reporting rules.

 

For a more detailed description of these and other risk factors please see the section entitled “Item 1. Business – Risk factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended July 31, 2004, as filed with the SEC on October 13, 2004.

 

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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 future operating results, or our ability to generate sales, income or cash flow are forward-looking statements.

 

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

 

Some of our forward-looking statements include the following:

 

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

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

the expectation that gross profit, operating income and net earnings will increase in the remaining six months of fiscal 2005 compared to the same period during fiscal 2004.

        For a more detailed description of these and other forward-looking statements, see the section entitled “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.

 

When considering any forward-looking statement, you should also keep in mind the risk factors set forth in the sections entitled “Item 1. Business - Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended July 31, 2004 and “Risk Factors” of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for our fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2004. Any of these risks could impair our business, financial condition or results of operation. Any such impairment may affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders or pay interest on the principal of any of our debt securities. In addition, the trading price, if any, of our securities could decline as a result of any such impairment.

 

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

 

In addition, the classification of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership as partnerships for federal income tax purposes means that we do not generally pay federal income taxes. We do, however, pay taxes on the income of our subsidiaries that are corporations. We rely on a legal opinion from our counsel, and not a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, as to our proper classification for federal income tax purposes. See the section entitled “Item 1. Business—Risk Factors Risk Factors—Tax Risks—The IRS could treat us as a corporation for tax purposes, which would substantially reduce the cash available for distribution to our unitholders” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended July 31, 2004.

 

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Results of Operations

 

Overview

 

We are a leading distributor of propane and related equipment and supplies to customers primarily in the United States. We believe that we are the second largest retail marketer of propane in the United States including the largest national provider of propane by portable tank exchange as measured by our pro-forma propane sales volumes in fiscal 2004. We serve more than one million residential, industrial/commercial, propane tank exchange, agricultural and other customers in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. 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 country.

 

Weather conditions have a significant impact on demand for propane for heating purposes. Accordingly, the volume of propane sold 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 area, sustained warmer-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in reduced propane use, while sustained colder-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in greater use.

 

The market for propane is seasonal because of increased demand during the winter months primarily for the purpose of providing heating in residential and commercial buildings. Consequently, sales and operating profits are concentrated in our second and third fiscal quarters, which are during the winter heating season of November through March. Other factors affecting our results of operations include competitive conditions, energy commodity prices, demand for propane, timing of acquisitions and general economic conditions in the United States.         

 

Our gross profit from the distribution of propane is primarily based on margins; that is the cents-per-gallon difference between our costs to purchase and distribute propane and the sale prices we charge our customers. The wholesale propane price per gallon is subject to various market conditions and may fluctuate based on changes in demand, supply and other energy commodity prices. We employ risk management activities that attempt to mitigate risks related to the purchasing, storing and transporting of propane.

 

We continue to pursue the following business strategies: using technology to improve operations; capitalizing on our national presence and economies of scale; employing a disciplined acquisition strategy and achieving internal growth; and aligning employee interests with our investors. We have developed new technology to improve our routing and scheduling of customer deliveries, customer administration and operational workflow. We expect to deploy this new technology initiative to the majority of our retail distribution outlets by the end of fiscal 2005.

Three months ended January 31, 2005 compared to January 31, 2004

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Three months ended January 31,

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

Favorable

(unfavorable)

variance

Propane sales volumes (gallons)

331,461

318,767

 

12,694

4.0%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales

$605,744

$457,433

 

$148,311

32.4%

Gross profit

221,790

194,882

 

26,908

13.8%

Operating income

80,641

84,609

 

(3,968)

(4.7)%

IInterest expense

23,196

17,291

 

(5,905)

(34.2)%

 

Propane sales volumes during the three months ended January 31, 2005 increased primarily due to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004. This increase was partially offset by decreased propane sales volumes due to warmer than normal temperatures. Heating degree days as reported by

 

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the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) were 7% warmer than normal during the three months ended January 31, 2005 and were 2% warmer than normal during the three months ended January 31, 2004.

 

The average sales price per gallon increased due to the effect of a significant increase in the wholesale cost of propane during the three months ended January 31, 2005 as compared to the prior year period. The wholesale market price at one of the major supply points, Mt. Belvieu, Texas, averaged $0.79 per gallon during the three months ended January 31, 2005 compared to an average price of $0.64 per gallon in the prior year period. Other major supply points in the United States also experienced comparable increases during the three months ended January 31, 2005.

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales increased $92.8 million compared to the prior fiscal year period due to an increase in the average propane sales price per gallon and $55.5 million due to an increase in propane sales volumes primarily due to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004. This increase in propane sales volumes was partially offset by sales decreases in retail sales volumes primarily caused by the warmer temperatures as discussed above.

 

Gross profit increased $26.9 million primarily due to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004 and increased cents per gallon margins. The increase in gross profit was partially offset by a lower contribution from our risk management trading activities.

 

Operating income decreased $4.0 million reflecting the previously mentioned increase in gross profit, offset by increases in operating expense, depreciation and amortization expense and, to a lesser extent, general and administrative expense. Operating expense increased primarily due to the Blue Rhino contribution completed in April 2004. Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to assets related to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004. General and administrative expense increased primarily due to the Blue Rhino contribution and, to a lesser extent, additional expenses related to the continuing roll-out of our technology initiative to our retail distribution outlets.

 

Interest expense increased 34.2% primarily due to increased borrowings used to finance acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004 and to a lesser extent, rising variable interest rates.

 

Interest expense of the operating partnership

 

Interest expense increased 37.1% primarily due to increased borrowings used to finance acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004 and to a lesser extent, rising variable interest rates.

 

Six months ended January 31, 2005 compared to January 31, 2004

 

(amounts in thousands)

 

Six months ended January 31,

 

 

2005

 

 

2004

 

Favorable

(unfavorable)

variance

Propane sales volumes (gallons)

516,160

494,339

 

21,821

4.4%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales

$932,855

$689,487

 

$243,368

35.3%

Gross profit

336,962

291,047

 

45,915

15.8%

Operating income

67,495

82,288

 

(14,793)

(18.0)%

Interest expense

46,059

34,085

 

(11,974)

(35.1)%

 

Propane sales volumes during the six months ended January 31, 2005 increased primarily due to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004. This increase was partially offset by decreased propane sales volumes due to warmer than normal temperatures. Heating degree days as reported by the NOAA were 8% warmer than normal during the six months ended January 31, 2005 compared to 4% warmer than normal during the six months ended January 31, 2004.

 

The average sales price per gallon increased due to the effect of a significant increase in the

 

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wholesale cost of propane during the six-month period ended January 31, 2005 as compared to the prior year period. The wholesale market price at one of the major supply points, Mt. Belvieu, Texas, averaged $0.82 per gallon during the six months ended January 31, 2005 compared to an average price of $0.59 per gallon in the prior year period. Other major supply points in the United States also experienced comparable increases during the six months ended January 31, 2005.

 

Propane and other gas liquids sales increased $141.2 million compared to the prior fiscal year period due to an increase in the average propane sales price per gallon and $102.2 million due to an increase in propane sales volumes primarily due to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004. This increase in propane sales volumes was partially offset by decreases in retail sales volumes primarily caused by the warmer temperatures as discussed above.

 

Gross profit increased $45.9 million primarily due to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004.     

 

Operating income decreased $14.8 million reflecting the previously mentioned increase in gross profit, offset by increases in operating expense, depreciation and amortization expense and, to a lesser extent, general and administrative expense. Operating expense increased primarily due to the Blue Rhino contribution completed in April 2004. Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to assets related to acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004 and, to a lesser extent, assets related to our technology initiative that were depreciated beginning in October 2003. General and administrative expense increased primarily due to the Blue Rhino contribution and, to a lesser extent, additional expenses related to the continuing roll-out of our technology initiative to our retail distribution outlets.

 

Interest expense increased 35.1% primarily due to increased borrowings used to finance acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004 and to a lesser extent, rising variable interest rates.

 

Interest expense of the operating partnership

 

Interest expense increased 40.0% primarily due to increased borrowings used to finance acquisitions completed subsequent to January 31, 2004 and to a lesser extent, rising variable interest rates.

 

Forward-looking statements

 

We expect increases in the remaining two quarters of fiscal 2005 in each statement of earnings caption compared to the same period during fiscal 2004 due to several factors, including:

 

the inclusion of net earnings from the Blue Rhino contribution;

 

our assumption that propane prices during the remainder of fiscal 2005 will be higher than those during the same period in fiscal 2004; and

our assumption that interest rates will remain relatively stable during the remainder of fiscal 2005.

 

With the winter heating season nearly complete, we expect that heating degree days for fiscal 2005 will be significantly warmer than normal and significantly warmer then those in fiscal 2004. We expect that the warmer temperatures compared to the prior year and higher commodity prices experienced during the first six months of fiscal 2005 will continue to have an unfavorable impact on our results of operations during the remainder of fiscal 2005.

 

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

General

 

Our cash requirements include working capital requirements, debt service payments, the required quarterly senior unit distribution, the minimum quarterly common unit distribution, capital expenditures and acquisitions. The minimum quarterly distribution of $0.50 expected to be paid on March 15, 2005 to all common units that were outstanding on March 1, 2005, represents the forty-second consecutive minimum quarterly distribution paid to our common unitholders dating back to October 1994. Working capital requirements are subject to the price of propane, the weather and other changes in the demand for propane. Relatively colder weather or higher propane prices during the winter heating season increase our working capital requirements.

 

Our ability to satisfy our obligations is dependent upon our future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic, financial, business and weather conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Due to the seasonality of the retail propane distribution business, a significant portion of our cash flow from operations is generated during the winter heating season which occurs during our second and third fiscal quarters. Our net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflect 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 because fixed costs generally exceed gross profit during the non-peak heating season. Subject to meeting the financial tests discussed below, our general partner believes that the operating partnership will have sufficient funds available to meet its obligations, and to distribute to Ferrellgas Partners sufficient funds to permit Ferrellgas Partners to meet its obligations for the remainder of fiscal 2005 and in 2006. In addition, our general partner believes that the operating partnership will have sufficient funds available to distribute to Ferrellgas Partners sufficient cash to pay the required quarterly distribution on the senior units and the minimum quarterly distribution on all of its common units for the remaining two fiscal quarters of fiscal 2005 and in fiscal 2006.      

 

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

 

As of January 31, 2005, we met all the required quarterly financial tests and covenants during the first and second quarters of fiscal 2005. Based upon current estimates of our cash flow, our general partner believes that we will be able to continue to meet all of the required quarterly financial tests and covenants for the remaining two quarters of fiscal 2005 and in fiscal 2006. However, we may not meet the applicable financial tests in future quarters if we were to experience:

continued significantly warmer than normal winter temperatures;

continued volatile energy commodity cost environment;

 

an unexpected downturn in business operations; or

 

a general economic downturn in the United States.

 

 

 

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

 

Our future capital expenditures and working capital needs are expected to be provided by a combination of cash generated from future operations, existing cash balances, the bank credit facility or the accounts receivable securitization facility. See additional information about the accounts receivable securitization facility in “Operating Activities – Accounts receivables securitization.” To fund expansive capital projects and future acquisitions, we may obtain funds on our facilities, we may issue additional debt to the extent permitted under existing financing arrangements or we may issue additional equity securities, including, among others, common units.

 

Toward this purpose, in June 2003, a shelf registration statement was declared effective by the SEC for the periodic sale by Ferrellgas Partners, the operating partnership, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. of up to $500 million of equity and/or debt securities. The securities related to this registration statement are available to us for sale from time to time in the future to fund acquisitions, the reduction of indebtedness, the redemption of senior units and for general partnership purposes subject to acceptable market conditions. As of February 28, 2005, we had $151.4 million available under the shelf registration statement.

 

We also maintain a shelf registration statement with the SEC for the issuance of up to 2.0 million common units. We may issue these common units in connection with our acquisition of other businesses, properties or securities in business combination transactions.

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $41.2 million for the six months ended January 31, 2005, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $13.4 million for the prior fiscal year period. This increase in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to increased utilization of the accounts receivable securitization facility to meet increased working capital needs related to the effect of increased propane wholesale prices, partially offset by a decrease in cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital. Cash required to fund working capital during the six months ended January 31, 2005 increased $38.9 million compared to the prior year fiscal period. This use of working capital is primarily due to the timing of cash used to purchase inventory and cash received from our customers’ accounts receivable.

 

Accounts receivable securitization

 

Cash flows from the accounts receivable securitization facility increased $78.4 million primarily due to increased working capital needs related to increased propane wholesale prices, the timing of inventory purchases and receipts of customer payments. We received net funding of $104.4 million from this facility during the six months ended January 31, 2005 as compared to having received net funding of $26.0 million in the prior fiscal year period.

 

Our general strategy for obtaining liquidity at the lowest cost of capital is to initially utilize the accounts receivable securitization facility before borrowing under the operating partnership’s bank credit facility. See additional discussion about the operating partnership’s bank credit facility in “Financing Activities – Bank credit facility.” Our utilization of the accounts receivable securitization facility is limited by the amount of accounts receivable that we are permitted to transfer. We renewed this facility effective September 21, 2004, for a 364-day commitment with Banc One, NA. We increased our use of the accounts receivable securitization facility during the winter heating season when our working capital needs and our accounts receivable balances increased,significantly. At January 31, 2005, we had $17.4 million of capacity to transfer additional trade accounts receivable to the accounts receivable securitization facility. The renewal of the facility provides us with the ability to transfer increased amounts of accounts receivable during the fiscal 2005 winter heating season. As our trade accounts receivable

 

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increase during the winter heating season, the securitization facility permits us to transfer additional trade accounts receivable to the facility, thereby providing additional cash for working capital needs. In accordance with SFAS No. 140, “Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets and Extinguishment of Liabilities,” this transaction is reflected in our condensed consolidated financial statements as a sale of accounts receivable and a retained interest in transferred accounts receivable.

 

The operating partnership

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $52.9 million for the six months ended January 31, 2005, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $23.0 million for the prior fiscal year period. This increase in cash provided by operating activities is primarily due to increased utilization of the accounts receivable securitization facility to meet increased working capital needs related to the effect of increased propane wholesale prices, partially offset by a decrease in cash flow from operating activities before changes in working capital.

 

Investing Activities

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2005, net cash used in investing activities was $40.0 million, compared to $52.6 million used in investing activities for the prior fiscal year period. This decrease in cash used in investing activities is primarily due to reduced acquisition activity during fiscal 2005 partially offset by increased capital expenditures during fiscal 2005.

 

Acquisitions

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2005, we used $20.1 million in cash, $7.0 million of common unit issuances and $2.7 million of debt and other consideration for the acquisition of propane companies as compared to $38.1 million in cash, $0.7 million of common unit issuances and $ 0.2 million of debt and other consideration in the prior year period.

 

Capital expenditures

 

We made cash capital expenditures of $22.2 million during the six months ended January 31, 2005 as compared to $16.2 million in the prior fiscal year period primarily due to increased capital expenditures required for our technology initiative and distribution of propane by portable tank exchange operations acquired in April, 2004. Capital expenditures during the six months ended January 31, 2005 consisted primarily of expenditures for our technology initiative, betterment and replacement of district facilities, and vehicle and equipment lease buyouts.

 

Financing Activities

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2005, net cash provided by financing activities was $14.8 million compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $51.1 million for the prior fiscal year period. This decrease in cash provided by financing activities was primarily due to the utilization of cash proceeds from common unit issuances to reduce long-term debt during fiscal 2005.

 

Various equity transactions and equity structure modifications

 

Our senior units are owned by an entity beneficially owned by our general partner’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. Ferrell. We pay the senior units a quarterly cash distribution equivalent to 10 percent per annum of the liquidating value, currently $1 per quarter. We can redeem the senior units at any time, in whole or in part, upon payment in cash of the liquidating value of the senior units, currently $40 per unit, plus the amount of any accrued and unpaid distributions. The holder of the senior units has the right, subject to various events and conditions, to convert any outstanding senior units into common units beginning on the earlier of December 31, 2005 or upon the occurrence of a material event as defined by our partnership agreement. The number of common units issuable upon conversion of a senior unit is equal to the senior unit liquidation value, divided by the then current market price of a common unit. Generally, a material event includes (1) a change of control; (2) the treatment of

 

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Ferrellgas Partners as an association taxable as a corporation for federal income tax purposes; (3) subject to the immediately following paragraph, Ferrellgas Partners’ failure to use the aggregate cash proceeds from equity issuances, other than issuances of equity pursuant to an exercise of any common unit options, to redeem a portion of its senior units other than up to $20.0 million of cash proceeds from equity issuances used to reduce Ferrellgas Partners’ indebtedness; or (4) Ferrellgas Partners’ failure to pay the senior unit distribution in full for any fiscal quarter. Such conversion rights are contingent upon us not previously redeeming such securities.

 

By letter agreement dated November 20, 2003, JEF Capital agreed to waive the occurrence of a “Material Event” if Ferrellgas Partners issues common units at any time and from time to time on or prior to March 31, 2004, and does not use the cash proceeds from such offering or offerings to redeem a portion of the outstanding senior units. On February 25, 2004, JEF Capital and Ferrellgas Partners extended the letter agreement through December 31, 2004.

 

On March 7, 2005, Ferrellgas Partners amended its partnership agreement to reflect the extension of the existing agreement with Ferrell Companies involving the priority of quarterly distribution payments on common units held publicly. The existing provision in the partnership agreement, originally scheduled to expire December 31, 2005, was extended to April 30, 2010. This provision allows Ferrellgas Partners to defer distributions on the common units held by Ferrell Companies up to an aggregate outstanding amount of $36.0 million.

 

August Common Unit offering

 

During August 2004, we issued, in a public offering, 2.9 million common units at a price of $20.00 per unit, less commissions and underwriting expenses. After commissions and underwriting expenses, we received net proceeds of $54.9 million for the issuance of these common units. We used the net proceeds, together with contributions made by our general partner of $1.1 million to maintain its effective 2% general partnership interest in us, to reduce long-term borrowings outstanding under the $307.5 million bank credit facility of the operating partnership.

 

November Common Unit offering

 

During November 2004, we received net proceeds of $39.8 million pursuant to our issuance of 2.1 million common units in a private offering to a single unaffiliated purchaser. We used the net proceeds, together with contributions made by our general partner of $0.8 million to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest in us, to reduce borrowing outstanding under the bank credit facility of the operating partnership.

 

Distributions

 

Ferrellgas Partners paid the required quarterly distributions on the senior units and the minimum quarterly distribution on all common units, as well as the related general partner distributions, totaling $57.3 million during the six months ended January 31, 2005 in connection with the distributions declared for the three months ended July 31 and October 31, 2004. The required quarterly distribution on the senior units, the minimum quarterly distribution on all common units and the related general partner distributions for the three months ended January 31, 2005 of $29.3 million are expected to be paid on March 15, 2005 to holders of record on March 1, 2005. See related disclosure about the distributions of senior units in “Disclosures about Effects of Transactions with Related Parties.”

 

Bank credit facility

 

At January 31, 2005, $70.6 million of borrowings and $54.1 million of letters of credit were outstanding under our unsecured $307.5 million bank credit facility, which will terminate on April 28, 2006. Letters of credit are currently used to cover obligations primarily relating to requirements for insurance coverage and, and to a lesser extent, risk management activities. At January 31, 2005, we had $182.8 million available for working capital, acquisition, capital expenditure and general partnership purposes under the $307.5 million bank credit facility.

 

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All borrowings under our $307.5 million bank credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either:

 

a base rate, which is defined as the higher of the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or Bank of America’s prime rate (as of January 31, 2005, the federal funds rate and Bank of America’s prime rate were 2.5% and 5.25%, respectively); or

the Eurodollar Rate plus a margin varying from 1.75% to 2.75% (as of January 31, 2005, the one-month Eurodollar Rate was 2.53%).

 

In addition, an annual commitment fee is payable on the daily unused portion of our $307.5 million bank credit facility at a per annum rate varying from 0.375% to 0.625% (as of January 31, 2005, the commitment fee per annum rate was 0.5%).

 

We believe that the liquidity available from our $307.5 million bank credit facility and the accounts receivable securitization facility will be sufficient to meet our future working capital needs for the remaining two quarters of fiscal 2005 and all of fiscal 2006. See “– Operating Activities” for discussion about our accounts receivable securitization facility. However, if we were to experience an unexpected significant increase in working capital requirements, our working capital needs could exceed our immediately available resources. Events that could cause increases in working capital borrowings or letter of credit requirements include, but are not limited to the following:

 

a significant increase in the wholesale cost of propane;

 

a significant delay in the collections of accounts receivable;

 

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

increased liquidity requirements imposed by insurance providers;

 

a significant downgrade in our credit rating;

 

decreased trade credit; or

 

a significant acquisition.

 

 

If one or more of these or other events caused a significant use of available funding, we may consider alternatives to provide increased working capital funding. No assurances can be given, however, that such alternatives would be available, or, if available, could be implemented.

 

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 $69.8 million during the six months ended January 31, 2005 in connection with the distributions declared by Ferrellgas Partners for the three months ended July 31 and October 31, 2004. The operating partnership expects to make cash distributions of $29.6 million for the three months ended January 31, 2005, on March 15, 2005.

 

Contributions received by the operating partnership

 

In August 2004, the operating partnership received cash contributions of $55.4 million and $0.6 million from its limited partner, Ferrellgas Partners, and its general partner, respectively, in connection with the issuance by Ferrellgas Partners of 2.9 million common units.

 

In November 2004, the operating partnership received cash contributions of $40.4 million and $0.4 million from Ferrellgas Partners and its general partner, respectively, in connection with the issuance by Ferrellgas Partners of 2.1 million common units.

 

 

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The operating partnership used aggregate net proceeds from these contributions to reduce borrowings outstanding under its $307.5 million bank credit facility.

 

Disclosures about Risk Management Activities Accounted for at Fair Value

 

The following table summarizes the change in the unrealized fair value of contracts from our risk management trading activities for the three and six months ended January 31, 2005:

 

 

 

 

 

(in thousands)

For the three

months ended

January 31, 2005

 

For the six

months ended

January 31, 2005

Unrealized (losses) gains in fair value of contracts

outstanding at beginning of period

 

$(301)

 

 

$424

Other unrealized losses recognized

(3,822)

 

(6,983)

Less: realized losses recognized

(2,361)

 

(4,797)

Unrealized losses in fair value of contracts

outstanding at January 31, 2005

 

$(1,762)

 

 

$(1,762)

 

The following table summarizes the maturity of contracts from our risk management trading activities for the valuation methodologies we utilized as of January 31, 2005:

 

(in thousands)

 

 

Fair value of contracts at

period-end

 

Source of fair value

 

Maturity less than 1 year

Prices actively quoted

 

$ (305)

Prices provided by other external sources

 

(1,457)

Prices based on models and other valuation methods

 

-

Unrealized losses in fair value of contracts

outstanding at January 31, 2005

 

 

$(1,762)

 

See additional discussion about market, counterparty credit and liquidity risks related to our risk management trading activities and other risk management activities in “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.”

 

Disclosures about Effects of Transactions with Related Parties

 

We have no employees and are managed and controlled by our general partner. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, our general partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on our behalf, and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to us or otherwise reasonably incurred by our general partner in connection with operating our business. These reimbursable costs, which totaled $107.2 million for the six months ended January 31, 2005, include compensation and benefits paid to employees of our general partner who perform services on our behalf, as well as related general and administrative costs.

 

Ferrell Companies is the sole shareholder of our general partner and owns 17.8 million of our common units. FCI Trading Corp. is wholly-owned by Ferrell Companies and owns 0.2 million of our common units. Ferrell Propane, Inc. is wholly-owned by our general partner and owns 0.1 million common units. JEF Capital Management, Inc. is beneficially owned by James E. Ferrell, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of our general partner, and thus is an affiliate. JEF Capital is the holder of all of Ferrellgas Partners’ issued and outstanding senior units.

 

During the six months ended January 31, 2005, Ferrellgas Partners paid common unit distributions of $17.8 million, $0.2 million and $0.1 million to Ferrell Companies, FCI Trading and Ferrell Propane,

 

44

 

 

respectively, in connection with the distributions declared by Ferrellgas Partners for the three months ended July 31 and October 31, 2004. Also during the six months ended January 31, 2005, Ferrellgas Partners paid the general partner distributions of $0.6 million for the three months ended July 31 and October 31, 2004. We paid JEF Capital $4.0 million in senior unit distributions during the six months ended January 31, 2005 in connection with the distributions declared for the three months ended July 31 and October 31, 2004. On January 31, 2005, we accrued a senior unit distribution of $2.0 million for the three months ended January 31, 2005 that we expect to pay to JEF Capital on March 15, 2005.

 

Ferrellgas Partners’ partnership agreement generally provides that it use the cash proceeds of any offering of common units to redeem a portion of the outstanding senior units, otherwise a “Material Event” would be deemed to have occurred and JEF Capital, as the holder of the senior units, would thereafter have specified rights, such as the right to convert the senior units into common units or the right to register the senior units. See “Financing Activities – Various equity transactions and equity structure modifications.”

 

Ferrell International Limited is beneficially owned by Mr. Ferrell and thus is an affiliate. We enter into transactions with Ferrell International in connection with our risk management activities and do so at market prices in accordance with our affiliate trading policy approved by our general partner’s Board of Directors. These transactions include forward, option and swap contracts and are all reviewed for compliance with the policy. During the six months ended January 31, 2005, we recognized net purchases from sales, purchases and commodity derivative transactions of $2.7 million. These net purchases, sales and commodity derivatives transactions with Ferrell International are classified as cost of product sold on our condensed consolidated statements of earnings. We provide limited accounting services to Ferrell International. During the six months ended January 31, 2005, we recognized net receipts from providing limited accounting services of $20 thousand. There was $0.1 million due to Ferrell International at January 31, 2005.

 

See “- Financing Activities” for additional information regarding transactions with related parties.

 

We believe these related party transactions were under terms that were no less favorable to us than those available with third parties.

 

ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Our risk management activities primarily attempt to mitigate risks related to the purchasing, storing and transporting of propane. We generally purchase propane in the contract and spot markets from major domestic energy companies on a short-term basis. Our costs to purchase and distribute propane fluctuate with the movement of market prices. This fluctuation subjects us to potential price risk, which we attempt to minimize through the use of risk management activities.

 

Our risk management activities include the use of energy commodity forward contracts, swaps and options traded on the over-the-counter financial markets and futures and options traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange. These risk management activities are conducted primarily to offset the effect of market price fluctuations on propane inventory and purchase commitments and to mitigate the price and inventory risk on sale commitments to our customers.

 

Our risk management activities are intended to generate a profit, which we then apply to reduce our cost of product sold. The results of our risk management activities directly related to the delivery of propane to our customers, which include our supply procurement, storage and transportation activities, are presented in our discussion of margins and are accounted for at cost. The results of our other risk management activities are presented separately in our discussion of gross profit found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Results of Operations” as risk management trading activities and are accounted for at fair value.

 

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

 

45

 

 

commodities and review our positions daily where we remain exposed to market risk, so as to manage exposures to changing market prices.

 

Market, Credit and Liquidity Risk. New York Mercantile Exchange traded futures and options are guaranteed by the New York Mercantile Exchange and have nominal credit risk. We are exposed to credit risk associated with over-the-counter traded forwards, swaps and option transactions in the event of nonperformance by counterparties. For each counterparty, we analyze its financial condition prior to entering into an agreement, establish a credit limit and monitor the appropriateness of the limit. The change in market value of Exchange-traded futures contracts requires daily cash settlement in margin accounts with brokers. Over-the-counter instruments are generally settled at the expiration of the contract term. In order to minimize the liquidity risk of cash, margin or collateral requirements of counterparties for over-the-counter instruments, we attempt to balance maturities and positions with individual counterparties. Historically, our risk management activities have not experienced significant credit-related losses in any year or with any individual counterparty. Our risk management contracts do not contain material repayment provisions related to a decline in our credit rating.

 

Sensitivity Analysis. 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, 2005, 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 regarding these positions from a 10% adverse movement in market prices of the underlying energy commodities was estimated at $0.5 million for risk management trading activities and $0.1 million for other risk management activities as of January 31, 2005. The preceding hypothetical analysis is limited because changes in prices may or may not equal 10%, thus actual results may differ.

 

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

 

At January 31, 2005, we had $70.6 million in variable rate amended bank credit facility borrowings. Thus, assuming a one percent increase in our variable interest rate, our interest rate risk related to the borrowings on our variable rate amended bank credit facility would result in a loss in future earnings of $0.7 million for the twelve months ending January 31, 2006. The preceding hypothetical analysis is limited because changes in interest rates may or may not equal one percent, thus actual results may differ.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

An evaluation was performed with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such terms are defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that such disclosure controls and procedures were designed to be and were effective as of January 31, 2005 to reasonably ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act are recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

It should be noted that any system of disclosure controls and procedures, however well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the system are met. In addition, the design of any system of disclosure controls and procedures is based in part upon assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Because of these and other inherent limitations of any such system, there can be no assurance that any system, no matter how well designed or implemented,

 

46

 

 

will always succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote and furthermore, because of potential changes in future conditions, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures may vary over time.

 

        PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

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

 

ITEM 2.

UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

November 12, 2004

A sale by Ferrellgas Partners of unregistered equity securities that occurred on November 12, 2004 was previously reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K dated November 16, 2004.

December 20, 2004

On December 20, 2004, Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. issued an aggregate of 145,159 common units, representing limited partner interests, to two propane related Kentucky corporations pursuant to a Purchase and Non-Competition Agreement between Ferrellgas, L.P., the two Kentucky corporations and certain other parties named therein. In exchange for the issuance of common units, Ferrellgas, L.P. received assets and other consideration valued at approximately $2.875 million. The common units issued in the private placement were issued in reliance upon and pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

January 10, 2005

On January 10, 2005, Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. issued 88,071 common units, representing limited partner interests, to a trust organized under the laws of Wisconsin, pursuant to a Purchase and Non-Competition Agreement among Ferrellgas, L.P., the trust and a propane related Wisconsin corporation. In exchange for the issuance of common units, Ferrellgas, L.P. received assets and other consideration valued at approximately $1.8 million. The common units issued in the private placement were issued in reliance upon and pursuant to an exemption from registration under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933.

 

ITEM 3.

DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.

SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

None.

 

 

47

 

 

 

ITEM 5.

OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

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

 

 

Exhibit

Number

 

Description

 

 

 

 

2.1

Contribution Agreement dated February 8, 2004, by and among FCI Trading Corp., Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 12, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., dated as of February 18, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 18, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.2

First Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., dated as of February 18, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 8, 2005.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.3

Certificate of Incorporation for Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 13, 1997.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.4

Bylaws of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 13, 1997.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.5

Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P., dated as of April 7, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.6

Certificate of Incorporation of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. filed February 18, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.7

Bylaws of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. filed February 18, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.1

Specimen Certificate evidencing Common Units representing Limited Partner Interests (contained in Exhibit 3.1 hereto as Exhibit A thereto).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.2

Indenture, dated as of September 24, 2002, with form of Note attached, among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to 8 3/4% Senior Notes due 2012. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 24, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.3

Indenture, dated as of April 20, 2004, with form of Note attached, among Ferrellgas Escrow LLC and Ferrellgas Finance Escrow Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to 6 ¾% Senior Notes due 2014. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 22, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

4.4

Ferrellgas, L.P., Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 1, 1998, relating to: $109,000,000 6.99% Senior Notes, Series A, due August 1, 2005, $37,000,000 7.08% Senior Notes, Series B, due August 1, 2006, $52,000,000 7.12% Senior Notes, Series C, due August 1, 2008, $82,000,000 7.24% Senior Notes, Series D, due August 1, 2010, and $70,000,000 7.42% Senior Notes, Series E, due August 1, 2013.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 29, 1998.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.5

Ferrellgas, L.P., Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2000, relating to: $21,000,000 8.68% Senior Notes, Series A, due August 1, 2006, $70,000,000 8.78% Senior Notes, Series B, due August 1, 2007, and $93,000,000 8.87% Senior Notes, Series C, due August 1, 2009.

Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 16, 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.6

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 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 29, 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.7

First Amendment to the 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 4.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 16, 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.8

Second Amendment to the 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 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 6, 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.9

Representations Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1999, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas, L.P. and Williams Natural Gas Liquids, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 29, 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.10

First Amendment to Representations Agreement, dated as of April 6, 2001, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrellgas, L.P. and The Williams Companies, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 6, 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.11

Waiver and Acknowledgement of No Material Event dated November 20, 2003, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc. and JEF Capital Management, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 24, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.12

Extension of Waiver and Acknowledgement of No Material Event dated February 25, 2004, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc. and JEF Capital Management, Inc. Incorporated by reference to 4.11 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.1

Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 10, 2002, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as agent, and the other financial institutions party. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed December 11, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.2

First Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of March 9, 2004, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as agent, and the other financial institutions party. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed April 2, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.3

Second Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of September 3, 2004, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as agent, and the lenders party to the original agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Annual Report of Form 10-K filed October 13, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.4

Third Amendment to the Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated October 26, 2004, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association, as agent, and the lenders party to the original agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.5

Receivable Interest Sale Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2000, by and between Ferrellgas, L.P., as originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 26, 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.6

First Amendment to the Receivable Interest Sale Agreement dated as of

January 17, 2001, by and between Ferrellgas, L.P., as originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 14, 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.7

Amendment No. 2 to the Receivable Interest Sale Agreement dated November 1, 2004 between Ferrellgas, L.P., as Originator, and Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.8

Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2000, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, and Bank One, NA, main office Chicago, as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 26, 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.9

First Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 17, 2001, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, and Bank One, N.A., main office Chicago, as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 14, 2001.

 

 

50

 

 

 

 

 

10.10

Second Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 25, 2001, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, and Bank One, N.A., main office Chicago, as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 25, 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.11

Third Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2002, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, and Bank One, NA, main office Chicago, as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 23, 2002.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.12

Fourth Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 23, 2003, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, and Bank One, NA, main office Chicago, as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 21, 2003.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.13

Fifth Amendment to the Receivables Purchase Agreement, dated as of September 21, 2004, by and among Ferrellgas Receivables, L.L.C., as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, Jupiter Securitization Corporation, the financial institutions from time to time party hereto, and Bank One, NA, main office Chicago, as agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 24, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.14

Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 7, 1999, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P and Williams Natural Gas Liquids, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 12, 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.15

First Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 17, 1999, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P., and Williams Natural Gas Liquids, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 29, 1999.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.16

Second Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 14, 2000, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas L.P., and Williams Natural Gas Liquids, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 16, 2000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.17

Third Amendment to Purchase Agreement dated as of April 6, 2001, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas L.P. and The Williams Companies, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 6, 2001.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.18

Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of February 8, 2004, by and among Blue Rhino Corporation, FCI Trading Corp., Diesel Acquisition, LLC and Ferrell Companies, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 12, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

51

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.19

First amendment to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of March 16, 2004, by and among Blue Rhino Corporation, FCI Trading Corp., Diesel Acquisition, LLC, and Ferrell Companies, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 2, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.20

Real Property Contribution Agreement, dated February 8, 2004, between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Billy D. Prim.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.21

Unit Purchase Agreement, dated February 8, 2004, between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Billy D. Prim. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 to our Form S-3 filed May 21, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.22

Unit Purchase Agreement dated February 8, 2004, between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and James E. Ferrell. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 12, 2004.

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.23

Ferrell Companies, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan, restated January 1, 2000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 18, 2003.

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.24

Second Amended and Restated Ferrellgas Unit Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 5, 2001.

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.25

Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective October 11, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 13, 2004.

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.26

Employment agreement between James E. Ferrell and Ferrellgas, Inc., dated July 31, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 29, 1998.

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.27

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated October 11, 2004, by and among Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc. and Billy D. Prim. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 13, 2004.

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.28

Arrangement dated June 4, 2003, between Ron M. Logan, Jr. and Ferrellgas, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 13, 2004.

 

 

 

 

#

 

10.29

Arrangement dated February 6, 2004, between Timothy E. Scronce and Ferrellgas, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 13, 2004.

 

 

 

 

*

 

31.1

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

 

 

 

 

*

 

31.2

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

 

 

 

 

*

 

31.3

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

 

 

 

 

*

 

31.4

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

 

 

 

 

*

 

32.1

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

 

 

52

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*

 

32.2

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

 

 

 

 

*

 

32.3

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

 

 

 

 

*

 

32.4

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

 

 

 

 

 

*

Filed herewith

 

#

Management contracts or compensatory plans.

 

 

 

 

53

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

 

By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)

 

 

Date:

March 10, 2005

By

/s/ Kevin T. Kelly

 

 

Kevin T. Kelly

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief

 

 

Financial Officer (Principal

 

 

Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

 

 

Date:

March 10, 2005

By

/s/ Kevin T. Kelly

 

 

Kevin T. Kelly

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief

 

 

Financial Officer (Principal

 

 

Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

 

By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)

 

 

Date:

March 10, 2005

By

/s/ Kevin T. Kelly

 

 

Kevin T. Kelly

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief

 

 

Financial Officer (Principal

 

 

Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

 

 

Date:

March 10, 2005

By

/s/ Kevin T. Kelly

 

 

Kevin T. Kelly

 

 

Senior Vice President and Chief

 

 

Financial Officer (Principal

 

 

Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

54

 

 

 

 

 

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