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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Derivatives Instruments
Derivative Instruments. Derivative instruments are reported in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair values, unless the derivative instruments qualify for the normal purchase and normal sale (“NPNS”) exemption under GAAP. The accounting for changes in fair value depends upon the purpose of the derivative instrument and whether it is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting.

Certain of our derivative instruments are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges or net investment hedges. For cash flow hedges, changes in the fair values of the derivative instruments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) or noncontrolling interests, to the extent effective at offsetting changes in the hedged item, until earnings are affected by the hedged item. We discontinue cash flow hedge accounting if the forecasted transaction is determined to be no longer probable. Gains and losses on net investment hedges which relate to our foreign operations are included in AOCI until such foreign net investment is sold or liquidated. Unrealized gains and losses on certain commodity derivative instruments used by Gas Utility and Electric Utility are included in regulatory assets or liabilities because it is probable such gains or losses will be recoverable from, or refundable to, customers.

Effective October 1, 2014, UGI International determined that on a prospective basis it would not elect cash flow hedge accounting for its commodity derivative transactions and also de-designated its then-existing commodity derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges. Also effective October 1, 2014, AmeriGas Propane de-designated its remaining commodity derivative instruments accounted for as cash flow hedges. Previously, AmeriGas Propane had discontinued cash flow hedge accounting for all commodity derivative instruments entered into beginning April 1, 2014. Midstream & Marketing has not applied cash flow hedge accounting for its commodity derivative instruments during any of the periods presented. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivative instruments are recorded in cost of sales or revenues. For additional information on our derivative instruments, see Note 11.
Earnings Per Common Share
Earnings Per Common Share. Basic earnings per share attributable to UGI Corporation shareholders reflect the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share attributable to UGI Corporation include the effects of dilutive stock options and common stock awards.
Use of Estimates
Use of Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and costs. These estimates are based on management’s knowledge of current events, historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Accordingly, actual results may be different from these estimates and assumptions.