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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
6 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Note 2 — Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Our condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of UGI and its controlled subsidiary companies which, except for the Partnership, are majority owned. We report the public’s limited partner interests in the Partnership, and outside ownership interests in other consolidated but less than 100%-owned subsidiaries, as noncontrolling interests. We eliminate intercompany accounts and transactions when we consolidate. Entities in which we do not have control but have significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for by the equity method. Investments in business entities that are not publicly traded and in which we hold less than 20% of voting rights are accounted for using the cost method. Undivided interests in natural gas production assets and an electricity generation facility are consolidated on a proportionate basis.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements are unaudited and have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). They include all adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented. Such adjustments consisted only of normal recurring items unless otherwise disclosed. The September 30, 2014, condensed consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s 2014 Annual Report. Due to the seasonal nature of our businesses, the results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.

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.
 
Shares used in computing basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
Six Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
2015
 
2014
 
2015
 
2014
Denominator (thousands of shares):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Average common shares outstanding for basic computation
 
173,154

 
172,760

 
173,055

 
172,494

Incremental shares issuable for stock options and awards
 
2,474

 
2,361

 
2,660

 
2,295

Average common shares outstanding for diluted computation
 
175,628

 
175,121

 
175,715

 
174,789



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”) exception 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. Substantially all 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 12.

Reclassifications. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation.

Consolidated Effective Income Tax Rate. UGI’s consolidated effective income tax rate, defined as total income tax (expense) or benefit as a percentage of income (loss) before income taxes, includes amounts associated with noncontrolling interests in the Partnership, which principally comprises AmeriGas Partners and AmeriGas OLP.  AmeriGas Partners and AmeriGas OLP are not directly subject to federal income taxes. As a result, UGI’s consolidated effective income tax rate is affected by the amount of income (loss) before income taxes attributable to noncontrolling interests in the Partnership not subject to income taxes.

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.