As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 10, 2017
Registration No. 333-
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
(Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)
Delaware |
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5900 |
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43-1698480 |
Delaware |
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5900 |
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43-1742520 |
(State or other jurisdictions of |
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(Primary Standard Industrial |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
7500 College Boulevard, Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas 66210
(913) 661-1500
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the registrants principal executive offices)
Alan C. Heitmann
Executive Vice President; Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer
Ferrellgas, Inc.
7500 College Boulevard, Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas 66210
(913) 661-1500
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of the registrants agent for service)
Copies to:
Charles H. Still, Jr.
Bracewell LLP
711 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300
Houston, Texas 77002
Telephone: (713) 221-3309
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale of the securities to the public:
As soon as practicable following the effectiveness of this registration statement.
If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box. o
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrants are a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
Large accelerated filer x |
Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer o |
Smaller reporting company o |
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.
Large accelerated filer o |
Accelerated filer o |
Non-accelerated filer x |
Smaller reporting company o |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. o
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
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Title of each class of securities |
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Amount to be |
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Proposed maximum |
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Proposed maximum aggregate |
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Amount of |
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85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 |
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$175,000,000 |
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100% |
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$175,000,000 |
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$20,282.50 |
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(1) Calculated pursuant to Rule 457(f) under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SUCH SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 10, 2017
PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
$175,000,000 of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020
that have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
for
$175,000,000 of outstanding 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020
that have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 PM, NEW YORK
CITY TIME, ON , 2017, UNLESS WE EXTEND THE OFFER
· We are offering, on the terms and conditions set forth in this prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal, to exchange $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our registered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020, which we refer to as the exchange notes, for all $175,000,000 outstanding aggregate principal amount of our unregistered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 originally issued on January 30, 2017, which we refer to as the unregistered notes.
· We will accept for exchange all outstanding unregistered notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.
· You may withdraw tenders of unregistered notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.
· The terms of the exchange notes will be identical in all material respects to those of the outstanding unregistered notes, except that the transfer restrictions, registration rights or provisions for additional interest applicable to the unregistered notes do not apply to the exchange notes.
· The exchange of unregistered notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will not be a taxable exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Because the unregistered notes were issued with original issue discount (OID) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the exchange notes will be treated as having been issued with OID.
· We will not receive any cash proceeds from the exchange offer.
· There is no established trading market for the exchange notes. We do not intend to apply for listing of the exchange notes on any securities exchange or quotation of the exchange notes on any quotation system.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for unregistered notes where such unregistered notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making or other trading activities. Please note that this prospectus may not meet the requirements of the SEC for a resale prospectus for all purposes and may require additional information. See The Exchange OfferResales of Exchanges Notes. We have agreed that, for a period ending on the earlier of 180 days after the date of this prospectus and the date on which a broker-dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See Plan of Distribution.
See Risk Factors beginning on page 20 of this prospectus for a discussion of risks you should consider before determining whether to tender your unregistered notes in the exchange offer.
Neither the SEC nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2017.
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YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY READ THIS PROSPECTUS AND THE DOCUMENTS WE HAVE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE AS DESCRIBED UNDER THE SECTION ENTITLED INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE. WE ARE NOT MAKING AN OFFER OF THESE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH OFFER OR SALE IS NOT PERMITTED.
You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus and the documents we have incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information provided by this prospectus or the documents we have incorporated by reference is accurate as of any date other than the date of the respective document.
THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION ABOUT US THAT HAS NOT BEEN INCLUDED IN OR DELIVERED WITH THIS PROSPECTUS. WE WILL PROVIDE WITHOUT CHARGE TO EACH PERSON TO WHOM THIS PROSPECTUS IS DELIVERED, UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST, A COPY OF ANY SUCH INFORMATION. REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO: FERRELLGAS, INC., INVESTOR RELATIONS, 7500 COLLEGE BOULEVARD, SUITE 1000, OVERLAND PARK, KANSAS 66210; TELEPHONE NUMBER: 913-661-1500. TO OBTAIN TIMELY DELIVERY, YOU MUST REQUEST THIS INFORMATION NO LATER THAN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS BEFORE THE EXPIRATION DATE OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
This prospectus and the documents we have incorporated by reference in this prospectus include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified as any statement that does not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements often use words such as anticipate, believe, intend, plan, projection, forecast, strategy, position, continue, estimate, expect, may, will, or the negative of those terms or other variations of them or comparable terminology. These statements often discuss plans, strategies, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future and are based upon the beliefs and assumptions of our management and on the information currently available to them. In particular, statements, express or implied, concerning our future operating results or our ability to generate sales, income or cash flow are forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statement. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will affect our future results are beyond our ability to control or predict.
Some of our forward-looking statements include the following:
· that we will continue to have sufficient funds to meet our obligations, including any obligations under the unregistered notes and the exchange notes;
· that we will continue to meet all of the quarterly financial tests required by the agreements governing our indebtedness;
· 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 we intend to or will be successful in reducing our debt and cash deficiencies;
· 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 our accounts receivable securitization facility; and
· the discussion of future effects of certain factors as described under SummaryRecent DevelopmentsFactors Affecting the Nine Months Ended April 30, 2017.
For a more detailed description of these particular forward-looking statements and for other factors that may affect any forward-looking statements, see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended October 31, 2016, January 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See Incorporation of Documents by Reference.
When considering any forward-looking statement, you should also keep in mind the risk factors described under the section entitled Risk Factors in this prospectus, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended October 31, 2016, January 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017. Any of these risks could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by forward-looking statements and could impair our business, financial condition or results of operation. Any such impairment may affect our ability to make distributions or pay interest on the principal of any of our debt securities, including the unregistered notes and the exchange notes. In addition, the trading price, if any, of our securities could decline as a result of any such impairment.
Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or risk factors after the date of this prospectus.
This summary may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. You should read this summary together with this entire prospectus and the information we have incorporated by reference to understand fully the terms of the exchange notes being offered hereunder, as well as the tax and other considerations that are important to you in making your investment decision. You should pay special attention to the risk factors described under Risk Factors in this prospectus, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended October 31, 2016, January 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017 to determine whether an investment in the exchange notes is appropriate for you. See Where You Can Find More Information in this prospectus.
For purposes of this prospectus, unless otherwise noted or the context otherwise requires:
· we, us, our, ours and our company refer to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas, L.P., its operating partnership;
· Ferrellgas Partners refers to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.;
· operating partnership refers to Ferrellgas, L.P., together with its consolidated subsidiaries; and
· general partner refers to Ferrellgas, Inc., as general partner of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership.
Our Company
Ferrellgas Partners is a Delaware limited partnership primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales and midstream operations, including crude oil logistics. We serve propane customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and provide midstream services to major energy companies in the United States.
Our Business
Propane Operations 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. Sales from propane distribution are generated principally from transporting propane purchased from third parties to propane distribution locations and then to tanks on customers premises or to portable propane tanks delivered to nationwide and local retailers. Sales from portable tank exchanges, nationally branded under the name Blue Rhino, are generated through a network of independent and partnership-owned distribution outlets. Our market areas for our residential and agricultural customers are generally rural while our market areas for our industrial/commercial and portable tank exchange customers are generally urban.
In the residential and industrial/commercial markets, propane is primarily used for space heating, water heating, cooking and other propane fueled appliances. In the portable tank exchange market, propane is used primarily for outdoor cooking using gas grills. In the agricultural market, propane is primarily used for crop drying, space heating, irrigation and weed control. In addition, propane is used for a variety of industrial applications, including as an engine fuel burned in the internal combustion engines of vehicles and forklifts and as a heating or energy source in manufacturing and drying processes.
A substantial majority of our gross margin from propane and other gas liquids sales is derived from the distribution and sale of propane and related risk management activities. Our gross margin from the retail distribution of propane is primarily based on the cents-per-gallon difference between the sales price we charge our customers and our costs to purchase and deliver propane to our propane distribution locations.
The distribution of propane to residential customers generally involves large numbers of small volume deliveries. Our retail deliveries of propane are typically transported from our retail propane distribution locations to our customers by our fleet of bulk delivery trucks, which are generally fitted with tanks ranging in size from 2,600 to 3,500 gallons. Propane storage tanks located on our customers premises are then filled from these bulk delivery trucks. We also deliver propane to our industrial/ commercial and portable tank exchange customers using our fleet of portable tank and portable tank exchange delivery trucks, truck tractors and portable tank exchange delivery trailers.
Our residential customers and portable tank exchange customers typically provide us a greater cents-per-gallon margin than our industrial/commercial, agricultural, wholesale and other customers. We track Propane sales volumes, RevenuesPropane and other gas liquids sales and Gross Margin Propane and other gas liquids sales by customer; however, we are not able to specifically allocate operating and other costs by customer in a manner that would determine their specific profitability with a high degree of accuracy. The wholesale propane price per gallon is subject to various market conditions, including inflation, and may fluctuate based on changes in demand, supply and other energy commodity prices, primarily crude oil and natural gas, as propane prices tend to correlate with the fluctuations of these underlying commodities.
As of July 31, 2016, approximately 51% of our residential customers rent their tanks from us. Our rental terms and the fire safety regulations in some states require rented bulk tanks to be filled only by the propane supplier owning the tank. The cost and inconvenience of switching bulk tanks helps minimize a customers tendency to switch suppliers of propane on the basis of minor variations in price, helping us minimize customer loss.
In addition, we lease tanks to some of our independent distributors involved with our delivery of propane for portable tank exchanges. Our owned and independent distributors provide portable tank exchange customers with a national delivery presence that is generally not available from most of our competitors.
In our past three fiscal years, our total annual propane sales volumes in gallons were:
Fiscal year ended |
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Propane Sales |
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July 31, 2016 |
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779 |
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July 31, 2015 |
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879 |
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July 31, 2014 |
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947 |
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We utilize marketing programs targeting both new and existing customers by emphasizing:
· our efficiency in delivering propane to customers;
· our employee training and safety programs;
· our enhanced customer service, facilitated by our technology platform and our 24 hours a day, seven days a week emergency retail customer call support capabilities; and
· our national distributor network for our commercial and portable tank exchange customers.
Some of our propane distribution locations also conduct the retail sale of propane appliances and related parts and fittings, as well as other retail propane related services and consumer products. We also sell gas grills, grilling tools and accessories, patio heaters, fireplace and garden accessories, mosquito traps and other outdoor products through Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, Inc.
Our other activities in our propane and related equipment and supplies sales segment include the following:
· the sale of refined fuels, and
· common carrier services.
Effect of Weather and Seasonality
Weather conditions have a significant impact on demand for propane for heating purposes 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 in the winter heating season will tend to result in reduced propane usage, while sustained colder-than-normal temperatures in the winter heating season 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 also significantly impact 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.
The market for propane is seasonal because of increased demand during the winter heating season primarily for the purpose of providing heating in residential and commercial buildings. Consequently, sales and operating profits are concentrated in our second and third fiscal quarters, which are during the winter heating season. However, our propane by portable tank exchange business experiences higher volumes in the spring and summer, which include the majority of the grilling season. These volumes add to our operating profits during our first and fourth fiscal quarters due to those counter-seasonal business activities. These sales also provide us the ability to better utilize our seasonal resources at our propane distribution locations. Other factors affecting our results of operations include competitive conditions, volatility in energy commodity prices, demand for propane, timing of acquisitions and general economic conditions in 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.
We believe that our broad geographic distribution helps us reduce exposure to regional weather and economic patterns. During times of colder-than-normal winter weather, we have been able to take advantage of our large, efficient distribution network to avoid supply disruptions, thereby providing us a competitive advantage in the markets we serve.
Risk Management ActivitiesCommodity Price Risk
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 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. Our propane related financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.
Our risk management activities may include the use of financial derivative instruments including, but not limited to, swaps, options, and futures 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 and are therefore not recorded on our financial statements until settled.
Through our supply procurement activities, we purchase propane primarily from energy companies. Supplies of propane from these sources have traditionally been readily available, although no assurance can be given that they will be readily available in the future. We may purchase and store inventories of propane to avoid delivery interruptions during the periods of increased demand and to take advantage of favorable commodity prices. As a result of our ability to buy large volumes of propane and utilize our national distribution system, we believe we are in a position to achieve product cost savings and avoid shortages during periods of tight supply to an extent not generally available to other propane distributors. During fiscal 2016, seven suppliers accounted for approximately
73% of our total propane purchases. Because there are numerous alternative suppliers available, we do not believe it is reasonably possible that this supplier concentration could cause a near-term severe impact on our ability to procure propane, though propane prices could be affected; however, if supplies were interrupted or difficulties in obtaining alternative transportation were to arise, the cost of procuring replacement supplies may materially increase. These transactions are accounted for at cost in Cost of product soldpropane and other gas liquids sales in our consolidated statement of earnings.
A portion of our propane inventory is purchased under supply contracts that typically have a one-year term and a price that fluctuates based on spot market prices. In order to limit overall price risk, we will enter into fixed price over-the-counter propane forward and/or swap contracts that generally have terms of less than 36 months. We may also use options to hedge a portion of our forecasted purchases, which generally do not exceed 36 months in the future.
We also incur risks related to the price and availability of propane during periods of much colder-than-normal weather, temporary supply shortages concentrated in certain geographic regions and commodity price distortions between geographic regions. We attempt to mitigate these risks through our transportation activities by utilizing our transport truck and railroad tank car fleet to distribute propane between supply or storage locations and propane distribution locations. The propane we sell to our customers is generally transported from gas processing plants and refineries, pipeline terminals and storage facilities to propane distribution locations or storage facilities by our leased railroad tank cars, our owned or leased highway transport trucks, common carrier, or owner-operated transport trucks.
Risk Management ActivitiesTransportation Fuel Price Risk
We employ risk management activities that attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel for use in the transport of propane from supply or storage locations and 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 both the supply and retail 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.
Midstream Operations
Our midstream operations include crude oil logistics, which we operate under the Bridger Logistics tradename (Bridger) and water solutions operations (Bridger Environmental). Bridger primarily provides domestic crude oil transportation and logistics services with an integrated portfolio of midstream assets connecting crude oil production in prolific basins in the U.S. to downstream markets. Bridgers truck, pipeline terminal, pipeline, rail and maritime assets form a comprehensive, fee-for-service business model, and substantially all of its cash flow is generated from fee-based commercial agreements.
Bridgers fee-based business model generates income by providing crude oil transportation and logistics services on behalf of producers and end-users of crude oil with end markets across North America including a presence in all major domestic crude oil basins. The first link in Bridgers integrated value chain is its truck transportation operations. Bridger charges producers and first purchasers of crude oil fees per barrel to transport crude from the wellhead to takeaway outlets, which provide connectivity to end markets and generate additional fee-for-service income. Bridger also owns or controls a number of assets connecting trucked crude volumes to downstream takeaway infrastructure, including pipeline injection terminals, crude storage, rail loading and unloading facilities, new build railcars, maritime assets and pipelines.
Bridger also engages in the marketing of physical crude oil in the major production basins of the United States. Bridger purchases this crude oil from producers and transports it using a mix of its truck transportation and rail assets as well as terminal and pipeline contracts to the sale point with its customers.
Bridgers customers include crude oil producers, refiners and marketers. Generally, Bridger seeks to enter into long-term contracts to provide logistics services; however, contracts for the transportation of crude oil by truck tend to be terminable on 30 days notice.
Bridger Environmental generates revenues from treatment and disposal of salt water generated from crude oil production operations at its salt water disposal wells and from the sale of recovered crude oil from the skimming oil process.
Risk Management ActivitiesCrude Oil Price Risk
Our risk management activities 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.
Business Strategy
Propane Operations and Related Equipment Sales
Our business strategy for our propane and related equipment sales business is to:
· Expand our operations through internal growth, as accretive opportunities become available;
· Capitalize on our national presence and economies of scale; and
· Maximize operating efficiencies through utilization of our technology platform.
Expand our operations through internal growth, as accretive opportunities become available
Our goal is to improve the operations and profitability of our propane and related equipment sales segment by integrating best practices and leveraging our established national organization and technology platforms to help reduce costs and enhance customer service. We believe that our enhanced operational synergies, improved customer service and ability to better track the financial performance of operations provide us a distinct competitive advantage and better analysis as we consider future opportunities.
We believe that we are positioned to successfully compete for growth opportunities within and outside of our existing operating regions. Our efforts will focus on adding density to our existing customer base, providing propane and complementary services to national accounts and providing other product offerings to existing customer relationships. This continued expansion will give us new growth opportunities by leveraging the capabilities of our operating platforms.
Capitalize on our national presence and economies of scale
We believe our national presence of 855 propane distribution locations in the United States as of July 31, 2016 gives us advantages over our smaller competitors. These advantages include economies of scale in areas such as:
· product procurement;
· transportation;
· fleet purchases;
· propane customer administration; and
· general administration.
We believe that our national presence allows us to be one of the few propane distributors that can competitively serve industrial/commercial and portable tank exchange customers on a nationwide basis, including the ability to serve such propane customers through leading home-improvement centers, mass merchants and hardware, grocery and convenience stores. In addition, we believe that our national presence provides us opportunities to make
acquisitions of other propane distribution companies whose operations overlap with ours, providing economies of scale and significant cost savings in these markets.
We also believe that investments in technology similar to ours require both a large scale and a national presence, in order to generate sustainable operational savings to produce a sufficient return on investment. For these reasons, we believe our national presence and economies of scale provide us with an on-going competitive advantage.
Maximize operating efficiencies through utilization of our technology platform
We believe our significant investments in technology give us a competitive advantage to operate more efficiently and effectively at a lower cost compared to most of our competitors. We do not believe that many of our competitors will be able to justify similar investments in the near term. Our technology advantage has resulted from significant investments made in our retail propane distribution operating platform together with our state-of-the-art tank exchange operating platform.
Our technology platform allows us to efficiently route and schedule our customer deliveries, customer administration and operational workflow for the retail sale and delivery of bulk propane. Our service centers are staffed to provide oversight and management to multiple distribution locations, referred to as service units. We operate a retail distribution network, including portable tank exchange operations, using a structure of 56 service centers and 855 service units as of July 31, 2016. The service unit locations utilize hand-held computers and cellular or satellite technology to communicate with management personnel who are typically located at the associated service center. We believe this structure and our technology platform allow us to more efficiently route and schedule customer deliveries and significantly reduce the need for daily on-site management.
The efficiencies gained from operating our technology platform allow us to consolidate our management teams at fewer locations, quickly adjust the sales prices to our customers and manage our personnel and vehicle costs more effectively to meet customer demand.
Our customer support capabilities allow us to accept emergency customer calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week. These combined capabilities provide us cost savings while improving customer service by reducing customer inconvenience associated with multiple, unnecessary deliveries.
Midstream Operations
Our current business strategy for our midstream operations is to maximize profitability utilizing existing assets. The continued, sustained decline in the price of crude oil has had a negative impact on domestic crude oil production, and as a result, has had a trending negative impact on the volumes of crude oil that we transport. We are evaluating all phases of our business in light of these challenges with the goal of operating more efficiently.
We are evaluating alternatives to maximize profitability relative to rail car assets previously committed to a recently terminated transportation and logistics agreement and Bridgers largest customer and our trucking fleet which is currently operating under capacity. We believe this business strategy supports our overall current company strategy of reducing debt and improving our leverage ratio. See Recent Developments.
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 Marketing, LLC (Jamex) pursuant to which Jamex would be responsible for certain payments to Bridger and also for sourcing crude oil volumes for Bridgers 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, on September 1, 2016, 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, we do not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridgers former largest customer in the future.
On September 1, 2016, we entered into a Termination, Settlement and Release Agreement (the Jamex Termination Agreement) with Jamex, certain of Jamexs 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 (Bacchus), 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) We 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 23,000 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) We 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 decreased to 2.8% as a result of Ferrellgas Partners reducing its quarterly distribution rate to $0.10, and contemplates quarterly amortizing principal payments, together with payments of accrued interest. The first quarterly interest payment of approximately $0.9 million was received in December 2016 and the first quarterly principal payment of approximately $2.5 million was received in March 2017. The maturity date of the Jamex Secured Promissory Note is December 17, 2021, and Jamex may 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 partnerships 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, actively traded marketable securities and cash, which are held in a controlled account that can be seized by us in the event of default. The sum of the amounts available under the controlled account and the $20.0 million guarantee approximate the $45.0 million note receivable as of April 30, 2017.
During the year ended July 31, 2016, approximately 60% and 80% of Bridgers gross margin and EBITDA, respectively, was generated from its largest customer and Jamex, that customers supplier, under take-or-pay arrangements. Bridgers 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, we do not anticipate any material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridgers former 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 nine months ended April 30, 2017, a trend we anticipate will continue in the remainder of fiscal 2017 and beyond.
Financial Covenants
The indenture governing the outstanding notes of Ferrellgas Partners and the agreements governing the operating partnerships indebtedness contain various covenants that limit our ability and the ability of specified subsidiaries to, among other things, incur additional indebtedness and make distribution payments to our common unitholders. Our general partner believes that the most restrictive of these covenants are the consolidated leverage ratio and the consolidated interest coverage ratio, as defined in our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility.
Before a restricted payment (as defined in the secured credit facility and the operating partnership indentures) can be made by the operating partnership, the operating partnership must be in compliance with the covenants under the secured credit facility and accounts receivable securitization facility and in compliance with the covenants under the operating partnerships indentures. If the operating partnership is unable to make restricted payments, Ferrellgas Partners will not have the ability to make interest payments on its notes, including the exchange notes. If Ferrellgas Partners does not make interest payments on its notes, that would constitute an event of default which would permit the acceleration of the notes. The accelerated notes would become immediately due and payable, which would in turn trigger cross acceleration of other debt. If the payment of our debt is accelerated, we may be unable to borrow sufficient funds to refinance our debt.
A breach of the financial covenants under the secured credit facility and the accounts receivable securitization facility will also result in an event of default under those facilities resulting in the operating partnerships inability to obtain funds under those facilities and give the lenders and receivables purchasers the right to accelerate the operating partnerships obligations under those facilities and to exercise remedies to collect the outstanding amounts under those facilities.
Our consolidated leverage ratio is defined as the ratio of total debt of the operating partnership to trailing four quarters EBITDA of the operating partnership (both as adjusted for certain, specified items), as detailed in our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility. Our interest coverage ratio is defined as the ratio of trailing four quarter EBITDA of the operating partnership (adjusted for certain, defined items) to interest expense (adjusted for certain defined items) for such period, as detailed in our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility. See Description of Other Indebtedness.
During fiscal 2016 our secured credit facility and our accounts receivable securitization facility required the operating partnership to maintain a consolidated leverage ratio of no more than 5.5x as of each fiscal quarter end. Our consolidated leverage ratio was 5.48x as of July 31, 2016, which would have permitted approximately $8.1 million of additional borrowing capacity or approximately $1.5 million less EBITDA as of the fiscal year end. The narrow margin in this covenant was due primarily to several factors including higher debt caused by: (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 purchase of 0.9 million of Ferrellgas Partners common units from Jamex on September 1, 2016; (4) Bridger growth capital expenditures of approximately $52.4 million; and (5) lower EBITDA caused by: (a) 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 (b) 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 to modify our maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant to require a maximum leverage ratio of 5.95x as of January 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017.
During the quarter ended January 31, 2017, our results of operations were negatively impacted by sustained temperatures that were 14% warmer than normal throughout our operating areas. In order to avoid a violation of both the fifth amendment to our secured credit facility and the fourth amendment to our accounts receivable credit facility, Ferrellgas Partners sold $175.0 million aggregate principal amount of the unregistered notes at 96% of par. Net proceeds from the offering of approximately $165.9 million were contributed to the operating partnership, which used the net proceeds to repay borrowings under our secured credit facility.
As a result of the factors discussed above and the continued significantly warmer than normal temperatures during the quarter ended April 30, 2017, which were 19.5% warmer than normal throughout our operating area, on April 28, 2017, we entered into a sixth amendment to our secured credit facility and a fifth amendment to our accounts receivable facility to modify our maximum consolidated leverage ratio covenant and our consolidated interest coverage ratio covenant. The amendment to our secured credit facility also (1) reduces the amounts available to be borrowed from $700 million to $575 million, (2) increases the pricing of loans when our leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 6.00x from LIBOR plus 3.50% to LIBOR plus 3.75% and when our leverage ratio is greater than or equal to 7.00x from LIBOR plus 3.50% to LIBOR plus 4.00%, (3) limits the amount of distributions (other than distributions to Ferrellgas Partners for payments of interest payable on its unsecured notes) that the operating partnership may make to Ferrellgas Partners to $10 million per quarter (Ferrellgas Partners current distribution rate is $9.8 million per quarter) until the leverage ratio is less than 5.50x, (4) reduces the amount of investments we can make when our leverage ratio is greater than 5.50x from $200 million to $50 million, and (5) requires us to reduce our secured credit facility with 50% of the net cash proceeds received from any equity sale.
On April 28, 2017, the maximum consolidated leverage covenant was modified as follows:
Date |
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Maximum leverage ratio |
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Maximum leverage ratio |
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April 30, 2017 |
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5.95 |
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7.75 |
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July 31, 2017 |
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6.05 |
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7.75 |
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October 31, 2017 |
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5.95 |
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7.75 |
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January 31, 2018 |
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5.95 |
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7.75 |
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April 30, 2018 |
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5.50 |
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7.75 |
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July 31, 2018 & thereafter |
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5.50 |
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5.50 |
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Our consolidated leverage ratio was 6.45x as of April 30, 2017; the margin allows for approximately $340.2 million of additional borrowing capacity or approximately $43.9 million less EBITDA. This covenant also restricts the operating partnerships ability to make payments to us for purposes of funding quarterly common unit distributions.
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Minimum consolidated interest |
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Minimum consolidated interest |
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Date |
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(prior to sixth amendment) |
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(after sixth amendment) |
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April 30, 2017 |
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2.50 |
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1.75 |
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July 31, 2017 |
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2.50 |
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1.75 |
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October 31, 2017 |
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2.50 |
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1.75 |
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January 31, 2018 |
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2.50 |
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1.75 |
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April 30, 2018 |
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2.50 |
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1.75 |
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July 31, 2018 & thereafter |
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2.50 |
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2.50 |
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Our consolidated interest coverage ratio was 2.29x as of April 30, 2017; the margin allows for approximately $35.2 million of additional interest expense or approximately $61.5 million less EBITDA.
Given the lack of headroom on these covenants, we continue to execute on a strategy to reduce our debt and interest expense. This strategy may include issuance of equity, amending existing debt agreements, asset sales or a
further reduction in our 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 any debt and interest expense reduction strategies would remain in effect until our consolidated leverage ratio reaches 4.5x or a level that we deem appropriate for our business.
If we are unsuccessful with our strategy to reduce debt and interest expense, we may be unsuccessful in renegotiating our secured credit facility, which matures in October 2018. If we were to be unsuccessful in renegotiating our secured credit facility and unable to secure alternative liquidity sources, we may not have the liquidity to fund our operations after that maturity date.
Failure to renew or replace liquidity available under the secured credit facility could have a material effect on our operating capacity and cash flows and could further restrict our ability to incur debt, pay interest on our outstanding notes or to make cash distributions to unitholders, which could result in an event of default that would permit the acceleration of all of our indebtedness. The accelerated debt would become immediately due and payable, which would in turn trigger cross-acceleration under 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 debt.
Factors Affecting the Nine Months Ended April 30, 2017
Propane operations and related equipment sales
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. Weather in the more highly concentrated geographic areas we serve for the nine months ended April 30, 2017 was approximately 18% warmer than normal, and 1% colder than the corresponding period of fiscal 2016, which was determined to have been one of the warmest winters on record.
Midstream operations
Prior to the three months ended April 30, 2017, the results of our water solutions business were included in Corporate and other. As a result of a change in the way management is evaluating results and allocating resources, results of the water solutions business are now included in the Midstream operations segment for all periods presented. Bridger Logistics primarily generates income by providing crude oil transportation and logistics services on behalf of producers and end-users of crude oil.
As discussed above, we terminated our relationship with Jamex on September 1, 2016 and did not receive any material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridgers former largest customer for the quarters ended January 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017, and we do not anticipate a material contribution to revenue or EBITDA from Jamex or Bridgers former 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 first nine months of fiscal 2017, a trend we anticipate will continue in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 and beyond. As a result, we expect to experience a decline in future cash flows from operations from our Midstream Operations segment overall, as well as from individual asset groups within the segment.
Our Offices
The address of our principal offices is 7500 College Boulevard, Suite 1000, Overland Park, Kansas 66210, and our telephone number at those offices is (913) 661-1500. We maintain a website at www.ferrellgas.com where our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and all amendments to those reports are available without charge, as soon as reasonably practicable following the time they are filed with or furnished to the SEC. Except to the extent expressly incorporated by reference herein, information on or accessible through our website is not incorporated into or part of this prospectus.
Our Structure
Ferrellgas Partners is a Delaware limited partnership that was formed in 1994 in connection with our initial public offering. 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 is the sole limited partner of the operating partnership, with a 99% limited partner interest. The operating partnership accounts for substantially all of our consolidated assets, sales and operating earnings.
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., co-issuer of the notes offered hereby, is a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners. Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. has nominal assets, does not, and will not in the future, conduct any operations or have any employees and was formed for the purpose of being a co-issuer of certain of our indebtedness, including the unregistered notes and the exchange notes. You should not expect Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. to have the ability to service obligations on the unregistered notes and the exchange notes.
Ferrellgas, Inc., the general partner of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, performs all of the management functions for us. The general partner does not receive any management fee in connection with its management of us and does not receive any remuneration for its services as the general partner other than reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses it incurs in connection with our operations. James E. Ferrell is the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the general partner.
The following chart depicts our abbreviated structure as of July 7, 2017.
Summary of the Exchange Offer
On January 30, 2017, we issued $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the unregistered notes in a private placement. The unregistered notes were sold to the initial purchasers who in turn resold the unregistered notes to persons believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. On the date the unregistered notes were issued, we and the initial purchasers of the unregistered notes entered into a registration rights agreement in which we agreed to offer to exchange notes registered under the Securities Act but otherwise having substantially identical terms to the unregistered notes for the unregistered notes. This exchange offer is intended to satisfy that obligation. After the exchange offer is completed, you generally will no longer be entitled to any registration rights with respect to your unregistered notes. For additional information on the terms of the exchange offer, see The Exchange Offer.
Unregistered Notes |
$175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020, issued on January 30, 2017. |
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Exchange Notes |
$175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020. The terms of the exchange notes are substantially identical to the terms of the unregistered notes, except that the transfer restrictions, registration rights and provisions for additional interest applicable to the unregistered notes do not apply to the exchange notes. |
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Exchange Offer |
We are offering to exchange $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 registered under the Securities Act for all $175,000,000 outstanding aggregate principal amount of our unregistered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020. As of the date of this prospectus, $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our unregistered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 are outstanding. |
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Outstanding unregistered notes may be tendered only in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the unregistered notes and will be issued under and entitled to the benefits of the same indenture that governs the unregistered notes. Holders of the unregistered notes do not have any appraisal or dissenter rights in connection with the exchange offer. |
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Expiration Date |
The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2017, unless we decide to extend it. |
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Conditions to the Exchange Offer |
We will not be required to accept for exchange any unregistered notes and we may amend or terminate the exchange offer if any of the following conditions or events occurs:
· the exchange offer violates applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC;
· any action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened which might materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer, or a material adverse development in any existing action or proceeding with respect to us;
· any holder of unregistered notes has not made to us the representations described under The Exchange OfferProcedures for Tendering and Plan of Distribution; or |
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· all governmental approvals that we deem necessary for the consummation of the exchange offer have not been obtained. |
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We reserve the right to waive any conditions of the exchange offer. |
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Resale of Exchange Notes |
Based on interpretations of the staff of the SEC, as set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties that are not related to us, we believe that the exchange notes you receive in the exchange offer may be offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act so long as:
· you are not our affiliate;
· the exchange notes are being acquired in the ordinary course of business;
· you are not participating, do not intend to participate, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes issued to you in the exchange offer; and
· if you are a broker-dealer, you will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for unregistered notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that you will deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. |
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The SEC has not considered this exchange offer in the context of a no-action letter, and we cannot assure you that the SEC would make similar determinations with respect to this exchange offer. If any of these conditions are not satisfied, or if our belief is not accurate, and you transfer any exchange notes issued to you in the exchange offer without delivering a resale prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act or without an exemption from registration of your exchange notes under the Securities Act, you may incur liability under the Securities Act. We will not assume, nor will we indemnify you against, any such liability. See Plan of Distribution. |
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See The Exchange OfferResale of Exchange Notes for more information regarding resales of the exchange notes. |
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Procedures for Tendering Unregistered |
If you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, according to the instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. You must then mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal, together with your unregistered notes and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the cover of the letter of transmittal. |
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If you hold unregistered notes through The Depository Trust Company (DTC) and wish to participate in the exchange |
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offer, you must comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program (ATOP) procedures of DTC. |
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Special Procedures for Beneficial |
If you are a beneficial owner of unregistered notes that are held through a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender such unregistered notes, you should contact such person promptly and instruct them to tender your unregistered notes on your behalf. |
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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures for Unregistered Notes |
If you wish to tender your unregistered notes and you cannot deliver your unregistered notes, the letter of transmittal or any other documents required by the letter of transmittal or you cannot comply with DTCs ATOP procedures prior to the expiration of the exchange offer, you must tender your unregistered notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth under The Exchange OfferGuaranteed Delivery Procedures. |
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Withdrawal Rights; Non-acceptance |
You may withdraw any unregistered notes tendered in the exchange offer at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2017. If we decide for any reason not to accept any unregistered notes tendered for exchange, any unaccepted unregistered notes will be returned to the registered holder or credited to the tendering holders account at DTC, as applicable, without expense to the holder. For further information regarding the withdrawal of tendered unregistered notes, see The Exchange OfferWithdrawal of Tenders. |
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Consequences of Failure to Exchange |
If you are eligible to participate in this exchange offer and you do not tender your unregistered notes as described in this prospectus, you will not have any further registration rights. In that case, your unregistered notes will continue to be subject to restrictions on transfer. As a result of the restrictions on transfer and the availability of exchange notes, the unregistered notes are likely to be much less liquid than before the exchange offer. |
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Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations |
The exchange of unregistered notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will not be a taxable exchange for U.S. federal income tax purposes. |
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Use of Proceeds |
We will not receive any proceeds from the issuance of exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer. |
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Exchange Agent for the Unregistered |
U.S. Bank National Association will serve as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. |
Summary Description of the Exchange Notes
The following is a summary of the exchange notes and is subject to a number of important exceptions and qualifications. For additional information on the terms of the exchange notes, see Description of the Exchange Notes.
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The Issuers |
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. |
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Securities |
$175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020.
Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. issued $280,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 in April 2010 and subsequently redeemed $98,000,000 in principal amount of those notes, leaving $182,000,000 outstanding (referred to herein as the original notes). On January 30, 2017, Ferrellgas Partners and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. issued $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of their 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (referred to herein as the unregistered notes), resulting in $357,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 outstanding.
The exchange notes will have substantially the same terms as the original notes, will be treated as a single class with the original notes and vote as one class with the original notes. However, because the unregistered notes were issued with original issue discount (OID) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the exchange notes (for which the unregistered notes will be exchanged) also will be deemed to have been issued with OID, and therefore (i) the exchange notes also will be treated as a separate issuance from the original notes for such purposes and (ii) you generally will be required to include in your ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes OID as it accrues regardless of your method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to the Exchange NotesThe exchange notes will be deemed to have been issued with original issue discount (OID) and Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations.
Accordingly, the exchange notes will have a different CUSIP number from that of the original notes and will not be fungible with the original notes at any time, which may cause the exchange notes to trade at prices that are different from those of the original notes. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to the Exchange NotesThe exchange notes will not be fungible with the original notes bearing substantially the same terms. |
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Maturity |
June 15, 2020. |
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Interest |
85/8% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on June 15 and December 15 to holders of record of notes as of the preceding June 1 and December 1, respectively. The exchange notes will accrue interest from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the unregistered notes surrendered in exchange for the exchange notes (i.e., June 15, 2017). |
Ranking |
The exchange notes will be our senior unsecured obligations. Accordingly, the exchange notes will rank:
· equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, including the original notes, any unregistered notes not exchanged pursuant to the exchange offer and trade payables;
· senior to any of our future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the exchange notes;
· effectively junior to all of our future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt; and
· structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of our subsidiaries, including any borrowings under the operating partnerships secured credit facility and the operating partnerships outstanding senior notes. |
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As of April 30, 2017, the exchange notes would rank structurally junior to approximately $1.7 billion of our operating partnerships long-term indebtedness and certain other liabilities. See Capitalization and Description of Other Indebtedness. |
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Optional Redemption |
We may redeem the exchange notes at any time, in whole or in part, in cash at the redemption prices set forth in this prospectus, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of redemption. See Description of the Exchange NotesOptional Redemption. |
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Change of Control |
If we experience a specified change of control, each holder of exchange notes will have the right to require us to repurchase all or part of that holders exchange notes. The repurchase price will equal 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of repurchase. See Description of the Exchange NotesOffers to Purchase; Repurchase at the Option of the NoteholdersChange of Control Offer. |
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Asset Sales |
Under specified circumstances, we may be required to make an offer to repurchase a portion of the exchange notes in the event of specified asset sales by us or our subsidiaries. See Description of the Exchange Notes Offers to Purchase; Repurchase at the Option of the NoteholdersAsset Sales. |
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Certain Covenants |
The indenture governing the exchange notes includes certain covenants that limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to, among other things:
· incur additional indebtedness;
· make distributions to our unitholders;
· purchase or redeem our outstanding equity interests or subordinated debt;
· make specified investments; |
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· create or incur liens;
· sell assets;
· engage in specified transactions with affiliates;
· make specified payments, loans, guarantees and transfers of assets or interests in assets; and
· effect a merger or consolidation with or into other companies or a sale of all or substantially all of our properties or assets. |
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These covenants are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions. See Description of the Exchange Notes. |
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Trading |
There is no established trading market for the exchange notes. We do not intend to apply for listing of the exchange notes on any securities exchange or quotation of the exchange notes on any quotation system. |
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Trustee, Registrar and Exchange Agent |
U.S. Bank National Association. |
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Risk Factors |
See Risk Factors beginning on page 20 of this prospectus for a discussion of risks you should consider before determining whether to tender your unregistered notes in the exchange offer. |
Summary Historical Financial and Operating Data
The following table presents summary historical consolidated financial and operating data for Ferrellgas Partners. Our summary historical financial data were derived from our historical consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2017 incorporated by reference in this prospectus. The summary historical financial data do not purport to project our results of operations or financial position for any future period or as of any future date and are not necessarily indicative of financial results to be achieved in future periods. You should read the summary historical financial data together with Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and our historical consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 and our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended April 30, 2017 incorporated by reference in this prospectus. See Incorporation of Documents by Reference and Where You Can Find More Information.
Our historical consolidated financial statements as of and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014, 2015 and 2016 have been audited. Our historical consolidated financial statements as of and for the nine months ended April 30, 2016 and 2017 and the twelve months ended April 30, 2017 are unaudited. Ferrellgas Partners believes that all material adjustments that consist only of normal recurring adjustments necessary for the fair presentation of its interim results have been included. Results of operations for any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for our entire fiscal year due to the seasonal nature of our business.
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Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. |
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Nine Months Ended |
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Twelve |
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Year Ended July 31, |
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April 30, |
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April 30, |
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(in thousands, other than ratios) |
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2014 |
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2015 |
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2016 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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2017 |
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Income statement data: |
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Total revenues |
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$ |
2,405,860 |
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$ |
2,024,390 |
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$ |
2,039,367 |
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$ |
1,629,856 |
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$ |
1,496,901 |
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$ |
1,906,412 |
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Interest expense |
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86,502 |
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100,396 |
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137,937 |
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102,889 |
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112,107 |
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147,155 |
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Asset impairments |
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658,118 |
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29,316 |
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628,802 |
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Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. |
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33,211 |
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29,620 |
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(665,415 |
) |
(3,981 |
) |
1,561 |
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(659,873 |
) | ||||||
Balance sheet data (at end of period): |
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Working capital (deficit) (1) |
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$ |
9,891 |
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$ |
(44,371 |
) |
$ |
(77,062 |
) |
(2,962 |
) |
$ |
(26,153 |
) |
$ |
(26,153 |
) | |
Total assets |
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1,553,564 |
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2,437,729 |
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1,683,306 |
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2,372,849 |
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1,679,269 |
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1,679,269 |
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Long-term debt |
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1,273,508 |
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1,778,065 |
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1,941,335 |
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1,960,331 |
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1,984,218 |
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1,984,218 |
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Partners capital (deficit) |
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(111,646 |
) |
207,709 |
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(651,780 |
) |
53,643 |
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(703,486 |
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(703,486 |
) | ||||||
Operating data (unaudited): |
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Propane sales volumes (gallons) |
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946,570 |
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878,846 |
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778,892 |
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635,138 |
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643,127 |
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786,881 |
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Crude oil hauled (barrels) |
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10,447 |
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79,411 |
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64,824 |
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36,549 |
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51,136 |
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Crude oil sold (barrels) |
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702 |
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6,860 |
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4,969 |
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5,228 |
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7,119 |
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Capital expenditures: |
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Maintenance |
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$ |
18,138 |
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$ |
19,449 |
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$ |
16,877 |
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$ |
13,728 |
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$ |
10,679 |
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$ |
14,067 |
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Growth |
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32,843 |
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50,388 |
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96,058 |
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91,329 |
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21,246 |
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30,476 |
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Acquisition |
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169,430 |
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901,612 |
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28,245 |
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Total |
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$ |
220,411 |
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$ |
971,449 |
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$ |
141,180 |
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$ |
105,057 |
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$ |
31,925 |
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$ |
44,543 |
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Supplemental data (unaudited): |
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EBITDA (2) |
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$ |
206,431 |
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$ |
228,280 |
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$ |
(377,011 |
) |
$ |
213,052 |
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$ |
191,020 |
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$ |
(399,033 |
) |
Adjusted EBITDA (2) |
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$ |
288,148 |
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$ |
300,184 |
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$ |
344,730 |
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$ |
295,214 |
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$ |
210,839 |
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$ |
260,355 |
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Ratio of Adjusted EBITDA to Interest expense |
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3.33 |
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2.99 |
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2.50 |
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2.87 |
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1.88 |
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1.76 |
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Ratio of long-term debt to Adjusted EBITDA |
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4.42 |
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5.92 |
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5.63 |
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6.64 |
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9.41 |
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7.62 |
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(1) Working capital is current assets less current liabilities.
(2) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. We calculate EBITDA as net earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit), interest expense and depreciation and amortization expense. We calculate Adjusted EBITDA as net earnings (loss) before income tax expense (benefit), interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, asset impairments, loss on extinguishment of debt, non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge, non-cash stock and unit-based compensation charge, loss on asset sales and disposal, other (income) expense, net, severance charges, change in fair value of contingent consideration, litigation accrual and related legal fees associated with a class action lawsuit, acquisition and transition expenses, unrealized (non-cash) loss on changes in fair market value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments and net earnings (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest. We believe the presentation of these measures is relevant and useful because it allows investors to view our performance in a manner similar to the method we use, adjusted for items we believe are unusual or non-recurring, and makes it easier to compare our results with
other companies that have different financing and capital structures. In addition, we believe these measures are consistent with the manner in which our lenders and investors measure our overall performance and liquidity, including our ability to service our long-term debt and other fixed obligations and to fund our capital expenditures and working capital requirements. Our method of calculating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be consistent with similarly titled measures used by other companies, and these measures should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings (loss) is set forth in the following table.
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Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. |
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Nine Months Ended |
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Twelve |
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Year Ended July 31, |
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April 30, |
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April 30, |
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(in thousands) |
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2014 |
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2015 |
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2016 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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2017 |
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Reconciliation of Net Earnings (Loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: |
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Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P |
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$ |
33,211 |
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$ |
29,620 |
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$ |
(665,415 |
) |
$ |
(3,981 |
) |
$ |
1,561 |
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$ |
(659,873 |
) |
Income tax expense (benefit) |
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2,516 |
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(315 |
) |
(36 |
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1,446 |
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(194 |
) |
(1,676 |
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Interest expense |
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86,502 |
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100,396 |
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137,937 |
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102,889 |
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112,107 |
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147,155 |
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Depreciation and amortization expense |
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84,202 |
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98,579 |
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150,513 |
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112,698 |
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77,546 |
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115,361 |
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EBITDA |
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206,431 |
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228,280 |
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(377,001 |
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213,052 |
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191,020 |
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(399,033 |
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Asset impairments |
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658,118 |
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29,316 |
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628,802 |
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Loss on extinguishment of debt |
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21,202 |
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Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge |
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21,789 |
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24,713 |
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27,595 |
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18,375 |
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11,396 |
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20,616 |
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Non-cash stock and unit-based compensation charge |
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24,508 |
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25,982 |
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9,324 |
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6,757 |
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3,298 |
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5,865 |
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Loss on asset sales and disposals |
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6,486 |
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7,099 |
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30,835 |
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23,220 |
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8,861 |
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16,476 |
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Other (income) expense, net |
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479 |
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350 |
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(110 |
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89 |
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(1,433 |
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(1,632 |
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Severance charges |
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1,453 |
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1,325 |
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1,959 |
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2,087 |
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Change in fair value of contingent consideration |
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5,000 |
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(6,300 |
) |
(100 |
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(100 |
) |
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Litigation accrual and related legal fees associated with a class action lawsuit |
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1,749 |
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806 |
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Acquisitions and transaction expenses |
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16,373 |
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99 |
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99 |
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Unrealized (non-cash) loss on changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments |
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2,412 |
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1,137 |
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2,993 |
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(4,449 |
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(6,305 |
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Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest |
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504 |
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469 |
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(6,620 |
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88 |
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187 |
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(6,521 |
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Adjusted EBITDA |
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$ |
288,148 |
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$ |
300,184 |
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$ |
344,730 |
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$ |
295,214 |
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$ |
210,839 |
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$ |
260,355 |
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Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
The following table sets forth our historical, consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated:
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Nine Months |
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Fiscal Year Ended July 31, |
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April 30, |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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2015 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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Ratio of earnings to fixed charges |
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0.9 |
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1.6 |
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1.3 |
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1.3 |
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** |
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1.0 |
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For purposes of the ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings is the sum of pre-tax income from continuing operations and fixed charges less capitalized interest, and fixed charges is the sum of interest expensed or capitalized, amortized capitalized expenses related to indebtedness and an estimate of the interest within lease expense.
** For the year ended July 31, 2016, earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $383.9 million.
You should carefully consider the risk factors set forth below as well as other information contained in and incorporated by reference in this prospectus before determining whether to tender your unregistered notes in the exchange offer. The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. In addition to the risk factors listed below, please see the risk factors included under the heading Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016 and our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended October 31, 2016, January 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus, for a discussion of particular factors you should consider before determining whether to tender your unregistered notes in the exchange offer. See Where You Can Find More Information.
Risks Relating to the Exchange Offer and the Exchange Notes
We cannot assure you that an active trading market for the exchange notes will exist if you desire to sell the exchange notes.
There is no existing public market for the exchange notes. We do not intend to apply for listing of the exchange notes on a securities exchange or quotation system. The liquidity of any trading market in the exchange notes, and the market prices quoted for the exchange notes, may be adversely affected by changes in the overall market for these types of securities, and by changes in our financial performance or prospects or in the prospects for companies in our industry generally. As a result, we cannot assure you that you will be able to sell the exchange notes or that, if you can sell your exchange notes, you will be able to sell them at an acceptable price. If a market for the exchange notes were to develop, the exchange notes could trade at prices that may be higher or lower than the principal amount. Additionally, there is a risk that the liquidity of, and the trading market for, the exchange notes will be limited if few exchange notes are issued in connection with the exchange offer. If only a limited number of exchange notes are outstanding after the completion of the exchange offer, it may be more difficult for a market to develop in the exchange notes and any market that does develop may be less liquid than would be the case if more exchange notes were outstanding. The liquidity of the trading market for the exchange notes, if any, and the market price quoted for the exchange notes may be adversely affected by changes in interest rates for comparable securities, and by changes in our financial performance or prospects, as well as by declines in the prices of securities, or the financial performance or prospects of similar companies. See also The exchange notes will not be fungible with the original notes bearing the same terms.
If you do not tender your unregistered notes, you will continue to hold unregistered notes and your ability to sell your unregistered notes may be adversely affected.
We will issue exchange notes only in exchange for unregistered notes that you timely and properly tender. Therefore, you should allow sufficient time to ensure timely delivery of the unregistered notes, and you should carefully follow the instructions on how to tender your unregistered notes. Neither we nor the exchange agent is required to tell you of any defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of unregistered notes. See The Exchange OfferProcedures for Tendering.
If you do not exchange your unregistered notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer of your unregistered notes described in the legend on the global note certificates for your unregistered notes. In general, you may offer or sell the unregistered notes only if they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or are offered and sold under an exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not plan to register any sale of the unregistered notes under the Securities Act. As a result of the restrictions on transfer and the availability of the exchange notes, the unregistered notes are likely to be much less liquid than before the exchange offer. See The Exchange OfferConsequences of Failure to Exchange.
If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) were to treat us as a corporation for tax purposes, or changes in federal or state laws or changes in our business were to cause us to become subject to entity level taxation for federal or state tax purposes, then our cash available for payment on the exchange notes would be substantially reduced.
We believe that, under current law, we have been and currently are classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Nonetheless, the IRS may adopt positions that differ from those expressed herein or from the positions we take. It may be necessary to resort to administrative or court proceedings in an effort to sustain some or all of the positions we take, and some or all of these positions ultimately may not be sustained.
One of the requirements for classification as a partnership is that at least 90% of our gross income for each taxable year has been and will be qualifying income within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Internal Revenue Code. Whether we will continue to be classified as a partnership depends in part on our ability to meet the qualifying income test in the future. Additionally, a change in current law or a change in our business could cause us to be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes or otherwise subject us to entity-level U.S. federal income taxation. If we were treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would pay U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at the corporate tax rate, which currently is a maximum of 35%, and we likely would pay state taxes as well. Because a tax would be imposed upon us as a corporation, the cash available for payment on the exchange notes would be substantially reduced. Therefore, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in our anticipated cash flows and could cause a reduction in the value of the exchange notes.
In addition, several states are evaluating ways to subject partnerships to entity-level taxation through the imposition of state income, franchise and other forms of taxation. Imposition of such tax on us would reduce the cash available for payment on the exchange notes.
The exchange notes will be deemed to have been issued with original issue discount (OID).
Because the unregistered notes were issued with OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the exchange notes will be deemed to have been issued with OID. Accordingly, holders will be required to include OID in income over the term of the note on a constant yield basis in advance of receiving any payments with respect to this income. This means that holders may have a tax liability without receiving cash (other than from interest payments) to satisfy such obligations. See Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations. Holders are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the acquisition, ownership and disposition of an exchange note issued with OID. See also The exchange notes will not be fungible with the original notes bearing the same terms.
Our substantial debt and other financial obligations could impair our financial condition and our ability to fulfill our obligations.
We have substantial indebtedness and other financial obligations. As of April 30, 2017:
· we had total indebtedness of approximately $2.1 billion;
· we had total potential availability under our secured credit facility of approximately $237.9 million as of April 30, 2017; and
· we had aggregate future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases of approximately $153.1 million; provided, however, if we elect to purchase the underlying assets at the end of the lease terms, such aggregate buyout would be $26.3 million.
As of April 30, 2017, we had long and short-term payment obligations with maturity dates ranging from fiscal 2017 to 2023 that bear interest at rates ranging from 6.5% to 11.8%. Borrowings under our secured credit facility classified as Long-term debt of $175.2 million currently bear an interest rate of 5.5%. As of April 30, 2017, the long-term obligations do not contain any sinking fund provisions but do require the following aggregate principal payments, without premium, during the following fiscal years:
· $0.8 million-2017;
· $2.5 million-2018;
· $177.2 million-2019;
· $358.2 million-2020;
· $501.0 million-2021; and
· $975.4 million-thereafter.
Our secured credit facility provides $575.0 million in revolving credit for loans and has a $200.0 million sublimit for letters of credit. The obligations under this 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 partnerships accounts receivable securitization facility, (b) the general partners 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. The secured credit facility will mature in October 2018.
All of the indebtedness and other obligations described above are obligations of the operating partnership except for $175.0 million aggregate principal amount of the unregistered notes and $182.0 million aggregate principal amount of the original notes.
Subject to the restrictions governing the operating partnerships indebtedness and other financial obligations and the indenture governing the exchange notes, we may incur significant additional indebtedness and other financial obligations, which may be secured and/or structurally senior to the exchange notes.
Our substantial indebtedness and other financial obligations could have important consequences for you. For example, it could:
· make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, including the exchange notes;
· impair our ability to obtain additional financing in the future for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, general corporate purposes or other purposes;
· result in higher interest expense in the event of increases in interest rates since some of our debt is, and will continue to be, at variable rates of interest;
· impair our operating capacity and cash flows if we fail to comply with financial and restrictive covenants in our debt agreements and an event of default occurs as a result of that failure that is not cured or waived;
· require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow to payments on our indebtedness and other financial obligations, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund distributions, working capital, capital expenditures and other general partnership requirements;
· limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; and
· place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have proportionately less debt.
Despite our and our subsidiaries current level of indebtedness, we may still be able to incur substantially more indebtedness. This could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the indenture governing the exchange notes will not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so if we meet applicable coverage tests. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the exchange notes, the holders of that indebtedness will be entitled to share ratably with the holders of the exchange notes and our existing senior unsecured indebtedness and other obligations in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding-up of us. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to you. If we add new indebtedness to our current debt levels, the related risks that we and our subsidiaries now face could intensify.
The exchange notes will be structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries.
None of our subsidiaries (including the operating partnership and its subsidiaries) will guarantee the exchange notes, other than Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., which is a co-issuer of the exchange notes. Therefore, the exchange notes will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future claims of creditors of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries, including:
· the lenders under the operating partnerships indebtedness, including borrowings under the operating partnerships secured credit facility and the operating partnerships outstanding senior notes;
· the claims of lessors under the operating partnerships operating leases;
· the claims of the lenders and their affiliates under the operating partnerships accounts receivable securitization facility;
· other indebtedness, including any subordinated debt, issued by the operating partnership in the future; and
· all other possible future creditors of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries.
This subordination is due to these creditors priority as to the assets of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries over Ferrellgas Partners claims as an equity holder in the operating partnership and, thereby, indirectly, the claims of holders of Ferrellgas Partners indebtedness, including the exchange notes. As a result, upon any distribution to these creditors in a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization or similar proceeding relating to Ferrellgas Partners or its property, the operating partnerships creditors will be entitled to be paid in full before any payment may be made with respect to Ferrellgas Partners indebtedness, including the exchange notes. Thereafter, the holders of Ferrellgas Partners indebtedness, including the exchange notes, will participate with its trade creditors and all other holders of its indebtedness in the assets remaining, if any. In any of these cases, Ferrellgas Partners may have insufficient funds to pay all of its creditors, and holders of the exchange notes may therefore receive less, ratably, than creditors of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries. As of April 30, 2017, the operating partnership had approximately $1.7 billion of outstanding long-term indebtedness and certain other liabilities to which the exchange notes will rank structurally junior.
We are a holding company and have no material operations or assets. Accordingly, we are dependent on distributions from our operating partnership to service our debt obligations. These distributions are not guaranteed and may be restricted.
We are a holding company for our subsidiaries, including our operating partnership. We have no material operations and only limited assets. Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., the co-issuer of the exchange notes, is our wholly-owned finance subsidiary that conducts no business and has nominal assets. Accordingly, we are dependent on cash distributions from our operating partnership and its subsidiaries to service our debt obligations. Our operating partnership is required to distribute all of its available cash each fiscal quarter, less the amount of cash reserves that our general partner determines is necessary or appropriate in its reasonable discretion to provide for the proper conduct of our business, to provide funds for distributions over the next four fiscal quarters or to comply with applicable law or with any of our debt or other agreements. This discretion may limit the amount of available cash the operating partnership may distribute to us each fiscal quarter. Noteholders will not receive payments required by the exchange notes unless our operating partnership is able to make distributions to us after it first satisfies its obligations under the terms of its own borrowing arrangements and reserves any necessary amounts to meet its own financial obligations.
In addition, the various agreements governing our operating partnerships indebtedness and other financing transactions permit quarterly distributions only so long as each distribution does not exceed a specified amount, the operating partnership meets a specified financial ratio and no default exists or would result from such distribution. Those agreements include the indentures governing the operating partnerships outstanding senior notes, its secured credit facility and an accounts receivable securitization facility. Each of these agreements contains various negative and affirmative covenants applicable to the operating partnership, and some of these agreements require the operating partnership to maintain specified financial ratios. If the operating partnership violates any of these covenants or requirements, a default may result and distributions would be limited. See Restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness and other financial obligations may reduce our operational flexibility.
Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership are required to distribute all of their available cash to their equity holders, and Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership are not required to accumulate cash for the purpose of meeting their future obligations to holders of their debt securities, which may limit the cash available to service those debt securities, including the exchange notes.
Subject to the limitations on restricted payments contained in the indenture that governs the exchange notes, the instruments governing the outstanding indebtedness of the operating partnership and any applicable indenture that will govern any debt securities Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership may issue in the future, the partnership agreements of both Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership require us to distribute all of our available cash each fiscal quarter to our limited partners and our general partner and do not require us to accumulate cash for the purpose of meeting obligations to holders of any debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership. Available cash is generally all of our cash receipts, less cash disbursements and adjustments for net changes in reserves. As a result of these distribution requirements, we do not expect either Ferrellgas Partners or the
operating partnership to accumulate significant amounts of cash. Depending on the timing and amount of our cash distributions and because we are not required to accumulate cash for the purpose of meeting obligations to holders of any debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership, such distributions could significantly reduce the cash available to us in subsequent periods to make payments on the exchange notes.
Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership may be unable to refinance its indebtedness or pay that indebtedness if it becomes due earlier than scheduled.
If Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership is unable to meet its debt service obligations or other financial obligations, it could be forced to:
· restructure or refinance its indebtedness;
· enter into other necessary financial transactions;
· seek additional equity capital; or
· sell its assets.
It may then be unable to obtain such financing or capital or sell its assets on satisfactory terms, if at all. Further, given its recent financial performance, it may be more difficult to refinance its indebtedness as it becomes due. Its failure to make payments, whether after acceleration of the due date of that indebtedness or otherwise, or its failure to refinance the indebtedness would impair its operating capacity and cash flows. See 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 receivable 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.
Restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness and other financial obligations may reduce our operating flexibility.
The indenture governing the exchange notes and the agreements governing the operating partnerships indebtedness and other financial obligations contain, and any indenture that will govern debt securities issued by Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership in the future may contain, various covenants that limit our ability and the ability of specified subsidiaries of ours to, among other things:
· incur additional indebtedness;
· make distributions to our unitholders;
· purchase or redeem our outstanding equity interests or subordinated debt;
· make specified investments;
· create or incur liens;
· sell assets;
· engage in specified transactions with affiliates;
· restrict the ability of our subsidiaries to make specified payments, loans, guarantees and transfers of assets or interests in assets;
· engage in sale-leaseback transactions;
· effect a merger or consolidation with or into other companies or a sale of all or substantially all of our properties or assets; and
· engage in other lines of business.
These restrictions could limit the ability of Ferrellgas Partners, the operating partnership and our other subsidiaries:
· to obtain future financings;
· to make needed capital expenditures;
· to withstand a future downturn in our business or the economy in general; or
· to conduct operations or otherwise take advantage of business opportunities that may arise.
Some of the agreements governing our indebtedness and other financial obligations also require the maintenance of specified financial ratios and the satisfaction of other financial conditions. Our ability to meet those financial ratios and conditions can be affected by unexpected downturns in business operations beyond our control, such as significantly warmer than normal weather, a volatile energy commodity cost environment or an economic downturn. Accordingly, we may be unable to meet these ratios and conditions. This failure could impair our operating capacity and cash flows and could restrict our ability to incur debt or to make cash distributions, even if sufficient funds were available.
Our breach of any of these covenants or the operating partnerships failure to meet any of these ratios or conditions could result in a default under the terms of the relevant indebtedness, which could cause such indebtedness or other financial obligations, and by reason of cross-default provisions, any of Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnerships other outstanding notes or future debt securities, to become immediately due and payable. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders could initiate a bankruptcy proceeding or liquidation proceeding or proceed against the collateral, if any. If the lenders of the operating partnerships indebtedness or other financial obligations accelerate the repayment of borrowings or other amounts owed, we may not have sufficient assets to repay our indebtedness or other financial obligations, including the exchange notes.
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, including the exchange notes. 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.
Additionally, when our leverage ratio exceeds specified levels, borrowings under our secured credit facility bear interest at a higher rate, and the operating partnerships ability to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners and to make investments is subject to additional restrictions. See Description of Other IndebtednessOperating Partnerships Secured Credit Facility.
We may have difficulty renewing or replacing our secured credit facility when it matures in October 2018.
Our secured credit facility matures in October 2018. If we are unsuccessful with our strategy to reduce debt and interest expense, we may be unsuccessful in renegotiating our secured credit facility. If we are unsuccessful in
renegotiating our secured credit facility and are unable to secure alternative liquidity sources, we may not have the liquidity to fund our operations.
Failure to renew or replace liquidity available under our secured credit facility could have a material effect on our operating capacity and cash flows and could further restrict our ability to incur debt or pay interest on our notes, including the exchange notes, which could result in an event of default that would permit the acceleration of all of our indebtedness. The accelerated debt would become immediately due and payable, which would in turn trigger cross-acceleration under 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 debt.
Your right to receive payments on the exchange notes is effectively subordinated to all future secured indebtedness of Ferrellgas Partners, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt.
Holders of any future secured indebtedness will have claims that are prior to your claims as holders of the exchange notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing that other indebtedness. In the event of any distribution or payment of our assets in any foreclosure, dissolution, winding-up, liquidation, reorganization, or other bankruptcy proceeding, holders of any secured indebtedness will have prior claim to those of our assets that constitute their collateral. Holders of exchange notes will participate ratably with all holders of our unsecured indebtedness that is deemed to be of the same class as such notes, and potentially with all of our other general creditors, based upon the respective amounts owed to each holder or creditor, in our remaining assets. In any of the foregoing events, we cannot assure you that there will be sufficient assets to pay amounts due on the exchange notes. As a result, holders of exchange notes may receive less, ratably, than holders of any secured indebtedness.
The exchange notes will be non-recourse to the operating partnership, which will limit your remedies as a holder of exchange notes.
Our obligations under the exchange notes will be non-recourse to the operating partnership. Therefore, if we should fail to pay the interest or principal on the exchange notes or breach any of our other obligations under the exchange notes and the indenture governing the exchange notes, you will not be able to obtain any such payments or obtain any other remedy from the operating partnership or its subsidiaries. The operating partnership and its subsidiaries will not be liable for any of our obligations under the exchange notes or the indenture.
We may be unable to repurchase exchange notes upon a change of control; it may be difficult to determine if a change of control has occurred.
Upon the occurrence of a change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the exchange notes, we or a third party will be required to make a change of control offer to repurchase the exchange notes, the original notes and any unregistered notes that remain outstanding after the exchange offer at 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of repurchase. We may not have the financial resources to purchase the exchange notes and such other notes in that circumstance, particularly if a change of control event triggers a similar repurchase requirement for, or results in the acceleration of, other indebtedness. Some of the agreements governing the operating partnerships indebtedness currently provide that specified change of control events will result in the acceleration of the indebtedness under those agreements. Future debt agreements of Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership may also contain similar provisions. The obligation to repay any accelerated indebtedness of the operating partnership will be structurally senior to our obligations to repurchase the exchange notes upon a change of control. In addition, future debt agreements of Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership may contain other restrictions on our ability to repurchase the exchange notes upon a change of control. These restrictions could prevent us from satisfying our obligations to purchase the exchange notes unless we are able to refinance or obtain waivers under any indebtedness of Ferrellgas Partners or of the operating partnership containing these restrictions. Our failure to make or consummate a change of control repurchase offer or pay the change of control purchase price when due would give the trustee and the holders of the exchange notes, any unregistered notes and the original notes particular rights as described in the Description of the Exchange Notes section.
In addition, one of the events that constitute a change of control is a sale of all or substantially all of our assets. The meaning of substantially all varies according to the facts and circumstances of the subject transaction and has no clearly established meaning under New York law, which is the law that governs the indenture for the exchange notes. This ambiguity as to when a sale of substantially all of our assets has occurred may make it difficult for holders of the exchange notes to determine whether we have properly identified, or failed to identify, a change of control.
The exchange notes will not be fungible with the original notes bearing the same terms.
Although the exchange notes will have substantially the same terms as the original notes, the exchange notes will be deemed to have been issued with OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes, which means that a holder will be required to include in their ordinary income for U.S. federal income tax purposes OID as it accrues regardless of such holders regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. See The exchange notes will be deemed to have been issued with original issue discount (OID). In addition, the exchange notes will have a separate CUSIP number from that of the original notes, and therefore will not be fungible with the original notes at any time, which may adversely affect the liquidity of the exchange notes and cause the exchange notes to trade at prices that are different from the original notes.
The following table sets forth our consolidated cash and cash equivalents and capitalization as of April 30, 2017 on a historical basis, without giving effect to the exchange offer.
This table should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, our historical financial statements, including the accompanying notes, which are incorporated by reference in this prospectus.
|
|
As of |
| |
|
|
(in thousands) |
| |
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
9,506 |
|
Debt: |
|
|
| |
Ferrellgas Partners: |
|
|
| |
85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (original notes) |
|
$ |
182,000 |
|
85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (unregistered notes)(1) |
|
175,000 |
| |
Other (2) |
|
(11,384 |
) | |
Total Ferrellgas Partners Debt |
|
345,616 |
| |
Operating Partnership: |
|
|
| |
Secured Credit Facility (3) |
|
213,600 |
| |
6.50% Senior Notes due 2021 |
|
500,000 |
| |
6.75% Senior Notes due 2022 (4) |
|
475,000 |
| |
6.75% Senior Notes due 2023 |
|
500,000 |
| |
Other (5) |
|
(9,031 |
) | |
Total Operating Partnership Debt |
|
1,679,569 |
| |
Total Debt |
|
2,025,185 |
| |
Total Partners Deficit |
|
(703,486 |
) | |
Total Capitalization |
|
$ |
1,321,699 |
|
(1) Reflects the principal amount of the outstanding unregistered notes without discount.
(2) Consists of debt issuance costs and discounts.
(3) At April 30, 2017, $213.6 million in borrowings and $123.5 million in letters of credit were outstanding under the operating partnerships secured credit facility, including $38.4 million in borrowings classified as short-term debt because it was used to fund working capital needs that management intended to pay down within the 12-month period following April 30, 2017. The operating partnership has total commitments of $575.0 million under its secured credit facility, with available but unused commitments of $237.9 million as of April 30, 2017. As of July 5, 2017, $250.6 million in borrowings and $138.6 million in letters of credit were outstanding under the operating partnerships secured credit facility, and the operating partnership had availability under our secured credit facility of approximately $185.8 million.
(4) Principal amount, excluding unamortized premium.
(5) Consists of seller-financed notes, discounts and premiums of debt issuances, debt issuance costs and fair value adjustments related to interest rate swaps, and does not include $91.0 million of notes payable in connection with our accounts receivable securitization facility.
Purpose and Effect of Exchange Offer; Registration Rights
On January 30, 2017, we issued $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the unregistered notes in a private placement. The unregistered notes were sold to the initial purchasers who in turn resold the unregistered notes to persons believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act.
In connection with the sale of the unregistered notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers of the unregistered notes, pursuant to which we agreed to file and to use our reasonable best efforts to cause to be declared effective by the SEC a registration statement with respect to the exchange of the exchange notes for the unregistered notes. We are making the exchange offer to fulfill our contractual obligations under that agreement. A copy of the registration rights agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See Where You Can Find More Information.
For each unregistered note tendered to us pursuant to the exchange offer, we will issue to the holder of such note an exchange note having a principal amount equal to that of the unregistered note. Interest on each exchange note will accrue from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the unregistered note surrendered in exchange thereof.
Based on existing SEC interpretations, we believe the exchange notes will be freely transferable by holders after the exchange offer without further registration under the Securities Act if the holder of the exchange note (i) is not our affiliate, (ii) is acquiring the exchange note in the ordinary course of its business, (iii) is not participating in and does not intend to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes and (iv) has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of exchange notes, as such terms are interpreted by the SEC; provided, however, that broker dealers receiving exchange notes in the exchange offer for their own account will have a prospectus delivery requirement with respect to resales of such exchange notes. The SEC has taken the position that such broker dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to exchange notes (other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the original sale of the unregistered notes) with the prospectus contained in the exchange offer registration statement. Please note that this prospectus may not meet the requirements of the SEC for a resale prospectus for all purposes and may require additional information for resales not meeting these requirements.
A holder of unregistered notes who wishes to exchange such notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer will be required to represent that (i) it is not our affiliate, (ii) any exchange notes to be received by it will be acquired in the ordinary course of its business, (iii) it is not participating in and does not intend to participate in a distribution of the exchange notes and (iv) it has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution (within the meaning of the Securities Act) of the exchange notes.
The exchange offer is not being made to, nor will we accept tenders for exchange from, holders of unregistered notes in any jurisdiction in which the exchange offer or the acceptance of the exchange offer would not be in compliance with the securities laws or blue sky laws of such jurisdiction.
If you are eligible to participate in this exchange offer and you do not tender your unregistered notes as described in this prospectus, you will not have any further registration rights. In that case, your unregistered notes will continue to be subject to restrictions on transfer under the Securities Act.
Terms of the Exchange Offer
Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letter of transmittal, we will accept for exchange in the exchange offer all unregistered notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date. Outstanding unregistered notes may be tendered only in minimum denominations of $2,000 and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. As of the date of this prospectus, $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the unregistered notes are outstanding.
The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of unregistered notes being tendered for exchange.
The terms of the exchange notes to be issued are identical in all material respects to the unregistered notes, except that the exchange notes will have been registered under the Securities Act and, therefore, any certificates for
the exchange notes will not bear legends restricting their transfer, and the exchange notes will not have any registration rights or right to additional interest. The exchange notes will be issued under and be entitled to the benefits of the Indenture dated as of April 13, 2010, as supplemented, among us and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.
In connection with the issuance of the unregistered notes, we arranged for the unregistered notes to be issued and transferable in book-entry form through the facilities of DTC, acting as a depositary. The exchange notes will also be issuable and transferable in book-entry form through DTC.
There will be no fixed record date for determining the eligible holders of the unregistered notes that are entitled to participate in the exchange offer. We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange validly tendered unregistered notes when and if we have given oral, promptly confirmed in writing, or written notice of acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders of unregistered notes for the purpose of receiving exchange notes from us and delivering them to such holders.
Holders of unregistered notes who tender in the exchange offer will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of unregistered notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than applicable taxes, in connection with the exchange offer. It is important that you read the section Fees and Expenses below for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offer.
We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreement we entered into with the initial purchasers of the unregistered notes, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and the rules and regulations of the SEC. If we successfully complete this exchange offer, any unregistered notes that are not tendered or that we do not accept in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and will continue to be subject to restrictions on transfer. The unregistered notes will continue to accrue interest, but, in general, the holders of unregistered notes after the exchange offer will not have further rights under the registration rights agreement, and we will not have any further obligation to register the unregistered notes under the Securities Act. In that case, holders wishing to transfer unregistered notes would have to rely on exemptions from the registration requirements of the Securities Act.
Conditions of the Exchange Offer
You must tender your unregistered notes in accordance with the requirements of this prospectus and the letter of transmittal to participate in the exchange offer. Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, or any extension of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange any unregistered notes, and may amend or terminate the exchange offer if:
· the exchange offer violates applicable law or any applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC;
· any action or proceeding shall have been instituted or threatened that might materially impair our ability to proceed with the exchange offer, or a material adverse development in any existing action or proceeding with respect to us;
· any holder of unregistered notes has not made to us the representations described under Procedures for Tendering and Plan of Distribution; or
· all governmental approvals that we deem necessary for the consummation of the exchange offer have not been obtained.
These conditions are for our sole benefit and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times prior to the expiration of the exchange offer in our sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, this failure will not constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that it may assert at any time or at various time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.
Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendment; Termination
The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2017, unless, in our sole discretion, we decide to extend it. In the case of any extension, we will notify the exchange agent orally, promptly confirmed in writing, or in writing of any extension. We will also notify the registered holders of unregistered notes
of the extension by means of a press release or other public announcement no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the business day after the previously scheduled expiration date. During any such extensions, all unregistered notes previously tendered will remain subject to the exchange offer, and we may accept them for exchange.
If any of the conditions or events described above under Conditions of the Exchange Offer occur, we reserve the right, in our sole discretion by giving written notice of such delay, extension or termination to the exchange agent before 9:00 a.m. New York City time on the first business day following the previously scheduled expiration date,
· to delay accepting for exchange any unregistered notes,
· to extend the exchange offer, or
· to terminate the exchange offer.
Subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we also reserve the right to amend the terms of the exchange offer in any manner.
Any such delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed promptly by notice thereof via a press release or other public announcement to holders of the unregistered notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose such amendment by means of a prospectus supplement that will be distributed to holders of the unregistered notes. Depending upon the significance of the amendment and the manner of disclosure to holders, we may extend the exchange offer. If an amendment constitutes a material change to the exchange offer, including the waiver of a material condition, we will extend the exchange offer, if necessary, to remain open for at least five business days after the date of the amendment. In the event of any increase or decrease in the consideration we are offering for the unregistered notes or in the percentage of unregistered notes being sought by us, we will extend the exchange offer to remain open for at least ten business days after the date we provide notice of such increase or decrease to the registered holders of unregistered notes.
Interest on the Exchange Notes
The exchange notes will accrue interest from the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the unregistered notes surrendered in exchange therefor (i.e., June 15, 2017). Interest will be paid on the exchange notes semi-annually on June 15 and December 15 of each year to holders of record of the exchange notes as of the preceding June 1 and December 1, respectively, with the next interest payment date being December 15, 2017.
Resale of Exchange Notes
Based upon existing interpretations of the staff of the SEC set forth in several no-action letters issued to third parties unrelated to us, we believe that the exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for the unregistered notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by their holders, without complying with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that:
· you are not our affiliate, as defined in Rule 405 under the Securities Act;
· any exchange notes to be received by you will be acquired in the ordinary course of your business;
· you are not participating in, do not intend to participate in or have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes;
· if you are a broker-dealer, you will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for unregistered notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes; and
· you are not acting on behalf of any person or entity that could not truthfully make these representations.
If you wish to participate in the exchange offer, you will be required to make these representations to us in the letter of transmittal.
If you are a broker-dealer that receives exchange notes in exchange for unregistered notes held for your own account, as a result of market-making or other trading activities, you must acknowledge by way of the letter of transmittal that you will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, you will not be deemed to admit that you are an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by any broker-dealers in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for unregistered notes. We have agreed that, for a period ending on the earlier of 180 days after the date of this prospectus and the date on which a broker-dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus, we will make this prospectus and any amendment or supplement to this prospectus available to any such broker-dealer for use in connection with any resale. Please note that this prospectus may not meet the requirements of the SEC for a resale prospectus for all purposes and may require additional information for resales not meeting these requirements.
Any holder that is an affiliate of ours or that does not acquire exchange notes in the ordinary course of business or that tenders unregistered notes in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution:
· may not rely on the applicable interpretation of the SEC staffs position contained in Exxon Capital Holdings Corp., SEC No-Action Letter (April 13, 1988), Morgan, Stanley & Co., Inc., SEC No-Action Letter (June 5, 1991) and Shearman & Sterling, SEC No-Action Letter (July 2, 1993); and
· must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction.
Procedures for Tendering
The term holder with respect to the exchange offer means any person in whose name unregistered notes are registered on our agents books or any other person who has obtained a properly completed bond power from the registered holder, or any person whose unregistered notes are held of record by DTC who desires to deliver such unregistered notes by book-entry transfer at DTC. Except in limited circumstances, only a DTC participant listed on a DTC securities position listing with respect to the unregistered notes may tender its unregistered notes in the exchange offer.
To tender unregistered notes in the exchange offer, you must comply with one of the following prior to the expiration of the exchange offer:
· complete, sign and date the letter of transmittal and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal, have the signature(s) on the letter of transmittal guaranteed if required by the letter of transmittal, and mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent at the address set forth below under Exchange Agent; or
· complete the DTCs ATOP procedures as described below.
In addition, either:
· the exchange agent must receive any corresponding certificate or certificates representing unregistered notes prior to the expiration date, if any;
· the exchange agent must receive a confirmation of book-entry transfer of unregistered notes into the exchange agents DTC account and a properly transmitted agents message as described below prior to the expiration date; or
· you must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.
The tender by a holder of unregistered notes will constitute an agreement between such holder and us in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal. If less than all the unregistered notes held by a holder of unregistered notes are tendered, a tendering holder should fill in the amount of unregistered notes being tendered in the specified box on the letter of transmittal. The entire amount of unregistered notes delivered to the exchange agent will be deemed to have been tendered unless otherwise indicated.
The method of delivery of unregistered notes, the letter of transmittal and all other required documents or transmission of an agents message to the exchange agent is at the election and risk of the holder. Instead of delivery by mail, we recommend that holders use an overnight or hand delivery service. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery to the exchange agent prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. You should not send letters of transmittal or unregistered notes to us. Delivery of documents to DTC will not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.
If you are a beneficial owner of unregistered notes that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your unregistered notes, you should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct the registered holder to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your unregistered notes, either:
· make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the unregistered notes in your name; or
· obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder.
The transfer of record ownership may take considerable time and may not be completed prior to the expiration date.
Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal as described in Withdrawal of Tenders below, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or an eligible guarantor institution within the meaning of Rule 17Ad-15 under the Exchange Act, unless the unregistered notes tendered pursuant thereto are tendered:
· by a registered holder of the unregistered notes who has not completed the box entitled Special Registration Instructions or Special Delivery Instructions on the letter of transmittal; or
· for the account of an eligible guarantor institution.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any unregistered notes listed therein, the unregistered notes must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate bond powers which authorize the person to tender the unregistered notes on behalf of the registered holder, in either case signed as the name of the registered holder or holders appears on the unregistered notes. If the letter of transmittal or any unregistered notes or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons should so indicate when signing and, unless waived by us, evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act must be submitted with the letter of transmittal.
The exchange agent and DTC have confirmed that any financial institution that is a participant in DTCs system may use DTCs ATOP to tender unregistered notes. DTC participants may, instead of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent, electronically transmit their acceptance of the exchange offer by causing DTC to transfer the unregistered notes to the exchange agent. DTC will then send an agents message to the exchange agent.
An agents message is a message, transmitted by DTC and received by the exchange agent and forming a part of the book-entry confirmation, stating that (i) DTC has received instructions from the participant to tender the unregistered notes that are the subject of the book-entry confirmation, (ii) the participant has received and agrees to be bound by the letter of transmittal, or, in the case of an agents message relating to guaranteed delivery, that such participant has received and agrees to be bound by the notice of guaranteed delivery and (iii) we may enforce such agreement against the participant.
We will determine in our sole discretion all the questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of the tendered unregistered notes. Our determinations will be final and binding. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all unregistered notes not validly tendered or any unregistered notes our acceptance of which would, in the opinion of our counsel, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or irregularities of tender as to particular unregistered notes. Our interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the instructions in the letter of transmittal, will be final and binding on all parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of unregistered notes must be cured within such time as we will determine. Neither we, the exchange agent nor any other person shall be under any duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to tenders of unregistered notes nor shall any of
them incur any liability for failure to give such notification. Tenders of unregistered notes will not be deemed to have been made until such defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. Any unregistered notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the defects or irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned without cost by the exchange agent to the tendering holder of such unregistered notes unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly following the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.
In addition, we reserve the right in our sole discretion:
· to purchase or make offers for any unregistered notes that remain outstanding subsequent to the expiration date; and
· to the extent permitted by applicable law, purchase unregistered notes in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.
The terms of any such purchases or offers may differ from the terms of the exchange offer.
Acceptance and Delivery
Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the exchange offer, we will accept, promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer, all unregistered notes that have been validly tendered and not validly withdrawn. We will issue the exchange notes promptly after the expiration of the exchange offer and the acceptance of the unregistered notes. We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange validly tendered unregistered notes when and if we have given oral, promptly confirmed in writing, or written notice of acceptance to the exchange agent.
In all cases, we will issue exchange notes for unregistered notes that we have accepted for exchange only after the exchange agent receives, prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date:
· a properly completed, signed and dated letter of transmittal and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal or a properly transmitted agents message; and
· certificates for the original unregistered notes or a confirmation of book-entry transfer of such unregistered notes into the exchange agents account at DTC.
Book-Entry Delivery Procedures
Promptly after the date of this prospectus, the exchange agent will establish an account for the unregistered notes at DTC for purposes of facilitating the exchange offer. Any financial institution that is a participant in DTCs system may make book-entry delivery of the unregistered notes by causing DTC to transfer those unregistered notes into the exchange agents account at DTC in accordance with DTCs procedures for such transfer. To be timely, book-entry delivery of outstanding notes requires receipt of a confirmation of a book-entry transfer prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. In addition, although delivery of outstanding notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the exchange agents account at DTC, the letter of transmittal, together with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, or an agents message in connection with a book-entry transfer, must, in any case, be delivered or transmitted to and received by the exchange agent prior to the expiration of the exchange offer to receive exchange notes for tendered unregistered notes, or the guaranteed delivery procedure described below must be complied with. Tender will not be deemed made until such documents are received by the exchange agent. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.
Guaranteed Delivery Procedures
Holders who wish to tender their unregistered notes and:
· who cannot deliver their unregistered notes, the letter of transmittal, or any other required documents to the exchange agent prior to the expiration of the exchange offer; or
· who cannot comply with DTCs ATOP procedures before the expiration of the exchange offer,
may tender their unregistered notes if:
· the tender is made through an eligible institution;
· before the expiration of the exchange offer, the exchange agent receives from the eligible institution either a properly completed and duly executed notice of guaranteed delivery in the form accompanying this prospectus, by facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, or a properly transmitted agents message in lieu of notice of guaranteed delivery:
· setting forth the name and address of the holder and the registered number(s), the certificate number or numbers of the unregistered notes tendered and the principal amount of unregistered notes tendered;
· stating that the tender offer is being made by guaranteed delivery;
· guaranteeing that, within three business days after expiration of the exchange offer, the letter of transmittal, or facsimile of the letter of transmittal, together with the unregistered notes tendered or a book-entry confirmation, and any other documents required by the letter of transmittal will be deposited by the eligible institution with the exchange agent; and
· the exchange agent receives the properly completed and executed letter of transmittal as well as all tendered unregistered notes in proper form for transfer or a book-entry confirmation of the transfer of the unregistered notes into the exchange agents DTC account, and all other documents required by the letter of transmittal, within three business days after expiration of the exchange offer.
Upon request to the exchange agent, a notice of guaranteed delivery will be sent to holders who wish to tender their unregistered notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth above.
Withdrawal of tenders
Except as otherwise provided herein, tenders of unregistered notes may be withdrawn at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2017, the expiration date of the exchange offer, unless we decide to extend the exchange offer in our sole discretion.
For a withdrawal to be effective:
· the exchange agent must receive a written notice, which may be by facsimile transmission or letter, of withdrawal at the address set forth below under Exchange Agent; or
· holders must comply with the appropriate ATOP procedures.
Any notice of withdrawal must:
· specify the name of the person who tendered the unregistered notes to be withdrawn;
· identify the unregistered notes to be withdrawn, including the certificate number or numbers and principal amount of the unregistered notes to be withdrawn;
· be signed by the person who tendered the unregistered notes in the same manner as the original signature on the letter of transmittal, including any required signature guarantees; and
· specify the name in which the unregistered notes are to be re-registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.
If certificates for unregistered notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, you must also submit:
· the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be withdrawn; and
· a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures guaranteed by an eligible institution unless you are an eligible guarantor institution.
If unregistered notes were tendered pursuant to the DTCs book-entry procedures, any notice of withdrawal must:
· specify the name and number of the account at DTC from which the unregistered notes were tendered;
· specify the name and number of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn unregistered notes; and
· otherwise comply with the ATOP procedures.
We will determine all questions as to the validity, form and eligibility (including time of receipt) for such withdrawal notices, and our determination shall be final and binding on all parties.
Any unregistered notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for purposes of the exchange offer, and no exchange notes will be issued with respect thereto unless the unregistered notes so withdrawn are validly re-tendered. Any unregistered notes that have been tendered but that are not accepted for exchange will be returned to the holder without cost to such holder promptly after withdrawal. Properly withdrawn unregistered notes may be re-tendered by following the procedures described above under Procedures for Tendering at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.
Consequences of Failure to Exchange
If you do not tender your unregistered notes to be exchanged in this exchange offer, they will remain restricted securities within the meaning of Rule 144(a)(3) of the Securities Act. Accordingly, they may be resold only if:
· registered pursuant to the Securities Act;
· an exemption from registration is available; or
· neither registration nor an exemption is required by law; and
they shall continue to bear a legend restricting transfer in the absence of registration or an exemption therefrom.
As a result of the restrictions on transfer and the availability of the exchange notes, the unregistered notes are likely to be much less liquid than before the exchange offer. Following the consummation of the exchange offer, in general, holders of unregistered notes will have no further registration rights under the registration rights agreement.
Exchange Agent
U.S. Bank National Association has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange of the unregistered notes. Questions and requests for assistance relating to the exchange of the unregistered notes should be directed to the exchange agent addressed as follows:
U.S. Bank National Association
Corporate Trust Services
111 Fillmore Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107
Telephone number: (800) 934-6802
Facsimile number (for Eligible Institutions only): (651) 466-7367
Fees and Expenses
We will bear the expenses of soliciting tenders pursuant to the exchange offer. The principal solicitation for tenders pursuant to the exchange offer is being made by electronic transmission.
Additional solicitations may be made by our officers and regular employees and our affiliates in person, by telecopy, mail or telephone.
We will not make any payments to brokers, dealers or other persons soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer. We, however, will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and will reimburse the exchange agent for its related reasonable out-of-pocket expenses and accounting and legal fees. We may also pay brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries the reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in forwarding copies of this prospectus, letters of transmittal and related documents to the beneficial owners of the unregistered notes and in handling or forwarding tenders for exchange.
We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of unregistered notes pursuant to the exchange offer. The tendering holder, however, will be required to pay any transfer taxes whether imposed on the registered holder or any other person, if:
· exchange notes or unregistered notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be registered in the name of any person other than the registered holder of unregistered notes tendered;
· tendered unregistered notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal; or
· a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of unregistered notes under the exchange offer.
If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed directly to such tendering holder.
Accounting Treatment
We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the unregistered notes, which is the aggregate principal amount, net of unamortized discount, as reflected in our accounting records on the date of the exchange, as the terms of the exchange notes are substantially identical to the terms of the unregistered notes. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of the exchange offer. We will capitalize the expenses relating to the exchange offer.
Other
Participating in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.
We may in the future seek to acquire untendered unregistered notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any unregistered notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer.
DESCRIPTION OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
Operating Partnerships Secured Credit Facility
Our operating partnership has a $575 million secured credit facility, with a $200 million letter of credit sub-facility. The secured credit facility matures in October 2018. The obligations under this 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 partnerships accounts receivable securitization facility, (b) the general partners equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners and (c) equity interests in certain unrestricted subsidiaries. The obligations under the secured credit facility are guaranteed by our general partner and all of our subsidiaries, other than certain special purpose subsidiaries formed for use in connection with accounts receivables securitizations and certain immaterial subsidiaries. Borrowings under our secured credit facility will be structurally senior to the exchange notes.
As of April 30, 2017, we had total borrowings outstanding under our secured credit facility of $213.6 million, of which $175.2 million was classified as long-term debt. Additionally, the operating partnership had $237.9 million of available borrowing capacity under the secured credit facility as of April 30, 2017.
Borrowings outstanding at April 30, 2017 under the secured credit facility had a weighted average interest rate of 5.5%. 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 Americas prime rate; or iii) the Eurodollar Rate plus 1.00%; plus a margin varying from 0.75% to 3.00%, depending on our leverage ratio; or
· for Eurodollar Rate Loans, the Eurodollar Rate, which is defined as the LIBOR Rate plus a margin varying from 1.75% to 4.00%, depending on our leverage ratio.
As of April 30, 2017, the federal funds rate and Bank of Americas prime rate were 0.89% and 4.00%, respectively. As of April 30, 2017, the one-month and three-month Eurodollar Rates were 1.00% and 1.17%, 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.
Letters of credit outstanding at April 30, 2017 totaled $123.5 million and were used primarily to secure insurance arrangements and to a lesser extent, product purchases. At April 30, 2017, we had available letter of credit remaining capacity of $76.5 million.
All standby letter of credit commitments under our secured credit facility bear a per annum rate varying from 1.75% to 4.00%, depending on our leverage ratio (as of April 30, 2017, the rate was 3.5%), 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.
The secured credit facility contains various affirmative and negative covenants and default provisions, as well as requirements with respect to the maintenance of specified financial ratios and limitations on the making of loans and investments.
In particular, our secured credit facility requires the operating partnership to maintain:
· a ratio of Consolidated Funded Senior Secured Indebtedness at a quarter end to Consolidated EBITDA of the operating partnership and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the four quarters then ended of 2.75 to 1.00 or less;
· a ratio of Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Charges, in each case, of the operating partnership and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for the four quarters then ended to be no less than 1.75 to 1.00 for the quarters ending on or before April 30, 2018 and no less than 2.50 to 1.00 for the quarters ending after April 30, 2018; and
· a ratio of Consolidated Funded Indebtedness at a quarter end to Consolidated EBITDA for the four quarters then ended, in each case, of the operating partnership and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis of 7.75 to 1.00 or less for the quarters ending on or before April 30, 2018 and 5.50 to 1.00 or less for the quarters ending after April 30, 2018.
Existing Senior Notes
The operating partnership has a total of $1.475 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes outstanding, consisting of $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.50% Senior Notes due 2021, $475 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.75% Senior Notes due 2022 and $500 million aggregate principal amount of its 6.75% senior notes due 2023. The operating partnerships senior notes are unsecured and are guaranteed by the subsidiaries of the operating partnership that guarantee the operating partnerships obligations under its secured credit facility. The operating partnerships senior notes will be structurally senior to the exchange notes offered hereby.
Ferrellgas Partners has $357 million aggregate principal amount of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 outstanding, consisting of $182 million aggregate principal amount of the original notes and $175 million aggregate principal amount of the unregistered notes. The original notes and the unregistered notes have substantially the same terms as the exchange notes, except as described herein with respect to the unregistered notes. See Description of the Exchange NotesBrief Description of the Notes.
The agreements governing our notes contain various negative and affirmative covenants that limit our ability to, among other things:
· incur additional indebtedness;
· engage in transactions with affiliates;
· create liens on our assets;
· sell assets;
· make restricted payments;
· enter into business combinations and transactions involving the sale of all or substantially all of our assets; and
· engage in other lines of business.
In the event of a default under our notes, the holders of each series of our notes may accelerate the maturity thereof and cause all outstanding amounts thereunder to become immediately due and payable.
We are permitted to make quarterly cash distributions to our partners so long as each distribution does not exceed a specified amount, we meet a specified financial ratio and no default exists or would result from such distribution.
Other Financial Obligations
The operating partnership utilizes an accounts receivable securitization facility for the purpose of providing additional short-term working capital funding, especially during the winter heating months. This facility was entered into during January 2012 and matures on the earlier of the secured credit facility maturity date or July 29, 2019. As part of this facility, we transfer an interest in a pool of our trade accounts receivable to Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, our wholly-owned, unconsolidated, qualifying special purpose subsidiary, which in turn sells this interest to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Fifth Third Bank and SunTrust Bank.
We do not provide any guarantee or similar support with respect to the collectability of these accounts receivables. We remit daily to Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC funds collected on its pool of trade accounts receivables. The level of funding available under the facility is currently limited to $225 million during the months of January and February, $175 million during the months of March, April, November and December and $145 million for all other months, depending on available undivided interests in our accounts receivable from certain customers. As of April 30, 2017, $143.3 million of trade accounts receivable had been sold to Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, .and we had received cash proceeds of $91.0 million related to such sale of our trade accounts receivable, with no
remaining capacity to receive additional proceeds. As of April 30, 2017, the weighted average cost for the sale was 3.0%.
Additionally, we maintain various non-cancelable operating leases with respect to property, computers, light and medium duty trucks, tractors and trailers. The following table summarizes our future minimum rental payments as of April 30, 2017. This summary also presents the buyout amounts necessary to purchase the underlying assets at the end of the lease terms, should we elect to do so.
|
|
Future minimum rental and buyout amounts by fiscal year |
|
|
| ||||||||||||||
(in thousands) |
|
2017 |
|
2018 |
|
2019 |
|
2020 |
|
2021 |
|
Thereafter |
| ||||||
Operating lease obligations |
|
$ |
14,581 |
|
$ |
41,663 |
|
$ |
31,369 |
|
$ |
23,869 |
|
$ |
18,083 |
|
$ |
23,581 |
|
Operating lease buyouts |
|
$ |
1,528 |
|
$ |
3,444 |
|
$ |
4,352 |
|
$ |
2,892 |
|
$ |
3,302 |
|
$ |
10,743 |
|
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., as co-issuers, issued the original notes and the unregistered notes and will issue the exchange notes under an Indenture dated as of April 13, 2010 among themselves and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of April 13, 2010 and the Second Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of January 30, 2017 (collectively, the indenture). The terms of the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange offer are identical in all material respects to those of the unregistered notes, except that the exchange notes will have been registered under the Securities Act, the certificates for the exchange notes will not bear legends restricting their transfer and the exchange notes will not have registration rights or any rights to additional interest, as the exchange offer satisfies our obligations under the registration rights agreement with respect to the unregistered notes. The terms of the exchange notes include those stated in the indenture and those made part of the indenture by reference to the Trust Indenture Act of 1939.
The following description is a summary of the material provisions of the indenture. It does not restate the indenture in its entirety. We urge you to read the indenture because it, and not this description, defines your rights as noteholders. A copy of the indenture has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. See Where You Can Find More Information. The registered holder of an exchange note will be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. Only registered holders of notes will have rights under the indenture.
Some of the terms used in this description are defined in the section entitled Certain Definitions. For purposes of this description:
· the partnership refers to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.;
· the words we, us, our and ourselves refer to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., the co-issuers of the notes;
· the operating partnership refers to Ferrellgas, L.P.;
· the general partner refers to Ferrellgas, Inc.; and
· The notes refers to, collectively, the exchange notes to be issued in the exchange offer described in this prospectus, any unregistered notes that remain outstanding after the exchange offer and the original notes.
Brief Description of the Notes
The exchange notes will be our general unsecured joint and several obligations and will:
· rank equally with all of our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, including the original notes, any unregistered notes that are not exchange pursuant to the exchange offer and trade payables;
· rank senior to any of our future indebtedness that expressly provides it is subordinated to the notes;
· be effectively junior to all of our future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt; and
· be structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other obligations of any of our subsidiaries, including any borrowings under the operating partnerships secured credit facility and the operating partnerships outstanding senior notes.
The partnership is a holding company for its subsidiaries and has no material operations or assets other than its interests in its consolidated subsidiaries, including the operating partnership. Accordingly, the partnership is dependent upon the distribution of the earnings of its consolidated subsidiaries, including the operating partnership, to service its debt obligations, including the notes.
Because the notes will be structurally subordinated to the indebtedness of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries, noteholders generally will have no recourse to the operating partnership or any of its subsidiaries or their assets for amounts due under the notes. Noteholders may, however, have indirect recourse to the extent the partnership has rights as a holder of equity interests in the operating partnership and its subsidiaries. In addition, the noteholders will not have any right to require the operating partnership to make distributions to the partnership.
Furthermore, noteholders generally will have no recourse to our assets which are provided as security to other indebtedness other than such rights that any other unsecured creditor may have to such assets during a bankruptcy or other insolvency proceeding. See Risk Factors.
We issued $280,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 in April 2010 and subsequently redeemed $98,000,000 in principal amount of those notes, leaving $182,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 outstanding prior to the issuance of the unregistered notes (referred to herein as the original notes). We issued an additional $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of our 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 on January 30, 2017 (referred to herein as the unregistered notes), all of which remain outstanding, resulting in $357,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 currently outstanding.
The exchange notes have substantially the same terms as the original notes and the unregistered notes, except, with respect to the unregistered notes, as described in this prospectus. The exchange notes will be treated as a single series with, and will vote as one class with, the original notes and any unregistered notes that are not exchange pursuant to the exchange offer. However, because the unregistered notes were issued with original issue discount (OID) for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the exchange notes will be deemed to have been issued with OID and therefore will have a different CUSIP number from that of the original notes and will not be fungible with the original notes, which may cause the exchange notes to trade at prices that are different from those of the original notes. See Risk FactorsRisks Relating to the Exchange Offer and the Exchange NotesThe exchange notes will not be fungible with the original notes bearing substantially the same terms.
Principal, Maturity and Interest
The exchange notes:
· will be issued in registered form, without coupons, and in denominations of $2,000, or in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess thereof;
· will accrue interest at the annual rate of 85/8% from and including the last interest payment date on which interest was paid on the unregistered notes (i.e., June 15, 2017), which interest will be computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months;
· will pay interest semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 to holders of record on the immediately preceding June 1 and December 1, commencing December 15, 2017; and
· will mature on June 15, 2020.
We do not intend to list the exchange notes on any securities exchange or to seek approval for quotations of the notes through any automated quotation system.
We may issue additional notes from time to time after the exchange offer as part of the same series of notes or in one or more additional series. Any offering of additional notes is subject to the covenant described below in the section entitled Certain CovenantsLimitation on Additional Indebtedness. The notes and any additional notes later issued under the indenture as part of the same series will be treated as a single class for all purposes under the indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.
We will pay principal and interest on the notes at our office or agency, which we maintain in New York City. At our option, we may make payments of interest by check mailed to the noteholders at their respective addresses as set forth in the register of notes. All payments with respect to global notes, however, will be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the global notes. Until otherwise designated by us, our office or agency in New York will be the office of the trustee maintained for payment purposes.
Optional Redemption
We have the right to redeem the notes, in whole or in part, upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the redemption prices (expressed in percentages of principal amount) listed in the table below, plus accrued and unpaid interest on the notes to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve months beginning on June 15 of the years indicated in the table below:
Year |
|
Percentage |
|
2017 |
|
101.438 |
% |
2018 and thereafter |
|
100.000 |
% |
Mandatory Redemption; Open Market Purchases
We are not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking fund payments with respect to the notes. We may at any time and from time to time purchase notes in the open market or otherwise.
Offers to Purchase; Repurchase at the Option of the Noteholders
We may be required to offer to purchase the notes if there is a change in control of, or specified asset sales by, the partnership.
Change of Control Offer
The indenture defines the term change of control. Upon the occurrence of a change of control, each noteholder will have the right to require us to repurchase all or any part (equal to $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof) of that holders notes pursuant to a change of control offer on the terms set forth in the indenture. In a change of control offer, we will offer a change of control payment in cash equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes or portion of notes validly tendered for payment, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. Generally, a change of control would occur when:
(1) there is a sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the partnership or the operating partnership to any entity other than to a Related Party; in this regard, the meaning of all or substantially all varies according to the facts and circumstances of the subject transaction and has no clearly established meaning under New York law, which is the law that governs the indenture; therefore, in some transactions it may be unclear whether a change of control has occurred;
(2) there is a liquidation or dissolution of the partnership or our general partner or a successor to the general partner; or
(3) there is any transaction or series of transactions that results in a Person other than a Related Party beneficially owning in the aggregate, directly or indirectly, more than 35% of the voting stock of our general partner or a successor to the general partner and such percentage is more than the percentage of voting stock that is owned by the Related Party or a successor to the Related Party.
Within 30 days following any change of control, we will mail a notice to each noteholder stating that, among other things, a change of control offer is being made, that all notes tendered will be accepted for payment and that any note not tendered will continue to accrue interest. We will identify the amount of the change of control payment and the change of control payment date for the notes. The notice will also include directions for noteholders who elect to have their notes purchased in the change of control offer.
Noteholders will be entitled to withdraw any election to have their notes purchased if the paying agent receives timely and proper notice of such withdrawal. The notice from the partnership to noteholders will describe the requirements for the notice from the noteholders to the paying agent.
We will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-l under the Exchange Act and any other relevant securities laws applicable to the repurchase of notes in connection with a change of control.
On the change of control payment date, we will, to the extent lawful, accept for payment notes or portions of notes tendered in accordance with the change of control offer; deposit an amount equal to the change of control payment for the notes with the paying agent in respect of all notes or portions of notes properly tendered; and deliver or cause to be delivered to the trustee the notes so accepted together with an officers certificate stating the aggregate amount of the notes or portions of notes tendered to us.
The paying agent will promptly mail the change of control payment to each noteholder. The trustee will promptly authenticate and mail to each noteholder a new note equal in principal amount to any unpurchased portion of the notes surrendered. However, each new note will be in a principal amount of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. We will publicly announce the results of the change of control offer on or as soon as practicable after the change of control payment date.
We will not be required to make a change of control offer upon a change of control if a third party makes the change of control offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in compliance with the requirements set forth in the indenture applicable to a change of control offer made by us and purchases all notes properly tendered and not withdrawn under the change of control offer.
The triggering of the purchase right will not constitute an event of default under the indenture. In addition, we may be unable to pay the change of control payment because (1) the agreements governing the operating partnerships Existing Notes and the Credit Agreement limit the operating partnerships ability to make distributions to the partnership and (2) we may not have sufficient immediate financial resources to pay cash to the holders of notes upon a repurchase. The failure of the partnership to repurchase the notes upon a change of control offer would constitute an immediate Event of Default under the indenture. See Risk FactorsWe may be unable to repurchase notes upon a change of control; it may be difficult to determine if a change of control has occurred.
Asset Sales
The indenture defines the term Asset Sale and provides that the partnership and, in specified circumstances, its subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries, meaning they are not Unrestricted Subsidiaries, must comply with restrictions applicable to an Asset Sale. Briefly, an Unrestricted Subsidiary has no Indebtedness or any other obligation that, directly or indirectly, is guaranteed by or obligates in any way the partnership.
The partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries may complete an Asset Sale if the partnership or its Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, receives consideration at the time of the Asset Sale at least equal to the fair market value, as determined in good faith by an authorized financial officer of our general partner, of the assets sold or otherwise disposed of, and, if such Asset Sale involves assets with a fair market value in excess of $10 million, then at least 75% of the consideration received by the partnership or the Restricted Subsidiary is in the form of cash. For purposes of determining the amount of cash received in an Asset Sale, the following will be deemed to be cash:
(1) the amount of any liabilities on the partnerships or any Restricted Subsidiarys balance sheet that are assumed by the transferee of the assets; and
(2) the amount of any notes or other obligations received by the partnership or the Restricted Subsidiary from the transferee that is converted within 180 days by the partnership or the Restricted Subsidiary into cash, to the extent of the cash received.
Furthermore, the 75% limitation will not apply to any Asset Sale in which the cash portion of the consideration received is equal to or greater than the after-tax proceeds would have been had the Asset Sale complied with the 75% limitation.
If the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries receives Net Proceeds exceeding $20 million from one or more Asset Sales in any fiscal year, then within 410 days after the date the aggregate amount of Net Proceeds exceeds $20 million, the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries must apply the amount of such Net Proceeds either (1) to reduce Indebtedness of the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, with a permanent reduction of availability in the case of revolving Indebtedness, or (2) to make an investment in assets or capital expenditures useful to the partnerships or any of its Subsidiaries business as in effect on April 13, 2010 or businesses related or ancillary thereto. Any Net Proceeds that are not applied or invested in either of these ways will be considered Excess Proceeds.
Pending the final application of any Net Proceeds, the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary may temporarily reduce borrowings under the Credit Facilities, or otherwise invest the Net Proceeds in any manner that is not prohibited by the indenture.
When the aggregate amount of Excess Proceeds exceeds $20 million, we will make an offer to all noteholders, and holders of other Indebtedness outstanding that is pari passu with the notes containing provisions similar to those set forth in the indenture with respect to offers to purchase or redeem with the proceeds of asset sales, to purchase for cash that number of notes that may be purchased out of the Excess Proceeds at a purchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the note plus accrued and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. We will follow the procedures set forth in the indenture and we will comply with the requirements of Rule 14e-l under the Exchange Act and any other applicable securities laws.
To the extent that the aggregate amount of notes tendered in response to our purchase offer is less than the Excess Proceeds, the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary may use such deficiency for general business
purposes. If the aggregate principal amount of notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness tendered into such Asset Sale Offer exceeds the amount of Excess Proceeds, the trustee shall select the notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness to be purchased on a pro rata basis in proportion to the aggregate principal amount of the notes and such other pari passu Indebtedness tendered in accordance with the procedures for selection and notice of redemption set forth below. Upon completion of the offer to the noteholders, the amount of Excess Proceeds will be reset at zero.
Selection and Notice of Redemption
If less than all the notes are to be redeemed at any time, the trustee will select the notes to be redeemed among the holders of notes pro rata, by lot or in accordance with a method which the trustee considers to be fair and appropriate (in accordance with the procedures of DTC). The trustee must choose in a manner that complies with any legal and stock exchange requirements. Notices of redemption shall be mailed by first class mail at least 10 but not more than 60 days before the redemption date to each holder of notes to be redeemed at its registered address. If any note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of redemption that relates to that note shall state the portion of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. A new note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of the note will be issued in the name of the holder of that note upon surrender and cancellation of the original note. On and after the redemption date, interest ceases to accrue on notes or portions of notes called for redemption.
Certain Covenants
The indenture requires us to comply with a number of covenants, including those summarized below.
Limitation on Additional Indebtedness
The partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur more debt only under specified circumstances. The partnership will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, issue, assume, guarantee or in any manner become directly or indirectly liable, contingently or otherwise, for the payment, in each case, to incur, any Indebtedness, unless at the time of the incurrence and after giving pro forma effect to the receipt and application of the proceeds of the Indebtedness, the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the partnership would be greater than 2.00 to 1.00.
In addition to any Indebtedness that may be incurred as set forth above, the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries may incur Permitted Indebtedness. The term Permitted Indebtedness is defined in the indenture and includes:
(1) Indebtedness outstanding as of April 13, 2010;
(2) Indebtedness of the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary incurred for the making of expenditures for the improvement or repair, to the extent the improvements or repairs may be capitalized in accordance with GAAP, or additions, including by way of acquisitions of businesses and related assets, to the property and assets of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the acquisition of assets subject to operating leases, Indebtedness incurred under the Credit Facilities, or incurred by assumption in connection with additions, including additions by way of acquisitions or capital contributions of businesses and related assets, to the property and assets of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, that the aggregate principal amount of this Indebtedness outstanding at any time may not exceed $75 million;
(3) Indebtedness of the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary (a) incurred for any purpose permitted under the Credit Facilities or (b) owing in respect of any Accounts Receivable Securitization, operating lease, or other off-balance sheet obligation existing on April 13, 2010 that arises because, after April 13, 2010, such off-balance sheet obligations are refinanced with Indebtedness, provided, that the aggregate principal amount of this Indebtedness outstanding under this clause at any time may not exceed an amount equal to the sum of (x) $500 million plus (y) the amount, if any, by which the Borrowing Base as of the date of calculation exceeds the amount of the Borrowing Base as of December 31, 2003;
(4) Indebtedness of the partnership owed to our general partner or an affiliate of our general partner that is unsecured and that is subordinated in right of payment to the notes; provided, that the aggregate principal amount of this Indebtedness outstanding at any time under this clause may not exceed $50 million and this Indebtedness has a final maturity date later than the final maturity date of the notes;
(5) Indebtedness (a) owed by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary to the operating partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary or (b) owed by the operating partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary to the partnership or to any other Restricted Subsidiary;
(6) Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness (including, for the avoidance of doubt, Indebtedness incurred as permitted under the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio set forth in the second sentence of this section entitled Limitation on Additional Indebtedness);
(7) the incurrence by the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness owing directly to its insurance carriers, without duplication, in connection with the partnerships, its Subsidiaries or its Affiliates self-insurance programs or other similar forms of retained insurable risks for their respective businesses, consisting of reinsurance agreements and indemnification agreements, and guarantees of the foregoing, secured by letters of credit; provided, that any Consolidated Fixed Charges associated with the Indebtedness evidenced by the reinsurance agreements, indemnification agreements, guarantees and letters of credit will be included, without duplication, in any determination of the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio test set forth in the second sentence of this section entitled Limitation on Additional Indebtedness;
(8) Indebtedness of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of Capital Leases, meaning, generally, any lease of any property which would be required to be classified and accounted for as a capital lease on a balance sheet of the lessor; provided, that the aggregate amount of this Indebtedness outstanding at any time may not exceed $30 million;
(9) Indebtedness of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries represented by letters of credit supporting (a) obligations under workmens compensation laws, (b) obligations to suppliers of propane or energy commodity derivative providers in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practices, not to exceed $15 million at any one time outstanding, and (c) the repayment of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the indenture;
(10) surety bonds and appeal bonds required in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the enforcement of rights or claims of the partnership or any of its Subsidiaries or in connection with judgments that do not result in a Default or Event of Default (which terms are defined in the section entitled Events of Default and Remedies);
(11) Indebtedness of the partnership or its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in connection with acquisitions of retail propane businesses in favor of the sellers of such businesses in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $20 million in any fiscal year and not to exceed $70 million at any one time outstanding; provided, that the principal amount of such Indebtedness incurred in connection with any such acquisition shall not exceed the fair market value of the assets so acquired and, to the extent issued by the partnership, such Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the notes;
(12) unsecured Indebtedness of the partnership or its Restricted Subsidiaries which is not otherwise a Permitted Indebtedness in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed the greater of (a) $50 million and (b) 5% of Consolidated Net Tangible Assets; and
(13) the notes initially issued on April 13, 2010 in the aggregate principal amount of $280 million.
For purposes of determining compliance with this covenant, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Permitted Indebtedness or is entitled to be incurred in compliance with the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio in the first paragraph of this section, the partnership may, in its sole discretion, classify (or later reclassify) in whole or in part such items of Indebtedness in any manner that complies with this covenant, and such item of Indebtedness or a portion thereof may be classified (or later reclassified) in whole or in part as having been incurred under more than one of the applicable clauses of Permitted Indebtedness or in compliance with the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio in the first paragraph of this section.
Limitation on Restricted Payments
The partnership will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make a Restricted Payment, that is, to:
(1) declare or pay any dividend or any other distribution or payment on or with respect to Capital Stock of the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any payment made to the direct or indirect holders, in their
capacities as such, of Capital Stock of the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries other than (a) dividends or distributions payable solely in Capital Stock of the partnership (excluding Redeemable Capital Stock), or in options, warrants or other rights to purchase Capital Stock of the partnership (excluding Redeemable Capital Stock); (b) dividends or other distributions to the extent declared or paid to the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership; or (c) dividends or other distributions by any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership to all holders of Capital Stock of that Restricted Subsidiary on a pro rata basis, including, in the case of the operating partnership, to its general partner;
(2) purchase, redeem, defease or otherwise acquire or retire for value any Capital Stock of the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than any Capital Stock owned by the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership;
(3) make any principal payment on, or purchase, defease, repurchase, redeem or otherwise acquire or retire for value, prior to any scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment, scheduled sinking fund payment or other stated maturity, any subordinated Indebtedness, other than any such Indebtedness owned by the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership; or
(4) make any investment, other than a Permitted Investment, in any entity, unless, at the time of and after giving effect to the proposed Restricted Payment, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, and the Restricted Payment, together with the aggregate of all other Restricted Payments made by the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the fiscal quarter during which the Restricted Payment is made, will not exceed:
(A) if the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the partnership is greater than 1.75 to 1.00, an amount equal to Available Cash for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter; or
(B) if the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the partnership is equal to or less than 1.75 to 1.00, an amount equal to the sum of $50 million, less the aggregate amount of all Restricted Payments made by the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with this clause during the period ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter of the partnership immediately preceding the date of the Restricted Payment and beginning on the first day of the sixteenth full fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of the Restricted Payment plus the aggregate net cash proceeds of capital contributions to the partnership from any Person other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership, or issuance and sale of shares of Capital Stock, other than Redeemable Capital Stock, of the partnership to any entity other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership, in any case made during the period ending on the last day of the fiscal quarter of the partnership immediately preceding the date of the Restricted Payment and beginning on the first day of the sixteenth full fiscal quarter immediately preceding the date of the Restricted Payment.
The Restricted Payment may be made in assets other than cash, in which case the amount will be the fair market value, as determined in good faith by an authorized financial officer of the general partner on the date of the Restricted Payment of the assets proposed to be transferred.
The above provisions will not prohibit:
(1) the payment of any dividend or distribution within 60 days after the date of its declaration if, at the date of declaration, the payment would be permitted as summarized above;
(2) the redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of any shares of any class of Capital Stock of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent capital contribution to the partnership from any entity other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership; or issuance and sale of other Capital Stock, other than Redeemable Capital Stock, of the partnership to any entity other than to a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership; provided, however, that the amount of any net cash proceeds that are utilized for any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement will be excluded from the calculation of Available Cash; or
(3) any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement of subordinated Indebtedness in exchange for, or out of the net cash proceeds of, a substantially concurrent capital contribution to the partnership from any entity other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership; or issuance and sale of Indebtedness of the partnership issued to any entity other than a Restricted Subsidiary or the partnership, so long as the Indebtedness is Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that the amount of any net cash
proceeds that are utilized for any redemption, repurchase or other acquisition or retirement will be excluded from the calculation of Available Cash.
In computing the amount of Restricted Payments previously made for purposes of the Restricted Payments test above, Restricted Payments made under the first point above will be included and Restricted Payments made under the second and third points above shall not be so included.
Limitation on Liens
The partnership will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, incur any liens or other encumbrance, unless the lien is a Permitted Lien or the notes are directly secured equally and ratably with the obligation or liability secured by such lien.
Limitation on Transactions with Affiliates
The partnership will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into or suffer to exist any transaction or series of related transactions, including the sale, transfer, disposition, purchase, exchange or lease of assets, property or services, other than as provided for in our partnership agreement or in the operating partnerships partnership agreement and the other agreements entered into between the partnership or the operating partnership and any of their affiliates, with, or for the benefit of any affiliates of the partnership unless:
(1) the transaction or series of related transactions are between the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries or between two Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(2) the transaction or series of related transactions are on terms that are no less favorable to the partnership or the Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, than those which would have been obtained in a comparable transaction at such time from an entity that is not an affiliate of the partnership or Restricted Subsidiary, and, with respect to transaction(s) involving aggregate payments or value equal to or greater than $20 million, the partnership shall have delivered an officers certificate to the trustee certifying that the transaction(s) is on terms that are no less favorable to the partnership or the Restricted Subsidiary than those which would have been obtained from an entity that is not an affiliate of the partnership or Restricted Subsidiary and has been approved by a majority of the board of directors of our general partner, including a majority of the disinterested directors.
However, the covenant limiting transactions with affiliates will not restrict the partnership, any Restricted Subsidiary or the general partner from entering into: any employment agreement, stock option agreement, restricted stock agreement, employee stock ownership plan related agreements, or similar agreement and arrangements, in the ordinary course of business; transactions permitted by the provisions described in the section entitled Restricted Payments; and the definition of Permitted Investments, transactions in the ordinary course of business in connection with reinsuring the self-insurance programs or other similar forms of retained insurable risks of the retail propane business operated by the partnership, its Subsidiaries and affiliates; any Accounts Receivable Securitization; any affiliate trading transactions done in the ordinary course of business; and any transaction that is a Flow-Through Acquisition.
Limitation on Dividends and Other Payment Restrictions Affecting the Subsidiaries
The partnership will not, and will not permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, create or otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to:
(1) pay dividends, in cash or otherwise, or make any other distributions on or with respect to its Capital Stock or any other interest or participation in, or measured by, its profits;
(2) pay any Indebtedness owed to the partnership or any other Restricted Subsidiary;
(3) make loans or advances to, or any investment in, the partnership or any other Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) transfer any of its properties or assets to the partnership or any other Restricted Subsidiary; or
(5) guarantee any Indebtedness of the partnership or any other Restricted Subsidiary.
Collectively, these restrictions are called the Payment Restrictions. However, some encumbrances or restrictions are permissible, including those existing under or by reason of:
(1) applicable law;
(2) any agreement in effect at or entered into on April 13, 2010 or any agreement relating to any Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under the indenture, or with respect to any Credit Facility (including agreements or instruments evidencing Indebtedness incurred after April 13, 2010); provided, however, that the encumbrances and restrictions contained in the agreements governing such permitted Indebtedness are not materially more restrictive with respect to the payment restrictions than those set forth in the agreements governing the operating partnerships Credit Facilities or existing Indebtedness as in effect on April 13, 2010;
(3) customary non-assignment provisions of any contract or any lease governing a leasehold interest of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) specific purchase money obligations or Capital Leases for property subject to such obligations;
(5) any agreement of an entity (or any it its Restricted Subsidiaries) acquired by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary, in existence at the time of the acquisition but not created in contemplation of the acquisition, which encumbrance or restriction is not applicable to any third party other than the entity; or
(6) provisions contained in instruments relating to Indebtedness which prohibit the transfer of all or substantially all of the assets of the obligor of the Indebtedness unless the transferee shall assume the obligations of the obligor under the agreement or instrument.
Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets
The indenture provides that the partnership may not consolidate or merge with or into, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions to, another entity unless:
(1) the partnership is the surviving entity or the entity formed by or surviving the transaction, if other than the partnership, or the entity to which the sale was made is a corporation or partnership organized or existing under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
(2) the entity formed by or surviving the transaction, if other than the partnership, or the entity to which the sale was made assumes all the obligations of the partnership in accordance with a supplemental indenture in a form reasonably satisfactory to the trustee, under the notes and the indenture;
(3) immediately after the transaction no Default or Event of Default exists; and
(4) at the time of the transaction and after giving pro forma effect to it as if the transaction had occurred at the beginning of the applicable four-quarter period, either (a) the partnership or such other entity or survivor is permitted to incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness in accordance with the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio as described in the section entitled Limitation on Additional Indebtedness, or (b) the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the partnership or such other entity or survivor is equal to or greater than the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of the partnership immediately before such transaction.
The indenture also provides that Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. may not consolidate or merge with or into, whether or not it is the surviving entity, or sell, assign, transfer, lease, convey or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its properties or assets in one or more related transactions to, another entity except under conditions similar to those described in the paragraph above.
Reports to Noteholders
Whether or not required by the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), so long as any notes are outstanding, we will furnish to the noteholders all quarterly and annual financial information that would be required to be contained in a filing with the SEC on Forms 10-Q and 10-K if we were required to file those Forms, including a Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. In addition, we will furnish to such noteholders all reports that would be required to be filed with the SEC on Form 8-K if we were required to file the reports. Finally, whether or not required by the rules and
regulations of the SEC, we will file a copy of all the information described in the preceding sentences with the SEC unless the SEC will not accept the filing. We will also make the information available to investors who request it in writing. Currently, we are required to and do file quarterly and annual reports on Forms 10-Q and 10-K. Furthermore, we will promptly furnish to the noteholders notices of (a) any Payment Default under any instrument evidencing Indebtedness for borrowed money, and (b) any acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its express maturity.
Events of Default and Remedies
The indenture describes in detail the occurrences that would constitute an Event of Default. Such occurrences include the following:
(1) default in the payment of the principal of or premium, if any, on any note when the same becomes due and payable, upon stated maturity, acceleration, optional redemption, required purchase, scheduled principal payment or otherwise;
(2) default in the payment of an installment of interest on any of the notes, when the same becomes due and payable, which default continues for a period of 30 days;
(3) failure to perform or observe any other term, covenant or agreement contained in the notes or the indenture, other than a default specified in either of the two clauses above, and the default continues for a period of 45 days after written notice of the default requiring us to remedy the same shall have been given to the partnership by the trustee or to us and the trustee by holders of 25% in aggregate principal amount of the applicable notes then outstanding;
(4) default or defaults under one or more agreements, instruments, mortgages, bonds, debentures or other evidences of Indebtedness under which the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership then has outstanding Indebtedness in excess of $25 million, if the default:
(A) is caused by a failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, or interest on to such Indebtedness within the applicable grace period, if any, provided with respect to such Indebtedness; or
(B) results in the acceleration of such Indebtedness prior to its stated maturity;
(5) a final judgment or judgments, which is or are non-appealable and non-reviewable or which has or have not been stayed pending appeal or review or as to which all rights to appeal or review have expired or been exhausted, shall be rendered against the partnership, any Restricted Subsidiary, or the general partner provided such judgment or judgments requires or require the payment of money in excess of $25 million, in the aggregate and is not covered by insurance or discharged or stayed pending appeal or review within 60 days after entry of such judgment; in the event of a stay, the judgment shall not be discharged within 30 days after the stay expires; or
(6) specified events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization with respect to us or any of our significant subsidiaries, as that term is defined in Rule 1.02(v) of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act, has occurred.
If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25% of principal amount of the applicable series of notes then outstanding may declare all the notes of that series to be due and payable immediately.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of an Event of Default arising from specified events of bankruptcy or insolvency, with respect to the partnership or Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. or any significant subsidiary, all outstanding notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice. Noteholders may not enforce the indenture or the notes except as provided in the indenture. Subject to limitations, holders of a majority in principal amount of a series of then-outstanding notes may direct the trustee of that series of notes in its exercise of any trust or power. The trustee may withhold from noteholders notice of any continuing Default or Event of Default, except a Default or Event of Default relating to the payment of principal or interest, if the trustee determines in good faith that withholding notice is in their interest. If any Event of Default occurs because we or those acting on our behalf willfully intended to avoid payment of the premium that we would have to pay if we then elected to redeem the notes under the optional redemption provisions of the indenture governing the notes, then an equivalent premium shall also become and be immediately due and payable to the extent permitted by law upon the acceleration of the notes. The holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of a series of notes issued under the indenture and
then outstanding, by notice to the trustee for those notes, may waive any existing Default or Event of Default for all noteholders of that series and its consequences under the indenture, except a continuing Default or Event of Default in the payment of any principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the notes.
We are required to deliver to the trustee annually a statement regarding compliance with the indenture. In addition, upon becoming aware of any Default or Event of Default, we are required to deliver to the trustee a statement specifying the Default or Event of Default.
No Personal Liability of Limited Partners, Directors, Officers, Employees and Unitholders
No limited partner of the partnership or director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of our general partner or Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., as such, shall have any liability for any of our obligations under the notes or the indenture or any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, these obligations. Each noteholder, by accepting a note, waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of the notes. The waiver may not be effective to waive liabilities under the federal securities laws and it is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public policy.
Non-Recourse
Our obligations under the indenture are recourse to our general partner and non-recourse to the operating partnership and their respective affiliates, other than ourselves, and are payable only out of our cash flow and assets. The trustee has, and each holder of a note, by accepting a note, is deemed to have, agreed in the indenture that the operating partnership and its affiliates (other than ourselves) will not be liable for any of our obligations under the indenture or the notes.
Legal Defeasance and Covenant Defeasance
We may, at the option of the board of directors of our general partner, on our behalf, and the board of directors of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and at any time, elect to have all of our obligations discharged with respect to outstanding notes. This is known as legal defeasance. However, under legal defeasance we cannot discharge:
(1) the rights of holders of outstanding notes to receive payments with respect to any principal, premium, and interest on the notes when the payments are due;
(2) our obligations with respect to the notes concerning issuing temporary notes, registration of notes or mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen notes;
(3) our obligation to maintain an office or agency for payment and money for security payments held in trust;
(4) the rights, powers, trusts, duties and immunities of the trustee, and our obligations in connection therewith; and
(5) the legal defeasance and covenant defeasance provisions of the indenture.
In addition, we may, at our option and at any time, elect to have our obligations released with respect to specified covenants that are described in the indenture. This is called covenant defeasance. After our obligations have been released in this manner, any failure to comply with these obligations will not constitute a Default or Event of Default with respect to the notes. In the event covenant defeasance occurs, specific events, not including non-payment, bankruptcy, receivership, reorganization and insolvency, described in the section entitled Events of Default and Remedies, will no longer constitute an Event of Default with respect to the notes.
In order to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must irrevocably deposit with the trustee, in trust, for the benefit of the noteholders, cash in U.S. dollars, non-callable U.S. government securities, or a combination thereof, in amounts sufficient, in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants, to pay the principal, any premium and interest on the outstanding notes on the stated maturity date or on the applicable redemption date.
In addition, we will be required to deliver to the trustee an opinion of counsel stating that after the 91st day following the deposit the trust funds will not be subject to the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws affecting creditors rights generally, and that all conditions precedent provided for or relating to legal defeasance or covenant defeasance have been complied with, and confirming other matters. Furthermore, in the case of a legal defeasance, the opinion must confirm that we have received from, or there shall
have been published by, the IRS a ruling, or since April 13, 2010, there shall have been a change in the applicable federal income tax law, in either case, to the effect that, and based thereon, the holders of the outstanding notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the legal defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the legal defeasance had not occurred. In the case of covenant defeasance, the opinion must confirm that the holders of the outstanding notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the covenant defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amounts, in the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if the covenant defeasance had not occurred.
Finally, to exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance, we must have delivered to the trustee an officers certificate stating that we did not make the deposit with the intent of preferring the holders of notes over our other creditors or with the intent of defeating, hindering, delaying or defrauding our other creditors.
We may not exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing on the date of the deposit or insofar as Events of Default from bankruptcy or insolvency events are concerned, at any time in the period ending on the 91st day after the date of deposit. In addition, we may not exercise either legal defeasance or covenant defeasance if such legal defeasance or covenant defeasance will result in a breach, violation or constitute a default under any material agreement or instrument, other than the indenture, to which we or any of our Restricted Subsidiaries is a party or by which we or any of our Restricted Subsidiaries is bound.
Amendment, Supplement and Waiver
In general, the indenture and the notes may be amended or supplemented, and any existing default or compliance with any provision of the indenture or the notes may be waived, with the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the notes then outstanding. This includes consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or exchange offer for notes. However, without the consent of each noteholder affected, an amendment or waiver may not, with respect to any notes held by a non-consenting noteholder:
(1) reduce the principal amount of notes whose holders must consent to an amendment, supplement or waiver;
(2) reduce the principal of or change the fixed maturity of any note or alter the provisions with respect to the redemption of the notes, other than provisions relating to our obligation to repurchase the notes upon specific asset sales or a change of control;
(3) reduce the rate of or change the time for payment of interest on any note;
(4) waive a Default in the payment of principal or interest on the notes;
(5) make any note payable in money other than that stated in the notes;
(6) make any change in the provisions of the indenture relating to waivers of past Defaults or the rights of holders of notes to receive payments of principal, premium, if any, or interest on the notes; or
(7) make any change in the foregoing amendment and waiver provisions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any noteholder, we and the trustee may amend or supplement the indenture or the notes to:
(1) cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency;
(2) provide for uncertificated notes in addition to or in place of certificated notes;
(3) provide for the assumption of our obligations to noteholders in the case of a merger or consolidation;
(4) make any change that could provide any additional rights or benefits to the noteholders that does not adversely affect the legal rights under the indenture of any such holder;
(5) comply with requirements of the SEC in order to effect or maintain the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act; or
(6) to provide security for or add guarantees with respect to the notes.
The Trustee
Should the trustee, U.S. Bank National Association, become our creditor, the indenture contains specific limitations on the trustees rights to obtain payment of claims or to realize on specific property received in respect of any claim as security or otherwise. The trustee will be permitted to engage in other transactions; however, if it acquires any conflicting interest it must eliminate the conflict within 90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue or resign.
The holders of a majority in principal amount of the then outstanding notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available to the trustee, subject to specific exceptions. The indenture provides that in case an uncured Event of Default occurs, the trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to these provisions, the trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request of any noteholder, unless the noteholder offers to the trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to the trustee against any loss, liability or expense.
Governing Law
The indenture provides that it, the notes will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Certain Definitions
Set forth below are defined terms used in the indenture and in the description of notes set forth above. These defined terms frequently refer to other defined terms and include details that explain the terms of the indenture with greater precision than the summary section above does. We have not, however, included in this glossary all of the defined terms that are included in the indenture. We urge you to read the indenture and the form of note because they, not this description, define the rights of the noteholders and include all the details about the notes.
Accounts Receivable Securitization means a financing arrangement involving the transfer or sale of accounts receivable of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business through one or more SPEs, the terms of which arrangement do not impose (a) any recourse or repurchase obligations upon the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries or any Affiliate of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than any such SPE) except to the extent of the breach of a representation or warranty by the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection therewith or (b) any negative pledge or lien on any accounts receivable not actually transferred to any such SPE in connection with such arrangement.
Asset Acquisition means the following (in all cases, including assets acquired through a Flow-Through Acquisition):
(1) an Investment by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership in any other Person pursuant to which the Person shall become a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership, or shall be merged with or into the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership;
(2) the acquisition by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership of the assets of any Person, other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership, which constitute all or substantially all of the assets of such Person; or
(3) the acquisition by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership of any division or line of business of any Person, other than a Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership.
Asset Sale means either of the following, whether in a single transaction or a series of related transactions:
(1) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of any assets other than (a) sales, leases or transfers of assets in the ordinary course of business (including but not limited to the sales of inventory in the ordinary course of business), and (b) sales of accounts receivable under any Accounts Receivable Securitization; or
(2) the issuance or sale of Capital Stock of any direct Subsidiary.
Notwithstanding the preceding, none of the following items will be deemed to be an Asset Sale:
(1) any sale, lease or transfer of assets or Capital Stock by the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to us, the operating partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary;
(2) any sale or transfer of assets or Capital Stock by the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to any entity in exchange for other assets used in a related business and/or cash (provided, that such cash portion is at least 75% of the difference between the value of the assets being transferred and the value of the assets being received) and having a fair market value, as determined in good faith by an authorized financial officer of our general partner, reasonably equivalent to the fair market value of the assets so transferred;
(3) any sale, lease or transfer of assets in accordance with Permitted Investments;
(4) the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the partnership; provided, that the sale, lease, conveyance or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the partnership will be governed by the provisions described under the section entitled Offers to Purchase; Repurchase at the Option of the Noteholders Change of Control Offer and/or the provisions described under the section entitled Merger, Consolidation or Sale of Assets and not the Asset Sale covenant;
(5) the transfer or disposition of assets that are permitted Restricted Payments;
(6) any sale, lease or transfer of assets pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction, provided that the fair market value of all assets so sold, leased or transferred shall not exceed $25 million from and after April 13, 2010;
(7) sales or transfers of assets not otherwise covered which does not generate proceeds in excess of $2.5 million; and
(8) sales or transfers of accounts receivable under an Accounts Receivable Securitization.
Available Cash as to any quarter means:
(1) the sum of:
(a) all cash receipts of the partnership during such quarter from all sources (including, without limitation, distributions of cash received from the operating partnership, cash proceeds from Interim Capital Transactions, but excluding cash proceeds from Termination Capital Transactions, and borrowings made under the Credit Facilities); and
(b) any reduction with respect to such quarter in a cash reserve previously established pursuant to clause (2)(b) below (either by reversal or utilization) from the level of such reserve at the end of the prior quarter;
(2) less the sum of:
(a) all cash disbursements of the partnership during such quarter, including, without limitation, disbursements for operating expenses, taxes, if any, debt service (including, without limitation, the payment of principal, premium and interest), redemption of Capital Stock of the partnership, capital expenditures, contributions, if any, to the operating partnership and cash distributions to partners of the partnership (but only to the extent that such cash distributions to partners exceed Available Cash for the immediately preceding quarter); and
(b) any cash reserves established with respect to such quarter, and any increase with respect to such quarter in a cash reserve previously established pursuant to this clause (2)(b) from the level of such reserve at the end of the prior quarter, in such amounts as the general partner determines in its reasonable discretion to be necessary or appropriate (i) to provide for the proper conduct of the business of the partnership or the operating partnership (including, without limitation, reserves for future capital expenditures), (ii) to provide funds for distributions with respect to Capital Stock of the partnership in respect of any one or more of the next four quarters or (iii) because the distribution of such amounts would be prohibited by applicable law or by any loan agreement, security agreement, mortgage, debt instrument or other agreement or obligation to which the partnership or the operating partnership is a party or by which any of them is bound or its assets are subject;
(3) plus the lesser of (a) an amount as calculated in accordance with clauses (1) and (2) above for the partnership or its Restricted Subsidiaries for the first 45 days of the quarter during which such Restricted Payment is
made (rather than the quarter for which clauses (1) and (2) were calculated) and (b) an amount of working capital Indebtedness that the partnership or its Restricted Subsidiaries could have incurred on or before the 45th day after the last day of the quarter used to calculate clauses (1) and (2) above;
provided, however, that Available Cash attributable to any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership will be excluded to the extent dividends or distributions of Available Cash by the Restricted Subsidiary are not at the date of determination permitted by the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or other regulation.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) disbursements (including, without limitation, contributions to the operating partnership or disbursements on behalf of the operating partnership) made or reserves established, increased or reduced after the end of any quarter but on or before the date on which any Restricted Payment requiring a determination of Available Cash for such quarter is made shall be deemed to have been made, established, increased or reduced, for purposes of determining Available Cash, with respect to such quarter if the general partner so determines, and (y) Available Cash shall not include any cash receipts or reductions in reserves or take into account any disbursements made or reserves established in each case after the date of liquidation of the partnership. Taxes paid by the partnership on behalf of, or amounts withheld with respect to, all or less than all of the partners shall not be considered cash disbursements of the partnership that reduce Available Cash, but the payment or withholding thereof shall be deemed to be a distribution of Available Cash to the partners. Alternatively, in the discretion of the general partner, such taxes (if pertaining to all partners) may be considered to be cash disbursements of the partnership which reduce Available Cash, but the payment or withholding thereof shall not be deemed to be a distribution of Available Cash to such partners.
Borrowing Base means, as of any date, an amount equal to:
(1) 80% of the face amount of all accounts receivable owned by the partnership and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent month preceding such date that were not more than 90 days past due; plus
(2) 70% of the value of all inventory owned by the partnership and its Subsidiaries as of the end of the most recent month preceding such date,
in each case, as calculated on a consolidated basis and in accordance with GAAP.
Capital Stock means of any Person any capital stock, partnership interest, membership interest, or equity interest of any kind.
Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Fixed Charges means, with respect to the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries, for any period, the sum of, without duplication, the amounts for the period, taken as single accounting, of:
(1) Consolidated Net Income;
(2) Consolidated Non-cash Charges;
(3) Consolidated Interest Expense; and
(4) Consolidated Income Tax Expense.
Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio means, with respect to the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries, the ratio of (y) the aggregate amount of Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Fixed Charges of the Person for the four full fiscal quarters immediately preceding the date of the transaction (the Transaction Date) giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (the Four Quarter Period), to (z) the aggregate amount of Consolidated Fixed Charges of the Person for the Four Quarter Period. In addition to and without limitation of the foregoing, for purposes of this definition, Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Fixed Charges and Consolidated Fixed Charges shall be calculated after giving effect on a pro forma basis for the period of the calculation to, without duplication:
(1) the incurrence or repayment of any Indebtedness, excluding the incurrence of revolving credit borrowings and repayments of revolving credit borrowings (other than the incurrence and repayment of any revolving credit borrowings the proceeds of which are used for Asset Acquisitions or Growth Related Capital Expenditures of the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and, in the case of any incurrence or
revolving credit borrowings, the application of the net proceeds thereof) during the period commencing on the first day of the Four Quarter Period to and including the Transaction Date (the Reference Period), including, without limitation, the incurrence of the Indebtedness giving rise to the need to make the calculation (and the application of the net proceeds thereof), as if the incurrence (and application) occurred on the first day of the Reference Period; and
(2) any Asset Sales or Asset Acquisitions (including, without limitation, any Asset Acquisition giving rise to the need to make the calculation as a result of the partnership or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries, including any Person who becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the Asset Acquisition, incurring, assuming or otherwise being liable for Acquired Indebtedness) occurring during the Reference Period, as if the Asset Sale or Asset Acquisition occurred on the first day of the Reference Period; provided, however, that:
(a) Consolidated Fixed Charges will be reduced by amounts attributable to businesses or assets that are so disposed of only to the extent that the obligations giving rise to such Consolidated Fixed Charges would no longer be obligations contributing to the Consolidated Fixed Charges subsequent to the date of determination of the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio;
(b) Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Fixed Charges generated by an acquired business or asset shall be determined by the actual gross profit, which is equal to revenues minus cost of goods sold, of the acquired business or asset during the immediately available preceding four full fiscal quarters occurring in the Reference Period, minus the pro forma expenses that would have been incurred by the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the operation of the acquired business or asset during the period computed on the basis of personnel expenses for employees retained or to be retained by the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries in the operation of the acquired business or asset and non-personnel costs and expenses incurred by or to be incurred by the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries based upon the operation of the partnerships business, all as determined in good faith by an authorized financial officer of our general partner; and
(c) Consolidated Cash Flow Available for Fixed Charges shall not include the impact of any non-recurring cash charges incurred in connection with a restructuring, reorganization or other similar transaction, as determined in good faith by an authorized financial officer of our general partner.
Furthermore, subject to the following paragraph, in calculating Consolidated Fixed Charges for purposes of determining the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
(1) interest on outstanding Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness referred to in the point below, determined on a fluctuating basis as of the last day of the Four Quarter Period and which will continue to be so determined thereafter shall be deemed to have accrued at a fixed rate per annum equal to the rate of interest on such Indebtedness in effect on that date;
(2) only actual interest payments associated with Indebtedness incurred in accordance with clause (4) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness and all Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof, during the Four Quarter Period shall be included in the calculation; and
(3) if interest on any Indebtedness actually incurred on the date may optionally be determined at an interest rate based upon a factor of a prime or similar rate, a Eurocurrency interbank offered rate, or other rates, then the interest rate in effect on the last day of the Four Quarter Period will be deemed to have been in effect during the period.
Consolidated Fixed Charges means, with respect to the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of, without duplication:
(1) the amounts for such period of Consolidated Interest Expense; and
(2) the product of:
(a) the aggregate amount of dividends and other distributions paid or accrued during the period in respect of Preferred Stock and Redeemable Capital Stock of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; and
(b) a fraction, the numerator of which is one and the denominator of which is one less the then applicable current combined federal, state and local statutory tax rate, expressed as a percentage.
Consolidated Income Tax Expense means, with respect to the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the provision for federal, state, local and foreign income taxes of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Interest Expense means, with respect to the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries, for any period, without duplication, the sum of:
(1) the interest expense of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, including, without limitation:
(2) any amortization of debt discount;
(3) the net cost under Interest Rate Agreements;
(4) the interest portion of any deferred payment obligation;
(5) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers acceptance financing;
(6) all accrued interest for all instruments evidencing Indebtedness; and
(7) the interest component of Capital Leases paid or accrued or scheduled to be paid or accrued by the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries during the period as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Net Income means the net income of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP and as adjusted to exclude:
(1) net after-tax extraordinary gains or losses;
(2) net after-tax gains or losses attributable to Asset Sales or sales of receivables under any Accounts Receivable Securitization;
(3) the net income or loss of any Person which is not a Restricted Subsidiary and which is accounted for by the equity method of accounting; provided, that Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of dividends or distributions actually paid to the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) the net income or loss prior to the date of acquisition of any Person combined with the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary in a pooling of interest;
(5) the net income of any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that dividends or distributions of that net income are not at the date of determination permitted by the terms of its charter or any judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or other regulation; and
(6) the cumulative effect of any changes in accounting principles.
Consolidated Net Tangible Assets means as of any date of determination, the Total Assets of the partnership and the Restricted Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet of the partnership and the Restricted Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP as of that date less applicable reserves reflected in such balance sheet, after deducting the following amounts: (a) all current liabilities reflected in such balance sheet, and (b) all goodwill, trademarks, patents, unamortized debt discounts and expenses and other like intangibles reflected in such balance sheet.
Consolidated Non-Cash Charges means, with respect to the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the aggregate (1) depreciation, (2) amortization, (3) non-cash employee compensation expenses of the partnership or its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, and (4) any non-cash charges resulting from writedowns of non-current assets, in each case which reduces the Consolidated Net Income of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the period, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP.
Credit Agreement means the Fifth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of April 22, 2005, among the operating partnership, the general partner, Bank of America, N.A., as agent, and the other financial institutions party thereto as heretofore amended (as amended, the Existing Credit Agreement), as the Existing Credit Agreement may be amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced from time to time.
Credit Facilities means, one or more debt facilities (including, without limitation, the facilities evidenced by the Credit Agreement) or commercial paper facilities, or indentures, in each case with banks or other institutional lenders providing for revolving credit loans, term loans, receivables financing (including through the sale of receivables to such lenders or to special purpose entities formed to borrow from such lenders against such receivables) or letters of credit, in each case, as amended, restated, modified, renewed, refunded, replaced or refinanced in whole or in part from time to time.
Default means any event that is, or after notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
Designation Amount means, with respect to the designation of a Restricted Subsidiary or a newly acquired or formed Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary, an amount equal to the sum of:
(1) the net book value of all assets of the Subsidiary at the time of the designation in the case of a Restricted Subsidiary; and
(2) the cost of acquisition or formation in the case of a newly acquired or formed Subsidiary.
Equity Offering means a public offering or private placement of partnership interests (other than interests that are mandatorily redeemable) of:
(1) any entity that directly or indirectly owns equity interests in the partnership, to the extent the net proceeds are contributed to the partnership;
(2) any Subsidiary of the partnership to the extent the net proceeds are distributed, paid, lent or otherwise transferred to the partnership that results in the net proceeds to the partnership of at least $20 million; or
(3) the partnership.
A private placement of partnership interests will not be deemed an Equity Offering unless net proceeds of at least $20 million are received.
Existing Notes means the operating partnerships (1) $450,000,000 principal amount of 6.75% Senior Notes due 2014 and (2) $300,000,000 principal amount of 9.125% Senior Notes due 2017.
Flow-Through Acquisition means an acquisition by the general partner or its parent from a Person that is not an Affiliate of the general partner, its parent or the partnership, of property (real or personal), assets or equipment (whether through the direct purchase of assets or the Capital Stock of the Person owning such assets) in a permitted line of business, which is promptly sold, transferred or contributed by the general partner or its parent to the partnership or one of its Subsidiaries.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles set forth in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board or in such other statements by such other entity as have been approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession, in each case, which are in effect on April 13, 2010.
Growth Related Capital Expenditures means, with respect to any Person, all capital expenditures by such Person made to improve or enhance the existing capital assets or to increase the customer base of such Person or to acquire or construct new capital assets (but excluding capital expenditures made to maintain, up to the level thereof that existed at the time of such expenditure, the operating capacity of the capital assets of such Person as such assets existed at the time of such expenditure).
Indebtedness means, as applied to any Person, without duplication:
(1) (a) any indebtedness for borrowed money and (b) all obligations evidenced by any (i) bond, note, debenture or other similar instrument or (ii) letter of credit, or reimbursement agreements in respect thereof, but only
for any drawings that are not reimbursed within five Business Days after the date of such drawings, which in each case the Person has, directly or indirectly, created, incurred or assumed;
(2) any indebtedness for borrowed money and all obligations evidenced by any bond, note, debenture or other similar instrument secured by any lien in respect of property owned by the Person, whether or not the Person has assumed or become liable for the payment of the indebtedness; provided, that the amount of the indebtedness, if the Person has not assumed the same or become liable therefor, shall in no event be deemed to be greater than the fair market value from time to time, as determined in good faith by the Person of the property subject to the lien;
(3) any indebtedness, whether or not for borrowed money (excluding trade payables and accrued expenses arising in the ordinary course of business) with respect to which the Person has become directly or indirectly liable and which represents the deferred purchase price, or a portion thereof, or has been incurred to finance the purchase price, or a portion thereof, of any property or business acquired by, or service performed on behalf of, the Person, whether by purchase, consolidation, merger or otherwise;
(4) the principal component of any obligations under Capital Leases to the extent the obligations would, in accordance with GAAP, appear on the balance sheet of the Person;
(5) any indebtedness of any other Person of the character referred to in the foregoing clauses (1)-(4) of this definition with respect to which the Person whose indebtedness is being determined has become liable by way of a guarantee; and
(6) all Redeemable Capital Stock of the Person valued at the greater of its voluntary or involuntary maximum fixed repurchase price plus accrued dividends.
For purposes hereof, the maximum fixed repurchase price of any Redeemable Capital Stock which does not have a fixed repurchase price shall be calculated in accordance with the terms of the Redeemable Capital Stock as if it were purchased on any date on which Indebtedness shall be required to be determined pursuant to the indenture and if the price is based upon, or measured by, the fair market value of the Redeemable Capital Stock, the fair market value shall be determined in good faith by the board of directors of the issuer of the Redeemable Capital Stock. For purposes hereof, the term Indebtedness shall not include (x) accrual of interest, the accretion of accreted value and the payment of interest or any other similar incurrence by the partnership or its Restricted Subsidiaries related to Indebtedness otherwise permitted in the indenture, (y) indebtedness under any hedging arrangement which provides for the right or obligation to purchase, sell or deliver any currency, commodity or security at a future date for a specified price entered into to protect such Person from fluctuations in prices or rates, including currencies, interest rates, commodity prices, and securities prices, including without limitation indebtedness under any interest rate or commodity price swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement or any forward sales arrangements, calls, options, swaps, or other similar transactions or any combination thereof, including, or (z) any Accounts Receivable Securitization.
Interim Capital Transactions means (1) borrowings, refinancings or refundings of Indebtedness and sales of debt securities (other than for working capital purposes and other than for items purchased on open account in the ordinary course of business) by the partnership or the operating partnership, (2) sales of Capital Stock of the partnership by the partnership or the operating partnership and (3) sales or other voluntary or involuntary dispositions of any assets of the partnership or the operating partnership (other than (x) sales or other dispositions of inventory in the ordinary course of business, (y) sales or other dispositions of other current assets including, without limitation, receivables and accounts and (z) sales or other dispositions of assets as a part of normal retirements or replacements), in each case prior to the commencement of the dissolution and liquidation of the partnership.
Investment means as applied to any Person:
(1) any direct or indirect purchase or other acquisition by the Person of stock or other securities of any other Person; or
(2) any direct or indirect loan, advance or capital contribution by the Person to any other Person and any other item which would be classified as an investment on a balance sheet of the Person prepared in accordance with GAAP, including without limitation any direct or indirect contribution by the Person of property or assets to a joint venture, partnership or other business entity in which the Person retains an interest, it being understood that a direct or indirect purchase or other acquisition by the Person of assets of any other Person, other than stock or other securities, shall not constitute an Investment for purposes of the indenture.
The amount classified as Investments made during any period shall be the aggregate cost to the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries of all the Investments made during the period, determined in accordance with GAAP, but without regard to unrealized increases or decreases in value, or write-ups, write-downs or write-offs, of the Investments and without regard to the existence of any undistributed earnings or accrued interest with respect thereto accrued after the respective dates on which the Investments were made, less any net return of capital realized during the period upon the sale, repayment or other liquidation of the Investments, determined in accordance with GAAP, but without regard to any amounts received during the period as earnings (in the form of dividends not constituting a return of capital, interest or otherwise) on the Investments or as loans from any Person in whom the Investments have been made.
Net Amount of Unrestricted Investment means, without duplication, the sum of:
(1) the aggregate amount of all Investments made after April 13, 2010 pursuant to clause (3) of the definition of Permitted Investment, computed as provided in the last sentence of the definition of Investment; and
(2) the aggregate of all Designation Amounts in connection with the designation of unrestricted subsidiaries, less all Designation Amounts in respect of unrestricted subsidiaries which have been designated as Restricted Subsidiaries and otherwise reduced in a manner consistent with the provisions of the last sentence of the definition of Investment.
Net Proceeds means, with respect to any asset sale or sale of Capital Stock, the proceeds therefrom in the form of cash or cash equivalents including payments in respect of deferred payment obligations when received in the form of cash or cash equivalents, except to the extent that the deferred payment obligations are financed or sold with recourse to the partnership or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, net of:
(1) brokerage commissions and other fees and expenses related to the Asset Sale, including, without limitation, fees and expenses of legal counsel and accountants and fees, expenses, discounts or commissions of underwriters, placement agents and investment bankers;
(2) provisions for all taxes payable as a result of the Asset Sale;
(3) amounts required to be paid to any Person, other than the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership, owning a beneficial interest in the assets subject to the Asset Sale;
(4) appropriate amounts to be provided by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership, as the case may be, as a reserve required in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities associated with the Asset Sale and retained by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of the partnership, as the case may be, after the Asset Sale, including, without limitation, pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities, liabilities related to environmental matters and liabilities under any indemnification obligations associated with the Asset Sale; and
(5) amounts applied to the repayment of Indebtedness in connection with the asset or assets acquired in the Asset Sale, including any transaction costs and expenses associated therewith and any make-whole or other premium owed in connection with such repayment.
Permitted Investments means any of the following:
(1) Investments made or owned by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary in:
(a) marketable obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the United States, or issued by any agency thereof and backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, in each case maturing one year or less from the date of acquisition thereof;
(b) marketable direct obligations issued by any state of the United States or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof and having as at such date the highest rating obtainable from either Standard & Poors Ratings Group (S&P) and its successors or Moodys Investors Service, Inc. (Moodys) and its successors;
(c) commercial paper maturing no more than 270 days from the date of creation thereof and having as at the date of acquisition thereof one of the two highest ratings obtainable from either S&P or Moodys;
(d) certificates of deposit maturing one year or less from the date of acquisition thereof issued by commercial banks incorporated under the laws of the United States or any state thereof or the District of Columbia or Canada;
(e) the commercial paper or other short term unsecured debt obligations of which are as at such date rated either A-2 or better (or comparably if the rating system is changed) by S&P or Prime-2 or better (or comparably if the rating system is changed) by Moodys;
(f) the long-term debt obligations of which are, as at such date, rated either A or better (or comparably if the rating system is changed) by either S&P or Moodys (Permitted Banks);
(g) Eurodollar time deposits having a maturity of less than 270 days from the date of acquisition thereof purchased directly from any Permitted Bank;
(h) bankers acceptances eligible for rediscount under requirements of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System and accepted by Permitted Banks; and
(i) obligations of the type described in clauses (a) through (e) above purchased from a securities dealer designated as a primary dealer by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York or from a Permitted Bank as counterparty to a written repurchase agreement obligating such counterparty to repurchase such obligations not later than 14 days after the purchase thereof and which provides that the obligations which are the subject thereof are held for the benefit of the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary by a custodian which is a Permitted Bank and which is not a counterparty to the repurchase agreement in question;
(2) the acquisition by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of Capital Stock or other ownership interests, whether in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions, of a Person located in the United States, Mexico or Canada and engaged in substantially the same business as the partnership such that, upon the completion of such transaction or series of transactions, the Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary;
(3) any Investment by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary in a Person, if as a result of such Investment:
(a) such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary; or
(b) such Person is merged, consolidated or amalgamated with or into, or transfers or conveys substantially all of its properties or assets to, or is liquidated into, the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary;
(4) the making or ownership by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of Investments (in addition to any other Permitted Investments) in any Person incorporated or otherwise formed pursuant to the laws of the United States, Mexico or Canada or any state thereof which is engaged in the United States, Mexico or Canada; provided, that the aggregate amount of all such Investments made by the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries following April 13, 2010 and outstanding pursuant to this third clause shall not at any date of determination exceed 7.5% of Total Assets;
(5) the making or ownership by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of Investments:
(a) arising out of loans and advances to employees incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(b) arising out of extensions of trade credit or advances to third parties in the ordinary course of business; or
(c) acquired by reason of the exercise of customary creditors rights upon default or pursuant to the bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of a debtor;
(6) the creation or incurrence of liability by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary, with respect to any guarantee constituting an obligation, warranty or indemnity, not guaranteeing Indebtedness of any Person, which is undertaken or made in the ordinary course of business;
(7) the creation or incurrence of liability by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary with respect to any hedging agreements or arrangements;
(8) the making by any Restricted Subsidiary of Investments in the partnership or another Restricted Subsidiary and the making by the partnership of Investments in any Restricted Subsidiary;
(9) the making or ownership by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of Investments in the operating partnership;
(10) the present value, determined on the basis of the implicit interest rate, of all basic rental obligations under all synthetic leases of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary; and
(11) the creation or incurrence of liability by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary or the making or ownership by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary of Investments in any Person with respect to any Accounts Receivable Securitization.
Permitted Liens means any of the following:
(1) liens for taxes, assessments or other governmental charges, the payment of which is not yet due or the payment of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly initiated and diligently conducted and as to which reserves or other appropriate provision, if any, as shall be required by GAAP, shall have been made therefor and be adequate in the good faith judgment of the obligor;
(2) liens of carriers, vendors, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen and other like liens incurred in the ordinary course of business for sums not overdue for a period of more than 30 days or the payment of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly initiated and diligently conducted and as to which reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required by GAAP, shall have been made therefor and be adequate in the good faith judgment of the obligor, in each case:
(a) not incurred or made in connection with the borrowing of money, the obtaining of advances or credit or the payment of the deferred purchase price of property; or
(b) incurred in the ordinary course of business securing the unpaid purchase price of property or services constituting current accounts payable;
(3) liens, other than any lien imposed by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as may be amended from time to time, incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of business:
(a) in connection with workers compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security; or
(b) to secure or to obtain letters of credit that secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, performance bonds, purchase, construction or sales contracts and other similar obligations, in each case not incurred or made in connection with the borrowing of money;
(4) other deposits made to secure liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements;
(5) liens securing reimbursement obligations under letters of credit, provided in each case that such liens cover only the title documents and related goods and any proceeds thereof covered by the related letter of credit;
(6) any attachment or judgment lien, unless the judgment it secures shall not, within 60 days after the entry thereof, have been discharged or execution thereof stayed pending appeal or review, or shall not have been discharged within 60 days after expiration of any such stay;
(7) leases or subleases granted to others, easements, rights-of-way, restrictions and other similar charges or encumbrances, which, in each case either are granted, entered into or created in the ordinary course of the business of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary or do not materially impair the value or intended use of the property covered thereby;
(8) liens on property or assets of any Restricted Subsidiary securing Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiary owing to the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary;
(9) liens on assets of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on April 13, 2010;
(10) liens on personal property leased under leases entered into by the partnership or its Restricted Subsidiaries which are accounted for as operating leases in accordance with GAAP;
(11) liens securing Indebtedness arising under an Accounts Receivable Securitization (including the filing of any related financing statements naming the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary as the debtor thereunder in connection with the sale of accounts receivable by the partnership, the operating partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary to an SPE in connection with any such permitted Accounts Receivable Securitization);
(12) liens securing Indebtedness incurred in accordance with:
(a) clauses (3) and (6) of the definition of Permitted Indebtedness; and
(b) Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be incurred under the Limitation on Additional Indebtedness covenant to the extent incurred:
(i) to finance the making of expenditures for the improvement or repair (to the extent the improvements and repairs may be capitalized on the books of the partnership and the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP) of, or additions including additions by way of acquisitions of businesses and related assets to, the assets and property of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries; or
(ii) by assumption in connection with additions including additions by way of acquisition or capital contributions of businesses and related assets to the property and assets of the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided, that, in the case of Indebtedness incurred in accordance with clauses (i) and (ii) above, the principal amount of the Indebtedness does not exceed the lesser of the cost to the partnership and its Restricted Subsidiaries of the additional property or assets and the fair market value of the additional property or assets at the time of the acquisition thereof, as determined in good faith by an authorized financial officer of the general partner;
(13) liens existing on any property of any Person at the time it becomes a Subsidiary of the partnership, or existing at the time of acquisition upon any property acquired by the partnership or any Subsidiary through purchase, merger or consolidation or otherwise, whether or not assumed by the partnership or the Subsidiary, or created to secure Indebtedness incurred to pay all or any part of the purchase price (a Purchase Money Lien) of property including, without limitation, Capital Stock and other securities acquired by the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that:
(a) the lien shall be confined solely to the item or items of property and, if required by the terms of the instrument originally creating the lien, other property which is an improvement to or is acquired for use specifically in connection with the acquired property;
(b) in the case of a Purchase Money Lien, the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by the Purchase Money Lien shall at no time exceed an amount equal to the lesser of:
(i) the cost to the partnership and the Restricted Subsidiaries of the property; and
(ii) the fair market value of the property at the time of the acquisition thereof as determined in good faith by an authorized financial officer of the general partner;
(c) the Purchase Money Lien shall be created not later than 360 days after the acquisition of the property; and
(d) the lien, other than a Purchase Money Lien, shall not have been created or assumed in contemplation of the Persons becoming a Subsidiary of the partnership or the acquisition of property by the partnership or any Subsidiary;
(14) easements, exceptions or reservations in any property of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary granted or reserved for the purpose of pipelines, roads, the removal of oil, gas, coal or other minerals, and other like purposes, or for the joint or common use of real property, facilities and equipment, which are incidental to, and do not materially interfere with, the ordinary conduct of the business of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(15) liens arising from or constituting permitted encumbrances under the agreements and instruments securing the obligations under the operating partnerships Existing Notes and the Credit Agreement;
(16) liens securing any Indebtedness of the operating partnership;
(17) Liens of landlords or mortgages of landlords on fixtures and movable property located on premises leased by the partnership or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(18) Liens such as bankers liens, rights of set-off or similar rights and remedies and burdening only deposit accounts or other funds maintained with a depository institution in the ordinary course of business; and
(19) any lien renewing or extending any lien permitted by clauses (9) through (13) and (15) and (16) above; provided, that, the principal amount of the Indebtedness secured by any such lien shall not exceed the principal amount of the Indebtedness outstanding immediately prior to the renewal or extension of the lien, and no assets encumbered by the lien other than the assets encumbered immediately prior to the renewal or extension shall be encumbered thereby.
Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness means Indebtedness incurred by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary to substantially and concurrently (excluding any notice period on redemptions) repay, refund, renew, replace, extend or refinance, in whole or in part, any Permitted Indebtedness of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary or any other Indebtedness incurred by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to the Limitation on Additional Indebtedness covenant, to the extent:
(1) the principal amount of the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness does not exceed the principal or accreted amount plus the amount of accrued and unpaid interest of the Indebtedness so repaid, refunded, renewed, replaced, extended or refinanced (plus the amount of all expenses and premiums incurred in connection therewith);
(2) with respect to the repayment, refunding, renewal, replacement, extension or refinancing of our Indebtedness, the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness ranks no more favorably in right of payment with respect to the notes than the Indebtedness so repaid, refunded, renewed, replaced, extended or refinanced; and
(3) with respect to the repayment, refunding, renewal, replacement, extension or refinancing of our Indebtedness, the Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness has a Weighted Average Life to Stated Maturity and stated maturity equal to, or greater than, and has no fixed mandatory redemption or sinking fund requirement in an amount greater than or at a time prior to the amounts set forth in, the Indebtedness so repaid, refunded, renewed, replaced, extended or refinanced;
provided, however, that Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary to repay, refund, renew, replace, extend or refinance Indebtedness of the partnership.
Person means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated organization, limited liability company or government or other entity.
Preferred Stock as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated), which is preferred as to the payment of distributions, dividends, or upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares or units of Capital Stock of any other class of such Person; provided, that any limited partnership interest of the partnership will not be considered Preferred Stock.
Principal means James E. Ferrell.
Redeemable Capital Stock means any shares of any class or series of Capital Stock, that, either by the terms thereof, by the terms of any security into which it is convertible or exchangeable or by contract or otherwise, is or upon the happening of an event or passage of time would be, required to be redeemed prior to the stated maturity of the principal of the notes or is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof at any time prior to the stated maturity of the principal of the notes, or is convertible into or exchangeable for debt securities at any time prior to the stated maturity of the principal of the notes.
Related Party means any of the following:
(1) any immediate family member or lineal descendant of the Principal;
(2) any trust, corporation, partnership or other entity, the beneficiaries, stockholders, partners, owners or Persons beneficially holding an 80% or more controlling interest of which consist of any one or more Principals and/or such other Persons referred to in the immediately preceding clause (1);
(3) the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust (FCI ESOT);
(4) any participant in the FCI ESOT whose account has been allocated shares of Ferrell Companies, Inc.;
(5) Ferrell Companies, Inc.; or
(6) any Subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, Inc.
Restricted Subsidiary means a Subsidiary of the partnership, which, as of the date of determination, is not an Unrestricted Subsidiary of the partnership.
SPE means any special purpose Unrestricted Subsidiary established in connection with any Accounts Receivable Securitization.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any specified Person:
(1) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of Capital Stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees of the corporation, association or other business entity is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person (or a combination thereof); and
(2) any partnership (a) the sole general partner or the managing general partner of which is such Person or a Subsidiary of such Person or (b) the only general partners of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof).
Termination Capital Transactions means any sale, transfer or other disposition of property of the partnership or the operating partnership occurring upon or incident to the liquidation and winding up of the partnership and the operating partnership.
Total Assets means, as of any date of determination, the consolidated total assets of the partnership and the Restricted Subsidiaries as would be shown on a consolidated balance sheet of the partnership and the Restricted Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with GAAP as of that date.
Unrestricted Subsidiary means (v) Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, (w) Uni-Asia, Ltd., (x) Ferrellgas Real Estate, Inc., (y) Blue Rhino Canada, Inc., and (z) any other Person (other than operating partnership or Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.) that is designated as such by the general partner; provided, that no portion of the Indebtedness of such Person:
(1) is guaranteed by the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary;
(2) is recourse to or obligates the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary in any way; or
(3) subjects any property or assets of the partnership or any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, contingently or otherwise, to the satisfaction thereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary may guarantee or agree to provide funds for the payment or maintenance of, or otherwise become liable with respect to Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary, but only to the extent that the partnership or a Restricted Subsidiary would be permitted to:
(1) make an Investment in the Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to the third clause of the definition of Permitted Investments; and
(2) incur the Indebtedness represented by the guarantee or agreement pursuant to the first paragraph of the section entitled Limitation on Additional Indebtedness. The board of directors may designate an Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a Restricted Subsidiary; provided, that immediately after giving effect to the designation there exists no Event of Default or event which after notice or lapse or time or both would become an Event of Default, and if the Unrestricted Subsidiary has, as of the date of the designation, outstanding Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness, the partnership could incur at least $1.00 of Indebtedness other than Permitted Indebtedness.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Subsidiary may be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary if the Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, holds Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary.
Weighted Average Life to Stated Maturity means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:
(1) The sum of the products obtained by multiplying:
(a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by
(b) the number of years, calculated to the nearest one-twelfth, that will elapse between the date and the making of the payment, by
(2) The then outstanding principal amount of the Indebtedness;
provided, however, that with respect to any revolving Indebtedness, the foregoing calculation of Weighted Average Life to Stated Maturity shall be determined based upon the total available commitments and the required reductions of commitments in lieu of the outstanding principal amount and the required payments of principal, respectively.
The exchange notes will be represented by one or more notes in registered, global form without interest coupons (the Global Notes). The Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company (DTC), in New York, New York, and registered in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case, for credit to an account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described below.
Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred, in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the Global Notes may not be exchanged for definitive notes in registered certificated form (Certificated Notes) except in the limited circumstances described below. See Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes. Except in the limited circumstances described below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not be entitled to receive physical delivery of notes in certificated form.
Transfers of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of DTC and its direct or indirect participants (including, if applicable, those of Euroclear and Clearstream), which may change from time to time.
Depository Procedures
The following description of the operations and procedures of DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream are provided solely as a matter of convenience. These operations and procedures are solely within the control of the respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by them. We take no responsibility for these operations and procedures and urge investors to contact the system or their participants directly to discuss these matters.
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company created to hold securities for its participating organizations (collectively, the Participants) and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those securities between the Participants through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. Access to DTCs system is also available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly (collectively, the Indirect Participants). Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect Participants.
DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to procedures established by it:
(1) upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the accounts of the Participants with portions of the principal amount of the Global Notes; and
(2) ownership of these interests in the Global Notes will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of beneficial interest in the Global Notes).
Investors in the Global Notes who are Participants may hold their interests therein directly through DTC. Investors in the Global Notes who are not Participants may hold their interests therein indirectly through organizations (including Euroclear and Clearstream) which are Participants. Euroclear and Clearstream will hold interests in the Global Notes on behalf of their participants through customers securities accounts in their respective names on the books of their respective depositories, which are Euroclear Bank S.A./N.V., as operator of Euroclear, and Citibank, N.A., as operator of Clearstream. All interests in a Global Note, including those held through Euroclear or Clearstream, may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. Those interests held through Euroclear or Clearstream may also be subject to the procedures and requirements of such systems. The laws of some jurisdictions require that particular persons take physical delivery in definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a Global Note to such persons will be limited to that extent. Because DTC can act only on behalf of the Participants, which in turn act on behalf of the Indirect Participants, the ability of a person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge such interests to persons that do not participate in the DTC system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests, may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing such interests.
Except as described below, owners of interests in the Global Notes will not have exchange notes registered in their names, will not receive physical delivery of exchange notes in certificated form and will not be considered the registered owners or holders thereof under the indenture for any purpose.
Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and premium, if any, and additional interest, if any, on, a Global Note registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to DTC in its capacity as the registered holder under the indenture. Under the terms of the indenture, we and the trustee will treat the persons in whose names the exchange notes, including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners of the exchange notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other purposes. Consequently, neither us, the trustee nor any agent of ours or the trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for:
(1) any aspect of DTCs records or any Participants or Indirect Participants records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interest in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of DTCs records or any Participants or Indirect Participants records relating to the beneficial ownership interests in the Global Notes; or
(2) any other matter relating to the actions and practices of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants.
DTC has advised us that its current practice, upon receipt of any payment in respect of securities such as the exchange notes (including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of exchange notes will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect Participants and will not be our responsibility or the responsibility of DTC or the trustee. Neither we nor the trustee will be liable for any delay by DTC or any of the Participants or the Indirect Participants in identifying the beneficial owners of the exchange notes, and we and the trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all purposes.
Transfers between the Participants will be effected in accordance with DTCs procedures, and will be settled in same-day funds, and transfers between participants in Euroclear and Clearstream will be effected in accordance with their respective rules and operating procedures.
Cross-market transfers between the Participants, on the one hand, and Euroclear or Clearstream participants, on the other hand, will be effected through DTC in accordance with DTCs rules on behalf of Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by their respective depositaries; however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions to Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, by the counterparty in such system in accordance with the rules and procedures and within the established deadlines (Brussels time) of such system. Euroclear or Clearstream, as the case may be, will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements, deliver instructions to its respective depositary to take action to effect final settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving interests in the relevant Global Note in DTC, and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-day funds settlement applicable to DTC. Euroclear participants and Clearstream participants may not deliver instructions directly to the depositories for Euroclear or Clearstream.
DTC has advised us that it will take any action permitted to be taken by a holder of exchange notes only at the direction of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited the interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such portion of the aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes as to which such Participant or Participants has or have given such direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the exchange notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for legended notes in certificated form, and to distribute such notes to its Participants.
Although DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream have agreed to the foregoing procedures to facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Notes among participants in DTC, Euroclear and Clearstream, they are under no obligation to perform or to continue to perform such procedures, and may discontinue such procedures at any time. None of us, the trustee and any of our or their respective agents will have any responsibility for the performance by DTC, Euroclear or Clearstream or their respective participants or indirect participants of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures governing their operations.
Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated Notes
A Global Note is exchangeable for Certificated Notes if:
(1) DTC (a) notifies us that it is unwilling or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes or (b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and, in either case, we fail to appoint a successor depositary;
(2) we, at our option, notify the trustee in writing that we elect to cause the issuance of the Certificated Notes; or
(3) there has occurred and is continuing a Default or an Event of Default with respect to the exchange notes and DTC notifies the trustee of its decision to exchange the Global Notes for Certificated Notes.
In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be exchanged for Certificated Notes upon prior written notice given to the trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the indenture. In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).
Exchange of Certificated Notes for Global Notes
Certificated Notes may not be exchanged for beneficial interests in any Global Note.
Same Day Settlement and Payment
We will make payments in respect of the exchange notes represented by the Global Notes (including principal, premium, if any, interest and additional interest, if any) by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by DTC or its nominee. We will make all payments of principal, interest and premium, if any, and additional interest, if any, with respect to Certificated Notes by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts specified by the holders of the Certificated Notes or, if no such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such holders registered address. The exchange notes represented by the Global Notes are expected to trade in DTCs Same-Day Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market trading activity in such notes will, therefore, be required by DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. We expect that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will also be settled in immediately available funds.
Because of time zone differences, the securities account of a Euroclear or Clearstream participant purchasing an interest in a Global Note from a Participant will be credited, and any such crediting will be reported to the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream participant, during the securities settlement processing day (which must be a business day for Euroclear and Clearstream) immediately following the settlement date of DTC. DTC has advised us that cash received in Euroclear or Clearstream as a result of sales of interests in a Global Note by or through a Euroclear or Clearstream participant to a Participant will be received with value on the settlement date of DTC but will be available in the relevant Euroclear or Clearstream cash account only as of the business day for Euroclear or Clearstream following DTCs settlement date.
CERTAIN U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion summarizes certain U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the exchange of unregistered notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer. This discussion is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), applicable Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial authority and administrative interpretations, all as of the date of this prospectus and all of which are subject to change, possibly with retroactive effect, or are subject to different interpretations. We cannot assure you that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will not challenge one or more of the tax consequences described in this discussion, and we have not obtained, nor do we intend to obtain, a ruling from the IRS or an opinion of counsel with respect to the U.S. federal tax considerations described herein.
In this discussion, we do not purport to address all tax considerations that may be important to a particular holder in light of the holders circumstances, or to certain categories of investors that may be subject to special rules. This summary of U.S. federal tax consequences is limited to U.S. holders and non-U.S. holders (each as defined below) who exchange unregistered notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer and certain such consequences of the ownership and disposition of exchange notes, and who hold the unregistered notes and will hold the exchange notes as capital assets, as defined in the Code (generally, property held for investment). This discussion does not purport to deal with persons in special tax situations, such as financial institutions, insurance companies, regulated investment companies, controlled foreign corporations, passive foreign investment companies, real estate investment trusts, traders in securities that have elected the mark-to-market method of accounting for the securities, brokers, dealers in securities or currencies, persons holding securities as a hedge, or as a position in a straddle, or conversion transaction, persons that hedge the interest rate on the notes or persons whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar. This summary does not address the effect of any applicable state, local or foreign tax laws or any U.S. federal tax laws (such as gift tax laws or the unearned income Medicare contribution tax) other than U.S. federal income tax laws.
If an entity treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes is a beneficial owner of exchange notes, the tax treatment of a partner of the partnership generally will depend upon the status of the partner, the activities of the partnership and certain determinations made at the partner level. If a holder is a partner of a partnership that acquires exchange notes, such holder is urged to consult his, hers or its own tax advisor about the U.S. federal income tax consequences of acquiring, holding and disposing of the exchange notes.
This discussion is for general information only and does not consider all aspects of U.S. federal taxation that may be relevant to the acquisition, ownership and disposition of the exchange notes by a holder in light of the holders particular circumstances. We urge each investor to consult its own tax advisor regarding the particular U.S. federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of the exchange offer and of acquiring, holding, and disposing of the exchange notes, including the consequences of the acquisition, ownership and disposition of notes issued with OID and the consequences of any proposed change in applicable laws.
U.S. Holder
A U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of the notes that is for U.S. federal income tax purposes:
· an individual who is a citizen or resident of the United States;
· a corporation organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;
· an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal income taxation regardless of its source; or
· a trust, if a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons (within the meaning of the Code) have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust, or the trust has a valid election in effect under applicable Treasury Regulations to be treated as a U.S. person.
Exchange Offer
The exchange of unregistered notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will not be a taxable event to a U.S. holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, a U.S. holder will not recognize gain or loss upon receipt of an exchange note in exchange for an unregistered note pursuant to the exchange offer, and the U.S. holders basis and holding period in the exchange note will be the same as its basis and holding period in the surrendered unregistered note immediately before the exchange.
Stated Interest on the Notes
Absent an election to the contrary (see Original Issue Discount below), a U.S. holder generally will be required to include in gross income as ordinary income the stated interest on an exchange note at the time that the interest accrues or is received, in accordance with such holders regular method of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Pre-Issuance Accrued Stated Interest
A portion of the price certain U.S. holders paid for an unregistered note will be allocable to unpaid stated interest that accrued prior to the date the unregistered note is purchased, or pre-issuance stated interest, and an exchange note received in exchange for an unregistered note should have the same amount of pre-issuance accrued interest as the unregistered note. Holders of the unregistered notes separately paid an amount allocable to interest that accrued prior to the date the unregistered notes were purchased (the pre-issuance accrued stated interest). Pursuant to certain Treasury regulations, we intend to treat a portion of the first interest payment equal to the pre-issuance accrued stated interest as a return of the pre-issuance accrued stated interest rather than an amount payable on the exchange notes received pursuant to the exchange offer. Holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the tax treatment of any pre-issuance accrued stated interest on the exchange notes.
Original Issue Discount
Because the unregistered notes were issued with original issue discount (OID), the exchange notes will be treated as having been issued with OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The following is a summary of the OID rules and their application to the exchange notes.
A U.S. holder of a note that is treated as issued with OID must include in taxable income for any particular taxable year the OID that accrues on the note for each day during the taxable year on which the U.S. holder holds the note, in addition to stated interest, regardless of whether the U.S. holder reports on the cash or accrual basis of accounting for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Thus, a U.S. holder of an exchange note may be required to include OID in income in advance of the receipt of the cash to which such OID is attributable. The U.S. holders tax basis in the exchange notes will be increased by the amount of OID includible in the U.S. holders gross income as it accrues.
In general, because the exchange notes will be treated as issued with OID for U.S. federal income tax purposes, a U.S. holder must include in gross income as ordinary income OID calculated on a constant-yield accrual method in advance of the receipt of the related cash payments. The amount of OID includible in income by a U.S. holder of exchange notes is the sum of the daily portions of OID with respect to such exchange notes for each day during the taxable year or portion of the taxable year in which such U.S. holders hold such exchange notes. This amount is referred to as Accrued OID. The daily portion is determined by allocating to each day in any accrual period a pro rata portion of the OID allocable to that accrual period. The amount of OID allocable to any accrual period is equal to:
· the product of the adjusted issue price of the exchange notes at the beginning of such accrual period and the yield to maturity of the exchange notes (determined on the basis of compounding at the close of each accrual period and properly adjusted for the length of the accrual period) less
· the qualified stated interest allocable to such accrual period.
Qualified stated interest means, generally, stated interest that is unconditionally payable at least annually at a single fixed rate.
OID allocable to the final accrual period is the difference between the amount payable at maturity of the exchange notes and the adjusted issue price of the notes at the beginning of the final accrual period. Special rules will apply for calculating OID for an initial short accrual period. The adjusted issue price of a note at the beginning of any accrual period is equal to its issue price, increased by the Accrued OID for each prior accrual period and reduced by any payments made on such exchange note on or before the first day of the accrual period.
A U.S. holder generally may irrevocably elect to treat all interest on an exchange note (including the amounts that have accrued on an unregistered note that will be exchanged for an exchange note pursuant to the exchange offer) as OID and calculate the amount includible in income using a constant yield method. U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding this election.
We will furnish annually to the IRS and to holders (other than with respect to certain exempt holders, including, in particular, corporations) information with respect to the OID accruing while exchange notes were held by the holders.
Acquisition Premium and OID
If a U.S. holder purchased an unregistered note (which will be exchanged for an exchange note pursuant to the exchange offer) for an amount that is less than or equal to the sum of all amounts (other than qualified stated interest) payable on the unregistered note after the purchase date but is greater than the adjusted issue price of such unregistered note, the excess is acquisition premium. Any such acquisition premium should carry over to the exchange note received for such unregistered note. If such U.S. holder does not elect to include all interest income on the exchange notes in gross income under the constant yield method (see Original Issue Discount), the U.S. holders accruals of OID will be reduced by a fraction equal to (i) the excess of the U.S. holders adjusted basis in the note immediately after the purchase (generally, the holders cost of acquiring the unregistered note) over the adjusted issue price of the note, divided by (ii) the excess of the sum of all amounts payable (other than qualified stated interest) on the note after the purchase date over the adjusted issue price of the note.
The rules regarding OID (including the acquisition premium offset rules) are complex and the rules described above may not apply in all cases. Accordingly, U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors regarding the application of such rules to the notes and their specific circumstances.
Market Discount
If a U.S. holder purchased an unregistered note (which will be exchanged for an exchange note pursuant to the exchange offer) for an amount that is less than its revised issue price, the amount of the difference should be treated as market discount for U.S. federal income tax purposes with respect to the exchange note that such holder receives pursuant to the exchange offer. For this purpose, the revised issue price of an unregistered note generally equals the issue price of the unregistered note, increased by the amount of any OID previously accrued on the unregistered note (without regard to the amortization of any acquisition premium) and decreased by the amount of any payments previously made on the unregistered note (other than payments of qualified stated interest). The rules described below do not apply to U.S. holders that purchased an unregistered note with de minimis market discount. The amount of any market discount will generally be treated as de minimis and therefore disregarded if it is less than 1/4 of 1% of the revised issue price of the initial note, multiplied by the number of complete years to maturity.
Under the market discount rules, a U.S. holder is required to treat any principal payment on, or any gain on the sale, exchange, redemption or other disposition of a note as ordinary income to the extent of any accrued market discount that has not previously been included in income. If a U.S. holder disposes of a note in an otherwise nontaxable transaction (other than certain specified nonrecognition transactions), the U.S. holder will be required to include any accrued market discount as ordinary income as if such holder had sold the exchange note at its then fair market value. In addition, such U.S. holder may be required to defer, until the maturity of the exchange note or its earlier disposition in a taxable transaction, the deduction of a portion
of the interest expense on any indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry the unregistered note and the exchange note received in exchange therefor.
Market discount accrues ratably during the period from the date on which a U.S. holder acquired the unregistered note through the maturity date of the exchange note (for which the unregistered note was exchanged), unless a U.S. holder makes an irrevocable election to accrue market discount under a constant yield method. A U.S. holder may elect to include market discount in income currently as it accrues (either ratably or under the constant yield method), in which case the rule described above regarding deferral of interest deductions will not apply. If a U.S. holder makes an election to include market discount in income currently, such holders adjusted basis in an exchange note will be increased by any market discount included in income. An election to include market discount currently will apply to all market discount obligations acquired during or after the first taxable year in which the election is made, and the election may not be revoked without the consent of the IRS. If a U.S. holder makes the election described above in Original Issue Discount for a market discount note, such holder would be treated as having made an election to include market discount in income currently under a constant yield method, as discussed in this paragraph.
Bond Premium
If a U.S. holder purchased an unregistered note (which will be exchanged for an exchange note pursuant to the exchange offer) for an amount in excess of its principal amount, the excess will be treated as bond premium. Any bond premium applicable to an unregistered note should carry over to the exchange note received in exchange therefor. In general, a U.S. holder may elect to amortize bond premium over the remaining term of the exchange note on a constant yield method. In such case, such U.S. holder will reduce the amount required to be included in income each year with respect to interest on such holders note by the amount of amortizable bond premium allocable to that year. The election, once made, is irrevocable without the consent of the IRS and applies to all taxable bonds held during the taxable year for which the election is made or subsequently acquired. If U.S. holders do not make this election, they will be required to include in gross income the full amount of interest on the exchange note in accordance with their regular method of tax accounting, and may receive a tax benefit (in the form of capital loss or reduced capital gain) from the premium only in computing gain or loss upon the sale or disposition or payment of the principal amount of the note.
U.S. holders should consult their own tax advisors concerning the computation and amortization of any bond premium on the notes.
Disposition of the Notes
U.S. holders generally will recognize taxable gain or loss on the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of an exchange note equal to the difference, if any, between such U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in the exchange note and the proceeds received, excluding any proceeds attributable to accrued and unpaid interest, which will be treated in the manner described above (under Stated Interest on the Notes) and any proceeds attributable to any pre-issuance accrued stated interest. A U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in an exchange note generally is the price paid for the corresponding unregistered note surrendered pursuant to the exchange offer (other than any cost attributable to pre-issuance accrued stated interest as of the date the unregistered note was acquired), increased by the amount of OID and market discount previously included in income and decreased by payments received by the U.S. holder, other than payments of stated interest and any amortized bond premium. The proceeds a U.S. holder receives will include the amount of any cash and the fair market value of any other property received for the exchange note. Any such gain or loss generally will be capital gain or loss and will be long-term capital gain or loss if at the time of such disposition the U.S. holders holding period for the exchange note was more than one year. Long-term capital gains of individuals, estates and trusts are generally taxed at preferential rates. The deductibility of capital losses is subject to limitation.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Information reporting will generally apply to payments of interest on, or the proceeds of the sale or other disposition (including a retirement or redemption) of, exchange notes held by a U.S. holder, unless such U.S. holder is an exempt recipient such as a corporation. Backup withholding generally will apply to the foregoing
payments unless the U.S. holder provides the applicable withholding agent with its taxpayer identification number, certified under penalties of perjury, as well as certain other information or otherwise establishes an exemption from backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules is allowable as a credit against a U.S. holders U.S. federal income tax liability (if any) and a refund may be obtained if the amounts withheld exceed such holders actual U.S. federal income tax liability if, in each case, the U.S. holder timely provides the required information or appropriate claim form to the IRS.
Non-U.S. Holder
A non-U.S. holder is a beneficial owner of exchange notes that is, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, an individual, corporation, estate or trust that is not a U.S. holder.
Exchange Offer
The exchange of unregistered notes for exchange notes pursuant to the exchange offer will not be a taxable event to a non-U.S. holder for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Interest on the Notes
Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA withholding below, payments to non-U.S. holders of stated interest and OID on the exchange notes generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income and withholding tax if the stated interest and OID is not effectively connected with the non-U.S. holders conduct of a U.S. trade or business and such non-U.S. holder:
· does not, actually or constructively, own 10% or more of the capital or profits interests in us;
· is not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to us (as provided in the Code);
· is not a bank whose receipt of interest on the notes is pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business; and
· properly certifies as to its foreign status, as described in the following paragraph.
A non-U.S. holder generally can meet this certification requirement by providing a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or successor form) or appropriate substitute form to the applicable withholding agent certifying under penalties of perjury that it is not a U.S. person within the meaning of the Code. If a non-U.S. holder holds the exchange notes through a financial institution or other agent acting on its behalf, such holder may be required to provide appropriate certifications to the agent. Such agent then generally will be required to provide appropriate certifications to the applicable withholding agent, either directly or through other intermediaries. Special rules apply to foreign estates and trusts, and in certain circumstances certifications as to foreign status of trust owners or beneficiaries may have to be provided to the applicable withholding agent. In addition, special rules apply to qualified intermediaries that enter into withholding agreements with the IRS.
If a non-U.S. holder cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments of interest made to such holder will be subject to a U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate, unless (i) the non-U.S. holder provides the applicable withholding agent with a properly executed IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E (or successor or substitute form) claiming an exemption from (or a reduction of) withholding under an applicable tax treaty or (ii) the payments of stated interest and OID are effectively connected with its conduct of a trade or business in the United States and such non-U.S. holder meets the certification requirements described below.
Disposition of Exchange Notes
Subject to the discussion of backup withholding and FATCA withholding below, a non-U.S. holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding tax on any gain (excluding any amount attributable to accrued and unpaid interest and OID, which generally will be treated as interest and may be subject to the rules discussed above in Interest on the Notes) realized on the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of an exchange note unless:
· the gain is effectively connected with the conduct by a non-U.S. holder of a U.S. trade or business (and if a tax treaty applies, is attributable to its permanent establishment in the United States); or
· the non-U.S. holder is an individual who has been present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and certain other requirements are met.
If a non-U.S. holders gain is described in the first bullet point above, such holder generally will be subject to tax in the manner described under Interest or Gain Effectively Connected with a U.S. Trade or Business. If a non-U.S. holder is described in the second bullet point above, such holder will be subject to a flat 30% (or lower applicable income tax treaty rate) U.S. federal income tax on the gain derived from such disposition, which may be offset by certain U.S. source capital losses.
Interest or Gain Effectively Connected With a U.S. Trade or Business
If any stated interest or OID on the exchange notes or gain from the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of the exchange notes is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder (and, generally, if a tax treaty applies, is attributable to your permanent establishment in the United States), then the stated interest, OID or gain generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular, graduated income tax rates in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. If any stated interest or OID on the notes or gain from the sale, redemption, exchange, retirement or other taxable disposition of the notes is effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business conducted by a non-U.S. holder (whether or not a tax treaty applies), such interest, OID or gain will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax if certain certification requirements are satisfied. A non-U.S. holder generally can meet the certification requirements by providing a properly executed IRS Form W-8ECI (or successor or substitute form) to the applicable withholding agent. In addition, a non-U.S. holder that is a foreign corporation may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year (including interest on the notes, if so effectively connected), as adjusted for certain items, unless a lower rate applies under an applicable United States income tax treaty.
Information Reporting and Backup Withholding
Payments to a non-U.S. holder of stated interest and OID on a note, and amounts withheld from such payments, if any, generally will be required to be reported to the IRS and to such holder. U.S. backup withholding tax generally will not apply to payments of stated interest or OID on an exchange note to a non-U.S. holder if the statement described in Interest on the Notes is duly provided by such holder or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption.
Payment of the proceeds of a disposition of an exchange note effected by the U.S. office of a U.S. or foreign broker will be subject to information reporting requirements and backup withholding unless a non-U.S. holder properly certifies under penalties of perjury as to such holders foreign status and certain other conditions are met or such holder otherwise establishes an exemption. Information reporting requirements and backup withholding generally will not apply to any payment of the proceeds of the disposition of a note effected outside the United States by a foreign office of a broker. However, unless such a broker has documentary evidence in its records that a holder is not a non-U.S. holder and certain other conditions are met, or the non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption, information reporting will apply to a payment of the proceeds of the disposition of a note effected outside the United States by such a broker if it has certain relationships with the United States.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount withheld under the backup withholding rules may be credited against a non-U.S. holders U.S. federal income tax liability and any excess may be refundable if the proper information is timely provided to the IRS.
FATCA Withholding
Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations and administrative guidance issued thereunder (referred to as FATCA) generally impose a 30% U.S. federal withholding tax on payments of interest on the notes and on the gross proceeds from the sale or other disposition of the notes (if such sale or other disposition occurs after December 31, 2018), if paid to a foreign financial institution or a non-financial foreign entity (each as defined in the Code) (including, in some cases, when such foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity is acting as an intermediary), unless: (i) in the case of a foreign
financial institution, such institution enters into an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments, and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners) and meets certain other specified requirements; (ii) in the case of a non-financial foreign entity, such entity certifies that it does not have any substantial United States owners (as defined in the Code) or provides the withholding agent with a certification identifying its direct and indirect substantial United States owners (generally by providing an IRS Form W-8BEN-E) and meets certain other specified requirements; or (iii) the foreign financial institution or non-financial foreign entity otherwise qualifies for an exemption from these rules and provides appropriate documentation (such as an IRS Form W-8BEN-E). Foreign financial institutions and non-financial foreign entities located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States may be subject to different rules. Under certain circumstances, a beneficial owner of notes might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes.
Holders are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in the exchange notes.
Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that you may transfer exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer in exchange for the unregistered notes if:
· you are not our affiliate within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;
· you acquire the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business;
· you are not participating in, and do not intend to participate in, a distribution of such exchange notes; and
· you have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of exchange notes.
You may not participate in the exchange offer if you are:
· an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act of us;
· a holder that does not acquire exchange notes in the ordinary course of business; or
· a holder that tenders unregistered notes in the exchange offer for the purpose of participating in a distribution.
Each broker-dealer that holds unregistered notes for its own account as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities may exchange such unregistered notes pursuant to the exchange offer; however, such broker-dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act and must, therefore, deliver a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resales of the exchange notes received by such broker-dealer in the exchange offer, which prospectus delivery requirement may be satisfied by the delivery of this prospectus. To date, the staff of the SEC has taken the position that broker-dealers may fulfill their prospectus delivery requirements with respect to transactions involving an exchange of securities such as this exchange offer, other than a resale of an unsold allotment from the original sale of the unregistered notes, with this prospectus. We have agreed that, for a period ending on the earlier of 180 days after the date of this prospectus and the date on which a broker-dealer is no longer required to deliver a prospectus, we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented, available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. Please note that this prospectus may not meet the requirements of the SEC for a resale prospectus for all purposes and may require additional information for resales not meeting these requirements.
Any broker-dealer or holder using the exchange offer to participate in a distribution of the securities to be acquired in the exchange offer (1) could not, under SEC staff policy, rely on the position of the SEC staff enunciated in Morgan Stanley and Co., Inc. (available June 5, 1991) and Exxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC staffs letter to Shearman & Sterling dated July 2, 1993, and similar no-action letters, and (2) must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with a secondary resale transaction and that such a secondary resale transaction should be covered by an effective registration statement containing the selling security holder information required by Item 507 or 508, as applicable, of Regulation S-K.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold from time to time in one or more transactions in the over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such exchange notes. Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such exchange notes may be deemed to be an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any such resale of exchange notes and any commission or concessions received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.
We have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer (including the expenses of one counsel for the holders of the unregistered notes) other than commissions or concessions of any brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the unregistered notes (including any broker-dealers) against particular liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Following completion of the exchange offer, we may, in our sole discretion, commence one or more additional exchange offers to holders of unregistered notes who did not exchange their unregistered notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer on terms which may differ from those contained in the prospectus and the enclosed letter of transmittal. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by us in connection with any additional exchange offers. These additional exchange offers may take place from time to time until all outstanding unregistered notes have been exchanged for exchange notes, subject to the terms and conditions in the prospectus and letter of transmittal distributed by us in connection with these additional exchange offers.
The validity of the exchange notes will be passed upon for us by Bracewell LLP, Houston, Texas.
The audited consolidated financial statements, schedules, and managements assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The audited financial statements of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. incorporated by reference in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We file annual, quarterly and other reports and other information with the SEC. You may read and download our filings over the Internet from several commercial document retrieval services, as well as at the SECs website at www.sec.gov. You may also read and copy our SEC filings at the SECs public reference room located at 100 F Street N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information concerning the public reference room and any applicable copy charges.
Because Ferrellgas Partners common units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, we also provide our SEC filings and particular other information to the New York Stock Exchange. You may obtain copies of these filings and this other information at the offices of the New York Stock Exchange located at 11 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005.
In addition, our SEC filings are available on our website at www.ferrellgas.com at no cost as soon as reasonably practicable after our electronic filing or furnishing thereof with the SEC. Please note that any internet addresses provided in this prospectus 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.
INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
We filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 with respect to the securities offered by this prospectus. This prospectus is a part of that registration statement. As allowed by the SEC, this prospectus does not contain all of the information you can find in the registration statement or the exhibits to the registration statement. Instead, the SEC allows us to incorporate by reference information into this prospectus. Incorporation by reference means that we can disclose particular important information to you without actually including such information in this prospectus by simply referring you to another document that we filed separately with the SEC.
We are incorporating by reference in this prospectus information we file with the SEC, which means that we are disclosing important information to you by referring you to those documents. Our combined filings with the SEC present separate filings by Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. Information contained therein relating to an individual registrant is filed by that registrant on its own behalf and each registrant makes no representation as to information relating to other registrants. The information we incorporate by reference is an important part of this prospectus and should be carefully read in conjunction with this prospectus and any prospectus supplement. Information that we file with the SEC after the date of this prospectus will automatically update and may supersede some of the information in this prospectus as well as information we previously filed with the SEC (except those portions of the filings that relate to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. or Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. as separate registrants) and that was incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
The following documents are incorporated by reference into this prospectus:
· the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2016, as filed with the SEC on September 28, 2016;
· the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. for the quarterly periods ended October 31, 2016, January 31, 2017 and April 30, 2017, as filed with the SEC on December 9, 2016, March 9, 2017 and June 9, 2017, respectively; and
· the Current Reports on Form 8-K of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. filed with the SEC on September 2, 2016, October 24, 2016, December 1, 2016, January 19, 2017, January 23, 2017, January 30, 2017 and May 2, 2017.
Any future filings that we make with the SEC under Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the date of this prospectus and prior to the consummation or termination of the exchange offer shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus from the date such documents are filed. In addition, all filings that we make with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act after the date of the initial registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part and prior to effectiveness of the registration statement shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into this prospectus.
If information in any of these incorporated documents conflicts with information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement you should rely on the most recent information. If information in an incorporated document conflicts with information in another incorporated document, you should rely on the information in the most recent incorporated document.
You may request from us a copy of any document we incorporate by reference at no cost, excluding all exhibits to such incorporated documents unless we have specifically incorporated by reference such exhibits either in this prospectus or in the incorporated document, by making such a request in writing or by telephone to the following address:
Ferrellgas, Inc.
7500 College Boulevard, Suite 1000
Overland Park, Kansas 66210
Attention: Investor Relations
(913) 661-1500
PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
Item 20. Indemnification of Directors and Officers
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. does not have any employees, officers or directors. It is managed and operated by the employees, officers and directors of its general partner, Ferrellgas, Inc.
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership. Section 17-108 of the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act provides that, subject to such standards and restrictions, if any, as are set forth in its limited partnership agreement, a Delaware limited partnership may, and shall have the power to, indemnify and hold harmless any partner or other person (an Indemnitee) from and against all claims and demands whatsoever. The partnership agreement of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. provides that Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., subject to any limitations expressly provided in its partnership agreement, shall indemnify and hold harmless particular persons from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities, joint or several, expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any Indemnitee may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of their status as:
· the general partner, a former general partner, or any of their affiliates;
· an officer, director, employee, partner, agent or trustee of the partnership, the general partner, any former general partner, or any of their affiliates; or
· a person or entity serving at the request of the partnership in another entity in a similar capacity.
This indemnification is available only if the Indemnitee acted in good faith, in a manner in which the Indemnitee believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the partnership and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe its conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not create a presumption that the Indemnitee acted in a manner contrary to that specified in the immediately preceding sentence. Any indemnification shall be made only out of the assets of the partnership; our general partner shall not be personally liable for any indemnification and shall have no obligation to contribute or loan any monies or property to the partnership to enable it to effectuate such indemnification. In no event may an Indemnitee subject the limited partners of the partnership to personal liability by reason of being entitled to indemnification.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses) incurred by an Indemnitee in defending any claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding shall, from time to time, be advanced by the partnership prior to the final disposition of such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding upon receipt by the partnership of an undertaking by or on behalf of the Indemnitee to repay such amount if it shall be determined that the Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification.
The indemnification provided by the partnership agreement of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. shall be in addition to any other rights to which an Indemnitee may be entitled under any agreement, pursuant to any vote of the holders of outstanding partnership units, as a matter of law or otherwise, both as to actions in the Indemnitees capacity as:
· the general partner, a former general partner, or any of their affiliates;
· an officer, director, employee, partner, agent or trustee of the partnership, the general partner, any former general partner, or any of their affiliates; or
· a person or entity serving at the request of the partnership in another entity in a similar capacity,
and as to actions in any other capacity, and shall continue as to an Indemnitee who has ceased to serve in such capacity and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors, assigns and administrators of the Indemnitee.
We have, to the extent commercially reasonable, purchased and currently maintain (or reimburse our general partner or its affiliates for the cost of) insurance, on behalf of our general partner and such other persons or entities
as our general partner has determined, including particular other Indemnitees, against any liability that may be asserted against or expenses that may be incurred by such person or entity in connection with the partnerships activities, regardless of whether the partnership would have the power to indemnify such person or entity against such liability under the provisions of the partnership agreement.
The partnership shall be deemed to have requested an Indemnitee to serve as fiduciary of an employee benefit plan whenever the performance by it of its duties to the partnership also imposes duties on, otherwise involves services by, it to the plan or participants or beneficiaries of the plan. Excise taxes assessed on an Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to the applicable law shall constitute fines subject to indemnification. Action taken or omitted by the Indemnitee with respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance of its duties for a purpose reasonably believed by it to be in the interest of the participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be deemed to be for a purpose which is in, or not opposed to, the best interests of the partnership.
An Indemnitee shall not be denied indemnification by the partnership, in whole or in part, because the Indemnitee had an interest in the transaction with respect to which the indemnification applies, if the transaction was otherwise permitted by the terms of the partnership agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in the partnership agreement, no Indemnitee shall be liable for monetary damages to the partnership, the limited partners, their assignees or any other persons or entities who have acquired partnership interests in the partnership, for losses sustained or liabilities incurred as a result of any act or omission if such Indemnitee acted in good faith. Also, our general partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any agent appointed by our general partner in good faith.
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. have also entered into indemnification agreements with all of the directors and officers of Ferrellgas, Inc. For a description of that agreement, see Ferrellgas, Inc.s obligations below, which are the same for Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P.
Ferrellgas, Inc.
Ferrellgas, Inc. is a Delaware corporation. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers a Delaware corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Similar indemnity is authorized for such persons against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of any such threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and provided further that (unless a court of competent jurisdiction otherwise provides) such person shall not have been adjudged liable to the corporation. Any such indemnification may be made only as authorized in each specific case upon a determination by the stockholders or disinterested directors or by independent legal counsel in a written opinion that indemnification is proper because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct.
Section 145 further authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him under Section 145.
The certificate of incorporation, as amended, and bylaws of Ferrellgas, Inc. provide for indemnification rights and benefits for its officers and directors from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities (joint or several), expenses (including, without limitation, legal fees and expenses), judgments, fines, penalties, interest, settlements and other amounts arising from any and all claims, demands, actions, suits or proceedings, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any officer or director of Ferrellgas, Inc. may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise; provided, however, the officers or directors must have acted in good faith, in a manner in which such person or entity believed to be in, or not opposed to, the best interests of Ferrellgas, Inc. and, with respect to any criminal proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe its conduct was unlawful. Ferrellgas, Inc. is also obligated to advance expenses to its officers and directors relating to indemnified
claims and Ferrellgas, Inc. has, to the extent commercially reasonable, purchased and currently maintains insurance on behalf of its officers and directors.
Furthermore, the directors of Ferrellgas, Inc. are not personally liable to Ferrellgas, Inc. or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:
· for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to Ferrellgas, Inc. or its stockholders,
· for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
· for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware; or
· for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Ferrellgas, Inc. has also entered into indemnification agreements with some of its directors and officers. Pursuant to these indemnification agreements, Ferrellgas, Inc. has contractually agreed to indemnify these officers and directors generally in accordance with the indemnification terms and provisions set forth above. Some of these indemnification agreements also provide that Ferrellgas, Inc. shall indemnify such director or officer when they were or are a party or are threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of Ferrellgas, Inc. to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that such director or officer is or was a director or officer of Ferrellgas, Inc., or is or was serving at the request of Ferrellgas, Inc. as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such director or officer in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit if such director or officer acted in good faith and in a manner that such director or officer reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of Ferrellgas, Inc. and except that no indemnification pursuant to the indemnification agreements shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such director or officer shall have been adjudged to be liable to Ferrellgas, Inc. unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such directors or officers are fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which the Court of Chancery or such other court shall deem proper.
Generally, any indemnification under these indemnification agreements (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by Ferrellgas, Inc. only as authorized in each specific case upon a determination, in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable indemnification agreement, that indemnification of such director or officer is proper in the circumstances because such director or officer has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in their particular indemnification agreement. Such determination shall be made:
· by independent legal counsel in a written opinion;
· by a majority vote of the members of the board of directors of Ferrellgas, Inc. who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even if less than a quorum;
· by a committee comprised of members of the board of directors of Ferrellgas, Inc. who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, such committee to be designated by a majority vote of the members of the board of directors of Ferrellgas, Inc. who are not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, even if less than a quorum; or
· by the stockholders of Ferrellgas, Inc.
Also, if such director or officer institutes any legal action to enforce such directors or officers rights under their indemnification agreement, or to recover damages for breach of their indemnification agreement, such director or officer, if such director or officer prevails in whole or in part, shall be entitled to recover from Ferrellgas, Inc. all fees and expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred by such director or officer in connection therewith.
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.
Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. is a Delaware corporation. Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law empowers a Delaware corporation to indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a
party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer or agent of another corporation or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Similar indemnity is authorized for such persons against expenses (including attorneys fees) actually and reasonably incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of any such threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation to procure a judgment in its favor if such person acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and provided further that (unless a court of competent jurisdiction otherwise provides) such person shall not have been adjudged liable to the corporation. Any such indemnification may be made only as authorized in each specific case upon a determination by the stockholders or disinterested directors or by independent legal counsel in a written opinion that indemnification is proper because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct.
Section 145 further authorizes a corporation to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the corporation would otherwise have the power to indemnify him under Section 145.
The certificate of incorporation and bylaws of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. provide that Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. shall indemnify and hold harmless its officers and directors, to the fullest extent permitted by current applicable law or as such law may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that the amendment permits Ferrellgas Finance Corp. to provide broader indemnification rights), against any and all expenses, liabilities and losses (including attorneys fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in settlement) arising from any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, in which any officer or director of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. may be involved, or is threatened to be involved, as a party or otherwise, by reason of the fact that such officer or director is or was a director or officer of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. or serving at the request of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans. Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. is also obligated to advance expenses to its officers and directors relating to indemnified claims and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. has, to the extent commercially reasonable, purchased and currently maintains insurance on behalf of its officers and directors.
Furthermore, the directors of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. are not personally liable to Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of a fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability:
· for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. or its stockholders;
· for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
· for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock purchases or redemptions under Section 174 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware; or
· for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.
Item 21. Exhibits
Reference is made to the Exhibit Index following the signature pages hereof, which Exhibit Index is hereby incorporated into this Item.
Item 22. Undertakings
Each of the undersigned registrants hereby undertakes:
(1) to file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
(i) to include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) to reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than 20 percent change in the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the Calculation of Registration Fee table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) to include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrants under the Securities Act of 1933 to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities: each of the undersigned registrants undertake that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrants pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrants will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrants relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrants or used or referred to by the undersigned registrants;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrants or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrants; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrants to the purchaser.
(6) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of each registrants annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plans annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be
deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(7) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrants in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrants will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
Each undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to respond to requests for information that is incorporated by reference into the prospectus pursuant to Item 4, 10(b), 11 or 13 of this form, within one business day of receipt of such request, and to send the incorporated documents by first class mail or other equally prompt means. This includes information contained in documents filed subsequent to the effective date of the registration statement through the date of responding to the request.
Each undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to supply by means of a post-effective amendment all information concerning a transaction, and the company being acquired involved therein, that was not the subject of and included in the registration statement when it became effective.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Overland Park, State of Kansas, on July 10, 2017.
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FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. | |
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By: |
Ferrellgas, Inc., its general partner |
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By: |
/s/ ALAN C. HEITMANN |
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Alan C. Heitmann |
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Executive Vice President; Chief Financial Officer; Treasurer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Alan C. Heitmann and Trent Hampton, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as their true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including, without limitation, any supplements or post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them of their or his or her substitute and substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature and Name |
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Title |
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Date |
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/s/ JAMES E. FERRELL |
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Interim Chief Executive Officer and |
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July 10, 2017 |
James E. Ferrell |
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President of Ferrellgas, Inc. (principal executive officer); Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ferrellgas, Inc. |
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/s/ PAMELA A. BREUCKMANN |
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Director of Ferrellgas, Inc. |
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July 10, 2017 |
Pamela A. Breuckmann |
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/s/ STEPHEN M. CLIFFORD |
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Director of Ferrellgas, Inc. |
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July 10, 2017 |
Stephen M. Clifford |
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/s/ A. ANDREW LEVISON |
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Director of Ferrellgas, Inc. |
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July 10, 2017 |
A. Andrew Levison |
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/s/ JOHN R. LOWDEN |
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Director of Ferrellgas, Inc. |
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July 10, 2017 |
John R. Lowden |
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/s/ MICHAEL F. MORRISSEY |
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Director of Ferrellgas, Inc. |
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July 10, 2017 |
Michael F. Morrissey |
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/s/ DAVID L. STARLING |
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Director of Ferrellgas, Inc. |
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July 10, 2017 |
David L. Starling |
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/s/ ALAN C. HEITMANN |
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Executive Vice President; Chief Financial |
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July 10, 2017 |
Alan C. Heitmann |
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Officer; Treasurer of Ferrellgas, Inc. (principal financial and accounting officer) |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Overland Park, State of Kansas, on July 10, 2017.
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FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP. | |
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By: |
/s/ ALAN C. HEITMANN |
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Alan C. Heitmann |
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Chief Financial Officer |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
Each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Alan C. Heitmann and Trent Hampton, and each of them, any of whom may act without the joinder of the other, as their true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him or her and in his or her name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments (including, without limitation, any supplements or post-effective amendments) to this Registration Statement and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto, and all other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done, as fully to all intents and purposes as he or she might or would do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them of their or his or her substitute and substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature |
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Title |
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Date |
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/s/ JAMES E. FERRELL |
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Interim Chief Executive Officer and |
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July 10, 2017 |
James E. Ferrell |
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President (principal executive officer) |
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/s/ ALAN C. HEITMANN |
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Chief Financial Officer (principal financial |
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July 10, 2017 |
Alan C. Heitmann |
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and accounting officer); and sole Director |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit |
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Description |
4.1 |
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Indenture dated as of April 13, 2010, among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2010. |
4.2 |
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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. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 13, 2010. |
4.3 |
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Second Supplemental Indenture dated January 30, 2017, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2017. |
4.4 |
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Registration Rights Agreement dated January 30, 2017, by and among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, as representative of the several initial purchasers. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 30, 2017. |
*5.1 |
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Opinion of Bracewell LLP as to the legality of the securities registered hereby. |
*12.1 |
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Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges |
*23.1 |
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Consent of Grant Thornton LLP. |
*23.4 |
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Consent of Bracewell LLP (included in Exhibit 5.1). |
*24.1 |
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Powers of Attorney (included on the signature pages hereof). |
*25.1 |
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Statement of Eligibility and Qualification of the Trustee, U.S. Bank National Association on Form T-1. |
*99.1 |
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Form of Letter of Transmittal. |
*99.2 |
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Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. |
*99.3 |
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Form of Letter to Clients. |
*99.4 |
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Form of Letter to DTC Participants. |
* Filed herewith
Exhibit 5.1
July 10, 2017
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. |
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Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp |
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7500 College Boulevard, Suite 1000 |
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Overland Park, Kansas 66210 |
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Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as counsel to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the Partnership), and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation (Finance Corp and, together with the Partnership, the Issuers), in connection with the proposed offering by the Issuers of up to $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Exchange Securities) to be issued under the Indenture dated as of April 13, 2010 among the Issuers and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (the Trustee), as supplemented by the First Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of April 13, 2010 and the Second Supplemental Indenture thereto dated as of January 30, 2017 (collectively, the Indenture), pursuant to an exchange offer (the Exchange Offer) by the Issuers described in the Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by the Issuers on the date hereof (the Registration Statement), in exchange for a like principal amount of the issued and outstanding 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Original Securities) previously issued on January 30, 2017 under the Indenture. We have been asked by the Issuers to render this opinion.
In rendering the opinions expressed below, we have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Registration Statement, (ii) the organizational documents of the Issuers, (iii) the Indenture, (iv) certain resolutions adopted by the board of directors of each of the Issuers and (v) such other documents and records as we have deemed necessary and relevant. In addition, we have relied on certificates of officers of the Issuers and of public officials and others as to certain matters of fact relating to this opinion and have made such investigations of law as we have deemed necessary and relevant as a basis hereof. In the course of the foregoing investigations and examinations, we have assumed (i) the genuineness of all signatures on, and the authenticity of, all documents and records submitted to us and the conformity to original documents and records of all documents and records submitted to us as copies, (ii) the truthfulness of all statements of fact set forth in the documents and records examined by us, (iii) the due authorization, execution and delivery by the parties thereto of all such documents examined by us and (iv) except to the extent set forth in the immediately succeeding paragraph, that, to the extent that any such documents purport to constitute agreements of the parties thereto, they constitute valid, binding and enforceable obligations of such parties.
Based upon the foregoing and subject to the qualifications, limitations and assumptions set forth herein, and having due regard for such legal considerations as we deem relevant, we are of the opinion
Bracewell LLP |
T: +1.713.223.2300 F: +1.800.404.3970 |
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711 Louisiana Street, Suite 2300, Houston, Texas 77002-2770 |
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bracewell.com |
AUSTIN CONNECTICUT DALLAS DUBAI HOUSTON LONDON NEW YORK SAN ANTONIO SEATTLE WASHINGTON, DC
that when the Registration Statement has become effective under the Act and when the Exchange Securities have been duly executed by the Issuers, duly authenticated by the Trustee in accordance with the terms of the Indenture, and issued and delivered by or on behalf of the Issuers in accordance with the terms of the Indenture against receipt of Original Securities surrendered in exchange therefor in accordance with the terms of the Exchange Offer, the Exchange Securities will be valid and binding obligations of the Issuers, enforceable against the Issuers in accordance with their terms.
The foregoing opinion is based on and limited to the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, the law of the State of New York and the applicable federal laws of the United States of America, and we render no opinion with respect to the law of any other jurisdiction. The enforceability of the Issuers obligations under the Exchange Securities is subject to, and we express no opinion with respect to, the effect of any applicable bankruptcy (including, without limitation, fraudulent conveyance and preference), insolvency, reorganization, rehabilitation, moratorium or similar laws and decisions relating to or affecting the enforcement of creditors rights generally, and to general principles of equity (regardless of whether such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law), including without limitation, concepts of materiality, reasonableness, good faith and fair dealing, and the possible unavailability of specific performance or injunctive relief. Such principles are of general application, and in applying such principles a court, among other things, might decline to order the Issuers to perform covenants. Further, we express no opinion with respect to the enforceability of provisions in the Exchange Securities or related agreements with respect to waiver, delay, extension or omission of notice or enforcement of rights or remedies, waivers of defenses or waivers of benefits of stay, extension, moratorium, redemption, statutes of limitations or other benefits provided by operation of law. Further, the enforceability of any exculpation, indemnification or contribution provisions contained therein may be limited by applicable law or public policy. Further, we express no opinion as to the validity, binding effect or enforceability of any provisions therein that require or relate to the payment of interest, fees or charges at a rate or in an amount that is in excess of legal limits or that a court would determine in the circumstances under applicable law to be commercially unreasonable or a penalty or a forfeiture.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement and to the use of our name in the prospectus forming a part of the Registration Statement under the caption Legal Matters. In giving this consent, we do not admit that we are within the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder.
Very truly yours, |
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/s/ BRACEWELL LLP |
Exhibit 12.1
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Fiscal Year Ended July 31, |
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Nine months |
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Earnings |
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2012 |
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2013 |
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2014 |
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2015 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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Pre-tax income from continuing operations |
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$ |
(9,768 |
) |
$ |
59,022 |
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$ |
36,231 |
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$ |
29,774 |
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$ |
(672,071 |
) |
$ |
1,554 |
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Add: Fixed charges (see below) |
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98,841 |
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94,161 |
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111,478 |
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105,232 |
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144,090 |
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117,219 |
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Less: capitalized interest |
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Income as adjusted (a) |
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$ |
89,073 |
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$ |
153,183 |
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$ |
147,709 |
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$ |
135,006 |
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$ |
(527,981 |
) |
$ |
118,773 |
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Fixed charges |
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Interest, either expensed or capitalized, and amortized capitalized expenses related to indebtedness |
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93,254 |
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89,145 |
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107,704 |
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100,396 |
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137,937 |
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112,107 |
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Interest portion of lease expense |
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5,587 |
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5,016 |
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3,774 |
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4,836 |
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6,153 |
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5,112 |
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Fixed charges (b) |
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$ |
98,841 |
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$ |
94,161 |
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$ |
111,478 |
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$ |
105,232 |
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$ |
144,090 |
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$ |
117,219 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| ||||||
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (a/b) |
|
0.9 |
|
1.6 |
|
1.3 |
|
1.3 |
|
-3.7 |
|
1.0 |
|
Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
We have issued our reports dated September 28, 2016, with respected to the consolidated financial statements, schedules, and internal control over financial reporting of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and financial statements of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. for the year ended July 31, 2016, which are incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement. We consent to the incorporation by reference of the aforementioned reports in this Registration Statement, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption Experts.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
Kansas City, Missouri
July 10, 2017
Exhibit 25.1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM T-1
STATEMENT OF ELIGIBILITY UNDER
THE TRUST INDENTURE ACT OF 1939 OF A
CORPORATION DESIGNATED TO ACT AS TRUSTEE
Check if an Application to Determine Eligibility of
a Trustee Pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) o
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
(Exact name of Trustee as specified in its charter)
31-0841368
I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
800 Nicollet Mall |
|
55402 |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
William G. Keenan
U.S. Bank National Association
100 Wall Street, Suite 1600
New York, NY 10005
(212) 951-8501
(Name, address and telephone number of agent for service)
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
(Issuer with respect to the Securities)
Delaware |
|
43-1698480 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
(Issuer with respect to the Securities)
Delaware |
|
43-1742520 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
|
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
7500 College Boulevard, Suite 1000, |
|
66210 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
|
(Zip Code) |
85/8% Senior Notes due 2020
(Title of the Indenture Securities)
FORM T-1
Item 1. GENERAL INFORMATION. Furnish the following information as to the Trustee.
a) Name and address of each examining or supervising authority to which it is subject.
Comptroller of the Currency
Washington, D.C.
b) Whether it is authorized to exercise corporate trust powers.
Yes
Item 2. AFFILIATIONS WITH OBLIGOR. If the obligor is an affiliate of the Trustee, describe each such affiliation.
None
Items 3-15 Items 3-15 are not applicable because to the best of the Trustees knowledge, the obligor is not in default under any Indenture for which the Trustee acts as Trustee.
Item 16. LIST OF EXHIBITS: List below all exhibits filed as a part of this statement of eligibility and qualification.
1. A copy of the Articles of Association of the Trustee.*
2. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to commence business, attached as Exhibit 2.
3. A copy of the certificate of authority of the Trustee to exercise corporate trust powers, attached as Exhibit 3.
4. A copy of the existing bylaws of the Trustee.**
5. A copy of each Indenture referred to in Item 4. Not applicable.
6. The consent of the Trustee required by Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, attached as Exhibit 6.
7. Report of Condition of the Trustee as of March 31, 2017 published pursuant to law or the requirements of its supervising or examining authority, attached as Exhibit 7.
* Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to Amendment No. 2 to registration statement on S-4, Registration Number 333-128217 filed on November 15, 2005.
** Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 25.1 to registration statement on form S-3ASR, Registration Number 333-199863 filed on November 5, 2014.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended, the Trustee, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America, has duly caused this statement of eligibility and qualification to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, all in the City of New York, State of New York on the 6th of July, 2017.
|
By: |
/s/ William G. Keenan |
|
|
William G. Keenan |
|
|
Vice President |
Exhibit 2
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency | ||
|
Washington, DC 20219 |
CERTIFICATE OF CORPORATE EXISTENCE
I, Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:
1. The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et seq, as amended, and 12 USC 1, et seq, as amended, has possession, custody, and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation, and supervision of all national banking associations.
2. U.S. Bank National Association, Cincinnati, Ohio (Charter No. 24), is a national banking association formed under the laws of the United States and is authorized thereunder to transact the business of banking on the date of this certificate.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, today, October 28, 2016, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused my seal of office to be affixed to these presents at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in the City of Washington, District of Columbia.
Comptroller of the Currency |
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency | ||
|
Washington, DC 20219 |
CERTIFICATION OF FIDUCIARY POWERS
I, Thomas J. Curry, Comptroller of the Currency, do hereby certify that:
1. The Comptroller of the Currency, pursuant to Revised Statutes 324, et seq, as amended, and 12 USC 1, et seq, as amended, has possession, custody, and control of all records pertaining to the chartering, regulation, and supervision of all national banking associations.
2. U.S. Bank National Association, Cincinnati, Ohio (Charter No. 24), was granted, under the hand and seal of the Comptroller, the right to act in all fiduciary capacities authorized under the provisions of the Act of Congress approved September 28, 1962, 76 Stat. 668, 12 USC 92a, and that the authority so granted remains in full force and effect on the date of this certificate.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, today, October 28, 2016, I have hereunto subscribed my name and caused my seal of office to be affixed to these presents at the U.S. Department of the Treasury, in the City of Washington, District of Columbia.
Comptroller of the Currency |
Exhibit 6
CONSENT
In accordance with Section 321(b) of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, the undersigned, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION hereby consents that reports of examination of the undersigned by Federal, State, Territorial or District authorities may be furnished by such authorities to the Securities and Exchange Commission upon its request therefor.
Dated: July 6, 2017
|
By: |
/s/ William G. Keenan |
|
|
William G. Keenan |
|
|
Vice President |
Exhibit 7
U.S. Bank National Association
Statement of Financial Condition
As of 3/31/2017
($000s)
|
|
3/31/2017 |
| |
Assets |
|
|
| |
Cash and Balances Due From Depository Institutions |
|
$ |
20,286,216 |
|
Securities |
|
109,425,081 |
| |
Federal Funds |
|
6,277 |
| |
Loans & Lease Financing Receivables |
|
271,757,654 |
| |
Fixed Assets |
|
4,607,606 |
| |
Intangible Assets |
|
12,967,640 |
| |
Other Assets |
|
23,934,632 |
| |
Total Assets |
|
$ |
442,985,106 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Liabilities |
|
|
| |
Deposits |
|
$ |
346,548,026 |
|
Fed Funds |
|
1,082,176 |
| |
Treasury Demand Notes |
|
0 |
| |
Trading Liabilities |
|
1,077,223 |
| |
Other Borrowed Money |
|
30,907,144 |
| |
Acceptances |
|
0 |
| |
Subordinated Notes and Debentures |
|
3,800,000 |
| |
Other Liabilities |
|
12,674,854 |
| |
Total Liabilities |
|
$ |
396,089,423 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Equity |
|
|
| |
Common and Preferred Stock |
|
18,200 |
| |
Surplus |
|
14,266,915 |
| |
Undivided Profits |
|
31,804,360 |
| |
Minority Interest in Subsidiaries |
|
806,208 |
| |
Total Equity Capital |
|
$ |
46,895,683 |
|
|
|
|
| |
Total Liabilities and Equity Capital |
|
$ |
442,985,106 |
|
Exhibit 99.1
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
REGISTERED 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
FOR
ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING UNREGISTERED 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 2017, UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE ISSUERS. TENDERS OF UNREGISTERED NOTES MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
The Exchange Agent is:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By Mail, Courier or Overnight Delivery:
Corporate Trust Services
111 Fillmore Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107
By Facsimile Transmission (for Eligible Institutions only):
(651) 466-7367
Confirm by Telephone:
(800) 934-6802
DELIVERY OF THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE OR TRANSMISSION VIA FACSIMILE TO A NUMBER OTHER THAN AS SET FORTH ABOVE WILL NOT CONSTITUTE A VALID DELIVERY.
HOLDERS WHO WISH TO BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE EXCHANGE NOTES PURSUANT TO THE EXCHANGE OFFER MUST VALIDLY TENDER (AND NOT VALIDLY WITHDRAW) THEIR UNREGISTERED NOTES TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
Ferrellgas Partners, LP. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the Issuers) are offering, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the prospectus dated , 2017 (the Prospectus) and this Letter of Transmittal (the Letter of Transmittal, which, together with the Prospectus, constitutes the Exchange Offer), to exchange all $175,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of their 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Exchange Notes), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), for the same aggregate principal amount of their outstanding unregistered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Unregistered Notes). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Prospectus.
This Letter of Transmittal is to be used by Holders of the Unregistered Notes to exchange Unregistered Notes for the same aggregate principal amount of the Exchange Notes if: (i) certificate(s) representing Unregistered Notes are to be physically delivered to the Exchange Agent by such Holders; (ii) tender of Unregistered Notes is to be made by book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agents account at The Depository Trust Company (DTC) pursuant to the procedures set forth under the caption The Exchange OfferProcedures for Tendering in the Prospectus; or (iii) tender of Unregistered Notes is to be made according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth under the caption The Exchange OfferGuaranteed Delivery Procedures in the Prospectus.
The Unregistered Notes have CUSIP numbers 315295AF2 and U31540AA2.
Holders that are tendering by book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agents DTC account can execute the tender through DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program (ATOP), for which the transaction will be eligible. DTC participants that are accepting the Exchange Offer must transmit their acceptance to DTC, which will verify the acceptance and execute a book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agents DTC account. DTC will then send an agents message (as described in the Prospectus under the caption The Exchange Offer Procedures for Tendering) to the Exchange Agent for its acceptance. Delivery of the agents message will satisfy the terms of the Exchange Offer as to execution and delivery of a Letter of Transmittal by the participant identified in the agents message. DTC participants may also accept the Exchange Offer by submitting a notice of guaranteed delivery through ATOP.
Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.
If a Holder wishes to tender Unregistered Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and cannot deliver the certificates representing the tendered Unregistered Notes, the Letter of Transmittal with respect to such Unregistered Notes or any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal or the Holder cannot comply with the DTCs ATOP procedures prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer, then such Holder must tender such Unregistered Notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth under the caption The Exchange OfferGuaranteed Delivery Procedures in the Prospectus. See Instruction 2.
The undersigned should complete, execute and deliver this Letter of Transmittal to indicate the action the undersigned desires to take with respect to the Exchange Offer.
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND THE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY BEFORE CHECKING ANY BOX BELOW. THE INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL MUST BE FOLLOWED. QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS FOR ASSISTANCE OR FOR ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS, THIS LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND THE NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT. SEE INSTRUCTION 11.
TENDER OF UNREGISTERED NOTES
o CHECK HERE IF TENDERED UNREGISTERED NOTES ARE ENCLOSED HEREWITH.
o CHECK HERE IF TENDERED UNREGISTERED NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED BY BOOK-ENTRY TRANSFER MADE TO THE ACCOUNT MAINTAINED BY THE EXCHANGE AGENT WITH DTC AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Name of Tendering Institution:
DTC Account Number:
Transaction Code Number:
o CHECK HERE IF TENDERED UNREGISTERED NOTES ARE BEING DELIVERED PURSUANT TO A NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY PREVIOUSLY SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING:
Name(s) of Registered Holder(s):
Window Ticket Number (if any):
Date of Execution of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery:
Name of Eligible Institution that Guaranteed Delivery:
List below the Unregistered Notes to which this Letter of Transmittal relates. If the space provided is inadequate, list the certificate numbers and principal amounts on a separately executed schedule and affix the schedule to this Letter of Transmittal.
DESCRIPTION OF 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020 |
| ||||||
Name(s) and Address(es) |
|
Certificate |
|
Aggregate |
|
Principal |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Principal Amount of Unregistered Notes |
|
|
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|
|
* Need not be completed by Holders tendering by book-entry transfer.
** Unless otherwise specified, the entire aggregate principal amount represented by the Unregistered Notes described above will be deemed to be tendered. See Instruction 4.
The names and addresses of the registered Holders should be printed, if not already printed above, exactly as they appear on the certificate(s) representing the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby or, if tendered by a DTC participant, exactly as such participants name appears on a security position listing as the owner of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby. The Unregistered Notes and the principal amount of Unregistered Notes that the undersigned wishes to tender should be indicated in the appropriate boxes.
NOTE: SIGNATURES MUST BE PROVIDED BELOW. PLEASE READ THE ACCOMPANYING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tenders to the Issuers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and in accordance with this Letter of Transmittal, the principal amount of Unregistered Notes indicated in the table above entitled Description of 85/8% Senior Notes Due 2020 under the column heading Principal Amount Tendered. The undersigned represents that it is duly authorized to tender all of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby that it holds for the account of beneficial owners of such Unregistered Notes (the Beneficial Owners(s)) and to make the representations and statements set forth herein on behalf of such Beneficial Owner(s).
Subject to, and effective upon, the acceptance for purchase of the principal amount of Unregistered Notes tendered herewith in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby sells, assigns and transfers to, or upon the order of, the Issuers, all right, title and interest in and to all of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby. The undersigned hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Exchange Agent the true and lawful agent and attorney-in-fact of the undersigned (with full knowledge that the Exchange Agent also acts as the agent of Issuers) with respect to such Unregistered Notes, with full powers of substitution and revocation (such power of attorney being deemed to be an irrevocable power coupled with an interest) to (i) present such Unregistered Notes and all evidences of transfer and authenticity to, or transfer ownership of, such Unregistered Notes on the account books maintained by DTC to, or upon the order of, the Issuers, (ii) present such Unregistered Notes for transfer of ownership on the books of the Issuers, and (iii) receive all benefits and otherwise exercise all rights of beneficial ownership of such Unregistered Notes, all in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer as described in the Prospectus. The power of attorney granted in this paragraph shall be deemed irrevocable and coupled with an interest.
By accepting the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby represents and warrants that at the time of the consummation of the Exchange Offer (i) neither the undersigned nor any Beneficial Owner is an affiliate, as such term is defined under Rule 405 under the Securities Act, of either Issuer (ii) the Exchange Notes to be acquired by the undersigned and any Beneficial Owner(s) pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being acquired by the undersigned and any Beneficial Owner(s) in the ordinary course of business of the undersigned and any Beneficial Owner(s), (iii) the undersigned and each Beneficial Owner(s) are not participating, and do not intend to participate, in the distribution of the Exchange Notes, (iv) the undersigned and each Beneficial Owner(s) has no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes, and (v) any broker-dealer that receives Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Unregistered Notes that were acquired as a result of market- making activities or other trading activities shall deliver a prospectus meeting the requirement of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of such Exchange Notes. By so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer shall not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.
The undersigned understands that tenders of Unregistered Notes may be withdrawn by written notice of withdrawal received by the Exchange Agent or by complying with the appropriate ATOP procedures at any time prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer in accordance with the Prospectus. In the event of a termination of the Exchange Offer, the Unregistered Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be returned to the tendering Holders promptly or, in the case of Unregistered Notes tendered by book-entry transfer, such Unregistered Notes will be credited to the account maintained at DTC from which such Unregistered Notes were delivered. If the Issuers make a material change in the terms of the Exchange Offer or the information concerning the Exchange Offer or waive a material condition of such Exchange Offer, the Issuers will disseminate additional Exchange Offer materials and extend such Exchange Offer, if and to the extent required by law.
The undersigned understands that the tender of Unregistered Notes pursuant to any of the procedures set forth in the Prospectus and in the instructions hereto will constitute the undersigneds acceptance of the terms and conditions of the Exchange Offer. The Issuers acceptance for exchange of Unregistered Notes tendered pursuant to any of the procedures described in the Prospectus will constitute a binding agreement between the undersigned and the Issuers in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions of the Exchange Offer. For purposes of the Exchange Offer,
the undersigned understands that validly tendered Unregistered Notes (or defectively tendered Unregistered Notes with respect to which the Issuers have, or have caused to be, waived such defect) will be deemed to have been accepted by the Issuers when and if the Issuers give oral, promptly confirmed in writing, or written notice thereof to the Exchange Agent. The undersigned also agrees that acceptance of any tendered Unregistered Notes by the Issuers and the issuance of Exchange Notes in exchange therefore shall constitute performance in full by the Issuers of their respective obligations under the Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 30, 2017 by and between the Issuers and the representative of the initial purchasers of the Unregistered Notes, and that, upon the issuance of the Exchange Notes the Issuers will have no further obligations or liabilities thereunder (except in certain limited circumstances).
The undersigned hereby represents and warrants that the undersigned has full power and authority to tender, sell, assign and transfer the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby, and that when such tendered Unregistered Notes are accepted for purchase by the Issuers, the Issuers will acquire good title thereto, free and clear of all liens, restrictions, charges and encumbrances and not subject to any adverse claim or right. The undersigned will, upon request, execute and deliver any additional documents deemed by the Exchange Agent or by the Issuers to be necessary or desirable to complete the sale, assignment and transfer of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby.
None of the authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this Letter of Transmittal shall be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned and any Beneficial Owner(s), and any obligation of the undersigned or any Beneficial Owner(s) hereunder shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy, personal and legal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned, as well as such Beneficial Owner(s).
The undersigned understands that the delivery and surrender of any Unregistered Notes is not effective, and the risk of loss of the Unregistered Notes does not pass to the Exchange Agent, until receipt by the Exchange Agent of this Letter of Transmittal, or a manually signed facsimile hereof, properly completed and duly executed, together with all accompanying evidences of authority or a properly transmitted agents message and any other required documents in form satisfactory to the Issuers. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance and withdrawal of tendered Unregistered Notes will be determined by the Issuers, in their sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding.
Unless otherwise indicated herein under Special Issuance Instructions, the undersigned hereby requests that any Unregistered Notes representing principal amounts not tendered or not accepted for exchange be issued in the name(s) of the undersigned (and in the case of Unregistered Notes tendered by book-entry transfer, by credit to the account of DTC), and Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Unregistered Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer be issued to the undersigned. Similarly, unless otherwise indicated herein under Special Delivery Instructions, the undersigned hereby requests that any Unregistered Notes representing principal amounts not tendered or not accepted for exchange and Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Unregistered Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer be delivered to the undersigned at the address shown below the undersigneds signature(s). In the event that the Special Issuance Instructions box or the Special Delivery Instructions box is, or both are, completed, the undersigned hereby requests that any Unregistered Notes representing principal amounts not tendered or not accepted for exchange be issued in the name(s) of, certificates for such Unregistered Notes be delivered to, and Exchange Notes issued in exchange for Unregistered Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer be issued in the name(s) of, and be delivered to, the person(s) at the address(es) so indicated, as applicable. The undersigned recognizes that the Issuers have no obligation pursuant to the Special Issuance Instructions box or Special Delivery Instructions box to transfer any Unregistered Notes from the name of the registered Holder(s) thereof if the Issuers do not accept for exchange any of the principal amount of such Unregistered Notes so tendered.
o CHECK HERE AND COMPLETE THE LINES BELOW IF YOU OR ANY BENEFICIAL OWNER FOR WHOM YOU HOLD UNREGISTERED NOTES TENDERED HEREBY IS A BROKER-DEALER WHO ACQUIRED SUCH UNREGISTERED NOTES IN MARKET-MAKING OR OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES. IF THIS BOX IS CHECKED, THE ISSUERS WILL SEND 10 ADDITIONAL COPIES OF THE PROSPECTUS AND 10 COPIES OF ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO TO YOU OR SUCH BENEFICIAL OWNER AT THE ADDRESS SPECIFIED IN THE FOLLOWING LINES.
Name: |
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|
Address:
SPECIAL ISSUANCE INSTRUCTIONS |
|
SPECIAL DELIVERY INSTRUCTIONS | ||
(See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7) |
|
(See Instructions 1, 5, 6 and 7) | ||
To be completed ONLY if Unregistered Notes in a principal amount not tendered or not accepted for exchange are to be issued in the name of, or Exchange Notes are to be issued in the name of, someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) within this Letter of Transmittal. |
|
To be completed ONLY if Unregistered Notes in a principal amount not tendered or not accepted for exchange or Exchange Notes are to be sent to someone other than the person or persons whose signature(s) appear(s) within this Letter of Transmittal or to an address different from that shown in the box entitled Description of 8% Senior Notes due 2020 within this Letter of Transmittal. | ||
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Issue: o Unregistered Notes o Exchange Notes (check as applicable) |
|
Issue: o Unregistered Notes o Exchange Notes (check as applicable) | ||
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Name |
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Name |
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(Please Print) |
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(Please Print) |
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Address |
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Address |
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(Please Print) |
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(Please Print) |
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(Zip Code) |
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(Zip Code) |
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(Tax Identification or Social Security Number) (Please complete Form W-9 or a Form W-8; See Instructions 9 and 10 below) |
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(Tax Identification or Social Security Number) (Please complete Form W-9 or a Form W-8; See Instructions 9 and 10 below) |
PLEASE SIGN HERE
This Letter of Transmittal must be signed by the registered Holder(s) exactly as name(s) appear(s) on certificate(s) for Unregistered Note(s) or, if tendered by a DTC participant, exactly as such participants name appears on a security position listing as owner of Unregistered Notes, or by person(s) authorized to become registered Holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted herewith. If signature is by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, please set forth full title and see Instruction 5.
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Signature(s) of Registered Holder(s) or Authorized Signatory |
(See guarantee requirement below) |
Dated: |
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Name(s) |
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Capacity (Full Title) |
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Address |
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Area Code and Tel. Number |
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Tax Identification or Social Security No. |
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(Please complete Form W-9 or a Form W-8; See Instructions 9 and 10 below) |
Medallion Signature Guarantee
(If RequiredSee Instructions 1 and 5)
Authorized Signature |
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Name of Firm |
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[place seal here]
INSTRUCTIONS
Forming Part of the Terms and Conditions of the Exchange Offer
1. Signature Guarantees. Signatures on this Letter of Transmittal must be guaranteed by a recognized member of the Medallion Signature Guarantee Program or by any other eligible guarantor institution, as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (each of the foregoing, an Eligible Institution), unless the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby are tendered (i) by a registered Holder of Unregistered Notes (or by a DTC participant whose name appears on a security position listing as the owner of such Unregistered Notes) that has not completed either the box entitled Special Issuance Instructions or the box entitled Special Delivery Instructions on this Letter of Transmittal, or (ii) for the account of an Eligible Institution. If the Unregistered Notes are registered in the name of a person other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal, if Unregistered Notes not accepted for exchange or not tendered are to be returned to a person other than the registered Holder or if Exchange Notes are to be issued in the name of or sent to a person other than the registered Holder, then the signatures on this Letter of Transmittal accompanying the tendered Unregistered Notes must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution as described above. See Instruction 5.
2. Delivery of Letter of Transmittal and Unregistered Notes. This Letter of Transmittal is to be completed by Holders if (i) certificates representing Unregistered Notes are to be physically delivered to the Exchange Agent by such Holders; (ii) tender of Unregistered Notes is to be made by book-entry transfer to the Exchange Agents account at DTC pursuant to the procedures set forth under the caption The Exchange Offer Procedures for Tendering in the Prospectus; or (iii) tender of Unregistered Notes is to be made according to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth under the caption The Exchange OfferGuaranteed Delivery Procedures in the Prospectus. All physically delivered certificate(s) representing Unregistered Notes as well as a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) with respect to such Unregistered Notes, with any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Unregistered Notes into the Exchange Agents DTC account and a properly transmitted agents message must be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth on the cover page hereto prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer, or the tendering Holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth below. Delivery of documents to DTC does not constitute delivery to the Exchange Agent.
If a Holder wishes to tender Unregistered Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and cannot deliver the Unregistered Notes, the Letter of Transmittal or any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal or the Holder cannot comply with the DTCs ATOP procedures prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer, such Holder must tender such Unregistered Notes pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth under the caption The Exchange OfferGuaranteed Delivery Procedures in the Prospectus. Pursuant to such procedures, (i) such tender must be made by or through an Eligible Institution; (ii) a properly completed and duly executed Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, substantially in the form provided by the Issuers, or an agents message with respect to guaranteed delivery that is accepted by the Issuers, must be received by the Exchange Agent, either by hand delivery, mail, or facsimile transmission, prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer; and (iii) the certificate(s) representing such tendered Unregistered Notes, in proper form for transfer, together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) with respect to such Unregistered Notes, with any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by this Letter of Transmittal, or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Unregistered Notes into the Exchange Agents DTC account and a properly transmitted agents message, must be received by the Exchange Agent within three business days after the expiration of the Exchange Offer.
The method of delivery of this Letter of Transmittal, the Unregistered Notes and all other required documents, including delivery through DTC and any acceptance or agents message delivered through ATOP, is at the option and risk of the tendering Holder and, except as otherwise provided in this Instruction 2, delivery will be deemed made only when actually received by the Exchange Agent. If delivery is by mail, it is suggested that the Holder use properly-insured, registered mail with return receipt requested, and that the mailing be made sufficiently in advance of the expiration of the Exchange Offer to permit delivery to the Exchange Agent prior to such date.
Except in limited circumstances, only a registered Holder of Unregistered Notes or a DTC participant listed on a securities position listing furnished by DTC with respect to the Unregistered Notes may tender its Unregistered Notes in the Exchange Offer. Any beneficial owner of Unregistered Notes who is not the registered Holder and is not a DTC participant and who wishes to tender should arrange with such registered Holder to execute and deliver this Letter of Transmittal on such beneficial owners behalf or must, prior to completing and executing this Letter of Transmittal and delivering his, her or its Unregistered Notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the Unregistered Notes in such beneficial owners name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered Holder.
3. Inadequate Space. If the space provided herein is inadequate, the certificate numbers and/or the principal amount represented by Unregistered Notes should be listed on a separate signed schedule attached hereto.
4. Partial Tenders. (Not applicable to Holders who tender by book-entry transfer). If Holders wish to tender less than the entire principal amount evidenced by any Unregistered Note submitted, but only for a minimum of $2,000 and in integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000, such Holders must fill in the principal amount that is to be tendered in the column entitled Principal Amount Tendered. In the case of a partial tender of Unregistered Notes, as soon as practicable after the expiration of the Exchange Offer, new certificates for the remainder of the Unregistered Notes that were evidenced by such Holders old certificates will be sent to such Holder, unless otherwise provided in the appropriate box on this Letter of Transmittal. The entire principal amount that is represented by Unregistered Notes delivered to the Exchange Agent will be deemed to have been tendered, unless otherwise indicated.
5. Signatures on Letter of Transmittal, Instruments of Transfer and Endorsements. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered Holder(s) of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby, the signatures must correspond with the name(s) as written on the face of the certificate(s) without alteration, enlargement or any change whatsoever. If this Letter of Transmittal is signed by a DTC participant whose name is shown on a securities position listing as the owner of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby, the signature must correspond with the name shown on the security position listing as the owner of the Unregistered Notes.
If any of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby are registered in the name of two or more Holders, all such Holders must sign this Letter of Transmittal. If any of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby are registered in different names on several certificates, it will be necessary to complete, sign and submit as many separate Letters of Transmittal as there are different registrations of certificates.
If this Letter of Transmittal or any Unregistered Note or instrument of transfer is signed by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney- in-fact, agent, officer of a corporation or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person should so indicate when signing, and proper evidence satisfactory to the Issuers of such persons authority to so act must be submitted.
When this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered Holders of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby, no endorsements of Unregistered Notes or separate instruments of transfer are required unless payment is to be made, or Unregistered Notes not tendered or exchanged are to be issued, to a person other than the registered Holders, in which case signatures on such Unregistered Notes or instruments of transfer must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution.
Unless this Letter of Transmittal is signed by the registered Holder(s) of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby or by the DTC participant whose name is shown on a securities position listing as the owner of the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby, the Unregistered Notes must be endorsed or accompanied by appropriate instruments of transfer, in either case signed exactly as the name or names of the registered Holders appear on the Unregistered Notes or in a securities position listing and signatures on such Unregistered Notes or instruments of transfer are required and must be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution, unless the signature is that of an Eligible Institution.
6. Special Issuance and Delivery Instructions. If Exchange Notes or unexchanged or untendered Unregistered Notes are to be issued in the name of a person other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal, or if Exchange Notes or such Unregistered Notes are to be delivered or returned to someone other than the signer of this Letter of Transmittal or to an address other than that shown above, the appropriate boxes on this Letter of Transmittal should be completed. All Unregistered Notes tendered by book-entry transfer and not accepted for exchange will be
returned by crediting the account at DTC designated above as the account for which such Unregistered Notes were delivered.
7. Transfer Taxes. Except as set forth in this Instruction 7, the Issuers will pay or cause to be paid any transfer taxes with respect to the transfer and sale of Unregistered Notes to the Issuers, or to their order, pursuant to the Exchange Offer. If Exchange Notes, or Unregistered Notes not tendered or exchanged, are to be registered in the name of any persons other than the registered holders of Unregistered Notes tendered, or if tendered Unregistered Notes are registered in the name of any persons other than the persons signing this Letter of Transmittal, the amount of any transfer taxes (whether imposed on the registered Holder or such other person) payable on account of the transfer to such other person must be paid to the Issuers or the Exchange Agent (unless satisfactory evidence of the payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is submitted) before the Exchange Notes will be issued.
8. Waiver of Conditions. The conditions of the Exchange Offer may be amended or waived by the Issuers, in whole or in part, at any time and at various times in the Issuers sole discretion prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer.
9. IRS Form W-9. Under the United States federal income tax laws, each tendering owner of an Unregistered Note generally is required to provide the Exchange Agent with its correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) on IRS Form W-9 attached below. An individuals TIN is his or her social security number. If the Exchange Agent is not provided with the correct TIN, payments of interest on the Exchange Notes that are made to a tendering owner or another payee may be subject to 28% backup withholding. See the General Instructions on IRS Form W-9 for more instructions.
If backup withholding applies, the Exchange Agent is required to withhold 28% of any such payments of interest on the Exchange Notes made to a tendering owner or another payee. Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld, provided that the required information is given to the Internal Revenue Service. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained from the Internal Revenue Service.
If a tendering owner has not been issued a TIN, see How to get a TIN in the General Instructions to IRS Form W-9. The Exchange Agent will withhold 28% on all payments of interest on the Exchange Notes made prior to the time a properly certified TIN is provided to the Exchange Agent. However, such amounts will be refunded to a tendering owner if a properly certified TIN is provided to the Exchange Agent within 60 days.
A tendering owner is required to give the Exchange Agent the TIN (i.e., social security number or employer identification number) of the owner of the Unregistered Notes or of the last transferee appearing on the transfers attached to, or endorsed on, such Unregistered Notes. If the Unregistered Notes are registered in more than one name or are not in the name of the actual tendering owner, consult the General Instructions on IRS Form W-9 for additional guidance on which number to report.
10. IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E. Certain Holders (including, among others, corporations and certain foreign individuals) are not subject to backup withholding and reporting requirements. For a foreign individual or foreign entity to qualify as an exempt recipient, the Holder must submit an IRS Form W-8 (IRS Form W-8BEN for individuals or IRS Form W-8BEN-E for entities), signed under penalties of perjury, attesting to exempt status. An IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E can be obtained from the Exchange Agent. Foreign Holders are urged to consult their tax advisors regarding the application of U.S. federal income tax withholding, including eligibility for a withholding tax reduction or exemption and refund procedures.
11. Requests for Assistance or Additional Copies. Any questions or requests for assistance or additional copies of the Prospectus, this Letter of Transmittal or the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery may be directed to the Exchange Agent at the telephone numbers and locations listed on the cover page of this Letter of Transmittal. A Holder or owner may also contact such Holders or owners broker, dealer, commercial bank or trust company or nominee for assistance concerning the Exchange Offer.
12. Mutilated, Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Unregistered Notes. Any tendering Holder whose Unregistered Notes have been mutilated, lost, stolen or destroyed should contact the Exchange Agent at the address indicated herein for further instruction.
13. Irregularities. All questions as to the validity, form, eligibility (including time of receipt), acceptance or withdrawal of any tendered Unregistered Notes or this Letter of Transmittal or other documents related thereto will be determined by the Issuers, in their sole discretion, which determination shall be final and binding on all parties. The Issuers reserve the absolute right to reject any or all tenders of Unregistered Notes they determine not to be in proper form or the acceptance of which, in the opinion of the Issuers counsel, may be unlawful. The Issuers also reserve the absolute right to waive any defect or irregularity in the delivery of any particular Unregistered Note, Letter of Transmittal or any other document by any Holder. No delivery of Unregistered Notes, a Letter of Transmittal or other document will be deemed to be validly made until all defects or irregularities have been cured or waived. None of the Issuers or the Exchange Agent or any other person is or will be obligated to give notice of any defects or irregularities in deliveries by Holders, and none of them will incur any liability for failure to give any such notice.
IMPORTANT: This Letter of Transmittal (or a facsimile hereof), together with certificates representing the Unregistered Notes and all other required documents or the Notice of Guaranteed Delivery, must be received by the Exchange Agent prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer.
requester. Do not Print or type See Specific Instructions on page 2. reporting or disregarded entity, see the Part I instructions on page 3. For other entities, it is your employer identification number (EIN). If you do not have a number, see How to get a TIN on page 3. or Note. If the account is in more than one name, see the instructions for line 1 and the chart on page 4 for guidelines on whose number to enter. Under penalties of perjury, I certify that: 1. The number shown on this form is my correct taxpayer identification number (or I am waiting for a number to be issued to me); and 2. I am not subject to backup withholding because: (a) I am exempt from backup withholding, or (b) I have not been notified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that I am subject to backup withholding as a result of a failure to report all interest or dividends, or (c) the IRS has notified me that I am no longer subject to backup withholding; and 3. I am a U.S. citizen or other U.S. person (defined below); and 4. The FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that I am exempt from FATCA reporting is correct. Certification instructions. You must cross out item 2 above if you have been notified by the IRS that you are currently subject to backup withholding because you have failed to report all interest and dividends on your tax return. For real estate transactions, item 2 does not apply. For mortgage interest paid, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, contributions to an individual retirement arrangement (IRA), and generally, payments other than interest and dividends, you are not required to sign the certification, but you must provide your correct TIN. See the instructions on page 3. Sign Here Signature of U.S. person >Date > Part II Certification Employer identification number Part I Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. The TIN provided must match the name given on line 1 to avoid backup withholding. For individuals, this is generally your social security number (SSN). However, for a resident alien, sole proprietor, Social security number 1 Name (as shown on your income tax return). Name is required on this line; do not leave this line blank. 2 Business name/disregarded entity name, if different from above 3 Check appropriate box for federal tax classification; check only one of the following seven boxes: Individual/sole proprietor or C Corporation S Corporation Partnership Trust/estate single-member LLC Limited liability company. Enter the tax classification (C=C corporation, S=S corporation, P=partnership) > Note. For a single-member LLC that is disregarded, do not check LLC; check the appropriate box in the line above for the tax classification of the single-member owner. o Other (see instructions) > 4 Exemptions (codes apply only to certain entities, not individuals; see instructions on page 3): Exempt payee code (if any) Exemption from FATCA code (if any) (Applies to accounts maintained outside the U.S.) 5 Address (number, street, and apt. or suite no.) Requesters name and address (optional) 6 City, state, and ZIP code 7 List account number(s) here (optional) FormW-9 (Rev. December 2014) Department of the Treasury Internal Revenue Service Request for Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification Give Form to the send to the IRS.
General Instructions Special rules for partnerships. Partnerships that conduct a trade or business in the United States are generally required to pay a withholding tax under section 1446 on any foreign partners share of effectively connected taxable income from such business. Further, in certain cases where a Form W-9 has not been received, the rules under section 1446 require a partnership to presume that a partner is a foreign person, and pay the section 1446 withholding tax. Therefore, if you are a U.S. person that is a partner in a partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States, provide Form W-9 to the partnership to establish your U.S. status and avoid section 1446 withholding on your share of partnership income. Section references are to the Internal Revenue Code unless otherwise noted. Future developments. Information about developments affecting Form W-9 (such as legislation enacted after we release it) is at www.irs.gov/fw9. Purpose of Form In the cases below, the following person must give Form W-9 to the partnership for purposes of establishing its U.S. status and avoiding withholding on its allocable share of net income from the partnership conducting a trade or business in the United States: An individual or entity (Form W-9 requester) who is required to file an information return with the IRS must obtain your correct taxpayer identification number (TIN) which may be your social security number (SSN), individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN), adoption taxpayer identification number (ATIN), or employer identification number (EIN), to report on an information return the amount paid to you, or other amount reportable on an information return. Examples of information returns include, but are not limited to, the following: In the case of a disregarded entity with a U.S. owner, the U.S. owner of the disregarded entity and not the entity; In the case of a grantor trust with a U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner, generally, the U.S. grantor or other U.S. owner of the grantor trust and not the trust; and Form 1099-INT (interest earned or paid) In the case of a U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust), the U.S. trust (other than a grantor trust) and not the beneficiaries of the trust. Form 1099-DIV (dividends, including those from stocks or mutual funds) Form 1099-MISC (various types of income, prizes, awards, or gross proceeds) Foreign person. If you are a foreign person or the U.S. branch of a foreign bank that has elected to be treated as a U.S. person, do not use Form W-9. Instead, use the appropriate Form W-8 or Form 8233 (see Publication 515, Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens and Foreign Entities). Form 1099-B (stock or mutual fund sales and certain other transactions by brokers) Form 1099-S (proceeds from real estate transactions) Nonresident alien who becomes a resident alien. Generally, only a nonresident alien individual may use the terms of a tax treaty to reduce or eliminate U.S. tax on certain types of income. However, most tax treaties contain a provision known as a saving clause. Exceptions specified in the saving clause may permit an exemption from tax to continue for certain types of income even after the payee has otherwise become a U.S. resident alien for tax purposes. Form 1099-K (merchant card and third party network transactions) Form 1098 (home mortgage interest), 1098-E (student loan interest), 1098-T (tuition) Form 1099-C (canceled debt) If you are a U.S. resident alien who is relying on an exception contained in the saving clause of a tax treaty to claim an exemption from U.S. tax on certain types of income, you must attach a statement to Form W-9 that specifies the following five items: Form 1099-A (acquisition or abandonment of secured property) Use Form W-9 only if you are a U.S. person (including a resident alien), to provide your correct TIN. 1. The treaty country. Generally, this must be the same treaty under which you claimed exemption from tax as a nonresident alien. If you do not return Form W-9 to the requester with a TIN, you might be subject to backup withholding. See What is backup withholding? on page 2. 2. The treaty article addressing the income. 3. The article number (or location) in the tax treaty that contains the saving clause and its exceptions. By signing the filled-out form, you: 1. Certify that the TIN you are giving is correct (or you are waiting for a number to be issued), 4. The type and amount of income that qualifies for the exemption from tax. 5. Sufficient facts to justify the exemption from tax under the terms of the treaty article. 2. Certify that you are not subject to backup withholding, or 3. Claim exemption from backup withholding if you are a U.S. exempt payee. If applicable, you are also certifying that as a U.S. person, your allocable share of any partnership income from a U.S. trade or business is not subject to the withholding tax on foreign partners share of effectively connected income, and Example. Article 20 of the U.S.-China income tax treaty allows an exemption from tax for scholarship income received by a Chinese student temporarily present in the United States. Under U.S. law, this student will become a resident alien for tax purposes if his or her stay in the United States exceeds 5 calendar years. However, paragraph 2 of the first Protocol to the U.S.-China treaty (dated April 30, 1984) allows the provisions of Article 20 to continue to apply even after the Chinese student becomes a resident alien of the United States. A Chinese student who qualifies for this exception (under paragraph 2 of the first protocol) and is relying on this exception to claim an exemption from tax on his or her scholarship or fellowship income would attach to Form W-9 a statement that includes the information described above to support that exemption. 4. Certify that FATCA code(s) entered on this form (if any) indicating that you are exempt from the FATCA reporting, is correct. See What is FATCA reporting? on page 2 for further information. Note. If you are a U.S. person and a requester gives you a form other than Form W-9 to request your TIN, you must use the requesters form if its substantially similar to this Form W-9. If you are a nonresident alien or a foreign entity, give the requester the appropriate completed Form W-8 or Form 8233. Definition of a U.S. person. For federal tax purposes, you are considered a U.S. person if you are: Backup Withholding An individual who is a U.S. citizen or U.S. resident alien; What is backup withholding? Persons making certain payments to you must under certain conditions withhold and pay to the IRS 28% of such payments. This is called backup withholding. Payments that may be subject to backup withholding include interest, tax-exempt interest, dividends, broker and barter exchange transactions, rents, royalties, nonemployee pay, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, and certain payments from fishing boat operators. Real estate transactions are not subject to backup withholding. A partnership, corporation, company, or association created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States; An estate (other than a foreign estate); or A domestic trust (as defined in Regulations section 301.7701-7). You will not be subject to backup withholding on payments you receive if you give the requester your correct TIN, make the proper certifications, and report all your taxable interest and dividends on your tax return.
Payments you receive will be subject to backup withholding if: b. Sole proprietor or single-member LLC. Enter your individual name as shown on your 1040/1040A/1040EZ on line 1. You may enter your business, trade, or doing business as (DBA) name on line 2. 1. You do not furnish your TIN to the requester, c. Partnership, LLC that is not a single-member LLC, C Corporation, or S Corporation. Enter the entitys name as shown on the entitys tax return on line 1 and any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2. 2. You do not certify your TIN when required (see the Part II instructions on page 3 for details), 3. The IRS tells the requester that you furnished an incorrect TIN, d. Other entities. Enter your name as shown on required U.S. federal tax documents on line 1. This name should match the name shown on the charter or other legal document creating the entity. You may enter any business, trade, or DBA name on line 2. 4. The IRS tells you that you are subject to backup withholding because you did not report all your interest and dividends on your tax return (for reportable interest and dividends only), or e. Disregarded entity. For U.S. federal tax purposes, an entity that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner is treated as a disregarded entity. See Regulations section 301.7701-2(c)(2)(iii). Enter the owners name on line 1. The name of the entity entered on line 1 should never be a disregarded entity. The name on line 1 should be the name shown on the income tax return on which the income should be reported. For example, if a foreign LLC that is treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal tax purposes has a single owner that is a U.S. person, the U.S. owners name is required to be provided on line 1. If the direct owner of the entity is also a disregarded entity, enter the first owner that is not disregarded for federal tax purposes. Enter the disregarded entitys name on line 2, Business name/disregarded entity name. If the owner of the disregarded entity is a foreign person, the owner must complete an appropriate Form W-8 instead of a Form W-9. This is the case even if the foreign person has a U.S. TIN. 5. You do not certify to the requester that you are not subject to backup withholding under 4 above (for reportable interest and dividend accounts opened after 1983 only). Certain payees and payments are exempt from backup withholding. See Exempt payee code on page 3 and the separate Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information. Also see Special rules for partnerships above. What is FATCA reporting? Line 2 The Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) requires a participating foreign financial institution to report all United States account holders that are specified United States persons. Certain payees are exempt from FATCA reporting. See Exemption from FATCA reporting code on page 3 and the Instructions for the Requester of Form W-9 for more information. If you have a business name, trade name, DBA name, or disregarded entity name, you may enter it on line 2. Line 3 Updating Your Information Check the appropriate box in line 3 for the U.S. federal tax classification of the person whose name is entered on line 1. Check only one box in line 3. You must provide updated information to any person to whom you claimed to be an exempt payee if you are no longer an exempt payee and anticipate receiving reportable payments in the future from this person. For example, you may need to provide updated information if you are a C corporation that elects to be an S corporation, or if you no longer are tax exempt. In addition, you must furnish a new Form W-9 if the name or TIN changes for the account; for example, if the grantor of a grantor trust dies. Limited Liability Company (LLC). If the name on line 1 is an LLC treated as a partnership for U.S. federal tax purposes, check the Limited Liability Company box and enter P in the space provided. If the LLC has filed Form 8832 or 2553 to be taxed as a corporation, check the Limited Liability Company box and in the space provided enter C for C corporation or S for S corporation. If it is a single-member LLC that is a disregarded entity, do not check the Limited Liability Company box; instead check the first box in line 3 Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC. Penalties Line 4, Exemptions Failure to furnish TIN. If you fail to furnish your correct TIN to a requester, you are subject to a penalty of $50 for each such failure unless your failure is due to reasonable cause and not to willful neglect. If you are exempt from backup withholding and/or FATCA reporting, enter in the appropriate space in line 4 any code(s) that may apply to you. Civil penalty for false information with respect to withholding. If you make a false statement with no reasonable basis that results in no backup withholding, you are subject to a $500 penalty. Exempt payee code. Generally, individuals (including sole proprietors) are not exempt from backup withholding. Criminal penalty for falsifying information. Willfully falsifying certifications or affirmations may subject you to criminal penalties including fines and/or imprisonment. Except as provided below, corporations are exempt from backup withholding for certain payments, including interest and dividends. Misuse of TINs. If the requester discloses or uses TINs in violation of federal law, the requester may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding for payments made in settlement of payment card or third party network transactions. Specific Instructions Line 1 Corporations are not exempt from backup withholding with respect to attorneys fees or gross proceeds paid to attorneys, and corporations that provide medical or health care services are not exempt with respect to payments reportable on Form 1099-MISC. You must enter one of the following on this line; do not leave this line blank. The name should match the name on your tax return. The following codes identify payees that are exempt from backup withholding. Enter the appropriate code in the space in line 4. If this Form W-9 is for a joint account, list first, and then circle, the name of the person or entity whose number you entered in Part I of Form W-9. 1 An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a), any IRA, or a custodial account under section 403(b)(7) if the account satisfies the requirements of section 401(f)(2) a. Individual. Generally, enter the name shown on your tax return. If you have changed your last name without informing the Social Security Administration (SSA) of the name change, enter your first name, the last name as shown on your social security card, and your new last name. 2 The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities 3 A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities Note. ITIN applicant: Enter your individual name as it was entered on your Form W-7 application, line 1a. This should also be the same as the name you entered on the Form 1040/1040A/1040EZ you filed with your application. 4 A foreign government or any of its political subdivisions, agencies, or instrumentalities
5 A corporation H A regulated investment company as defined in section 851 or an entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940 6 A dealer in securities or commodities required to register in the United States, the District of Columbia, or a U.S. commonwealth or possession I A common trust fund as defined in section 584(a) 7 A futures commission merchant registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission J A bank as defined in section 581 K A broker 8 A real estate investment trust L A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947(a)(1) 9 An entity registered at all times during the tax year under the Investment Company Act of 1940 M A tax exempt trust under a section 403(b) plan or section 457(g) plan 10 A common trust fund operated by a bank under section 584(a) Note. You may wish to consult with the financial institution requesting this form to determine whether the FATCA code and/or exempt payee code should be completed. 11 A financial institution Line 5 12 A middleman known in the investment community as a nominee or custodian Enter your address (number, street, and apartment or suite number). This is where the requester of this Form W-9 will mail your information returns. 13 A trust exempt from tax under section 664 or described in section 4947 The following chart shows types of payments that may be exempt from backup withholding. The chart applies to the exempt payees listed above, 1 through 13. Line 6 Enter your city, state, and ZIP code. Part I. Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) Enter your TIN in the appropriate box. If you are a resident alien and you do not have and are not eligible to get an SSN, your TIN is your IRS individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN). Enter it in the social security number box. If you do not have an ITIN, see How to get a TIN below. If you are a sole proprietor and you have an EIN, you may enter either your SSN or EIN. However, the IRS prefers that you use your SSN. If you are a single-member LLC that is disregarded as an entity separate from its owner (see Limited Liability Company (LLC) on this page), enter the owners SSN (or EIN, if the owner has one). Do not enter the disregarded entitys EIN. If the LLC is classified as a corporation or partnership, enter the entitys EIN. 1 See Form 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income, and its instructions. 2 However, the following payments made to a corporation and reportable on Form 1099-MISC are not exempt from backup withholding: medical and health care payments, attorneys fees, gross proceeds paid to an attorney reportable under section 6045(f), and payments for services paid by a federal executive agency. Note. See the chart on page 4 for further clarification of name and TIN combinations. How to get a TIN. If you do not have a TIN, apply for one immediately. To apply for an SSN, get Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card, from your local SSA office or get this form online at www.ssa.gov. You may also get this form by calling 1-800-772¬ 1213. Use Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, to apply for an ITIN, or Form SS-4, Application for Employer Identification Number, to apply for an EIN. You can apply for an EIN online by accessing the IRS website at www.irs.gov/businesses and clicking on Employer Identification Number (EIN) under Starting a Business. You can get Forms W-7 and SS-4 from the IRS by visiting IRS.gov or by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). Exemption from FATCA reporting code. The following codes identify payees that are exempt from reporting under FATCA. These codes apply to persons submitting this form for accounts maintained outside of the United States by certain foreign financial institutions. Therefore, if you are only submitting this form for an account you hold in the United States, you may leave this field blank. Consult with the person requesting this form if you are uncertain if the financial institution is subject to these requirements. A requester may indicate that a code is not required by providing you with a Form W-9 with Not Applicable (or any similar indication) written or printed on the line for a FATCA exemption code. If you are asked to complete Form W-9 but do not have a TIN, apply for a TIN and write Applied For in the space for the TIN, sign and date the form, and give it to the requester. For interest and dividend payments, and certain payments made with respect to readily tradable instruments, generally you will have 60 days to get a TIN and give it to the requester before you are subject to backup withholding on payments. The 60-day rule does not apply to other types of payments. You will be subject to backup withholding on all such payments until you provide your TIN to the requester. A An organization exempt from tax under section 501(a) or any individual retirement plan as defined in section 7701(a)(37) B The United States or any of its agencies or instrumentalities C A state, the District of Columbia, a U.S. commonwealth or possession, or any of their political subdivisions or instrumentalities Note. Entering Applied For means that you have already applied for a TIN or that you intend to apply for one soon. D A corporation the stock of which is regularly traded on one or more established securities markets, as described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i) Caution: A disregarded U.S. entity that has a foreign owner must use the appropriate Form W-8. E A corporation that is a member of the same expanded affiliated group as a corporation described in Regulations section 1.1472-1(c)(1)(i) Part II. Certification To establish to the withholding agent that you are a U.S. person, or resident alien, sign Form W-9. You may be requested to sign by the withholding agent even if items 1, 4, or 5 below indicate otherwise. F A dealer in securities, commodities, or derivative financial instruments (including notional principal contracts, futures, forwards, and options) that is registered as such under the laws of the United States or any state For a joint account, only the person whose TIN is shown in Part I should sign (when required). In the case of a disregarded entity, the person identified on line 1 must sign. Exempt payees, see Exempt payee code earlier. G A real estate investment trust IF the payment is for . . . THEN the payment is exempt for . . . Interest and dividend payments All exempt payees except for 7 Broker transactions Exempt payees 1 through 4 and 6 through 11 and all C corporations. S corporations must not enter an exempt payee code because they are exempt only for sales of noncovered securities acquired prior to 2012. Barter exchange transactions and patronage dividends Exempt payees 1 through 4 Payments over $600 required to be reported and direct sales over $5,0001 Generally, exempt payees 1 through 52 Payments made in settlement of payment card or third party network transactions Exempt payees 1 through 4
4 List first and circle the name of the trust, estate, or pension trust. (Do not furnish the TIN of the personal representative or trustee unless the legal entity itself is not designated in the account title.) Also see Special rules for partnerships on page 2. Signature requirements. Complete the certification as indicated in items 1 through 5 below. 1. Interest, dividend, and barter exchange accounts opened before 1984 and broker accounts considered active during 1983. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification. * Note. Grantor also must provide a Form W-9 to trustee of trust. Note. If no name is circled when more than one name is listed, the number will be considered to be that of the first name listed. 2. Interest, dividend, broker, and barter exchange accounts opened after 1983 and broker accounts considered inactive during 1983. You must sign the certification or backup withholding will apply. If you are subject to backup withholding and you are merely providing your correct TIN to the requester, you must cross out item 2 in the certification before signing the form. Secure Your Tax Records from Identity Theft Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, SSN, or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. An identity thief may use your SSN to get a job or may file a tax return using your SSN to receive a refund. 3. Real estate transactions. You must sign the certification. You may cross out item 2 of the certification. 4. Other payments. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to To reduce your risk: sign the certification unless you have been notified that you have previously given an incorrect TIN. Other payments include payments made in the course of the requesters trade or business for rents, royalties, goods (other than bills for merchandise), medical and health care services (including payments to corporations), payments to a nonemployee for services, payments made in settlement of payment card and third party network transactions, payments to certain fishing boat crew members and fishermen, and gross proceeds paid to attorneys (including payments to corporations). Protect your SSN, Ensure your employer is protecting your SSN, and Be careful when choosing a tax preparer. 5. Mortgage interest paid by you, acquisition or abandonment of secured property, cancellation of debt, qualified tuition program payments (under section 529), IRA, Coverdell ESA, Archer MSA or HSA contributions or distributions, and pension distributions. You must give your correct TIN, but you do not have to sign the certification. If your tax records are affected by identity theft and you receive a notice from the IRS, respond right away to the name and phone number printed on the IRS notice or letter. If your tax records are not currently affected by identity theft but you think you are at risk due to a lost or stolen purse or wallet, questionable credit card activity or credit report, contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline at 1-800-908-4490 or submit Form 14039. What Name and Number To Give the Requester For more information, see Publication 4535, Identity Theft Prevention and Victim Assistance. Victims of identity theft who are experiencing economic harm or a system problem, or are seeking help in resolving tax problems that have not been resolved through normal channels, may be eligible for Taxpayer Advocate Service (TAS) assistance. You can reach TAS by calling the TAS toll-free case intake line at 1-877-777-4778 or TTY/TDD 1-800-829-4059. Protect yourself from suspicious emails or phishing schemes. Phishing is the creation and use of email and websites designed to mimic legitimate business emails and websites. The most common act is sending an email to a user falsely claiming to be an established legitimate enterprise in an attempt to scam the user into surrendering private information that will be used for identity theft. The IRS does not initiate contacts with taxpayers via emails. Also, the IRS does not request personal detailed information through email or ask taxpayers for the PIN numbers, passwords, or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank, or other financial accounts. If you receive an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, forward this message to phishing@irs.gov. You may also report misuse of the IRS name, logo, or other IRS property to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) at 1-800-366-4484. You can forward suspicious emails to the Federal Trade Commission at: spam@uce.gov or contact them at www.ftc.gov/idtheft or 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338). Visit IRS.gov to learn more about identity theft and how to reduce your risk. Privacy Act Notice Section 6109 of the Internal Revenue Code requires you to provide your correct TIN to persons (including federal agencies) who are required to file information returns with the IRS to report interest, dividends, or certain other income paid to you; mortgage interest you paid; the acquisition or abandonment of secured property; the cancellation of debt; or contributions you made to an IRA, Archer MSA, or HSA. The person collecting this form uses the information on the form to file information returns with the IRS, reporting the above information. Routine uses of this information include giving it to the Department of Justice for civil and criminal litigation and to cities, states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and possessions for use in administering their laws. The information also may be disclosed to other countries under a treaty, to federal and state agencies to enforce civil and criminal laws, or to federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies to combat terrorism. You must provide your TIN whether or not 1 List first and circle the name of the person whose number you furnish. If only one person on a joint account has an SSN, that persons number must be furnished. 2 Circle the minors name and furnish the minors SSN. 3 You must show your individual name and you may also enter your business or DBA name on the Business name/disregarded entity name line. You may use either your SSN or EIN (if you have one), but the IRS encourages you to use your SSN. For this type of account: Give name and SSN of: 1.Individual 2.Two or more individuals (joint account) 3.Custodian account of a minor (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) 4.a. The usual revocable savings trust (grantor is also trustee) b. So-called trust account that is not a legal or valid trust under state law 5.Sole proprietorship or disregarded entity owned by an individual 6.Grantor trust filing under Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 1 (see Regulation section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(A)) The individual The actual owner of the account or, if combined funds, the first individual on the account1 The minor2 The grantor-trustee1 The actual owner1 The owner3 The grantor* For this type of account: Give name and EIN of: 7.Disregarded entity not owned by an individual 8.A valid trust, estate, or pension trust 9.Corporation or LLC electing corporate status on Form 8832 or Form 2553 10.Association, club, religious, charitable, educational, or other tax-exempt organization 11.Partnership or multi-member LLC 12.A broker or registered nominee 13.Account with the Department of Agriculture in the name of a public entity (such as a state or local government, school district, or prison) that receives agricultural program payments 14Grantor trust filing under the Form 1041 Filing Method or the Optional Form 1099 Filing Method 2 (see Regulation section 1.671-4(b)(2)(i)(B)) The owner Legal entity4 The corporation The organization The partnership The broker or nominee The public entity The trust
you are required to file a tax return. Under section 3406, payers must generally withhold a percentage of taxable interest, dividend, and certain other payments to a payee who does not give a TIN to the payer. Certain penalties may also apply for providing false or fraudulent information.
Exhibit 99.2
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
NOTICE OF GUARANTEED DELIVERY
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
REGISTERED 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
FOR
ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING UNREGISTERED 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
THE EXCHANGE OFFER WILL EXPIRE AT 5:00 P.M., NEW YORK CITY TIME, ON , 2017, UNLESS EXTENDED BY THE ISSUERS. TENDERS OF UNREGISTERED NOTES MAY BE WITHDRAWN AT ANY TIME PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER.
The Exchange Agent is:
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
By Mail, Courier or Overnight Delivery:
Corporate Trust Services
111 Fillmore Avenue
St. Paul, Minnesota 55107
By Facsimile Transmission (for Eligible Institutions only):
(651) 466-7367
Confirm by Telephone:
(800) 934-6802
Delivery of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery to an address other than as set forth above or transmission via facsimile to a number other than as set forth above will not constitute a valid delivery.
As set forth in under the caption The Exchange OfferGuaranteed Delivery Procedures of the Prospectus dated , 2017 (the Prospectus) of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (together, the Issuers) and in Instruction 2 of the related Letter of Transmittal (the Letter of Transmittal, which, together with the Prospectus, constitutes the Exchange Offer), this form must be used to accept the Issuers offer to exchange all $175,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of their registered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Exchange Notes) for the same aggregate principal amount of their outstanding unregistered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Unregistered Notes), if a Holder wishes to tender Unregistered Notes pursuant to the Exchange Offer and cannot deliver the certificate(s) representing the tendered Unregistered Notes, the Letter of Transmittal or any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal or the Holder cannot comply with The Depository Trust Companys Automated Tender Offer Program (ATOP) procedures prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer. This form must be delivered by an Eligible Institution (as defined on the last page of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery) by mail or hand delivery, or transmitted via facsimile, to the Exchange Agent as set forth above.
This form is not to be used to guarantee signatures. If a signature on the Letter of Transmittal is required to be guaranteed by an Eligible Institution under the instructions to the Letter of Transmittal, such signature guarantee must appear in the applicable space provided in the Letter of Transmittal. Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings set forth in the Letter of Transmittal.
Ladies and Gentlemen:
The undersigned hereby tender(s) to the Issuers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal (receipt of each of which are hereby acknowledged), the principal amount of the Unregistered Notes specified below pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal.
The undersigned understands that no withdrawal of a tender of Unregistered Notes may be made after the expiration of the Exchange Offer. The undersigned understands that for a withdrawal of a tender of Unregistered Notes to be effective, a written notice of withdrawal must be timely received by the Exchange Agent at its address specified on the cover of this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery or the undersigned must comply with the appropriate ATOP procedures prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer.
The undersigned understands that issuance of the Exchange Notes by the Exchange Agent for Unregistered Notes tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the Exchange Offer will be made only after timely receipt by the Exchange Agent of (i) the certificate(s) representing such tendered Unregistered Notes in proper form for transfer and a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) with respect to such Unregistered Notes, with any required signature guarantees and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal or (ii) a confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Unregistered Notes into the Exchange Agents DTC account and a properly transmitted agents message.
None of the authority conferred or agreed to be conferred by this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery shall be affected by, and shall survive, the death or incapacity of the undersigned, and every obligation of the undersigned under this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, trustees in bankruptcy, personal and legal representatives, successors and assigns of the undersigned.
PLEASE SIGN AND COMPLETE
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Signature(s) of Registered Holder(s) or Authorized Signatory: |
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Name(s) of Registered Holder(s): |
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Principal Amount of Unregistered Notes Tendered: |
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Certificate No.(s) of Unregistered Notes (if available) |
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If Unregistered Notes will be delivered by book-entry transfer to DTC, check the box below:
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DTC Account No.: |
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This Notice of Guaranteed Delivery must be signed by the Holder(s) exactly as their name(s) appear on certificate(s) for Unregistered Notes, or if tendered by a DTC participant, exactly as such participants name appears on a security position listing as the owner of Unregistered Notes, or by person(s) authorized to become holder(s) by endorsements and documents transmitted with this Notice of Guaranteed Delivery. If signature is by a trustee, executor, administrator, guardian, attorney-in-fact, officer or other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such person must provide the following information:
Please print name(s) and address(es)
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THE ACCOMPANYING GUARANTEE MUST BE COMPLETED.
DO NOT SEND CERTIFICATES REPRESENTING UNREGISTERED NOTES WITH THIS FORM. UNREGISTERED NOTES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE EXCHANGE AGENT TOGETHER WITH A PROPERLY COMPLETED AND DULY EXECUTED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.
GUARANTEE OF DELIVERY
(Not To Be Used for Signature Guarantee)
The undersigned, a recognized member of the Medallion Signature Guarantee Program or any other eligible guarantor institution, as such term is defined in Rule 17Ad-15 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (each, an Eligible Institution), hereby (i) represents that the above-named persons are deemed to own the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby within the meaning of Rule 14e-4 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Rule 14e-4), (ii) represents that the tender of such Unregistered Notes complies with Rule 14e-4, and (iii) guarantees that the certificate(s) representing the Unregistered Notes tendered hereby in proper form for transfer (pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Prospectus under the caption The exchange offerGuaranteed delivery procedures), together with a properly completed and duly executed Letter of Transmittal (or manually signed facsimile thereof) with respect to such Unregistered Notes with any required signature guarantee and any other documents required by the Letter of Transmittal or confirmation of the book-entry transfer of such Unregistered Notes into the Exchange Agents DTC account and a properly transmitted agents message, will be received by the Exchange Agent at its address set forth above within three business days after the expiration of the Exchange Offer.
The Eligible Institution that completes this form must communicate the guarantee to the Exchange Agent and must deliver the Letter of Transmittal, or agents message, and Unregistered Notes to the Exchange Agent within the time period shown herein. Failure to do so could result in a financial loss to such Eligible Institution.
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Exhibit 99.3
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
REGISTERED 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
FOR
ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING UNREGISTERED 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
To Our Clients:
Enclosed for your consideration is a prospectus, dated , 2017 (the Prospectus), and the related Letter of Transmittal (the Letter of Transmittal) relating to the offer, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (collectively, the Issuers) to exchange (the Exchange Offer) all $175,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of their 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Exchange Notes), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), for the same aggregate principal amount of their outstanding unregistered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Unregistered Notes). On January 30, 2017, we issued $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the unregistered notes in a private placement. The unregistered notes were sold to the initial purchasers who in turn resold the unregistered notes to persons believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Exchange Offer is being extended to all holders of the Unregistered Notes in order to satisfy certain obligations of the Issuers set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2017, by and among the Issuers and the representative of the initial purchasers of the Unregistered Notes. The Exchange Notes are substantially identical to the Unregistered Notes, except that the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the Unregistered Notes will not apply to the Exchange Notes.
These materials are being forwarded to you as the beneficial owner of the Unregistered Notes held by us for your account but not registered in your name. A tender of such Unregistered Notes may only be made by us as the holder of record and pursuant to your instructions.
Accordingly, we request instructions as to whether you wish us to tender on your behalf the Unregistered Notes held by us for your account, pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth in the enclosed Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal. If you wish to have us tender any or all of your Unregistered Notes, please so instruct us by completing, signing, and returning the Letter of Instructions form below. We urge you to read the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal carefully before instructing us as to whether or not to tender your Unregistered Notes. By tendering your Unregistered Notes, you will be making certain representations described in the Prospectus and Letter of Transmittal. The Letter of Transmittal is furnished to you for your information only and may not be used by you to tender your Unregistered Notes.
Your instructions should be forwarded to us as promptly as possible in order to permit us to tender the Unregistered Notes on your behalf in accordance with the provisions of the Exchange Offer. The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2017, unless the Exchange Offer is extended by the Issuers. Unregistered Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time before the expiration of the Exchange Offer.
LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS
The undersigned acknowledges receipt of your letter and the enclosed materials referred to therein relating to the Exchange Offer made by the Issuers with respect to their Unregistered Notes.
This will instruct you as to the action to be taken by you relating to the Exchange Offer with respect to the Unregistered Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned.
The aggregate face amount of the Unregistered Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned is (fill in amount):
$ of 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020
With respect to the Exchange Offer, the undersigned hereby instructs you (check appropriate box):
o to tender the following principal amount of Unregistered Notes, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Prospectus and the Letter of Transmittal, held by you for the account of the undersigned (insert principal amount of Unregistered Notes to be tendered) (if any): $
o not to tender any Unregistered Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned.
If the undersigned instructs you to tender the Unregistered Notes held by you for the account of the undersigned, it is understood that you are authorized to make, on behalf of the undersigned (and the undersigned by its signature below, hereby makes to you), the representations contained in the Letter of Transmittal that are to be made with respect to the undersigned as a beneficial owner, including but not limited to the representations that:
· the undersigned is not an affiliate, as such term is defined under Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act, of either Issuer;
· the Exchange Notes that the undersigned acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of the undersigneds business;
· the undersigned is not participating in and does intend to participate in a distribution of the Exchange Notes;
· the undersigned has no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes; and
· if the undersigned is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Unregistered Notes, the undersigned acquired those Unregistered Notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and the undersigned will deliver the Prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of the Exchange Notes.
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None of the Unregistered Notes held by us for your account will be tendered unless we receive written instructions from you to do so. Unless a specific contrary instruction is given in the space provided, your signature hereon shall constitute an instruction to us to tender all of the Unregistered Notes held by us for your account.
Exhibit 99.4
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
REGISTERED 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
FOR
ANY AND ALL OUTSTANDING UNREGISTERED 85/8% SENIOR NOTES DUE 2020
To The Depository Trust Company (DTC) Participants:
Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the Issuers) are offering, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the prospectus, dated , 2017 (the Prospectus), and the related Letter of Transmittal, to exchange (the Exchange Offer) all $175,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of their 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Exchange Notes) ), which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), for the same aggregate principal amount of their unregistered 85/8% Senior Notes due 2020 (the Unregistered Notes). On January 30, 2017, we issued $175,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the unregistered notes in a private placement. The unregistered notes were sold to the initial purchasers who in turn resold the unregistered notes to persons believed to be qualified institutional buyers in reliance on the exemption from registration provided by Rule 144A under the Securities Act. The Exchange Offer is being extended to all holders of the Unregistered Notes in order to satisfy certain obligations of the Issuers set forth in the Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of January 30, 2017, by and among the Issuers and the representative of the initial purchasers of the Unregistered Notes. The Exchange Notes are substantially identical to the Unregistered Notes, except that the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provisions relating to the Unregistered Notes will not apply to the Exchange Notes.
Please contact your clients for whom you hold Unregistered Notes regarding the Exchange Offer. For your information and for forwarding to your clients for whom you hold Unregistered Notes registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, we are enclosing the following documents:
1. Prospectus dated , 2017;
2. Letter of Transmittal for the Unregistered Notes, for your use and for the information of your clients;
3. Form of Notice of Guaranteed Delivery; and
4. Form of letter which may be sent to your clients for whose accounts you hold Unregistered Notes registered in your name or in the name of your nominee, with space provided for obtaining such clients instructions with regard to the Exchange Offer.
Your prompt action is requested. The Exchange Offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on , 2017, unless the Exchange Offer is extended by the Issuers. Unregistered Notes tendered pursuant to the Exchange Offer may be withdrawn at any time prior to the expiration of the Exchange Offer.
Pursuant to the Letter of Transmittal, each holder of Unregistered Notes will represent to the Issuers that, among other things:
· such holder is not an affiliate, as such term is defined in Rule 405 promulgated under the Securities Act, of either Issuer;
· any Exchange Notes that such holder acquired pursuant to the Exchange Offer are being acquired in the ordinary course of such holders business;
· such holder is not participating in and does not intend to participate in a distribution of the Exchange Notes;
· such holder has no arrangements or understandings with any person to participate in the distribution of the Exchange Notes; and
· if such holder is a broker-dealer that will receive Exchange Notes for its own account in exchange for Unregistered Notes, such holder acquired those Unregistered Notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and such holder will deliver the Prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of the Exchange Notes.
The enclosed form of letter to clients contains an authorization by the beneficial owners of the Unregistered Notes for you to make the foregoing representations.
DTC participants will be able to execute tenders through the DTCs Automated Tender Offer Program.
Any inquiries you may have with respect to the Exchange Offer, or requests for additional copies of the enclosed materials, should be directed to the exchange agent at its address and telephone number set forth on the cover page of the Letter of Transmittal.
Very truly yours,
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FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. |
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FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP. |
NOTHING CONTAINED HEREIN OR IN THE ENCLOSED DOCUMENTS SHALL CONSTITUTE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON AS AN AGENT OF FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P., FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP. OR THE EXCHANGE AGENT, OR AUTHORIZE YOU OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO USE ANY DOCUMENT OR MAKE ANY STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF EITHER OF THEM IN CONNECTION WITH THE EXCHANGE OFFER, EXCEPT FOR STATEMENTS EXPRESSLY MADE IN THE PROSPECTUS OR THE LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL.