10-Q 1 fgp_20161031x10q.htm 10-Q Document

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 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 October 31, 2016
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 incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Nos.)
 
 
 
7500 College Boulevard,
Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas
 
66210
(Address of principal executive office)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrants’ telephone number, including area code: (913) 661-1500
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨ 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically and posted on their corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are large accelerated filers, accelerated filers, non-accelerated filers, or smaller reporting companies. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.:
Large accelerated filer x
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer o
(do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp, Ferrellgas, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp.:
Large accelerated filer o
 
Accelerated filer o
 
Non-accelerated filer x
(do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are shell companies (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. Yes ¨ No x
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. Yes x No ¨

At November 30, 2016, the registrants had common units or shares of common stock outstanding as follows:
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
97,152,665
 
Common Units
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.
 
1,000
 
Common Stock
Ferrellgas, L.P.
 
n/a
 
n/a
Ferrellgas Finance Corp.
 
1,000
 
Common Stock
 
Documents Incorporated by Reference: None


1



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

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
FERRELLGAS, L.P.
FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2



3


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)
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
12,639

 
$
4,965

Accounts and notes receivable, net (including $105,320 and $106,464 of accounts receivable pledged as collateral at October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively)
 
148,283

 
149,583

Inventories
 
100,296

 
90,594

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
31,820

 
39,973

Total current assets
 
293,038

 
285,115

 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
 
757,940

 
774,680

Goodwill, net
 
256,103

 
256,103

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $412,425 and $404,271 at October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively)
 
272,031

 
280,185

Other assets, net
 
88,103

 
87,223

Total assets
 
$
1,667,215

 
$
1,683,306

 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT
 
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable
 
$
74,788

 
$
67,928

Short-term borrowings
 
96,824

 
101,291

Collateralized note payable
 
74,000

 
64,000

Other current liabilities
 
170,527

 
128,958

Total current liabilities
 
416,139

 
362,177

 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
 
1,965,219

 
1,941,335

Other liabilities
 
32,755

 
31,574

Contingencies and commitments (Note K)
 


 


 
 
 
 
 
Partners' deficit:
 
 

 
 

Common unitholders (97,152,665 and 98,002,665 units outstanding at October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively)
 
(673,516
)
 
(570,754
)
General partner unitholder (989,926 units outstanding at October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016)
 
(66,713
)
 
(65,835
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(1,186
)
 
(10,468
)
Total Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. partners' deficit
 
(741,415
)
 
(647,057
)
Noncontrolling interest
 
(5,483
)
 
(4,723
)
Total partners' deficit
 
(746,898
)
 
(651,780
)
Total liabilities and partners' deficit
 
$
1,667,215

 
$
1,683,306

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4


FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except unit data)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Propane and other gas liquids sales
 
$
242,399

 
$
245,301

 
Midstream operations
 
108,044

 
193,670

 
Other
 
29,099

 
32,175

 
Total revenues
 
379,542

 
471,146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of sales:
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales
 
119,212

 
121,751

 
Cost of sales - midstream operations
 
94,642

 
153,604

 
Cost of sales - other
 
11,746

 
14,448

 
Operating expense
 
105,086

 
116,199

 
Depreciation and amortization expense
 
26,202

 
36,979

 
General and administrative expense
 
14,269

 
19,144

 
Equipment lease expense
 
7,349

 
7,032

 
Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
 
3,754

 
5,256

 
Asset impairments
 

 
29,316

 
Loss on asset sales and disposal
 
6,423

 
14,917

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating loss
 
(9,141
)
 
(47,500
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
(35,428
)
 
(33,788
)
 
Other income (expense), net
 
508

 
(122
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes
 
(44,061
)
 
(81,410
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit
 
(590
)
 
(844
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
(43,471
)
 
(80,566
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(398
)
 
(773
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
(43,073
)
 
(79,793
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: General partner's interest in net loss
 
(431
)
 
(798
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Common unitholders' interest in net loss
 
$
(42,642
)
 
$
(78,995
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net loss per common unitholders' interest
 
$
(0.44
)
 
$
(0.79
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash distributions declared per common unit
 
$
0.10

 
$
0.5125

 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

5


FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(43,471
)
 
$
(80,566
)
 
Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in value of risk management derivatives
 
5,138

 
384

 
Reclassification of losses on derivatives to earnings, net
 
4,238

 
8,226

 
Other comprehensive income
 
9,376

 
8,610

 
Comprehensive loss
 
(34,095
)
 
(71,956
)
 
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(304
)
 
(686
)
 
Comprehensive loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
$
(33,791
)
 
$
(71,270
)
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

6


FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' DEFICIT
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Number of units
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
Total
Ferrellgas
Partners, L.P. partners'
deficit
 
 
 
Total partners'
deficit
 

Common
unitholders
 
General partner unitholder
 
Common
unitholders
 
General partner unitholder
 
 
 
Non-controlling
interest
 
Balance at July 31, 2016
98,002.7

 
989.9

 
$
(570,754
)
 
$
(65,835
)
 
$
(10,468
)
 
$
(647,057
)
 
$
(4,723
)
 
$
(651,780
)
Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP and stock-based compensation charges

 

 
5,522

 
56

 

 
5,578

 
57

 
5,635

Distributions

 

 
(49,791
)
 
(503
)
 

 
(50,294
)
 
(513
)
 
(50,807
)
Common unit repurchases
(850.0
)
 

 
(15,851
)
 

 

 
(15,851
)
 

 
(15,851
)
Net loss

 

 
(42,642
)
 
(431
)
 

 
(43,073
)
 
(398
)
 
(43,471
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 
9,282

 
9,282

 
94

 
9,376

Balance at October 31, 2016
97,152.7

 
989.9

 
$
(673,516
)
 
$
(66,713
)
 
$
(1,186
)
 
$
(741,415
)
 
$
(5,483
)
 
$
(746,898
)
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


7


FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(43,471
)
 
$
(80,566
)
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
26,202

 
36,979

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
3,754

 
5,256

Non-cash stock-based compensation charge
1,881

 
8,122

Asset impairments

 
29,316

Loss on asset sales and disposal
6,423

 
14,917

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 
(100
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
9

 
952

Deferred income tax expense
143

 
280

Other
1,302

 
1,409

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:
 
 
 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of securitization
1,310

 
9,484

Inventories
(9,702
)
 
675

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
8,032

 
5,997

Accounts payable
7,049

 
(20,139
)
Accrued interest expense
28,495

 
28,600

Other current liabilities
21,251

 
(3,468
)
Other assets and liabilities
1,872

 
3,134

Net cash provided by operating activities
54,550

 
40,848

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(10,005
)
 
(25,607
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
2,279

 
3,575

Other

 
(14
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(7,726
)
 
(22,046
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Distributions
(50,294
)
 
(51,963
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
25,626

 
21,321

Payments on long-term debt
(2,261
)
 
(4,380
)
Net additions to (reductions) in short-term borrowings
(4,467
)
 
20,072

Net additions to (reductions in) collateralized short-term borrowings
10,000

 
(2,000
)
Cash paid for financing costs
(1,390
)
 
(142
)
Noncontrolling interest activity
(513
)
 
(500
)
Repurchase of common units
(15,851
)
 

Cash contribution from general partner in connection with common unit issuances

 
30

Net cash used in financing activities
(39,150
)
 
(17,562
)
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
7,674

 
1,240

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
4,965

 
7,652

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
12,639

 
$
8,892

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

8


FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, except per unit data, unless otherwise designated)
 (unaudited)
A.  Partnership organization and formation
 
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”) was formed April 19, 1994, and is a publicly traded limited partnership, owning an approximate 99% limited partner interest in Ferrellgas, L.P. (the "operating partnership"). Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, collectively referred to as “Ferrellgas,” are both Delaware limited partnerships and are governed by their respective partnership agreements. Ferrellgas Partners was formed to acquire and hold a limited partner interest in the operating partnership. As of October 31, 2016, Ferrell Companies, Inc. ("Ferrell Companies") beneficially owns 22.8 million Ferrellgas Partners common units. Ferrellgas, Inc. (the "general partner"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, has retained an approximate 1% general partner interest in Ferrellgas Partners and also holds an approximate 1% general partner interest in the operating partnership, representing an effective 2% general partner interest in Ferrellgas on a combined basis. As general partner, it performs all management functions required by Ferrellgas. Unless contractually provided for, creditors of the operating partnership have no recourse with regards to Ferrellgas Partners.
 
Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two subsidiaries, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners owns a 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., whose only business activity is to act as the co-issuer and co-obligor of debt issued by Ferrellgas Partners. The operating partnership is the only operating subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners.

Ferrellgas is engaged in the following primary businesses:
Propane and related equipment sales consists of the distribution of propane and related equipment and supplies. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Ferrellgas serves residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Midstream operations consists of one reportable operating segment: crude oil logistics. The crude oil logistics segment ("Bridger") primarily generates income by providing crude oil transportation and logistics services on behalf of producers and end-users of crude oil. Bridger services include transportation through its operation of a fleet of trucks, tank trailers, railcars, pipeline injection stations and a barge. Bridger primarily operates in major oil and gas basins across the continental United States. Bridger also enters into crude oil purchase and sale arrangements.

Due to seasonality, the results of operations for the three months ended October 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending July 31, 2017.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed consolidated financial statements were of a normal recurring nature. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Ferrellgas' Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2016.

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


9


(2) New accounting standards:

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2014-09
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The issuance is part of a joint effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") to enhance financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, thereby, improving the consistency of requirements, comparability of practices and usefulness of disclosures. The new standard will supersede much of the existing authoritative literature for revenue recognition. The standard and related amendments will be effective for Ferrellgas for its annual reporting period beginning August 1, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. Entities are allowed to transition to the new standard by either recasting prior periods or recognizing the cumulative effect. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the newly issued guidance, including which transition approach will be applied and the estimated impact it will have on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-02 and No. 2016-17
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis which provides additional guidance on the consolidation of limited partnerships and on the evaluation of variable interest entities. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation: Interests Held through Related Parties That Are Under Common Control which amended certain aspects of the additional guidance in ASU 2015-02. We adopted ASU 2015-02 and ASU 2016-17 effective August 1, 2016. The adoption of these standards did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-11
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires that inventory within the scope of the guidance be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2016-02
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2016-13
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) which requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities will apply the standard's provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.  

 
 
C. Significant transactions

Termination of Bridger agreement with Jamex Marketing, LLC

In connection with the closing of our acquisition of Bridger in June 2015, Bridger entered into a ten-year transportation and logistics agreement (the “Jamex TLA”) with Jamex pursuant to which Jamex would be responsible for certain payments to Bridger and also for sourcing crude oil volumes for Bridger’s largest customer at that time.

As a result of concerns regarding the collectability of amounts owed to Bridger from Jamex under the Jamex TLA and certain other matters between Bridger and Jamex, Bridger, Jamex, Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and certain other affiliated parties entered into a group of agreements that terminated the Jamex TLA, facilitated Ferrellgas purchasing certain Ferrellgas common units from Jamex, and established payment terms for certain amounts owed by Jamex to Bridger under the Jamex TLA. Consequently, Ferrellgas does not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridger's former largest customer in the future.

On September 1, 2016, Bridger and Ferrellgas entered into a Termination, Settlement and Release Agreement (the “Jamex Termination Agreement”) with Jamex, certain of Jamex's affiliates, and James Ballengee (the owner of Jamex) pursuant to which:

10



(1)
Jamex agreed to execute and deliver a secured promissory note in favor of Bridger in original principal amount of $49.5 million (the "Jamex Secured Promissory Note") in satisfaction of all obligations owed to Bridger under the Jamex TLA;
(2)
Mr. Ballengee and Bacchus Capital Trading, LLC, an entity controlled by Mr. Ballengee, executed and delivered a joint guarantee of the Jamex Secured Promissory Note obligations up to a maximum aggregate amount of $20.0 million;
(3)
The operating partnership agreed to provide Jamex with a $5.0 million revolving secured working capital facility evidenced by a revolving promissory note (the “Jamex Revolving Promissory Note” and, together with the Jamex Secured Promissory Note, the “Jamex Notes”);
(4)
The other Jamex entities agreed to execute and deliver a security agreement and a full guarantee of the obligations under the Jamex Notes;
(5)
Ferrellgas paid approximately $16.9 million to Jamex and in return received 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners' common units, which were cancelled upon receipt, and approximately 23 thousand barrels of crude oil;
(6)
The parties agreed to terminate the Jamex TLA and certain other commercial agreements and arrangements between them, and release any claims between or among them that may exist (other than those arising under the Jamex Termination Agreement or the other agreements entered into in connection with the Jamex Termination Agreement); and
(7)
Ferrellgas waived the remaining lockup provision applicable to Jamex under the Registration Rights Agreement dated June 24, 2015 to which Jamex is party.

The Jamex Secured Promissory Note originally had an annual interest rate of 7% (which rate would be reduced under certain circumstances, including if Ferrellgas' quarterly distributions are less than $0.25 per common unit; accordingly, as a result of the distribution declared on November 22, 2016, the interest rate will decrease to 2.8%), and contemplates quarterly amortizing principal payments, together with payments of accrued interest. The first payment, due December 17, 2016, will be an interest-only payment. The maturity date of the Jamex Secured Promissory Note will be December 17, 2021. Jamex will be allowed to prepay the Secured Promissory Note in whole or in part at any time.

The Jamex Revolving Promissory Note, which provides Jamex with access to working capital liquidity to meet their unrelated and ongoing crude oil marketing and other business needs, has an annual interest rate of 0% (which rate would be increased in case of a default), and contains certain conditions precedent to the operating partnership’s obligation to make any advances thereunder. Each borrowing under the Jamex Revolving Promissory Note must be repaid within 10 days, and the ultimate maturity date of the Jamex Revolving Promissory Note is the earlier of September 1, 2021 and the date on which all obligations under the Jamex Secured Promissory Note are repaid.

The Jamex Secured Promissory Note is guaranteed, pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement, jointly by James Ballengee and Bacchus Capital Trading, LLC, an entity controlled by Mr. Ballengee (up to a maximum aggregate amount of $20.0 million), and each Note is fully guaranteed, pursuant to respective Guaranty Agreements, by the other Jamex entities. The obligations of Jamex and the other Jamex entities under the Notes are secured, pursuant to a Security Agreement, by a lien on certain of those entities’ assets, including common units, actively traded marketable securities and cash, which are held in a controlled account that can be seized by Ferrellgas in the event of default.

During the year ended July 31, 2016, approximately 60% of Midstream Operations - Crude oil logistics' segment (Bridger) gross margin was generated from its largest customer and Jamex, that customer's supplier, under take-or-pay arrangements. Bridger’s largest customer during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 owned a refinery in Trainer, Pennsylvania. Bridger was party to an agreement with this customer under which Bridger provided logistics services to transport crude oil from the Bakken region in North Dakota to the Trainer refinery. That agreement had a minimum volume commitment and payment obligation from the refinery for logistics services associated with the delivery of 65 MBbls/d. However, if the quantity of crude oil delivered to the refinery dropped below 35 MBbls/d, the minimum volume commitment and payment obligation from the refinery would be suspended and Jamex would become responsible for payments to Bridger under the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. During February 2016, Jamex ceased sourcing barrels for delivery to the refinery and since that time Bridger had been billing Jamex directly in accordance with the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. During July 2016, Ferrellgas determined Jamex would not resume sourcing barrels for delivery to the refinery or be likely to continue to make payments under the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. As a result, Ferrellgas negotiated a settlement with Jamex, and the Jamex TLA was terminated on September 1, 2016. While the agreement with the refinery owner was not terminated as a result of the execution and delivery of the Jamex Termination Agreement, Bridger has been unable to negotiate a revised transportation and logistics agreement with that customer; accordingly it is unlikely that Bridger will continue to make any deliveries under the existing agreement. Consequently, we do not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or gross margin from Jamex or Bridger's former largest customer in the future.


11


D. Supplemental financial statement information
 
Inventories consist of the following:
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Propane gas and related products
 
$
68,336

 
$
59,726

Crude oil
 
6,066

 
4,642

Appliances, parts and supplies
 
25,894

 
26,226

Inventories
 
$
100,296

 
$
90,594


In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas enters into contracts primarily to buy propane for supply procurement purposes with terms generally up to 36 months. Most of these contracts call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to take delivery of approximately 93.4 million gallons of propane at fixed prices.

Other assets, net consist of the following:
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Note receivable - Jamex
 
$
40,000

 
$
39,760

Other
 
48,103

 
47,463

Other assets, net
 
$
88,103

 
$
87,223


Other current liabilities consist of the following:
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Accrued interest
 
$
45,118

 
$
16,623

Accrued payroll
 
25,738

 
13,438

Customer deposits and advances
 
40,238

 
27,391

Price risk management liabilities
 
8,030

 
18,401

Other
 
51,403

 
53,105

Other current liabilities
 
$
170,527

 
$
128,958


Shipping and handling expenses are classified in the following condensed consolidated statements of operations line items:
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Operating expense
 
$
41,810

 
$
40,535

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
1,026

 
1,115

Equipment lease expense
 
6,666

 
6,429


 
$
49,502

 
$
48,079


Loss on asset sales and disposal consists of the following:

 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Loss on assets held for sale
 
$

 
$
12,112

Loss on sale of assets held for sale
 

 
1,259

Loss on sale of assets and other
 
6,423

 
1,546

Loss on asset sales and disposal
 
$
6,423

 
$
14,917



12


Certain cash flow and significant non-cash activities are presented below:
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Cash paid for:
 
 
 
 
Interest
 
$
5,631

 
$
3,780

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Change in accruals for property, plant and equipment additions
 
$
(189
)
 
$
1,727



E. Accounts and notes receivable, net and accounts receivable securitization
 
Accounts and notes receivable, net consist of the following:
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral
 
$
105,320

 
$
106,464

Accounts receivable
 
37,515

 
43,148

Note receivable - Jamex, current portion
 
8,055

 
5,000

Other
 
170

 
38

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(2,777
)
 
(5,067
)
Accounts and notes receivable, net
 
$
148,283

 
$
149,583


On September 27, 2016, Ferrellgas entered into a fourth amendment to its accounts receivable securitization facility to modify the maximum leverage ratio covenant as follows:

 
 
Maximum leverage ratio
 
Maximum leverage ratio
Date
 
(prior to amendments)
 
(after amendments)
October 31, 2016
 
5.50

 
6.05

January 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

July 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
6.05

October 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

January 31, 2018
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2018 & thereafter
 
5.50

 
5.50


The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in Ferrellgas' secured credit facility. Ferrellgas' leverage ratio was 5.81x as of October 31, 2016.

At October 31, 2016, $105.3 million of trade accounts receivable were pledged as collateral against $74.0 million of collateralized notes payable due to the commercial paper conduit. At July 31, 2016, $106.5 million of trade accounts receivable were pledged as collateral against $64.0 million of collateralized notes payable due to the commercial paper conduit. These accounts receivable pledged as collateral are bankruptcy remote from the operating partnership. The operating partnership does not provide any guarantee or similar support to the collectability of these accounts receivable pledged as collateral. 
 
As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had received cash proceeds of $74.0 million from trade accounts receivables securitized, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds. As of July 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had received cash proceeds of $64.0 million from trade accounts receivables securitized, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds. Borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization facility had a weighted average interest rate of 2.7% and 3.0% as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively.

F.    Debt
 
Short-term borrowings
 

13


Ferrellgas classified a portion of its secured credit facility borrowings as short-term because it was used to fund working capital needs that management had intended to pay down within the 12 month period following each balance sheet date. As of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, $96.8 million and $101.3 million, respectively, were classified as short-term borrowings. For further discussion see the secured credit facility section below.
 
Secured credit facility

On September 27, 2016, Ferrellgas entered into a fifth amendment to our secured credit facility to modify the maximum leverage ratio covenant as follows:

 
 
Maximum leverage ratio
 
Maximum leverage ratio
Date
 
(prior to amendments)
 
(after amendments)
October 31, 2016
 
5.50

 
6.05

January 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

July 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
6.05

October 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

January 31, 2018
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2018 & thereafter
 
5.50

 
5.50


The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in Ferrellgas' secured credit facility. Ferrellgas' leverage ratio was 5.81x as of October 31, 2016, which equates to headroom of $78.9 million or 4.0%. Because of this leverage ratio requirement Ferrellgas continues to execute on a strategy to reduce its debt. This strategy may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to its leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in Ferrellgas' annual distribution, which was reduced during the quarter ended October 31, 2016 from an annualized rate of $2.05 to $0.40 per common unit. We believe that any debt reducing actions taken would likely remain in effect until Ferrellgas' leverage ratio reaches 4.5x or a level that Ferrellgas deems appropriate for its business. However, if weather continues to remain unseasonably warm or our debt reduction initiatives are unsuccessful, Ferrellgas believes it is possible its leverage ratio will exceed 5.95x at the end of the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2017.

As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had total borrowings outstanding under its secured credit facility of $415.0 million, of which $318.2 million was classified as long-term debt. Ferrellgas had $173.6 million of capacity under our secured credit facility as of October 31, 2016. However, the leverage ratio covenant under this facility limits additional borrowings to $78.9 million as of October 31, 2016. As of July 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had total borrowings outstanding under its secured credit facility of $394.4 million, of which $293.1 million was classified as long-term debt. Ferrellgas had $219.3 million of capacity under our secured credit facility as of July 31, 2016. However, the leverage ratio covenant under this facility limited additional borrowings to $8.1 million as of July 31, 2016. Borrowings outstanding at October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016 under the secured credit facility had weighted average interest rates of 4.1% and 3.7%, respectively.
  
The obligations under this credit facility are secured by substantially all assets of Ferrellgas, the general partner and certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas but specifically excluding (a) assets that are subject to Ferrellgas’ accounts receivable securitization facility, (b) the general partner’s equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners and (c) equity interests in certain unrestricted subsidiaries. Such obligations are also guaranteed by the general partner and certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas.
 
Letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2016 totaled $111.4 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and, to a lesser extent, product purchases. Letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2016 totaled $86.3 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and, to a lesser extent, product purchases. At October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had remaining letter of credit capacity of $88.6 million. At July 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had remaining letter of credit capacity of $113.7 million.


14


G.  Partners' deficit

As of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, limited partner units were beneficially owned by the following:

 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Public common unitholders (1)
 
69,612,939

 
70,462,939

Ferrell Companies (2)
 
22,529,361

 
22,529,361

FCI Trading Corp. (3)
 
195,686

 
195,686

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (4)
 
51,204

 
51,204

James E. Ferrell (5)
 
4,763,475

 
4,763,475


(1)
These common units are listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “FGP.”
(2) Ferrell Companies is the owner of the general partner and is an approximate 23% direct owner of Ferrellgas Partners' common units and thus a related party. Ferrell Companies also beneficially owns 195,686 and 51,204 common units of Ferrellgas Partners held by FCI Trading Corp. ("FCI Trading") and Ferrell Propane, Inc. ("Ferrell Propane"), respectively, bringing Ferrell Companies' beneficial ownership to 23.4% at October 31, 2016.
(3) FCI Trading is an affiliate of the general partner and thus a related party.
(4) Ferrell Propane is controlled by the general partner and thus a related party.
(5) James E. Ferrell is the Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the general partner; and is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the general partner and thus a related party. JEF Capital Management owns 4,758,859 of these common units and is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust Two for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary. The remaining 4,616 common units are held by Ferrell Resources Holding, Inc., which is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust One, for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary.

Partnership distributions paid
 
Ferrellgas Partners has paid the following distributions:
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Public common unitholders
 
$
35,678

 
$
37,330

Ferrell Companies
 
11,546

 
11,546

FCI Trading Corp.
 
100

 
100

Ferrell Propane, Inc.
 
26

 
26

James E. Ferrell
 
2,441

 
2,441

General partner
 
503

 
520

 
 
$
50,294

 
$
51,963


On November 22, 2016, Ferrellgas Partners declared a cash distribution of $0.10 per common unit for the three months ended October 31, 2016, which is expected to be paid on December 15, 2016. Included in this cash distribution are the following amounts to be paid to related parties:
Ferrell Companies
 
$
2,253

FCI Trading Corp.
 
20

Ferrell Propane, Inc.
 
5

James E. Ferrell
 
476

General partner
 
98


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

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”)
 
See Note I – Derivative instruments and hedging activities – for details regarding changes in the fair value of risk management financial derivatives recorded within AOCI for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015.
 

15


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

During the three months ended October 31, 2016, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $0.1 million to Ferrellgas to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest.

During the three months ended October 31, 2015, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $0.3 million to Ferrellgas to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest.

H.    Fair value measurements
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
The following table presents Ferrellgas’ financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, including both current and noncurrent portions, as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016:
 
 
Asset (Liability)
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
October 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 
$

 
$
4,133

 
$

 
$
4,133

Commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
6,672

 
$

 
$
6,672

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 
$

 
$
(2,645
)
 
$

 
$
(2,645
)
Commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
(6,482
)
 
$

 
$
(6,482
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 
$

 
$
5,830

 
$

 
$
5,830

Commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
8,241

 
$

 
$
8,241

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 
$

 
$
(3,553
)
 
$

 
$
(3,553
)
Commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
(17,689
)
 
$

 
$
(17,689
)

Methodology

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


16


Other financial instruments
 
The carrying amounts of other financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities (except for current maturities of long-term debt) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The carrying amount of the Jamex note receivable, a financial instrument classified in "Other assets, net" on the consolidated balance sheet, approximates fair value due to the market interest rate. At October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, the estimated fair value of Ferrellgas’ long-term debt instruments was $1,979.9 million and $1,920.1 million, respectively. Ferrellgas estimates the fair value of long-term debt based on quoted market prices. The fair value of our consolidated debt obligations is a Level 2 valuation based on the observable inputs used for similar liabilities.

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

I.  Derivative instruments and hedging activities
 
Ferrellgas is exposed to certain market risks related to its ongoing business operations. These risks include exposure to changing commodity prices as well as fluctuations in interest rates. Ferrellgas utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. Of these, the propane commodity derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. All other commodity derivative instruments do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow hedges, therefore, the change in their fair value are recorded currently in earnings. Ferrellgas also periodically utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.
 
Derivative instruments and hedging activity
 
During the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, Ferrellgas did not recognize any gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness and did not exclude any component of financial derivative contract gains or losses from the assessment of hedge effectiveness related to commodity cash flow hedges.


17


The following tables provide a summary of the fair value of derivatives in Ferrellgas’ condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016:  
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivative Instrument
 
Location
 
 Fair value
 
Location
 
 Fair value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity derivatives-propane
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
2,458

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
3,820

  Commodity derivatives-propane
 
Other assets, net
 
3,738

 
Other liabilities
 
370

  Interest rate swap agreements
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
1,467

 
Other current liabilities
 
1,919

  Interest rate swap agreements
 
Other assets, net
 
2,666

 
Other liabilities
 
726

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity derivatives-vehicle fuel
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 

 
Other current liabilities
 
2,119

  Commodity derivatives- crude oil
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
476

 
Other current liabilities
 
173

 
 
Total
 
$
10,805

 
Total
 
$
9,127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 31, 2016
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivative Instrument
 
Location
 
 Fair value
 
Location
 
 Fair value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity derivatives-propane
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
2,263

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
10,184

  Commodity derivatives-propane
 
Other assets, net
 
3,056

 
Other liabilities
 
1,597

  Interest rate swap agreements
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
1,654

 
Other current liabilities
 
2,309

  Interest rate swap agreements
 
Other assets, net
 
4,176

 
Other liabilities
 
1,244

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity derivatives-vehicle fuel
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 

 
Other current liabilities
 
3,996

  Commodity derivatives-crude oil
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
2,922

 
Other current liabilities
 
1,912


 
Total
 
$
14,071

 
Total
 
$
21,242



18


Ferrellgas' exchange traded commodity derivative contracts require cash margin deposit as collateral for contracts that are in a negative mark-to-market position. These cash margin deposits will be returned if mark-to-market conditions improve or will be applied against cash settlement when the contracts are settled. The following tables provide a summary of cash margin balances as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively:

 
 
October 31, 2016
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Description
 
Location
 
Amount
 
Location
 
Amount
Margin Balances
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
3,298

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
747

 
 
Other assets, net
 
1,287

 
Other liabilities
 
2,696

 
 
 
 
$
4,585

 
 
 
$
3,443

 
 
July 31, 2016
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Description
 
Location
 
Amount
 
Location
 
Amount
Margin Balances
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
8,252

 
Other current liabilities
 
$

 
 
Other assets, net
 
1,275

 
Other liabilities
 

 
 
 
 
$
9,527

 
 
 
$


The following tables provide a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas' condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 due to derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments:  
 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain Recognized on Derivative
 
Amount of Interest Expense Recognized on Fixed-Rated Debt (Related Hedged Item)
Derivative Instrument
 
Location of Gain Recognized on Derivative
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Interest rate swap agreements
 
Interest expense
 
$
420

 
$
537

 
$
(2,275
)
 
$
(2,275
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 



19


The following tables provide a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas’ condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 due to derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2016
 
 
Derivative Instrument
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
 
 
 
Effective portion
 
Ineffective portion
Commodity derivatives
 
$
4,873

 
Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales
 
$
(3,596
)
 
$

Interest rate swap agreements
 
265

 
Interest expense
 
(642
)
 

 
 
$
5,138

 
 
 
$
(4,238
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2015
 
 
Derivative Instrument
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCI into Income
 
 
 
Effective portion
 
Ineffective portion
Commodity derivatives
 
$
1,585

 
Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales
 
$
(7,449
)
 
$

Interest rate swap agreements
 
(1,201
)
 
Interest expense
 
(777
)
 

 
 
$
384

 
 
 
$
(8,226
)
 
$



The following tables provide a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas' condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 due to the change in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2016
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
Commodity derivatives - crude oil
 
$
(1,241
)
 
Cost of sales - midstream operations
Commodity derivatives - vehicle fuel
 
$
1,027

 
Operating expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2015
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
Commodity derivatives - vehicle fuel
 
$
(1,038
)
 
Operating expense
 
 
 
 
 


20


The changes in derivatives included in AOCI for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:  

 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
Gains and losses on derivatives included in AOCI
 
2016
 
2015
Beginning balance
 
$
(9,815
)
 
$
(38,906
)
Change in value of risk management commodity derivatives
 
4,873

 
1,585

Reclassification of gains and losses on commodity hedges to cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales, net
 
3,596

 
7,449

Change in value of risk management interest rate derivatives
 
265

 
(1,201
)
Reclassification of gains and losses on interest rate hedges to interest expense
 
642

 
777

Ending balance
 
$
(439
)
 
$
(30,296
)

Ferrellgas expects to reclassify net losses related to the risk management commodity derivatives of approximately $1.4 million to earnings during the next 12 months. These net losses are expected to be offset by increased margins on propane sales commitments Ferrellgas has with its customers that qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception.
 
During the three months ended October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had no reclassifications to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of any cash flow hedges arising from the probability of the original forecasted transactions not occurring within the originally specified period of time defined within the hedging relationship.
 
As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had financial derivative contracts covering 2.4 million barrels of propane that were entered into as cash flow hedges of forward and forecasted purchases of propane.

As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had financial derivative contracts covering 0.1 million barrels of diesel and 21 thousand barrels of unleaded gasoline related to fuel hedges in transportation of propane.

As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas had financial derivative contracts covering 0.2 million barrels of crude oil related to the hedging of crude oil line fill and inventory.

Derivative financial instruments credit risk
 
Ferrellgas is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial and commodity instruments. Ferrellgas’ counterparties principally consist of major energy companies and major U.S. financial institutions. Ferrellgas maintains credit policies with regard to its counterparties that it believes reduce its overall credit risk. These policies include evaluating and monitoring its counterparties’ financial condition, including their credit ratings, and entering into agreements with counterparties that govern credit limits. Certain of these agreements call for the posting of collateral by the counterparty or by Ferrellgas in the forms of letters of credit, parental guarantees or cash. Ferrellgas has concentrations of credit risk associated with derivative financial instruments held by certain derivative financial instrument counterparties. If these counterparties that make up the concentration failed to perform according to the terms of their contracts at October 31, 2016, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that, based upon the gross fair values of the derivative financial instruments, Ferrellgas would incur is $2.7 million.
 
Ferrellgas holds certain derivative contracts that have credit-risk-related contingent features which dictate credit limits based upon Ferrellgas' debt rating. As of October 31, 2016, a downgrade in Ferrellgas' debt rating could trigger a reduction in credit limit and would result in an additional collateral requirement of zero. There were no derivatives with credit-risk-related contingent features in a liability position on October 31, 2016 and Ferrellgas had posted no collateral in the normal course of business related to such derivatives.

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

21


 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Operating expense
 
$
55,714

 
$
56,010

 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense
 
$
8,583

 
$
7,093

 
 

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

K.    Contingencies and commitments

Litigation

Ferrellgas’ operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing, transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of combustible liquids such as propane and crude oil. As a result, at any given time, Ferrellgas can be threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than as discussed below, Ferrellgas is not a party to any legal proceedings other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, management is of the opinion that there are no known claims or contingent claims that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Ferrellgas.
 
Ferrellgas has been named as a defendant, along with a competitor, in putative class action lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions. The lawsuits allege that Ferrellgas and a competitor coordinated in 2008 to reduce the fill level in barbeque cylinders and combined to persuade a common customer to accept that fill reduction, resulting in increased cylinder costs to direct customers and end-user customers in violation of federal and certain state antitrust laws. The lawsuits seek treble damages, attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief and costs on behalf of the putative class. These lawsuits have been consolidated into one case by a multidistrict litigation panel.  The Court has dismissed all claims brought by direct and indirect customers other than state law claims of indirect customers under Wisconsin, Maine and Vermont law.  The direct customer plaintiffs have filed an appeal, which is pending.  Ferrellgas believes it has strong defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously defend against the consolidated case. Ferrellgas does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.
 
In addition, putative class action cases have been filed in California relating to residual propane remaining in the tank after use.  Ferrellgas has prevailed at the trial court on a motion to dismiss those claims.  It is uncertain whether plaintiffs will appeal; Ferrellgas intends to vigorously defend any such appeal.  Ferrellgas does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.

Ferrellgas has been named, along with several current and former officers, in several class action lawsuits alleging violations of certain securities laws based on alleged materially false and misleading statements in certain of our public disclosures. The lawsuits, the first of which was filed on October 6, 2016 in the Southern District of New York, seek unspecified compensatory damages. A derivative lawsuit with similar allegations has been filed in state court in Missouri naming Ferrellgas and several current and former officers and directors as defendants. Ferrellgas believes that it has defenses and will vigorously defend these cases. Ferrellgas does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuits or the derivative action.

On October 21, 2016, Julio E. Rios II, an Executive Vice President of the general partner and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Logistics, LLC, and Jeremy H. Gamboa, also an Executive Vice President of the general partner and the Chief Operating Officer of Bridger Logistics, LLC both delivered notice of "good reason" for resignation to the general partner pursuant to their employment agreements alleging that the general partner had materially diminished their responsibilities and stating their intention to resign as a result if such purported material diminution is not cured within 30 days. 

On November 28, 2016, Mr. Rios and Mr. Gamboa each resigned from their positions, purportedly for "good reason" pursuant to their employment agreements.  Each has indicated that they intend to make a claim for severance.  The general partner denies that Mr. Rios and Mr. Gamboa had "good reason" to resign and has other defenses to their claims for severance.  Ferrellgas does not believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to this matter.

L.    Net earnings per common unitholders’ interest
 
Below is a calculation of the basic and diluted net earnings per common unitholders’ interest in the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated. Ferrellgas calculates net earnings (loss) per common unitholders’ interest for each period presented according to distributions declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings, as if all of the

22


earnings or loss for the period had been distributed according to the incentive distribution rights in the Ferrellgas partnership agreement. Due to the seasonality of the propane business, the dilutive effect of the two-class method typically impacts only the three months ending January 31. In periods with undistributed earnings above certain levels, the calculation according to the two-class method results in an increased allocation of undistributed earnings to the general partner and a dilution of the earnings to the limited partners as follows:
 
 
 
Ratio of total distributions payable to:
Quarterly distribution per common unit
 
Common unitholder
 
General partner
$0.56 to $0.63
 
86.9
%
 
13.1
%
$0.64 to $0.82
 
76.8
%
 
23.2
%
$0.83 and above
 
51.5
%
 
48.5
%

There was no dilutive effect resulting from this method based on basic and diluted net earnings per common unitholders' interest for the three months ended October 31, 2016 or 2015.
 
In periods with net losses, the allocation of the net losses to the limited partners and the general partner will be determined based on the same allocation basis specified in Ferrellgas Partners’ partnership agreement that would apply to periods in which there were no undistributed earnings. Additionally, there are no dilutive securities in periods with net losses.
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
(in thousands, except per unitholders' interest amounts)
Common unitholders’ interest in net loss
 
$
(42,642
)
 
$
(78,995
)
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common units outstanding - basic
 
97,457.6

 
100,376.8

Dilutive securities
 

 

Weighted average common units outstanding - diluted
 
97,457.6

 
100,376.8

 
 
 
 
 
Basic and diluted net loss per common unitholders’ interest
 
$
(0.44
)
 
$
(0.79
)


23


M.    Segment reporting

Following is a summary of segment information for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015:

 
 
Three months ended October 31, 2016
 
 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics
 
Corporate and other
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Segment revenues
 
$
271,498

 
$
106,327

 
$
2,946

 
$
(1,229
)
 
$
379,542

Direct costs (1)
 
237,014

 
101,556

 
13,831

 
(1,878
)
 
350,523

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
34,484

 
$
4,771

 
$
(10,885
)
 
$
649

 
$
29,019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31, 2015
 
 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics
 
Corporate and other
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Segment revenues
 
$
277,476

 
$
189,373

 
$
4,297

 
$

 
$
471,146

Direct costs (1)
 
241,877

 
164,570

 
15,800

 

 
422,247

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
35,599

 
$
24,803

 
$
(11,503
)
 
$

 
$
48,899


(1) Direct costs are comprised of "cost of products sold-propane and other gas liquids sales", "cost of products sold-midstream operations", "cost of products sold-other", "operating expense", "general and administrative expense", and "equipment lease expense" less "non-cash stock-based compensation charge", "change in fair value of contingent consideration", "severance charge", "litigation accrual and related legal fees associated with a class action lawsuit", "unrealized (non-cash) loss on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments" and "acquisition and transition expenses".

Following is a reconciliation of Ferrellgas' total segment performance measure to condensed consolidated net loss:
 
 
Three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
$
(43,073
)
 
$
(79,793
)
Income tax benefit
 
(590
)
 
(844
)
Interest expense
 
35,428

 
33,788

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
26,202

 
36,979

EBITDA
 
17,967

 
(9,870
)
Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
 
3,754

 
5,256

Non-cash stock-based compensation charge
 
1,881

 
8,122

Asset impairments
 

 
29,316

Loss on asset sales and disposal
 
6,423

 
14,917

Other (income) expense, net
 
(508
)
 
122

Change in fair value of contingent consideration
 

 
(100
)
Severance costs
 
1,469

 
856

Unrealized (non-cash) loss (gain) on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
(1,569
)
 
1,038

Acquisition and transition expenses
 

 
15

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(398
)
 
(773
)
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
29,019

 
$
48,899



24


Following are total assets by segment:
Assets
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Propane and related equipment sales
 
$
1,255,584

 
$
1,202,214

Midstream operations - crude oil logistics
 
228,708

 
275,303

Corporate and unallocated
 
182,923

 
205,789

Total consolidated assets
 
$
1,667,215

 
$
1,683,306


Following are capital expenditures by segment:
 
 
Three months ended October 31, 2016
 
 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics
 
Corporate and other
 
Total
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maintenance
 
$
1,831

 
$
127

 
$
1,306

 
$
3,264

Growth
 
5,414

 

 

 
5,414

Total
 
$
7,245

 
$
127

 
$
1,306

 
$
8,678

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31, 2015
 
 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics
 
Corporate and other
 
Total
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maintenance
 
$
5,898

 
$

 
$
284

 
$
6,182

Growth
 
8,615

 
3,303

 
6,401

 
18,319

Total
 
$
14,513

 
$
3,303

 
$
6,685

 
$
24,501


N. Subsequent events
 
Ferrellgas evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through the date Ferrellgas' condensed consolidated financial statements were issued and concluded that there were no events or transactions occurring during this period that require recognition or disclosure in its condensed consolidated financial statements.




25



FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.)
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
ASSETS


 


Cash
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

Total assets
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

 
 
 
 
Contingencies and commitments (Note B)

 

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

 
$
1,000

Additional paid in capital
19,839

 
19,747

Accumulated deficit
(19,839
)
 
(19,747
)
Total stockholder's equity
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

See notes to condensed financial statements.


FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense
$
92

 
$
50

 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(92
)
 
$
(50
)
See notes to condensed financial statements.

26


FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(92
)
 
$
(50
)
Cash used in operating activities
(92
)
 
(50
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Capital contribution
92

 
50

Cash provided by financing activities
92

 
50

 
 
 
 
Net change in cash

 

Cash - beginning of period
1,000

 
1,000

Cash - end of period
$
1,000

 
$
1,000

See notes to condensed financial statements.

27


FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.)
 (unaudited)
 
NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A.    Formation
 
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Finance Corp.”), a Delaware corporation, was formed on March 28, 1996 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (the “Partnership”).
 
The condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed financial statements were of a normal recurring nature.

The Finance Corp. has nominal assets, does not conduct any operations and has no employees.

B.    Contingencies and commitments
 
The Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for the Partnership's $182.0 million, 8.625% senior notes due 2020.
 


28


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
12,565

 
$
4,890

Accounts and notes receivable, net (including $105,320 and $106,464 of accounts receivable pledged as collateral at October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively)
148,283

 
149,583

Inventories
100,296

 
90,594

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
31,803

 
39,955

Total current assets
292,947

 
285,022

 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
757,940

 
774,680

Goodwill, net
256,103

 
256,103

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $412,425 and $404,271 at October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively)
272,031

 
280,185

Other assets, net
88,103

 
87,223

Total assets
$
1,667,124

 
$
1,683,213

 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' DEFICIT
 

 
 

Current liabilities:
 

 
 

Accounts payable
$
74,788

 
$
67,928

Short-term borrowings
96,824

 
101,291

Collateralized note payable
74,000

 
64,000

Other current liabilities
164,597

 
126,952

Total current liabilities
410,209

 
360,171

 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
1,784,660

 
1,760,881

Other liabilities
32,755

 
31,574

Contingencies and commitments (Note K)


 


 
 
 
 
Partners' deficit:
 

 
 

Limited partner
(553,831
)
 
(454,222
)
General partner
(5,485
)
 
(4,631
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1,184
)
 
(10,560
)
Total partners' deficit
(560,500
)
 
(469,413
)
Total liabilities and partners' deficit
$
1,667,124

 
$
1,683,213

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

29


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
Propane and other gas liquids sales
$
242,399

 
$
245,301

 
Midstream operations
108,044

 
193,670

 
Other
29,099

 
32,175

 
Total revenues
379,542

 
471,146

 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs of sales:
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales
119,212

 
121,751

 
Cost of sales - midstream operations
94,642

 
153,604

 
Cost of sales - other
11,746

 
14,448

 
Operating expense
105,086

 
116,199

 
Depreciation and amortization expense
26,202

 
36,979

 
General and administrative expense
14,269

 
19,144

 
Equipment lease expense
7,349

 
7,032

 
Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
3,754

 
5,256

 
Asset impairments

 
29,316

 
Loss on asset sales and disposal
6,423

 
14,917

 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating loss
(9,141
)
 
(47,500
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(31,398
)
 
(29,758
)
 
Other income (expense), net
508

 
(122
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes
(40,031
)
 
(77,380
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit
(591
)
 
(844
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(39,440
)
 
$
(76,536
)
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
 

30


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(39,440
)
 
$
(76,536
)
 
Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
Change in value of risk management derivatives
 
5,138

 
384

 
Reclassification of losses on derivatives to earnings, net
 
4,238

 
8,226

 
Other comprehensive income
 
9,376

 
8,610

 
Comprehensive loss
 
$
(30,064
)
 
$
(67,926
)
 
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

31


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' DEFICIT
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
Accumulated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
other
 
Total
 
Limited
 
General
 
comprehensive
 
partners'
 
partner
 
partner
 
loss
 
deficit
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at July 31, 2016
$
(454,222
)
 
$
(4,631
)
 
$
(10,560
)
 
$
(469,413
)
Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP and stock-based compensation charges
5,578

 
57

 

 
5,635

Distributions
(66,145
)
 
(513
)
 

 
(66,658
)
Net loss
(39,042
)
 
(398
)
 

 
(39,440
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 
9,376

 
9,376

Balance at October 31, 2016
$
(553,831
)
 
$
(5,485
)
 
$
(1,184
)
 
$
(560,500
)
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.


32


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(39,440
)
 
$
(76,536
)
Reconciliation of net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization expense
26,202

 
36,979

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
3,754

 
5,256

Non-cash stock-based compensation charge
1,881

 
8,122

Asset impairments

 
29,316

Loss on asset sales and disposal
6,423

 
14,917

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

 
(100
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
9

 
952

Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
143

 
280

Other
1,197

 
1,304

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:
 
 
 
Accounts and notes receivable, net of securitization
1,310

 
9,200

Inventories
(9,702
)
 
675

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
8,031

 
6,114

Accounts payable
7,049

 
(20,139
)
Accrued interest expense
24,571

 
24,676

Other current liabilities
21,251

 
(1,504
)
Other assets and liabilities
1,872

 
3,134

Net cash provided by operating activities
54,551

 
42,646

 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(10,005
)
 
(25,607
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
2,279

 
3,575

Other

 
(14
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(7,726
)
 
(22,046
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Distributions
(66,658
)
 
(52,493
)
Contributions from partners

 
30

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
25,626

 
21,321

Payments on long-term debt
(2,261
)
 
(4,380
)
Net reductions in short-term borrowings
(4,467
)
 
20,072

Net additions to collateralized short-term borrowings
10,000

 
(2,000
)
Cash paid for financing costs
(1,390
)
 
(142
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(39,150
)
 
(17,592
)
 
 
 
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
7,675

 
3,008

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period
4,890

 
5,600

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$
12,565

 
$
8,608

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

33


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise designated)
  (unaudited)
A.    Partnership organization and formation
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. is a limited partnership that owns and operates propane distribution and related assets, crude oil transportation and logistics related assets and salt water disposal wells in south Texas. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”), a publicly traded limited partnership, holds an approximate 99% limited partner interest in, and consolidates, Ferrellgas, L.P. Ferrellgas, Inc. (the “general partner”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, Inc. (“Ferrell Companies”), holds an approximate 1% general partner interest in Ferrellgas, L.P. and performs all management functions required by Ferrellgas, L.P.
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. owns a 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Finance Corp., whose only business activity is to act as the co-issuer and co-obligor of debt issued by Ferrellgas, L.P.

Ferrellgas, L.P. is engaged in the following primary businesses:
Propane and related equipment sales consists of the distribution of propane and related equipment and supplies. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Ferrellgas, L.P. serves residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.
Midstream operations consists of one reportable operating segment: crude oil logistics. The crude oil logistics segment ("Bridger") primarily generates income by providing crude oil transportation and logistics services on behalf of producers and end-users of crude oil. Bridger services include transportation through its operation of a fleet of trucks, tank trailers, railcars, pipeline injection terminals, and a barge. Bridger primarily operates in major oil and gas basins across the continental United States. Bridger also enters into crude oil purchase and sale arrangements.

Due to seasonality, the results of operations for the three months ended October 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year ending July 31, 2017.
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas, L.P. and subsidiaries reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed consolidated financial statements were of a normal recurring nature. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The information included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with (i) the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (ii) the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2016.

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

(2) New accounting standards:

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2014-09
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The issuance is part of a joint effort by the FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") to enhance financial reporting by creating common revenue recognition guidance for U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS") and, thereby, improving the consistency of requirements, comparability of practices and usefulness of disclosures. The new standard will supersede much of the existing authoritative literature for revenue recognition. The standard and related amendments will be effective for Ferrellgas for its annual reporting period beginning August 1, 2018, including interim periods within that reporting period. Early application is not permitted. Entities are allowed to transition to the new standard by either recasting prior periods or recognizing the cumulative effect.

34


Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the newly issued guidance, including which transition approach will be applied and the estimated impact it will have on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-02 and No. 2016-17
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis which provides additional guidance on the consolidation of limited partnerships and on the evaluation of variable interest entities. In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation: Interests Held through Related Parties That Are Under Common Control which amended certain aspects of the additional guidance in ASU 2015-02. We adopted ASU 2015-02 and ASU 2016-17 effective August 1, 2016. The adoption of these standards did not impact our consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2015-11
In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330) - Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory, which requires that inventory within the scope of the guidance be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2016-02
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Ferrellgas, L.P. is currently evaluating the impact of our pending adoption of ASU 2016-02 on the consolidated financial statements.

FASB Accounting Standard Update No. 2016-13
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) which requires financial assets measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. This standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Entities will apply the standard's provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. Ferrellgas is currently evaluating the impact of its pending adoption of this standard on the consolidated financial statements.  

C. Significant transactions

Termination of Bridger agreement with Jamex Marketing, LLC

In connection with the closing of our acquisition of Bridger in June 2015, Bridger entered into a ten-year transportation and logistics agreement (the “Jamex TLA”) with Jamex pursuant to which Jamex would be responsible for certain payments to Bridger and also for sourcing crude oil volumes for Bridger’s largest customer at that time.

As a result of concerns regarding the collectability of amounts owed to Bridger from Jamex under the Jamex TLA and certain other matters between Bridger and Jamex, Bridger, Jamex, Ferrellgas Partners and certain other affiliated parties entered into a group of agreements that terminated the Jamex TLA, facilitated Ferrellgas Partners purchasing certain Ferrellgas Partners common units from Jamex, and established payment terms for certain amounts owed by Jamex to Bridger under the Jamex TLA. Consequently, Ferrellgas Partners does not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridger's former largest customer in the future.

On September 1, 2016, Bridger and Ferrellgas Partners entered into a Termination, Settlement and Release Agreement (the “Jamex Termination Agreement”) with Jamex, certain of Jamex's affiliates, and James Ballengee (the owner of Jamex) pursuant to which:

(1)
Jamex agreed to execute and deliver a secured promissory note in favor of Bridger in original principal amount of $49.5 million (the "Jamex Secured Promissory Note") in satisfaction of all obligations owed to Bridger under the Jamex TLA;
(2)
Mr. Ballengee and Bacchus Capital Trading, LLC, an entity controlled by Mr. Ballengee, executed and delivered a joint guarantee of the Jamex Secured Promissory Note obligations up to a maximum aggregate amount of $20.0 million;
(3)
The operating partnership agreed to provide Jamex with a $5.0 million revolving secured working capital facility evidenced by a revolving promissory note (the “Jamex Revolving Promissory Note” and, together with the Jamex Secured Promissory Note, the “Jamex Notes”);
(4)
The other Jamex entities agreed to execute and deliver a security agreement and a full guarantee of the obligations under the Jamex Notes;

35


(5)
Ferrellgas Partners paid approximately $16.9 million to Jamex and in return received 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners' common units, which were cancelled upon receipt, and approximately 23 thousand barrels of crude oil;
(6)
The parties agreed to terminate the Jamex TLA and certain other commercial agreements and arrangements between them, and release any claims between or among them that may exist (other than those arising under the Jamex Termination Agreement or the other agreements entered into in connection with the Jamex Termination Agreement); and
(7)
Ferrellgas Partners waived the remaining lockup provision applicable to Jamex under the Registration Rights Agreement dated June 24, 2015 to which Jamex is party.

The Jamex Secured Promissory Note originally had an annual interest rate of 7% (which rate would be reduced under certain circumstances including if Ferrellgas Partners' quarterly distributions are less than $0.25 per common unit; accordingly, as a result of the distribution declared on November 22, 2016, the interest rate will decrease to 2.8%), and contemplates quarterly amortizing principal payments, together with payments of accrued interest. The first payment, due December 17, 2016, will be an interest-only payment. The maturity date of the Jamex Secured Promissory Note will be December 17, 2021. Jamex will be allowed to prepay the Secured Promissory Note in whole or in part at any time.

The Jamex Revolving Promissory Note, which provides Jamex with access to working capital liquidity to meet their unrelated and ongoing crude oil marketing and other business needs, has an annual interest rate of 0% (which rate would be increased in case of a default), and contains certain conditions precedent to the operating partnership’s obligation to make any advances thereunder. Each borrowing under the Jamex Revolving Promissory Note must be repaid within 10 days, and the ultimate maturity date of the Jamex Revolving Promissory Note is the earlier of September 1, 2021 and the date on which all obligations under the Jamex Secured Promissory Note are repaid.

The Jamex Secured Promissory Note is guaranteed, pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement, jointly by James Ballengee and Bacchus Capital Trading, LLC, an entity controlled by Mr. Ballengee (up to a maximum aggregate amount of $20.0 million), and each Note is fully guaranteed, pursuant to respective Guaranty Agreements, by the other Jamex entities. The obligations of Jamex and the other Jamex entities under the Notes are secured, pursuant to a Security Agreement, by a lien on certain of those entities’ assets, including common units, actively traded marketable securities and cash, which are held in a controlled account that can be seized by Ferrellgas, L.P. in the event of default.

During the year ended July 31, 2016, approximately 60% of Midstream Operations - Crude oil logistics' segment (Bridger) gross margin was generated from its largest customer and Jamex, that customer's supplier, under take-or-pay arrangements. Bridger’s largest customer during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 owned a refinery in Trainer, Pennsylvania. Bridger was party to an agreement with this customer under which Bridger provided logistics services to transport crude oil from the Bakken region in North Dakota to the Trainer refinery. That agreement had a minimum volume commitment and payment obligation from the refinery for logistics services associated with the delivery of 65 MBbls/d. However, if the quantity of crude oil delivered to the refinery dropped below 35 MBbls/d, the minimum volume commitment and payment obligation from the refinery would be suspended and Jamex would become responsible for payments to Bridger under the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. During February 2016, Jamex ceased sourcing barrels for delivery to the refinery and since that time Bridger had been billing Jamex directly in accordance with the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. During July 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. determined Jamex would not resume sourcing barrels for delivery to the refinery or be likely to continue to make payments under the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. As a result, we negotiated a settlement with Jamex, and the Jamex TLA was terminated on September 1, 2016. While the agreement with the refinery owner was not terminated as a result of the execution and delivery of the Jamex Termination Agreement, Bridger has been unable to negotiate a revised transportation and logistics agreement with that customer; accordingly it is unlikely that Bridger will continue to make any deliveries under the existing agreement. Consequently, we do not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or gross margin from Jamex or Bridger's former largest customer in the future.


36


D.    Supplemental financial statement information
 
Inventories consist of the following:
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Propane gas and related products
 
$
68,336

 
$
59,726

Crude oil
 
6,066

 
4,642

Appliances, parts and supplies
 
25,894

 
26,226

Inventories
 
$
100,296

 
$
90,594


In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas, L.P. enters into contracts primarily to buy propane for supply procurement purposes with terms generally up to 36 months. Most of these contracts call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to take delivery of approximately 93.4 million gallons of propane at fixed prices.

Other assets, net consist of the following:
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Note receivable - Jamex
 
$
40,000

 
$
39,760

Other
 
48,103

 
47,463

Other assets, net
 
$
88,103

 
$
87,223


Other current liabilities consist of the following:
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Accrued interest
 
$
39,188

 
$
14,617

Accrued payroll
 
25,738

 
13,438

Customer deposits and advances
 
40,238

 
27,391

Price risk management liabilities
 
8,030

 
18,401

Other
 
51,403

 
53,105

Other current liabilities
 
$
164,597

 
$
126,952


Shipping and handling expenses are classified in the following condensed consolidated statements of operations line items:
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Operating expense
 
$
41,810

 
$
40,535

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
1,026

 
1,115

Equipment lease expense
 
6,666

 
6,429

 
 
$
49,502

 
$
48,079


Loss on asset sales and disposal consists of the following:
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Loss on assets held for sale
 
$

 
$
12,112

Loss on sale of assets held for sale
 

 
1,259

Loss on sale of assets and other
 
6,423

 
1,546

Loss on asset sales and disposal
 
$
6,423

 
$
14,917


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

37


 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash paid for:
 
 
 
Interest
$
5,630

 
$
3,779

Non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Change in accruals for property, plant and equipment additions
$
(189
)
 
$
1,727

Contributions in connection with acquisitions
$

 
$
(284
)

E. Accounts and notes receivable, net and accounts receivable securitization
 
Accounts and notes receivable, net consist of the following:
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Accounts receivable pledged as collateral
 
$
105,320

 
$
106,464

Accounts receivable
 
37,515

 
43,148

Note receivable - Jamex, current portion
 
8,055

 
5,000

Other
 
170

 
38

Less: Allowance for doubtful accounts
 
(2,777
)
 
(5,067
)
Accounts and notes receivable, net
 
$
148,283

 
$
149,583

 
 

On September 27, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. entered into a fourth amendment to its accounts receivable securitization facility to modify the maximum leverage ratio covenant as follows:

 
 
Maximum leverage ratio
 
Maximum leverage ratio
Date
 
(prior to amendments)
 
(after amendments)
October 31, 2016
 
5.50

 
6.05

January 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

July 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
6.05

October 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

January 31, 2018
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2018 & thereafter
 
5.50

 
5.50


The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in Ferrellgas, L.P.'s secured credit facility. Ferrellgas, L.P.'s leverage ratio was 5.81x as of October 31, 2016.

At October 31, 2016, $105.3 million of trade accounts receivable were pledged as collateral against $74.0 million of collateralized notes payable due to a commercial paper conduit. At July 31, 2016, $106.5 million of trade accounts receivable were pledged as collateral against $64.0 million of collateralized notes payable due to the commercial paper conduit. These accounts receivable pledged as collateral are bankruptcy remote from Ferrellgas, L.P. Ferrellgas, L.P. does not provide any guarantee or similar support to the collectability of these accounts receivable pledged as collateral. 
 
As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. had received cash proceeds of $74.0 million from trade accounts receivables securitized, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds. As of July 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. had received cash proceeds of $64.0 million from trade accounts receivables securitized, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds. Borrowings under the accounts receivable securitization facility had a weighted average interest rate of 2.7% and 3.0% as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively.


38


F.    Debt
 
Short-term borrowings
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. classified a portion of its secured credit facility borrowings as short-term because it was used to fund working capital needs that management had intended to pay down within the 12 month period following each balance sheet date. As of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, $96.8 million and $101.3 million, respectively, were classified as short-term borrowings. For further discussion see the secured credit facility section below.

Secured credit facility
 
On September 27, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. entered into a fifth amendment to our secured credit facility to modify the maximum leverage ratio covenant as follows:

 
 
Maximum leverage ratio
 
Maximum leverage ratio
Date
 
(prior to amendments)
 
(after amendments)
October 31, 2016
 
5.50

 
6.05

January 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

July 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
6.05

October 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

January 31, 2018
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2018 & thereafter
 
5.50

 
5.50


The leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in Ferrellgas, L.P.'s secured credit facility. Ferrellgas, L.P.'s leverage ratio was 5.81x as of October 31, 2016, which equates to headroom of $78.9 million or 4.0%. Because of this leverage ratio requirement Ferrellgas, L.P. continues to execute on a strategy to reduce its debt. This strategy may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to its leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in Ferrellgas Partners' annual distribution, which was reduced during the quarter ended October 31, 2016 from an annualized rate of $2.05 to $0.40 per common unit. We believe that any debt reducing actions taken would likely remain in effect until Ferrellgas, L.P.'s leverage ratio reaches 4.5x or a level that Ferrellgas, L.P. deems appropriate for its business. However, if weather continues to remain unseasonably warm or our debt reduction initiatives are unsuccessful, Ferrellgas, L.P. believes it is possible its leverage ratio will exceed 5.95x at the end of the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2017.

As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. had total borrowings outstanding under its secured credit facility of $415.0 million, of which $318.2 million was classified as long-term debt. Ferrellgas, L.P. had $173.6 million of capacity under our secured credit facility as of October 31, 2016. However, the leverage ratio covenant under this facility limits additional borrowings to $78.9 million as of October 31, 2016. As of July 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. had total borrowings outstanding under its secured credit facility of $394.4 million, of which $293.1 million was classified as long-term debt. Ferrellgas, L.P. had $219.3 million of capacity under our secured credit facility as of July 31, 2016. However, the leverage ratio covenant under this facility limited additional borrowings to $8.1 million as of July 31, 2016. Borrowings outstanding at October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016 under the secured credit facility had weighted average interest rates of 4.1% and 3.7%, respectively.

The obligations under this credit facility are secured by substantially all assets of Ferrellgas, L.P., the general partner and certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas, L.P. but specifically excluding (a) assets that are subject to Ferrellgas, L.P.’s accounts receivable securitization facility, (b) the general partner’s equity interests in Ferrellgas Partners and (c) equity interest in certain unrestricted subsidiaries. Such obligations are also guaranteed by the general partner and certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas, L.P.
 
Letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2016 totaled $111.4 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and to a lesser extent, product purchases. Letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2016 totaled $86.3 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and, to a lesser extent, product purchases. At October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. had remaining letter of credit capacity of $88.6 million. At July 31, 2016 Ferrellgas, L.P. had remaining letter of credit capacity of $113.7 million


39


G.  Partners’ deficit

Partnership distributions paid
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. has paid the following distributions:
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Ferrellgas Partners
 
$
66,145

 
$
51,963

General partner
 
513

 
530

 
 
$
66,658

 
$
52,493


On November 22, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. declared distributions for the three months ended October 31, 2016 to Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner of $17.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively, which are expected to be paid on December 15, 2016.
 
See additional discussions about transactions with related parties in Note J – Transactions with related parties.

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

See Note I – Derivative instruments and hedging activities – for details regarding changes in the fair value of risk management financial derivatives recorded within AOCI for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015.
 
General partner’s commitment to maintain its capital account
 
Ferrellgas, L.P.’s partnership agreement allows the general partner to have an option to maintain its 1.0101% general partner interest concurrent with the issuance of other additional equity.

During the three months ended October 31, 2016, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $0.1 million to Ferrellgas, L.P. to maintain its 1.0101% general partner interest.
 
During the three months ended October 31, 2015, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $0.1 million to Ferrellgas, L.P. to maintain its 1.0101% general partner interest.


40


H.    Fair value measurements
 
Derivative financial instruments
 
The following table presents Ferrellgas, L.P.’s financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, including both current and noncurrent portions, as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016:
 
 
Asset (Liability)
 
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets and Liabilities (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
 
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
Total
October 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 
$

 
$
4,133

 
$

 
$
4,133

Commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
6,672

 
$

 
$
6,672

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 
$

 
$
(2,645
)
 
$

 
$
(2,645
)
Commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
(6,482
)
 
$

 
$
(6,482
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 31, 2016:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 
$

 
$
5,830

 
$

 
$
5,830

Commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
8,241

 
$

 
$
8,241

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap agreements
 
$

 
$
(3,553
)
 
$

 
$
(3,553
)
Commodity derivatives
 
$

 
$
(17,689
)
 
$

 
$
(17,689
)

Methodology

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

Other financial instruments
 
The carrying amounts of other financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities (except for current maturities of long-term debt) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. The carrying amount of the Jamex note receivable, a financial instrument classified in "Other assets, net" on the consolidated balance sheet, approximates fair value due to the market interest rate. At October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, the estimated fair value of Ferrellgas, L.P.’s long-term debt instruments was $1,803.4 million and $1,736.2 million, respectively. Ferrellgas estimates the fair value of long-term debt based on quoted market prices. The fair value of our consolidated debt obligations is a Level 2 valuation based on the observable inputs used for similar liabilities.

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

I.   Derivative instruments and hedging activities
 

41


Ferrellgas, L.P. is exposed to certain market risks related to its ongoing business operations. These risks include exposure to changing commodity prices as well as fluctuations in interest rates. Ferrellgas, L.P. utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. Of these, the propane commodity derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges. All other commodity derivative instruments do not qualify or are not designated as cash flow hedges, therefore, the change in their fair value are recorded currently in earnings. Ferrellgas, L.P. also periodically utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates.
 
Derivative instruments and hedging activities  
 
During the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, Ferrellgas, L.P. did not recognize any gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness and did not exclude any component of financial derivative contract gains or losses from the assessment of hedge effectiveness related to commodity cash flow hedges.
The following tables provide a summary of the fair value of derivatives in Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivative Instrument
 
Location
 
 Fair value
 
Location
 
 Fair value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity derivatives-propane
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
2,458

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
3,820

  Commodity derivatives-propane
 
Other assets, net
 
3,738

 
Other liabilities
 
370

  Interest rate swap agreements
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
1,467

 
Other current liabilities
 
1,919

  Interest rate swap agreements
 
Other assets, net
 
2,666

 
Other liabilities
 
726

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity derivatives-vehicle fuel
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 

 
Other current liabilities
 
2,119

  Commodity derivatives- crude oil
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
476

 
Other current liabilities
 
173

 
 
Total
 
$
10,805

 
Total
 
$
9,127

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
July 31, 2016
 
 
Asset Derivatives
 
Liability Derivatives
Derivative Instrument
 
Location
 
 Fair value
 
Location
 
 Fair value
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity derivatives
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
2,263

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
10,184

  Commodity derivatives
 
Other assets, net
 
3,056

 
Other liabilities
 
1,597

  Interest rate swap agreements
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
1,654

 
Other current liabilities
 
2,309

  Interest rate swap agreements
 
Other assets, net
 
4,176

 
Other liabilities
 
1,244

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Commodity derivatives - vehicle fuel
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 

 
Other current liabilities
 
3,996

  Commodity derivatives-crude oil
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
2,922

 
Other current liabilities
 
1,912

 
 
Total
 
$
14,071

 
Total
 
$
21,242



42


Ferrellgas, L.P.'s exchange traded commodity derivative contracts require cash margin deposit as collateral for contracts that are in a negative mark-to-market position. These cash margin deposits will be returned if mark-to-market conditions improve or will be applied against cash settlement when the contracts are settled. The following tables provide a summary of cash margin balances as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively:

 
 
October 31, 2016
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Description
 
Location
 
Amount
 
Location
 
Amount
Margin Balances
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
3,298

 
Other current liabilities
 
$
747

 
 
Other assets, net
 
1,287

 
Other liabilities
 
2,696

 
 
 
 
$
4,585

 
 
 
$
3,443

 
 
July 31, 2016
 
 
Assets
 
Liabilities
Description
 
Location
 
Amount
 
Location
 
Amount
Margin Balances
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
8,252

 
Other current liabilities
 
$

 
 
Other assets, net
 
1,275

 
Other liabilities
 

 
 
 
 
$
9,527

 
 
 
$


The following table provides a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 due to derivatives designated as fair value hedging instruments:

 
 
 
 
Amount of Gain Recognized on Derivative

Amount of Interest Expense Recognized on Fixed-Rated Debt (Related Hedged Item)
Derivative Instrument
 
Location of Gain Recognized on Derivative
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
Interest rate swap agreements
 
Interest expense
 
$
420

 
$
537

 
$
(2,275
)
 
$
(2,275
)




43


The following tables provide a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas, L.P.’s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 due to derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:  
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2016
 
 
Derivative Instrument
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income
 
 
 
Effective portion
 
Ineffective portion
Commodity derivatives
 
$
4,873

 
Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales
 
$
(3,596
)
 
$

Interest rate swap agreements
 
265

 
Interest expense
 
(642
)
 

 
 
$
5,138

 
 
 
$
(4,238
)
 
$


 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2015
 
 
Derivative Instrument
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in AOCI
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Reclassified from AOCL into Income
 
 
 
Effective portion
 
Ineffective portion
Commodity derivatives
 
$
1,585

 
Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales
 
$
(7,449
)
 
$

Interest rate swap agreements
 
(1,201
)
 
Interest expense
 
(777
)
 

 
 
$
384

 
 
 
$
(8,226
)
 
$


The following tables provide a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas, L.P.'s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 due to the change in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2016
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
Commodity derivatives - crude oil
 
$
(1,241
)
 
Cost of sales - midstream operations
Commodity derivatives - vehicle fuel
 
$
1,027

 
Operating expense
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2015
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments
 
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
 
Location of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
Commodity derivatives - vehicle fuel
 
$
(1,038
)
 
Operating expense
 
 
 
 
 



44


The changes in derivatives included in AOCI for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows: 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
Gains and losses on derivatives included in AOCI
 
2016
 
2015
Beginning balance
 
$
(9,815
)
 
$
(38,906
)
Change in value of risk management commodity derivatives
 
4,873

 
1,585

Reclassification of gains and losses on commodity hedges to cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales, net
 
3,596

 
7,449

Change in value of risk management interest rate derivatives
 
265

 
(1,201
)
Reclassification of gains and losses on interest rate hedges to interest expense
 
642

 
777

Ending balance
 
$
(439
)
 
$
(30,296
)

Ferrellgas, L.P. expects to reclassify net losses related to the risk management commodity derivatives of approximately $1.4 million to earnings during the next 12 months. These net losses are expected to be offset by increased margins on propane sales commitments Ferrellgas, L.P. has with its customers that qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception.
 
During the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, Ferrellgas, L.P. had no reclassifications to earnings resulting from the discontinuance of any cash flow hedges arising from the probability of the original forecasted transactions not occurring within the originally specified period of time defined within the hedging relationship.
 
As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. had financial derivative contracts covering 2.4 million barrels of propane that were entered into as cash flow hedges of forward and forecasted purchases of propane.

As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. had financial derivative contracts covering 0.1 million barrels of diesel and 21 thousand barrels of unleaded gasoline related to fuel hedges in transportation of propane.

As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas, L.P. financial derivative contracts covering 0.2 million barrels of crude oil related to the hedging of crude oil line fill and inventory.
 
Derivative financial instruments credit risk
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial and commodity instruments. Ferrellgas, L.P.’s counterparties principally consist of major energy companies and major U.S. financial institutions. Ferrellgas, L.P. maintains credit policies with regard to its counterparties that it believes reduces its overall credit risk. These policies include evaluating and monitoring its counterparties’ financial condition, including their credit ratings, and entering into agreements with counterparties that govern credit limits. Certain of these agreements call for the posting of collateral by the counterparty or by Ferrellgas, L.P. in the forms of letters of credit, parental guarantees or cash. Ferrellgas, L.P. has concentrations of credit risk associated with derivative financial instruments held by certain derivative financial instrument counterparties. If these counterparties that make up the concentration failed to perform according to the terms of their contracts at October 31, 2016, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that, based upon the gross fair values of the derivative financial instruments, Ferrellgas, L.P. would incur is $2.7 million.  
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. holds certain derivative contracts that have credit-risk-related contingent features which dictate credit limits based upon Ferrellgas, L.P.’s debt rating. As of October 31, 2016, a downgrade in Ferrellgas, L.P.'s debt rating could trigger a reduction in credit limit and would result in an additional collateral requirement of zero. There were no derivatives with credit-risk-related contingent features in a liability position on October 31, 2016 and Ferrellgas, L.P. had posted no collateral in the normal course of business related to such derivatives.

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

45


 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Operating expense
 
$
55,714

 
$
56,010

 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense
 
$
8,583

 
$
7,093


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

K.    Contingencies and commitments

Litigation
 
Ferrellgas, L.P.’s operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing, transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of combustible liquids such as propane and crude oil. As a result, at any given time, Ferrellgas, L.P. can be threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than as discussed below, Ferrellgas, L.P. is not a party to any legal proceedings other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, management is of the opinion that there are no known claims or contingent claims that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of Ferrellgas, L.P.
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. has been named as a defendant, along with a competitor, in putative class action lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions. The lawsuits allege that Ferrellgas, L.P. and a competitor coordinated in 2008 to reduce the fill level in barbeque cylinders and combined to persuade a common customer to accept that fill reduction, resulting in increased cylinder costs to direct customers and end-user customers in violation of federal and certain state antitrust laws. The lawsuits seek treble damages, attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief and costs on behalf of the putative class. These lawsuits have been consolidated into one case by a multidistrict litigation panel.  The Court has dismissed all claims brought by direct and indirect customers other than state law claims of indirect customers under Wisconsin, Maine and Vermont law.  The direct customer plaintiffs have filed an appeal, which is pending. Ferrellgas, L.P. believes it has strong defenses to the claims and intends to vigorously defend against the consolidated case. Ferrellgas, L.P. does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.
 
In addition, putative class action cases have been filed in California relating to residual propane remaining in the tank after use.  Ferrellgas, L.P. has prevailed at the trial court on a motion to dismiss those claims.  It is uncertain whether plaintiffs will appeal; Ferrellgas, L.P. intends to vigorously defend any such appeal.  Ferrellgas, L.P. does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.

Ferrellgas, L.P. has been named, along with several current and former officers, in several class action lawsuits alleging violations of certain securities laws based on alleged materially false and misleading statements in certain of our public disclosures. The lawsuits, the first of which was filed on October 6, 2016 in the Southern District of New York, seek unspecified compensatory damages. A derivative lawsuit with similar allegations has been filed in state court in Missouri naming Ferrellgas, L.P. and several current and former officers and directors as defendants. Ferrellgas, L.P. believes that it has defenses and will vigorously defend these cases. Ferrellgas, L.P. does not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuits or the derivative action.

On October 21, 2016, Julio E. Rios II, an Executive Vice President of the general partner and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Logistics, LLC, and Jeremy H. Gamboa, also an Executive Vice President of the general partner and the Chief Operating Officer of Bridger Logistics, LLC both delivered notice of "good reason" for resignation to the general partner pursuant to their employment agreements alleging that the general partner had materially diminished their responsibilities and stating their intention to resign as a result if such purported material diminution is not cured within 30 days. 

On November 28, 2016, Mr. Rios and Mr. Gamboa each resigned from their positions, purportedly for "good reason" pursuant to their employment agreements.  Each has indicated that they intend to make a claim for severance.  The general partner denies that Mr. Rios and Mr. Gamboa had "good reason" to resign and has other defenses to their claims for severance.  Ferrellgas, L.P. does not believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to this matter.

L.    Segment reporting

Following is a summary of segment information for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015:


46


 
 
Three months ended October 31, 2016
 
 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics
 
Corporate and other
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Segment revenues
 
$
271,498

 
$
106,327

 
$
2,946

 
$
(1,229
)
 
$
379,542

Direct costs (1)
 
237,014

 
101,556

 
13,831

 
(1,878
)
 
350,523

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
34,484

 
$
4,771

 
$
(10,885
)
 
$
649

 
$
29,019

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31, 2015
 
 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics
 
Corporate and other
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Segment revenues
 
$
277,476

 
$
189,373

 
$
4,297

 
$

 
$
471,146

Direct costs (1)
 
241,877

 
164,570

 
15,800

 

 
422,247

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
35,599

 
$
24,803

 
$
(11,503
)
 
$

 
$
48,899

 
(1) Direct costs are comprised of "cost of sales-propane and other gas liquids sales", "cost of products sold-midstream operations", "cost of products sold-other", "operating expense", "general and administrative expense", and "equipment lease expense" less "non-cash stock-based compensation charge", "change in fair value of contingent consideration", "severance charge", "litigation accrual and related legal fees associated with a class action lawsuit", "unrealized (non-cash) loss on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments" and "acquisition and transition expenses".

Following is a reconciliation of Ferrellgas, L.P.'s total segment performance measure to condensed consolidated net loss:
 
 
Three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Net loss
 
$
(39,440
)
 
$
(76,536
)
Income tax benefit
 
(591
)
 
(844
)
Interest expense
 
31,398

 
29,758

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
26,202

 
36,979

EBITDA
 
17,569

 
(10,643
)
Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
 
3,754

 
5,256

Non-cash stock-based compensation charge
 
1,881

 
8,122

Goodwill impairment
 

 
29,316

Loss on asset sales and disposal
 
6,423

 
14,917

Other (income) expense, net
 
(508
)
 
122

Change in fair value of contingent consideration
 

 
(100
)
Severance costs
 
1,469

 
856

 Unrealized (non-cash) loss (gain) on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
(1,569
)
 
1,038

Acquisition and transition expenses
 

 
15

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
29,019

 
$
48,899



47


Following are total assets by segment:
Assets
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
Propane and related equipment sales
 
$
1,255,584

 
$
1,202,214

Midstream operations - crude oil logistics
 
228,708

 
275,303

Corporate and unallocated
 
182,832

 
205,696

Total consolidated assets
 
$
1,667,124

 
$
1,683,213


Following are capital expenditures by segment:
 
 
Three months ended October 31, 2016
 
 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics
 
Corporate and other
 
Total
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maintenance
 
$
1,831

 
$
127

 
$
1,306

 
$
3,264

Growth
 
5,414

 

 

 
5,414

Total
 
$
7,245

 
$
127

 
$
1,306

 
$
8,678

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31, 2015
 
 
Propane and related equipment sales
 
Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics
 
Corporate and other
 
Total
Capital expenditures:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Maintenance
 
$
5,898

 
$

 
$
284

 
$
6,182

Growth
 
8,615

 
3,303

 
6,401

 
18,319

Total
 
$
14,513

 
$
3,303

 
$
6,685

 
$
24,501


M.  Guarantor financial information

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

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




48


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
As of October 31, 2016
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. (Parent and Co-Issuer)
 
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (Co-Issuer)
 
 Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
12,368

 
$
1

 
$
196

 
$

 
$

 
$
12,565

Accounts and notes receivable
(9,133
)
 

 
56,051

 
101,365

 

 
148,283

   Intercompany receivables
21,421

 

 

 

 
(21,421
)
 

Inventories
79,814

 

 
20,482

 

 

 
100,296

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
22,616

 

 
9,185

 
2

 

 
31,803

Total current assets
127,086

 
1

 
85,914

 
101,367

 
(21,421
)
 
292,947

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
550,113

 

 
207,827

 

 

 
757,940

Goodwill
246,098

 

 
10,005

 

 

 
256,103

Intangible assets, net
137,625

 

 
134,406

 

 

 
272,031

Intercompany receivables
450,000

 

 

 

 
(450,000
)
 

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
1,890

 

 

 

 
(1,890
)
 

Other assets, net
38,168

 

 
49,282

 
653

 

 
88,103

Total assets
$
1,550,980

 
$
1

 
$
487,434

 
$
102,020

 
$
(473,311
)
 
$
1,667,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Accounts payable
$
41,161

 
$

 
$
33,627

 
$

 
$

 
$
74,788

Short-term borrowings
96,824

 

 

 

 

 
96,824

Collateralized note payable

 

 

 
74,000

 

 
74,000

Intercompany payables

 

 
36,798

 
(15,377
)
 
(21,421
)
 

Other current liabilities
161,172

 

 
3,293

 
132

 

 
164,597

Total current liabilities
299,157

 

 
73,718

 
58,755

 
(21,421
)
 
410,209

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
1,783,634

 

 
451,026

 

 
(450,000
)
 
1,784,660

Other liabilities
28,689

 

 
3,841

 
225

 

 
32,755

Contingencies and commitments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Partners' capital (deficit):
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Partners' equity
(559,316
)
 
1

 
(40,504
)
 
42,715

 
(2,212
)
 
(559,316
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,184
)
 

 
(647
)
 
325

 
322

 
(1,184
)
Total partners' capital (deficit)
(560,500
)
 
1

 
(41,151
)
 
43,040

 
(1,890
)
 
(560,500
)
Total liabilities and partners' capital (deficit)
$
1,550,980

 
$
1

 
$
487,434

 
$
102,020

 
$
(473,311
)
 
$
1,667,124

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


49


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
 
As of July 31, 2016
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. (Parent and Co-Issuer)
 
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (Co-Issuer)
 
 Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
4,472

 
$
1

 
$
417

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,890

Accounts and notes receivable
(2,703
)
 

 
45,822

 
106,464

 

 
149,583

   Intercompany receivables
34,089

 

 

 

 
(34,089
)
 

Inventories
71,422

 

 
19,172

 

 

 
90,594

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
27,922

 
2

 
12,029

 
2

 

 
39,955

Total current assets
135,202

 
3

 
77,440

 
106,466

 
(34,089
)
 
285,022

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property, plant and equipment, net
557,460

 

 
217,220

 

 

 
774,680

Goodwill
246,098

 

 
10,005

 

 

 
256,103

Intangible assets, net
141,794

 

 
138,391

 

 

 
280,185

Intercompany receivables
450,000

 

 

 

 
(450,000
)
 

Investments in consolidated subsidiaries
3,630

 

 

 

 
(3,630
)
 

Other assets, net
37,742

 

 
49,016

 
465

 

 
87,223

Total assets
$
1,571,926

 
$
3

 
$
492,072

 
$
106,931

 
$
(487,719
)
 
$
1,683,213

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL (DEFICIT)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Accounts payable
$
33,781

 
$

 
$
34,147

 
$

 
$

 
$
67,928

Short-term borrowings
101,291

 

 

 

 

 
101,291

Collateralized note payable

 

 

 
64,000

 

 
64,000

Intercompany payables

 

 
35,491

 
(1,402
)
 
(34,089
)
 

Other current liabilities
119,048

 

 
7,754

 
150

 

 
126,952

Total current liabilities
254,120

 

 
77,392

 
62,748

 
(34,089
)
 
360,171

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term debt
1,759,868

 

 
451,013

 

 
(450,000
)
 
1,760,881

Other liabilities
27,351

 

 
3,998

 
225

 

 
31,574

Contingencies and commitments
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Partners' capital (deficit):
 

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Partners' equity
(458,853
)
 
3

 
(39,684
)
 
43,633

 
(3,952
)
 
(458,853
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
(10,560
)
 

 
(647
)
 
325

 
322

 
(10,560
)
Total partners' capital (deficit)
(469,413
)
 
3

 
(40,331
)
 
43,958

 
(3,630
)
 
(469,413
)
Total liabilities and partners' capital (deficit)
$
1,571,926

 
$
3

 
$
492,072

 
$
106,931

 
$
(487,719
)
 
$
1,683,213

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


50


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2016
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. (Parent and Co-Issuer)
 
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (Co-Issuer)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Propane and other gas liquids sales
$
242,399

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
242,399

Midstream operations

 

 
108,044

 

 

 
108,044

Other
17,326

 

 
11,773

 

 

 
29,099

Total revenues
259,725

 

 
119,817

 

 

 
379,542

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales
119,212

 

 

 

 

 
119,212

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 
94,642

 

 

 
94,642

Cost of sales - other
2,430

 

 
9,316

 

 

 
11,746

Operating expense
97,655

 

 
10,246

 
(2,105
)
 
(710
)
 
105,086

Depreciation and amortization expense
18,277

 

 
7,872

 
53

 

 
26,202

General and administrative expense
12,863

 
2

 
1,404

 

 

 
14,269

Equipment lease expense
7,210

 

 
139

 

 

 
7,349

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
3,754

 

 

 

 

 
3,754

Loss on asset sales and disposal
1,447

 

 
4,976

 

 

 
6,423

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
(3,123
)
 
(2
)
 
(8,778
)
 
2,052

 
710

 
(9,141
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(20,352
)
 

 
(10,673
)
 
(370
)
 
(3
)
 
(31,398
)
Other income (expense), net
(47
)
 

 
555

 
707

 
(707
)
 
508

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Earnings (loss) before income taxes
(23,522
)
 
(2
)
 
(18,896
)
 
2,389

 

 
(40,031
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax benefit
(29
)
 

 
(562
)
 

 

 
(591
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
(15,947
)
 

 

 

 
15,947

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
(39,440
)
 
(2
)
 
(18,334
)
 
2,389

 
15,947

 
(39,440
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income
9,376

 

 

 

 

 
9,376

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(30,064
)
 
$
(2
)
 
$
(18,334
)
 
$
2,389

 
$
15,947

 
$
(30,064
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

51


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2015
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. (Parent and Co-Issuer)
 
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (Co-Issuer)
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Propane and other gas liquids sales
$
245,301

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
245,301

Midstream operations

 

 
193,670

 

 

 
193,670

Other
17,377

 

 
14,798

 

 

 
32,175

Total revenues
262,678

 

 
208,468

 

 

 
471,146

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs and expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales
121,748

 

 
3

 

 

 
121,751

Cost of sales - midstream operations

 

 
153,604

 

 

 
153,604

Cost of sales - other
2,538

 

 
11,910

 

 

 
14,448

Operating expense
96,974

 

 
17,659

 
2,370

 
(804
)
 
116,199

Depreciation and amortization expense
18,550

 

 
18,429

 

 

 
36,979

General and administrative expense
17,429

 
3

 
1,712

 

 

 
19,144

Equipment lease expense
6,882

 

 
150

 

 

 
7,032

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
5,256

 

 

 

 

 
5,256

Asset impairments

 

 
29,316

 

 

 
29,316

Loss on asset sales and disposal
1,545

 

 
13,372

 

 

 
14,917

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income (loss)
(8,244
)
 
(3
)
 
(37,687
)
 
(2,370
)
 
804

 
(47,500
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(18,521
)
 

 
(10,688
)
 
(441
)
 
(108
)
 
(29,758
)
Other income (expense), net
(122
)
 

 

 
696

 
(696
)
 
(122
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Loss before income taxes
(26,887
)
 
(3
)
 
(48,375
)
 
(2,115
)
 

 
(77,380
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income tax expense (benefit)
168

 

 
(1,012
)
 

 

 
(844
)
Equity in earnings of subsidiary
(49,481
)
 

 

 

 
49,481

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net earnings (loss)
(76,536
)
 
(3
)
 
(47,363
)
 
(2,115
)
 
49,481

 
(76,536
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income
8,610

 

 

 

 

 
8,610

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(67,926
)
 
$
(3
)
 
$
(47,363
)
 
$
(2,115
)
 
$
49,481

 
$
(67,926
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




52


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2016
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. (Parent and Co-Issuer)
 
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (Co-Issuer)
 
 Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
79,220

 
$
(2
)
 
$
(15,354
)
 
$
687

 
$
(10,000
)
 
$
54,551

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(10,000
)
 

 
(5
)
 

 

 
(10,005
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
2,279

 

 

 

 

 
2,279

Cash collected for purchase of interest in accounts receivable

 

 

 
183,939

 
(183,939
)
 

Cash remitted to Ferrellgas, L.P for accounts receivable

 

 

 
(193,939
)
 
193,939

 

Net changes in advances with consolidated entities
(14,453
)
 

 

 

 
14,453

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(22,174
)
 

 
(5
)
 
(10,000
)
 
24,453

 
(7,726
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions
(66,658
)
 

 

 

 

 
(66,658
)
Proceeds from increase in long-term debt
25,626

 

 

 

 

 
25,626

Reductions in long-term debt
(2,261
)
 

 

 

 

 
(2,261
)
Net reductions in short-term borrowings
(4,467
)
 

 

 

 

 
(4,467
)
Net additions to collateralized short-term borrowings

 

 

 
10,000

 

 
10,000

Net changes in advances with parent

 
2

 
15,138

 
(687
)
 
(14,453
)
 

Cash paid for financing costs
(1,390
)
 

 

 

 

 
(1,390
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(49,150
)
 
2

 
15,138

 
9,313

 
(14,453
)
 
(39,150
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
7,896

 

 
(221
)
 

 

 
7,675

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
4,472

 
1

 
417

 

 

 
4,890

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year
$
12,368

 
$
1

 
$
196

 
$

 
$

 
$
12,565

 
 
 
 
 
 
 


53


FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31, 2015
 
Ferrellgas, L.P. (Parent and Co-Issuer)
 
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (Co-Issuer)
 
 Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
12,807

 
$
(3
)
 
$
22,041

 
$
5,801

 
$
2,000

 
$
42,646

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures
(14,674
)
 

 
(10,933
)
 

 

 
(25,607
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
1,013

 

 
2,562

 

 

 
3,575

Cash collected for purchase of interest in accounts receivable

 

 

 
186,280

 
(186,280
)
 

Cash remitted to Ferrellgas, L.P for accounts receivable

 

 

 
(184,280
)
 
184,280

 

Net changes in advances with consolidated entities
16,908

 

 

 

 
(16,908
)
 

Other
(14
)
 

 

 

 

 
(14
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
3,233

 

 
(8,371
)
 
2,000

 
(18,908
)
 
(22,046
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions
(52,493
)
 

 

 

 

 
(52,493
)
Contributions from Partners
30

 

 

 

 

 
30

Proceeds from increase in long-term debt
21,321

 

 

 

 

 
21,321

Reductions in long-term debt
(4,380
)
 

 

 

 

 
(4,380
)
Net additions to short-term borrowings
20,072

 

 

 

 

 
20,072

Net reductions in collateralized short-term borrowings

 

 

 
(2,000
)
 

 
(2,000
)
Net changes in advances with parent

 
3

 
(11,112
)
 
(5,799
)
 
16,908

 

Cash paid for financing costs
(142
)
 

 

 

 

 
(142
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(15,592
)
 
3

 
(11,112
)
 
(7,799
)
 
16,908

 
(17,592
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash
2

 

 

 
(2
)
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents
450

 

 
2,558

 

 

 
3,008

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
5,579

 
1

 
20

 

 

 
5,600

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year
$
6,029

 
$
1

 
$
2,578

 
$

 
$

 
$
8,608

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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


54



FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P.)
CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
 
October 31, 2016
 
July 31, 2016
ASSETS


 


Cash
$
1,100

 
$
1,100

Other current assets

 
1,500

Total assets
$
1,100

 
$
2,600

 
 
 
 
Contingencies and commitments (Note B)


 


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

 
$
1,000

Additional paid in capital
61,870

 
61,820

Accumulated deficit
(61,770
)
 
(60,220
)
Total stockholder's equity
$
1,100

 
$
2,600

See notes to condensed financial statements.


FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
General and administrative expense
 
$
1,550

 
$
3,050

 
 
 
 
 
Net loss
 
$
(1,550
)
 
$
(3,050
)
See notes to condensed financial statements.

55


FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P.)
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
 
For the three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net loss
$
(1,550
)
 
$
(3,050
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:


 
 
Other current assets
1,500

 

Cash used in operating activities
(50
)
 
(3,050
)
 
 
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Capital contribution
50

 
3,050

Cash provided by financing activities
50

 
3,050

 
 
 
 
Net change in cash

 

Cash - beginning of period
1,100

 
1,100

Cash - end of period
$
1,100

 
$
1,100

See notes to condensed financial statements.

56


FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.
(a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P.)
  (unaudited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
A.    Formation
 
Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (the “Finance Corp.”), a Delaware corporation, was formed on January 16, 2003 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “Partnership”).
 
The condensed financial statements reflect all adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the interim periods presented. All adjustments to the condensed financial statements were of a normal recurring nature.

The Finance Corp. has nominal assets, does not conduct any operations and has no employees.

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


57


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

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations relates to Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership.
 
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. have nominal assets, do not conduct any operations and have no employees other than officers. Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners while Ferrellgas Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the operating partnership. Accordingly, and due to the reduced disclosure format, a discussion of the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. is not presented.

In this Item 2 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context indicates otherwise:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“water solutions revenues” refers to fees charged for the processing and disposal of salt water as well as the sale of skimming oil;

"crude oil logistics revenues" refers to fees charged for crude oil transportation and logistics services on behalf of producers and end-users of crude oil;

"crude oil sales" refers to crude oil purchased and sold in connection with crude oil transportation and logistics services on behalf of producers and end-users of crude oil;

"crude oil hauled" refers to the crude oil volume in barrels transported through our operation of a fleet of trucks, tank trailers, rail cars and a barge;

"Jamex" refers to Jamex Marketing, LLC;

“salt water volume” refers to the number of barrels of salt water processed at our disposal sites;


58


“skimming oil” refers to the oil collected from the process used at our salt water disposal wells through a combination of gravity and chemicals to separate crude oil that is dissolved in the salt water;

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

"MBbls/d" refers to one thousand barrels per day; and


Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two direct subsidiaries, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners’ only significant assets are its approximate 99% limited partnership interest in the operating partnership and its 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. The common units of Ferrellgas Partners are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and our activities are primarily conducted through the operating partnership.
 
The operating partnership was formed on April 22, 1994, and accounts for substantially all of our consolidated assets, sales and operating earnings, except for interest expense related to the senior notes co-issued by Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

Our general partner performs all management functions for us and our subsidiaries and holds a 1% general partner interest in Ferrellgas Partners and an approximate 1% general partner interest in the operating partnership. The parent company of our general partner, Ferrell Companies, beneficially owns approximately 23% of our outstanding common units. Ferrell Companies is owned 100% by an employee stock ownership trust.
 
We file annual, quarterly, and other reports and information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You may read and download our SEC filings over the Internet from several commercial document retrieval services as well as at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy our SEC filings at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information concerning the Public Reference Room and any applicable copy charges. Because our common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “FGP,” we also provide our SEC filings and particular other information to the New York Stock Exchange. You may obtain copies of these filings and such other information at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange located at 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005. In addition, our SEC filings are available on our website at www.ferrellgas.com at no cost as soon as reasonably practicable after our electronic filing or furnishing thereof with the SEC. Please note that any Internet addresses provided in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be hyperlinks. Accordingly, no information found and/or provided at such Internet addresses is intended or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein.
 
The following is a discussion of our historical financial condition and results of operations and should be read in conjunction with our historical condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
 
The discussions set forth in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections generally refer to Ferrellgas Partners and its consolidated subsidiaries. However, in these discussions there exist two material differences between Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership. Those material differences are:
 
because Ferrellgas Partners has outstanding $182.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 8.625% senior notes due fiscal 2020, the two partnerships incur different amounts of interest expense on their outstanding indebtedness; see the statements of operations in their respective condensed consolidated financial statements; and
Ferrellgas Partners issued common units during fiscal 2016 and repurchased common units in fiscal 2016 and 2017.

59



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

Some of our forward-looking statements include the following:

that we will continue to have sufficient access to capital markets at yields acceptable to us to support our expected growth expenditures and refinancing of debt maturities;
that Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership will continue to meet all of the quarterly financial tests required by the agreements governing their indebtedness;
that we intend to reduce our debt and that we expect to reduce our cash deficiencies; and
that our future maintenance capital expenditures and working capital needs will be provided by a combination of cash generated from future operations, existing cash balances, borrowings under our secured credit facility or the accounts receivable securitization facility.
 
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will affect our future results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Some of the risk factors that may affect our business, financial condition or results of operations include:

the effect of weather conditions on the demand for propane;
the prices of wholesale propane, motor fuel and crude oil;
disruptions to the supply of propane;
competition from other industry participants and other energy sources;
energy efficiency and technology advances;
the termination or non-renewal of certain arrangements or agreements;
adverse changes in our relationships with our national propane customers;
significant delays in the collection of, or uncollectibility of, accounts or notes receivable;
changes in demand for, and production of, hydrocarbon products;
capacity overbuild of midstream energy infrastructure in our midstream operational areas;
disruptions to railroad operations on the railroads we use;
increased trucking and rail regulations;
cost increases that exceed contractual rate increases for our logistics services;
inherent operating and litigation risks in gathering, transporting, handling and storing propane and crude oil;
our inability to complete acquisitions or to successfully integrate acquired operations;
costs of complying with, or liabilities imposed under, environmental, health and safety laws;
economic and political instability, particularly in areas of the world tied to the energy industry; and
disruptions in the capital and credit markets.
 
When considering any forward-looking statement, keep in mind the risk factors set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2016 and under Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Any of these risks could impair our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any such impairment may affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders or to pay interest on the principal of our debt securities. In addition, the trading price of our securities could decline as a result of any such impairment.
 
Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or risk factors after the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.



60


Recent developments
Termination of Bridger agreement with Jamex

In connection with the closing of our acquisition of Bridger in June 2015, Bridger entered into a ten-year transportation and logistics agreement (the “Jamex TLA”) with Jamex pursuant to which Jamex would be responsible for certain payments to Bridger and also for sourcing crude oil volumes for Bridger’s largest customer.

As a result of concerns regarding the collectability of amounts owed to Bridger from Jamex under the Jamex TLA and certain other matters between Bridger and Jamex, Bridger, Jamex, Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and certain other affiliated parties entered into a group of agreements that terminated the Jamex TLA, facilitated Ferrellgas purchasing certain Ferrellgas common units from Jamex, and established payment terms for certain amounts owed by Jamex to Bridger under the Jamex TLA. Consequently, Ferrellgas does not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridger's largest customer in the future.

On September 1, 2016, Bridger and Ferrellgas entered into a Termination, Settlement and Release Agreement (the “Jamex Termination Agreement”) with Jamex, certain of Jamex's affiliates, and James Ballengee (the owner of Jamex) pursuant to which:

(1)
Jamex agreed to execute and deliver a secured promissory note in favor of Bridger in original principal amount of $49.5 million (the "Jamex Secured Promissory Note") in satisfaction of all obligations owed to Bridger under the Jamex TLA;
(2)
Mr. Ballengee and Bacchus Capital Trading, LLC, an entity controlled by Mr. Ballengee, executed and delivered a joint guarantee of the Jamex Secured Promissory Note obligations up to a maximum aggregate amount of $20.0 million;
(3)
The operating partnership agreed to provide Jamex with a $5.0 million revolving secured working capital facility evidenced by a revolving promissory note (the “Jamex Revolving Promissory Note” and, together with the Jamex Secured Promissory Note, the “Jamex Notes”);
(4)
The other Jamex entities agreed to execute and deliver a security agreement and a full guarantee of the obligations under the Jamex Notes;
(5)
Ferrellgas paid approximately $16.9 million to Jamex and in return received (and cancelled) 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners' common units;
(6)
The parties agreed to terminate the Jamex TLA and certain other commercial agreements and arrangements between them, and release any claims between or among them that may exist (other than those arising under the Jamex Termination Agreement or the other agreements entered into in connection with the Jamex Termination Agreement); and
(7)
Ferrellgas waived the remaining lockup provision applicable to Jamex under the Registration Rights Agreement dated June 24, 2015 to which Jamex is party.

The Jamex Secured Promissory Note originally had an annual interest rate of 7% (which rate would be reduced under certain circumstances, including if Ferrellgas Partners' quarterly distributions are less than $0.25 per common unit; accordingly, as a result of the distribution declared on November 22, 2016, the interest rate will decrease to 2.8%), and contemplates quarterly amortizing principal payments, together with payments of accrued interest. The first payment, due December 17, 2016, will be an interest-only payment. The maturity date of the Jamex Secured Promissory Note will be December 17, 2021. Jamex will be allowed to prepay the Secured Promissory Note in whole or in part at any time.

The Jamex Revolving Promissory Note, which provides Jamex with access to working capital liquidity to meet their unrelated and ongoing crude oil marketing and other business needs, has an annual interest rate of 0% (which rate would be increased in case of a default), and contains certain conditions precedent to the operating partnership’s obligation to make any advances thereunder. Each borrowing under the Jamex Revolving Promissory Note must be repaid within 10 days, and the ultimate maturity date of the Jamex Revolving Promissory Note is the earlier of September 1, 2021 and the date on which all obligations under the Jamex Secured Promissory Note are repaid.

The Jamex Secured Promissory Note is guaranteed, pursuant to a Guaranty Agreement, jointly by James Ballengee and Bacchus (up to a maximum aggregate amount of $20.0 million), and each Note is fully guaranteed, pursuant to respective Guaranty Agreements, by the other Jamex entities. The obligations of Jamex and the other Jamex entities under the Notes are secured, pursuant to a Security Agreement, by a lien on certain of those entities’ assets, including common units, actively traded marketable securities and cash, which are held in a controlled account that can be seized by us in the event of default.

During the year ended July 31, 2016, approximately 60% and 80% of Midstream Operations - Crude oil logistics' segment (Bridger) gross margin and EBITDA, respectively, was generated from its largest customer and Jamex, that customer's supplier,

61


under take-or-pay arrangements. Bridger’s largest customer during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 owned a refinery in Trainer, Pennsylvania. Bridger was party to an agreement with this customer under which Bridger provided logistics services to transport crude oil from the Bakken region in North Dakota to the Trainer refinery. That agreement had a minimum volume commitment and payment obligation from the refinery for logistics services associated with the delivery of 65 MBbls/d. However, if the quantity of crude oil delivered to the refinery dropped below 35 MBbls/d, the minimum volume commitment and payment obligation from the refinery would be suspended and Jamex would become responsible for payments to Bridger under the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. During February 2016, Jamex ceased sourcing barrels for delivery to the refinery and since that time Bridger had been billing Jamex directly in accordance with the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. During July 2016, we determined Jamex would not resume sourcing barrels for delivery to the refinery or be likely to continue to make payments under the pay provisions of the Jamex TLA. As a result, we negotiated a settlement with Jamex, and the Jamex TLA was terminated on September 1, 2016. While the agreement with the refinery owner was not terminated as a result of the execution and delivery of the Jamex Termination Agreement, Bridger has been unable to negotiate a revised transportation and logistics agreement with that customer; accordingly it is unlikely that Bridger will continue to make any deliveries under the existing agreement. Consequently, Ferrellgas does not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridger's largest customer in the future. Additionally, the continued, sustained decline in crude oil prices and resulting decrease in crude oil production in the regions in which we operate continued to significantly impact our trucking and rail operations during the three months ended October 31, 2016, a trend we anticipate will continue in fiscal 2017 and beyond.

Secured credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility amendments

Our leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility. During fiscal 2016 our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility required the operating partnership to maintain a leverage ratio of no more than 5.5x. Our leverage ratio was 5.48x as of July 31, 2016, which equated to headroom of $8.1 million or 0.3%, primarily because of the combination of (1) a $44.8 million unpaid accounts receivable balance due from Jamex at July 31, 2016; (2) the $45.9 million purchase of 2.4 million common units from Jamex in November 2015; (3) a $16.9 million repurchase of 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners' common units from Jamex on September 1, 2016; (4) Midstream operations - crude oil logistics (Bridger) growth capital expenditures of approximately $52.4 million; (5) the warm weather in fiscal 2016 which was 19% warmer than normal and 16% warmer than fiscal 2015, which led to reduced demand for propane; and (6) the decline in our water solutions business. As a result of these factors, and the Jamex settlement discussed above, on September 27, 2016, we entered into a fifth amendment to our secured credit facility and a fourth amendment to our accounts receivable securitization facility pursuant to which our leverage ratio covenant was modified, as follows:

 
 
Maximum leverage ratio
 
Maximum leverage ratio
Date
 
(prior to amendments)
 
(after amendments)
October 31, 2016
 
5.50
 
6.05
January 31, 2017
 
5.50
 
5.95
April 30, 2017
 
5.50
 
5.95
July 31, 2017
 
5.50
 
6.05
October 31, 2017
 
5.50
 
5.95
January 31, 2018
 
5.50
 
5.95
April 30, 2018 & thereafter
 
5.50
 
5.50

As of October 31, 2016 our leverage ratio was 5.81x which equates to headroom of $78.9 million or 4.0%. Because of this leverage ratio requirement we continue to execute on a strategy to reduce our debt. This strategy may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to our leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in our annual distribution, which was reduced during our quarter ended October 31, 2016 from an annualized rate of $2.05 to $0.40 per common unit. We believe that any debt reducing actions taken would likely remain in effect until our leverage ratio reaches 4.5x or a level that we deem appropriate for our business. However, if weather continues to remain unseasonably warm or our debt reduction initiatives are unsuccessful, we believe it is possible our leverage ratio will exceed 5.95x at the end of the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2017.

Distributions

On November 22, 2016, the board of directors of our general partner announced a quarterly distribution of $0.10, payable on December 15, 2016, to all unitholders of record as of December 8, 2016, which equates to an annual distribution rate of $0.40, or $1.65 lower than our previous annual distribution rate of $2.05. This decrease in distributions will provide

62


approximately $160 million of internally generated capital on an annualized basis to provide increased liquidity, reduce leverage and strengthen our balance sheet.

How We Evaluate Our Operations

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

Segment disclosure
 
 Propane and related equipment sales

We are a leading distributor of propane and related equipment and supplies to customers in the United States as measured by the volume of our retail sales in fiscal 2016 and a leading national provider of propane by portable tank exchange. We serve residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Our operations primarily include the distribution and sale of propane and related equipment and supplies with concentrations in the Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and Northwest regions of the United States.

We use information on temperatures to understand how our results of operations are affected by temperatures that are warmer or colder than normal. We use the definition of “normal” temperatures based on information published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Based on this information we calculate a ratio of actual heating degree days to normal heating degree days. Heating degree days are a general indicator of weather impacting propane usage.
 
Weather conditions have a significant impact on demand for propane for heating purposes primarily during the months of November through March (the “winter heating season”). Accordingly, the volume of propane used by our customers for this purpose is directly affected by the severity of the winter weather in the regions we serve and can vary substantially from year to year. In any given region, sustained warmer-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in reduced propane usage, while sustained colder-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in greater usage. Although there is a strong correlation between weather and customer usage, general economic conditions in the United States and the wholesale price of propane can have a significant impact on this correlation. Additionally, there is a natural time lag between the onset of cold weather and increased sales to customers. If the United States were to experience a cooling trend we could expect nationwide demand for propane to increase which could lead to greater sales, income and liquidity availability. Conversely, if the United States were to experience a warming trend, we could expect nationwide demand for propane to decrease which could lead to a reduction in our sales, income and liquidity availability. Weather in the more highly concentrated geographic areas we serve for the three months ended October 31, 2016 was approximately 35% warmer than normal. Because this significantly warmer than normal weather was only 6% warmer than prior year quarter, our propane and related equipment sales results were consistent with those of the prior year quarter. However, if this winter weather pattern continues, it could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and capital resources for the remainder of fiscal 2017.
      
We employ risk management activities that attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase, storage, transport and sale of propane generally in the contract and spot markets from major domestic energy companies on a short-term basis. We attempt to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments and forward propane purchase and sales contracts. We enter into propane sales commitments with a portion of our customers that provide for a contracted price agreement for a specified period of time. These commitments can expose us to product price risk if not immediately hedged with an offsetting propane purchase commitment.
 
Our open financial derivative propane purchase commitments are designated as hedges primarily for fiscal 2017 and 2018 sales commitments and, as of October 31, 2016, have experienced net mark to market gains of approximately $2.0 million. Because these financial derivative purchase commitments qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the resulting asset, liability and related mark to market gains or losses are recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” "Other assets, net," “Other current liabilities,” "Other liabilities" and “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss),” respectively, until settled. Upon settlement, realized gains or losses on these contracts will be reclassified to “Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquid sales” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations as the underlying inventory is sold. These financial derivative propane purchase commitment net gains are expected to be offset by decreased margins on propane sales commitments that qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exception. At October 31, 2016, we estimate 55% of currently open financial derivative propane purchase commitments, the related propane sales commitments and the resulting gross margin will be realized into earnings during the next twelve months.
Midstream Operations - Crude oil logistics

63


    
Our crude oil logistics segment ("Bridger") primarily generates income by providing crude oil transportation and logistics services on behalf of producers and end-users of crude oil. Bridger services include transportation through its operation of a fleet of trucks, tank trailers, railcars, pipeline injection terminals, and a barge. We primarily operate in major oil and gas basins across the continental United States. Our crude oil logistics segment also enters into crude oil purchase and sales arrangements. We manage our exposure to price fluctuations by using back-to-back contracts and financial hedging positions.

During the year ended July 31, 2016, approximately 60% and 80% of Midstream Operations - Crude oil logistics' segment (Bridger) gross margin and EBITDA, respectively, was generated from its largest customer and Jamex. However, due to the September 1, 2016 termination of the Jamex TLA we do not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridger's largest customer in the future. Additionally, the continued, sustained decline in crude oil prices and resulting decrease in crude oil production in the regions in which we operate continued to significantly impact our trucking and rail operations during the three months ended October 31, 2016, a trend we anticipate will continue in fiscal 2017 and beyond.


Summary Discussion of Results of Operations:

For the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015

During the three months ended October 31, 2016, we generated a net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners L.P. of $43.1 million, compared to $79.8 million during the three months ended October 31, 2015.

Our propane and related products segment generated operating income of $16.5 million during the three months ended October 31, 2016, compared to $13.7 million during the three months ended October 31, 2015. Due to the seasonal nature of demand for propane, sales volumes of our propane and related products segment typically are higher during the second and third quarters of the fiscal year than during the first and fourth quarters of the fiscal year. The primary reason for the increase in operating income during the three months ended October 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2015 was decreased operating expense related to vehicle fuel costs.

Our crude oil logistics segment generated operating income of $1.0 million during the three months ended October 31, 2016 compared to $2.3 million of operating loss during the three months ended October 31, 2015. During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we committed to a plan to sell certain trucks, resulting in an increase of $13.4 million in "Loss on disposal of assets and other" that was not repeated in the current fiscal quarter. This favorable item was substantially offset by the impact of the termination of the Jamex TLA and decline in trucking and rail operations, as discussed above.
 
Corporate and other, including our water solutions operations, recognized an operating loss of $27.3 million during the three months ended October 31, 2016, compared to an operating loss of $58.9 million recognized during the three months ended October 31, 2015. The prior year results from our water solutions operations include a $29.3 million asset impairment charge that was not repeated in the current fiscal quarter.

“Interest expense” for both Ferrellgas and the operating partnership increased $1.6 million primarily due to the incurrence of new debt incurred to fund $52.4 million of Bridger growth capital expenditures and the repurchase of $62.8 million of common units from Jamex each as discussed above.

Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors decreased from $11.2 million in the prior period to $(6.2) million in the current period primarily due to a $20.0 million decrease in Adjusted EBITDA from our Crude oil logistics segment resulting from the termination of the Jamex TLA and decline in trucking operations, as discussed above.

Distributable cash flow shortage increased from $40.5 million in the prior period to $55.9 million in the current period, primarily due to a $20.0 million decrease in Adjusted EBITDA from our Crude oil logistics segment, as discussed above, partially offset by a $2.9 million decrease in maintenance capital expenditures.



64


Consolidated Results of Operations

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31,
(amounts in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Total revenues
 
$
379,542

 
$
471,146

 
 
 
 
 
Total cost of sales
 
225,600

 
289,803

 
 
 
 
 
Operating expense
 
105,086

 
116,199

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
26,202

 
36,979

General and administrative expense
 
14,269

 
19,144

Equipment lease expense
 
7,349

 
7,032

Non-cash employment stock ownership plan compensation charge
 
3,754

 
5,256

Asset impairments
 

 
29,316

Loss on asset sales and disposal
 
6,423

 
14,917

Operating loss
 
(9,141
)
 
(47,500
)
Interest expense
 
(35,428
)
 
(33,788
)
Other income (expense), net
 
508

 
(122
)
Loss before income taxes
 
(44,061
)
 
(81,410
)
Income tax benefit
 
(590
)
 
(844
)
Net loss
 
(43,471
)
 
(80,566
)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(398
)
 
(773
)
Net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
(43,073
)
 
(79,793
)
Less: General partner's interest in net loss
 
(431
)
 
(798
)
Common unitholders' interest in net loss
 
$
(42,642
)
 
$
(78,995
)

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

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

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

Distributable Cash Flow Attributable to Common Unitholders. Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders is calculated as Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors minus distributable cash flow attributable to general

65


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

The following table summarizes EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors and Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively:
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31,
(amounts in thousands)
 
2016
 
2015
Net loss attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
 
$
(43,073
)
 
$
(79,793
)
Income tax benefit
 
(590
)
 
(844
)
Interest expense
 
35,428

 
33,788

Depreciation and amortization expense
 
26,202

 
36,979

EBITDA
 
17,967

 
(9,870
)
Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge
 
3,754

 
5,256

Non-cash stock-based compensation charge
 
1,881

 
8,122

Asset impairments
 

 
29,316

Loss on asset sales and disposals
 
6,423

 
14,917

Other income (expense), net
 
(508
)
 
122

Change in fair value of contingent consideration (included in operating expense)
 

 
(100
)
Severance costs
 
1,469

 
856

Unrealized (non-cash) losses (gains) on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
 
(1,569
)
 
1,038

Acquisition and transition expenses
 

 
15

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
(398
)
 
(773
)
Adjusted EBITDA
 
29,019

 
48,899

Net cash interest expense (a)
 
(33,618
)
 
(32,502
)
Maintenance capital expenditures (b)
 
(3,322
)
 
(6,215
)
Cash paid for taxes
 
(1
)
 

Proceeds from asset sales
 
1,720

 
1,013

Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors
 
(6,202
)
 
11,195

Distributable cash flow attributable to general partner and non-controlling interest
 
(124
)
 
224

Distributable cash flow attributable to common unitholders
 
(6,078
)
 
10,971

Less: Distributions paid to common unitholders
 
49,791

 
51,443

Distributable cash flow shortage
 
$
(55,869
)
 
$
(40,472
)

 
 
(a)
Net cash interest expense is the sum of interest expense less non-cash interest expense and other income (expense), net. This amount includes interest expense related to the accounts receivable securitization facility.
(b)
Maintenance capital expenditures include capitalized expenditures for betterment and replacement of property, plant and equipment.

Segment Operating Results for the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015

Items Impacting the Comparability of Our Financial Results

Our current and future results of operations may not be comparable to our historical results of operations for the periods presented due to the termination of the Jamex TLA, a significant contract for our Midstream operations - crude oil logistics segment. Refer to Recent Developments in this Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis for additional information.

66



Propane and related equipment sales

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

(amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Increase (Decrease)
Propane sales volumes (gallons):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail - Sales to End Users
 
111,188

 
110,973

 
215

 
 %
Wholesale - Sales to Resellers
 
51,990

 
50,566

 
1,424

 
3
 %
 
 
163,178

 
161,539

 
1,639

 
1
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Propane and other gas liquids sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Retail - Sales to End Users
 
$
148,617

 
$
148,586

 
$
31

 
 %
Wholesale - Sales to Resellers
 
84,219

 
84,452

 
(233
)
 
 %
Other Gas Sales (a)
 
9,563

 
12,263

 
(2,700
)
 
(22
)%
Other (b)
 
29,099

 
32,175

 
(3,076
)
 
(10
)%
Propane and related equipment revenues
 
$
271,498

 
$
277,476

 
$
(5,978
)
 
(2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Margin -
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Propane and other gas liquids sales: (c)
 

 

 

 

Retail - Sales to End Users (a)
 
$
81,385

 
$
81,097

 
$
288

 
 %
Wholesale - Sales to Resellers (a)
 
41,802

 
42,453

 
(651
)
 
(2
)%
Other (b)
 
17,353

 
17,727

 
(374
)
 
(2
)%
Propane and related equipment gross margin
 
140,540

 
141,277

 
(737
)
 
(1
)%
Operating, general and administrative expense
 
97,859

 
101,141

 
(3,282
)
 
(3
)%
Equipment lease expense
 
6,573

 
6,380

 
193

 
3
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating income

16,528


13,712


2,816


21
 %
 Depreciation and amortization expense

18,133


18,499


(366
)

(2
)%
 Loss on asset sales and disposals

1,447


1,545


(98
)

(6
)%
 Severance costs

253


805


(552
)

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

(1,877
)

1,038


(2,915
)

NM
Adjusted EBITDA

$
34,484


$
35,599


$
(1,115
)

(3
)%

NM - Not meaningful
(a) Gross margin for Other Gas Sales is allocated to Gross margin "Retail - Sales to End Users" and "Wholesale - Sales to Resellers" based on the volumes in each respective category.
(b) Other primarily includes appliance and material sales, and to a lesser extent various customer fee income.
(c) Gross margin from "Propane and other gas liquids sales" represents "Revenues - Propane and other gas liquids sales" less "Cost of sales - Propane and other gas liquids sales" and does not include depreciation and amortization.

Propane sales volumes during the three months ended October 31, 2016 increased 1% or 1.6 million gallons, from that of the prior year period primarily due to 1.4 million of increased gallon sales to wholesale customers.

Our wholesale sales price per gallon correlates to the wholesale market price of propane. The wholesale market price at major supply points in Mt. Belvieu, Texas and Conway, Kansas during the three months ended October 31, 2016 averaged 19% and 18% more than the prior year period, respectively. The wholesale market price at Mt. Belvieu, Texas averaged $0.51 and

67


$0.43 per gallon during the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, while the wholesale market price at Conway, Kansas averaged $0.46 and $0.39 per gallon during the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Revenues
 
Retail and wholesale sales experienced virtually no change compared to the prior year period. The first fiscal quarter generally has fewer heat sensitive gallons sold and propane prices from a cents per gallon perspective did not change significantly enough to affect overall revenues.
 
Other gas sales decreased $2.7 million compared to the prior year period primarily due to $3.8 million resulting from decreased sales volumes, partially offset by a $1.1 million increase in sales price per gallon.

Other revenues decreased $3.1 million compared to the prior year period, primarily due to decrease in the sales of certain lower margin equipment.

Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquids sales
 
Gross margin remained consistent with the prior year period as it only decreased $0.4 million.

Gross margin - Other

Gross margin decreased $0.4 million primarily due to a decrease in the sale of certain lower margin equipment.

Operating income

Operating income increased $2.8 million primarily due to a $3.3 million decrease in "Operating, general and administrative expense", primarily due to a $2.9 million decrease in vehicle fuel costs.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.1 million primarily due to a $0.4 million decrease in "Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquid sales", and a $0.4 decrease in "Gross margin - Other".

68


Midstream operations - Crude oil logistics

The following table summarizes the volume of product sold and hauled, as well as Adjusted EBITDA results of our crude oil logistics segment for the periods indicated:

(amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Increase (Decrease)
Volumes (barrels):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Crude oil hauled
 
11,264


24,264


(13,000
)

(54
)%
Crude oil sold
 
1,767


1,510


257


17
 %
 
 







Revenues -
 







Crude oil logistics revenues
 
$
22,319


$
122,385


$
(100,066
)

(82
)%
Crude oil sales
 
84,008


66,988


17,020


25
 %
 
 








Gross margin (a)
 
11,224


37,720


(26,496
)

(70
)%
Operating, general, and administrative expenses (b)
 
6,874


12,847


(5,973
)

(46
)%
Equipment lease expense
 
111


121


(10
)

(8
)%










Operating income (loss)

953


(2,276
)

3,229


NM

 Depreciation and amortization expense

3,354


13,656


(10,302
)

(75
)%
 Loss on asset sales and disposals

(68
)

13,372


(13,440
)

NM

 Severance costs

224


51


173


339
 %
 Unrealized (non-cash) losses on changes in fair value of derivatives

308




308


NM

Adjusted EBITDA

$
4,771


$
24,803


$
(20,032
)

(81
)%

NM - Not meaningful
(a) Gross margin represents "Revenues - Midstream operations" less "Cost of sales - Midstream operations" and does not include depreciation and amortization.
(b) Operating, general, and administrative expenses are included in the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA. General and administrative expenses include only certain items that were directly attributable to the crude oil logistics segment.

Crude oil hauled during the three months ended October 31, 2016 decreased 54% or 13.0 million barrels, from that of the prior period primarily due to the termination of the Jamex TLA as discussed above.

Revenues

Crude oil logistics revenues decreased 82% or $100.1 million compared to the prior period, primarily due to the termination of the Jamex TLA as discussed above. The increase in crude oil sales reflects an $11.4 million increase related to the volume of crude oil sold and to a $5.6 million increase related to the change in the market price of crude oil.

Gross margin

Crude oil logistics gross margin decreased 80% or $29.3 million compared to the prior period, primarily due to the termination of the Jamex TLA as discussed above, which was partially offset by a $2.8 million increase in gross margin related to crude oil sales. This crude oil sales gross margin increase primarily related to improved margins and to a lesser extent increased volumes.

Operating income (loss)

We recorded operating income of $1.0 million during the three months ended October 31, 2016 as compared to an operating loss of $2.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2015. Operating income increased due to a $13.4 million "Loss on asset sales and disposal" recognized in the prior year that was not repeated in the current fiscal quarter. Additionally, depreciation and amortization expense decreased $10.3 million due to the impact of the asset impairment charge recognized

69


during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016. Also operating, general and administrative expenses decreased $6.0 million primarily due to decreases in personnel, plant and office and bad debt expenses. These favorable effects to operating income were partially offset by a $26.5 million decrease in gross margin which resulted primarily from the termination of the Jamex TLA as discussed above.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $20.0 million primarily due to the $26.2 million decrease in Gross margin, partially offset by the $6.1 million decrease in operating, general and administrative expenses, both as discussed above.
Corporate & other

The following table summarizes the financial results of our corporate and other operations, which includes our Water solutions operations for the periods indicated:

(amounts in thousands)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three months ended October 31,
 
2016
 
2015
 
Increase (Decrease)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues
 
$
2,946

 
$
4,297

 
$
(1,351
)
 
(31
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross margin (a)
 
1,529

 
2,346

 
(817
)
 
(35
)%
Operating expense
 
1,757

 
3,923

 
(2,166
)
 
(55
)%
General and administrative expense

12,865


17,432


(4,567
)

(26
)%
Equipment lease expense
 
665

 
531

 
134

 
25
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating loss

(27,271
)

(58,936
)

31,665


(54
)%
Depreciation and amortization expense

4,715


4,824


(109
)

(2
)%
Non-cash employee and stock ownership plan compensation charge

3,754


5,256


(1,502
)

(29
)%
Non-cash stock based compensation charge

1,881


8,122


(6,241
)

(77
)%
Asset impairments



29,316


(29,316
)

NM

Loss on asset sales and disposals

5,044




5,044


NM

Change in fair value of contingent consideration



(100
)

100


NM

Severance costs

992




992


NM

Acquisition and transition expenses



15


(15
)

NM

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
(10,885
)
 
$
(11,503
)
 
$
618

 
5
 %

NM- Not Meaningful
(a) Gross margin represents "Revenues - Midstream operations" less "Cost of sales - Midstream operations" and does not include depreciation and amortization.

Operating loss

Corporate and other, including our water solutions operations, recognized an operating loss of $27.3 million three months ended October 31, 2016, compared to an operating loss of $58.9 million recognized during the three months ended October 31, 2015. Prior year results from our water solutions operations include an impairment charge of $29.3 million related to the write down of goodwill that was not repeated in the current period.

Adjusted EBITDA

The Adjusted EBITDA within "corporate and other" increased by $0.6 million primarily due to a decrease of $0.4 million general and administrative personnel and other expenses.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 

70


General
 
Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flow from operating activities, borrowings under our secured credit facility or accounts receivable securitization facility and funds received from sales of debt and equity securities. These liquidity and capital resources enable us to fund our working capital requirements, letter of credit requirements, debt service payments, acquisition and capital expenditures and distributions to our unitholders. Our liquidity and capital resources may be affected by our ability to access the capital markets, covenants in our debt agreements, unforeseen demands on cash, or other events beyond our control.

Our leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility. During fiscal 2016 our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility required the operating partnership to maintain a leverage ratio of no more than 5.5x. Our leverage ratio was 5.48x as of July 31, 2016, which equated to headroom of $8.1 million or 0.3%, primarily because of the combination of (1) a $44.8 million unpaid accounts receivable balance due from Jamex at July 31, 2016; (2) the $45.9 million purchase of 2.4 million common units from Jamex in November 2015; (3) a $16.9 million repurchase of 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners' common units from Jamex on September 1, 2016; (4) Midstream operations - crude oil logistics (Bridger) growth capital expenditures of approximately $52.4 million; (5) the warm weather in fiscal 2016 which was 19% warmer than normal and 16% warmer than fiscal 2015, which led to reduced demand for propane; and (6) the decline in our water solutions business. As a result of these factors, and the Jamex settlement discussed above, on September 27, 2016, we entered into a fifth amendment to our secured credit facility and a fourth amendment to our accounts receivable securitization facility pursuant to which our leverage ratio covenant was modified, as follows:

 
 
Maximum leverage ratio
 
Maximum leverage ratio
Date
 
(prior to amendments)
 
(after amendments)
October 31, 2016
 
5.50

 
6.05

January 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

July 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
6.05

October 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

January 31, 2018
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2018 & thereafter
 
5.50

 
5.50


As of October 31, 2016 our leverage ratio was 5.81x which equates to headroom of $78.9 million or 4.0%. Because of this leverage ratio requirement we continue to execute on a strategy to reduce our debt. This strategy may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to our leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in our annual distribution, which was reduced during our quarter ended October 31, 2016 from an annualized rate of $2.05 to $0.40 per common unit. We believe that any debt reducing actions taken would likely remain in effect until our leverage ratio reaches 4.5x or a level that we deem appropriate for our business. However, if weather continues to remain unseasonably warm or our debt reduction initiatives are unsuccessful, we believe it is possible our leverage ratio will exceed 5.95x at the end of the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2017.

As described in financing activities below, on November 22, 2016, the board of directors of our general partner announced a quarterly distribution of $0.10, payable on December 15, 2016, to all unitholders of record as of December 8, 2016, which equates to an annual distribution rate of $0.40, or $1.65 lower than our previous annual distribution rate of $2.05. This decrease in distributions will provide approximately $160 million of internally generated capital on an annualized basis to provide increased liquidity, reduce leverage and strengthen our balance sheet.

Distributable Cash Flow

A reconciliation of distributable cash flow to distributions paid for the twelve months ended October 31, 2016 to the twelve months ended July 31, 2016 is as follows (in thousands):


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Distributable Cash Flow to equity investors
 
Cash reserves (deficiency) approved by our General Partner
 
Cash distributions paid to equity investors
 
DCF ratio
Three months ended October 31, 2016
$
(6,202
)
 
$
(57,009
)
 
$
50,807

 

For the year ended July 31, 2016
199,979

 
(6,427
)
 
206,406

 

Less: Three months ended October 31, 2015
11,195

 
(41,298
)
 
52,493

 

Twelve months ended October 31, 2016
$
182,582

 
$
(22,138
)
 
$
204,720

 
0.89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Twelve months ended July 31, 2016
199,979

 
(6,427
)
 
206,406

 
0.97

Decrease
$
(17,397
)
 
$
(15,711
)
 
$
(1,686
)
 
(0.08
)

For the twelve months ended October 31, 2016, distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors decreased $17.4 million compared to the twelve months ended July 31, 2016. Cash distributions paid to equity investors decreased $1.7 million primarily due to reductions in common units outstanding, which resulted from a November 2015 repurchase and cancellation of 2.4 million common units and a September 2016 repurchase and cancellation of 0.9 million common units. These changes resulted in a decrease in our distribution coverage ratio to 0.89 for the twelve months ended October 31, 2016 as compared to 0.97 for the twelve months ended July 31, 2016. Cash reserves, which we utilize to meet future anticipated expenditures, decreased by $22.1 million during the twelve months ended October 31, 2016 compared to a decrease of $6.4 million in the twelve months ended July 31, 2016. We expect the reduction in our quarterly distributions, discussed above, will reduce our cash deficiencies in the future.
    
We believe that the liquidity available from our cash flow from operating activities, our secured credit facility and related amendment, the accounts receivable securitization facility and related amendment, combined with our other debt reduction initiatives, which may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to our leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in our annualized distribution will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure, working capital and letter of credit requirements.
 
During periods of high volatility, our risk management activities may expose us to the risk of counterparty margin calls in amounts greater than we have the capacity to fund. Likewise our counterparties may not be able to fulfill their margin calls from us or may default on the settlement of positions with us.
 
Our working capital requirements are subject to, among other things, the price of propane and crude oil, delays in the collection of receivables, volatility in energy commodity prices, liquidity imposed by insurance providers, downgrades in our credit ratings, decreased trade credit, significant acquisitions, the weather, customer retention and purchasing patterns and other changes in the demand for propane and crude oil. Relatively colder weather or higher propane prices during the winter heating season are factors that could significantly increase our working capital requirements.
 
Our ability to satisfy our obligations is dependent upon our future performance, which will be subject to prevailing economic, financial, business and weather conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Due to the seasonality of the retail propane distribution business, a significant portion of our cash flow from operations is generated during the winter heating season. Our midstream operations segment generally does not experience seasonality. Our net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects earnings from our business activities adjusted for depreciation and amortization and changes in our working capital accounts. Historically, we generate significantly lower net cash from operating activities in our first and fourth fiscal quarters as compared to the second and third fiscal quarters due to the seasonality of our propane and related equipment sales segment.
 
Our secured credit facility, publicly-held 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 is the leverage ratio under the terms of our secured credit and accounts receivable securitization facilities, which is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in our secured credit facility.
 
As of October 31, 2016, we met all of our required quarterly financial tests and covenants. Based upon current estimates of our cash flow, combined with other debt reduction initiatives which may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to our leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in our annualized distribution, our general partner believes

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that we will be able to continue to meet all of our required quarterly financial tests and covenants in fiscal 2017. However, we may not meet the applicable financial tests in future quarters if we were to experience:

continued significantly warmer than normal temperatures during the winter heating season;
a more volatile energy commodity cost environment;
an unexpected downturn in business operations;
a significant delay in the collection of accounts or notes receivable;
a failure to execute our debt reduction initiatives;
a change in customer retention or purchasing patterns due to economic or other factors in the United States; or
a material downturn in the credit and/or equity markets.
 
Failure to meet applicable financial tests could have a material effect on our operating capacity and cash flows and could further restrict our ability to incur debt or to make cash distributions to our unitholders, even if sufficient funds were available. If we are unable to comply with any of the financial covenants, including the maximum leverage ratio, we will be required to negotiate a waiver or amendment to the covenant. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain a waiver or amendment of covenant breaches if needed.

Our inability to comply with any of the covenants under our secured credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility, in the absence of a waiver or amendment, will result in a default under both facilities. A default under the facilities, if not cured or waived, could result in an event of default that would permit the acceleration of all of our indebtedness under the facilities. The accelerated debt would become immediately due and payable, which would in turn trigger cross-acceleration under our other debt. If the payment of our debt is accelerated, our assets may be insufficient to repay such debt in full and we may be unable to borrow sufficient funds to refinance our debt, in which case our unitholders could experience a partial or total loss of their investment.

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.
 
In order to reduce existing indebtedness, fund future acquisitions and expansive capital projects, we may obtain funds from our facilities, further reduce distributions, sell assets, issue additional debt to the extent permitted under existing financing arrangements or issue additional common units.
 
Toward this purpose, the following registration statements were effective upon filing or declared effective by the SEC:

a shelf registration statement for the periodic sale of common units for general business purposes, which, among other things, may include the following: repayment of outstanding indebtedness; the redemption of any senior notes or other securities (other than common units) previously issued; working capital; capital expenditures; acquisitions, or other general business purposes. As of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas Partners had issued 6.3 million common units from this shelf registration statement; and
an “acquisition” shelf registration statement for the periodic sale of up to $500.0 million in common units to fund acquisitions; as of October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas Partners had $500.0 million available under this shelf registration statement.

In addition, we monitor the trading market for our outstanding debt securities and we may from time to time repurchase outstanding senior notes, whether in open market transactions or privately negotiated repurchases.

Operating Activities

Ferrellgas Partners
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $54.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2016, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $40.8 million for the three months ended October 31, 2015. This increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a $35.3 million decrease in working capital requirements, partially offset by a $20.3 million decrease in cash flow from operations.

The decrease in working capital requirements for the three months ended October 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2015 was primarily due to a $27.2 million decrease in requirements for accounts payable largely due to a decline in accounts payable during the three months ended October 31, 2015 as a result of decreased volumes in Midstream

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operations pipeline movements and decreases in the wholesale price of propane, and a $24.7 million decrease in requirements for other current liabilities resulting primarily from timing of payments made to employees and an increase in deferred revenues as a result of an increase in customers pre-buying propane for the winter. These decreases in working capital requirements were partially offset by a $8.2 million increase in requirements for accounts receivable related primarily to a decrease in billings in our Midstream operations as a result of decreased volumes and a $10.4 million increase in requirements for inventory, primarily due to increases in propane gas and related products inventory during the three months ended October 31, 2016.

The decrease in cash flow from operations is primarily due to a $27.4 million decrease in gross margin, as discussed above by segment, a $1.6 million increase in "Interest expense", as discussed above, partially offset by a $10.0 million decrease in "Operating expense", as discussed above by segment, exclusive of the effects of fluctuations in non-cash stock-based compensation.

The operating partnership
 
Net cash provided by operating activities was $54.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2016, compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $42.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2015. This increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a $33.5 million decrease in working capital requirements, partially offset by a $20.3 million decrease in cash flow from operations.

The decrease in working capital requirements for the three months ended October 31, 2016 compared to the three months ended October 31, 2015 was primarily due to a $27.2 million decrease in requirements for accounts payable largely due to a decline in accounts payable during the three months ended October 31, 2015 as a result of decreased volumes in Midstream operations pipeline movements and decreases in the wholesale price of propane, and a $22.8 million decrease in requirements for other current liabilities resulting primarily from timing of payments made to employees and an increase in deferred revenues as a result of an increase in customers pre-buying propane for the winter. These decreases in working capital requirements were partially offset by a $7.9 million increase in requirements for accounts receivable related primarily to a decrease in billings in our Midstream operations as a result of decreased volumes and a $10.4 million increase in requirements for inventory, primarily due to increases in propane gas and related products inventory during the three months ended October 31, 2016.

The decrease in cash flow from operations is primarily due to a $27.4 million decrease in gross margin, as discussed above by segment, a $1.6 million increase in "Interest expense", partially offset by a $10.0 million decrease in "Operating expense", exclusive of the effects of fluctuations in non-cash stock-based compensation.
 
Investing Activities

Ferrellgas Partners
 
Capital Requirements

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

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

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

Net cash used in investing activities was $7.7 million for the three months ended October 31, 2016, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $22.0 million for the three months ended October 31, 2015. This decrease in net cash used in investing activities is primarily due to a $15.6 million decrease in "Capital expenditures", partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease in "Proceeds from sale of assets".
 

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The decrease in "Capital expenditures" is a result of our efforts to tightly control costs during this period of high leverage and includes reductions in all areas, including a $7.3 million decrease in Propane and related equipment sales, a $3.1 million decrease Midstream operations - crude oil logistics, and a $5.4 million decrease in Corporate and other.

Due to the mature nature of our Propane and related equipment sales operations segment, we do not anticipate significant fluctuations in maintenance capital expenditures. However, future fluctuations in growth capital expenditures could occur due to the opportunistic nature of these projects.

Due to the relatively new nature of our Midstream operations, we may experience significant fluctuations in maintenance capital expenditures as our facilities age and future fluctuations in growth capital expenditures could occur due to the opportunistic nature of these projects.

Financing Activities

Ferrellgas Partners
 
Net cash used in financing activities was $39.2 million for the three months ended October 31, 2016, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $17.6 million for the three months ended October 31, 2015. This increase in cash flows used in financing activities was primarily due to a $15.9 million repurchase of common units during the current quarter and a $6.1 million decrease in net credit facility and accounts receivable borrowings.

Distributions
 
Ferrellgas Partners paid a $0.5125 per unit quarterly distribution on all common units, as well as the related general partner distributions, totaling $50.3 million during the three months ended October 31, 2016 in connection with the distributions declared for the three month period ended July 31, 2016. The quarterly distribution of $0.10 on all common units and the related general partner distribution for the three months ended October 31, 2016 totaling $9.8 million are expected to be paid on December 15, 2016 to holders of record on December 8, 2016.
     
Secured credit facility

Our leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility. During fiscal 2016 our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility required the operating partnership to maintain a leverage ratio of no more than 5.5x. Our leverage ratio was 5.48x as of July 31, 2016, which equated to headroom of $8.1 million or 0.3%, primarily because of the combination of (1) a $44.8 million unpaid accounts receivable balance due from Jamex at July 31, 2016; (2) the $45.9 million purchase of 2.4 million common units from Jamex in November 2015; (3) a $16.9 million repurchase of 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners' common units from Jamex on September 1, 2016; (4) Midstream operations - crude oil logistics (Bridger) growth capital expenditures of approximately $52.4 million; (5) the warm weather in fiscal 2016 which was 19% warmer than normal and 16% warmer than fiscal 2015, which led to reduced demand for propane; and (6) the decline in our water solutions business. As a result of these factors, and the Jamex settlement discussed above, on September 27, 2016, we entered into a fifth amendment to our secured credit facility and a fourth amendment to our accounts receivable securitization facility pursuant to which our leverage ratio covenant was modified, as follows:

 
 
Maximum leverage ratio
 
Maximum leverage ratio
Date
 
(prior to amendments)
 
(after amendments)
October 31, 2016
 
5.50
 
6.05
January 31, 2017
 
5.50
 
5.95
April 30, 2017
 
5.50
 
5.95
July 31, 2017
 
5.50
 
6.05
October 31, 2017
 
5.50
 
5.95
January 31, 2018
 
5.50
 
5.95
April 30, 2018 & thereafter
 
5.50
 
5.50

As of October 31, 2016 our leverage ratio was 5.81x which equates to headroom of $78.9 million or 4.0%. Because of this

75


leverage ratio requirement we continue to execute on a strategy to reduce our debt. This strategy may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to our leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in our annual distribution, which was reduced during our quarter ended October 31, 2016 from an annualized rate of $2.05 to $0.40 per common unit. We believe that any debt reducing actions taken would likely remain in effect until our leverage ratio reaches 4.5x or a level that we deem appropriate for our business. However, if weather continues to remain unseasonably warm or our debt reduction initiatives are unsuccessful, we believe it is possible our leverage ratio will exceed 5.95x at the end of the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2017.

As of October 31, 2016, we had total borrowings outstanding under our secured credit facility of $415.0 million, of which $318.2 million was classified as long-term debt. Additionally, Ferrellgas had $173.6 million of capacity under our secured credit facility as of October 31, 2016. However, the leverage ratio covenant under this facility limits additional borrowings to $78.9 million as of October 31, 2016.
 
Borrowings outstanding at October 31, 2016 under the secured credit facility had a weighted average interest rate of 4.1%. All borrowings under the secured credit facility bear interest, at our option, at a rate equal to either:

for Base Rate Loans or Swing Line Loans, the Base Rate, which is defined as the higher of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) Bank of America’s prime rate; or (iii) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%; plus a margin varying from 0.75% to 2.50%; or
for Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Eurodollar Rate, which is defined as the LIBOR Rate plus a margin varying from 1.75% to 3.50%.
 
As of October 31, 2016, the federal funds rate and Bank of America’s prime rate were 0.35% and 3.50%, respectively. As of October 31, 2016, the one-month and three-month LIBOR Rates were 0.53% and 0.89%, respectively.
 
In addition, an annual commitment fee is payable at a per annum rate ranging from 0.35% to 0.50% times the actual daily amount by which the secured credit facility exceeds the sum of (i) the outstanding amount of revolving credit loans and (ii) the outstanding amount of letter of credit obligations.
 
The obligations under this secured credit facility are secured by substantially all assets of the operating partnership, the general partner and certain subsidiaries of the operating partnership but specifically excluding (a) assets that are subject to the operating partnership’s accounts receivable securitization facility, (b) the general partner’s equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners and (c) equity interest in certain unrestricted subsidiaries. Such obligations are also guaranteed by the general partner and certain subsidiaries of the operating partnership.
 
Letters of credit outstanding at October 31, 2016 totaled $111.4 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and, to a lesser extent, product purchases. At October 31, 2016, we had remaining letter of credit capacity of $88.6 million.
 
All standby letter of credit commitments under our secured credit facility bear a per annum rate varying from 1.75% to 3.50% (as of October 31, 2016, the rate was 3.00%) times the daily maximum amount available to be drawn under such letter of credit. Letter of credit fees are computed on a quarterly basis in arrears.
 
Accounts receivable securitization
 
Our leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing twelve month EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items), as detailed in our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility. During fiscal 2016 our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility required the operating partnership to maintain a leverage ratio of no more than 5.5x. Our leverage ratio was 5.48x as of July 31, 2016, primarily because of the combination of (1) a $44.8 million unpaid accounts receivable balance due from Jamex at July 31, 2016; (2) the $45.9 million purchase of 2.4 million common units from Jamex in November 2015; (3) a $16.9 million repurchase of 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners' common units from Jamex on September 1, 2016; (4) Midstream operations - crude oil logistics (Bridger) growth capital expenditures of approximately $52.4 million; (5) the warm weather in fiscal 2016 which was 19% warmer than normal and 16% warmer than fiscal 2015, which led to reduced demand for propane; and (6) the decline in our water solutions business. As a result of these factors, and the Jamex settlement discussed above, on September 27, 2016, we entered into a fifth amendment to our secured credit facility and a fourth amendment to our accounts receivable securitization facility pursuant to which our leverage ratio covenant was modified, as follows:


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Maximum leverage ratio
 
Maximum leverage ratio
Date
 
(prior to amendments)
 
(after amendments)
October 31, 2016
 
5.50

 
6.05

January 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

July 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
6.05

October 31, 2017
 
5.50

 
5.95

January 31, 2018
 
5.50

 
5.95

April 30, 2018 & thereafter
 
5.50

 
5.50


As of October 31, 2016 our leverage ratio was 5.81x. Because of this leverage ratio requirement we continue to execute on a strategy to reduce our debt. This strategy may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to our leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in our annual distribution, which was reduced during our quarter ended October 31, 2016 from an annualized rate of $2.05 to $0.40 per common unit. We believe that any debt reducing actions taken would likely remain in effect until our leverage ratio reaches 4.5x or a level that we deem appropriate for our business. However, if weather continues to remain unseasonably warm or our debt reduction initiatives are unsuccessful, we believe it is possible our leverage ratio will exceed 5.95x at the end of the fiscal quarter ending January 31, 2017.

Ferrellgas Receivables is a consolidated subsidiary. Expenses associated with accounts receivable securitization transactions are recorded in “Interest expense” in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, borrowings and repayments associated with these transactions are recorded in “Cash flows from financing activities” in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
Cash flows from our accounts receivable securitization facility increased $12.0 million. We received net funding of $10.0 million from this facility during the three months ended October 31, 2016 as compared to net reductions in funding of $2.0 million from this facility during the three months ended October 31, 2015.
 
Our strategy is to maximize liquidity by utilizing the accounts receivable securitization facility along with borrowings under the secured credit facility. See additional discussion about the secured credit facility in “Financing Activities – Secured credit facility.” Our utilization of the accounts receivable securitization facility is limited by the amount of accounts receivable that we are permitted to securitize according to the facility agreement. As of October 31, 2016, we had received cash proceeds of $74.0 million related to the securitization of our trade accounts receivable, with no remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds. As of October 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 2.7%. As our trade accounts receivable increase during the winter heating season, the securitization facility permits us to receive greater proceeds as eligible trade accounts receivable increases, thereby providing additional cash for working capital needs.

Common unit repurchase

On September 1, 2016, utilizing borrowings under our secured credit facility, Ferrellgas Partners paid approximately $16.9 million to Jamex and in return received 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners' common units, which were cancelled upon receipt, and approximately 23 thousand barrels of crude oil.

We believe that the liquidity available from our cash flow from operating activities, our secured credit facility and related amendment, the accounts receivable securitization facility and related amendment, combined with our other debt reduction initiatives, which may include issuance of equity, issuance of debt not subject to our leverage ratio calculations, asset sales or a further reduction in our annualized distribution will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure, working capital and letter of credit requirements. However, if we were to experience an unexpected significant increase in these requirements, our needs could exceed our immediately available resources. Events that could cause increases in these requirements include, but are not limited to the following:

a significant increase in the wholesale cost of propane;
a significant reduction in the production of crude oil;
a significant delay in the collections of accounts or notes receivable;
increased volatility in energy commodity prices related to risk management activities;
increased liquidity requirements imposed by insurance providers;
a significant downgrade in our credit rating leading to decreased trade credit; or
a large uninsured unfavorable lawsuit settlement.

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If one or more of these or other events caused a significant use of available funding, we may consider alternatives to provide increased liquidity and capital funding. No assurances can be given, however, that such alternatives would be available, or, if available, could be implemented. See a discussion of related risk factors in the section in Item 1A. “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2016 and under Part II, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

The operating partnership
 
The financing activities discussed above also apply to the operating partnership except for the repurchase of common units discussed above, and cash flows related to distributions, as discussed below.
 
Distributions
 
The operating partnership paid cash distributions of $66.7 million and $52.5 million during the three months ended October 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The operating partnership expects to pay cash distributions of $17.7 million on December 15, 2016.

Disclosures about Effects of Transactions with Related Parties
 
We have no employees and are managed and controlled by our general partner. Pursuant to our partnership agreements, our general partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on our behalf, and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to us or otherwise reasonably incurred by our general partner in connection with operating our business. These reimbursable costs, which totaled $64.3 million for the three months ended October 31, 2016, include operating expenses such as compensation and benefits paid to employees of our general partner who perform services on our behalf as well as related general and administrative expenses.

 Related party common unitholder information consisted of the following:

 
 
Common unit ownership at
 
Distributions (in thousands) paid during the three months ended
 
 
October 31, 2016
 
October 31, 2016
Ferrell Companies (1)
 
22,529,361

 
$
11,546

FCI Trading Corp. (2)
 
195,686

 
100

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (3)
 
51,204

 
26

James E. Ferrell (4)
 
4,763,475

 
2,441

 

(1) Ferrell Companies is the owner of the general partner and is an approximate 23% direct owner of Ferrellgas Partners' common units and thus a related party. Ferrell Companies also beneficially owns 195,686 and 51,204 common units of Ferrellgas Partners held by FCI Trading Corp. ("FCI Trading") and Ferrell Propane, Inc. ("Ferrell Propane"), respectively, bringing Ferrell Companies' beneficial ownership to 23.4% at October 31, 2016.
(2) FCI Trading is an affiliate of the general partner and thus a related party.
(3) Ferrell Propane is controlled by the general partner and thus a related party.
(4) James E. Ferrell is the Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the general partner; and is Chairman of the Board of Directors of the general partner and thus a related party. JEF Capital Management owns 4,758,859 of these common units and is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust Two for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary. The remaining 4,616 common units are held by Ferrell Resources Holding, Inc., which is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust One, for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary.

During the three months ended October 31, 2016, Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership together paid the general partner distributions of $1.0 million.

On December 15, 2016, Ferrellgas Partners expects to pay distributions to Ferrell Companies, FCI Trading Corp., Ferrell Propane, Inc., James E. Ferrell (indirectly), and the general partner of $2.3 million, $20 thousand, $5 thousand, $0.5 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.

ITEM 3.     QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

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We did not enter into any risk management trading activities during the three months ended October 31, 2016. Our remaining market risk sensitive instruments and positions have been determined to be “other than trading.”

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

Our risk management strategy involves taking positions in the forward or financial markets that are equal and opposite to our positions in the physical products market in order to minimize the risk of financial loss from an adverse price change. This risk management strategy is successful when our gains or losses in the physical product markets are offset by our losses or gains in the forward or financial markets. Propane related financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.
 
Our risk management activities include the use of financial derivative instruments including, but not limited to, price swaps, options, futures and basis swaps to seek protection from adverse price movements and to minimize potential losses. We enter into these financial derivative instruments directly with third parties in the over-the-counter market and with brokers who are clearing members with the New York Mercantile Exchange. We also enter into forward propane purchase and sales contracts with counterparties. These forward contracts qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception within GAAP guidance and are therefore not recorded on our financial statements until settled.

Our risk management activities also attempt to mitigate price risks related to our crude oil line fill and inventory. We may use financial and commodity based derivative contracts to manage the risks produced by changes in the price of crude oil or to capture market opportunities.

Our risk management strategy involves taking positions in the financial markets that are equal and opposite to the forecasted crude oil line fill and inventory volume in order to minimize the risk of inventory price change. This risk management strategy locks in our sales price and is successful when our gains or losses on line fill or inventory are offset by our losses or gains in the financial markets. Our crude oil financial derivatives are not designated as cash flow hedges.
 
Transportation Fuel Price Risk

Our risk management activities also attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel for use in the transport of propane from retail fueling stations. We attempt to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments.

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

Risk Policy and Sensitivity Analysis

Market risks associated with energy commodities are monitored daily by senior management for compliance with our commodity risk management policy. This policy includes an aggregate dollar loss limit and limits on the term of various contracts. We also utilize volume limits for various energy commodities and review our positions daily where we remain exposed to market risk, so as to manage exposures to changing market prices.
 
We have prepared a sensitivity analysis to estimate the exposure to market risk of our energy commodity positions. Forward contracts, futures, swaps and options outstanding as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, that were used in our risk management activities were analyzed assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse change in prices for the delivery month for all energy commodities. The potential loss in future earnings from these positions due to a 10% adverse movement in market prices of the underlying energy commodities was estimated at $11.8 million and $12.4 million as of October 31, 2016 and July 31, 2016, respectively. The preceding hypothetical analysis is limited because changes in prices may or may not equal 10%, thus actual results may differ. Our sensitivity analysis does not include the anticipated transactions associated with these transactions, which we anticipate will be 100% effective.
 

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

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

At October 31, 2016, we had receivables from Jamex Marketing, LLC, a crude oil marketing company, totaling $48.1 million. On September 1, 2016, we entered into a group of agreements with Jamex which, among other things, Jamex agreed to execute and deliver a secured promissory note ("Jamex Secured Promissory Note") in favor of Bridger in satisfaction of all obligations owed to Bridger under the Jamex TLA, including the $48.1 million owed to us on October 31, 2016. The Jamex Secured Promissory Note is guaranteed pursuant to a guaranty agreement, jointly by James Ballengee and Bacchus (up to a maximum aggregate amount of $20.0 million), and fully guaranteed by the other Jamex entities. The obligations of Jamex and the other Jamex entities are secured by a lien on certain of those entities’ assets, including Ferrellgas common units, other actively traded marketable securities and cash, which are to be held in a controlled account that can be seized by us in the event of default.
 
Interest rate risk

At October 31, 2016, we had $489.0 million in variable rate secured credit facility and collateralized note payable borrowings. We also have an interest rate swap that hedges a portion of the interest rate risk associated with these variable rate borrowings, as discussed in the table below. Thus, assuming a one percent increase in our variable interest rate, our interest rate risk related to these borrowings would result in a reduction to future earnings of $3.3 million for the twelve months ending October 31, 2017. The preceding hypothetical analysis is limited because changes in interest rates may or may not equal one percent, thus actual results may differ. We manage a portion of our interest rate exposure by utilizing interest rate swaps. To the extent that we have debt with variable interest rates that is not hedged, our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by significant increases in interest rates.

We also manage a portion of our interest rate exposure associated with our fixed rate debt by utilizing an interest rate swap. A hypothetical one percent change in interest rates would result in a reduction to future earnings of $1.4 million for the twelve months ending October 31, 2017.

As discussed above, the following interest rate swaps are outstanding as of October 31, 2016, and are all designated as hedges for accounting purposes:
Term
 
Notional Amount(s) (in thousands)
 
Type
May 2021
 
$140,000
 
Pay a floating rate and receive a fixed rate of 6.50%
Aug 2018
 
$175,000 and decreasing to $100,000 in August 2017
 
Pay a fixed rate of 1.95% and receive a floating rate
 

ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
An evaluation was performed by the management of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, were effective.
 
The management of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Based on the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the above mentioned partnerships and corporations have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Therefore, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide such reasonable assurances of achieving our desired control objectives, and the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner have concluded, as of October 31, 2016, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in achieving that level of reasonable assurance.
 

80


During the most recent fiscal quarter ended October 31, 2016, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or Rule 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


81



PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
Our operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing, transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of combustible liquids such as propane and crude oil. As a result, at any given time, we can be threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than as discussed below, we are not a party to any legal proceedings other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, management is of the opinion that there are no known claims or contingent claims that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
 
We have been named as a defendant, along with a competitor, in putative class action lawsuits filed in multiple jurisdictions. The lawsuits allege that we and a competitor coordinated in 2008 to reduce the fill level in barbeque cylinders and combined to persuade a common customer to accept that fill reduction, resulting in increased cylinder costs to direct customers and end-user customers in violation of federal and certain state antitrust laws. The lawsuits seek treble damages, attorneys’ fees, injunctive relief and costs on behalf of the putative class. These lawsuits have been consolidated into one case by a multidistrict litigation panel.  The Court has dismissed all claims brought by direct and indirect customers other than state law claims of indirect customers under Wisconsin, Maine and Vermont law. The direct customer plaintiffs have filed an appeal, which is pending. We believe we have strong defenses to the claims and intend to vigorously defend against the consolidated case. We do not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.
 
In addition, putative class action cases have been filed in California relating to residual propane remaining in the tank after use.  We have prevailed at the trial court on a motion to dismiss those claims.  It is uncertain whether plaintiffs will appeal; we intend to vigorously defend any such appeal.  We do not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuit.

We have been named, along with several current and former officers, in several class action lawsuits alleging violations of certain securities laws based on alleged materially false and misleading statements in certain of our public disclosures. The lawsuits, the first of which was filed on October 6, 2016 in the Southern District of New York, seek unspecified compensatory damages. A derivative lawsuit with similar allegations has been filed in state court in Missouri naming Ferrellgas and several current and former officers and directors as defendants. We believe that we have defenses and will vigorously defend these cases. We do not believe loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to the putative class action lawsuits or the derivative action.

On October 21, 2016, Julio E. Rios II, an Executive Vice President of the general partner and the President and Chief Executive Officer of Bridger Logistics, LLC, and Jeremy H. Gamboa, also an Executive Vice President of the general partner and the Chief Operating Officer of Bridger Logistics, LLC both delivered notice of "good reason" for resignation to the general partner pursuant to their employment agreements alleging that the general partner had materially diminished their responsibilities and stating their intention to resign as a result if such purported material diminution is not cured within 30 days. 

On November 28, 2016, Mr. Rios and Mr. Gamboa each resigned from their positions, purportedly for "good reason" pursuant to their employment agreements.  Each has indicated that they intend to make a claim for severance.  The general partner denies that Mr. Rios and Mr. Gamboa had "good reason" to resign and has other defenses to their claims for severance. We do not believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time related to this matter.

ITEM 1A.    RISK FACTORS
 
Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes from the risk factors set forth under Part I, Item 1A. "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal 2016.

We may have difficulty maintaining compliance with the financial covenants, which include a maximum leverage ratio, in our secured credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility. If weather continues to remain unseasonably warm or our debt reduction initiatives are unsuccessful we may be forced to seek an additional waiver or amendment to the secured credit facility and accounts receivables securitization facility. If we were unsuccessful in obtaining these waivers or amendments it could result in a default and potentially an acceleration of our existing indebtedness.

Our secured credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility contain financial covenants, including a maximum leverage ratio. Our ability to comply with the maximum leverage ratio will be affected by events and circumstances beyond our control, including unseasonably warm weather that reduces demand for propane and sustained low commodity prices, and our ability to execute on our debt reduction initiatives.
If we are unable to comply with any of the financial covenants, including the maximum leverage ratio, we will be required to negotiate a waiver or amendment to the covenant. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain a waiver or amendment of covenant breaches if needed.
Our inability to comply with any of the covenants under our secured credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility, in the absence of a waiver or amendment, will result in a default under both facilities. A default under the facilities, if not cured or waived, could result in an event of default that would permit the acceleration of all of our indebtedness under the facilities. The accelerated debt would become immediately due and payable, which would in turn trigger cross-acceleration under our other debt. If the payment of our debt is accelerated, our assets may be insufficient to repay such debt in full and we may be unable to borrow sufficient funds to refinance our debt, in which case our unitholders could experience a partial or total loss of their investment.
You will be required to pay taxes on your share of our income even if you do not receive cash distributions from us.
You will be required to pay any federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local income taxes on your share of our taxable income, including our taxable income associated with a disposition of property or cancellation of debt, whether or not you receive cash distributions from us. You may not receive cash distributions from us equal to your share of our taxable income or even equal to the actual tax liability which results from that income.
As part of our debt reduction initiatives, we may engage in transactions that could have significant adverse tax consequences to our unitholders. For example, we may sell some of our assets and use the proceeds to pay down debt or fund capital expenditures rather than distributing the proceeds to our unitholders, and some or all of our unitholders may be allocated substantial taxable income and gain resulting from the sale without receiving a cash distribution. We may also engage in transactions to reduce our existing debt, such as debt exchanges, debt repurchases, or modifications of our existing debt, that could result in cancellation of indebtedness income (COD income) being allocated to our unitholders as taxable income. Any COD income may cause a unitholder to be allocated income with respect to our units with no corresponding distribution of cash to fund the payment of the resulting tax liability to the unitholder.
The ultimate effect of any such allocations will depend on the unitholder's individual tax position with respect to its units. Unitholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors with respect to the consequences to them of this income.


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

82


On September 1, 2016 Ferrellgas Partners, L.P repurchased approximately 0.9 million common units from Jamex Marketing, LLC, funded by approximately $15.9 million in proceeds from the secured credit facility.

Period
Total Number of Units Purchased
Average Price Paid per Unit
Total Number of Units Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number (or Dollar Value) of Units that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
August 1 - August 31, 2016




September 1 - September 30, 2016
850,000

$
18.65



October 1 - October 31, 2016




.

ITEM 3.     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.
 
ITEM 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 5.     OTHER INFORMATION
None.


83


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
 
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated May 29, 2015, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Bridger, L.L.C. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 1, 2015.

 
 
3.1
 
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.
 
 
3.2
 
Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of February 18, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 
 
3.3
 
First Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of March 8, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 
 
3.4
 
Second Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of June 29, 2005. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 
 
3.5
 
Third Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of October 11, 2006. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

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

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

 
 
3.8
 
Certificate of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.
 
 
3.9
 
Third Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P. dated as of April 7, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 
 
3.10
 
Certificate of Incorporation of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. filed with the Delaware Division of Corporations on January 16, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 
 
3.11
 
Bylaws of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. adopted as of January 16, 2003. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009. 

 
 
4.1
 
Specimen Certificate evidencing Common Units representing Limited Partner Interests. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Exhibit 3.1 to our registration statement on Form S-3 filed March 6, 2009.

 
 
4.2
 
Indenture dated as of November 4, 2013 with form of Note attached, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $475 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 5, 2013.
 
 
4.3
 
Indenture dated as of April 13, 2010, among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $280 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2010.
 
 
4.4
 
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 13, 2010, with form of Note attached, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $280 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 8 5/8% Senior Notes due 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2010.
 
 
4.5
 
Indenture dated as of November 24, 2010, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $500 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 6 1/2% Senior Notes due 2021. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 30, 2010.
 
 
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 4.6 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.
 
 
4.7
 
First Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 14, 2000, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Williams Natural Gas Liquids, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.

E-1


 
 
4.8
 
Second Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 6, 2001, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and The Williams Companies, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.
 
 
4.9
 
Third Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of June 29, 2005, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and JEF Capital Management, Inc. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 9, 2010.
 
 
4.10
 
Indenture, dated June 8, 2015, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Finance Corp. the subsidiary guarantors party thereto, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, relating to $500 million aggregate amount of the Registrant’s 6 3/4% Senior Notes due 2023. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 8, 2015.
 
 
4.11
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 8, 2015, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and J.P. Morgan Securities L.L.C., as representative of the several initial purchasers. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 8, 2015
 
 
4.12
 
Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 24, 2015 among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Jamex Marketing, LLC, Rios Holdings, Inc. and Gamboa Enterprises, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 24, 2015.
 
 
10.1
 
Credit Agreement dated as of November 2, 2009, among Ferrellgas, L.P. as the borrower, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the general partner of the borrower, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and the lenders party hereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.
 
 
10.2
 
Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement dated as of September 23, 2011, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P. as the borrower, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the general partner of the borrower, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and the lenders party hereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 26, 2011.
 
 
10.3
 
Amendment No. 2 to Credit Agreement dated as of October 21, 2013, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P. as the borrower, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the general partner of the borrower, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and the lenders party hereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed October 23, 2013.
 
 
10.4
 
Amendment No. 3 to Credit Agreement dated as of June 6, 2014, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P. as the borrower, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the general partner of the borrower, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and the lenders party hereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2014.
 
 
10.5
 
Amendment No. 4 to Credit Agreement and Amendment No. 2 to Security Agreement, dated as of May 29, 2015, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P. as the borrower, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the general partner of the borrower, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and the lenders party hereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 9, 2015.
 
 
10.6
 
Amended and Restated Receivable Sale Agreement dated as of January 19, 2012, between Ferrellgas, L.P. and Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, Inc., as originators, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as buyer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 20, 2012.
 
 
10.7
 
Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of January 19, 2012, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 20, 2012.
 
 
10.8
 
First Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 30, 2012, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 8, 2012.
 
 
10.9
 
Second Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of April 1, 2014, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 4, 2014.
 
 
10.10
 
Third Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of July 27, 2016, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 27, 2016.
 
#
10.11
 
Ferrell Companies, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2010.
 
#
10.12
 
Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective October 11, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.
 
#
10.13
 
Amendment to Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of March 7, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 9, 2010.
 
#
10.14
 
Employment, Confidentiality, and Noncompete Agreement dated as of July 17, 1998 by and among Ferrell Companies, Inc. as the company, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company, James E. Ferrell as the executive and LaSalle National Bank as trustee of the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.
 
#
10.15
 
Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2009 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Stephen L. Wambold as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.
 
#
10.16
 
Employment Agreement dated as of August 10, 2009 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Tod Brown as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.

E-2


 
#
10.17
 
Employment Agreement dated as of September 25, 2013 by and between Ferrell Companies, Inc. as the company and Boyd H. McGathey as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 26, 2013.
 
#
10.18
 
ISDA 2002 Master Agreement and Schedule to the 2002 ISDA Master Agreement both dated as of May 3, 2012 together with three Confirmation of Swap Transaction documents each dated as of May 8, 2012, all between SunTrust Bank and Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 8, 2012.
 
#
10.19
 
Form of Director/Officer Indemnification Agreement, by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. and each director and executive officer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 9, 2012.
 
#
10.20
 
Membership interest purchase agreement dated May 1, 2014, among Ferrellgas, L.P. and the former members of Sable Environmental LLC and Sable SWD 2 LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 1, 2014.
 
#
10.21
 
Ferrell Companies, Inc. 2015 Deferred Appreciation Rights Plan, dated as of July 31, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.
 
#
10.22
 
Employment agreement dated July 10, 2015 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Alan C. Heitmann as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 15, 2015.
 
 
10.23
 
Employment agreement dated as of May 29, 2015 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Julio E. Rios, II as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.
 
#
10.24
 
Employment agreement dated as of May 29, 2015 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Jeremy H. Gamboa as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.
 
#
10.25
 
Employment agreement dated as of May 28, 2015 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company and Thomas M. Van Buren as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.
 
+
10.26
 
Transportation Logistics Agreement, dated May 29, 2015, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Bridger, L.L.C. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.
 
 
10.27
 
Termination, Settlement and Release Agreement dated September 1, 2016, by and between Jamex, LLC, Jamex Marketing, LLC, Jamex Unitholder, LLC, and, together with Jamex and Jamex Parent, and James Ballengee, on the one hand, and Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2016.

 
#
10.28
 
Agreement and Release dated as of October 21, 2015 by and between Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P. and Boyd H. McGathey as the executive. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2016.
 
 
10.29
 
Common Unit Repurchase Agreement, dated as of November 13, 2015, by and between Jamex Marketing, LLC and Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 13, 2015.
 
 
10.30
 
Secured Promissory Note dated September 1, 2016 between Jamex Marketing, LLC and Bridger Logistics, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2016.

 
 
10.31
 
Secured Revolving Promissory Note dated September 1, 2016 between Jamex Marketing, LLC and Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2016.

 
 
10.32
 
Guaranty Agreement dated September 1, 2016 by James Ballengee and Bacchus Capital Trading, LLC in favor of Bridger Logistics, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2016.

 
 
10.33
 
Guaranty Agreement (Term Note) dated September 1, 2016 by the Guarantors party thereto in favor of Bridger Logistics, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2016.

 
 
10.34
 
Guaranty Agreement (Working Capital Note) dated September 1, 2016 by the Guarantors party thereto in favor of Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2016.
 
 
10.35
 
Security Agreement dated September 1, 2016 by the Grantors party thereto in favor of Ferrellgas, L.P. as collateral agent for itself and for the benefit of Bridger Logistics, LLC. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 2, 2016.
 
 
10.36
 
Agreement and release dated September 27, 2016 by and between Stephen L. Wambold and Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 28, 2016.
 
 
10.37
 
Amendment No. 5 to Credit Agreement dated as of September 27, 2016, by and among Ferrellgas, L.P. as the borrower, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the general partner of the borrower, Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and the lenders party hereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 28, 2016.
 
 
10.38
 
Fourth Amendment to Receivables Purchase Agreement dated as of September 27, 2016, among Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, as seller, Ferrellgas, L.P., as servicer, the purchasers from time to time party hereto, Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank, as co-agents, and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as administrative agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 28, 2016.
*
 
31.1
 
Certification of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

*
 
31.2
 
Certification of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

*
 
31.3
 
Certification of Ferrellgas, L.P. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

*
 
31.4
 
Certification of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

*
 
32.1
 
Certification of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

*
 
32.2
 
Certification of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.


E-3


*
 
32.3
 
Certification of Ferrellgas, L.P. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

*
 
32.4
 
Certification of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

*
 
101.INS
 
XBRL Instance Document.
*
 
101.SCH
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
*
 
101.CAL
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
*
 
101.DEF
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
*
 
101.LAB
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
*
 
101.PRE
 
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*
 
Filed herewith
 
 
#
 
Management contracts or compensatory plans. 
 
 
@
 
Exhibits and Schedules have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. A list of these Exhibits and Schedules is included in the index of each Purchase and Sale Agreement. Ferrellgas agrees to furnish a supplemental copy of any such omitted Exhibit or Schedule to the SEC upon request.
 
 
+
 
Confidential treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of this exhibit. Omitted portions have been filed separately with the SEC.


E-4


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:
December 9, 2016
By
/s/ Alan C. Heitmann
 
 
 
Alan C. Heitmann
 
 
 
Executive Vice President; Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
 
 
 
 
Date:
December 9, 2016
By
/s/ Alan C. Heitmann
 
 
 
Alan C. Heitmann
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FERRELLGAS, L.P.
 
 
By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)
 
 
 
 
Date:
December 9, 2016
By
/s/ Alan C. Heitmann
 
 
 
Alan C. Heitmann
 
 
 
Executive Vice President; Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.
 
 
 
 
Date:
December 9, 2016
By
/s/ Alan C. Heitmann
 
 
 
Alan C. Heitmann
 
 
 
Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director


E-5