485760048576004857600001000100010001000http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherAssetsNoncurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherLiabilitiesCurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentFerrellgas Partners L PFERRELLGAS L PFERRELLGAS FINANCE CORPP1Yhttp://www.ferrellgas.com/20230731#PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMemberP4Y1800.00250.050.050.0033http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherAssetsNoncurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherLiabilitiesCurrenthttp://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023#OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentP12MP1Y08556000022071000010-K10-K10-K2023-07-312023-07-312023-07-31NoNoNoYesYesYesYesYesYesNon-accelerated FilerNon-accelerated FilerNon-accelerated Filertruetruetruefalsefalsefalsetruefalsetrue--07-31--07-31--07-312023202320232023FYFYFYFY0000922358000101249300009223590000922360falsefalsefalsefalseYesYesYes0000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2020-07-310000922358us-gaap:AllowanceForCreditLossMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:PreferredUnitsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:PreferredUnitsMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:PreferredUnitsMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:CommonStockMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:CommonStockMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:CommonStockMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:CommonStockMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:CommonStockMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:CommonStockMember2020-07-310000922358us-gaap:RetailMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:WholesaleSalesToResellersMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:PropaneAndRelatedEquipmentMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:OtherGasSalesMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:RetailMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:WholesaleSalesToResellersMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:PropaneAndRelatedEquipmentMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:OtherGasSalesMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:RetailMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:WholesaleSalesToResellersMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:PropaneAndRelatedEquipmentMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:OtherGasSalesMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:RelatedPartyTermLoanCreditAgreementMemberfgp:FerrellgasLPMember2022-05-162022-05-160000922358fgp:RelatedPartyTermLoanCreditAgreementMemberfgp:FerrellgasLPMember2021-07-012021-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberus-gaap:VehiclesMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberus-gaap:OfficeEquipmentMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberus-gaap:LandImprovementsMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberfgp:TanksCylindersAndCustomerEquipmentMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberfgp:BulkEquipmentAndDistrictFacilitiesMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberus-gaap:VehiclesMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberus-gaap:OfficeEquipmentMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberus-gaap:LandImprovementsMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:TanksCylindersAndCustomerEquipmentMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:BulkEquipmentAndDistrictFacilitiesMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:VehiclesMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:OfficeEquipmentMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LandMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LandImprovementsMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:ConstructionInProgressMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:BuildingImprovementsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:TanksCylindersAndCustomerEquipmentMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:BulkEquipmentAndDistrictFacilitiesMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:VehiclesMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:OfficeEquipmentMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:LandMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:LandImprovementsMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:ConstructionInProgressMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:BuildingImprovementsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:TanksCylindersAndCustomerEquipmentMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:BulkEquipmentAndDistrictFacilitiesMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:HedgingAssetsCurrentMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel3Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel2Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:FairValueInputsLevel1Memberus-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:FairValueMeasurementsRecurringMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:HedgingAssetsCurrentMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:ParentMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:ParentMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:ParentMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-07-310000922358us-gaap:ParentMember2020-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2020-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2020-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasInc.GeneralPartnerMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasInc.GeneralPartnerMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralPartnerMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberfgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberfgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:ParentMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:AccumulatedGainLossCashFlowHedgeIncludingNoncontrollingInterestMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:CostOfSalesMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:OperatingLeaseExpenseMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:CostOfSalesMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:OperatingLeaseExpenseMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:GeneralAndAdministrativeExpenseMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:CostOfSalesMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:OperatingLeaseExpenseMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2023-07-3100009223582021-03-310000922358fgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellCompaniesMemberfgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMemberfgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberfgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasEmployeeStockOwnershipTrustMemberfgp:FerrellCompaniesMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:LawsuitRelatedToSaleOfJamexTransferServicesMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMemberfgp:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMemberfgp:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellResourcesHoldingsInc.Memberfgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMemberfgp:JamesE.FerrellMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:PublicCommonUnitholdersMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:JEFCapitalManagementMemberfgp:JamesE.FerrellMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:JamesE.FerrellMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellPropaneIncMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellPropaneIncMemberfgp:FerrellCompaniesMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellCompaniesMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FciTradingCorpMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FciTradingCorpMemberfgp:FerrellCompaniesMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:PublicCommonUnitholdersMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:JamesE.FerrellMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellPropaneIncMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellCompaniesMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FciTradingCorpMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2021-03-300000922358srt:ParentCompanyMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMemberfgp:FerrellCompaniesMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMemberfgp:FerrellgasLPMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellCompaniesMemberfgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMemberus-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasInc.GeneralPartnerMemberfgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasInc.GeneralPartnerMemberfgp:FerrellgasMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasInc.GeneralPartnerMemberfgp:FerrellgasLPMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersLpMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:TradeNamesAndTrademarksMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:TradeNamesAndTrademarksMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberfgp:SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2029Member2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberfgp:SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2026Member2023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberfgp:NonCompeteAgreementsAndOtherIntangibleAssetsMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberus-gaap:CustomerListsMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:NonCompeteAgreementsAndOtherIntangibleAssetsMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberus-gaap:NoncompeteAgreementsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberus-gaap:CustomerListsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberus-gaap:NoncompeteAgreementsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberus-gaap:CustomerListsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberus-gaap:NoncompeteAgreementsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberus-gaap:CustomerListsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncompeteAgreementsMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:CustomerListsMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherIntangibleAssetsMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncompeteAgreementsMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:CustomerListsMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:DepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:DepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:DepreciationAndAmortizationExpenseMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:InterestExpenseMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:InterestExpenseMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:InterestExpenseMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherLiabilitiesMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherCurrentLiabilitiesMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:CostOfSalesMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:CostOfSalesMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:EnergyRelatedDerivativeMemberus-gaap:CostOfSalesMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:PrepaidExpensesAndOtherCurrentAssetsMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:OtherAssetsMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LoansPayableMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LoansPayableMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMemberus-gaap:BaseRateMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMemberfgp:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2029Member2023-07-310000922358fgp:SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2026Member2023-07-310000922358fgp:SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2029Member2022-07-310000922358fgp:SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2026Member2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberfgp:SeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2029Member2021-03-300000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberfgp:SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2026Member2021-03-300000922358fgp:FixedRateEightPointSixTwoFiveDueTwoThousandTwentyMember2021-03-300000922358fgp:RelatedPartyTermLoanCreditAgreementMemberfgp:FerrellgasLPMember2021-01-080000922358srt:MinimumMemberfgp:NonEurodollarLoansMemberfgp:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberfgp:EurodollarLoansMemberfgp:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:NonEurodollarLoansMemberfgp:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:EurodollarLoansMemberfgp:SecuredOvernightFinancingRateMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:ShippingAndHandlingMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:ShippingAndHandlingMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:ShippingAndHandlingMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:PublicUtilitiesInventoryPropaneMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:PublicUtilitiesInventoryPropaneMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:PublicUtilitiesInventoryPropaneMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:PublicUtilitiesInventoryPropaneMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:PublicUtilitiesInventoryPropaneMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMemberus-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:PublicUtilitiesInventoryPropaneMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:ProductAndServiceOtherMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2021-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2020-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2020-07-3100009223582020-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2021-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:RetainedEarningsMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMemberus-gaap:AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2022-07-310000922358us-gaap:CustomerListsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:NonCompeteAgreementsAndOtherIntangibleAssetsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2021-03-300000922358us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2023-02-012023-04-300000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:DebtCovenantFourthSpecifiedPeriodMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:DebtCovenantFirstSpecifiedPeriodMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2026AndSeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2029Member2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-08-012022-10-310000922358fgp:PreferredUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:PreferredUnitsMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2023-07-3100009223582021-03-300000922358us-gaap:SubsequentEventMember2023-08-152023-08-1500009223582022-08-152022-08-1500009223582021-08-162021-08-160000922358srt:MaximumMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:InitialMajorityHolderOfClassBUnitsHoldsLessThan50OfClassBUnitsMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2021-03-300000922358fgp:InitialMajorityHolderOfClassBUnitsHoldsAtLeast50OfClassBUnitsMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2021-03-3000009223582021-07-3100009223582021-04-300000922358srt:MinimumMemberfgp:FirstFiveYearsAfterMarch302021Member2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:FirstFiveYearsAfterMarch302021Member2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:PeriodThroughMay152022Member2023-07-310000922358fgp:PeriodThereafterMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2023-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMemberfgp:PropaneOperationsAndRelatedEquipmentSalesSegmentMember2022-07-3100009223582021-03-302021-03-300000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:ParentMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:LimitedPartnerMemberfgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:ParentMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:NoncontrollingInterestMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2021-03-300000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2022-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMember2023-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMember2022-07-310000922358fgp:RelatedPartyTermLoanCreditAgreementMemberfgp:FerrellgasLPMember2021-07-3100009223582022-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:ParentCompanyMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2026Member2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2026AndSeniorNotes5.875PercentDue2029Member2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MaximumMemberfgp:SeniorNotes5.375PercentDue2026Member2022-08-012023-07-310000922358srt:MinimumMemberus-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:RevolvingCreditFacilityMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:PostEmergenceYearThreeMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:PostEmergenceYearTenMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:PostEmergenceYearSixMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:PostEmergenceYearSevenMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:PostEmergenceYearNineMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:PostEmergenceYearFourMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:PostEmergenceYearFiveMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358fgp:PostEmergenceYearEightMember2021-03-302021-03-300000922358srt:ParentCompanyMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember2021-08-012022-07-310000922358us-gaap:SeriesOfIndividuallyImmaterialBusinessAcquisitionsMember2020-08-012021-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2021-08-012022-07-3100009223582021-08-012022-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2020-08-012021-07-3100009223582020-08-012021-07-3100009223582023-01-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2023-07-3100009223582023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2023-08-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2023-08-310000922358fgp:ClassCommonUnitsMember2023-08-310000922358fgp:ClassBCommonUnitsMember2023-08-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasPartnersFinanceCorpMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasLPMember2022-08-012023-07-310000922358fgp:FerrellgasFinanceCorpMember2022-08-012023-07-3100009223582022-08-012023-07-31utr:galutr:MMBblsfgp:statexbrli:sharesfgp:employeeiso4217:USDxbrli:purefgp:itemfgp:Dfgp:subsidiaryiso4217:USDxbrli:sharesfgp:director

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023

or

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from         to         

Commission file numbers: 001-11331, 000-50182, 333-06693-02 and 000-50183

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

Ferrellgas, L.P.

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

(Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)

Delaware

Delaware

Delaware

Delaware

(States or other jurisdictions of incorporation or organization)

    

43-1698480

43-1698481

43-1742520

14-1866671

(I.R.S. Employer Identification Nos.)

One Liberty Plaza

Liberty, Missouri

(Address of principal executive office)

 

64068

(Zip Code)

Registrants’ telephone number, including area code:

(816792-1600

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

    

Trading Symbol

    

Name of each exchange on which registered

N/A

N/A

N/A

Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:

None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrants are well-known seasoned issuers, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.: Yes  No 

Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp.: Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark if the registrants are not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants (1) have filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to file such reports), and (2) have been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrants have submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrants were required to submit such files). Yes  No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.:

 

 

 

Large Accelerated Filer  

Accelerated Filer  

Non-accelerated Filer  

Smaller Reporting Company  

Emerging Growth Company  

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

Large Accelerated Filer  

Accelerated Filer  

Non-accelerated Filer  

Smaller Reporting Company  

Emerging Growth Company  

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 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).

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

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas, L.P. Yes  No 

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. Yes  No 

The aggregate market value as of January 31, 2023, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.’s common units held by nonaffiliates of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., based on the reported closing price of such units on the OTC Pink Market on such date, was approximately $30,233,779. There is no aggregate market value of the common equity of Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. as their common equity is not sold or traded.

At August 31, 2023, the registrants had common units or shares of common stock outstanding as follows:

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

    

4,857,605

    

Class A Units

1,300,000

Class B Units

Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

n/a

 

n/a

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

 

1,000

 

Common Stock

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

 

1,000

 

Common Stock

Documents Incorporated by Reference: None

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

Table of Contents

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This report combines the annual reports on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. Unless stated otherwise or the context otherwise requires, references to “Ferrellgas Partners” refers to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. itself, with its consolidated subsidiaries. References to the “operating partnership” mean Ferrellgas, L.P., together (except where the context indicates otherwise) with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ferrellgas Finance Corp. The terms “us,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” “consolidated,” the “Company” or “Ferrellgas” refer to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., except when used in connection with “Class A Units” or Class B Units,” in which case these terms refer to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. without its consolidated subsidiaries.

Ferrellgas Partners is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed in 1994 and is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales. Our Class A Units are traded on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “FGPR.” The operating partnership was formed on April 22, 1994, and accounts for substantially all of our consolidated assets, sales and operating earnings.

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two direct subsidiaries, the operating partnership and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. Our activities are primarily conducted through the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners and the Preferred Unitholders are the only limited partners of the operating partnership. Ferrellgas, Inc. is the sole general partner of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership and, excluding the economic interests attributable to the Class B Units and the Preferred Units, owns an approximate 1% general partner economic interest in each, and, therefore, an effective 2% general partner economic interest in the operating partnership. Excluding the economic interests attributable to the Preferred Units, Ferrellgas Partners owns an approximate 99% limited partner interest in the operating partnership.

Our general partner performs all management functions for us. The parent company of our general partner, Ferrell Companies, currently beneficially owns approximately 23.4% of our outstanding Class A Units. Ferrell Companies is owned 100% by an employee stock ownership trust.

We believe that combining the annual reports on Form 10-K for these entities provides the following benefits:

enhances investors’ understanding of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership by enabling investors to view the business as a whole in the same manner that management views and operates the business;
eliminates duplicative disclosure and provides a more streamlined and readable presentation, since a substantial portion of the disclosure applies to both Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership; and
creates time and cost efficiencies through the preparation of a combined presentation.

To help investors understand the differences between Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, this report provides separate consolidated financial statements for Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership. Noncontrolling interests, Class A Units, Class B Units, shareholders' equity (deficit) and partners' deficit are the main areas of difference between the consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas Partners and those of the operating partnership. A single set of notes to consolidated financial statements is presented that includes separate discussions for Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, when applicable. A combined Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section is also included that presents combined information and discrete information related to each entity, as applicable.

In order to highlight the differences between Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, this report includes the following sections that provide separate financial information for Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership:

consolidated financial statements; and
certain accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements, which denote “Ferrellgas Partners” and “The operating partnership” in sections where applicable.  

2

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023

FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

Table of Contents

    

Page

PART I

4

ITEM

1.

BUSINESS

6

ITEM

1A.

RISK FACTORS

15

ITEM

1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

31

ITEM

2.

PROPERTIES

31

ITEM

3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

32

ITEM

4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

32

PART II

33

ITEM

5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS’ COMMON EQUITY, RELATED UNITHOLDER AND STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

33

ITEM

6.

RESERVED

34

ITEM

7.

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

34

ITEM

7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

52

ITEM

8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

53

ITEM

9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

53

ITEM

9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

54

ITEM

9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

54

PART III

55

ITEM

10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

55

ITEM

11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

62

ITEM

12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS

67

ITEM

13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

69

ITEM

14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES

71

PART IV

E-1

ITEM

15.

EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

E-1

ITEM

16.

FORM 10-K SUMMARY

E-5

3

Table of Contents

PART I

References and Defined Terms

In this Annual Report on Form 10-K:

“us,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” “consolidated,” the “Company” or “Ferrellgas” are references to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., except when used in connection with “Class A Units” or “Class B Units,” in which case these terms refer to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. without its consolidated subsidiaries;
“Ferrellgas Partners” refers to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. itself, with its consolidated subsidiaries;
the “operating partnership” refers to Ferrellgas, L.P., together (except where the context indicates otherwise) with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Ferrellgas Finance Corp.;
our “general partner” refers to Ferrellgas, Inc.;
“Ferrell Companies” refers to Ferrell Companies, Inc., the sole shareholder of our general partner;
“Board of Directors” or “Board” refers to the board of directors of our general partner, except where the context indicates otherwise;
“GAAP” refers to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States;
“retail sales” refers to Propane and other gas liquid sales: Retail — Sales to End Users or the volume of propane sold primarily to our residential, industrial/commercial and agricultural customers;
“wholesale sales” refers to Propane and other gas liquid sales: Wholesale — Sales to Resellers or the volume of propane sold primarily to our portable tank exchange customers and bulk propane sold to wholesale customers;
“other gas sales” refers to Propane and other gas liquid sales: Other Gas Sales or the volume of bulk propane sold to other third-party propane distributors or marketers and the volume of refined fuel sold;
“propane sales volume” refers to the volume of propane sold to our retail sales and wholesale sales customers;
“Class A Units” refers to the Class A Units of Ferrellgas Partners, one of which was issued for every twenty of Ferrellgas Partners’ then-outstanding common units in a 1-for-20 reverse unit split effected on March 30, 2021;
“Class B Units” refers to the Class B Units of Ferrellgas Partners;
“Preferred Units” refers to the Senior Preferred Units of the operating partnership;
“Unitholders” or “unitholders” refers to holders of Class A Units, holders of Class B Units or holders of Preferred Units, as indicated or as the context requires for each such reference; and
references to any fiscal year are to the fiscal year ended or ending on July 31 of the applicable year.

Also, the following terms that are used throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K are defined in Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”:

Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA
Amended OpCo LPA
Credit Agreement
Credit Facility
Ferrellgas Partners Notes
OpCo LPA Amendment
OpCo Notes

4

Table of Contents

Forward-looking Statements

Statements included in this report include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are identified as any statement that does not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements often use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “projection,” “forecast,” “strategy,” “position,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” or the negative of those terms or other variations of them or comparable terminology. These statements often discuss plans, strategies, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future and are based upon the beliefs and assumptions of our management and on the information currently available to them. In particular, statements, express or implied, concerning our future operating results or financial position 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 statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these forward-looking statements. Many of the factors that will affect our future results are beyond our ability to control or predict. Some of the risk factors that may affect our business, financial condition or results of operations include:

the effect of weather conditions on the demand for propane;
the prices of wholesale propane, motor fuel and crude oil;
disruptions to the supply of propane;
competition from other industry participants and other energy sources;
energy efficiency and technology advances;
significant delays in the collection of accounts or notes receivable;
customer, counterparty, supplier or vendor defaults;
changes in demand for, and production of, hydrocarbon products;
increased trucking and rail regulations;
inherent operating and litigation risks in gathering, transporting, handling and storing propane;
our inability to complete acquisitions or to successfully integrate acquired operations;
costs of complying with, or liabilities imposed under, environmental, health and safety laws;
the impact of pending and future legal proceedings;
the interruption, disruption, failure or malfunction of our information technology systems including due to cyber-attack;
the impact of changes in tax law that could adversely affect the tax treatment of Ferrellgas Partners for federal income tax purposes;
economic and political instability, particularly in areas of the world tied to the energy industry;
disruptions in the capital and credit markets; and
access to available capital to meet our operating and debt service requirements.

When considering any forward-looking statement, you should also keep in mind the risk factors set forth in “Item 1A. Risk Factors.” Any of these risks could impair our business, financial condition or results of operations. Any such impairment may affect our ability to make distributions to our unitholders or pay interest on the principal of any of our debt securities. In addition, the trading price of our securities could decline as a result of any such impairment.

Except for our ongoing obligations to disclose material information as required by federal securities laws, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements or risk factors after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

5

Table of Contents

ITEM 1.    BUSINESS.

Overview

Ferrellgas Partners is a publicly traded Delaware limited partnership formed in 1994 and is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales. Our Class A Units are traded on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “FGPR.”

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two direct subsidiaries, the operating partnership and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. Our activities are primarily conducted through the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners and the Preferred Unitholders are the only limited partners of the operating partnership. Ferrellgas, Inc. is the sole general partner of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership and, excluding the economic interests attributable to the Class B Units and the Preferred Units, owns an approximate 1% general partner economic interest in each, and, therefore, an effective 2% general partner economic interest in the operating partnership. Excluding the economic interests attributable to the Preferred Units, Ferrellgas Partners owns an approximate 99% limited partner interest in the operating partnership. For information regarding the economic and other terms of the Class B Units and the Preferred Units, see Note J “Equity (Deficit)” and Note I “Preferred units” to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.

Our general partner performs all management functions for us. The parent company of our general partner, Ferrell Companies, currently beneficially owns approximately 23.4% of our outstanding Class A Units. Ferrell Companies is owned 100% by an employee stock ownership trust.

The operating partnership was formed on April 22, 1994, and accounts for substantially all of our consolidated assets, sales and operating earnings, except for interest expense related to the Ferrellgas Partners Notes during the relevant historical periods.

Business

We are a leading distributor of propane and related equipment and supplies to customers in the United States. We believe that we are the second largest retail marketer of propane in the United States as measured by the volume of our retail sales in fiscal 2023 and a leading national provider of propane by portable tank exchange.

We serve residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers. Our operations primarily include the distribution and sale of propane and related equipment and supplies in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. 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 delivered primarily through a network of partnership-owned distribution outlets and to a lesser extent through independently-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 suburban.

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.

6

Table of Contents

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.

We track “Propane sales volumes,” “Revenues – Propane 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, 2023, approximately 69% of our residential customers utilize our equipment, while the remainder own their tanks. 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 customer’s 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:

In our past three fiscal years, our total annual propane sales volumes in gallons were:

Propane

sales volumes

Fiscal year ended

    

(in millions)

July 31, 2023

808

July 31, 2022

831

July 31, 2021

860

In fiscal 2023, no one customer accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenues.

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.

Our other activities in our propane operations and related equipment sales segment include the following:

the sale of refined fuels, and
common carrier services.

7

Table of Contents

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 for heating purposes to increase which could lead to greater sales, income and cash flow. Conversely, if the United States were to experience a continued warming trend, we could expect nationwide demand for propane for heating purposes to decrease which could lead to a reduction in our sales, income and cash flow as well as impact our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants.

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, 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 define “normal” temperatures based on a 10-year average of 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. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for weather trends compared to the prior fiscal year as well as to normal heating degree days.

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 Activities – Commodity 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.

8

Table of Contents

Our risk management activities may include the use of financial derivative instruments including, but not limited to, futures, swaps, and options to seek protection from adverse price movements and to minimize potential losses. We enter into these financial derivative instruments primarily with brokers who are clearing members with the Intercontinental Exchange or the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and, to a lesser extent, directly with third parties in the over-the-counter market. 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 2023, ten suppliers accounted for approximately 57% 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 sales – propane and other gas liquids sales” in our consolidated statements of operations.

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. Executing our price risk management strategy includes regularly issuing letters of credit and posting cash collateral.

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 carriers, or owner-operated transport trucks.

Industry

Natural gas liquids are derived from petroleum products and are sold in compressed or liquefied form. Propane, the predominant natural gas liquid, is typically extracted from natural gas or separated during crude oil refining. Although propane is gaseous at normal pressures, it is compressed into liquid form at relatively low pressures for storage and transportation. Propane is a clean-burning energy source, recognized for its transportability and ease of use relative to alternative forms of stand-alone energy sources.

Based upon industry publications propane accounts for approximately 4% of energy consumption in the United States, a level which has remained relatively constant for the past two decades. Propane competes primarily with natural gas, electricity and fuel oil as an energy source principally on the basis of price, availability and portability. Propane serves as an alternative to natural gas in rural and urban areas where natural gas is unavailable or portability of product is required. Propane is generally more expensive than natural gas on an equivalent British Thermal Unit (“BTU”) basis in locations served by natural gas, although propane is often sold in such areas as a standby fuel for use during peak demands and during interruption in natural gas service. The expansion of natural gas into traditional propane markets has historically been inhibited by the capital costs required to expand distribution and pipeline systems. Although the extension of natural gas pipelines tends to displace propane distribution in the neighborhoods affected, we believe that new opportunities for propane sales arise as more geographically remote neighborhoods are developed.

9

Table of Contents

Propane has historically been less expensive to use than electricity for space heating, water heating and cooking and competes effectively with electricity in the parts of the country where propane is less expensive than electricity on an equivalent BTU basis. Although propane is similar to fuel oil in application, market demand and price, propane and fuel oil have generally developed their own distinct geographic markets. Because residential furnaces and appliances that burn propane will not operate on fuel oil, a conversion from one fuel to the other requires the installation of new equipment. Residential propane customers will have an incentive to switch to fuel oil only if fuel oil becomes significantly less expensive than propane. Conversely, we may be unable to expand our retail customer base in areas where fuel oil is widely used, particularly the northeast United States, unless propane becomes significantly less expensive than fuel oil. However, many industrial customers who use propane as a heating fuel have the capacity to switch to other fuels, such as fuel oil, on the basis of availability or minor variations in price.

Competition

In addition to competing with marketers of other fuels, we compete with other companies engaged in the propane distribution business. Competition within the propane distribution industry stems from two types of participants: the larger, multi-state marketers, including farmers’ cooperatives, and the smaller, local independent marketers, including rural electric cooperatives. Based on our propane sales volumes in fiscal 2023, we believe that we are the second largest retail marketer of propane in the United States and a leading national provider of propane by portable tank exchange.

Most of our retail propane distribution locations compete with three or more marketers or distributors, primarily on the basis of reliability of service and responsiveness to customer needs, safety and price. Each retail distribution outlet operates in its own competitive environment because propane marketers typically reside in close proximity to their customers to lower the cost of providing service.

Business Strategy

Our business strategy includes the following:

expand our market share through disciplined acquisitions and organic 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 market share through disciplined acquisitions and organic growth, as accretive opportunities become available

We expect to continue the expansion of our propane customer base through both the acquisition of other propane distributors and through organic growth. We intend to concentrate on propane acquisition activities in geographical areas within or adjacent to our existing operating areas, and on a selected basis in areas that broaden our geographic coverage. We also intend to focus on acquisitions that can be efficiently combined with our existing propane operations to provide an attractive return on investment after taking into account the economies of scale and cost savings we anticipate will result from those combinations.

Our goal is to improve the operations and profitability of our propane operations 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.

10

Table of Contents

Capitalize on our national presence and economies of scale

We believe our national presence of 803 propane distribution locations in the United States as of July 31, 2023 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 smaller 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 49 service centers and 803 service units as of July 31, 2023. 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.

Governmental Regulation - Environmental and Safety Matters

Our operations are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health, safety and transportation laws and regulations governing the storage, distribution and transportation of propane. However, propane is not currently subject to any price or allocation regulation and has not been defined by any federal environmental law as an environmentally hazardous substance.

11

Table of Contents

In connection with all acquisitions of propane distribution businesses that involve the purchase of real property, we conduct a due diligence investigation to attempt to determine whether any substance other than propane has been sold from, stored on or otherwise come into contact with any such real property prior to its purchase. At a minimum, due diligence includes questioning the sellers, obtaining representations and warranties concerning the sellers’ compliance with environmental laws and visual inspections of the real property. Nevertheless, if hazardous substances are discovered on or under these properties, we may be responsible for removing or remediating the previously disposed substances. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, as amended, which we refer to as CERCLA or the “Superfund” law, and analogous state laws, generally impose liability, without regard to fault or legality of the original conduct, on classes of persons that are considered to be responsible for the release of a “hazardous substance” into the environment. These persons include the current owner or operator of a contaminated facility, a former owner or operator of the facility at the time of contamination, and those persons that disposed or arranged for the disposal of the hazardous substance at the facility. Under CERCLA and comparable state statutes, persons deemed “responsible parties” are subject to strict liability that, in some circumstances, may be joint and several for the costs of removing or remediating previously disposed wastes (including wastes disposed of or released by prior owners or operators) or property contamination (including groundwater contamination), for damage to natural resources and for the costs of certain health studies. In addition, it is not uncommon for neighboring landowners and other third parties to file claims for personal injury and property damage allegedly caused by the hazardous substances released into the environment. Therefore, governmental agencies or third parties may seek to hold us responsible under CERCLA and comparable state statutes for all or part of the costs to clean up sites at which such hazardous substances may have been released.

With respect to the sale and distribution of propane, we are subject to regulations promulgated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) under its Hazard Communication Standard (“HCS”), which requires preparation and maintenance of safety data sheets, hazard labeling on products, and other worker protections. In 2012, OSHA promulgated new hazard communications requirements designed to align U.S. HCS standards with those of other countries under a Globally Harmonized System. These hazard labeling and communication changes, which took effect in June 2015, required us and other propane manufacturers and distributors to revise and update our consumer and compliance materials.

With respect to the transportation of propane by truck, we are subject to regulations promulgated under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act. These regulations cover the transportation of flammable materials and are administered by the United States Department of Transportation (“DOT”). The National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 58 establishes a national standard for the safe handling and storage of propane. Those rules and procedures have been adopted by us and serve as the industry standard by the states in which we operate.

We believe that we are in material compliance with all governmental regulations and industry standards applicable to environmental and safety matters.

Governmental Regulation - Climate Change Legislation

There continues to be concern, both nationally and internationally, about climate change and the contribution of greenhouse gas (“GHG”) emissions, most notably carbon dioxide, to global warming. Because propane is considered a clean alternative fuel under the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, we anticipate that this will provide us with a competitive advantage over other sources of energy, such as fuel oil and coal, to the extent new climate change regulations become effective. At the same time, increased regulation of GHG emissions, especially in the transportation sector, could impose significant additional costs on us, our suppliers and our customers. In recent years, there has been an increase in state initiatives aimed at regulating GHG emissions. For example, the California Environmental Protection Agency established a cap-and-trade program that requires certain covered entities, including propane distribution companies, to purchase allowances to compensate for the GHG emissions created by their business operations or obtain qualifying offset credits. The impact of new legislation and regulations will depend on a number of factors, including (i) which industry sectors would be impacted, (ii) the timing of required compliance, (iii) the overall GHG emissions cap level, (iv) the allocation of emission allowances to specific sources, and (v) the costs and opportunities associated with compliance.

12

Table of Contents

Human Capital Management

Ferrellgas’ employees are managed by our general partner pursuant to our partnership agreement. Our general partner’s employees are its greatest resource and an integral component to Ferrellgas’ operations. Their health, safety and well-being is a priority for us. We provide competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, and regularly benchmark our programs to the market. Our commitment to allowing employees in eligible roles to work from home serves to solidify our position as an employer of choice in today’s marketplace. As a matrix organization, in which resources are balanced between both project groups and functional groups, open and frequent communication and teamwork among people throughout Ferrellgas allow us to innovate and support our mission to Fuel Life Simply. Under the Ferrellgas’ Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”), employee-owners have a vested interest in our performance through serving our customers.

Employees

At July 31, 2023, our general partner had 4,005 full-time employees in the following areas:

Propane field operations

    

3,601

Centralized corporate functions

 

404

Total

 

4,005

Less than one percent of these employees are represented by an aggregate of four different local labor unions, which are all affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Our general partner has not experienced any significant work stoppages or other labor problems.

Diversity and Inclusion

We treat each other with respect and value each individual’s unique perspective and background. We are committed to a culture where everyone belongs and diversity and inclusion drives business results. Diversity of management is crucial to our ongoing success to manage our business. As of July 31, 2023, females and ethnic groups represented the following:

    

Ferrellgas

Overall

    

Ferrellgas

Leadership (1)

Females

20.2%

22.3%

Minority ethnic groups

 

22.6%

10.9%

Total

 

39.7%

31.5%

(1)Represents all management levels.

Safety

Safety is a part of everything we do. Safety is a priority for our employees, our customers and the public. We follow rules and regulations applicable to the sale and distribution of propane, including those from OSHA and the DOT. The Ferrellgas Safety Program is designed to ensure operations at our facilities adhere to established protocols and safety standards.

Employee Recognition and Community Involvement

Ferrellgas Flame Awards is a peer-to-peer recognition program. Employees receive awards for achievement in the areas of customer service, safety, innovation and leadership.

13

Table of Contents

Employees have the opportunity to participate in numerous volunteer efforts as we strive to give back to the communities we serve. These initiatives include:

Operation BBQ Relief, an organization which serves communities impacted by natural disasters, supports victims and first responders throughout the United States by supplying the propane to fuel industrial-sized smokers in addition to Blue Rhino tanks;
a partnership with the International Rhino Foundation, a global wildlife conservation organization, draws attention to conservation efforts;
a partnership with Operation Warm, a national nonprofit organization providing winter coats to children in need across the United States and Canada; and
providing resources for a positive long-term environmental effort in the celebration of Earth Day which ranged from planting trees to hosting battery and plastic recycling drives to multiple community service activities.

Training and Development

We believe in investing in our people through coaching, Touchbase Tuesday calls, and frequent roundtables. Ferrellgas University offers online courses available to all employees. Our summer internship program and a rotational Management Development Program (“MDP”) also allow us to build a pipeline of diverse talent. MDP trainees gain broad hands-on experience with our brands, processes and operations to prepare for leadership positions in Ferrellgas.

Trademarks and Service Marks

We market our goods and services under various trademarks and trade names, which we own or have a right to use. Those trademarks and trade names include marks or pending marks before the United States Patent and Trademark Office such as Ferrellgas, Ferrell North America, Ferrellmeter, and Fuel Life Simply. Other marks include Ferrellgas & Design, SmartFill, and SmartFill & Design. Our general partner has an option to purchase for a nominal value the trade names “Ferrellgas” and “Ferrell North America” and the trademark “Ferrellmeter” that it contributed to us during 1994, if it is removed as our general partner other than “for cause.” If our general partner ceases to serve as our general partner for any reason other than “for cause,” it will have the option to purchase our other trade names and trademarks from us for fair market value.

We believe that the Blue Rhino mark and Blue Rhino’s other trademarks and service marks are an important part of our consistent growth in the tank exchange category. Included in the registered and pending trademarks and service marks are the designations Blue Rhino®, Blue Rhino & Design®, Rhino Design®, Drop, Swap and Go®, Grab Life by the HornSM, and It’s Not Just Propane. It’s Blue Rhino®.

Businesses of Other Subsidiaries

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. is a Delaware corporation formed in 1996 and is our wholly-owned subsidiary. Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Partners Finance Corp.”) has nominal assets, has no employees other than officers and does not conduct any operations but has previously served and may in the future serve as a co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities issued by Ferrellgas Partners. Institutional investors that might otherwise be limited in their ability to invest in debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners because it is a partnership may be able to invest in debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners because the Partners Finance Corp. acts as a co-issuer and co-obligor. Because of its structure and pursuant to the reduced disclosure format, a discussion of the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of the Partners Finance Corp. is not presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Note B “Contingencies and Commitments” to the Partners Finance Corp.’s financial statements. As of July 31, 2023, Ferrellgas Partners had no debt securities outstanding, and the Partners Finance Corp. therefore was not liable as co-issuer for any such debt securities.

14

Table of Contents

Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (the “Finance Corp.”) is a Delaware corporation formed in 2003 and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the operating partnership. The Finance Corp. has nominal assets, has no employees other than officers and does not conduct any operations, but serves as a co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the operating partnership. Institutional investors that might otherwise be limited in their ability to invest in debt securities of the operating partnership because it is a partnership may be able to invest in debt securities of the operating partnership because the Finance Corp. acts as a co-issuer and co-obligor. Because of its structure and pursuant to the reduced disclosure format, a discussion of the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of the Finance Corp. is not presented in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See Note B “Contingencies and commitments to the Finance Corp.’s financial statements for a discussion of the debt securities with respect to which the Finance Corp. has served and is serving as a co-issuer and co-obligor.

Available Information

We file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You may read and download our SEC filings over the Internet from several commercial document retrieval services as well as at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Our SEC filings are also 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be hyperlinks. No information found and/or provided at such Internet addresses is intended or deemed to be incorporated by reference herein.

ITEM 1A.   RISK FACTORS.

Various factors exist that pose risk to our business and the risk factors listed below outline some of the most significant risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that may affect our business. These risks are categorized by: (1) those related to our business and industry, (2) those inherent in an investment in our Class A Units, Class B Units or our debt securities and others related to our capital structure and financing arrangements, (3) those arising from our partnership structure and relationship with our general partner, and (4) those related to tax. Despite their ordering, these categories are not listed by priority, significance, or materiality. Additional risks, uncertainties, and assumptions may exist that are unforeseen, or currently deemed immaterial, that create potential for a material impact on our business. You should carefully consider the risks outlined below, in addition with other information outlined or incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.

Risks Related to our Business and Industry

Weather conditions, including warm winters, dry or warm weather in the harvest season and poor weather in the grilling season, may reduce the demand for propane, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition or liquidity.

Weather conditions have a significant impact on the demand for propane for heating, agricultural, and recreational grilling purposes. Many of our customers rely heavily on propane as a heating fuel. Accordingly, our sales volumes of propane are highest during the five-month winter-heating season of November through March and are directly affected by the temperatures during these months. During fiscal 2023, approximately 55% of our propane sales volume was attributable to sales during the winter-heating season. Actual weather conditions can vary substantially from year to year, which may significantly affect our financial performance or condition. Furthermore, variations in weather in one or more regions in which we operate can significantly affect our total propane sales volume and therefore our financial performance or condition. The agricultural demand for propane is also affected by weather, as dry or warm weather during the harvest season may reduce the demand for propane used in some crop drying applications.

Sales from portable tank exchanges experience higher volumes in the spring and summer, which includes the majority of the grilling season. Sustained periods of poor weather, particularly in the grilling season, can negatively affect our portable tank exchange revenues. In addition, poor weather may reduce consumers’ propensity to purchase and use grills and other propane-fueled appliances thereby reducing demand for portable tank exchange.

15

Table of Contents

Sudden and sharp increases in wholesale propane prices may not be completely passed on to our customers, especially those with which we have contracted pricing arrangements. These contracted pricing arrangements will adversely affect our profit margins if they are not immediately hedged with an offsetting propane purchase commitment and wholesale propane prices do increase. Conversely, sudden and sharp decreases in wholesale propane prices may result in our customers’ not fulfilling obligations under contracted pricing arrangements entered into with us. Customer defaults under these higher sales price arrangements may adversely affect our profit margins.

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. Because our profitability is sensitive to changes in wholesale supply costs, we will be adversely affected if we cannot pass on increases in the cost of propane to our customers. 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. A certain percentage of that exposure is hedged with an offsetting propane purchase commitment.

The wholesale propane price per gallon is subject to various market conditions and may fluctuate based on changes in demand, supply and other energy commodity prices. Propane prices tend to partially correlate with crude oil and natural gas prices. Heightened levels of uncertainty related to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, in particular, may lead to additional economic sanctions by the U.S. and the international community and could further disrupt financial and commodities markets. We employ risk management activities that attempt to mitigate risks related to the purchasing, storing, transporting and selling of propane. However, sudden and sharp increases in wholesale propane prices cannot be passed on to customers with which we have contracted pricing arrangements. Therefore, we are exposed to the risk of increased wholesale propane prices and reduced profit margins on the percentage of our contractual commitments that are not immediately hedged with an offsetting propane purchase commitment. If we were to experience sudden and sharp propane price decreases, our customers may not fulfill their obligations to purchase propane from us at their previously contracted price per gallon, and we may not be able to sell the related hedged or fixed price propane at a profitable sales price per gallon in the then-current pricing environment.

We compete with other businesses to attract and retain qualified employees, and labor shortages and increased labor costs could adversely affect our business.

Our continued success depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel in all areas of our business. We compete with other businesses to attract and retain qualified employees and a tight labor market may cause our labor costs to increase. A shortage of qualified employees may require us to enhance wage and benefits packages in order to compete effectively in the hiring and retention of employees, increase overtime or hire more expensive temporary employees. No assurance can be given that our labor costs will not increase, or that such increases can be recovered through increased prices charged to customers.

We are dependent on our principal suppliers, which increases the risks from an interruption in supply and transportation.

Through our supply procurement activities, we purchased approximately 57% of our propane from ten suppliers during fiscal 2023. During extended periods of colder-than-normal weather, these suppliers or other suppliers in one or more of the areas in which we operate could temporarily run out of propane, necessitating the transportation of propane by truck, rail car or other means from other areas. If supplies from these sources were interrupted, certain suppliers were to default or difficulties in alternative transportation were to arise, the cost of procuring replacement supplies and transporting those supplies from alternative locations might be materially higher and, at least on a short-term basis, our margins could be reduced.

16

Table of Contents

Our failure or our counterparties’ failure to perform on obligations under commodity derivative and financial derivative contracts and increased costs associated with such contracts could materially affect our liquidity, cash flows and results of operations.

Volatility in the oil and gas commodities sector for an extended period of time or intense volatility in the near term could impair our or our counterparties’ ability to meet margin calls, which could cause us or our counterparties to default on commodity and financial derivative contracts. This could have a material adverse effect on our financial position or liquidity or on our ability to procure product at acceptable prices or at all and could increase our costs to procure product.

Legislation and rulemaking associated with parties to derivatives transactions may increase our cost of using derivative instruments to hedge risks associated with our business or may reduce the availability of such instruments or the creditworthiness of derivatives counterparties available to us. While costs imposed directly on us due to regulatory requirements for derivatives such as reporting, recordkeeping and electing the end-user exception from mandatory clearing, are relatively minor, costs imposed upon our counterparties may increase the cost of our doing business in the derivatives markets to the extent such costs are passed on to us.

Hurricanes and other natural disasters as well as epidemic diseases or similar public health crises, illnesses or pandemics could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Hurricanes and other natural disasters can potentially destroy numerous business structures and homes and, if occurring in the Gulf Coast region of the United States, could disrupt the supply chain for oil and gas products. Disruptions in supply could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. Damage and higher prices caused by hurricanes and other natural disasters could also have an adverse effect on our financial condition due to the impact on the financial condition of our customers. To the extent the frequency or magnitude of significant weather events and natural disasters increases, the resulting increase in disruptions also could have adverse impacts on our business on both the supply and demand side and therefore adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.

Similarly, epidemic diseases or similar public health crises, illnesses or pandemics or the consequences thereof may increase our operating expenses and reduce the efficiency of our operations and may have further adverse impacts on U.S. and global economic conditions, including a renewed slowdown in the U.S. economy, which could decrease demand for our products and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

The propane distribution business is highly competitive, and competition may negatively affect our sales volumes and therefore our results of operations, cash flows, financial condition and liquidity.

Our profitability is affected by the competition for customers among all of the participants in the propane distribution business. We compete with a number of large national and regional firms and several thousand small independent firms. Because of the relatively low barriers to entry into the propane market, there is the potential for small independent propane distributors, as well as other companies not previously engaged in propane distribution, to compete with us. Some rural electric cooperatives and fuel oil distributors have expanded their businesses to include propane distribution. As a result, we are subject to the risk of additional competition in the future. Some of our competitors may have greater financial resources or lower costs than we do. Should a competitor attempt to increase market share by reducing prices, our operating margins and customer base may be negatively impacted. Generally, warmer-than-normal weather and increasing wholesale fuel prices further intensify competition.

The propane distribution industry is a mature one, which may limit our growth.

The propane distribution industry is a mature one. We foresee no growth or a small decline in total national demand for propane in the near future. Year-to-year industry volumes are primarily impacted by fluctuations in temperatures and economic conditions. Our ability to grow our sales volumes within the propane distribution industry is primarily dependent upon our ability to acquire other propane distributors and integrate those acquisitions into our operations and upon the success of our marketing efforts to acquire new customers organically. If we are unable to compete effectively in the propane distribution business, we may lose existing customers or fail to acquire new customers.

17

Table of Contents

We may not be successful in making acquisitions, and any acquisitions we make may not result in achievement of our anticipated results. In either case, this failure would potentially limit our growth, limit our ability to compete and impair our results of operations and financial condition.

We have historically expanded our business through acquisitions. We regularly consider and evaluate opportunities to acquire propane distributors. We may choose to finance these acquisitions through internal cash flow, external borrowings or the issuance of additional Class A Units or other securities. We have substantial competition for acquisitions, and, although we believe there are numerous potential large and small acquisition candidates in our industry, there can be no assurance that we will be able to make any acquisitions on favorable terms or at all. There is also a risk we will not be able to successfully integrate acquired operations or achieve any expected cost savings or other synergies. We may also assume or become subject to known or unknown liabilities, including environmental liabilities, and we may not be protected against any such liabilities by indemnification from the sellers or insurance. There is no assurance that any acquisitions made will not be dilutive to our earnings and distributions and that any additional equity we issue as consideration for an acquisition will not be dilutive to our unitholders or any additional debt we incur to finance an acquisition will not affect the operating partnership’s ability to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners or service our existing debt.

Our operations, capital expenditures and financial results may be affected by regulatory changes and/or market responses to global climate change, including competition from other energy sources in response to such changes.

There continues to be concern, both nationally and internationally, about climate change and the contribution of GHG emissions, most notably carbon dioxide, to global warming. Because propane is considered a clean alternative fuel under the federal Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, we anticipate that this will provide us with a competitive advantage over other sources of energy, such as fuel oil and coal, as new climate change laws and regulations become effective. At the same time, increased regulation of GHG emissions, especially in the transportation sector, could impose significant additional costs on us, our suppliers and our customers. Numerous proposals have been made and are likely to continue to be made at the national, regional and state levels of government to monitor and limit GHG emissions. These efforts include cap-and-trade programs, carbon taxes, GHG reporting and tracking programs and regulations that limit GHG emissions from certain sources. The impact of new legislation and regulations will depend on a number of factors, including (i) which industry sectors would be impacted, (ii) the timing of required compliance, (iii) the overall GHG emissions cap level, (iv) the allocation of emission allowances to specific sources, and (v) the costs and opportunities associated with compliance. At this time, we cannot predict the effect that climate change regulation may have on our business, financial condition or operations in the future.

Furthermore, increasing concentrations of GHGs in the Earth’s atmosphere may produce climate changes that have significant physical effects, such as volatility in seasonal temperatures and increased frequency and severity of storms, floods and other climatic events. To the extent weather conditions are affected by climate change or demand is impacted by regulations associated with climate change, customers’ energy use could increase or decrease depending on the duration and magnitude of the changes, leading either to increased investment or decreased revenues.

Propane competes with other sources of energy, some of which can be less costly for equivalent energy value and which also may become more prevalent in response to climate change regulation and other factors. See “Item I. Business – Industry” for additional information on our competition for customers against suppliers of electricity, natural gas and fuel oil.

18

Table of Contents

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (the “EPA”) has determined that carbon dioxide and other GHGs are regulated pollutants under the Clean Air Act. In June 2019, the EPA replaced the Clean Power Plan with the Affordable Clean Energy rule. In January 2021, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit (“D.C. Circuit”) vacated the Affordable Clean Energy rule and remanded the question to the EPA to consider a new regulatory framework to replace the Affordable Clean Energy rule, thereby allowing the incoming administration to implement standards for emissions from the power sector. In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court reversed the D.C. Circuit’s decision on the Affordable Clean Energy rule and remanded the case back to the D.C. Circuit. On August 16, 2022, President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (the “Inflation Reduction Act”). The Inflation Reduction Act contains hundreds of billions of dollars in incentives for the development of renewable energy, clean hydrogen, clean fuels, electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure and carbon capture and sequestration, amongst other provisions. These incentives could further accelerate the transition of the U.S. economy away from the use of fossil fuels towards lower- or zero-carbon emissions alternatives and impact demand for propane. Propane competes with electricity, among other alternative fuels, and to the extent the cost of production and delivery is reduced for electricity and other alternative fuel sources with which we compete, we may experience reduced demand for our propane. The ultimate impact on propane demand and our business is uncertain and may change as implementation of the Inflation Reduction Act moves forward. We cannot predict the effect that the development of alternative energy sources and related laws might have on our financial position or results of operations.

Economic and political conditions may harm the energy business disproportionately to other industries.

Deteriorating regional and global economic and political conditions, including U.S. sanctions on Iran oil exports and conflict, unrest and economic instability in oil producing countries and regions, and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, may cause significant disruptions to commerce throughout the world. If those disruptions occur in areas of the world which are tied to the energy industry, such as the Middle East, it is likely that our industry will be either affected first or affected to a greater extent than other industries. These conditions or disruptions may impair our ability to effectively market or acquire propane or impair our ability to raise equity or debt capital for acquisitions, capital expenditures or ongoing operations.

We are subject to operating and litigation risks, and related costs or liabilities may not be covered by insurance.

We are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to the handling, storing and delivering of combustible liquids such as propane. These operations face an inherent risk of exposure to general liability claims in the event that they result in injury or destruction of property. As a result, we have been, and are likely to be, a defendant in various legal proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business. Our insurance policies do not cover all losses, costs or liabilities that we may experience, and insurance companies that currently insure companies in our industry or in the energy industry generally may cease to do so or substantially increase premiums. Although we maintain insurance policies with insurers in such amounts and with such coverages and deductibles as we believe are reasonable and prudent, we cannot guarantee that such insurance will be adequate to protect us from all material expenses related to potential future claims for personal injury and property damage or that such levels of insurance will be available in the future at economical prices.

A significant increase in motor fuel prices may adversely affect our profits.

Motor fuel is a significant operating expense for us in connection with the purchase and delivery of propane to our customers. The price and supply of motor fuel is unpredictable and fluctuates based on events we cannot control, such as geopolitical developments, including impacts from Russian military actions in Ukraine, supply and demand for oil, gas, and refined fuels, actions by oil and gas producers, actions by motor fuel refiners, conflict, unrest or economic instability in oil producing countries and regions, regional production patterns and weather conditions. We may not be able to pass any increases in motor fuel prices on to our customers. As a result, any increases in these prices may adversely affect our profitability and competitiveness.

19

Table of Contents

If we are unable to protect our information technology systems against service interruption, misappropriation of data, or breaches of security resulting from cyber security attacks or other events, or we encounter other unforeseen difficulties in the operation of our information technology systems, our operations could be disrupted, our business and reputation may suffer, and our internal controls could be adversely affected.

In the ordinary course of business, we rely on information technology systems, including the Internet and third-party hosted services, to support a variety of business processes and activities and to store sensitive data, including (i) intellectual property, (ii) our proprietary business information and that of our suppliers and business partners, (iii) personally identifiable information of our customers and employees, and (iv) data with respect to invoicing and the collection of payments, accounting, procurement, and supply chain activities. In addition, we rely on our information technology systems to process financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with financial reporting, legal, and tax requirements. Despite our security measures, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance, sabotage, or other disruptions.

The efficient execution of our business is dependent upon the proper functioning of our internal systems, and we depend on our management information systems to process orders, manage inventory, manage accounts receivable collections, maintain distributor and customer information, maintain cost-efficient operations and assist in delivering propane on a timely basis. In addition, our staff of management information systems professionals relies heavily on the support of several key personnel and vendors. Any disruption in the operation of those management information systems, including a cyber-security breach or loss of employees knowledgeable about the operation of such systems, termination of our relationship with one or more of these key vendors or failure to continue to modify and upgrade such systems effectively as our business expands could negatively affect our business, financial condition or reputation.

We may incur significant costs in order to comply with privacy and data security laws and regulations, and any failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in significant penalties or other liabilities or costs.

There are numerous laws and regulations regarding privacy and the storage, sharing, use, processing, transfer, disclosure and protection of personal data, the scope of which is changing, subject to differing interpretations, and may be inconsistent between jurisdictions. For example, the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) limits how we may collect and use personal data, in addition to imposing severe statutory damages and providing consumers with a private right of action for certain data breaches. The California Privacy Rights Act (“CPRA”) amends and expands the CCPA, providing consumers with additional rights with respect to their personal data and establishing a regulatory agency dedicated to enforcing compliance. Other states, including Virginia, Colorado, and Connecticut, have enacted similar privacy legislation effective in 2023, with additional states, including Oregon, Texas, and Utah, having enacted similar privacy legislation, which would be effective in the upcoming year. The effects of the CCPA and CPRA and other states’ data privacy laws are potentially far-reaching and may require us to modify our data processing practices and policies and incur substantial compliance-related costs and expenses. It remains unclear how various provisions will be interpreted and enforced. Data privacy laws and their interpretations continue to develop and may be inconsistent from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Non-compliance with these laws could result in penalties or significant legal liability. Although we take reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, there can be no assurance that we will not be subject to regulatory action, including fines, in the event of an incident. We or our third-party service providers could be adversely affected if legislation or regulations are expanded to require changes in our or our third-party service providers’ business practices or if governing jurisdictions interpret or implement their legislation or regulations in ways that negatively affect our or our third-party service providers’ business, results of operations or financial condition.

20

Table of Contents

The conduct of our business may infringe the intellectual property rights of others, which may cause us to incur unexpected costs and place restrictions on our operations.

We cannot be certain that the conduct of our business will not infringe the intellectual property rights of others. We may be subject to legal proceedings and claims in the ordinary course of our business, including claims of alleged infringement of intellectual property rights of third parties by us or our customers in connection with the conduct of our business. Any such claims, whether or not meritorious, could result in costly litigation and divert the efforts of our management and personnel. Moreover, should we be found liable for infringement, we may be required to enter into licensing agreements (if available on acceptable terms or at all) or to pay damages and to cease making or selling certain products or services. Any of the foregoing could cause us to incur significant costs and negatively affect our business, financial condition, or reputation.

We may incur significant costs in order to comply with environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, and any failure to comply with such laws and regulations could result in significant penalties or other liabilities or costs.

Our operations are subject to stringent federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to protection of the environment or human health and safety. Compliance with current and future environmental laws and regulations may increase our overall cost of business, including our capital costs to construct, maintain and upgrade equipment and facilities. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations may result in the assessment of significant administrative, civil and criminal penalties, the imposition of investigatory and remedial liabilities, and even the issuance of injunctions that may restrict or prohibit some or all of our operations. Such laws and regulations are subject to change and we cannot provide assurance that the cost of compliance or the consequences of any failure to comply will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Risks Inherent in an Investment in our Class A or Class B Units or our Debt Securities and Other Risks Related to Our Capital Structure and Financing Arrangements

If we are unable to access the financing markets, including through our Credit Facility, it may adversely impact our business and liquidity.

Market conditions may impact our ability to access the financing markets on terms acceptable to us or at all. In addition, there are limitations on our ability to utilize fully all commitments under our Credit Facility. Availability under our Credit Facility is determined by reference to a borrowing base comprised of a combination of accounts receivable and propane inventory that fluctuates over time and the borrowing base may be further reduced by discretionary actions of the administrative agent under the Credit Facility. See Note H “Debt” to the consolidated financial statements for details. If we are unable to access the financing markets, including through our Credit Facility, we would be required to use cash on hand to fund operations and repay outstanding debt. There is no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash to fund our operations and repay or refinance such debt.

Our substantial indebtedness and other financial obligations could impair our financial condition and our ability to satisfy our obligations and we may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful.

We have substantial indebtedness and other financial obligations. Our ability to make scheduled payments on or refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which are subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control. We may be unable to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. See Note H “Debt” to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for more detail. Our long-term debt obligations do not contain any sinking fund provisions, but require aggregate principal payments, without premium, as disclosed in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations–Liquidity and Capital Resources–Material Cash Requirements.”

21

Table of Contents

If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we could face substantial liquidity problems and could be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures or to dispose of material assets or operations, seek additional debt or equity capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. We may not be able to effect any such alternative measures, if necessary, on commercially reasonable terms or at all and, even if successful, those alternative actions may not allow us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our ability to enter leasing transactions at favorable terms could also be impacted. The Indentures, the Credit Agreement and the OpCo LPA Amendment restrict our ability to dispose of assets and use the proceeds from those dispositions and may also restrict our ability to raise debt or equity capital to be used to repay other indebtedness when it becomes due. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions or obtain proceeds in an amount sufficient to meet any debt service obligations then due. For more detail, see Note H “Debt” and Note I “Preferred units” to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.

A lowering or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies may increase our future borrowing costs and reduce our access to capital.

The operating partnership has a corporate rating of B1 from Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”). Our senior unsecured notes were assigned a B2 rating by Moody’s. Any rating assigned could be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency’s judgment, future circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes, so warrant. Consequently, real or anticipated changes in our credit ratings will generally affect the market value of our debt securities. Any future lowering of our ratings likely would make it more difficult or more expensive for us to obtain additional debt financing. If any credit rating initially assigned to the OpCo Notes or other debt securities is subsequently lowered or withdrawn for any reason, you may not be able to resell such debt securities without a substantial discount.

Restrictive covenants in the Indentures, the Credit Agreement and the agreements governing our other future indebtedness and other financial obligations may reduce our operating flexibility and ability to make cash distributions to holders of Class A Units and Class B Units. The Indentures, the Credit Agreement and the OpCo LPA Amendment contain important exceptions to these covenants.

The Indentures and the Credit Agreement contain, and any agreement that will govern debt incurred by us in the future may contain, various covenants that limit our ability to take certain actions as described in Note H Debt to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. These covenants also limit the ability of the operating partnership to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners and therefore effectively limit the ability of Ferrellgas Partners to make distributions to its Class A Unitholders and Class B Unitholders. See Note I “Preferred units” for a discussion of limitations related to distributions.

The Indentures and the Credit Agreement contain important exceptions to the covenants, including the covenants that restrict our ability to sell assets and make restricted payments. For example, the Indentures initially permit the operating partnership to make $60 million plus the amount of the operating partnership’s Available Cash from Operating Surplus (as defined in the Indentures) for the preceding fiscal quarter (so long as the operating partnership’s fixed coverage ratio is at least 1.75x) or $25 million (if the operating partnership’s fixed coverage ratio is below 1.75x) plus an additional $25 million, in each case, of restricted payments for any purpose, subject to compliance with applicable conditions, as well as to make additional restricted payments for specified purposes. Furthermore, we may utilize exceptions to sell assets and such asset sales may be on unfavorable terms.

The operating partnership issued $700.0 million aggregate initial liquidation preference of Preferred Units, the terms of which restrict us from undertaking certain actions while such Preferred Units are outstanding.

The Preferred Units are entitled to quarterly distributions in cash or payment in kind and are redeemable at the option of the operating partnership at any time, or at the option of the holders no earlier than March 30, 2031, subject to the terms as described in more detail under Note I Preferred units to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.

22

Table of Contents

For so long as at least 20% of the Preferred Units initially issued (without any adjustment for new Preferred Units issued as payment in kind) remain outstanding, holders of the Preferred Units have the right, voting as a separate class, to designate one director onto the board of the general partner, which may not exceed nine directors.

For so long as at least $35.0 million aggregate liquidation preference of Preferred Units remain outstanding, the partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership limit certain actions, unless agreed by holders of at least 1/3 of the outstanding Preferred Units. Accordingly, the holders of the Preferred Units will have significant influence with respect to our management, business plans and policies. The interests of holders of the Preferred Units may conflict with our interests or the interests of our debtholders or securityholders.

Additionally, upon the occurrence of certain “change of control” transactions, the holders of the Preferred Units will have the option to require the redemption of all or a portion of the Preferred Units in cash in an amount equal to the redemption price; and such a “change of control” will also trigger a “change of control” under the Indentures.

In the event that no Class B Units are outstanding and the outstanding amount of Preferred Units is greater than $233.3 million after March 30, 2031, to the extent the operating partnership fails to redeem all the outstanding Preferred Units, holders of at least 1/3 of the outstanding Preferred Units will have the right to appoint a majority of the members of the board of directors of the general partner and initiate a sale of the operating partnership. These restrictions may limit our flexibility to pursue strategic opportunities.

We may be unable to repurchase the OpCo Notes or repay or repurchase other debt or other securities upon a change of control.

Upon the occurrence of a “change of control” under the Indentures, we or a third party will be required to make a change of control offer to repurchase the OpCo Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Additionally, a change of control under the Credit Facility constitutes an event of default that permits the lenders to accelerate the maturity of borrowings under the Credit Agreement and terminate their commitments to lend thereunder. We may not have the financial resources to purchase the OpCo Notes, particularly if a change of control event triggers a similar repurchase requirement for, or results in the acceleration of, other indebtedness, including under our Credit Facility. In addition, the Preferred Units have similar change of control provisions which require us to offer to redeem the Preferred Units at a price equal to the then-current liquidation preference per unit, plus accrued and unpaid distributions. These restrictions could prevent us from satisfying our obligations to purchase such securities unless we are able to refinance the indebtedness or obtain waivers or consents from the holders thereof. Our failure to pay the change of control purchase price or repay borrowings when due would allow the holders to declare such indebtedness be immediately due and payable. The exercise by the holders of our indebtedness under the OpCo Notes or the Credit Agreement of their right to require us to repurchase or repay such indebtedness upon a change of control could cause a default under the agreements governing our other indebtedness or other securities, including future agreements, even if the change of control itself does not, due to the financial effect of such repurchases on us. In the event a repurchase or repayment is required at a time when we are prohibited from purchasing or repaying such indebtedness, we could attempt to refinance the indebtedness that contains such prohibitions. If we do not obtain a consent or repay such indebtedness, our failure to purchase or repay such indebtedness would constitute an event of default which could, in turn, constitute a default under our other indebtedness. Finally, our ability to pay cash to the holders of such indebtedness upon a change of control may be limited by our then existing financial resources.

23

Table of Contents

We may not be able to clearly establish when a sale of all or substantially all of the assets has occurred under New York law.

One of the events that may constitute a change of control is a sale of all or substantially all 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 governs the Indentures and the Credit Agreement. This ambiguity as to when a sale of substantially all of our assets has occurred may result in uncertainty regarding whether a change of control has occurred and whether an obligation to offer to repurchase or repay under the Indentures or the Credit Agreement has been triggered.

Our Class A Units are no longer listed on the New York Stock Exchange and are instead traded on the OTC Pink Market. The OTC Pink Market has less liquidity than the NYSE and unitholders may face limited availability of market quotations for our Class A Units, reduced liquidity for the trading of our Class A Units and potentially lower trading prices for our Class A Units.

We expect our Class A Units to be quoted on the OTC Pink Market for the foreseeable future. Unitholders may face limited availability of market quotations for our Class A Units, reduced liquidity for the trading of our Class A Units and potentially lower trading prices for our Class A Units. In addition, we could experience a decreased ability to issue additional securities and obtain additional financing in the future, and it could impair our ability to provide equity incentives to our employees. There can be no assurance that the trading market for our Class A Units will improve in the future or that any improvement will be sustained.

There may be no active trading market for our debt securities, which may limit a holder’s ability to sell our debt securities.

The OpCo Notes are not, and we do not expect any debt securities we may issue in the future to be, listed on any securities exchange quoted through any automated quotation system. An established market for our debt securities may not develop, or if one does develop, it may not be maintained. We cannot assure a debt holder that a liquid market for the debt securities will develop, or that the holder will be able to sell its debt securities or receive a specific price upon any sale of its debt securities. If a public market for our debt securities did develop, the debt securities could trade at prices that may be higher or lower than their principal amount or purchase price, depending on many factors.

Subject to certain restrictions, Ferrellgas Partners may dilute existing interests of unitholders by selling additional limited partner interests. Ferrellgas Partners may also dilute existing Class A Units by converting Class B Units to Class A Units.

The partnership agreement of Ferrellgas Partners generally allows Ferrellgas Partners to issue additional limited partner interests and other equity securities, subject to consent by holders of the Requisite Class B Units (defined as (a) if the holder that initially holds a majority of the Class B Units (the “Initial Class B Majority Holder”) holds at least 50% of the Class B Units, holders of at least 50% of the outstanding Class B Units or (b) if the Initial Class B Majority Holder holds less than 50% of the Class B Units, holders of at least one-third of the outstanding Class B Units). When Ferrellgas Partners issues additional equity securities, a unitholder’s proportionate partnership interest in such class will decrease. Such an issuance could negatively affect the amount of cash distributed to unitholders and the market price of such units. The issuance of additional units will also diminish the relative voting strength of the previously outstanding class of units. In addition, Ferrellgas Partners may issue preferred or other securities that could have a preferred right to distributions or other priority economic terms, which could negatively affect the value of our outstanding units. See Note J “Equity (Deficit)” to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for more information related to the Class B units.

24

Table of Contents

If Ferrellgas Partners is permitted to make and makes distributions to its partners, while any Class B Units remain outstanding, Class B Unitholders collectively will receive at least approximately 85.7% of the aggregate amount of each such distribution and may receive up to 100% of any such distribution. Accordingly, while any Class B Units remain outstanding, Class A Unitholders may not receive any distributions and, in any case, will not receive collectively more than approximately 14.1% of any distribution.

See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources” for information on partnership distributions pursuant to the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA. For additional discussion of the terms of the Class B Units, see Note J “Equity (Deficit)” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein. Although the general partner has not made any decisions or adopted any policy with respect to the allocation of future distributions by Ferrellgas Partners to its partners, the general partner may determine that it is advisable to pay more than the minimum amount of any distribution, up to 100% of the amount of such distribution, to Class B Unitholders.

Risks Arising from Our Partnership Structure and Relationship with Our General Partner

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity and has no material operations or assets, other than its ownership stake in the operating partnership and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. Accordingly, Ferrellgas Partners is dependent on distributions from the operating partnership to service its obligations and pay distributions to its unitholders. These distributions are not guaranteed and are subject to significant limitations.

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity for our subsidiaries, including the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners has no material operations and only limited assets. Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. is Ferrellgas Partners’ wholly-owned finance subsidiary, acts only as a co-obligor on its debt securities, if any, conducts no business and has nominal assets. Accordingly, Ferrellgas Partners is dependent on cash distributions from the operating partnership and its subsidiaries to service any obligations of Ferrellgas Partners and pay distributions to its unitholders.

Unitholders have limited voting rights; our general partner manages and operates us, thereby generally precluding the participation of our unitholders in operational decisions.

Our general partner manages and operates us. Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, our unitholders generally have only limited voting rights on matters affecting our business. Holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ Class B Units and the operating partnership’s Preferred Units have certain additional voting rights focused on their respective distribution rights or preferences and their respective protective covenants and other rights under the partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership. Amendments to the agreement of limited partnership of Ferrellgas Partners may be proposed only by or with the consent of our general partner. Proposed amendments must generally be approved by holders of at least a majority of Ferrellgas Partners’ outstanding Class A Units and, in certain cases, holders of Ferrellgas Partners’ Class B Units and the operating partnership’s Preferred Units.

Class A Unitholders will have no right to elect our general partner or the directors of our general partner on an annual or other continuing basis. See Note J “Equity (Deficit)” to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein for Board rights related to the Class B Units. Under certain circumstances, holders of the Preferred Units may have the right to appoint a majority of the Board of Directors of our general partner after March 30, 2031. See Note I “Preferred units” to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.

Our general partner may not be removed except pursuant to the vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding units entitled to vote thereon, which includes the Class A Units owned by our general partner and its affiliates and upon the election of a successor general partner by the vote of the holders of not less than a majority of the outstanding Class A Units entitled to vote; provided that holders of the Class B Units will have the right to remove the general partner under certain circumstances.

25

Table of Contents

Unitholders may not have limited liability in specified circumstances and may be liable for the return of distributions.

The limitations on the liability of holders of limited partner interests for the obligations of a limited partnership have not been clearly established in some states. The limited partners could be held liable in some circumstances for our obligations to the same extent as a general partner if it were determined that we had been conducting business in any state without compliance with the applicable limited partnership statute.  

In addition, under some circumstances a unitholder may be liable to us for the amount of a distribution for a period of three years from the date of the distribution. Unitholders will not be liable for assessments in addition to their initial capital investment in our Class A Units. Under Delaware law, we may not make a distribution to our unitholders if the distribution causes all our liabilities to exceed the fair value of our assets. Liabilities to partners on account of their partnership interests and liabilities for which recourse is limited to specific property are not counted for purposes of determining whether a distribution is permitted. Delaware law provides that a limited partner who receives such a distribution and knew at the time of the distribution that the distribution violated the Delaware law will be liable to the limited partnership for the distribution amount for three years from the distribution date. Under Delaware law, an assignee that becomes a substituted limited partner of a limited partnership is liable for the obligations of the assignor to make contributions to the partnership. However, such an assignee is not obligated for liabilities unknown to that assignee at the time such assignee became a limited partner if the liabilities could not be determined from the partnership agreements.

Tax Risks

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) could challenge our classification as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, which, if successful, would result in our being treated as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. Additionally, changes in federal or state laws could subject us to entity-level taxation. Either of these events would substantially reduce the cash available for distribution to our unitholders.

We believe that, under current law, we have been and will continue to be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes; however, we have not requested, and do not plan to request, a ruling from the IRS with respect to our treatment as a partnership for federal income tax purposes. One of the requirements for such classification 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 of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). Whether we will continue to be classified as a partnership depends in part on our ability to meet this qualifying income test in the future.

If we were classified as a corporation for federal income tax purposes, we would pay tax on our income at corporate rates, currently a maximum of 21% at the federal level, and we would probably pay additional state income taxes as well. In addition, distributions would generally be taxable to the recipient as corporate dividends and no income, gains, losses or deductions would flow through to our unitholders. Because a tax would be imposed upon us at the entity level as a corporation, the cash available for distribution to our unitholders would be substantially reduced. Therefore, treatment of us as a corporation would result in a material reduction in the anticipated cash flow and after-tax return to our unitholders and thus would likely result in a substantial reduction in the value of our units.

The tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships could be subject to potential legislative, judicial or administrative changes and differing interpretations, possibly on a retroactive basis.

The present U.S. federal income tax treatment of publicly traded partnerships, including us, may be modified by administrative or judicial interpretation or legislative action at any time. Any modification to the U.S. federal income tax laws and interpretations thereof may or may not be applied retroactively and could make it more difficult or impossible to meet the exception for us to be treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes that is not taxable as a corporation, affect or cause us to change our business activities, affect the tax considerations of an investment in us and change the character or treatment of portions of our income. Any such changes could cause us to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes and thereby subject us to entity-level income taxes, which would cause a material reduction in our anticipated cash flows and adversely affect the value of our units.

26

Table of Contents

A successful IRS contest of the federal income tax positions we take may reduce the market value of our units and the costs of any contest will be borne by us and therefore indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner.

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. Any successful IRS contest may materially reduce the market value of our units and the prices at which our units trade. In addition, our costs of any contest with the IRS will be borne by us and therefore indirectly by our unitholders and our general partner.

Unitholders may be required to pay taxes on their share of our taxable income even if they do not receive cash distributions from us.

Unitholders may be required to pay federal income taxes and, in some cases, state and local income taxes on their share of our taxable income, including our taxable income associated with a disposition of property or cancellation of debt, whether or not they receive any cash distributions from us. Unless we are able to pay and actually pay cash distributions on our Class A Units, Class A Unitholders will not receive any cash from us to cover any such tax liabilities, and, if we do pay cash distributions in the future, such cash distributions may not be equal to unitholders’ share of our taxable income or even equal to the actual tax liability which results from that income.

We continue to pursue a strategy to normalize our capital structure. As part of this strategy, we may engage in transactions that could have significant adverse tax consequences to our unitholders. For example, we may sell some of our assets and use the proceeds to fund capital expenditures or a redemption or conversion of our Class B Units or Preferred Units rather than distributing the proceeds to our unitholders, and some or all of our unitholders may be allocated substantial taxable income and gain resulting from the sale without receiving a cash distribution. We may also engage in transactions to reduce our existing debt or debt service costs, such as debt exchanges, debt repurchases, or modifications of our existing debt, which could result in cancellation of indebtedness income, or other income, being allocated to our unitholders as taxable income. This may cause a unitholder to be allocated taxable income with respect to our units with no corresponding distribution of cash to fund the payment of the unitholder’s resulting tax liability. The ultimate effect of any such allocations will depend on the unitholder’s individual tax position with respect to its units. Unitholders are encouraged to consult their tax advisors with respect to the consequences to them of this income.

Our unitholders may be subject to limitations on their ability to deduct interest expense incurred by us.

In general, our Class A Unitholders are entitled to a deduction for the interest we have paid or accrued on indebtedness properly allocable to our business during our taxable year. However, under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “Tax Act”), for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, the deductibility of net interest expense is limited to the sum of our business interest income and 30% (or 50% for 2020, as amended by the CARES Act) of our “adjusted taxable income”. For tax years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2022, the Tax Act calculates adjusted taxable income using an EBITDA-based calculation. For tax years beginning January 1, 2022 and thereafter, the calculation of adjusted taxable income will not add back depreciation or amortization. Any business interest expense disallowed at the partnership level is then generally carried forward and may be deducted in a succeeding taxable year by a unitholder, in accordance with the unitholder’s applicable tax laws. These limitations might cause interest expense to be deducted by our unitholders in a later period than recognized in the GAAP financial statements.

There are limits on the deductibility of losses.

In the case of unitholders subject to the passive loss rules (generally, individuals, closely held corporations and regulated investment companies), any losses generated by us will only be available to offset our future income and cannot be used to offset income from other activities, including passive activities or investments. Unused losses may be deducted when the unitholder disposes of its entire investment in us in a fully taxable transaction with an unrelated party. A unitholder’s share of our net passive income may be offset by unused losses carried over from prior years, but not by losses from other passive activities, including losses from other publicly-traded partnerships.

27

Table of Contents

Tax gain or loss on the disposition of our Class A Units could be different than expected.

If a unitholder sells its Class A Units, the unitholder will recognize a gain or loss equal to the difference between the amount realized and its tax basis in those Class A Units. Prior distributions in excess of the total net taxable income the unitholder was allocated for a Class A Unit, which decreased its tax basis in that Class A Unit, will, in effect, become taxable income to the unitholder if the Class A Unit is sold at a price greater than its tax basis in that Class A Unit, even if the price received is less than its original cost. A substantial portion of the amount realized, whether or not representing a gain, will likely be ordinary income to that unitholder. Should the IRS successfully contest certain positions we take, a selling unitholder could recognize more gain on the sale of units than would be the case under those positions, without the benefit of decreased taxable income in prior years. In addition, if a unitholder sells its units, the unitholder may incur a tax liability in excess of the amount of cash that unitholder receives from the sale.

Tax-exempt entities, regulated investment companies, and foreign persons face unique tax issues from owning Class A Units that may result in additional tax liability or reporting requirements for them.

An investment in Class A Units by tax-exempt entities, such as employee benefit plans, individual retirement accounts, regulated investment companies, generally known as mutual funds, and non-U.S. persons, raises issues unique to them. For example, virtually all of our income allocated to organizations exempt from federal income tax, including individual retirement accounts and other retirement plans, will be unrelated business taxable income and thus will be taxable to them. Net income from a “qualified publicly-traded partnership” is qualifying income for a regulated investment company, or mutual fund. However, no more than 25% of the value of a regulated investment company’s total assets may be invested in the securities of one or more qualified publicly-traded partnerships. We expect to be treated as a qualified publicly-traded partnership. Distributions, if any, made to non-U.S. persons will be reduced by withholding taxes, at the highest effective tax rate applicable to individuals, and non-U.S. persons will be required to file federal income tax returns and generally pay tax on their share of our taxable income.

Reporting of partnership tax information is complicated and subject to audits; we cannot guarantee conformity to IRS requirements. As a result of investing in our units, a unitholder will likely be subject to state and local taxes and return filing requirements in jurisdictions in which it is not domiciled. Additionally, unitholders may have negative tax consequences if we default on our debt or sell assets.

We will furnish each unitholder with a Schedule K-1 that sets forth that unitholder’s allocable share of income, gains, losses and deductions. In preparing these schedules, we will use various accounting and reporting conventions and adopt various depreciation and amortization methods. We cannot guarantee that these schedules will yield a result that conforms to statutory or regulatory requirements or to administrative pronouncements of the IRS. If any of the information on these schedules is successfully challenged by the IRS, the character and amount of items of income, gain, loss or deduction previously reported by unitholders might change, and unitholders might be required to adjust their tax liability for prior years and incur interest and penalties with respect to those adjustments.

We may be audited by the IRS and tax adjustments could be made. The rights of a unitholder owning less than a 1% interest in us to participate in the income tax audit process are very limited. Further, any adjustments in our tax returns may lead to adjustments in unitholders’ tax returns and may lead to audits of unitholders’ tax returns and adjustments of items unrelated to us. A unitholder will bear the cost of any expenses incurred in connection with an examination of its personal tax return.

Pursuant to the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, if the IRS makes audit adjustments to our income tax returns for tax years beginning after 2017, it may collect any resulting taxes (including any applicable penalties and interest) directly from us. We will generally have the ability to shift any such tax liability to our general partner and our unitholders in accordance with their interests in us during the year under audit, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so under all circumstances. If we are required to make payments of taxes, penalties and interest resulting from audit adjustments, our cash available for distribution to our unitholders might be substantially reduced.

28

Table of Contents

In addition to federal income taxes, unitholders will likely be subject to other taxes, such as state and local taxes, unincorporated business taxes and estate, inheritance or intangible taxes that are imposed by the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own property. A unitholder will likely be required to file state and local income tax returns and pay state and local income taxes in some or all of the various jurisdictions in which we do business or own property and may be subject to penalties for failure to comply with those requirements. We currently conduct business in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. It is each unitholder’s responsibility to file all required federal, state and local tax returns.

If we default on any of our debt, the holders will have the right to sue us for non-payment. That action could cause an investment loss and negative tax consequences for our unitholders through the realization of taxable income by unitholders without a corresponding cash distribution. Likewise, if we were to dispose of assets and realize a taxable gain while there is substantial debt outstanding and proceeds of the sale were applied to the debt, our unitholders could have increased taxable income without a corresponding cash distribution.

A unitholder whose Class A Units are the subject of a securities loan (e.g., a loan to a “short seller” to cover a short sale of Class A Units) may be deemed to have disposed of those Class A Units. If so, the unitholder would no longer be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those Class A Units during the period of the loan and may recognize gain or loss from the disposition.

Because there are no specific rules governing the U.S. federal income tax consequences of loaning a partnership interest, a unitholder whose Class A Units are the subject of a securities loan may be deemed to have disposed of the loaned units. In that case, the unitholder may no longer be treated for tax purposes as a partner with respect to those Class A Units during the period of the loan and the unitholder may recognize gain or loss from such disposition. Moreover, during the period of the loan, any of our income, gain, loss or deduction with respect to those Class A Units may not be reportable by the unitholder and any cash distributions received by the unitholder as to those Class A Units could be fully taxable as ordinary income. Unitholders desiring to assure their status as partners and avoid the risk of gain recognition from a loan to a short seller should modify any applicable brokerage account agreements to prohibit their brokers from borrowing their Class A Units.

Conflicts of Interest

Conflicts of interest could arise as a result of the relationships between us, on the one hand, and our general partner and its affiliates, on the other. The directors and officers of our general partner have fiduciary duties to manage our general partner in a manner beneficial to our general partner and its stockholder. At the same time, our general partner has a contractual good faith duty of care to manage us in a manner the general partner reasonably believes to be in, or not inconsistent with, our best interests. The contractual duties of our general partner to us and our unitholders, therefore, may conflict with the fiduciary duties of the directors and officers of our general partner to our general partner and its stockholder.

Matters in which, and reasons that, such conflicts of interest may arise include:

we do not have any employees and rely solely on employees of our general partner and its affiliates;
under the terms of the partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, we must reimburse our general partner and its affiliates for costs incurred in managing and operating us, including costs incurred in providing employees to the operating partnership and rendering corporate staff and support services to us;
our general partner is not restricted from causing us to pay it or its affiliates for any services rendered on terms that are fair and reasonable to us or causing us to enter into additional contractual arrangements with any of such entities;
neither the partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership nor any of the other agreements, contracts and arrangements between us, on the one hand, and our general partner and its affiliates, on the other, are or will be the result of arm’s-length negotiations;

29

Table of Contents

whenever possible, our general partner limits our liability under contractual arrangements to all or a portion of our assets, with the other party thereto having no recourse against our general partner or its assets;
the partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership permit our general partner to make these limitations even if we could have obtained more favorable terms if our general partner had not limited its liability;
any agreements between us and our general partner or its affiliates will not grant to our unitholders, separate and apart from us, the right to enforce the obligations of our general partner or such affiliates in favor of us; therefore, our general partner will be primarily responsible for enforcing those obligations against itself or such affiliates;
our general partner may exercise its limited right to call for and purchase Class A Units as provided in the partnership agreement of Ferrellgas Partners or assign that right to one of its affiliates or to us;
our partnership agreements provide that it will not constitute a breach of our general partner’s fiduciary duties to us for its affiliates to engage in activities of the type conducted by us, other than retail propane sales to end users in the continental United States in the manner engaged in by our general partner immediately prior to our initial public offering, even if these activities are in direct competition with us;
our general partner and its affiliates have no obligation to present business opportunities to us;
our general partner selects the attorneys, accountants and others who perform services for us, and these persons may also perform services for our general partner and its affiliates; however, our general partner is authorized to retain separate counsel for us or our unitholders, depending on the nature of the conflict that arises; and
James E. Ferrell was the Chief Executive Officer and President of our general partner and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of our general partner through July 31, 2023. Effective August 1, 2023, Mr. Ferrell is the Executive Chairman of our general partner and the Board of Directors of our general partner. Mr. Ferrell owns other companies with whom we may, from time to time, conduct transactions in the ordinary course of our business. Mr. Ferrell’s ownership of these entities may conflict with his duties as an officer or director of our general partner, including with respect to our relationship and conduct of business with any of Mr. Ferrell’s companies.

Fiduciary Responsibilities

Unless otherwise provided for in a partnership agreement, Delaware law generally requires a general partner of a Delaware limited partnership to adhere to fiduciary duty standards under which it owes its limited partners the highest duties of good faith, fairness and loyalty and which generally prohibit the general partner from taking any action or engaging in any transaction as to which it has a conflict of interest. The partnership agreements of both Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, as permitted by Delaware law, unconditionally eliminate the default fiduciary duty standards and require the general partner to adhere to the contractual good faith duty of care set forth in those agreements. Specifically, the general partner need only take actions that it, as general partner, reasonably believes to be in, or not inconsistent with, the best interest of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership. Thus, neither the general partner nor Ferrellgas Partners owes traditional fiduciary duties to the unitholders.

30

Table of Contents

The partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership expressly permit our general partner to resolve conflicts of interest between itself or its affiliates, on the one hand, and us or our unitholders, on the other, and to consider, in resolving such conflicts of interest, the interests of other parties in addition to the interests of our unitholders. In addition, the partnership agreement of Ferrellgas Partners provides that a purchaser of Class A Units is deemed to have consented to specified conflicts of interest and actions of our general partner and its affiliates that might otherwise be prohibited, including those described above, and to have agreed that such conflicts of interest and actions do not constitute a breach by our general partner of any duty stated or implied by law or equity. Our general partner will not be in breach of its obligations under the partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners or the operating partnership or its duties to us or our unitholders if the resolution of such conflict is fair and reasonable to us. Under the partnership agreements, any conflict of interest and any resolution thereof will conclusively be deemed fair and reasonable to us if it is (i) approved by the audit committee of our general partner, or (ii) on terms no less favorable to us than those generally being provided to or available from unrelated third parties or (iii) fair to us, taking into account the totality of the relationships between the parties involved (including other transactions that may be particularly favorable or advantageous to us). The latitude given in the partnership agreements to our general partner in resolving conflicts of interest may significantly limit the ability of a unitholder to challenge what might, in the absence of the partnership agreement provisions eliminating default fiduciary duties be a breach of fiduciary duty.

The partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership expressly limit the liability of our general partner by providing that our general partner, its affiliates and their respective officers and directors will not be liable for monetary damages to us, our unitholders or assignees thereof for errors of judgment or for any acts or omissions if our general partner and such other persons acted in good faith. In addition, we are required to indemnify our general partner, its affiliates and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents and trustees to the fullest extent permitted by law against liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by our general partner or such other persons if our general partner or such persons acted in good faith and in a manner it or they reasonably believed to be in, or (in the case of a person other than our general partner) not opposed to, the best interests of us and, with respect to any criminal proceedings, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful.

ITEM 1B.   UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.

None.

ITEM 2.      PROPERTIES.

We own or lease the following transportation equipment at July 31, 2023:

    

% Owned

    

% Leased

    

Approximate Total

Truck tractors

 

59

%  

41

%  

120

Propane transport trailers

 

99

%  

1

%  

169

Portable tank delivery trucks

 

44

%  

56

%  

677

Portable tank exchange delivery trailers

 

89

%  

11

%  

351

Bulk propane delivery trucks

 

54

%  

46

%  

1,611

Pickup and service trucks

 

66

%  

34

%  

1,065

Passenger vehicles

 

60

%  

40

%  

169

Other trailers

 

100

%  

%  

286

Railroad tank cars

 

%  

100

%  

41

The propane transport trailers have an average capacity of approximately 10,000 gallons. The bulk propane delivery trucks are generally fitted with tanks ranging in size from 2,600 to 3,500 gallons. Each railroad tank car has a capacity of approximately 30,000 gallons.

31

Table of Contents

We typically manage our propane distribution locations using a structure where one location, referred to as a service center, is staffed to provide oversight and management to multiple distribution locations, referred to as service units. At July 31, 2023, our propane distribution locations were comprised of 49 service centers and 803 service units. The service unit locations utilize hand-held computers and cellular or satellite technology to communicate with management typically located in the associated service center. We believe this structure together with our technology platform allows us to more efficiently route and schedule customer deliveries and significantly reduces the need for daily on-site management.

We also distributed propane for portable tank exchanges from 127 company-owned distributors and 4 independently-owned distributors at July 31, 2023. In addition, we had 12 company-owned portable tank exchange production facilities at July 31, 2023.

We owned approximately 48.4 million gallons of propane storage capacity at our propane distribution locations at July 31, 2023. We owned our land and buildings in the local markets of approximately 64% of our operating locations and leased the remaining facilities on terms customary in the industry at July 31, 2023.

We owned approximately 0.8 million propane tanks at July 31, 2023, most of which are located on customer property and rented to those customers. We also owned approximately 4.7 million portable propane cylinders at July 31, 2023, most of which are used by us to deliver propane to our portable tank exchange customers and to deliver propane to our industrial/commercial customers.

At July 31, 2023, we leased approximately 42.3 million gallons of propane storage capacity located at underground storage facilities and pipelines at various locations around the United States.

At July 31, 2023, we leased 54,691 square feet of office space at our corporate headquarters in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

We believe that we have satisfactory title to or valid rights to use all of our material properties. Although some of those properties may be subject to liabilities and leases, liens for taxes not yet currently due and payable and immaterial encumbrances, easements and restrictions, we do not believe that any such burdens will materially interfere with the continued use of such properties in our business. We believe that we have obtained, or are in the process of obtaining, all required material approvals. These approvals include authorizations, orders, licenses, permits, franchises, consents of, registrations, qualifications and filings with, the various state and local governmental and regulatory authorities which relate to our ownership of properties to our operations.

ITEM 3.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

For information regarding legal proceedings, see Note P “Contingencies and commitments” to the consolidated financial statements appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 

ITEM 4.      MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.

Not applicable.

32

Table of Contents

PART II

ITEM 5.       MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS’ COMMON EQUITY, RELATED UNITHOLDER AND STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.

Market Information for Ferrellgas Partners

Our Class A Units represent limited partner interests in Ferrellgas Partners and are listed and traded on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “FGPR.” Any over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

As of August 31, 2023, we had 363 Class A Unitholders of record. That Class A Unitholder figure does not include a substantially greater number of holders who are “street name” or beneficial holders and whose units are held of record by banks, brokers, and other institutions.

Distributions by Ferrellgas Partners

We have not paid any cash distributions to Class A Unitholders or the general partner during fiscal 2023, 2022 or 2021. Ferrellgas Partners made aggregate cash distributions of approximately $49.9 million and $100.0 million to its Class B Unitholders during the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively.  

For a discussion of considerations related to distributions by Ferrellgas Partners, including the requirements for and limitations on distributions under our partnership agreements and the agreements governing our indebtedness, see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financing Activities – Distributions.”

Recent Sales of Unregistered Equity Securities

There were none during fiscal 2023.

Purchases of Equity Securities

There were none during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023.

Ferrellgas Partners Tax Matters

Ferrellgas Partners is a master limited partnership and thus not subject to federal income taxes. Instead, our Class A and Class B Unitholders are required to report for income tax purposes their allocable share of our income, gains, losses, deductions and credits, regardless of whether we make distributions to our Unitholders. Accordingly, each Unitholder should consult its own tax advisor in analyzing the federal, state, and local tax consequences applicable to its ownership or disposition of our Class A and Class B Units. Ferrellgas Partners reports its tax information on a calendar year basis, while financial reporting is based on a fiscal year ending July 31.

Common Equity of Other Registrants

There is no established public trading market for the common equity of the operating partnership, Partners Finance Corp. or Finance Corp. Our general partner owns all of the general partner interest, and Ferrellgas Partners owns all of the limited partner interest (other than the limited partner interests represented by the Preferred Units), in the operating partnership. All of the common equity of Partners Finance Corp. is held by Ferrellgas Partners and all of the common equity of Finance Corp. is held by the operating partnership. There are no equity securities of the operating partnership, Partners Finance Corp. or Finance Corp. authorized for issuance under any equity compensation plan. During fiscal 2023, there were no issuances of equity securities of the operating partnership, Partners Finance Corp. or Finance Corp.

33

Table of Contents

Neither Partners Finance Corp. nor Finance Corp. declared or paid any cash dividends on its common equity during fiscal 2023, 2022 or 2021. For information regarding distributions by the operating partnership to its partners see Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources – Financing Activities – Distributions” and Note I “Preferred units” and Note J “Equity (Deficit)” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere herein.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

None.

ITEM 6.      RESERVED.

ITEM 7.       MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

Overview

Our management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations relates to Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership.

Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two direct subsidiaries, the operating partnership and Partners Finance Corp. Both Partners Finance Corp. and Finance Corp. have nominal assets, do not conduct any operations and have no employees other than officers. Our activities are primarily conducted through the operating partnership. Partners Finance Corp. has served as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners, while Finance Corp., a subsidiary of the operating partnership, serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the operating partnership. Accordingly, and due to the reduced disclosure format, a discussion of the results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of Partners Finance Corp. and Finance Corp. is not presented in this section.

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

The discussions set forth in the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections generally refer to Ferrellgas Partners and its consolidated subsidiaries. However, in these discussions there existed one material difference between Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership:

On January 8, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners entered into a term loan credit agreement with the operating partnership, pursuant to which the operating partnership extended to Ferrellgas Partners an unsecured, non-amortizing term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $19.9 million. The term loan bore interest at a rate of 20% per annum, and all interest on the term loan was added to the outstanding principal amount of the term loan. The term loan was scheduled to mature on July 1, 2022. During July 2021, Ferrellgas Partners made an optional prepayment of $9.0 million principal amount of the term loan. On May 16, 2022, Ferrellgas Partners repaid the operating partnership the full amount of the term loan of $15.3 million, which represented the outstanding principal and accrued interest. Additionally, Ferrellgas Partners paid the operating partnership $3.9 million for separate intercompany receivables related to expenses incurred during the 2021 debt transactions.

34

Table of Contents

How We Evaluate Our Operations

We evaluate our overall business performance based primarily on a metric we refer to as “Adjusted EBITDA,” which is not defined by GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to earnings measures defined by GAAP. We do not utilize depreciation, depletion and amortization expense in our key measures because we focus our performance management on cash flow generation and our revenue generating assets have long useful lives. For the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., the most directly comparable GAAP measure, see the subheading “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.

Propane operations and related equipment sales

Based on our propane sales volumes in fiscal 2023, we believe that we are the second largest retail marketer of propane in the United States 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 retail distribution and sale of propane and related equipment and supplies.

We use information on temperatures to understand how our results of operations are affected by temperatures that are warmer or colder than normal. Normal temperatures computed by us are the average of the last 10 years of information published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Based on this information we calculate a ratio of actual heating degree days to normal heating degree days. Heating degree days are a general indicator of weather impacting propane usage.

Weather conditions have a significant impact on demand for propane for heating purposes primarily during the months of November through March (the “winter heating season”). Accordingly, the volume of propane used by our customers for this purpose is directly affected by the severity of the winter weather in the regions we serve and can vary substantially from year to year. In any given region, sustained warmer-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in reduced propane usage, while sustained colder-than-normal temperatures will tend to result in greater usage. Although there is a strong correlation between weather and customer usage, general economic conditions in the United States and the wholesale price of propane can have a significant impact on this correlation. Additionally, there is a natural time lag between the onset of cold weather and increased sales to customers. If the United States were to experience a cooling trend, we could expect nationwide demand for propane to increase which could lead to greater sales, income and liquidity availability. Conversely, if the United States were to experience a continued warming trend, we could expect nationwide demand for propane for heating purposes to decrease which could lead to a reduction in our sales, income and liquidity availability as well as impact our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants.

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. We attempt to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments and forward propane purchase and sales contracts. We enter into propane sales commitments with a portion of our customers that provide for a contracted price agreement for a specified period of time. These commitments can expose us to product price risk if not immediately hedged with an offsetting propane purchase commitment.

Our open financial derivative propane purchase commitments are designated as hedges primarily for fiscal 2023 and 2024 sales commitments and, as of July 31, 2023, we have experienced net mark-to-market gains of approximately $1.1 million. Because these financial derivative purchase commitments qualify for hedge accounting treatment, the resulting asset, liability and related mark-to-market gains or losses are recorded on the consolidated balance sheets as “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Other assets, net,” “Other current liabilities,” “Other liabilities” and “Accumulated other comprehensive income,” respectively, until settled. Upon settlement, realized gains or losses on these contracts will be reclassified to “Cost of sales-propane and other gas liquid sales” in the consolidated statements of operations as the underlying inventory is sold. These financial derivative purchase commitment net gains are expected to be offset by decreased margins on propane sales commitments that qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exception. At July 31, 2023, we estimate 93% of currently open financial derivative purchase commitments, the related propane sales commitments and the resulting gross margin will be realized into earnings during the next twelve months.

35

Table of Contents

Summary Discussion of Results of Operations:

For the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022

We recognized net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. of $136.9 million and $148.0 million during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively. This change was primarily driven by increases of $56.9 million in “Operating expenses – personnel, vehicle, plant and other,” $18.0 million in “General and administrative expense,” and $3.5 million in “Depreciation and amortization expense.” We also recognized a loss of $5.7 million in fiscal 2023 compared to a $6.6 million gain in fiscal 2022 in “Loss (gain) on disposal of assets.” These increases were partially offset by a $79.2 million increase in “Gross margin.” The increase in gross margin consists of a $69.7 million increase in “Gross margin – Propane and other gas liquid sales” and a $9.5 million increase in “Gross margin – Other.”  

Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors increased to $254.4 million in fiscal 2023 compared to $226.8 million in fiscal 2022. This increase of $27.6 million was primarily due to a $20.1 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA and a $12.7 million decrease in net cash interest expense, which was partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in maintenance capital expenditures and a $2.0 million decrease in proceeds from asset sales.

Distributable cash flow excess increased to $135.0 million in fiscal 2023 as compared to $57.0 million in fiscal 2022, primarily due to a decrease of $49.9 million in distributions paid to Class B unitholders and the $27.6 million increase in distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors noted above.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Year ended July 31, 

(amounts in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

 

Total revenues

$

2,026,465

$

2,114,540

Total cost of sales

 

1,019,270

 

1,186,513

Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other

 

577,520

 

520,603

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

93,370

 

89,897

General and administrative expense

 

70,738

 

52,780

Operating expense - equipment lease expense

 

23,252

 

23,094

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

2,935

 

3,170

Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals

 

5,691

 

(6,618)

Operating income

 

233,689

 

245,101

Interest expense

 

(97,712)

 

(100,093)

Other income, net

 

2,625

 

4,833

Earnings before income taxes

 

138,602

 

149,841

Income tax expense

 

981

 

981

Net earnings

 

137,621

 

148,860

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

740

 

867

Net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

$

136,881

$

147,993

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In this Annual Report we present the following non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA, Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors, Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders, and Distributable cash flow excess.

36

Table of Contents

Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA for Ferrellgas Partners is calculated as net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., plus the sum of the following: income tax expense, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge, loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals, other income, net,  severance costs, legal fees and settlements related to non-core businesses, business transformation costs, and net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest. Management believes the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful because it allows investors to view the partnership’s performance in a manner similar to the method management uses, adjusted for items management believes make it easier to compare its results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures. Adjusted EBITDA, as management defines it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements used by other companies. Items added into our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. This method of calculating Adjusted EBITDA should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.

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

Distributable Cash Flow Attributable to Class A and B Unitholders. Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders is calculated as Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors minus distributions accrued or paid to Preferred Unitholders and distributable cash flow attributable to general partner and noncontrolling interest. Management considers Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders a meaningful measure of the partnership’s ability to declare and pay quarterly distributions to Class A and B Unitholders. Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders, as management defines it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements used by other companies. Items added into our calculation of distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.

Distributable Cash Flow Excess. Distributable cash flow excess is calculated as Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B unitholders minus Distributions paid to Class A and B unitholders. Distributable cash flow excess, if any, is retained to establish reserves, to reduce debt, to fund capital expenditures and for other partnership purposes, and any shortage is funded from previously established reserves, cash on hand or borrowings under our Credit Facility. Management considers Distributable cash flow excess a meaningful measure of the partnership’s ability to effectuate those purposes. Distributable cash flow excess, as management defines it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements used by other companies. Items added into our calculation of distributable cash flow excess that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. Distributable cash flow excess should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.

37

Table of Contents

The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA, Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors, Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders and Distributable cash flow excess to Net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., the most directly comparable GAAP measure, for the fiscal years indicated:

Year ended July 31, 

(amounts in thousands)

2023

2022

Net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

$

136,881

$

147,993

Income tax expense

 

981

 

981

Interest expense

 

97,712

 

100,093

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

93,370

 

89,897

EBITDA

 

328,944

 

338,964

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

2,935

 

3,170

Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals

 

5,691

 

(6,618)

Other income, net

 

(2,625)

 

(4,833)

Severance costs

644

578

Legal fees and settlements related to non-core businesses

21,751

7,938

Business transformation costs (1)

2,088

Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

740

 

867

Adjusted EBITDA

 

360,168

 

340,066

Net cash interest expense (2)

 

(86,695)

 

(99,366)

Maintenance capital expenditures (3)

 

(20,169)

 

(17,019)

Cash paid for income taxes

 

(1,092)

 

(1,018)

Proceeds from certain asset sales

 

2,152

 

4,113

Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors

 

254,364

 

226,776

Less: Distributions accrued or paid to preferred unitholders

64,314

65,287

Distributable cash flow attributable to general partner and non-controlling interest

 

(5,087)

 

(4,536)

Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B unitholders

 

184,963

 

156,953

Less: Distributions paid to Class A and B unitholders (4)

 

49,998

 

99,996

Distributable cash flow excess

$

134,965

$

56,957

(1)Non-recurring costs included in “Operating, general and administrative expense” primarily related to the implementation of an Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system as part of our business transformation initiatives.
(2)Net cash interest expense is the sum of interest expense less non-cash interest expense and other income, net.
(3)Maintenance capital expenditures include capitalized expenditures for betterment and replacement of property, plant and equipment, and may from time to time include the purchase of assets that are typically leased.
(4)The Company did not pay any distributions to Class A unitholders during fiscal 2023 or 2022.

38

Table of Contents

Operating Results for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022

Propane operations and related equipment sales

The following table summarizes propane sales volumes and Adjusted EBITDA results for the fiscal years indicated:

    

2023

    

2022

    

Increase (Decrease)

 

As of July 31, 

Retail customers

648,794

672,507

(23,713)

(4)

%

Tank exchange selling locations

62,158

61,505

653

1

%

(amounts in thousands)

Year ended July 31, 

Propane sales volumes (gallons):

 

 

  

 

  

    

  

Retail - Sales to End Users

 

602,143

 

624,316

 

(22,173)

 

(4)

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

205,890

 

206,516

 

(626)

 

(0)

%

 

808,033

 

830,832

 

(22,799)

 

(3)

%

Revenues -

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Propane and other gas liquids sales:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Retail - Sales to End Users

$

1,374,090

$

1,446,857

$

(72,767)

 

(5)

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

525,528

 

549,058

 

(23,530)

 

(4)

%

Other Gas Sales (1)

 

17,274

 

21,964

 

(4,690)

 

(21)

%

Other (2)

 

109,573

 

96,661

 

12,912

 

13

%

Propane and related equipment revenues

$

2,026,465

$

2,114,540

$

(88,075)

 

(4)

%

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Gross Margin -

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Propane and other gas liquids sales gross margin: (3)

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Retail - Sales to End Users (1)

$

696,874

$

613,026

$

83,848

 

14

%

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers (1)

 

216,661

 

230,849

 

(14,188)

 

(6)

%

Other (2)

 

93,660

 

84,152

 

9,508

 

11

%

Propane and related equipment gross profit

$

1,007,195

$

928,027

$

79,168

 

9

%

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Operating, general and administrative expense (4)

$

648,258

$

573,383

$

74,875

 

13

%

Operating expense - equipment lease expense

 

23,252

 

23,094

 

158

 

1

%

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

Operating income

$

233,689

$

245,101

$

(11,412)

 

(5)

%

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

93,370

 

89,897

 

3,473

 

4

%

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

2,935

3,170

(235)

(7)

%

Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals

 

5,691

 

(6,618)

 

12,309

 

(186)

%

Legal fees and settlements related to non-core businesses

 

21,751

 

7,938

 

13,813

174

%

Business transformation costs (5)

 

2,088

 

 

2,088

100

%

Severance costs

644

 

578

 

66

11

%

Adjusted EBITDA

$

360,168

$

340,066

$

20,102

 

6

%

(1)Gross margin for “Other Gas Sales” is allocated to Gross margin “Retail - Sales to End Users” and “Wholesale - Sales to Resellers” based on the volumes in each respective category.
(2)“Other” primarily includes various customer fee income and to a lesser extent appliance and material sales.
(3)Gross margin from “Propane and other gas liquids sales” represents “Revenues - Propane and other gas liquids sales” less “Cost of sales - Propane and other gas liquids sales” and does not include depreciation and amortization.
(4)“Operating, general and administrative expense” above includes both the “Operating expense – personnel, vehicle, plant and other” and “General and administrative expense” captions in the consolidated statement of operations.
(5)Non-recurring costs included in “Operating, general and administrative expense” primarily related to the implementation of an ERP system as part of our business transformation initiatives.

39

Table of Contents

Propane sales volumes during fiscal 2023 decreased 3%, or 22.8 million gallons, compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease was largely attributable to a decrease in retail gallons sold, which correlates with a 3.5% decrease in retail customers. Although temperatures for fiscal 2023 were approximately 5.7% warmer than normal, based on a 10-year average, they were only 0.5% warmer compared to fiscal 2022. Thus, the decrease in gallons sold during fiscal 2023 was primarily driven by the decline in retail customers and slightly warmer weather compared to fiscal 2022.

Our wholesale sales price per gallon partially correlates to the change in the wholesale market price of propane. The wholesale market prices at major supply points in Mt. Belvieu, Texas and Conway, Kansas during fiscal 2023 averaged 36% less than fiscal 2022. The wholesale market price at Mt. Belvieu, Texas averaged $0.80 and $1.25 per gallon during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively, while the wholesale market price at Conway, Kansas averaged $0.79 and $1.23 per gallon during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, respectively. This decrease in the wholesale cost of propane contributed to our decrease in sales price per gallon and therefore revenues.

Revenues

Retail sales decreased $72.8 million or 5% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease resulted primarily from a decrease in sales price per gallon as noted above. The decrease in revenues from retail customers was primarily in our industrial/commercial, transport and agricultural customer bases.

Wholesale sales decreased $23.5 million or 4% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022. This decrease in sales was primarily due to the decrease in sales price per gallon, as discussed above.

Other gas sales decreased $4.7 million or 21% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to the decrease in  sales price per gallon noted above.

Other revenues increased $12.9 million or 13% in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 primarily due to increases in miscellaneous fees billed to customers, tank rental income, and sales of tanks and cylinders.

Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquids sales

Gross margin increased $69.7 million primarily due to increased retail gross margin of $83.8 million, which was primarily driven by increased margins on sales to residential customers, partially offset by a decrease of $14.2 million in wholesale gross margin. The increase in retail gross margin was primarily due to the decrease in the wholesale cost of propane, as noted above. The decrease in wholesale gross margin was primarily due to an increase in cost of sales attributable to our tank exchange business, which was driven by higher product and transportation costs.

Gross margin - other

Gross margin increased $9.5 million in fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to the increases in Other revenues, as discussed above.

Operating income

Operating income decreased $11.4 million primarily due to a $74.9 million increase in “Operating, general and administrative expense,” and a $3.5 million increase in “Depreciation and amortization expense.” We also recognized a loss of $5.7 million in fiscal 2023 compared to a gain of $6.6 million in fiscal 2022 for a net change of $12.3 million in “Loss (gain) on assets sales and disposals.” These decreases in operating income were partially offset by a $69.7 million increase in “Gross margin - Propane and other gas liquid sales” and a $9.5 million increase in “Gross margin – other,” both as discussed above.

40

Table of Contents

“Operating, general and administrative expense” increased due to a $56.9 million increase in “Operating expense – personnel, vehicle, plant and other,” and an $18.0 million increase in “General and administrative expense.” The increase in “Operating expense – personnel, vehicle, plant and other” was driven by increases of approximately $28.8 million in personnel expense from planned increases in compensation across the company and the addition of service technicians in high-growth areas. In addition, the Company had expense of $13.3 million in vehicle repairs, maintenance, and fuel costs due to continued high market costs in these growth areas for fiscal 2023. The remainder of the increase was primarily related to higher claims costs. The increase in “General and administrative expense” was primarily due to a $13.8 million increase in legal costs associated with a non-core business and $2.1 million of non-recurring costs primarily related to the implementation of an ERP system as part of our business transformation initiatives.

The $3.5 million increase in “Depreciation and amortization expense” was associated with amortization of intangible assets associated with acquisitions, capitalized tank installation costs, and finance leases.

The $12.3 million change in “Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals” primarily related to the gain associated with the derecognition of a lease liability in fiscal 2022 compared to a loss in fiscal 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA increased $20.1 million or 6% primarily due to EBITDA adjustments related to a $13.8 million increase in legal fees and settlements related to a non-core business, the $12.3 million change in “Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals,” and $2.1 million of non-recurring business transformation costs related to the implementation of an ERP system in addition to an increase of $3.5 million in “Depreciation and amortization expense.” These increases were partially offset by the $11.4 million decrease in operating income, as discussed above.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are cash flows from operating activities, our Credit Facility and funds received from sales of debt and equity securities. On March 30, 2021 the operating partnership, the general partner and certain of the operating partnership’s subsidiaries entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which provides for a four-year revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $350.0 million. The Credit Agreement includes a sublimit not to exceed $300.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit. For additional discussion, see Note H “Debt” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

As of July 31, 2023, our total liquidity was $388.3 million, which was comprised of $126.2 million in unrestricted cash and $262.1 million of availability under our Credit Facility. These sources of liquidity and short-term capital resources are intended to fund our working capital requirements, acquisitions and capital expenditures. As of July 31, 2023, letters of credit outstanding totaled $74.0 million. Our access to long-term capital resources, to the extent needed to refinance debt or for other purposes, may be affected by our ability to access the capital markets, covenants in our debt agreements and other financial obligations, unforeseen demands on cash, or other events beyond our control.

As of July 31, 2023, we had $11.1 million of restricted cash for a cash deposit made with the administrative agent under our prior senior secured credit facility that was terminated in April 2020.

Our working capital requirements are subject to, among other things, the price of propane, delays in the collection of receivables, volatility in energy commodity prices, liquidity imposed by insurance providers, downgrades in our credit ratings, decreased trade credit, significant acquisitions, the weather, customer retention and purchasing patterns and other changes in the demand for propane. Relatively colder weather or higher propane prices during the winter heating season are factors that could significantly increase our working capital requirements.

41

Table of Contents

Our ability to satisfy our obligations is dependent upon our future performance, which will be subject to prevailing weather, economic, financial and business conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond our control. Due to the seasonality of the retail propane distribution business, a significant portion of our propane operations and related products cash flows from operations is generated during the winter heating season. Our net cash provided by operating activities primarily reflects earnings from our business activities adjusted for depreciation and amortization and changes in our working capital accounts. Historically, we generate significantly lower net cash from operating activities in our first and fourth fiscal quarters as compared to the second and third fiscal quarters due to the seasonality of our propane operations and related equipment sales operations.

During periods of high volatility, our risk management activities may expose us to the risk of counterparty margin calls in amounts greater than we have the capacity to fund. Likewise, our counterparties may not be able to fulfill their margin calls from us or may default on the settlement of positions with us.

We believe that the liquidity available from cash flows from operating activities, unrestricted cash and the Credit Facility will be sufficient to meet our capital expenditure, working capital and letter of credit requirements for the foreseeable future.

Distributable Cash Flow

Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors is reconciled to net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., the most directly comparable GAAP measure, in this Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations –Non-GAAP Financial Measures” above. A comparison of distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors to cash distributions accrued or paid to equity investors for the year ended July 31, 2023 to the year ended July 31, 2022 is as follows (in thousands):

    

Distributable

    

Cash reserves

    

Cash distributions

    

cash flow attributable

approved by our

accrued or paid to

DCF

to equity investors

 General Partner

equity investors

ratio (1)

Year ended July 31, 2023

$

254,364

$

190,050

$

64,314

 

4.0x

Year ended July 31, 2022

 

226,776

 

161,489

 

65,287

 

3.5x

Increase (decrease)

$

27,588

$

28,561

$

(973)

 

0.5x

(1)DCF ratio is calculated as Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors divided by Cash distributions accrued or paid to equity investors.

For fiscal 2023, Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors increased $27.6 million compared to fiscal 2022, primarily due to a $20.1 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA, a $12.7 million decrease in net cash interest expense, partially offset by a $3.2 million increase in maintenance capital expenditures.

Quarterly distributions aggregating to $64.4 million were paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units during the year ended July 31, 2023. This included $1.7 million of Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units related to the side letters outlined in the OpCo LPA Amendment. As of July 31, 2023, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $17.5 million with $15.4 million paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units on August 15, 2023. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrual of $2.1 million represents Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to the side letters.

Quarterly distributions aggregating to $63.4 million were paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units during the year ended July 31, 2022. This included $0.9 million of Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units related to the side letters outlined in the OpCo LPA Amendment. As of July 31, 2022, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $17.5 million with $15.4 million paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units on August 15, 2022. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrual of $2.1 million represents Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to the side letters.

42

Table of Contents

We did not pay any cash distributions to our Class A Unitholders or the general partner during fiscal 2023 or fiscal 2022. Ferrellgas Partners made aggregate cash distributions of approximately $49.9 million and $100.0 million to its Class B Unitholders during the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note R “Net earnings (loss) per unitholders’ interest” for additional information. Thus, cash reserves, which we utilize to meet future anticipated expenditures, were $190.1 million and $161.5 million, respectively, for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022.

Operating Activities

Ferrellgas Partners

Fiscal 2023 v Fiscal 2022

Net cash provided by operating activities was $212.3 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $160.5 million for fiscal 2022. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a $22.6 million decrease in working capital requirements, an $18.2 million decrease in requirements for other current liabilities, a $14.1 million inflow associated with other assets and liabilities, and a $4.9 million increase in cash flow from operations. These changes were partially offset by an increase of $6.7 million in requirements for prepaid expenses and a $1.3 million increase in accrued interest expense.  

The $22.6 million decrease in working capital requirements for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily due to a $43.9 million decrease in inventory requirements and a $10.5 million decrease in requirements for accounts and notes receivable, net. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $31.8 million in requirements for accounts payable. The $18.2 decrease in net cash used in operations related to other current liabilities was primarily driven by changes in the broker margin deposit liability.

The increase in cash flow from operations was primarily due to a $79.2 million increase in gross profit and a $2.4 million decrease in “Interest expense.” These changes were partially offset by an increase in “Operating expense – personnel, vehicle, plant and other” of $56.9 million, an $18.0 million increase in “General and administrative expense,” and a decrease of $2.2 million in “Other income, net.”  

The operating partnership

Fiscal 2023 v Fiscal 2022

Net cash provided by operating activities was $212.4 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $179.7 million for fiscal 2022. This increase in net cash provided by operating activities was primarily due to a $22.6 million decrease in working capital requirements, an $18.4 million decrease in requirements for other current liabilities, and a $2.6 million increase in cash flow from operations. These changes were partially offset by an increase of $6.7 million in requirements for prepaid expenses, a $2.9 million outflow associated with other assets and liabilities, and a $1.3 million increase in accrued interest expense.

The $22.6 million decrease in working capital requirements for fiscal 2023 compared to fiscal 2022 was primarily due to a $43.9 million decrease in inventory requirements and a $10.5 million decrease in requirements for accounts and notes receivable, net. These decreases were partially offset by an increase of $31.8 million in requirements for accounts payable. The $18.4 decrease in net cash used in operations related to other current liabilities was primarily driven by changes in the broker margin deposit liability.

The increase in cash flow from operations was primarily due to a $79.2 million increase in gross profit and a $2.4 million decrease in “Interest expense.” These changes were partially offset by an increase in “Operating expense – personnel, vehicle, plant and other” of $56.9 million, a $17.9 million increase in “General and administrative expense,” and a $4.6 million decrease in “Other income, net.”

43

Table of Contents

Investing Activities

Ferrellgas Partners

Capital Requirements

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

Maintenance capital expenditures. These capital expenditures include expenditures for betterment and replacement of property, plant and equipment, and may from time to time include the purchase of assets that are typically leased, rather than to generate incremental distributable cash flow. Examples of maintenance capital expenditures include a routine replacement of a worn-out asset or replacement of major vehicle components; and
Growth capital expenditures. These expenditures are undertaken primarily to generate incremental distributable cash flow. Examples include expenditures for purchases of both bulk and portable propane tanks and other equipment to facilitate expansion of our customer base and operating capacity.

Fiscal 2023 v Fiscal 2022

Net cash used in investing activities was $110.8 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $111.8 million for fiscal 2022. This decrease in net cash used in investing activities was primarily due to a $6.3 million decrease in “Capital expenditures,” partially offset by a $4.4 million increase in “Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired” and a $0.7 million decrease in “Proceeds from sale of assets.”

Due to the mature nature of our operations we do not anticipate significant fluctuations in maintenance capital expenditures, with the exception of future decisions regarding lease versus buy financing options. However, future fluctuations in growth capital expenditures could occur due to the opportunistic nature of these projects.

The operating partnership

The investing activities discussed above also apply to the operating partnership.

Financing Activities

Ferrellgas Partners

Fiscal 2023 v Fiscal 2022

Net cash used in financing activities was $122.9 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $171.9 million for fiscal 2022. This decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a $50.0 million decrease in fiscal 2023 distributions to Class B unitholders compared to fiscal 2022.

The operating partnership

Fiscal 2023 v Fiscal 2022

Net cash used in financing activities was $122.9 million for fiscal 2023 compared to $191.1 million for fiscal 2022. This decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to a $69.2 million decrease in fiscal 2023 distributions to Ferrellgas Partners compared to fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily due to one distribution being made in fiscal 2023 to Class B unitholders compared to two distributions in fiscal 2022.

44

Table of Contents

Letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2023 and July 31, 2022 totaled $74.0 million and $87.6 million, respectively, and were used to secure insurance arrangements, product purchases and commodity hedges. As of July 31, 2023, we had available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility of $262.1 million.

Distributions

Partnership distributions

The Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (the “Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA”) requires Ferrellgas Partners to make quarterly cash distributions of all of its “available cash”. Available cash is defined in the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA as, generally, the sum of Ferrellgas’ Partners cash receipts less consolidated cash disbursements and net changes in reserves established by our general partner for future requirements. In general, the amount of Ferrellgas Partners’ available cash depends primarily on whether and the extent to which Ferrellgas Partners receives cash distributions from the operating partnership, as such distributions generally would be Ferrellgas Partners’ only significant cash receipts.

The Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “Amended OpCo LPA”), which amended and restated in its entirety the Fourth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas L.P., and a First Amendment to the Amended OpCo LPA (the “OpCo LPA Amendment”), sets forth the preferences, rights, privileges and other terms of the Preferred Units.

Pursuant to the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA, while any Class B Units remain outstanding, any distributions by Ferrellgas Partners to its partners must be made such that the ratio of (i) the amount of distributions made to holders of Class B Units to (ii) the amount of distributions made to holders of Class A Units and the general partner is not less than 6:1. The Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA permits Ferrellgas Partners, in the general partner’s discretion, to make distributions to the Class B Unitholders in a greater proportion than the minimum 6:1 ratio, including paying 100% of any such distribution to Class B Unitholders. The Class B Units will not be convertible into Class A Units until Class B Unitholders receive distributions in the aggregate amount of $357.0 million, which was the $357.0 million aggregate principal amount of Ferrellgas Partners’ unsecured senior notes due June 15, 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Notes”), and the rate at which Class B Units will convert into Class A Units increases annually. Additionally, the price at which Ferrellgas Partners may redeem the Class B Units during the first five years after March 30, 2021 is based on the Class B Unitholders’ receipt of a specified internal rate of return in respect of their Class B Units. This specified internal rate of return in respect of the Class B Units is 15.85%, but that amount increases under certain circumstances, including if the operating partnership paid distributions on the Preferred Units in-kind rather than in cash for a certain number of quarters. Accordingly, distributing cash to the Class B Unitholders in a greater proportion than the minimum 6:1 ratio could result in the Class B Units becoming convertible into Class A Units more quickly or at a lower conversion rate or reduce the redemption price for the Class B Units. For additional discussion of the terms of the Class B Units, see Note J “Equity (Deficit)” in the notes to our consolidated financial statements.

For these reasons, although the general partner has not made any decisions or adopted any policy with respect to the allocation of future distributions by Ferrellgas Partners to its partners, the general partner may determine that it is advisable to pay more than the minimum amount of any distribution, up to 100% of the amount of such distribution, to Class B Unitholders. During fiscal 2023, on April 7, 2023, Ferrellgas Partners made a cash distribution in the aggregate amount of approximately $49.9 million to its Cash B Unitholders. During fiscal 2022, on October 8, 2021 and July 8, 2022, Ferrellgas Partners made cash distributions aggregating in total to approximately $100.0 million entirely to the Class B Unitholders. The aggregate total paid to date to the Class B Unitholders approximates $150.0 million. These distributions to Class B Unitholders were made without making any distribution to Class A Unitholders and the general partner. See “Risk Factors—Risks Inherent in an Investment in our Class A or Class B Units or our Debt Securities and Other Risks Related to Our Capital Structure and Financing Arrangements—If Ferrellgas Partners is permitted to make and makes distributions to its partners, while any Class B Units remain outstanding, Class B Unitholders collectively will receive at least approximately 85.7% of the aggregate amount of each such distribution and may receive up to 100% of any such distribution. Accordingly, while any Class B Units remain outstanding, Class A Unitholders may not receive any distributions and, in any case, will not receive collectively more than approximately 14.1% of any distribution.”

45

Table of Contents

The ability of Ferrellgas Partners to make cash distributions to its Class A Unitholders and Class B Unitholders is dependent on the receipt by Ferrellgas Partners of cash distributions from the operating partnership. For so long as any Preferred Units remain outstanding, the amount of cash that otherwise would be available for distribution by the operating partnership to Ferrellgas Partners will be reduced by the amount of cash distributions and other payments made by the operating partnership in respect of the Preferred Units, including payments to redeem Preferred Units. Further, the indentures governing the $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) and $825.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes” and, together with the 2026 Notes, the “OpCo Notes”), the Credit Agreement and the OpCo LPA Amendment governing the Preferred Units contain covenants that limit the ability of the operating partnership to make distributions to Ferrellgas Partners and therefore effectively limit the ability of Ferrellgas Partners to make distributions to its Class A Unitholders and Class B Unitholders. See Note H “Debt” and Note I “Preferred units” for a discussion of these limitations. See also “Risk Factors— Risks Inherent in an Investment in our Class A or Class B Units or our Debt Securities and Other Risks Related to Our Capital Structure and Financing Arrangements - Our ability to make cash distributions to holders of Class A Units and Class B Units is dependent on the receipt by Ferrellgas Partners of cash distributions from the operating partnership, which are limited by our obligations under the Indentures, the Credit Agreement and the OpCo LPA Amendment and may be limited by a variety of other factors. Accordingly, we may be unable to make cash distributions to holders of Class A Units and Class B Units.”

Preferred unit distributions

Pursuant to the OpCo LPA Amendment, the operating partnership is required to pay to the holders of each Preferred Unit a cumulative, quarterly distribution (the “Quarterly Distribution”) at the Distribution Rate (as defined below) on the unit purchase price of such Preferred Unit, which is $1,000 per unit.

“Distribution Rate” means, for the first five years after March 30, 2021, a rate per annum equal to 8.956%, with certain increases in the Distribution Rate on each of the 5th, 6th and 7th anniversaries of March 30, 2021, subject to a maximum rate of 11.125% and certain other adjustments and exceptions.

The Quarterly Distribution may be paid in cash or, at the election of the operating partnership “in kind” through the issuance of additional Preferred Units (“PIK Units”) at the quarterly Distribution Rate plus an applicable premium that escalates each year from 75 bps to 300 bps so long as the Preferred Units remain outstanding. In the event the operating partnership fails to make any Quarterly Distribution in cash, such Quarterly Distribution will automatically be paid in PIK Units.

The Distribution Rate on the Preferred Units will increase upon violation of certain protective provisions for the benefit of Preferred Unit holders notwithstanding the cap mentioned above.

Quarterly distributions aggregating to $64.4 million were paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units during fiscal 2023. This included $1.7 million of Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units related to the side letters outlined in the OpCo LPA Amendment. As of July 31, 2023, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $17.5 million with $15.4 million paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units on August 15, 2023. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrual of $2.1 million represents Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to side letters.

Quarterly distributions aggregating to $63.4 million were paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units during fiscal 2022. This included $0.9 million of Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units related to the side letters outlined in the OpCo LPA Amendment. As of July 31, 2022, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $17.5 million with $15.4 million paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units on August 15, 2022. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrual of $2.1 million represents Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to side letters.

46

Table of Contents

Preferred unit tax distributions

For any quarter in which the operating partnership makes a Quarterly Distribution in PIK Units in lieu of cash, it shall make a subsequent cash tax distribution for such quarter in an amount equal to the (i) the lesser of (x) 25% and (y) the highest combined federal, state and local tax rate applicable for corporations organized in New York, multiplied by (ii) the excess (if any) of (A) one-fourth (1/4th) of the estimated taxable income to be allocated to the holders of Preferred Units for the year in which the Quarterly Tax Payment Date (which refers to certain specified dates that next follow a Quarterly Distribution date on which PIK Units were issued) occurs, over (B) any cash paid on the Quarterly Distribution date immediately preceding the Quarterly Tax Payment Date on which a quarterly tax amount would otherwise be paid (such amount, the “Tax Distribution”). Tax Distributions are treated as advances against, and reduce, future cash distributions for any reason, including payments in redemption of Preferred Units or PIK Units, or payments to the holders in their capacity as such pursuant to any side letter or other agreement.

Cash distributions paid

On April 7, 2023, Ferrellgas Partners paid cash distributions to holders of the Class B Units in the amount of $38.46 per Class B Unit or approximately $49.9 million in the aggregate for fiscal 2023. On October 8, 2021 and July 8, 2022, Ferrellgas Partners paid cash distributions to holders of the Class B Units in the amount of $38.46 per Class B Unit or approximately $100.0 million in the aggregate for fiscal 2022. The aggregate total paid to date to the Class B Unitholders approximates $150.0 million. For both fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, as permitted by the Amended Ferrellgas LPA as described above, Ferrellgas Partners made these distributions solely to Class B Unitholders without any contemporaneous distribution to Class A Unitholders and the general partner. Ferrellgas Partners did not pay any cash distributions to its Class A or Class B Unitholders during fiscal 2021.

The operating partnership paid cash distributions during fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022 in respect to its Preferred Units as discussed above under “—Preferred unit distributions.”

The operating partnership paid cash distributions to Ferrellgas Partners of approximately $50.0 million in the aggregate during fiscal 2023, which Ferrellgas Partners used to make the April 7, 2023 distribution to Class B Unitholders described above.

The operating partnership paid cash distributions to Ferrellgas Partners of approximately $100.0 million in the aggregate during fiscal 2022, which Ferrellgas Partners used to make the October 8, 2021 and July 8, 2022 distributions to Class B Unitholders described above.

The operating partnership

The financing activities discussed above also apply to the operating partnership except for distributions by Ferrellgas Partners, fees paid in connection with the Class B Unit exchange and other amounts related to the Ferrellgas Partners Notes, and proceeds received by Ferrellgas Partners pursuant to the term loan credit agreement described below under “—Disclosures about Effects of Transactions with Related Parties.”

Disclosures about Effects of Transactions with Related Parties

We have no employees and are managed and controlled by our general partner. Pursuant to our partnership agreements, our general partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on our behalf, and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to us or otherwise reasonably incurred by our general partner in connection with operating our business. These reimbursable costs, which totaled $342.8 million for fiscal 2023, include operating expenses such as compensation and benefits paid to employees of our general partner who perform services on our behalf as well as related general and administrative expenses.

47

Table of Contents

Term loan credit agreement between Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership

As discussed in Note O “Transactions with related parties” in the notes to the consolidated financial statements of the operating partnership, on January 8, 2021 Ferrellgas Partners entered into a term loan credit agreement with the operating partnership, pursuant to which the operating partnership extended to Ferrellgas Partners an unsecured, non-amortizing term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $19.9 million. The term loan bore interest at a rate of 20% per annum, and all interest on the term loan was added to the outstanding principal amount of the term loan. The term loan was scheduled to mature on July 1, 2022. During July 2021, Ferrellgas Partners made an optional prepayment of $9.0 million principal amount of the term loan. On May 16, 2022, Ferrellgas Partners repaid the operating partnership the full amount of the term loan of $15.3 million, which represented the outstanding principal and accrued interest. Additionally, Ferrellgas Partners paid the operating partnership $3.9 million for separate intercompany receivables related to expenses incurred during the 2021 debt transactions.

Related party Class A Unitholders

Related party Class A Unitholder information consisted of the following:

    

    

Distributions

Class A Unit

(in thousands)

ownership at

paid during the year ended

July 31, 2023

July 31, 2023

Ferrell Companies (1)

 

1,126,468

$

FCI Trading Corp. (2)

 

9,784

 

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (3)

 

2,560

 

James E. Ferrell (4)

 

238,172

 

(1)Ferrell Companies is the owner of the general partner and is an approximate 23% direct owner of Class A Units and thus a related party. Ferrell Companies also beneficially owns 9,784 and 2,560 Class A Units held by FCI Trading Corp. (“FCI Trading”) and Ferrell Propane, Inc. (“Ferrell Propane”), respectively, bringing Ferrell Companies’ beneficial ownership to 23.4% at July 31, 2023.
(2)FCI Trading is an affiliate of the general partner and thus a related party.
(3)Ferrell Propane is controlled by the general partner and thus a related party.
(4)James E. Ferrell was the Chief Executive Officer and President of our general partner and Chairman of the Board of Directors of our General Partner through July 31, 2023. Effective August 1, 2023 he is the Executive Chairman of our general partner and the Board of Directors of our general partner. He is a related party. JEF Capital Management owns 237,942 of these Class A Units and is owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust Two and other family trusts, all of which James E. Ferrell and/or his family members are trustees and beneficiaries. James E. Ferrell holds all voting common stock of JEF Capital Management. The remaining 230 Class A Units are held by Ferrell Resources Holdings, Inc., which is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust One, for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary.

48

Table of Contents

Material Cash Requirements

The following table summarizes our future material cash requirements as of July 31, 2023:

Payment or settlement due by fiscal year

(in thousands)

2024

2025-2026

2027-2028

Thereafter

Total

Long-term debt, including current portion (1)

 

$

2,597

$

653,839

$

826,219

$

$

1,482,655

Fixed rate interest obligations (2)

83,406

166,812

96,938

48,469

395,625

Operating lease obligations (3)

17,950

25,510

9,632

13,655

66,747

Finance lease obligations (4)

16,655

17,651

1,694

11

36,011

Pension withdrawal liability (5)

284

568

568

2,812

4,232

Product purchase commitments (6)

66,624

66,624

Total

$

187,516

$

864,380

$

935,051

$

64,947

$

2,051,894

Underlying product purchase volume commitments (in gallons)

88,132

88,132

(1)We have long and short-term payment obligations under agreements such as the indentures governing our senior notes. Amounts shown in the table represent our scheduled future maturities of long-term debt (including current maturities thereof) for the periods indicated. For additional information regarding our debt obligations, see Note H “Debt” to our consolidated financial statements
(2)Fixed rate interest obligations represent the amount of interest due on fixed rate long-term debt.
(3)We lease certain property, plant and equipment under noncancelable and cancelable operating leases. Amounts shown in the table represent minimum lease payment obligations under our third-party operating leases for the periods indicated.
(4)We lease certain property, plant and equipment under noncancelable and cancelable financing leases. Amounts shown in the table represent minimum lease payment obligations under our third-party financing leases for the periods indicated.
(5)These payments relate to a liability incurred in connection with the withdrawal from certain pension plans.
(6)We define a purchase obligation as an agreement to purchase goods or services that is enforceable and legally binding (unconditional) on us that specifies all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transactions. We have long and short-term product purchase obligations for propane and energy commodities with third-party suppliers. These purchase obligations are entered into at either variable or fixed prices. The purchase prices that we are obligated to pay under variable price contracts approximate market prices at the time we take delivery of the volumes. Our estimated future variable price contract payment obligations are based on the July 31, 2023 market price of the applicable commodity applied to future volume commitments. Actual future payment obligations may vary depending on market prices at the time of delivery. The purchase prices that we are obligated to pay under fixed price contracts are established at the inception of the contract. Our estimated future fixed price contract payment obligations are based on the contracted fixed price under each commodity contract. Quantities shown in the table represent our volume commitments and estimated payment obligations under these contracts for the periods indicated.

The components of other noncurrent liabilities included in our consolidated balance sheets principally consist of property and casualty liabilities and the fair value of derivatives in connection with our risk management activity. These liabilities are not included in the table above because they are estimates of future payments and not contractually fixed as to timing or amount.

The operating partnership

The cash requirements discussed above also apply to the operating partnership.

Adoption of New Accounting Standards

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

No new accounting standards were adopted during the year ended July 31, 2023.

49

Table of Contents

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

There were no recently issued accounting standards that could have a material impact to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or notes to the consolidated financial statements upon their adoption.

Critical Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to establish accounting policies and make estimates and assumptions that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements. These financial statements include some estimates and assumptions that are based on informed judgments and estimates of management. We evaluate our policies and estimates on an on-going basis and discuss the development, selection and disclosure of critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of our general partner. Predicting future events is inherently an imprecise activity and as such requires the use of judgment. Our consolidated financial statements may differ based upon different estimates and assumptions.

We discuss our significant accounting policies in Note B “Summary of significant accounting policies” to our consolidated financial statements. Our significant accounting policies are subject to judgments and uncertainties that affect the application of such policies. We believe these financial statements include the most likely outcomes with regard to amounts that are based on our judgment and estimates. Our financial position and results of operations may be materially different when reported under different conditions or when using different assumptions in the application of such policies. In the event estimates or assumptions prove to be different from the actual amounts, adjustments are made in subsequent periods to reflect more current information. We believe the following accounting policies are critical to the preparation of our consolidated financial statements due to the estimation process and business judgment involved in their application:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment

We calculate depreciation on property, plant and equipment using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from two to 30 years. Changes in the estimated useful lives of our property, plant and equipment could have a material effect on our results of operations. The estimates of the assets’ useful lives require our judgment regarding assumptions about the useful life of the assets being depreciated. When necessary, the depreciable lives are revised and the impact on depreciation is treated on a prospective basis. There were no material revisions to depreciable lives in fiscal 2023.

Residual value of customer and storage tanks

We use an estimated residual value when calculating depreciation for our customer and bulk storage tanks. Customer and bulk storage tanks are classified as property, plant and equipment on our consolidated balance sheets. The depreciable basis of these tanks is calculated using the original cost less the residual value. Depreciation is calculated using straight-line method based on the tanks’ estimated useful life of 30 years. Changes in the estimated residual value could have a material effect on our results. The estimates of the tanks’ residual value require our judgment of the value of the tanks at the end of their useful life or retirement. When necessary, the tanks’ residual values are revised and the impact on depreciation is treated on a prospective basis. There were no such revisions to residual values in fiscal 2023, 2022 or 2021.

Valuation methods, amortization methods and estimated useful lives of intangible assets

The specific, identifiable intangible assets of a business enterprise depend largely upon the nature of its operations. Potential intangible assets include intellectual property such as trademarks and trade names, customer lists and relationships, and non-compete agreements, permits, favorable lease arrangements as well as other intangible assets. The approach to the valuation of each intangible asset will vary depending upon the nature of the asset, the business in which it is utilized, and the economic returns it is generating or is expected to generate. During fiscal 2023 or 2022, we did not find it necessary to adjust the valuation methods used for any acquired intangible assets.

50

Table of Contents

Our recorded intangible assets primarily include the estimated value assigned to certain customer-related and contract-based assets representing the rights we own arising from the acquisition of propane distribution companies and related contractual agreements. A customer-related or contract-based intangible with a finite useful life is amortized over its estimated useful life, which is the period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the entity. We believe that trademarks and trade names have an indefinite useful life due to our intention to utilize all acquired trademarks and trade names indefinitely. When necessary, the intangible assets’ useful lives are revised and the impact on amortization will be reflected on a prospective basis. The determination of the fair market value of the intangible asset and the estimated useful life are based on an analysis of all pertinent factors including (1) the use of widely-accepted valuation approaches, the income approach or the cost approach, (2) the expected use of the asset by the entity, (3) the expected useful life of related assets, (4) any legal, regulatory or contractual provisions, including renewal or extension periods that would cause substantial costs or modifications to existing agreements, (5) the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and other economic factors and (6) the level of maintenance required to obtain the expected future cash flows.

If the underlying assumption(s) governing the amortization of an intangible asset were later determined to have significantly changed (either favorably or unfavorably), then we may be required to adjust the amortization period of such asset to reflect any new estimate of its useful life. Such a change would increase or decrease the annual amortization charge associated with the asset at that time. During fiscal 2023 or 2022, we did not find it necessary to adjust the valuation method, estimated useful life or amortization period of any of our intangible assets.

Should any of the underlying assumptions indicate that the value of the intangible asset might be impaired, we may be required to reduce the carrying value and may also be required to reduce the subsequent useful life of the asset. Any such write-down of the value and any unfavorable change in the useful life (i.e., amortization period) of an intangible asset would increase operating expense at that time.

We did not recognize any impairment losses related to our intangible assets during fiscal 2023. For additional information regarding our intangible assets, see Note B “Summary of significant accounting policies” and Note G “Goodwill and intangible assets, net” to our consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for risk management activities and derivative financial instruments

We enter into commodity forward, futures, swaps and options contracts involving propane to hedge exposures to price risk. These derivative contracts are reported in the consolidated balance sheets at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in cost of sales and operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations or in other comprehensive income in the consolidated statement of partners’ capital. We utilize published settlement prices for exchange-traded contracts, quotes provided by brokers and estimates of market prices based on daily contract activity to estimate the fair value of these contracts. Changes in the methods used to determine the fair value of these contracts could have a material effect on our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations. For further discussion of derivative commodity and interest rate contracts, see Item 7A. “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk,” Note B “Summary of significant accounting policies”, Note M “Fair value measurements” and Note N “Derivative instruments and hedging activities” to our consolidated financial statements. We do not anticipate future changes in the methods used to determine the fair value of these derivative contracts.

Litigation accruals and environmental liabilities

Our operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing, transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of combustible liquids such as propane and, prior to the sales of midstream operations in fiscal 2018, crude oil. As a result, at any given time, we can be threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business, and we are a party to several legal proceedings as described in Note P “Contingencies and commitments” to our audited consolidated financial statements. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, management is of the opinion that there are no known claims or contingent claims that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

51

Table of Contents

We are involved in litigation regarding pending claims and legal actions that arise in the normal course of business and may own sites at which hazardous substances may be present. In accordance with GAAP, we establish reserves for pending claims and legal actions or environmental remediation liabilities when it is probable that a liability exists and the amount or range of amounts can be reasonably estimated. Reasonable estimates involve management judgments based on a broad range of information and prior experience. These judgments are reviewed quarterly as more information is received and the amounts reserved are updated as necessary. Such estimated reserves may differ materially from the actual liability and such reserves may change materially as more information becomes available and estimated reserves are adjusted.

Goodwill impairment

We record goodwill as the excess of the cost of acquisitions over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill recorded is not deductible for income tax purposes. We have determined that we have one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. As of July 31, 2023, this reporting unit contains goodwill that is subject to at least an annual goodwill impairment test. In the first step of the test, the carrying value of the reporting unit is determined by assigning the assets and liabilities, including existing goodwill and intangible assets, to the reporting unit as of the date of evaluation. To the extent a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds it fair value, the reporting unit’s goodwill is impaired. The amount of impairment would be equal to the lesser of the excess of reporting unit carrying value over its fair value and the reporting unit’s recorded amount of goodwill.

Class B Units

Our Class B Units are a hybrid financial instrument with an equity host and were measured at fair value at issuance. We utilized a Monte Carlo simulation model and option pricing model to compute an estimated fair value of the Class B Units. This valuation technique required a number of inputs, some of which required an estimate to be made by management. Significant estimates included the forecasted operating results and the forecasted available cash flow available for the paydown of our Class B units. The significant assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation model included the cash flow volatility, equity volatility, expected term, and risk-free interest rates. We estimated the equity volatility based on the historical stock price volatility of comparable publicly-traded companies in our industry group. We estimated the expected term of the Class B Units based on the various conversion or redemption scenarios. The risk-free rate was determined using a U.S. Treasury rate for the period that coincided with the expected term.

ITEM 7A.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

We did not enter into any risk management trading activities during fiscal 2023. Our remaining market risk sensitive instruments and positions have been determined to be “other than trading.”

Commodity price risk management

Our risk management activities primarily attempt to mitigate price risks related to the purchase, storage, transport and sale of propane generally in the contract and spot markets from major domestic energy companies. We attempt to mitigate these price risks through the use of financial derivative instruments and forward propane purchase and sales contracts. Our risk management strategy involves taking positions in the forward or financial markets that are equal and opposite to our positions in the physical products market in order to minimize the risk of financial loss from an adverse price change. This risk management strategy is successful when our gains or losses in the physical product markets are offset by our losses or gains in the forward or financial markets. Propane related financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.

Our risk management activities include the use of financial derivative instruments including, but not limited to, price futures, swaps, options and basis swaps to seek protection from adverse price movements and to minimize potential losses. We enter into these financial derivative instruments with brokers who are clearing members with the Intercontinental Exchange or the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and, to a lesser extent, directly with third parties in the over-the-counter market. We also enter into forward propane purchase and sales contracts with counterparties. These forward contracts qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception within GAAP guidance and are therefore not recorded on our financial statements until settled.

52

Table of Contents

Risk Policy and Sensitivity Analysis

Market risks associated with energy commodities are monitored daily by senior management for compliance with our commodity risk management policy. This policy includes an aggregate dollar loss limit and limits on the term of various contracts. We also utilize volume limits for various energy commodities and review our positions daily where we remain exposed to market risk, so as to manage exposures to changing market prices.

We have prepared a sensitivity analysis to estimate the exposure to market risk of our energy commodity positions. Forward contracts, futures, swaps and options outstanding as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, that were used in our risk management activities were analyzed assuming a hypothetical 10% adverse change in prices for the delivery month for all energy commodities. The potential loss in future earnings from these positions due to a 10% adverse movement in market prices of the underlying energy commodities was estimated at $9.5 million and $20.6 million as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The preceding hypothetical analysis is limited because changes in prices may or may not equal 10%, thus actual results may differ. Our sensitivity analysis does not include the anticipated transactions associated with these transactions, which we anticipate will be 100% effective.

Credit risk

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

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

Interest Rate Risk

At July 31, 2023, we had no variable rate indebtedness outstanding under our Credit Facility. Our results of operations, cash flows and financial condition could be materially adversely affected by significant increases in interest rates to the extent that we have variable rate indebtedness (including any disbursements or payments related to letters of credit) outstanding under our Credit Facility.

ITEM 8.       FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.

Our consolidated financial statements and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s Reports thereon listed on the accompanying Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules are hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 9.       CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.

None.

53

Table of Contents

ITEM 9A.   CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

An evaluation was performed by the management of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, were effective as of July 31, 2023.

The management of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all fraud. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Based on the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the above mentioned partnerships and corporations have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events. Therefore, a control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide such reasonable assurances of achieving our desired control objectives, and the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of our general partner have concluded, as of July 31, 2023, that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in achieving that level of reasonable assurance.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

The management of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., Ferrellgas, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based on our evaluation under the framework in 2013 Internal Control – Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 31, 2023.

During the most recent fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2023, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a–15(f) or Rule 15d–15(f) of the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

ITEM 9B.    OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

54

Table of Contents

PART III

ITEM 10.   DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.

Directors and Executive Officers of our General Partner

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the directors and executive officers of our general partner as of September 29, 2023. Officers are appointed to their respective office or offices either annually or as needed. Except for two directors designated by certain securityholders as described below, our directors are appointed to their respective office or offices annually.

Name

    

Age

    

Director
Since

    

Executive
Officer
Since

    

Position

James E. Ferrell

 

83

1984

2016

 

Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

 

 

 

 

Tamria A. Zertuche

51

N/A

2019

Chief Executive Officer and President

Michael E. Cole

 

59

N/A

2023

 

Chief Financial Officer 

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

Pamela A. Breuckmann

 

47

2013

N/A

 

Director

 

 

 

 

Stephen M. Clifford

 

63

2015

N/A

 

Director

 

 

 

 

Joe Eby

51

2023

N/A

Director

Carney Hawks

49

2021

N/A

Director

A. Andrew Levison

 

67

1994

N/A

 

Director

 

 

 

 

Michael F. Morrissey

 

81

1999

N/A

 

Director

Edward Newberry

61

2021

N/A

Director

Craig Snyder

42

2021

N/A

Director

James E. Ferrell – Mr. Ferrell was appointed by the Board of Directors of Ferrellgas, Inc. as Executive Chairman of the Board, effective August 1, 2023, after serving as Chief Executive Officer and President since December 31, 2020. Mr. Ferrell has been with Ferrell Companies or its predecessors and its affiliates in various executive capacities since 1965, including Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ferrellgas, Inc. Under his leadership, Ferrellgas has grown from a small, independently owned propane company to one of the nation’s largest propane retailers. Mr. Ferrell is a past President of the World LP Gas Association and a former Chairman of the Propane Vehicle Council. Mr. Ferrell brings to the Company significant experience in propane and midstream operations and valuable knowledge of the company’s operating history.

Tamria A. Zertuche – Ms. Zertuche joined Ferrellgas in 2004 when the company acquired Blue Rhino, where she was employed as Senior Director of IT. In 2010, she was added to the leadership team for the Blue Rhino brand. Ms. Zertuche was promoted again to VP of Information Technology in 2016 and to SVP of Business Operations and Chief Information Officer in 2019. In August 2020, Ms. Zertuche was promoted to Chief Operating Officer and led the transformation of the company to a high performing logistics company.  In August of 2023, Ms. Zertuche was promoted to Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company.

55

Table of Contents

Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Zertuche served in various roles in the financial services and retail industries. Ms. Zertuche graduated from UW-Whitewater with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management Computer Systems. She also holds a Master of Business Administration from Colorado State University, and she is currently completing a Doctoral program in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change at the same institution.

Michael E. Cole – Mr. Cole joined the Ferrellgas financial team in 2023 and was appointed to Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the General Partner on February 20, 2023. Prior to joining Ferrellgas, Mr. Cole most recently served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of NV Energy, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Energy-owned utility based in Las Vegas with two operating subsidiaries, Nevada Power Company and Sierra Pacific Power Company. Prior to joining NV Energy, Inc. in 2015, Mr. Cole served in a variety of financial leadership roles in gas and electric utilities organizations as well as other entities. Mr. Cole earned an MBA and Bachelor of Business degree in Finance from Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL.

Pamela A. Breuckmann – Ms. Breuckmann was elected to the Board of Directors in 2013 and is a member of the Audit Committee and is a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. In addition, during 2018, Ms. Breuckmann was appointed a co-plan administrator of the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan, by the Board of Directors of Ferrell Companies, Inc. Since 2011, Ms. Breuckmann has served as the President and since January 2015, Chief Executive Officer of Ferrell Capital, Inc., a company established in 1998 to manage the financial, business and personal affairs of the Ferrell family. Prior to becoming President of Ferrell Capital, she served as the Chief Financial Officer of the organization from 2007 to 2011. In addition to her role at Ferrell Capital, during 2018, Ms. Breuckmann became the President and member of the Board of Mosaic, LLC, the private family trust company for the Ferrell family, registered under the Banking regulations in the State of Tennessee. During 2009-2019, she was also the President and Chief Operating Officer of Samson Capital Management, LLC. This SEC registered investment advisory business specialized in managing Master Limited Partnership securities for investors. The blend of Ms. Breuckmann’s investment experience, accounting background and finance roles give her a unique perspective that serves the Board of Directors well. She began her career in 1998 as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche, LLP. We consider Ms. Breuckmann to be a financial expert. Ms. Breuckmann graduated from the University of Kansas with Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration and Accounting. She also holds a Master of Accounting and Information Systems degree from the University of Kansas and has been a Certified Public Accountant since 2000.

Stephen M. Clifford – Mr. Clifford joined the Board of Directors in 2015 and is the chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee. Mr. Clifford has served as Chief Executive Officer of PBI Gordon Companies, Inc. since October 2020 and as Chief Operating Officer since July 2018. Mr. Clifford retired from Ernst & Young in July 2015 after having served as the Managing Partner of Ernst & Young’s Kansas City, Missouri office from 1999 until his retirement. His career at Ernst & Young spanned a total of 32 years, including 19 years as an assurance partner. During his tenure as the Managing Partner, Mr. Clifford was also a member of the executive committee for Ernst & Young’s Midwest Area, which was responsible for nearly 4,500 professionals across the Midwest. In addition to his role as the Managing Partner, Mr. Clifford served as the coordinating partner responsible for external audit engagements for clients ranging from Fortune 500 public companies to high growth, private equity-backed companies. Mr. Clifford is the past Chairman of the Board for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, a member of the Board of Directors and Chair of the audit committee for the Archdiocese of Northeast Kansas, and the past Chairman of the Board for Cristo Rey High School of Kansas City. Mr. Clifford brings to the Board many years of leadership experience as a chief executive and assurance partner of a major accounting firm and extensive experience in developing and executing growth strategies, acquisitions, and capital transactions. We consider Mr. Clifford to be an audit committee financial expert. Mr. Clifford obtained his Bachelor of Science and Business Administration, Finance & Accounting degree from Texas Christian University.

56

Table of Contents

Joe Eby – Mr. Eby was appointed to the Board of Directors on March 6, 2023. Mr. Eby is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Bickford Senior Living (“Bickford”), which owns and operates over 3,000 units of independent, assisted and memory care communities in 11 states. As one of Bickford’s founders, Mr. Eby oversees daily operations and under his leadership, Bickford has grown into a multi-state, multi-location regional provider. He serves on the Board of Directors for Argentum, a national association for the senior living industry, and is an executive board member of the American Seniors Housing Association. Mr. Eby holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mid-America Nazarene University. He is also a graduate of Stagen Leadership Academy, a leadership program committed to long-term personal development and use of organizational platforms for positive impact.

Carney Hawks – Mr. Hawks was appointed to the Board of Directors in April of 2021. Mr. Hawks was a Founding Partner of Brigade Capital Management, a multi-billion dollar asset management firm, from its inception in 2007 until his retirement from the firm in December 2019. At Brigade, Mr. Hawks was Head of Special Situations, sat on the firm’s Investment Committee and managed two energy-focused funds for the firm. Prior to Brigade, Mr. Hawks was a Managing Director at Mackay Shields in its High Yield Group. Mr. Hawks serves on the board of the Children’s Cardiomyopathy Foundation and is on the Advisory Board to the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce with Distinction.

A. Andrew Levison – Mr. Levison has served on the Board of Directors since 1994 and is a member of the Board’s Compensation Committee and was a member of the Board’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee until October 2021. Mr. Levison serves as the Managing Partner of Southfield Capital Advisors, LLC, a Greenwich, Connecticut-based, private merchant banking firm and serves on the Boards of Protos Security Holdings LLC, a private Southfield portfolio company, Fortress Transportation and Infrastructure Investors LLC, a NYSE traded public company, the Levison/Present Foundation at Mount Sinai Hospital and NYU/Langone MSK Board. Mr. Levison obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Babson College. Mr. Levison founded Levison & Co., the predecessor of Southfield Capital Advisors, LLC, in 2002.

Michael F. Morrissey – Mr. Morrissey has served on the Board of Directors since 1999 and chairs the Board’s Audit Committee, serves on the Board’s Compensation Committee as of October 2021 and previously served on the Board’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Mr. Morrissey has been selected as the presiding director for non-management executive sessions of the Board. Mr. Morrissey retired as the Managing Partner of Ernst & Young’s Kansas City, Missouri office in 1999. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Morrissey has served as a board member on the boards of directors of various companies.

Mr. Morrissey served as a partner of Ernst & Young for 17 years. Prior to that, Mr. Morrissey worked for 12 years for two major accounting firms, one of which was Ernst & Young (for seven years). Mr. Morrissey has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1972. Mr. Morrissey brings to the Board substantial experience as the Chairman of the audit committees of public companies, many years of experience as an audit partner of a major accounting firm and extensive experience as a director of other large private and public companies. We consider Mr. Morrissey to be an audit committee financial expert. Mr. Morrissey has a high level of understanding of the Board’s role and responsibilities based on his service on other company boards. Mr. Morrissey obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Accounting from the University of Notre Dame and obtained his Master of Business Administration degree in Finance from Temple University.

Edward Newberry – Mr. Newberry was elected to the Board of Directors on September 13, 2021 and was appointed Chairman of the Compensation Committee and a member of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee as of October 14, 2021. Mr. Newberry is the Global Managing Partner of the Public Policy Practice, Investigatory and Regulatory Solutions practice groups and is a member of the firm’s Executive Leadership Group at Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP. Mr. Newberry is widely recognized as one of the leading lawyer-lobbyists in Washington DC. He is ranked as a Leading Lawyer by The Legal 500, which has noted he “is one of the most talented lawyers in Washington,” as well as “an excellent strategic thinker and tactician.”

57

Table of Contents

Before assuming his current role as global managing partner, Mr. Newberry served as managing partner of Patton Boggs, LLP, and led the firm’s merger with Squire Sanders to create Squire Patton Boggs, LLP, ranked 12th in Law360’s ranking of the Most Global law firms. Mr. Newberry is active in a variety of not-for-profit organizations, including as a member of the Atlantic Council Board of Directors and a director of the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. He has also served on the George Mason University Board of Visitors, by appointment of Virginia Governor Tim Kaine; served as Vice Chairman of the Kennedy Center Corporate Board; and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the National Building Museum. Mr. Newberry holds a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and B.A. and B.S, with recognition and distinction from George Mason University.

Craig Snyder – Mr. Snyder is a Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager of Special Opportunities in the Ares Private Equity Group, where he focuses on investing across the various Ares fund platforms in the public and private markets. Mr. Snyder serves as a member of the Ares Private Equity Group's Corporate Opportunities and Special Opportunities Investment Committees. Mr. Snyder also serves on the board of Convene Global Holdings. Prior to joining Ares in 2017, Mr. Snyder was a Managing Director at GSO Capital Partners/Blackstone where he was Global Head of Trading for the GSO platform and served as a Portfolio Manager and Investment Committee member for its special situations funds focusing on both the public and private markets. Previously, he was a Senior Investment Professional for the investment firm Kingstreet Capital. In addition, Mr. Snyder was an Investment Professional at Caxton Associates. He holds a B.A. from Bucknell University in Political Science.

Messrs. Hawks and Snyder were appointed to the Board on April 9, 2021. Mr. Hawks’ appointment to the Board was made in accordance with the terms of the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA, our general partner’s bylaws, and a voting agreement dated as of March 30, 2021 among our general partner, Ferrell Companies and the holders of Class B Units, pursuant to which holders of such Class B Units are permitted to designate one independent director to the Board. Mr. Snyder’s appointment to the Board was made in accordance with the terms of the Amended OpCo LPA, as amended by the OpCo LPA Amendment, our general partner’s bylaws, and a voting agreement dated as of March 30, 2021 among our general partner, FCI and the purchasers of the Preferred Units, pursuant to which the Preferred Unitholders are permitted, subject to certain conditions, to designate one independent director to the Board.

Corporate Governance

The limited partnership agreements of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership provide for each partnership to be governed by a general partner rather than a board of directors. Through these partnership agreements, Ferrellgas, Inc. acts as the general partner of both Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership and thereby manages and operates the activities of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership. Ferrellgas, Inc. anticipates that its activities will be limited to the management and operation of the partnerships. Neither Ferrellgas Partners nor the operating partnership directly employs any of the persons responsible for the management or operations of the partnerships; rather, these individuals are employed by the general partner.

The Board of Directors of our general partner has adopted a set of Corporate Governance Guidelines for the Board and charters for its Audit Committee, Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Compensation Committee. A current copy of these Corporate Governance Guidelines and charters, each of which were adopted and approved by the entire Board, are available, free of charge, to our security holders and other interested parties on our website at www.ferrellgas.com (under the caption “Corporate Governance” within “Investor Information”) and are also available in print to any unitholder or other interested parties who request it. Requests for print copies should be directed to:

Ferrellgas, Inc.

Attention: Investor Relations

One Liberty Plaza

Liberty, Missouri 64068

816-792-1600

investors@ferrellgas.com.

Please note that the information and materials found on our website, except for SEC filings expressly incorporated by reference herein, are not part of this report and are not incorporated by reference into this report.

58

Table of Contents

Although our Class A Units are no longer listed on the NYSE and we therefore are not subject to the corporate governance listing standards of the NYSE or any other securities exchange, our corporate governance guidelines and committee charters continue to refer with respect to certain matters to requirements of the NYSE listing standards, and, among other matters, the Board has continued to evaluate the independence of directors in accordance with NYSE standards. The Board has affirmatively determined that Ms. Breuckmann, Mr. Clifford, Mr. Eby, Mr. Hawks, Mr. Levison, Mr. Newberry, Mr. Morrissey, and Mr. Snyder, who constitute a majority of its Directors are “independent” as described by the NYSE’s corporate governance rules. In conjunction with regular Board meetings, these non-management directors also meet in a regularly scheduled executive session without members of management present. A non-management director presides over each executive session of non-management directors. Mr. Morrissey has been selected as the presiding director for non-management executive sessions. If Mr. Morrissey is not present then the other non-management directors shall select the presiding director. Additional executive sessions may be scheduled by a majority of the non-management directors in consultation with the presiding director and the Chairman of the Board.

Audit Committee

The Board has a designated Audit Committee comprised of Ms. Breuckmann, Mr. Clifford and Mr. Morrissey. Mr. Morrissey is the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Ms. Breuckmann, Mr. Clifford and Mr. Morrissey each has been determined by the Board to be an “audit committee financial expert.” The Audit Committee charter requires that members of the Audit Committee satisfy “independence” requirements as set out by the NYSE and the SEC. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are “independent” as described under the relevant standards.

The Audit Committee charter requires the Audit Committee to pre-approve all engagements with any independent registered public accounting firm, including all engagements regarding the audit of the financial statements of each of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and all permissible non-audit engagements with the independent registered public accounting firm. Additionally, the Audit Committee oversees the internal audit function for each of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., and such other duties as directed by the Board. The Audit Committee charter is available on the Company’s website.

Limitation on Directors Participating on Audit Committees

The Board has adopted a policy limiting the number of public company audit committees its directors may serve on to three at any point in time. If a director desires to serve on more than three public company audit committees, he or she must first obtain the written permission of the Board.

Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee

The Board has a designated Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee, which is comprised of Ms. Breuckmann, Mr. Clifford and Mr. Newberry. Mr. Clifford is the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee charter requires that members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee satisfy particular “independence” requirements. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee are “independent” as described under relevant standards. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee charter is available on the Company’s website.

59

Table of Contents

Compensation Committee

The Board has a designated Compensation Committee, which is comprised of Mr. Levison, Mr. Morrissey and Mr. Newberry. Mr. Newberry is the Chairman of the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee charter requires that members of the Compensation Committee satisfy particular “independence” requirements. The Board has determined that all of the members of the Compensation Committee are “independent” as described under relevant standards. The Compensation Committee has the authority to assist the Board of Directors in fulfilling its responsibility to effectively compensate the senior management of the general partner in a manner consistent with the growth strategy of the general partner. Toward that end, the Compensation Committee oversees the review process of all compensation, equity and benefit plans of Ferrellgas. In discharging this oversight role, the Compensation Committee has full power to consult with, retain and compensate independent legal, financial and/or other advisers as it deems necessary or appropriate. The Compensation Committee charter is available on the Company’s website.

Disclosure about our Security Holders’ and Interested Parties’ Ability to Communicate with the Board of Directors of our General Partner

The Board of Directors of our general partner has a process by which security holders and interested parties can communicate with it. Security holders and interested parties can send communications to the Board, the presiding director or the independent directors as a group by contacting our Investor Relations department by mail, telephone or e-mail at:

Ferrellgas, Inc.

Attention: Investor Relations

One Liberty Plaza

Liberty, Missouri 64068

816-792-1600

investors@ferrellgas.com.

Any communications directed to the Board of Directors from employees or others that concern complaints regarding accounting, internal controls or auditing matters will be handled in accordance with procedures adopted by the Audit Committee. All other communications directed to the Board of Directors are initially reviewed by the Investor Relations Department. The Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is advised promptly of any such communication that alleges misconduct on the part of management or raises legal, ethical or compliance concerns about the policies or practices of the general partner. On a periodic basis, the Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee receives updates on other communications that raise issues related to our affairs but do not fall into the two prior categories. The Chairman of the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee determines which of these communications require further review. The Corporate Secretary maintains a log of all such communications that is available for review for one year upon request of any member of the Board. Typically, the general partner does not forward to the Board of Directors communications from unitholders or other parties which are of a personal nature or are not related to the duties and responsibilities of the Board, including junk mail, customer complaints, job inquiries, surveys and polls, and business solicitations.

60

Table of Contents

Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Financial Officers and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

The Board has adopted a Code of Ethics for our general partner’s principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or those persons performing similar functions. Additionally, the Board has adopted a general Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all of our general partner’s directors, officers and employees. These codes, which were adopted and approved by the entire Board, are available to our security holders and other interested parties at no charge on our website at www.ferrellgas.com (under the caption “Corporate Governance” within “Investor Information”) and are also available in print to any security holder or other interested parties who requests it. Requests for print copies should be directed to:

Ferrellgas, Inc.

Attention: Investor Relations

One Liberty Plaza

Liberty, Missouri 64068

816-792-1600

investors@ferrellgas.com.

Please note that the information and materials found on our website, except for SEC filings expressly incorporated by reference herein, are not part of this report and are not incorporated by reference into this report.

We intend to disclose, within four business days, any amendment to the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and the Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Financial Officer on our website. Any waivers from the Code of Ethics for Principal Executive and Financial Officer will also be disclosed on our website.

Compensation of our General Partner

Our general partner receives no management fee or similar compensation in connection with its management of our business and receives no remuneration other than:

(1)distributions on its combined approximate 2% general partner interest in Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership; and
(2)reimbursement for:
all direct and indirect costs and expenses incurred on our behalf;
all selling, general and administrative expenses incurred by our general partner on our behalf; and
all other expenses necessary or appropriate to the conduct of our business and allocable to us.

The selling, general and administrative expenses reimbursed include specific employee benefits and incentive plans for the benefit of the executive officers and employees of our general partner.

Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports

Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires officers and directors of an issuer that has a class of equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of any such class of equity securities, to file reports of beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of equity securities of such class with the SEC. These forms include Forms 3, 4 and 5 and any amendments thereto. As result of the delisting of our common units from the NYSE, we no longer have a class of equity securities registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act, and the officers and directors of our general partner and 10% beneficial owners of our Class A Units are not subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act.

61

Table of Contents

However, since the delisting of our common stock, to our knowledge, the officers and directors of our general partner and 10% beneficial owners of our Class A Units generally have continued to file the reports that would be required by Section 16(a) if the Class A Units were registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act. To our knowledge, based solely on its review of the copies of such Section 16(a) forms and, to the extent applicable, written representations from certain reporting persons that no Annual Statement of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5 were required to be filed by those persons, our general partner believes that during fiscal 2023 all Section 16(a) filing requirements that would have been applicable to the officers and directors of our general partner and beneficial owners of more than 10% of our Class A Units (if the Class A Units were registered under Section 12 of the Exchange Act) were met in a timely manner.

ITEM 11.   EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

Risks Related to Compensation Policies and Practices

Management conducted a risk assessment of our compensation policies and practices for fiscal 2023. Based on its evaluation, management does not believe that any such policies or practices create risks that are reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on Ferrellgas Partners.

Overview of Executive Officer Compensation

Throughout this section, each person who served as the Principal Executive Officer (“PEO”) during fiscal 2023 and the two most highly compensated executive officers other than the PEO serving on July 31, 2023 are referred to as the Named Executive Officers (“NEOs”). We do not directly employ our NEOs. Rather, we are managed by our general partner who serves as the employer of our NEOs. We reimburse our general partner for all NEO compensation.

Named Executive Officers

James E. Ferrell, Chief Executive Officer and President; Chairman of the Board of Directors

Tamria A. Zertuche, Chief Operating Officer

Michael E. Cole, Chief Financial Officer

Compensation Objectives

We believe an effective executive compensation package should link total compensation to overall financial performance and to the achievement of both short and long term strategic, operational and financial goals. The elements of our compensation program are intended to provide a total rewards package to our NEOs that (i) provides competitive compensation opportunities, (ii) recognizes and rewards individual contribution, (iii) attracts, motivates and retains highly talented executives, and (iv) aligns executive performance toward the creation of sustained unitholder value rather than the achievement of short-term goals that might be inconsistent with the creation of long-term unitholder value.

Role of Management

Our Chief Executive Officer formulates preliminary compensation recommendations for all NEOs, including himself. These recommendations are subject to review and approval by the Compensation Committee. Our Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee utilized market compensation survey data to determine each NEO’s compensation.

Our compensation philosophy includes benchmarking executive positions using national market data from companies of similar revenue size to us. Data used to compare executive compensation is derived from the compensation survey data obtained from Mercer, LLC. (“Mercer”), a human resourcing consulting firm, using its United States Mercer benchmark database and the Global Total Compensation Measurement survey provided by Aon Hewitt. Data obtained was used to compare NEOs’ current base salaries and total direct compensation. Mercer and Aon Hewitt did not provide any formal consulting services.

62

Table of Contents

Components of Named Executive Officer Compensation

During fiscal 2023, elements of compensation for our NEOs consisted of the following:

base salary;
discretionary bonus;
equity-based incentive compensation plan;
short term incentive plan;
long term cash incentive plan;
employee stock ownership plan; and
deferred compensation plans.

Base Salary

Our Chief Executive Officer formulates preliminary base salary recommendations for all NEOs, including himself. These recommendations are subject to review and approval by the Compensation Committee. To assist our Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee, compensation survey data is utilized to create benchmarks for each NEO’s base salary. The Chief Executive Officer and Compensation Committee typically target the market data median value for the purposes of establishing the base salary. Additionally, other factors such as performance and other executive responsibilities are taken into consideration when determining the base salaries of our NEOs.

The amount of each NEO’s most recent salary during fiscal 2023 is displayed in the table below. The amount of salary paid to each NEO during fiscal 2023 is displayed in the “Salary” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

2023 Annual

Base Salary

Named Executive Officer

    

($)

James E. Ferrell

955,000

Tamria A. Zertuche

689,590

Michael E. Cole (1)

525,000

(1)Mr. Cole began as Chief Financial Officer on February 20, 2023 and so received a partial year’s salary in fiscal 2023.

Discretionary Bonus

Our Chief Executive Officer has the authority to recommend for Compensation Committee review and approval, discretionary cash bonuses to any NEO, including himself. Typically, these awards are designed to reward performance by a NEO that our Chief Executive Officer believes exceeded expectations in operational or strategic objectives during the last fiscal year. The discretionary bonus paid to each NEO for fiscal 2023 is included in the “Bonus” column of the Summary Compensation Table below.

Equity-based Incentive Compensation Plan

We have an equity-based incentive compensation plan, the Ferrell Companies Incentive Compensation Plan (the “ICP”), in which our NEOs are permitted to participate. The ICP was established by Ferrell Companies to allow upper-middle and senior level managers, including NEOs, and directors of our general partner to participate in the equity growth of Ferrell Companies. Pursuant to this ICP, eligible participants may be granted stock options to purchase shares of common stock of Ferrell Companies, stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), performance shares or other equity-linked incentives payable in cash or in stock. Neither Ferrellgas Partners nor the operating partnership contributes, directly or indirectly, to the ICP. Options granted under the ICP vest ratably over periods ranging from zero to 10 years or 100% upon a change of control of Ferrell Companies, or upon the death, disability or retirement at the age of 65 of the participant. All awards expire ten years from the date of issuance. Awards granted to NEOs must also be approved by the Compensation Committee. No stock option awards, SARs, performance shares or other incentives payable in cash or in stock were granted under the ICP to NEOs in fiscal 2023 or 2022.

63

Table of Contents

Short Term Incentive Plan

The Ferrellgas, Inc. Short Term Incentive Plan (the “STIP”) is a cash-based program provided to employees in critical positions, including NEOs. Participation in the STIP is at the discretion of the Board. Target STIP payouts are established by the Board as a percentage of the participants’ annual base pay using compensation survey data. STIP incentive payments are based on achievement of company adjusted EBITDA and individual performance. Ferrellgas, Inc. must meet adjusted EBITDA targets to trigger incentive payouts. The Board has the sole discretion over the STIP plan which includes making changes to design, payout amount, payment timing, suspension, or termination. The amount of compensation cost related to the STIP incurred for each NEO is displayed in the “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Long Term Cash Incentive Plan

The Ferrellgas, Inc. Long Term Cash Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”), is a cash-based program provided to employees in critical positions, including NEOs. Participation in the LTIP is at the discretion of the Board. Target LTIP payouts are established by the Board as a dollar amount using compensation survey data. LTIP incentive payments are based on achievement of company adjusted EBITDA. Payments will only be made at the end of a three-year performance-cycle and there will be no more than three overlapping plans running concurrent at one time. Ferrellgas, Inc. must meet adjusted EBITDA targets to trigger incentive payouts. The Board has the sole discretion over the LTIP plan which includes making changes to design, payout amount, payment timing, suspension, or termination. The LTIP was introduced in fiscal 2023, thus no LTIP incentive payments were made in fiscal 2023.

Employee Stock Ownership Plan

On July 17, 1998, pursuant to the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”), an employee stock ownership trust purchased all of the outstanding common stock of Ferrell Companies. The purpose of the ESOP is to provide all employees of our general partner, including NEOs, an opportunity for ownership in Ferrell Companies, and indirectly, in us. Ferrell Companies makes contributions to the ESOP, which allows a portion of the shares of Ferrell Companies owned by the ESOP to be allocated to employees’ accounts over time. The value of the shares allocated to each NEO for compensation related to fiscal 2023 and 2022 is included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

Twice per year and in accordance with the ESOP, each NEO’s ESOP account receives an allocation of Ferrell Companies shares. This allocation, as determined by the ESOP, is based on the following: a) the relative percentage of the NEO’s base salary, discretionary bonus, and corporate incentive plan payment made during the period to all eligible employee compensation (if applicable), subject to certain limitations under Section 415 of the Internal Revenue Code, and b) shares owned from previous allocations. NEOs vest in their account balances as follows:

Number of Completed Years of Service

    

Vested Percent

 

Less than 3 years

 

%

3 years

 

20

%

4 years

 

40

%

5 years

 

60

%

6 years

 

80

%

7 years or more

 

100

%

NEOs are entitled to receive a distribution for the vested portion of their accounts at specified times in accordance with the ESOP for normal or late retirement, disability, death, resignation, or dismissal.

64

Table of Contents

Deferred Compensation Plans and Retirement Savings Plans

Two deferred compensation plans are available for participation by our NEOs, the “401(k) Investment Plan,” a tax-qualified retirement plan, and the “Supplemental Savings Plan,” a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The amount of company match related to these plans credited to each NEO’s account during fiscal 2023 and 2022 is included in the “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table.

401(k) Investment Plan – The Ferrell Companies, Inc. 401(k) Investment Plan (“401(k) Plan”) is a qualified defined contribution plan, which includes both employee contributions and employer matching contributions. All employees of our general partner or any of its direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries, including NEOs, who are not part of a collective bargaining agreement are eligible to participate in the 401(k) Plan. The 401(k) Plan has a 401(k) feature allowing all eligible employees to specify a portion of their pre-tax and/or after-tax compensation to be contributed to the 401(k) Plan. It also provides for matching contributions under a cash or deferred arrangement based upon participant salaries and employee contributions to the 401(k) Plan.

Due to Internal Revenue Code non-discrimination testing, NEOs are limited to the amount they may contribute to the 401(k) Plan. This testing has historically lowered the annual contribution limit into the 401(k) plan for highly compensated employees, before applying any “catch-up” contributions for those 50 and older. We will provide a 50% matching contribution of the first 8% of all eligible contributions made to the 401(k) Plan and the SSP (as defined below) combined. Employee contributions are 100% vested, while the Company’s matching contributions vest ratably over the first five years of employment. Employee and our matching contributions can be directed, at the employee’s option, to be invested in a number of investment options that are offered by the 401(k) Plan.

Supplemental Savings Plan – The Ferrell Companies, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan (“SSP”) was established in order to provide certain management or highly compensated employees with supplemental retirement income which is approximately equal in amount to the retirement income that such employees would have received under the terms of the 401(k) feature of the above 401(k) Plan based on such employee’s deferral elections thereunder, but which could not be provided under the 401(k) feature of the 401(k) Plan due to the application of certain “Highly Compensated Employee” IRS rules and regulations.

This non-qualified plan is available to all employees who have been designated as “Highly Compensated” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. NEOs are allowed to make, subject to Internal Revenue Code limitations, pre-tax contributions to the SSP of up to 25% of their eligible compensation. We provide a 50% matching contribution of the first 8% of all eligible contributions made to the SSP and the above 401(k) Plan combined. Employee contributions are 100% vested, while our matching contributions vest ratably over the first 5 years of employment. Employee and our matching contributions can be directed, at the employee’s option, to be invested in a number of investment options that are identical to the investment options offered under the 401(k) Plan.

65

Table of Contents

Summary Compensation Table

The following table sets forth the compensation of our NEOs for the last two fiscal years:

Non-Equity

Incentive Plan

All Other

Salary

Bonus

Compensation

Compensation

Total

Name and Principal Position

    

Fiscal Year

    

($)

    

($)

    

($)

    

($)

    

($)

James E. Ferrell (1)

2023

929,615

1,350,000

200,050

2,479,665

Chief Executive Officer and President

 

2022

 

900,000

 

 

900,000

 

200,000

 

2,000,000

Tamria A. Zertuche (2)

2023

688,817

753,188

13,982

1,455,987

Chief Operating Officer

2022

668,750

1,000,000

557,500

12,367

2,238,617

Michael E. Cole (3)

2023

212,019

330,000

7,067

549,086

Chief Financial Officer

Jordan B. Burns

2022

341,442

167,500

11,483

520,425

Vice President and General Counsel

 

(1)Mr. Ferrell was appointed by the Board of Directors as Executive Chairman effective August 1, 2023. On July 28, 2023, Mr. Ferrell signed an executive chairman agreement for a one-year term.
(2)Ms. Zertuche was appointed by the Board of Directors as Chief Executive Officer and President effective August 1, 2023. On July 25, 2023, Ms. Zertuche signed an executive employment agreement for a three-year term.
(3)Mr. Cole received a sign-on bonus in fiscal 2023 and will be eligible to participate in the STIP in fiscal 2024.

The “All Other Compensation” column of the Summary Compensation Table above consisted of the following:

ESOP

401(k) Plan

Total All Other

Allocations

Match

Other

Compensation

Name

    

Year

    

($)

    

($)

    

($)

    

($)

James E. Ferrell (1)

2023

200,050

200,050

2022

200,000

200,000

Tamria A. Zertuche

2023

4,122

9,810

50

13,982

2022

4,653

7,714

12,367

Michael E. Cole

2023

7,067

7,067

Jordan B. Burns

2022

4,653

6,830

11,483

(1)Mr. Ferrell received $200,000 of fees paid in cash in respect of his service on the Board during fiscal 2023 and 2022.

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

During fiscal 2023, an employment agreement was in effect obligating us to make payments to Mr. Ferrell if his employment was terminated by the general partner without cause or if he parted with the general partner under certain circumstances that qualified as “good reason” under the executive employment agreement. In those scenarios, he was entitled to receive: (i) certain accrued obligations; (ii) a lump sum payment of any amounts remaining under the executive employment agreement; and (iii) subject to Mr. Ferrell’s election of and qualification for continuation coverage, for a period of 12 consecutive months following termination of employment, premium costs for certain insurance benefits in the monthly amount the general partner was paying toward Mr. Ferrell’s general partner-provided group health plan insurance coverage immediately prior to his cessation of employment. The executive employment agreement was replaced with the Executive Chairman Agreement, effective August 1, 2023.

Additionally, there was the ICP described above under “Equity-based Incentive Compensation Plan” and had a change in control of Ferrell Companies occurred on July 31, 2023, the last business day of fiscal 2023, all SARs issued under the ICP were valued at zero and, accordingly, no payment thereunder would have been due to any of our NEOs.

66

Table of Contents

Compensation of Non-Employee Directors

We believe the compensation package for the non-employee members of the Board of Directors of our general partner should compensate our non-employee directors in a manner that is competitive within the marketplace. Our compensation package includes a combination of annual director fees and SAR awards. Total compensation awarded to our non-employee directors varies depending upon their level of activity within the Board. All directors are paid a base fee, plus additional fees depending on their level of activity. The base fee as of July 31, 2023 was $125,000 per year. Participation in and chairing of committees within the Board will increase the level of compensation paid to an individual Board member. The respective Chairman of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee received an additional $17,500, $11,250, and $11,250, respectively.

Our Chief Executive Officer formulates preliminary annual director fee and SAR awards recommendations for each Board member. These recommendations are subject to review and approval by the Compensation Committee. To assist our Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee, publicly available board of director compensation data within our industry is reviewed to provide market data that is used to create benchmarks for each director’s annual director fee and total compensation package. No SAR awards were granted to our non-employee directors during fiscal 2023.

The following table sets forth the compensation of our non-employee directors for fiscal 2023. Mr. Ferrell, who served as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of our general partner for fiscal 2023, was also the Chief Executive Officer and President of our general partner for fiscal 2023, and all compensation for his service on the Board of Directors of our general partner is included in the Summary Compensation Table above.

Fees Paid in

Option

All Other

Total

Name

    

Cash ($)

    

Awards ($)

    

Compensation ($)

    

($)

A. Andrew Levison (1)

125,000

 

 

 

125,000

Michael F. Morrissey (2)

142,500

 

 

142,500

Pamela A. Breuckmann (3)

125,000

 

 

125,000

Stephen M. Clifford (4)

136,252

 

 

136,252

Carney Hawks

125,000

125,000

Craig Snyder

125,000

125,000

Edward Newberry

147,504

147,504

Joe Eby (5)

18,750

18,750

(1)At July 31, 2023, this director had 89,000 SAR awards outstanding.
(2)At July 31, 2023, this director had 107,800 SAR awards outstanding.
(3)At July 31, 2023, this director had 33,000 SAR awards outstanding.
(4)At July 31, 2023, this director had 50,000 SAR awards outstanding.
(5)Mr. Eby was appointed as a director on March 6, 2023.

ITEM 12.    SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED UNITHOLDER MATTERS.

The following table sets forth certain information as of September 29, 2023, regarding the beneficial ownership of our Class A Units by:

persons that own more than 5% of our Class A Units;
persons that are directors, nominees or named executive officers of our general partner; and
all directors and executive officers of our general partner as a group.

Other than those persons listed below, our general partner knows of no other person beneficially owning more than 5% of our Class A Units.

67

Table of Contents

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

    

    

Units

    

Percentage

Title of class

Name and address of beneficial owner (1)

beneficially owned

of class

Class A Units

 

Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust 125 S. LaSalle Street, 17th floor Chicago, IL 60603

 

1,138,812

 

23.4

 

James E. Ferrell

 

238,172

 

4.9

Tamria A. Zertuche

*

Michael E. Cole

*

 

A. Andrew Levison

 

1,090

 

*

 

Michael F. Morrissey

 

300

 

*

 

Stephen M. Clifford

 

850

 

*

 

Pamela A. Breuckmann

 

2,095

 

*

Carney Hawks

45,000

*

Edward Newberry

4,924

*

 

Craig Snyder

 

 

*

Joe Eby

*

 

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group in fiscal 2023

 

292,431

 

6.0

*

Less than one percent

(1)Unless otherwise noted, the business address of each of the following entities or individuals is: One Liberty Plaza, Liberty, Missouri 64068.

Beneficial ownership for the purposes of the foregoing table is defined by Rule 13d-3 under the Exchange Act. Under that rule, a person is generally considered to be the beneficial owner of a security if he, she or it has or shares the power to vote or direct the voting thereof, and/or to dispose or direct the disposition thereof, or has the right to acquire either of those powers within 60 days.

All common stock of Ferrell Companies, Inc. (“FCI shares”) held in the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust (the “Trust”) is ultimately voted by the appointed trustee. The current independent trustee (the “Trustee”) of the Trust is James Urbach. Each participant in the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Plan (the “ESOP”) may be entitled to direct the Trustee as to the exercise of any voting rights attributable to FCI shares allocated to their ESOP account, but only to the extent required by the Internal Revenue Code. The ESOP plan administrator directs the Trustee how to vote both FCI shares not allocated to plan participants (i.e., held in a Trust suspense account) and any allocated FCI shares in the Trust as to which no voting instructions have been received from participants. In all cases, the Trustee may vote the shares as it determines is necessary to fulfill its fiduciary duties under ERISA.

The Class A Units beneficially owned by the Trust at September 29, 2023 include 1,126,468 Class A Units owned by Ferrell Companies which is 100% owned by the Trust, 9,784 Class A Units owned by FCI Trading Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies and 2,560 Class A Units owned by Ferrell Propane, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of our general partner.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plan

None.

68

Table of Contents

ITEM 13.    CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE.

Related Party Transactions

Our written Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to our directors, officers and employees. It deals with conflicts of interest, confidential information, use of company assets, business dealings, and other similar topics. The Code prohibits any transaction that raises questions of possible ethical or legal conflict between Ferrellgas’ interests and an employee’s personal interests.

The Board of Directors maintains policies that govern specific related party transactions. Each of these policies contains guidelines on what entities or natural persons are considered related parties or an affiliate and the related procedures that are to be followed if transactions occur with these parties. On a quarterly basis, or more frequently if required by the policies, management provides the Board with a discussion of any related party or affiliate trading transactions. Annually, these policies are reviewed by the Board’s Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and considered for approval by the Board of Directors.

Our directors and officers are required each year to respond to a detailed questionnaire. The questionnaire requires each director and officer to identify every non-Ferrellgas organization of any type of which they or any of their family members (as defined by the SEC) are a director, partner, member, trustee, officer, employee, representative, consultant or significant shareholder. The questionnaire also requires disclosure of any transaction, relationship or arrangement with Ferrellgas. The information obtained from these questionnaires is then evaluated to determine the nature and amount of any transactions or relationships. If significant, the results are provided to the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee and Board for their use in determining director and officer independence and related party disclosure obligations.

We have no employees and are managed and controlled by our general partner. Pursuant to our partnership agreement, our general partner is entitled to reimbursement for all direct and indirect expenses incurred or payments it makes on our behalf, and all other necessary or appropriate expenses allocable to us or otherwise reasonably incurred by our general partner in connection with operating our business. These reimbursable costs, which totaled $342.8 million for fiscal 2023, include operating expenses such as compensation and benefits paid to employees of our general partner who perform services on our behalf, as well as related general and administrative expenses.

69

Table of Contents

Related party Class A Unitholder information consisted of the following:

Class A

Distributions paid

Unit ownership

during the year ended

    

at July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2023

(in thousands)

Ferrell Companies (1)

 

1,126,468

$

James E. Ferrell (2)

 

238,172

 

FCI Trading Corp. (3)

 

9,784

 

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (4)

 

2,560

 

(1)Ferrell Companies is the owner of the general partner and an approximate 23% direct owner of Class A Units and thus a related party. Ferrell Companies also beneficially owns 9,784 and 2,560 Class A Units held by FCI Trading Corp. (“FCI Trading”) and Ferrell Propane, Inc. (“Ferrell Propane”), respectively, bringing Ferrell Companies’ total beneficial ownership to 23.4%.
(2)James E. Ferrell was the Chief Executive Officer and President of our general partner and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of our general partner through July 31, 2023. Effective August 1, 2023, he is the Executive Chairman of our general partner and the Board of Directors of our general partner. JEF Capital Management owns 237,942 of these Class A Units and is owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust Two and other family trusts, all of which James E. Ferrell and/or his family members are the trustees and beneficiaries. James E. Ferrell holds all voting common stock of JEF Capital Management. The remaining 230 Class A Units are held by Ferrell Resources Holdings, Inc., which is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust One, for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary.
(3)FCI Trading is an affiliate of the general partner and thus a related party.
(4)Ferrell Propane, Inc. is controlled by the general partner and thus a related party.

During fiscal 2023, neither Ferrellgas Partners nor the operating partnership paid any distributions to the general partner.

Mr. Snyder is a Partner and Co-Portfolio Manager of Special Opportunities in the Ares Private Equity Group (“Ares”). Pursuant to the Investment Agreement, certain affiliated funds, investment vehicles and/or managed accounts of Ares severally purchased an aggregate of $246 million of Preferred Units on March 30, 2021.

Mr. Newberry is the Global Managing Partner of the Public Policy Practice, Investigatory and Regulatory Solutions practice groups at Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP, which serves as outside counsel for various Ferrellgas matters. Ferrellgas paid aggregate fees of $0.7 million and $0.9 million, respectively, to Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP for legal services rendered to Ferrellgas and its affiliates during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Indebtedness of Management

None.

Transactions with Promoters

None.

Director Independence

The Board has affirmatively determined that Ms. Breuckmann, Mr. Clifford, Mr. Eby, Mr. Hawks, Mr. Levison, Mr. Morrissey, Mr. Newberry, and Mr. Snyder, who constitute a majority of its Directors, are “independent” as described by the NYSE’s corporate governance rules.

70

Table of Contents

ITEM 14.   PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES.

The following table presents fees for professional services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP for the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements for the years ended July 31, 2023 and July 31, 2022 and fees billed for other services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP for such years, unless otherwise noted:

(in thousands)

    

2023

    

2022

Audit fees (1)

$

1,295

$

1,225

Audit-related fees (2)

 

45

 

37

Tax fees (3)

 

 

All other fees (4)

 

 

Total

$

1,340

$

1,262

(1)Audit fees consist of the aggregate fees billed for each of the last two fiscal years for professional services rendered by Grant Thornton LLP in connection with the audit of our annual financial statements and the review of financial statements included in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In addition, these fees also covered those services that are normally provided by an accountant in connection with statutory and regulatory filings or engagements and services related to accounting consultations, consents, comfort letters and assistance with and review of documents filed with the SEC.
(2)Audit-related fees consist of the aggregate fees billed in each of the last two fiscal years for assurance and related services by Grant Thornton LLP that we believe are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and that would not normally be reported under Item 9(e)(1) of Schedule 14A. These services generally consisted of financial accounting and reporting consultations not classified as audit fees, due diligence related to mergers and acquisitions and audits of our benefit plans.
(3)Tax fees, which there were none in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, represent fees for professional tax services provided by Grant Thornton.
(4)All other fees, which were none in fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, represent the aggregate fees billed for products and services provided by Grant Thornton, other than Audit fees, Audit-related fees and Tax fees.

The Audit Committee of our general partner reviewed and approved all audit and non-audit services provided to us by Grant Thornton LLP during fiscal 2023 and 2022, respectively, prior to the commencement of such services. See “Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance–Audit Committee” for a description of the Audit Committee’s pre-approval policies and procedures related to the engagement by us of an independent registered public accounting firm.

71

Table of Contents

PART IV

ITEM 15.   EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

1.

Exhibits.

See “Index to Exhibits” set forth on page E-1.

2.

Financial Statements.

See “Index to Financial Statements” set forth on page F-1.

3.

Financial Statement Schedules.

See “Index to Financial Statement Schedules” set forth on page S-1.

E-1

Table of Contents

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

Exhibit

Number

    

Description

2.1

Second Amended Prepackaged Joint Chapter 11 Plan of Reorganization of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 8, 2021

2.2

Transaction Support Agreement, dated December 10, 2020, by and among the Company Parties (as defined therein) and the Consenting Lenders (as defined therein). Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 11, 2020.

3.1

Certificate of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.

3.2

Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. dated as of March 30, 2021. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

3.3

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

3.4

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

3.5

Certificate of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.

3.6

Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P., dated as of March 30, 2021. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

3.7

First Amendment to the Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P., dated as of March 30, 2021. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

3.8

 

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

3.9

 

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

4.1

 

Specimen Certificate evidencing Common Units representing Limited Partner Interests. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit A of Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

4.2

Indenture relating to 5.375% Senior Notes due 2026, dated as of March 30, 2021 (with form of Note attached), among Ferrellgas Escrow, LLC and FG Operating Finance Escrow Corp., as co-issuers, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

E-2

Table of Contents

4.3

Assumption Supplemental Indenture relating to 5.375% Senior Notes due 2026, dated as of March 30, 2021, among Ferrellgas, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., as co-issuers, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

4.4

Indenture relating to 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026, dated as of March 30, 2021 (with form of Note attached), among Ferrellgas Escrow, LLC and FG Operating Finance Escrow Corp., as co-issuers, and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

4.5

Assumption Supplemental Indenture relating to 5.875% Senior Notes due 2026, dated as of March 30, 2021, among Ferrellgas, L.P. and Ferrellgas Finance Corp., as co-issuers, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.5 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

4.6

Investment Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2021, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc. and the several purchasers named therein. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

4.7

Voting Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2021, among Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., and the holders of Class B Units of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 14, 2021.

4.8

Voting Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2021, among Ferrellgas, Inc., Ferrell Companies, Inc., and the purchasers of the Senior Preferred Units of Ferrellgas, L.P. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 14, 2021.

10.1

Credit Agreement, dated as of March 30, 2021, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas, L.P., as guarantors, the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of our Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 5, 2021.

10.2

Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of January 8, 2021, between Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., as the borrower, and Ferrellgas, L.P., as the lender. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed January 11, 2021.

10.3

First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2021, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., the lenders party thereto, and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 14, 2021.

10.4

Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2023, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas, L.P., as guarantors, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 24, 2023.

10.5

Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of May 23, 2023, among Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Ferrellgas, L.P., as guarantors, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, and the lenders party thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 24, 2023.

#

10.6

Ferrell Companies, Inc. Supplemental Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2010; File No. 001-11331; 000-50182; 000-50183 and 333-06693.

E-3

Table of Contents

#

10.7

Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended and restated effective October 11, 2004. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.

#

10.8

Amendment to Ferrell Companies, Inc. 1998 Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of March 7, 2010. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed June 9, 2010; File No. 001-11331; 000-50182; 000-50183 and 333-06693.

#

10.9

Ferrellgas, Inc. Short Term Incentive Plan, effective August 1, 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed October 15, 2021.

#

10.10

Ferrellgas, Inc. Long-term Cash Incentive Plan, effective August 1, 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed December 9, 2022.

#

10.11

Employment, Confidentiality, and Noncompete Agreement dated as of July 17, 1998 by and among Ferrell Companies, Inc. as the company, Ferrellgas, Inc. as the company, James E. Ferrell as the executive and LaSalle National Bank as trustee of the Ferrell Companies, Inc. Employee Stock Ownership Trust. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2014.

#

10.12

Form of Director/Officer Indemnification Agreement, by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. and each director and executive officer. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 9, 2012; File No. 001-11331; 000-50182; 000-50183 and 333-06693.

#

10.13

Form of Indemnification Agreement, dated as of November 19, 2019, by and between Ferrellgas Partners, LP and each director and executive officer of Ferrellgas, Inc., its general partner. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed December 6, 2019.

#

10.14

Ferrell Companies, Inc. 2015 Deferred Appreciation Rights Plan, dated as of July 31, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed September 29, 2015.

10.15

Forbearance Agreement among Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and the beneficial owners dated June 7, 2020. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 11, 2020.

#

10.16

Offer Letter, dated as of January 11, 2023, between Ferrellgas, Inc. and Michael E. Cole. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed March 10, 2023.

*#

10.17

Executive Chairman Agreement, effective as of August 1, 2023, by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. and James E. Ferrell.

*#

10.18

Executive Employment Agreement, effective as of August 1, 2023, by and between Ferrellgas, Inc. and Tamria A. Zertuche.

*

21.1

List of subsidiaries.

*

23.1

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, for the certain use of its report appearing in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. for the year ended July 31, 2023.

*

31.1

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

E-4

Table of Contents

*

31.2

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

*

31.3

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

*

31.4

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

*

32.1

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

*

32.2

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

*

32.3

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

*

32.4

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

*

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document.

*

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

*

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

*

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

*

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

*

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

*

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).

*      Filed herewith

#      Management contracts or compensatory plans.

The agreements and other documents filed as exhibits to this report are not intended to provide factual information or other disclosure other than with respect to the terms of the agreements or other documents themselves, and you should not rely on them for that purpose. In particular, any representations and warranties made by us in these agreements or other documents were made solely within the specific context of the relevant agreement or document and may not describe the actual state of affairs as of the date they were made or at any other time.

ITEM 16.   FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

E-5

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)

Date:    September 29, 2023

By

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

    

Title

    

Date

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

9/29/2023

Tamria A. Zertuche

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ James E. Ferrell

Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

9/29/2023

    James E. Ferrell

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer

9/29/2023

    Michael E. Cole

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Pamela A. Breuckmann

Director

9/29/2023

    Pamela A. Breuckmann

/s/ Stephen M. Clifford

Director

9/29/2023

    Stephen M. Clifford

/s/ J. Carney Hawks

Director

9/29/2023

    J. Carney Hawks

/s/ A. Andrew Levison

Director

9/29/2023

    A. Andrew Levison

/s/ Michael F. Morrissey

Director

9/29/2023

    Michael F. Morrissey

/s/ Edward Newberry

Director

9/29/2023

    Edward Newberry

/s/ Craig Snyder

Director

9/29/2023

    Craig Snyder

/s/ Joe Eby

Director

9/29/2023

    Joe Eby

E-6

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)

Date:    September 29, 2023

By

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

    

Title

    

Date

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

(Principal Executive Officer)

9/29/2023

/s/ James E. Ferrell

Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors

9/29/2023

    James E. Ferrell

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer

9/29/2023

    Michael E. Cole

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Pamela A. Breuckmann

Director

9/29/2023

    Pamela A. Breuckmann

/s/ Stephen M. Clifford

Director

9/29/2023

    Stephen M. Clifford

/s/ J. Carney Hawks

Director

9/29/2023

    J. Carney Hawks

/s/ A. Andrew Levison

Director

9/29/2023

    A. Andrew Levison

/s/ Michael F. Morrissey

Director

9/29/2023

    Michael F. Morrissey

/s/ Edward Newberry

Director

9/29/2023

    Edward Newberry

/s/ Craig Snyder

Director

9/29/2023

    Craig Snyder

/s/ Joe Eby

Director

9/29/2023

    Joe Eby

E-7

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

Date:    September 29, 2023

By

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

    

Title

    

Date

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

9/29/2023

    Tamria A. Zertuche

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

9/29/2023

    Michael E. Cole

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

E-8

Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

Date:    September 29, 2023

By

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

    

Title

    

Date

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

9/29/2023

    Tamria A. Zertuche

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

9/29/2023

    Michael E. Cole

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

E-9

Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

    

Page

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Grant Thornton LLP (PCAOB ID 248)

F-2

Consolidated Balance Sheets - July 31, 2023 and 2022

F-3

Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-4

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income – Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-5

Consolidated Statements of Deficit - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-6

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-7

Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Grant Thornton LLP (PCAOB ID 248)

F-8

Consolidated Balance Sheets - July 31, 2023 and 2022

F-9

Consolidated Statements of Operations - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-10

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-11

Consolidated Statements of Partners’ Deficit - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-12

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-13

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries and Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

F-14

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Grant Thornton LLP (PCAOB ID 248)

F-49

Balance Sheets – July 31, 2023 and 2022

F-50

Statements of Operations - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-51

Statements of Stockholder’s Equity (Deficit) - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-52

Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-53

Notes to Financial Statements

F-54

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - Grant Thornton LLP (PCAOB ID 248)

F-55

Balance Sheets – July 31, 2023 and 2022

F-56

Statements of Operations - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-57

Statements of Stockholder’s Equity - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-58

Statements of Cash Flows - Years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

F-59

Notes to Financial Statements

F-60

F-1

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Partners

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedules included under Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Partnership is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical audit matters

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

We have served as the Partnership’s auditor since 2012.

Kansas City, Missouri

September 29, 2023

F-2

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except unit data)

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

ASSETS

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents (including $11,126 and $11,208 of restricted cash at July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)

$

137,347

$

158,737

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

159,379

 

150,395

Inventories

 

98,104

 

115,187

Price risk management asset

11,966

43,015

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

29,135

 

30,764

Total current assets

 

435,931

 

498,098

 

  

 

  

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

615,174

 

603,148

Goodwill, net

 

257,006

 

257,099

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $349,614 and $440,121 at July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)

 

106,615

 

97,638

Operating lease right-of-use assets

57,839

72,888

Other assets, net

 

58,838

 

79,244

Total assets

$

1,531,403

$

1,608,115

 

  

 

  

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

  

 

  

Current liabilities:

 

  

 

  

Accounts payable

$

35,115

$

57,586

Current portion of long-term debt

2,597

1,792

Current operating lease liabilities

24,600

25,824

Other current liabilities

 

197,030

 

218,610

Total current liabilities

259,342

303,812

 

  

 

  

Long-term debt

 

1,456,184

 

1,450,016

Operating lease liabilities

34,235

47,231

Other liabilities

 

29,084

 

43,518

Contingencies and commitments (Note P)

Mezzanine equity:

Senior preferred units, net of issue discount and offering costs (700,000 units outstanding at July 31, 2023 and 2022)

651,349

651,349

Equity (Deficit):

 

  

 

  

Limited partner unitholders

 

 

Class A (4,857,605 units outstanding at July 31, 2023 and 2022)

(1,205,103)

(1,229,823)

Class B (1,300,000 units outstanding at July 31, 2023 and 2022)

383,012

383,012

General partner unitholder (49,496 units outstanding at July 31, 2023 and 2022)

 

(70,566)

 

(71,320)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

1,059

 

37,907

Total Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. deficit

 

(891,598)

 

(880,224)

Noncontrolling interest

 

(7,193)

 

(7,587)

Total deficit

 

(898,791)

 

(887,811)

Total liabilities, mezzanine and deficit

$

1,531,403

$

1,608,115

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands, except per unit data)

For the year ended July 31, 

 

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Revenues:

Propane and other gas liquids sales

$

1,916,892

$

2,017,879

$

1,668,852

Other

 

109,573

 

96,661

 

85,458

Total revenues

 

2,026,465

 

2,114,540

 

1,754,310

 

  

 

  

 

  

Costs and expenses:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

1,003,357

 

1,174,004

 

881,936

Cost of sales - other

 

15,913

 

12,509

 

12,728

Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other

 

577,520

 

520,603

 

465,816

Operating expense - equipment lease expense

23,252

23,094

27,062

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

93,370

 

89,897

 

85,382

General and administrative expense

 

70,738

 

52,780

 

60,065

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

2,935

 

3,170

 

3,215

Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals

 

5,691

 

(6,618)

 

1,831

 

  

 

  

 

  

Operating income

 

233,689

 

245,101

 

216,275

Interest expense

 

(97,712)

 

(100,093)

 

(173,616)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

(104,834)

Other income, net

2,625

4,833

4,246

Reorganization expense - professional fees

 

 

 

(10,443)

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

138,602

 

149,841

 

(68,372)

Income tax expense

 

981

 

981

 

741

Net earnings (loss)

 

137,621

 

148,860

 

(69,113)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

740

 

867

 

(702)

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

$

136,881

$

147,993

$

(68,411)

Class A unitholders’ interest in net earnings (loss) (Note R)

$

10,171

$

(18,770)

$

(91,751)

Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per Class A Unit (Note R)

$

2.09

$

(3.86)

$

(18.89)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Net earnings (loss)

$

137,621

$

148,860

 

$

(69,113)

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

Change in value of risk management derivatives

 

(48,034)

 

68,950

 

136,351

Reclassification of losses (gains) on derivatives to earnings, net

 

10,810

 

(120,429)

 

(44,252)

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

(37,224)

 

(51,479)

 

92,099

Comprehensive income

 

100,397

 

97,381

 

22,986

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest

 

(364)

 

(347)

 

(228)

Comprehensive income attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

$

100,033

$

97,034

 

$

22,758

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF DEFICIT

(in thousands)

    

    

    

    

    

Number of units

Accumulated

Total Ferrellgas

    

General

    

General

other

Partners, L.P.

Class A

Class B

partner

Class A

Class B

partner

comprehensive

partners’

Non-controlling

Total partners’

    

unitholders 

    

unitholders

unitholder

    

unitholders

    

unitholders

unitholder

    

income (loss)

    

deficit

    

interest

    

deficit

Balance at July 31, 2020

 

4,857.6

 

49.5

$

(1,126,452)

$

$

(71,287)

$

(2,303)

$

(1,200,042)

$

(8,226)

$

(1,208,268)

Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP compensation charges

 

 

 

3,150

 

 

33

 

 

3,183

 

32

 

3,215

Issuance of Class B units, net of offering costs

 

 

1,300.0

 

 

383,012

 

 

 

383,012

 

 

383,012

Net earnings allocated to preferred units

 

 

 

(23,784)

 

 

(240)

 

 

(24,024)

 

 

(24,024)

Net loss

 

 

 

(67,727)

 

 

(684)

 

 

(68,411)

 

(702)

 

(69,113)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

91,169

 

91,169

 

930

 

92,099

Balance at July 31, 2021

 

4,857.6

 

1,300.0

49.5

 

(1,214,813)

 

383,012

 

(72,178)

 

88,866

 

(815,113)

 

(7,966)

 

(823,079)

Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP compensation charges

 

 

 

3,107

 

 

31

 

 

3,138

 

32

 

3,170

Distributions to Class B unitholders

 

 

 

 

(99,996)

 

 

 

(99,996)

 

 

(99,996)

Net earnings allocated to Class B units

(99,996)

99,996

Net earnings allocated to preferred units

 

 

 

(64,634)

 

 

(653)

 

 

(65,287)

 

 

(65,287)

Net earnings

 

 

 

146,513

 

 

1,480

 

 

147,993

 

867

 

148,860

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(50,959)

 

(50,959)

 

(520)

 

(51,479)

Balance at July 31, 2022

 

4,857.6

 

1,300.0

49.5

(1,229,823)

383,012

(71,320)

37,907

(880,224)

(7,587)

(887,811)

Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP compensation charges

 

 

 

2,876

 

 

29

 

 

2,905

 

30

 

2,935

Distributions to Class B unitholders

(49,998)

(49,998)

(49,998)

Net earnings allocated to Class B units

(49,998)

49,998

Net earnings allocated to preferred units

 

 

(63,671)

 

 

(643)

 

 

(64,314)

 

 

(64,314)

Net earnings

 

 

 

135,513

 

 

1,368

 

 

136,881

 

740

 

137,621

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

(36,848)

 

(36,848)

 

(376)

 

(37,224)

Balance at July 31, 2023

4,857.6

1,300.0

49.5

$

(1,205,103)

$

383,012

$

(70,566)

$

1,059

$

(891,598)

$

(7,193)

$

(898,791)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-6

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

2021

Cash flows from operating activities:

  

  

    

  

Net earnings (loss)

$

137,621

$

148,860

$

(69,113)

Reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

93,370

 

89,897

 

85,382

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

2,935

 

3,170

 

3,215

Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals

 

5,691

 

(6,618)

 

1,831

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

104,834

Provision for expected credit losses

 

1,228

 

1,847

 

2,323

Other

 

8,119

 

6,855

 

8,683

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:

 

 

  

 

Accounts and notes receivable

 

(10,212)

 

(20,668)

 

(32,459)

Inventories

 

17,083

 

(26,808)

 

(15,715)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

1,630

 

8,329

 

(5,995)

Accounts payable

 

(22,551)

 

9,223

 

13,789

Accrued interest expense

 

(692)

 

608

 

8,355

Other current liabilities

 

(21,619)

 

(39,769)

 

84,014

Other assets and liabilities

 

(345)

 

(14,461)

 

17,284

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

212,258

 

160,465

 

206,428

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(24,123)

 

(19,679)

 

(6,567)

Capital expenditures

 

(88,915)

 

(95,249)

 

(59,442)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

2,264

 

2,914

 

5,295

Cash payments to construct assets in connection with future lease transactions

(1,425)

(1,715)

Cash receipts in connection with leased vehicles

1,663

1,476

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(110,774)

 

(111,776)

 

(60,953)

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Preferred unit distributions

(64,368)

(63,356)

(8,011)

Distributions to Class B unitholders

(49,998)

 

(99,996)

 

Proceeds from sale of preferred units, net of issue discount and offering cost

651,349

Fees in connection with Class B Unit exchange

(1,988)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 

1,475,000

Payments on long-term debt

 

(1,836)

 

(1,670)

 

(2,120)

Payment for settlement and early extinguishment of liabilities

 

 

 

(2,175,000)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

45,000

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 

(45,000)

 

 

Payment of redemption premium on debt extinguishment

(83,072)

Make-whole payments

(1,964)

Cash paid for financing costs

 

 

(337)

 

(44,290)

Cash payments for principal portion of lease liability

 

(6,672)

 

(6,545)

 

(7,188)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(122,874)

 

(171,904)

 

(197,284)

 

  

 

  

 

  

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(21,390)

 

(123,215)

 

(51,809)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - beginning of period

 

158,737

 

281,952

 

333,761

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - end of period

$

137,347

$

158,737

$

281,952

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-7

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Partners

Ferrellgas, L.P.

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ferrellgas, L.P. (a Delaware limited partnership) and subsidiaries (the “Partnership”) as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, partners’ deficit, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2023, and the related notes and financial statement schedule included under Item 15(a) (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Partnership as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Partnership’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Partnership in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Partnership is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Partnership’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical audit matters

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

We have served as the Partnership’s auditor since 2012.

Kansas City, Missouri

September 29, 2023

F-8

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except unit data)

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

ASSETS

Current assets:

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents (including $11,126 and $11,208 of restricted cash at July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)

$

137,245

$

158,466

Accounts and notes receivable, net

 

159,379

 

150,395

Inventories

 

98,104

 

115,187

Price risk management asset

11,966

43,015

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

29,113

 

30,743

Total current assets

 

435,807

 

497,806

Property, plant and equipment, net

 

615,174

 

603,148

Goodwill, net

 

257,006

 

257,099

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $349,614 and $440,121 at July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively)

 

106,615

 

97,638

Operating lease right-of-use assets

57,839

72,888

Other assets, net

 

58,838

 

79,244

Total assets

$

1,531,279

$

1,607,823

LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE AND DEFICIT

 

  

 

  

Current liabilities:

 

  

 

  

Accounts payable

$

35,115

$

57,586

Current portion of long-term debt

2,597

1,792

Current operating lease liabilities

24,600

25,824

Other current liabilities

 

196,966

 

218,333

Total current liabilities

259,278

303,535

Long-term debt

 

1,456,184

 

1,450,016

Operating lease liabilities

34,235

47,231

Other liabilities

 

29,084

 

43,518

Contingencies and commitments (Note P)

 

 

Mezzanine equity:

Senior preferred units, net of issue discount and offering costs (700,000 units outstanding at July 31, 2023 and 2022)

651,349

651,349

Deficit:

 

  

 

  

Limited partners

 

(892,717)

 

(918,146)

General partner

 

(7,217)

 

(7,987)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

1,083

 

38,307

Total deficit

 

(898,851)

 

(887,826)

Total liabilities, mezzanine and deficit

$

1,531,279

$

1,607,823

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-9

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Revenues:

Propane and other gas liquids sales

$

1,916,892

$

2,017,879

$

1,668,852

Other

 

109,573

 

96,661

 

85,458

Total revenues

 

2,026,465

 

2,114,540

 

1,754,310

Costs and expenses:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

 

1,003,357

 

1,174,004

 

881,936

Cost of sales - other

 

15,913

 

12,509

 

12,728

Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other

 

577,520

 

520,603

 

465,816

Operating expense - equipment lease expense

23,252

23,094

27,062

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

93,370

 

89,897

 

85,382

General and administrative expense

 

70,649

 

52,767

 

59,676

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

2,935

 

3,170

 

3,215

Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals

 

5,691

 

(6,618)

 

1,831

Operating income

 

233,778

 

245,114

 

216,664

Interest expense

 

(97,712)

 

(100,093)

 

(159,845)

Loss on extinguishment of debt

(107,971)

Other income, net

 

2,488

 

7,084

 

6,437

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

 

138,554

 

152,105

 

(44,715)

Income tax expense

 

976

 

976

 

727

Net earnings (loss)

$

137,578

$

151,129

$

(45,442)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-10

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Net earnings (loss)

$

137,578

$

151,129

$

(45,442)

Other comprehensive (loss) income:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Change in value of risk management derivatives

 

(48,034)

 

68,950

 

136,351

Reclassification of losses (gains) on derivatives to earnings, net

 

10,810

 

(120,429)

 

(44,252)

Other comprehensive (loss) income

 

(37,224)

 

(51,479)

 

92,099

Comprehensive income

$

100,354

$

99,650

$

46,657

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-11

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF PARTNERS’ DEFICIT

(in thousands)

Accumulated

other

Total

Limited

General

comprehensive

partners’

    

partner

    

partner

    

income (loss)

    

deficit

Balance at July 31, 2020

$

(821,462)

$

(8,216)

$

(2,313)

$

(831,991)

Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP compensation charges

 

3,183

 

32

 

 

3,215

Net earnings allocated to preferred units

 

(24,024)

(24,024)

Net loss

 

(44,740)

 

(702)

 

 

(45,442)

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

92,099

 

92,099

Balance at July 31, 2021

(887,043)

(8,886)

89,786

(806,143)

Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP compensation charges

3,138

32

3,170

Distributions

(119,216)

(119,216)

Net earnings allocated to preferred units

(65,287)

(65,287)

Net earnings

150,262

867

151,129

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

(51,479)

 

(51,479)

Balance at July 31, 2022

(918,146)

(7,987)

38,307

(887,826)

Contributions in connection with non-cash ESOP compensation charges

 

2,905

 

30

 

 

2,935

Distributions

(50,000)

(50,000)

Net earnings allocated to preferred units

 

(64,314)

(64,314)

Net earnings

 

136,838

 

740

 

 

137,578

Other comprehensive loss

 

 

 

(37,224)

 

(37,224)

Balance at July 31, 2023

$

(892,717)

$

(7,217)

$

1,083

$

(898,851)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-12

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net earnings (loss)

$

137,578

$

151,129

$

(45,442)

Reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

93,370

 

89,897

 

85,382

Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge

 

2,935

 

3,170

 

3,215

Loss (gain) on asset sales and disposals

 

5,691

 

(6,618)

 

1,831

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

107,971

Provision for expected credit losses

 

1,228

 

1,847

 

2,323

Other

 

8,120

 

6,857

 

8,682

Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from business acquisitions:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Accounts and notes receivable

 

(10,212)

 

(20,668)

 

(32,459)

Inventories

 

17,083

 

(26,808)

 

(15,715)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

1,631

 

8,330

 

(6,022)

Accounts payable

 

(22,551)

 

9,223

 

13,789

Accrued interest expense

 

(692)

 

608

 

(5,416)

Other current liabilities

 

(21,406)

 

(39,828)

 

83,796

Other assets and liabilities

 

(346)

 

2,539

 

15,093

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

212,429

 

179,678

 

217,028

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired

 

(24,123)

 

(19,679)

 

(6,567)

Capital expenditures

 

(88,915)

 

(95,249)

 

(59,442)

Proceeds from sale of assets

 

2,264

 

2,914

 

5,295

Cash payments to construct assets in connection with future lease transactions

(1,425)

(1,715)

Cash receipts in connection with leased vehicles

1,663

1,476

Loan to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

(14,810)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(110,774)

 

(111,776)

 

(75,763)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Distributions to Ferrellgas Partners

 

(50,000)

 

(119,216)

 

Preferred unit distributions

(64,368)

(63,356)

(8,011)

Proceeds from sale of preferred units, net of issue discount and offering costs

 

 

 

651,349

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 

1,475,000

Payments on long-term debt

 

(1,836)

 

(1,670)

 

(2,120)

Payment for settlement and early extinguishment of liabilities

(2,175,000)

Payment of redemption premium on debt extinguishment

(83,072)

Proceeds from short-term borrowings

45,000

Repayments of short-term borrowings

 

(45,000)

 

 

Cash payments for principal portion of finance lease liability

 

(6,672)

 

(6,545)

(7,188)

Cash paid for financing costs

 

 

(337)

 

(44,290)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(122,876)

 

(191,124)

 

(193,332)

Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

 

(21,221)

(123,222)

 

(52,067)

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - beginning of period

 

158,466

 

281,688

 

333,755

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash - end of period

$

137,245

$

158,466

$

281,688

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-13

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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

A.        Partnership organization and formation

Ferrellgas Partners

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (“Ferrellgas Partners”) was formed on April 19, 1994, and is a publicly traded limited partnership. Ferrellgas Partners is a holding entity that conducts no operations and has two direct subsidiaries, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “operating partnership”). Ferrellgas Partners was formed to acquire and hold a limited partner interest in the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners owns a 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., whose only business activity is to act as the co-issuer and co-obligor of any debt securities issued by Ferrellgas Partners. Our activities are primarily conducted through the operating partnership. Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, collectively referred to as “Ferrellgas,” are both Delaware limited partnerships and are governed by their respective partnership agreements. These agreements contain specific provisions for the allocation of net earnings and loss to each of the partners for purposes of maintaining the partner capital accounts.

Ferrellgas, Inc. (the “general partner”), a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ferrell Companies, is the sole general partner of Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership and, excluding the economic interests attributable to Ferrellgas Partners’ Class B Units and the operating partnership’s Preferred Units, owns an approximate 1% general partner economic interest in each, and, therefore, an effective 2% general partner economic interest in the operating partnership. Excluding the economic interests attributable to the Preferred Units, Ferrellgas Partners owns an approximate 99% limited partner interest in the operating partnership. Our general partner performs all management functions for us. Unless contractually provided for, creditors of the operating partnership have no recourse with regards to Ferrellgas Partners. As of July 31, 2023, Ferrell Companies Inc., a Kansas corporation (“Ferrell Companies”), the parent company of our general partner, beneficially owns approximately 23.4% of Ferrellgas Partners’ outstanding Class A Units. Ferrell Companies is owned 100% by an employee stock ownership trust.

The operating partnership

The operating partnership was formed on April 22, 1994, and accounts for substantially all of our consolidated assets, sales and operating earnings. The operating partnership is a limited partnership that owns and operates propane distribution and related assets. Ferrellgas Partners and the holders of the Preferred Units (as defined in Note I “Preferred units”) are the only limited partners of the operating partnership.

The operating partnership owns a 100% equity interest in Ferrellgas Finance Corp., whose only business activity is to act as the co-issuer and co-obligor of debt securities issued by the operating partnership.

The operating partnership is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales. The propane distribution market is seasonal because propane is used primarily for heating in residential and commercial buildings. Ferrellgas serves residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and other customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico.

F-14

Table of Contents

B.       Summary of significant accounting policies

(1)   Accounting estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Significant estimates impacting the consolidated financial statements include accruals that have been established for contingent liabilities, pending claims and legal actions arising in the normal course of business, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, residual values of tanks, capitalization of customer tank installation costs, amortization methods of intangible assets, valuation methods used to value sales returns and allowances, allowance for expected credit losses, fair value of reporting unit, fair value at issuance of Class B units (related to Ferrellgas Partners), recoverability of long-lived assets, assumptions used to value business combinations, determination of incremental borrowing rate used to measure right-of-use assets (“ROU assets”) and lease liability and fair values of derivative contracts.

(2)   Principles of consolidation and basis of presentation

Certain prior-year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current-year presentation.

Ferrellgas Partners

The consolidated financial statements present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Ferrellgas Partners, its wholly-owned subsidiary, Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., and the operating partnership, its majority-owned subsidiary, after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. We have determined that the operating partnership is a variable interest entity for whom Ferrellgas Partners has no ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions and thus does not have the power to direct the activities of the operating partnership that most significantly impact economic performance. However, we have determined that the accounts of Ferrellgas Partners’ majority-owned subsidiary should be included because Ferrellgas Partners is most closely associated with the operations of the operating partnership due to the fact that Ferrellgas Partners has the obligation to absorb the losses of and the right to receive benefits from the operating partnership that are significant to the operating partnership and substantially all the assets and liabilities of Ferrellgas Partners consist of the operating partnership. The operating partnership includes the accounts of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The general partner’s approximate 1% general partner interest in the operating partnership is accounted for as a noncontrolling interest.

The operating partnership

The consolidated financial statements present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions. The operating partnership consolidates the following wholly-owned entities: Bridger Logistics, LLC, Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, Inc., FNA Canada, Inc., Ferrellgas Finance Corp, and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC.

(3)   Fair value measurements

Ferrellgas measures certain of its assets and liabilities at fair value, which is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants – in either the principal market or the most advantageous market. The principal market is the market with the greatest level of activity and volume for the asset or liability.

F-15

Table of Contents

The common framework for measuring fair value utilizes a three-level hierarchy to prioritize the inputs used in the valuation techniques to derive fair values. The basis for fair value measurements for each level within the hierarchy is described below with Level 1 having the highest priority and Level 3 having the lowest.

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Level 3: Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.

(4)   Accounts receivable

Accounts receivable are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at the gross outstanding amount adjusted for an allowance for expected credit losses. Accounts receivable that are acquired are initially recorded at fair value on the date of acquisition. Provisions for uncollectible accounts are established based upon our collection experience and the assessment of the collectability of specific amounts. Accounts receivable are written off in the period in which the receivable is deemed uncollectible.

(5)   Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value using weighted average cost and actual cost methods.

(6)   Property, plant and equipment

Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Expenditures for maintenance and routine repairs are expensed as incurred. Ferrellgas capitalizes computer software, equipment replacement and betterment expenditures that upgrade, replace or completely rebuild major mechanical components and extend the original useful life of the equipment. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 2 to 30 years. Depreciation expense on delivery vehicles Ferrellgas owns are classified within “Depreciation and amortization expense.” Long-lived assets are tested for impairment, using Ferrellgas’ best estimates based on reasonable and supportable assumptions and projections, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of its assets or asset groups might not be recoverable. The recoverability tests for property, plant and equipment are performed at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The recoverability test is performed by determining the carrying value of the asset group and comparing it to the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows of the asset group. The expected future cash flows are estimated based on management’s plans. If the carrying value exceeds the expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair market value and the carrying value of the asset group.

(7)   Goodwill

Ferrellgas records goodwill as the excess of the cost of acquisitions over the fair value of the related net assets at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually during the second fiscal quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the carrying value. Ferrellgas has determined that it has one reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing purposes. As of July 31, 2023, this reporting unit contains goodwill that is subject to at least an annual assessment for impairment by applying a fair-value-based test. Under this test, the carrying value of the reporting unit is determined by assigning the assets and liabilities, including the existing goodwill and intangible assets, to the reporting unit as of the date of the evaluation on a specific identification basis. To the extent the reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, the reporting unit’s goodwill is impaired. The amount of impairment would be equal to the lesser of the excess of reporting unit carrying value over its fair value and the reporting unit’s recorded amount of goodwill. Ferrellgas completed its most recent annual goodwill impairment test on January 31, 2023 and did not incur an impairment loss. The estimated fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 33% in fiscal 2023.

F-16

Table of Contents

(8)   Intangible assets

Intangible assets with finite useful lives, consisting primarily of customer related assets and non-compete agreements, permits, favorable lease arrangements and patented technology are stated at cost, net of accumulated amortization calculated using the straight-line method over periods ranging from 2 to 15 years. When necessary, intangible assets’ useful lives are revised and the impact on amortization reflected on a prospective basis. Trade names and trademarks have indefinite lives, are not amortized, and are stated at cost. Ferrellgas tests finite-lived intangible assets for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of these assets or asset groups might not be recoverable. Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually on January 31 or more frequently if circumstances dictate. The recoverability tests for definite-lived intangible assets are performed at the asset group level that represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities. The recoverability test is performed by determining the carrying value of the asset group and comparing it to the estimated expected undiscounted future cash flows of the asset group. The expected future cash flows are estimated based on management’s plans. If the carrying value exceeds the expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized for the difference between the estimated fair market value and the carrying value of the asset group.

(9)   Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Commodity Price Risk.

Ferrellgas’ overall objective for entering into commodity based derivative contracts, including commodity options and swaps, is to hedge a portion of its exposure to market fluctuations in propane prices.

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

Ferrellgas’ risk management strategy involves taking positions in the forward or financial markets that are equal and opposite to Ferrellgas’ 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 Ferrellgas’ gains or losses in the physical product markets are offset by its losses or gains in the forward or financial markets. The propane related financial derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges.

Ferrellgas’ risk management activities may include the use of financial derivative instruments including, but not limited to, futures, swaps, and options to seek protection from adverse price movements and to minimize potential losses. We enter into these financial derivative instruments primarily with brokers who are clearing members with the Intercontinental Exchange or the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and, to a lesser extent, directly with third parties in the over-the-counter market. All of our financial derivative instruments are reported on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value.

Ferrellgas also enters into forward propane purchase and sales contracts with counterparties. These forward contracts qualify for the normal purchase normal sales exception within GAAP guidance and are therefore not recorded on Ferrellgas’ consolidated financial statements until settled.

F-17

Table of Contents

On the date that derivative contracts are entered into, other than those designated as normal purchases or normal sales, Ferrellgas makes a determination as to whether the derivative instrument qualifies for designation as a hedge. These financial instruments are formally designated as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, and that designation as well as the risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the hedge transaction are documented. Because of the high degree of correlation between the hedging instrument and the underlying exposure being hedged, fluctuations in the value of the derivative instrument are generally offset by changes in the anticipated cash flows of the underlying exposure being hedged. Since the fair value of these derivatives fluctuates over their contractual lives, their fair value amounts should not be viewed in isolation, but rather in relation to the anticipated cash flows of the underlying hedged transaction and the overall reduction in Ferrellgas’ risk relating to adverse fluctuations in propane prices. Ferrellgas formally assesses, both at inception and at least quarterly thereafter, whether the financial instruments that are used in hedging transactions are effective at offsetting changes in the anticipated cash flows of the related underlying exposures. Any ineffective portion of a financial instrument’s change in fair value is recognized in “Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales” in the consolidated statements of operations. Financial instruments formally designated and documented as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure are recorded gross at fair value as either “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Other assets, net,” “Other current liabilities,” or “Other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets with changes in fair value reported in other comprehensive income.

Interest Rate Risk.

Fluctuations in interest rates subject the operating partnership to interest rate risk. Decreases in interest rates increase the fair value of the operating partnership’s fixed rate debt, while increases in interest rates subject the operating partnership to the risk of increased interest expense related to its variable rate borrowings.

The operating partnership may enter into fair value hedges to help reduce its fixed interest rate risk. Interest rate swaps may be used to hedge the exposure to changes in the fair value of fixed rate debt due to changes in interest rates. Fixed rate debt that has been designated as being hedged is adjusted to offset the change in the fair value of interest rate derivatives that are fair value hedges, which are classified as “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Other assets, net,” “Other current liabilities” or as “Other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the fair value of fixed rate debt and any related fair value hedges are recognized as they occur in “Interest expense” on the consolidated statements of operations.

The operating partnership may enter into cash flow hedges to help reduce its variable interest rate risk. Interest rate swaps are used to hedge the risk associated with rising interest rates and their effect on forecasted interest payments related to variable rate borrowings. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges. Thus, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the hedges are recorded in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets,” “Other assets, net,” “Other current liabilities” or as “Other liabilities” with an offsetting entry to “Other comprehensive income” at interim periods and are subsequently recognized as interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations when the forecasted transaction impacts earnings. Changes in the fair value of any cash flow hedges that are considered ineffective are recognized as interest expense on the consolidated statements of operations as they occur.

(10) Leases

Ferrellgas uses the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases with a lease term of 12 months or less at inception, meaning it does not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities for those leases. Ferrellgas also does not separate lease and non-lease components for its most significant leasing activity, which includes vehicle and real estate leases.

F-18

Table of Contents

Ferrellgas determines if an arrangement is a lease or contains a lease at inception. Ferrellgas leases certain transportation and computer equipment and real estate, predominantly through operating leases. Ferrellgas has an immaterial amount of leases in which it is the lessor. Operating lease rentals are expensed on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease beginning on the lease commencement date. Ferrellgas determines the lease term by assuming the exercise of renewal options that are reasonably certain. The lease term is used to determine whether a lease is finance or operating and is used to calculate rent expense. Additionally, the depreciable life of leased assets and leasehold improvements is limited by the expected lease term. Operating lease balances are classified as operating lease ROU assets, and current and long-term operating lease liabilities on Ferrellgas’ consolidated balance sheet. Finance leases are classified in “Other assets, net,” “Other current liabilities,” and “Other liabilities” on the consolidated balance sheet. Delivery vehicles and distribution technology under operating leases by Ferrellgas are classified within “Operating expense – equipment lease expense.” Delivery vehicles and distribution technology under finance leases are classified within “Depreciation and amortization expense.”

ROU assets represent the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at the commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of Ferrellgas’ leases do not provide an implicit discount rate, Ferrellgas uses its incremental borrowing rate adjusted for the lease term to represent the rate it would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. Lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease and Ferrellgas adjusts the life of the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise an option.

(11) Revenue recognition

Revenues from Ferrellgas’ propane operations and related equipment sales segment are recognized at the time product is delivered with payments generally due 30 days after receipt. Amounts are considered past due after 30 days. Accounts receivable allowances are determined based on management’s assessment of the creditworthiness of the customers and other collection actions. Ferrellgas offers “even pay” and other billing programs that can create customer deposits or advances. Revenue is recognized from these customer deposits or advances to customers at the time product is delivered. Other revenues, which include revenue from the sale of propane appliances and equipment, is recognized at the time of delivery or installation. Shipping and handling revenues and expenses for sales of propane, appliances and equipment are recognized at the time of delivery or installation. Shipping and handling revenues are included in the price of propane charged to customers, and are classified as revenue. Revenues from annually billed, non-refundable propane tank rentals are recognized in “Revenues: other” on a straight-line basis over one year.

(12) Shipping and handling expenses

Shipping and handling expenses related to delivery personnel, vehicle repair and maintenance and general liability expenses are classified within “Operating expense – personnel, vehicle, plant and other” in the consolidated statements of operations. See Note E “Supplemental financial statement information” for the financial statement presentation of shipping and handling expenses.

(13) Cost of sales

“Cost of sales – propane and other gas liquids sales” includes all costs to acquire propane and other gas liquids, the costs of storing and transporting inventory prior to delivery to Ferrellgas’ customers, the results from risk management activities to hedge related price risk and the costs of materials related to the refurbishment of Ferrellgas’ portable propane tanks. “Cost of sales – other” primarily includes costs related to the sale of propane appliances and equipment.

(14) Operating expense

“Operating expense – personnel, vehicle, plant and other” primarily includes the personnel, vehicle, delivery, handling, plant, office, selling, marketing, credit and collections and other expenses.

F-19

Table of Contents

(15) General and administrative expense

“General and administrative expense” primarily includes personnel and incentive expense related to executives and employees, as well as other overhead expenses related to centralized corporate functions.

(16) Income taxes

Ferrellgas Partners

Ferrellgas Partners is a publicly-traded master limited partnership with one subsidiary that is a taxable corporation. Partnerships are generally not subject to federal income tax, although publicly-traded partnerships are treated as corporations for federal income tax purposes and therefore subject to federal income tax unless a qualifying income test is satisfied. If this qualifying income test is satisfied, the publicly-traded partnership will be treated as a partnership for Federal income tax purposes. Based on Ferrellgas’ calculations, Ferrellgas Partners satisfies the qualifying income test. As a result, except for the taxable corporations, Ferrellgas Partners’ earnings or losses for Federal income tax purposes are included in the tax returns of the individual partners, Ferrellgas Partners’ unitholders. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements of Ferrellgas Partners reflect federal income taxes related to the above mentioned taxable corporations and certain states that allow for income taxation of partnerships. Net earnings for financial statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income reportable to Ferrellgas Partners unitholders as a result of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities, the taxable income allocation requirements under Ferrellgas Partners’ partnership agreement and differences between Ferrellgas Partners’ financial reporting fiscal year end and its calendar tax year end.

Income tax expense consisted of the following:

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Current expense

$

984

$

974

$

739

Deferred (benefit) expense

 

(3)

 

7

 

2

Income tax expense

$

981

$

981

$

741

Deferred taxes consisted of the following:

July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

Deferred tax assets (included in Other assets, net)

$

4

$

4

Deferred tax liabilities (included in Other liabilities)

 

(6)

 

(9)

Net deferred tax liability

$

(2)

$

(5)

The operating partnership

The operating partnership is a limited partnership and owns three subsidiaries that are taxable corporations. As a result, except for the taxable corporations, the operating partnership’s earnings or losses for federal income tax purposes are included in the tax returns of the individual partners. Accordingly, the consolidated financial statements of the operating partnership reflect federal income taxes related to the above mentioned taxable corporations and certain states that allow for income taxation of partnerships. Net earnings for financial statement purposes may differ significantly from taxable income reportable to partners as a result of differences between the tax basis and financial reporting basis of assets and liabilities, the taxable income allocation requirements under Ferrellgas, L.P.’s partnership agreement and differences between the operating partnership’s financial reporting fiscal year end and limited partners’ tax year end.

F-20

Table of Contents

Income tax expense consisted of the following:

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Current expense

$

979

$

969

$

725

Deferred (benefit) expense

 

(3)

 

7

 

2

Income tax expense

$

976

$

976

$

727

Deferred taxes consisted of the following:

July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

Deferred tax assets (included in Other assets, net)

$

4

$

4

Deferred tax liabilities (included in Other liabilities)

 

(6)

 

(9)

Net deferred tax liability

$

(2)

$

(5)

(17) Sales taxes

Ferrellgas accounts for the collection and remittance of sales tax on a net tax basis. As a result, these amounts are not reflected in the consolidated statements of operations.

(18) Net earnings (loss) per Class A Unitholders’ interest

Net earnings (loss) per Class A unitholders’ interest for Ferrellgas Partners is computed by dividing “Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.,” after deducting the general partner’s approximate 1% interest, by the weighted average number of outstanding Class A Units and the dilutive effect, if any, of outstanding unit options. See Note R “Net earnings (loss) per Class A Unitholders’ interest” for further discussion about these calculations.

(19) Loss contingencies

In the normal course of business, Ferrellgas is involved in various claims and legal proceedings. A liability is recorded for such matters when it is probable that a loss has been incurred and the amounts can be reasonably estimated. When only a range of possible loss can be established, the most probable amount in the range is accrued. If no amount within this range is a better estimate than any other amount within the range, the minimum amount in the range is accrued. Legal costs associated with loss contingencies are expensed as incurred.

(20) Class B Units Valuation

The Class B Units are classified in equity and are an equity host instrument. Based on Ferrellgas’ determination that the Class B Units are an equity host, Ferrellgas determined that all features of the Class B Units were either clearly and closely related to the equity host or did not meet the definition of a derivative, and therefore did not require bifurcation as a derivative. The Class B Units were recognized at their fair value at issuance. The fair value of the Class B Units was estimated based on a valuation model, including the use of Monte Carlo simulations of operating results and available cash flow for a Class B paydown. The significant assumptions in the forecasted operating results and forecasted available cash flow for Class B paydown included forecasted adjusted EBITDA, maintenance and growth capital expenditures, and debt service charges. The significant assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulations included the cash flow volatility, equity volatility, forecasted available cash flow for Class B paydown, and the discount rates. See Note J “Equity (Deficit)” for further discussion.

(21) New accounting standards

Recently adopted accounting pronouncements

No new accounting standards were adopted during the year ended July 31, 2023.

F-21

Table of Contents

Recently issued accounting pronouncements not yet adopted

There were no recently issued accounting standards that could have a material impact to our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, or notes to the consolidated financial statements upon their adoption.

C.        Acquisitions and dispositions

Acquisitions

Business combinations are accounted for under the acquisition method of accounting and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recorded at their estimated fair market values as of the acquisition dates. The results of operations are included in the consolidated statements of operations from the date of acquisition. The pro forma effect of these transactions was not material to Ferrellgas’ consolidated balance sheets or results of operations.

Propane operations and related equipment sales

During fiscal 2023, Ferrellgas acquired propane distribution assets, primarily of four independent distributors, with an aggregate value of $27.6 million in the following transactions:

Brown’s Gas, based in California, acquired in August 2022;
Dubben Gas Service, based in New York, acquired in October 2022;
Rez-Bear Propane, based in New York, acquired in November 2022; and
Apollo Propane, Inc., based in Ohio, acquired in March 2023.

During fiscal 2022, Ferrellgas acquired propane distribution assets, primarily of two independent distributors and a third-party distributor, with an aggregate value of $21.7 million in the following transactions:

North Cascades Propane Service, based in Washington, acquired in August 2021;
Starlite Propane Gas Corporation, based in New York, acquired in August 2021; and
Renovex, Inc., based in Pennsylvania, acquired in June 2022.

During fiscal 2021, Ferrellgas acquired propane distribution assets, primarily of an independent distributor, with an aggregate value of $7.9 million in the following transaction:

Proflame, Inc., based in New York, acquired in July 2021.

These acquisitions were funded as follows on their dates of acquisition:

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Cash payments, net of cash acquired

$

24,123

$

19,679

$

6,567

Issuance of liabilities and other costs and considerations

 

3,435

 

2,022

 

1,344

Aggregate fair value of transactions

$

27,558

$

21,701

$

7,911

The aggregate fair values, for the acquisitions in propane operations and related equipment sales reporting segment, were allocated as follows, including any adjustments identified during the measurement period:

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Customer tanks, buildings, land and other

$

10,027

$

6,564

$

2,607

Goodwill

10,153

Customer lists

 

15,938

 

4,259

 

4,973

Non-compete agreements

 

1,593

 

725

 

331

Aggregate fair value of net assets acquired

$

27,558

$

21,701

$

7,911

F-22

Table of Contents

The estimated fair values and useful lives of assets acquired during fiscal 2023 are based on a preliminary valuation and are subject to final valuation adjustments. Ferrellgas intends to continue its analysis of the net assets of these transactions to determine the final allocation of the total purchase price to the various assets and liabilities acquired. The estimated fair values and useful lives of assets acquired during fiscal 2022 and 2021 are based on internal valuations and included only minor adjustments during the 12-month period after the date of acquisition. Due to the immateriality of these adjustments, Ferrellgas did not retrospectively adjust the consolidated statements of operations for those measurement period adjustments.

Dispositions

We incurred a loss on asset sales and disposals of $5.7 million and $1.8 million in fiscal 2023 and 2021, We had a $6.6 million gain on asset sales and disposals in fiscal 2022.

D.        Quarterly distribution of available cash

Ferrellgas is required by its partnership agreements to make quarterly cash distributions of all of its “available cash.” Available cash is defined in its partnership agreements as, generally, the sum of its consolidated cash receipts less consolidated cash disbursements and net changes in reserves established by the general partner for future requirements.

Ferrellgas Partners

Reserves may be established in order to provide for the proper conduct of Ferrellgas Partners’ business, to comply with any contractual obligations and restrictions, and to provide funds for distributions with respect to any one or more of the next four fiscal quarters. To the extent Ferrellgas Partners has available cash for a particular fiscal quarter, distributions of such cash are required to be made within 45 days after the end of such fiscal quarter to holders of record on the applicable record date, subject to the terms and preferences of the Class B Units. To the extent distributions are made in respect of the Class A Units, pro rata distributions are also made to the general partner. See Note J “Equity (Deficit)” for further discussion.

The operating partnership

Reserves may be established in order to provide for the proper conduct of the operating partnership’s business, to comply with contractual obligations and restrictions, including the restrictions on distributions in the indentures governing the $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.375% senior notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”) and the $825.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% senior notes due 2029 (the “2029 Notes”), the credit agreement entered into on March 30, 2021 by the operating partnership, the general partner and certain of the operating partnership’s subsidiaries (the “Credit Agreement”) and the First Amendment to the Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P., executed on March 30, 2021 (the “OpCo LPA Amendment”), and to provide funds for distributions with respect to any one or more of the next four fiscal quarters. To the extent the operating partnership has available cash for a particular fiscal quarter, distributions of such cash are required to be made within 45 days after the end of such fiscal quarter, subject to the terms of the OpCo LPA Amendment.

While any Preferred Units remain outstanding, after giving effect to required payments and distributions in respect of the Preferred Units, distributions by the operating partnership of its available cash will be made solely to Ferrellgas Partners. If and when there are no longer any Preferred Units outstanding, distributions by the operating partnership of its available cash will be made approximately 99% to Ferrellgas Partners and approximately 1% to the general partner.

F-23

Table of Contents

E.        Supplemental financial statement information

Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Propane gas and related products

$

76,996

$

96,679

Appliances, parts and supplies, and other

 

21,108

 

18,508

Inventories

$

98,104

$

115,187

In addition to inventories on hand, Ferrellgas enters into contracts to take delivery of propane for supply procurement purposes with terms that generally do not exceed 36 months. Most of these contracts call for payment based on market prices at the date of delivery. As of July 31, 2023, Ferrellgas had committed, for supply procurement purposes, to deliver  approximately 2.9 million gallons of propane at fixed prices, net of contracts to deliver.

Property, plant and equipment, net

Property, plant and equipment, net consist of the following:

    

Estimated useful lives

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Land

 

Indefinite

$

42,711

$

41,814

Land improvements

 

2-20

 

16,046

 

15,560

Buildings and improvements

 

20

 

90,356

 

88,970

Vehicles, including transport trailers

 

8-20

 

121,772

 

117,746

Bulk equipment and district facilities

 

5-30

 

121,158

 

115,927

Tanks, cylinders and customer equipment

 

2-30

 

834,775

 

825,361

Computer and office equipment

 

2-5

 

103,703

 

104,364

Construction in progress

 

n/a

 

11,611

 

7,694

 

1,342,132

 

1,317,436

Less: accumulated depreciation

 

726,958

 

714,288

Property, plant and equipment, net

$

615,174

$

603,148

Depreciation expense totaled $72.0 million, $71.0 million and $64.1 million for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

Ferrellgas Partners

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Broker margin deposit assets

$

11,939

$

12,338

Other

 

17,196

 

18,426

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$

29,135

$

30,764

The operating partnership

Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Broker margin deposit assets

$

11,939

$

12,338

Other

 

17,174

18,405

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

$

29,113

$

30,743

F-24

Table of Contents

Other assets, net

Other assets, net consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Finance lease ROU assets

$

24,506

$

31,421

Other

 

34,332

 

47,823

Other assets, net

$

58,838

$

79,244

Other current liabilities

Ferrellgas Partners

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Accrued interest

$

29,011

$

29,703

Customer deposits and advances

 

36,226

 

33,189

Accrued payroll

 

35,075

 

29,717

Accrued insurance

 

15,256

 

16,114

Broker margin deposit liability

6,972

32,805

Accrued senior preferred units distributions

17,452

17,466

Other

 

57,038

 

59,616

Other current liabilities

$

197,030

$

218,610

The operating partnership

Other current liabilities consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Accrued interest

$

29,011

$

29,703

Customer deposits and advances

 

36,226

 

33,189

Accrued payroll

 

35,075

 

29,717

Accrued insurance

 

15,256

 

16,114

Broker margin deposit liability

6,972

32,805

Accrued senior preferred units distributions

17,452

17,466

Other

 

56,974

 

59,339

Other current liabilities

$

196,966

$

218,333

Shipping and handling expenses

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

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other

$

291,268

$

244,022

$

217,292

Depreciation and amortization expense

 

15,807

 

14,370

 

13,691

Operating expense - equipment lease expense

 

13,165

 

18,874

 

22,609

Shipping and handling expenses

$

320,240

$

277,266

$

253,592

F-25

Table of Contents

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Ferrellgas maintains its cash and cash equivalents in various bank accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. Ferrellgas’ cash and cash equivalent accounts have been placed with high credit quality financial institutions. For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, Ferrellgas considers cash equivalents to include all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less. Restricted cash in the tables below as of July 31, 2023 and 2022 consists of the balance of a cash deposit made with the administrative agent under the operating partnership’s senior secured credit facility that was terminated in April 2020, which may be used by the administrative agent to pay contingent obligations arising under the financing agreement that governed the terminated senior secured credit facility.

Ferrellgas Partners

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Cash and cash equivalents

$

126,221

$

147,529

Restricted cash

 

11,126

 

11,208

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

137,347

$

158,737

The operating partnership

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Cash and cash equivalents

$

126,119

$

147,258

Restricted cash

 

11,126

 

11,208

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

$

137,245

$

158,466

Certain cash flow and non-cash activities

Ferrellgas Partners

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

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Cash paid for:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Interest

$

90,349

$

91,897

$

156,449

Income taxes

$

1,092

$

1,018

$

706

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

  

 

  

Liabilities incurred in connection with acquisitions

$

3,435

$

2,022

$

1,344

Change in accruals for property, plant and equipment additions

$

80

$

450

$

(386)

Lease liabilities arising from operating ROU assets

$

10,189

$

12,748

$

8,374

Lease liabilities arising from finance ROU assets

$

671

$

2,209

$

2,310

Accrued senior preferred units distributions

$

17,452

$

17,466

$

16,013

F-26

Table of Contents

The operating partnership

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

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Cash paid for:

Interest

$

90,349

$

91,897

$

156,449

Income taxes

$

1,087

$

1,014

$

693

Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Liabilities incurred in connection with acquisitions

$

3,435

$

2,022

$

1,344

Change in accruals for property, plant and equipment additions

$

80

$

450

$

(386)

Lease liabilities arising from operating ROU assets

$

10,189

$

12,748

$

8,374

Lease liabilities arising from finance ROU assets

$

671

$

2,209

$

2,310

Accrued senior preferred units distributions

$

17,452

$

17,466

$

16,013

F.        Accounts and notes receivable, net

Accounts and notes receivable, net consist of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Accounts receivable

$

163,537

$

154,570

Note receivable

 

2,500

 

2,517

Allowance for expected credit losses

 

(6,658)

 

(6,692)

Accounts and notes receivable, net

$

159,379

$

150,395

G.        Goodwill and intangible assets, net

Goodwill and intangible assets, net consist of the following:

July 31, 2023

July 31, 2022

    

Gross Carrying

    

Accumulated

    

    

Gross Carrying

    

Accumulated

    

Amount

Amortization

Net

Amount

Amortization

Net

Goodwill, net

$

257,006

$

$

257,006

$

257,099

$

$

257,099

Intangible assets, net

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Amortized intangible assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Customer-related

$

376,571

$

(324,578)

$

51,993

$

456,181

$

(412,548)

$

43,633

Non-compete agreements

 

28,637

 

(25,036)

 

3,601

 

27,044

 

(24,060)

 

2,984

Other

 

 

 

 

3,513

 

(3,513)

 

 

405,208

 

(349,614)

 

55,594

 

486,738

 

(440,121)

 

46,617

Unamortized intangible assets

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Trade names & trademarks

 

51,021

 

 

51,021

 

51,021

 

 

51,021

Total intangible assets, net

$

456,229

$

(349,614)

$

106,615

$

537,759

$

(440,121)

$

97,638

F-27

Table of Contents

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:

    

Propane operations and

related equipment sales

Balance July 31, 2021

$

246,946

Acquisitions

 

10,153

Balance July 31, 2022

 

257,099

Other

 

(93)

Balance July 31, 2023

$

257,006

Customer related intangible assets have estimated lives of 15 years and non-compete agreements and other intangible assets have estimated lives ranging from 5 to 10 years. Ferrellgas intends to utilize all acquired trademarks and trade names and does not believe there are any legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economical or other factors that would limit their useful lives. Therefore, trademarks and trade names have indefinite useful lives. Customer related intangibles carry a weighted average life of 15 years, and non-compete agreements and other intangibles carry a weighted average life of 9 years.

Aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets, net:

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

$

8,553

2022

 

8,089

2021

 

8,742

Estimated amortization expense:

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2024

$

8,734

2025

 

6,791

2026

 

6,230

2027

 

5,840

2028

 

5,365

H.        Debt

Short-term borrowings

Ferrellgas classifies borrowings under its Credit Facility (as defined below) as short-term because they are primarily used to fund working capital needs that management intends to pay down within the twelve month period following the balance sheet date. As of July 31, 2023, we did not have any short-term borrowings. For further discussion, see the “Senior secured revolving credit facility” section below.

F-28

Table of Contents

Long-term debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Unsecured senior notes

 

  

 

  

Fixed rate, 5.375%, due 2026

$

650,000

$

650,000

Fixed rate, 5.875%, due 2029

825,000

825,000

Notes payable

 

  

 

  

8.3% and 8.9% weighted average interest rate at July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, due 2024 to 2028, net of unamortized discount of $1,040 and $465 at July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively

 

6,615

 

4,539

Total debt, excluding unamortized debt issuance and other costs

 

1,481,615

 

1,479,539

Unamortized debt issuance and other costs

 

(22,834)

 

(27,731)

Less: current portion of long-term debt

 

2,597

 

1,792

Long-term debt

$

1,456,184

$

1,450,016

Senior secured revolving credit facility

On March 30, 2021, the operating partnership, the general partner and certain of the operating partnership’s subsidiaries entered into the Credit Agreement, which provides for a four-year revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) in an aggregate principal amount of up to $350.0 million. The Credit Agreement includes a sublimit not to exceed $300.0 million for the issuance of letters of credit. During the year ended July 31, 2023, the operating partnership borrowed $45.0 million under the Credit Facility at a weighted-average interest rate of 6.875% and repaid $45.0 million of these borrowings during the year ended July 31, 2023. As of July 31, 2023, the operating partnership had no short-term borrowings.

All borrowings under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by the general partner and the direct and indirect subsidiaries of the operating partnership (other than Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC) and a limited-recourse guaranty from Ferrellgas Partners (limited to its equity interests in the operating partnership). Additionally, all borrowings are secured, on a first priority basis, by substantially all of the assets of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries and all of the equity interests in the operating partnership held by the general partner and Ferrellgas Partners.

Availability under the Credit Facility is, at any time, an amount equal to (a) the lesser of the revolving commitment and the Borrowing Base (as defined below) minus (b) the sum of the aggregate outstanding amount of borrowings under the Credit Facility plus the undrawn amount of outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility plus unreimbursed drawings in respect of letters of credit (unless otherwise converted into revolving loans). The “Borrowing Base” equals the sum of: (a) $200.0 million, plus (b) 80% of the eligible accounts receivable of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries, plus (c) 70% of the eligible propane inventory of the operating partnership and its subsidiaries, valued at weighted average cost, less (d) certain reserves, as determined and subject to certain modifications by the administrative agent in its permitted discretion.

Amounts borrowed under the Credit Facility bear interest, at the operating partnership’s option, at either (a) for base rate loans, (i) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (A) the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal in the U.S. as the prime rate in effect, (B) the NYFRB Rate from time to time plus 0.50% per annum and (C) the Adjusted term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) for a one-month interest period plus 1.00% per annum plus (ii) a margin of 1.50% to 2.00% per annum depending on total net leverage or (b) for Eurodollar rate loans, (i) a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted term SOFR plus (ii) a margin of 2.50% to 3.00% per annum depending on total net leverage. The operating partnership will be required to pay an undrawn fee to the lenders on the average daily unused amount of the Credit Facility at a rate of 0.375% to 0.50% per annum depending on total net leverage.

F-29

Table of Contents

The Credit Agreement contains customary representations, warranties, covenants and events of default and requires the operating partnership to maintain the following covenants:

Financial Covenant

Ratio

Minimum interest coverage ratio (1)

2.50x

Maximum secured leverage ratio (2)

2.50x

Maximum total net leverage ratio (3) (4)

4.75x

(1)Defined generally as the ratio of adjusted EBITDA to cash interest expense.
(2)Defined generally as the ratio of total first priority secured indebtedness to adjusted EBITDA.
(3)Defined generally as the ratio of total indebtedness (net of unrestricted cash, subject to certain limits) to adjusted EBITDA.
(4)Was 5.25x immediately prior to the quarter ended October 31, 2022 and 5.00x immediately prior to the quarter ended April 30, 2023.

In addition to the financial covenants, the Credit Agreement includes covenants that may (or if not met will) restrict the ability of the operating partnership to take certain actions. In particular, under these covenants, subject to certain exceptions and additional requirements, the operating partnership is permitted to make cash distributions to holders of Preferred Units, Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner, redemptions of Preferred Units and other restricted payments (i) only in limited amounts specified in the Credit Agreement and (ii) only if availability under the Credit Facility exceeds the greater of $50.0 million and 15% of the Borrowing Base and the operating partnership’s total net leverage ratio is not greater than 4.75 to 1.0. As of July 31, 2023, the operating partnership is in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

Senior unsecured notes

On March 30, 2021, the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes were issued. The 2026 Notes and 2029 Notes are the senior unsecured obligations of the operating partnership and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior unsecured basis by the general partner and all domestic subsidiaries of the operating partnership other than Ferrellgas Finance Corp. and Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC.

The 2029 Notes may be redeemed prior to April 1, 2024 at the issuers’ option, in whole or in part, at a redemption price of par plus the applicable make-whole premium and accrued and unpaid interest. On and after April 1, 2023 and April 1, 2024, the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes, respectively, may be redeemed at the issuers’ option, in whole or in part, at the redemption prices set forth in the respective indenture governing such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Beginning on April 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026, the 2026 Notes and 2029 Notes, respectively, may be redeemed at par plus accrued and unpaid interest.

The indentures governing the 2026 Notes and 2029 Notes contain customary affirmative and negative covenants restricting, among other things, the ability of the operating partnership and its restricted subsidiaries to take certain actions. In particular, under these covenants, subject to certain exceptions and additional requirements, the operating partnership is permitted to make cash distributions to holders of Preferred Units, Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner, redemptions of Preferred Units and other restricted payments (i) only in limited amounts specified in the indentures and (ii) only if the operating partnership’s net leverage ratio (defined generally to mean the ratio of consolidated total net debt to trailing four quarters consolidated EBITDA, both as adjusted for certain, specified items) is not greater than 5.0 to 1.0, on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events. Further, if the operating partnership’s consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio (defined generally to mean the ratio of trailing four quarters consolidated EBITDA to consolidated fixed charges, both as adjusted for certain, specified items) is equal to or less than 1.75 to 1.00 (on a pro forma basis giving effect to the restricted payment and, if applicable, certain other specified events), the amount of distributions and other restricted payments the operating partnership is permitted to make under the indentures is further limited. As of July 31, 2023, the operating partnership is in compliance with all of its debt covenants.

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Proceeds from the issuance of the Preferred Units, the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes were used to redeem (or satisfy and discharge and subsequently redeem) all of the operating partnership’s previously issued and outstanding notes.

F-30

Table of Contents

Ferrellgas Partners

The Class B Units were issued to holders of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes in satisfaction of their claims in respect of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes. The effects of these transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt, with the components presented below:

    

For the year ended

July 31, 2021

Payment of redemption premium on debt extinguishment

$

83,072

Fair value of Class B units in excess of current value

 

(5,101)

Make-whole payments

1,964

Unamortized deferred financing costs

24,899

Total loss on extinguishment of debt

$

104,834

The operating partnership

The effects of these transactions resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt, with the components presented below:

    

For the year ended

July 31, 2021

Payment of redemption premium on debt extinguishment

$

83,072

Unamortized deferred financing costs

24,899

Total loss on extinguishment of debt

$

107,971

Scheduled annual principal payments

The scheduled annual principal payments on long-term debt are as follows:

Scheduled

Payment due by fiscal year

    

principal payments

2024

$

2,597

2025

 

2,110

2026

 

651,729

2027

 

810

2028

 

825,409

Thereafter

 

Total

$

1,482,655

Letters of credit outstanding at July 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $74.0 million and $87.6 million, respectively, and were used to secure insurance arrangements, product purchases and commodity hedges. At July 31, 2023, Ferrellgas had an available borrowing capacity under its Credit Facility of $262.1 million. During fiscal 2023 and fiscal 2022, Ferrellgas incurred undrawn and commitment fees of $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively. Ferrellgas incurred commitment fees of $0.1 million in fiscal 2021.

I.        Preferred units

On March 30, 2021, pursuant to an Investment Agreement, the operating partnership issued an aggregate of 700,000 Preferred Units (the “Preferred Units”), having an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $700.0 million. The purchase price per Preferred Unit was $1,000 less a 3.0% purchase price discount, for an aggregate purchase price of $679.0 million. The operating partnership received net proceeds from the issuance and sale of the Preferred Units of approximately $651.3 million, after deduction of the purchase price discount and certain expenses. As of July 31, 2023 and 2022, these 700,000 Preferred Units are classified in the “Mezzanine Equity” section of the consolidated balance sheets.

F-31

Table of Contents

The operating partnership used such net proceeds, together with the net proceeds of the issuance and sale of the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes and cash on hand, (i) to redeem (or satisfy and discharge the indentures governing and subsequently redeem) all of the issued and outstanding 2021 Notes, 2022 Notes, 2023 Notes and 2025 Notes, and (ii) to repay all outstanding obligations under the Accounts Receivable Facility in connection with the termination of that facility.

Redemption of the Preferred Units in the near term is not probable because of the high redemption price in the first three to four years. As described in greater detail under “Issuer Redemption Right” below, the Redemption Price for the Preferred Units is based upon the greater of the amount that would result in a 1.47x MOIC (defined below) and the amount that would result in a 12.25% internal rate of return. If the Preferred Units were redeemed during the first three to four years after issuance, the 1.47x MOIC would require a large premium payment and that large premium payment would result in an internal rate of return far in excess of the minimum 12.25%. Consequently, it is unlikely that Ferrellgas would be able to achieve any savings in its cost of capital by redeeming the Preferred Units during the first three to four years after issuance.

MOIC” means, with respect to a Preferred Unit, a multiple on invested capital equal to the quotient determined by dividing (A) the sum of (x) the aggregate amount of all distributions made in cash with respect to such Preferred Unit prior to the applicable date of determination, with certain exclusions, plus (y) each Redemption Price paid in cash in respect of such Preferred Unit, on or prior to the applicable date of determination, by (B) the Purchase Price (defined below) of such Preferred Unit.

The preferences, rights, privileges and other terms of the Preferred Units are set forth in the OpCo LPA Amendment entered into by the general partner on March 30, 2021 (along with the Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “Amended OpCo LPA”)) and are described below.

Issuer Redemption Right

The operating partnership has the right to redeem all or a portion of the Preferred Units for cash, pro rata and at any time and from time to time, including in connection with a Change of Control (as defined in the OpCo LPA Amendment), at an amount per Preferred Unit (the “Redemption Price”) equal to, without duplication, the sum of (a) the greater of (i) the amount necessary to result in a MOIC (as defined above) of 1.47x in respect of the purchase price, before discount, of such Preferred Unit, which is $1,000 per Preferred Unit (the “Purchase Price”), and (ii) the amount necessary to result in the applicable internal rate of return equal to 12.25%, which is increased by 150 basis points if the operating partnership has elected to pay more than four Quarterly Distributions (as defined below) in PIK Units (as defined below) and (b) the accumulated but unpaid Quarterly Distributions to the date of redemption, if any. A partial redemption of the Preferred Units is permitted only in the event the aggregate amount to be paid in respect of all Preferred Units included in such partial redemption is at least $25.0 million.

Investor Redemption Right

In the event that (i) any Class B Units are outstanding, or (ii) (x) no Class B Units are outstanding and (y) no more than 233,300 Preferred Units are outstanding, at any time on and after March 30, 2031, the Required Holders may elect, by delivery of written notice, to have the operating partnership fully redeem each remaining outstanding Preferred Unit for an amount in cash equal to the Redemption Price. “Required Holders” refers to both (i) holders owning at least 33.3% of the total Preferred Units outstanding at any time and (ii) certain initial affiliated purchasers, for so long as such initial affiliated purchasers collectively own at least 25% of the Preferred Units outstanding at such time.

In the event that (i) no Class B Units are outstanding and (ii) more than 233,300 Preferred Units are outstanding, the Required Holders will have the right to trigger a sale of the operating partnership after March 30, 2031. If the operating partnership fails to consummate a sale that would pay the Redemption Price in full within 180 days of written notice requiring such sale, the Required Holders will have the right to appoint a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the general partner and initiate a sale of the operating partnership.

F-32

Table of Contents

Change of Control

Upon a Change of Control (as defined in the OpCo LPA Amendment), the Required Holders will have the option to require the redemption of all or a portion of the Preferred Units in cash in an amount equal to the Redemption Price; provided, that such Redemption Price shall not be payable unless the operating partnership shall have first made any required change of control offer pursuant to the indentures governing the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes and purchased all such 2026 Notes and 2029 Notes tendered pursuant to such offer (unless otherwise waived by such noteholders); provided, further that the Redemption Price shall be paid immediately following the purchase of such tendered Notes (if any).

Fair Value of Embedded Derivatives

Ferrellgas identified the investor redemption right and the change in control option as embedded derivatives that require bifurcation as they are not clearly and closely related to the debt host contract and has concluded that the fair values at issuance and at July 31, 2023 and 2022, are immaterial to the financial statements.

Distributions

Pursuant to the OpCo LPA Amendment, the operating partnership is required to pay to the holders of each Preferred Unit a cumulative, quarterly distribution (the “Quarterly Distribution”) at the Distribution Rate (as defined below) on the Purchase Price.

“Distribution Rate” means, for the first five years after March 30, 2021, a rate per annum equal to 8.956%, with certain increases in the Distribution Rate on each of the 5th, 6th and 7th anniversaries of March 30, 2021, subject to a maximum rate of 11.125% and certain other adjustments and exceptions.

The Quarterly Distribution may be paid in cash or, at the election of the operating partnership, “in kind” through the issuance of additional Preferred Units (“PIK Units”) at the quarterly Distribution Rate plus an applicable premium that escalates each year from 75 bps to 300 bps so long as the Preferred Units remain outstanding. In the event the operating partnership fails to make any Quarterly Distribution in cash, such Quarterly Distribution will automatically be paid in PIK Units.

The Distribution Rate on the Preferred Units will increase upon violation of certain protective provisions for the benefit of Preferred Unit holders notwithstanding the cap mentioned above.

During fiscal 2023, quarterly distributions aggregating to $64.4 million were paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units. This included $1.7 million of Additional Amounts (as defined below) payable to certain holders of Preferred Units related to the side letters outlined in the OpCo LPA Amendment. As of July 31, 2023, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $17.5 million with $15.4 million paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units on August 15, 2023. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrual of $2.1 million represents Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to side letters.

During fiscal 2022, quarterly distributions aggregating to $63.4 million were paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units. This included $0.9 million of Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units related to the side letters outlined in the OpCo LPA Amendment. As of July 31, 2022, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $17.5 million with $15.4 million paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units on August 15, 2022. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrual of $2.1 million represents Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to side letters.

During fiscal 2021, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $8.0 million, reflecting a prorated distribution for the period from March 30, 2021 to April 30, 2021 and the Quarterly Distribution in that amount was paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units on May 17, 2021. As of July 31, 2021, the aggregate Quarterly Distribution and Additional Amounts accrued was $16.0 million, and $15.7 million of that amount was paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units on August 16, 2021.

F-33

Table of Contents

Tax Distributions

For any quarter in which the operating partnership makes a Quarterly Distribution in PIK Units in lieu of cash, it will be required to make a subsequent cash tax distribution for such quarter in an amount equal to the (i) the lesser of (x) 25% and (y) the highest combined federal, state and local tax rate applicable for corporations organized in New York, multiplied by (ii) the excess (if any) of (A) one-fourth (1/4th) of the estimated taxable income to be allocated to the holders of Preferred Units for the year in which the Quarterly Tax Payment Date (which refers to certain specified dates that next follow a Quarterly Distribution date on which PIK Units were issued) occurs, over (B) any cash paid on the Quarterly Distribution date immediately preceding the Quarterly Tax Payment Date on which a quarterly tax amount would otherwise be paid (such amount, the “Tax Distribution”). Tax Distributions are treated as advances against, and reduce, future cash distributions for any reason, including payments in redemption of Preferred Units or PIK Units, or payments to the holders in their capacity as such pursuant to any side letter or other agreement.

Additional Amounts for Certain Purchasers

The operating partnership is required to pay certain additional amounts of cash (the “Additional Amounts”) as necessary to certain holders of Preferred Units that hold their interests through a “blocker,” which is a U.S. entity that is owned and organized by certain original purchasers of Preferred Units who are non-U.S. persons or tax exempt for U.S. tax purposes and is treated as a corporation for U.S. tax purposes. Only certain original purchasers of Preferred Units who hold their Preferred Units through such blockers are, and none of their transferees is, entitled to Additional Amounts. Additional Amounts are capped at the lesser of: (a) the product of 20% multiplied by taxable income allocated to a “blocker” (as defined) divided by 0.8, and (b) the actual taxes payable by the “blocker” as a result of holding Senior Preferred Units.

Board Rights

For so long as at least 140,000 Preferred Units remain outstanding, holders of the Preferred Units have the right to designate one director to the Board of the general partner, subject to approval by the general partner.

Protective Provisions

The OpCo LPA Amendment and the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (the “Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA”) include, among other things, certain covenants for the benefit of holders of Preferred Units applicable to the operating partnership and, in certain instances, Ferrellgas Partners, for so long as at least $35,000,000 of Preferred Units and PIK Units remain outstanding. These covenants include, among other things, limitations on (i) effecting a Change of Control, (ii) amending organizational documents, (iii) issuing certain equity securities, (iv) issuing Preferred Units, (v) filing for bankruptcy, (vi) non-ordinary course investments, and (vii) incurring certain levels of indebtedness.

Ranking and Liquidation Preference

The Preferred Units rank senior to any other class or series of equity interests of the operating partnership (including the partnership interests held by Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner). Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the operating partnership, each holder of Preferred Units will be entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distribution of any assets of the operating partnership to the holders of any other class or series of equity interests in the operating partnership (including Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner), an amount per Preferred Unit equal to the Redemption Price.

F-34

Table of Contents

Restrictions on Cash Distributions to Ferrellgas Partners and the General Partner

The operating partnership is permitted to make distributions of Available Cash (as defined in the Amended OpCo LPA) to Ferrellgas Partners only if (i) the operating partnership has made all required Quarterly Distributions (in cash or PIK Units), Tax Distributions and payments of Additional Amounts, (ii) the operating partnership has redeemed all PIK Units issued, (iii) the operating partnership’s consolidated net leverage (defined generally to mean the ratio of the operating partnership’s consolidated total net debt (including the total redemption price of all outstanding Preferred Units and PIK Units but excluding certain letters of credit and capital lease obligations) as of each Quarterly Distribution Date to trailing four quarters consolidated EBITDA, both as adjusted for certain, specified items) is below 7.25x through May 15, 2022 and 7.00x thereafter, net of cash, immediately before and after giving effect to such distribution, (iv) the operating partnership has at least $100 million of liquidity, consisting of unrestricted cash on hand and available capacity under the Credit Agreement or any replacement thereof, and (v) the operating partnership is in compliance with the other protective provisions in the OpCo LPA Amendment.

J.        Equity (Deficit)

Ferrellgas Partners

Class A Units

On March 30, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners effected a 1-for-20 reverse unit split in which holders of its then-outstanding common units received one Class A Unit for every 20 common units held. No fractional Class A Units were issued in connection with the reverse unit split. If, as a result of the reverse unit split, a unitholder would otherwise have been entitled to a fractional Class A Unit, the number of Class A Units such unitholder received was rounded up or down to the nearest whole Class A Unit, with a fraction of one-half or less being rounded down. The reverse unit split resulted in a reduction of our previously outstanding common units from 97,152,665 common units to 4,857,605 Class A Units.

Class B Units

On March 30, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners issued 1.3 million Class B Units to the holders of the $357.0 million aggregate principal amount of its 8.625% senior secured notes due June 2020 (the “Ferrellgas Partners Notes”) in exchange for such holders’ contribution of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes to Ferrellgas Partners as a capital contribution and in satisfaction of such holders’ claims in respect of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes. The terms of the Class B Units are set forth in the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA entered into by the general partner on March 30, 2021.

Ferrellgas Partners may, subject to certain conditions, issue additional Class A Units to such parties as determined at the discretion of Ferrellgas Partners, upon consent by the holders of the requisite percentage of Class B Units as specified in the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA (the “Requisite Class B Units”), which refers to: (i) if the initial majority holder of Class B Units holds at least 50% of Class B Units, holders of at least 50% of the outstanding Class B Units, or (ii) if the initial majority holder of Class B Units holds less than 50% of Class B Units, holders of at least one-third of the outstanding Class B Units.

Pursuant to the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA, while any Class B Units remain outstanding, any distributions by Ferrellgas Partners to its partners must be made such that the ratio of (i) the amount of distributions made to holders of Class B Units to (ii) the amount of distributions made to holders of Class A Units and the general partner is not less than 6:1.

F-35

Table of Contents

Once holders of Class B Units receive distributions in the aggregate amount of $357.0 million (which was the outstanding principal amount of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes), the Class B Units will be (i) convertible into Class A Units at the option of Ferrellgas Partners, if that distribution threshold is reached prior to March 30, 2026, the fifth anniversary post-emergence, or (ii) converted automatically into Class A Units, if the distribution threshold is reached on or after March 30, 2026, in each case at the applicable conversion rate set forth in the following table:

Period

Conversion Factor

March 31, 2023 through March 30, 2024

3.50x

March 31, 2024 through March 30, 2025

4.00x

March 31, 2025 through March 30, 2026

5.00x

March 31, 2026 through March 30, 2027

6.00x

March 31, 2027 through March 30, 2028

7.00x

March 31, 2028 through March 30, 2029

10.00x

March 31, 2029 through March 30, 2030

12.00x

March 31, 2030 through March 30, 2031

25.00x

Ferrellgas Partners may redeem the Class B Units through March 30, 2026, in full, at a price equal to an amount that will result in an internal rate of return with respect to the Class B Units equal to the sum of (i) 300 basis points and (ii) the internal rate of return for the Preferred Units as specified in the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA, subject to the minimum redemption price of $302.08 per unit. The total internal rate of return required to redeem the Class B Units is 15.85%, but that amount increases under certain circumstances, including if the operating partnership paid distributions on the Preferred Units in-kind rather than in cash for a certain number of quarters. There have not been any in-kind distributions through July 31, 2023.

During the period through March 30, 2026, after Ferrellgas Partners has distributed $356 million in distributions to holders of the Class B Units, Ferrellgas Partners will have the option to hold cash for six months at either Ferrellgas Partners or Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. for the sole purpose of redeeming the Class B Units. However, if the funds held are not used to redeem the Class B Units, the funds must either be distributed to holders of the Class B Units and, if applicable, holders of the Class A Units and the general partner or returned to the operating partnership.

Ferrellgas Partners will only be able to redeem the Class B Units to the extent it receives sufficient distributions from the operating partnership, and the operating partnership is limited in its ability to make distributions by the indentures that govern the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes, the Credit Agreement and the OpCo LPA Amendment governing the Preferred Units.

The holders of Class B Units will have the right to acquire the general partner interests in Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership, without the approval of the general partner, Ferrellgas Partners, the holders of the Class A Units or the operating partnership, if the Class B Units are still outstanding and have not been converted to Class A Units by the earlier of (i) a material breach of the covenants in favor of the Class B Units under the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA or the Amended OpCo LPA that is not cured within the time period specified therein and (ii) March 30, 2031.

Board Rights

The holders of Class B Units will be permitted to designate one independent director to the Board of the general partner in accordance with a voting agreement among the general partner, Ferrell Companies, Inc. (“FCI”), the sole stockholder of the general partner, and the holders of the Class B Units and the general partner’s bylaws.

Fair Value

The fair value of Class B Units approximates the carrying value of the principal and interest of the Ferrellgas Partners Notes of $385.0 million as of March 31, 2021. During the year ended July 31, 2021, a $5.1 million gain on extinguishment was recognized in connection with the difference between the book value and fair value of the Class B Units as of July 31, 2021.

F-36

Table of Contents

Class A Units

As of July 31, 2023 and 2022, Class A Units were beneficially owned by the following:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Public Class A Unitholders (1)

 

3,480,621

 

3,480,621

James E. Ferrell (2)

 

238,172

 

238,172

Ferrell Companies (3)

 

1,126,468

 

1,126,468

FCI Trading Corp. (4)

 

9,784

 

9,784

Ferrell Propane, Inc. (5)

 

2,560

 

2,560

Total

4,857,605

4,857,605

(1)These Class A Units are traded on the OTC Pink Market under the symbol “FGPR.”
(2)James E. Ferrell was the Chief Executive Officer and President of our general partner and Chairman of the Board of Directors of our general partner through July 31, 2023. Effective August 1, 2023, he is the Executive Chairman of our general partner and the Board of Directors of our general partner. He is a related party. JEF Capital Management owns 237,942 of these Class A Units and is owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust Two and other family trusts, all of which James E. Ferrell and/or his family members are the trustees and beneficiaries. James E. Ferrell holds all voting common stock of JEF Capital Management. The remaining 230 Class A Units are held by Ferrell Resources Holdings, Inc., which is wholly-owned by the James E. Ferrell Revocable Trust One, for which James E. Ferrell is the trustee and sole beneficiary.
(3)Ferrell Companies is the owner of the general partner and an approximate 23% direct owner of Ferrellgas Partners’ Class A Units and thus a related party. Ferrell Companies also beneficially owns 9,784 and 2,560 Class A Units of Ferrellgas Partners held by FCI Trading Corp. (“FCI Trading”) and Ferrell Propane, Inc. (“Ferrell Propane”), respectively, bringing Ferrell Companies’ total beneficial ownership of Class A Units to 23.4%.
(4)FCI Trading is an affiliate of the general partner and thus a related party.
(5)Ferrell Propane is controlled by the general partner and thus a related party.

Together these Class A Units represent (i) a 99% limited partner economic interest in Ferrellgas Partners, excluding the economic interest attributable to the Class B Units, and (ii) an effective 98% economic interest in the operating partnership, excluding the economic interests attributable to the Class B Units and the Preferred Units. In liquidation, allocations and distributions will be made in accordance with each Class A Unitholder’s positive capital account.

The Class A Units of Ferrellgas Partners represent limited partner interests in Ferrellgas Partners, which give the holders thereof the right to participate in distributions made by Ferrellgas Partners, subject to the rights of holders of Class B Units, and to exercise the other rights or privileges available to such holders under the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA. Under the terms of the Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA, holders of Class A Units have limited voting rights on matters affecting the business of Ferrellgas Partners. Generally, persons or groups owning 20% or more of Ferrellgas Partners’ outstanding Class A Units cannot vote any of their Class A Units in excess of the 20% threshold. However, this limitation does not apply under certain circumstances and does not apply to Class A Units owned by Ferrell Companies, our general partner and its affiliates, and this limitation expires on the later of (a) March 30, 2026 and (b) the conversion of the Class B Units to Class A Units.

The Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA allows the general partner to issue an unlimited number of additional general and limited partner interests of Ferrellgas Partners for such consideration and on such terms and conditions as shall be established by the general partner without the approval of any Class A Unitholders.

Partnership distributions

Ferrellgas Partners did not declare or pay any distributions to its Class A Unitholders or the general partner during the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. Ferrellgas Partners made aggregate cash distributions of approximately $49.9 million and $100.0 million to its Class B Unitholders during the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. See Note R “Net earnings (loss) per unitholders’ interest” for additional information.

F-37

Table of Contents

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

See Note N “Derivative instruments and hedging activities” for details regarding changes in fair value on risk management financial derivatives recorded within AOCI for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022.

Ferrellgas Partners

General partner’s commitment to maintain its capital account

Ferrellgas’ partnership agreements allow the general partner to have an option to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest (excluding the interest attributable to the Class B Units and the Preferred Units) concurrent with the issuance of other additional equity.

During fiscal 2023, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $59.0 thousand and $63.0 thousand, respectively, to Ferrellgas to maintain its effective 2% general partner interest.

The operating partnership

Partnership distributions:

The operating partnership has recognized the following distributions:

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Ferrellgas Partners

$

50,000

$

119,216

$

General partner

See additional discussions about transactions with related parties in Note O “Transactions with related parties.”

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

See Note N “Derivative instruments and hedging activities” for details regarding changes in fair value on risk management financial derivatives recorded within AOCI for the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022.

General partner’s commitment to maintain its capital account

Ferrellgas, L.P.’s partnership agreement allows the general partner to have an option to maintain its 1.0101% general partner interest (excluding the interest attributable to the Preferred Units) concurrent with the issuance of other additional equity.

During fiscal 2023, the general partner made non-cash contributions of $30.0 thousand and $32.0 thousand, respectively, to the operating partnership to maintain its 1.0101% general partner interest.

K.        Leases

Ferrellgas has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are generally accounted for as a single lease component. Variable lease components include lease payments with payment escalation based on the Consumer Price Index, and other variable items, such as common area maintenance and taxes.

Key assumptions include the discount rate, the impact of purchase options and renewal options on Ferrellgas’ lease term, as well as the assessment of residual value guarantees.

Ferrellgas’ transportation equipment leases generally have purchase options. However, in most circumstances Ferrellgas is not certain if it will exercise the purchase option at lease inception. As circumstances dictate, it may instead return the existing equipment to the lessor and sign a new lease. Ferrellgas’ transportation equipment leases often contain residual value guarantees, but they are not reflected in Ferrellgas’ lease liabilities as its lease rates are such that residual value guarantees are not expected to be owed at the end of its leases.

F-38

Table of Contents

Ferrellgas’ real estate leases will often have an option to extend the lease, but it is typically not reasonably certain of exercising extension options. As customer demand changes over time, Ferrellgas typically maintains the ability to move to more advantageous locations, relocate to other leased and owned locations, or discontinue service from particular locations.

The following table provides the operating and financing ROU assets and lease liabilities as of July 31, 2023 and 2022:

Leases

Classification

July 31, 2023

July 31, 2022

Assets

Operating lease assets

Operating lease ROU assets

$

57,839

$

72,888

Financing lease assets

Other assets, net

24,506

31,421

Total leased assets

$

82,345

$

104,309

Liabilities

Current

Operating

Current operating lease liabilities

$

24,600

$

25,824

Financing

Other current liabilities

6,224

6,581

Noncurrent

Operating

Operating lease liabilities

34,235

47,231

Financing

Other liabilities

19,623

25,309

Total leased liabilities

$

84,682

$

104,945

F-39

Table of Contents

The following table provides the lease expenses for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021:

Leases expense

    

Classification

2023

2022

2021

Operating lease expense

Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other

$

7,194

$

6,832

$

7,695

Operating expense - equipment lease expense

19,724

20,291

26,127

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

990

1,630

1,911

General and administrative expense

1,605

1,587

437

Total operating lease expense

29,513

30,340

36,170

Short-term expense

Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other

10,654

9,231

8,151

General and administrative expense

342

271

576

Total short-term expense

10,996

9,502

8,727

Variable lease expense

Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant and other

3,032

3,096

2,328

Operating expense - equipment lease expense

2,588

2,162

1,547

Total variable lease expense

5,620

5,258

3,875

Finance lease expense:

Amortization of leased assets

Depreciation and amortization expense

7,540

6,660

8,878

Interest on lease liabilities

Interest expense

2,514

2,905

3,755

Total finance lease expense

10,054

9,565

12,633

Total lease expense

$

56,183

$

54,665

$

61,405

Minimum annual payments under existing operating and finance lease liabilities as of July 31, 2023 are as follows:

Maturities of lease liabilities

Operating leases

Finance leases

Total

2024

$

17,950

$

16,655

$

34,605

2025

14,258

13,071

27,329

2026

11,252

4,580

15,832

2027

7,271

1,512

8,783

2028

2,361

182

2,543

Thereafter

13,655

11

13,666

Total lease payments

$

66,747

$

36,011

$

102,758

Less: Imputed interest

(7,912)

(10,164)

(18,076)

Present value of lease liabilities

$

58,835

$

25,847

$

84,682

F-40

Table of Contents

The following table represents the weighted-average remaining lease term and discount rate as of July 31, 2023:

As of July 31, 2023

As of July 31, 2022

Lease type

Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)

Weighted-average discount rate

Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)

Weighted-average discount rate

Operating leases

4.7

7.7%

4.9

7.6%

Finance leases

3.4

8.3%

4.3

8.3%

Cash flow information is presented below:

For the year ended July 31, 

2023

2022

2021

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for operating leases:

Operating cash flows

$

29,251

$

32,699

$

34,895

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities for financing leases:

Operating cash flows

$

9,117

$

9,475

$

3,396

Financing cash flows

$

6,672

$

6,545

$

7,188

L.Revenue from contracts with customers

Ferrellgas earns revenue from contracts with customers primarily through the distribution of propane, as well as through the sale of propane related equipment and supplies. Revenues from propane and other gas liquids sales are comprised of revenue earned from the delivery of propane to tanks on customers’ premises, from the delivery of propane filled cylinders to customers, or from the sale of portable propane tanks to nationwide and local retailers and end use customers. Other revenues primarily include sales of appliances and other materials as well as other fees charged to customers.

Contracts with customers

Ferrellgas’ contracts with customers are principally for the bulk delivery of propane to tanks, delivery of propane filled cylinders or the delivery of portable propane tanks to retailers. Ferrellgas sells propane to a wide variety of customers, including residential, industrial/commercial, portable tank exchange, agricultural, wholesale and others. Ferrellgas’ performance obligations in these contracts are generally limited to the delivery of propane, and therefore revenues from these contracts are earned at the time product is delivered or, in the case of some of Ferrellgas’ portable tank exchange retailers who have consignment agreements, at the time the tanks are sold to the end use customer. Payment is generally due within 30 days. Revenues from sales of propane are included in Propane and other gas liquids sales on the consolidated statements of operations.

Typically, customers are billed upon delivery and payment is generally due within 30 days. With residential customers, Ferrellgas offers customers the ability to spread their annual heating costs over a longer period, typically twelve months. Customers who opt to spread their heating costs over a longer period are referred to as “even-pay” customers.

Ferrellgas charges other amounts to customers associated with the delivery of propane including hazardous materials fees and fuel surcharge fees. In some regions, Ferrellgas also sells appliances and related parts and fittings as well as other retail propane related services. Ferrellgas charges, on an annual basis, tank and equipment rental charges for customers that are using our equipment to store propane. Other revenues associated with deliveries of propane are earned at the time product is delivered. Revenues associated with sales of appliances and other materials or services are earned at the time of delivery or installation. Revenues associated with tank and equipment rentals are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over one year.

F-41

Table of Contents

Accounting estimates related to recognition of revenue require that Ferrellgas makes estimates and assumptions about various factors including credits issued for completed sales, future returns and total consideration payable in instances where we have customer incentives payable to the customer.

Disaggregation of revenue

Ferrellgas disaggregates revenues based upon the type of customer and on the type of revenue. The following table presents retail propane revenues, wholesale propane revenues and other revenues. Retail revenues result from sales to end use customers, wholesale revenues result from sales to or through resellers and all other revenues include sales of appliances and other materials, other fees charged to customers and equipment rental charges.

    

For the year ended July 31, 

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Retail - Sales to End Users

$

1,374,089

$

1,446,857

$

1,123,956

Wholesale - Sales to Resellers

 

525,529

 

549,058

 

516,599

Other Gas Sales

 

17,274

 

21,964

 

28,297

Other

 

109,573

 

96,661

 

85,458

Propane and related equipment revenues

$

2,026,465

$

2,114,540

$

1,754,310

Contract assets and liabilities

Ferrellgas’ performance obligations are generally limited to the delivery of propane for its retail and wholesale contracts. Ferrellgas’ performance obligations with respect to sales of appliances and other materials and other revenues are limited to the delivery of the agreed upon good or service. Ferrellgas does not have material performance obligations that are delivered over time, thus all of its revenue is recognized at the time the goods, including propane, are delivered or installed. Ferrellgas offers “even pay” and other billing programs that can create customer deposits or advances, depending on whether Ferrellgas has delivered more propane than the customer has paid for or whether the customer has paid for more propane than what has been delivered. Revenue is recognized from these customer deposits or advances to customers at the time product is delivered. The advance or deposit is considered to be a contract asset or liability. Additionally, from time to time, we have customers that pay in advance for goods or services, and such amounts result in contract liabilities.

Ferrellgas incurs incremental commissions directly related to the acquisition or renewal of customer contracts. The commissions are calculated and paid based upon the number of gallons sold to the acquired or renewed customer. The total amount of commissions that we incur is not material, and the commissions are expensed commensurate with the deliveries to which they relate; therefore, we do not capitalize these costs.

The following table presents the opening and closing balances of our contract assets and contract liabilities:

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

Contract assets

$

10,263

$

11,935

Contract liabilities

 

 

  

Deferred revenue (1)

$

51,516

$

47,929

(1)Of the beginning balance of deferred revenue, $37.9 million was recognized as revenue during the year ended July 31, 2023.

Remaining performance obligations

Ferrellgas’ remaining performance obligations are generally limited to situations where customers have remitted payment but have not yet received deliveries of propane. This most commonly occurs in even pay billing programs and Ferrellgas expects that these balances will be recognized within a year or less as the customer takes delivery of propane.

F-42

Table of Contents

M.        Fair value measurements

Derivative financial instruments

The following table presents Ferrellgas’ financial assets and financial liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis for each of the fair value hierarchy levels, including both current and noncurrent portions, as of July 31, 2023 and 2022

Asset (Liability)

Quoted Prices in Active

    

    

    

Markets for Identical

Significant Other

Assets and Liabilities

Observable Inputs

Unobservable Inputs

    

(Level 1)

    

(Level 2)

    

(Level 3)

    

Total

July 31, 2023:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commodity derivatives

$

$

12,165

$

$

12,165

Liabilities:

 

  

 

 

  

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commodity derivatives

$

$

(11,082)

$

$

(11,082)

July 31, 2022:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Assets:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commodity derivatives

$

$

51,267

$

$

51,267

Liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Derivative financial instruments:

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commodity derivatives

$

$

(12,960)

$

$

(12,960)

Methodology

The fair values of Ferrellgas’ non-exchange traded commodity derivative contracts are based upon indicative price quotations available through brokers, industry price publications or recent market transactions and related market indicators. There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, or 3 during the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022.

Other financial instruments

The carrying amounts of other financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities (except for current maturities of long-term debt) approximate their fair values because of their short-term nature. At July 31, 2023 and July 31, 2022, the estimated fair value of Ferrellgas’ long-term debt instruments was $1,318.9 million and $1,327.8 million, respectively. Ferrellgas estimates the fair value of long-term debt based on quoted market prices. The fair value of Ferrellgas’ consolidated debt obligations is a Level 2 valuation based on the observable inputs used for similar liabilities.

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

N.        Derivative instruments and hedging activities

Ferrellgas is exposed to certain market risks related to its ongoing business operations. These risks include exposure to changing commodity prices as well as fluctuations in interest rates. Ferrellgas utilizes derivative instruments to manage its exposure to fluctuations in commodity prices. Of these, the propane commodity derivative instruments are designated as cash flow hedges.

F-43

Table of Contents

Derivative instruments and hedging activity

During the years ended July 31, 2023 and 2022, Ferrellgas did not recognize any gain or loss in earnings related to hedge ineffectiveness and did not exclude any component of financial derivative contract gains or losses from the assessment of hedge effectiveness related to commodity cash flow hedges.

The following tables provide a summary of the fair value of derivatives within Ferrellgas’ consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2023 and 2022:

Final

July 31, 2023

Maturity

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

    

Date

Location

    

Fair value

    

Location

    

Fair value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

December 2024

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Price risk management asset

$

11,966

Other current liabilities

$

9,554

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Other assets, net

 

199

 

Other liabilities

 

1,528

 

Total

$

12,165

 

Total

$

11,082

Final

July 31, 2022

Maturity

Asset Derivatives

Liability Derivatives

Derivative Instrument

    

Date

Location

    

Fair value

    

Location

    

Fair value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments

 

December 2024

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Price risk management asset

$

43,015

 

Other current liabilities

$

11,840

Commodity derivatives-propane

 

Other assets, net

 

8,252

 

Other liabilities

 

1,120

 

Total

$

51,267

 

Total

$

12,960

Ferrellgas’ exchange traded commodity derivative contracts require cash margin deposit as collateral for contracts that are in a negative mark-to-market position. These cash margin deposits will be returned if mark-to-market conditions improve or will be applied against cash settlement when the contracts are settled. Liabilities represent cash margin deposits received by Ferrellgas for contracts that are in a positive mark-to-market position. The following tables provide a summary of cash margin balances as of July 31, 2023 and July 31, 2022, respectively:

July 31, 2023

Assets

Liabilities

Description

    

Location

    

Amount

    

Location

    

Amount

Margin Balances

 

Prepaid expense and other current assets

$

11,939

 

Broker margin deposit liability

$

6,972

 

Other assets, net

 

1,965

 

Other liabilities

 

Total

$

13,904

 

Total

$

6,972

July 31, 2022

Assets

Liabilities

Description

    

Location

    

Amount

    

Location

    

Amount

Margin Balances

 

Prepaid expense and other current assets

$

12,338

 

Broker margin deposit liability

$

32,805

 

Other assets, net

 

4,797

 

Other liabilities

 

7,110

Total

$

17,135

 

Total

$

39,915

F-44

Table of Contents

The following tables provide a summary of the effect on Ferrellgas’ consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 due to derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments:

For the year ended July 31, 2023

Amount of Loss

Amount of Loss

Location of Loss

Reclassified from

Recognized in

Reclassified from 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

AOCI

    

AOCI into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

$

(48,034)

 

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

$

(10,810)

$

For the year ended July 31, 2022

Amount of Gain

Amount of Gain

Location of Gain

Reclassified from

Recognized in

Reclassified from

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

AOCI

    

AOCI into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

$

68,950

 

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

$

120,429

$

For the year ended July 31, 2021

Amount of Gain

Amount of Gain

Location of Gain

Reclassified from

Recognized in

Reclassified from 

AOCI into Income

Derivative Instrument

    

AOCI

    

AOCI into Income

    

Effective portion

    

Ineffective portion

Commodity derivatives

$

136,351

 

Cost of sales - propane and other gas liquids sales

$

44,252

$

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

Ferrellgas partners

The changes in derivatives included in AOCI for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

For the year ended July 31, 

Gains and losses on derivatives included in AOCI

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Beginning balance attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

$

37,907

$

88,866

$

(2,303)

Change in value of risk management commodity derivatives

 

(48,034)

 

68,950

 

136,351

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

 

10,810

 

(120,429)

 

(44,252)

Less: amount attributable to noncontrolling interests

376

520

(930)

Ending balance attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

$

1,059

$

37,907

$

88,866

The operating partnership

The changes in derivatives included in AOCI for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021 were as follows:

For the year ended July 31, 

Gains and losses on derivatives included in AOCI

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Beginning balance

$

38,307

$

89,786

$

(2,313)

Change in value of risk management commodity derivatives

 

(48,034)

 

68,950

 

136,351

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

 

10,810

 

(120,429)

 

(44,252)

Ending balance

$

1,083

$

38,307

$

89,786

Ferrellgas expects to reclassify net gains of approximately $2.4 million to earnings during the next 12 months. These net gains are expected to be offset by decreased margins on propane sales commitments Ferrellgas has with its customers that qualify for the normal purchase normal sale exception.

F-45

Table of Contents

During the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, Ferrellgas had no reclassifications to operations resulting from the discontinuance of any cash flow hedges arising from the probability of the original forecasted transactions not occurring within the originally specified period of time defined within the hedging relationship.

As of July 31, 2023, Ferrellgas had financial derivative contracts covering 2.9 million barrels of propane that were entered into as cash flow hedges of forward and forecasted purchases of propane.

Derivative financial instruments credit risk

Ferrellgas is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by counterparties to derivative financial and commodity instruments. Ferrellgas’ counterparties principally consist of major energy companies and major U.S. financial institutions. Ferrellgas maintains credit policies with regard to its counterparties that it believes reduces its overall credit risk. These policies include evaluating and monitoring counterparties’ financial condition, including their credit ratings, and entering into agreements with counterparties that govern credit limits. Certain of these agreements call for the posting of collateral by the counterparty or by Ferrellgas in the forms of letters of credit, parent guarantees or cash. Ferrellgas has concentrations of credit risk associated with derivative financial instruments held by certain derivative financial instrument counterparties. If these counterparties that make up the concentration failed to perform according to the terms of their contracts at July 31, 2023, the maximum amount of loss due to credit risk that Ferrellgas would incur based upon the gross fair values of the derivative financial instruments is zero.

From time to time Ferrellgas enters into derivative contracts that have credit-risk-related contingent features which dictate credit limits based upon Ferrellgas’ debt rating. There were no open derivative contracts with credit-risk-related contingent features as of July 31, 2023.

O.        Transactions with related parties

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

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Operating expense

$

310,652

$

275,326

$

260,831

General and administrative expense

$

32,168

$

28,943

$

34,899

See additional discussions about transactions with the general partner and related parties in Note J “Equity (Deficit).”

Term loan credit agreement between Ferrellgas Partners and the operating partnership

On January 8, 2021, Ferrellgas Partners entered into a term loan credit agreement with the operating partnership, pursuant to which the operating partnership extended to Ferrellgas Partners an unsecured, non-amortizing term loan in the aggregate principal amount of $19.9 million. The term loan bore interest at a rate of 20% per annum, and all interest on the term loan was added to the outstanding principal amount of the term loan. The term loan was scheduled to mature on July 1, 2022. During July 2021, Ferrellgas Partners made an optional prepayment of $9.0 million principal amount of the term loan. On May 16, 2022, Ferrellgas Partners repaid the operating partnership the full amount of the term loan of $15.3 million, which represented the outstanding principal and accrued interest. Additionally, Ferrellgas Partners paid the operating partnership $3.9 million for separate intercompany receivables related to expenses incurred during the 2021 debt transactions.

F-46

Table of Contents

P.        Contingencies and commitments

Litigation

Ferrellgas’ operations are subject to all operating hazards and risks normally incidental to handling, storing, transporting and otherwise providing for use by consumers of combustible liquids such as propane and, prior to the sales of midstream operations in fiscal 2018, crude oil. As a result, at any given time, we can be threatened with or named as a defendant in various lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. Other than as discussed below, we are not a party to any legal proceedings other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the ordinary course of business. It is not possible to determine the ultimate disposition of these matters; however, management is of the opinion that there are no known claims or contingent claims that are reasonably expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Ferrellgas and Bridger Logistics, LLC (“Bridger”), were named, along with two former officers (“Rios and Gamboa”), in a lawsuit (the “EDPA Lawsuit”) filed by Eddystone Rail Company (“Eddystone”) on February 2, 2017 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (the “Court”). On December 10, 2021, the Court dismissed Eddystone’s claims against Rios and Gamboa, pursuant to a settlement agreement with Eddystone. Eddystone indicated that it has prevailed in or settled an arbitration against Jamex Transfer Services (“JTS”), previously named Bridger Transfer Services, a former subsidiary of Bridger. The arbitration involved a claim against JTS for money due for deficiency payments under a contract for the use of an Eddystone facility used to offload crude from rail onto barges. Eddystone alleges that Ferrellgas transferred assets out of JTS prior to the sale of the membership interest in JTS to Jamex Transfer Holdings, and that those transfers should be avoided so that the assets can be used to satisfy the amount owed by JTS to Eddystone as a result of the arbitration. Eddystone also alleges that JTS was an “alter ego” of Bridger and Ferrellgas and that Bridger and Ferrellgas breached both an implicit contract as well as fiduciary duties allegedly owed to Eddystone as a creditor of JTS. Ferrellgas believes that Ferrellgas and Bridger have valid defenses to these claims and to Eddystone’s primary claim against JTS for breach of contract. If Eddystone ultimately prevails, however, Ferrellgas believes that the amount of damages awarded could be material to Ferrellgas. Ferrellgas intends to vigorously defend this claim.

The Court decided summary judgment motions in March 2022 and the three segments of the bench trial were completed in September 2022, December 2022 and February 2023, respectively. The Court set a briefing schedule through May 2023 and closing arguments for August 2023. Management does not currently believe a loss is probable or reasonably estimable at this time. However, we may enter into settlement discussions at any time.

Long-term debt-related commitments

Ferrellgas has long and short-term payment obligations under agreements such as the indentures governing our senior notes. See Note H “Debt” for a description of these debt obligations and a schedule of future maturities.

Q.        Employee benefits

Ferrellgas has no employees and is managed and controlled by its general partner. Ferrellgas assumes all liabilities, which include specific liabilities related to the following employee benefit plans for the benefit of the officers and employees of the general partner.

Ferrell Companies makes contributions to the employee stock ownership trust (the “Trust”), which causes a portion of the shares of Ferrell Companies owned by the Trust to be allocated to employees’ accounts over time. The allocation of Ferrell Companies’ shares to employee accounts causes a non-cash compensation charge to be incurred by Ferrellgas, equivalent to the fair value of such shares allocated. This non-cash compensation charge is reported separately in Ferrellgas’ consolidated statements of operations and thus is excluded from operating and general and administrative expenses. The non-cash compensation charges were $2.9 million, $3.2 million and $3.2 million during fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. Ferrellgas is not obligated to fund or make contributions to the Trust.

F-47

Table of Contents

The general partner and its parent, Ferrell Companies, have a defined contribution 401(k) investment plan which covers substantially all employees. The plan, which qualifies under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, also provides for matching contributions under a cash or deferred arrangement based upon participant salaries and employee contributions to the plan. Matching contributions, net of forfeitures, for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021 were $4.9 million, $5.4 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

R.       Net earnings (loss) per Unitholders’ interest

Below is a calculation of the basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per Class A Unitholders’ interest in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated. In accordance with guidance issued by the FASB regarding participating securities and the two-class method, Ferrellgas calculates net earnings (loss) per Class A Unitholders’ interest for each period presented according to distributions declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings, as if all of the earnings or loss for the period had been distributed. Due to the seasonality of Ferrellgas’ business, the dilutive effect of the two-class method typically impacts only the three months ended January 31.

There was not a dilutive effect resulting from this guidance on basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per Class A Unitholders’ interest for fiscal 2023, 2022 and 2021.

In periods with net losses, the allocation of the net losses to the limited partners and the general partner will be determined based on the same allocation basis specified in Ferrellgas Partners’ partnership agreement that would apply to periods in which there were no undistributed earnings. Additionally, in periods with net losses, there are no dilutive securities.

Calculation of basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per Class A Units

For the year ended July 31, 

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.

$

136,881

$

147,993

$

(68,411)

Less: Distributions to preferred unitholders

64,314

65,287

24,024

Less: Distributions to Class B unitholders

49,998

99,996

Less: Allocation of undistributed net earnings to Class B units

11,030

Less: General partner’s interest in net earnings (loss)

1,368

1,480

(684)

Undistributed net earnings (loss) attributable to Class A unitholders

$

10,171

$

(18,770)

$

(91,751)

Weighted average Class A Units outstanding (in thousands)

 

4,857.6

 

4,857.6

 

4,857.6

Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per Class A Unit

$

2.09

$

(3.86)

$

(18.89)

Class B Units considerations

The Class B Units meet the definition of a participating security and the two-class method is required. For any periods in which earnings are recognized, the earnings will be allocated between the Class B Units and the Class A Units on a six-to-one basis. For any periods in which losses are recognized, no effect is given to the Class B Units as they do not contractually participate in the losses of Ferrellgas.

In addition, Ferrellgas has the option to redeem all, but not less than all, of the Class B Units outstanding at any time on or prior to March 30, 2026 for cash. This call option does not impact the dilutive effect of net loss per Class A Unit due to the cash-only redemption provision, which is assumed, and therefore there would be no dilutive effect.

S.       Subsequent events

Ferrellgas has evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through the date Ferrellgas’ consolidated financial statements were issued and concluded that there were no events or transactions occurring during this period that required recognition or disclosure in its consolidated financial statements.

F-48

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (a Delaware corporation) (the “Company”) as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of operations, stockholder’s equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical audit matters

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.

Kansas City, Missouri

September 29, 2023

F-49

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

BALANCE SHEETS

    

July 31, 2023

    

July 31, 2022

ASSETS

Cash

$

$

Total assets

$

$

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Current liabilities:

Other current liabilities

$

$

1,706

Total current liabilities

$

$

1,706

Contingencies and commitments (Note B)

 

  

 

  

STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

 

 

  

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

$

1,000

$

1,000

Additional paid in capital

 

42,207

 

39,486

Accumulated deficit

 

(43,207)

 

(42,192)

Total stockholder’s equity (deficit)

(1,706)

Total liabilities and equity (deficit)

$

$

See notes to financial statements.

F-50

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

General and administrative expense

$

1,015

    

$

2,706

    

$

2,490

Net loss

$

(1,015)

$

(2,706)

$

(2,490)

See notes to financial statements.

F-51

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

Additional

Total

Common stock

paid in

Accumulated

stockholder’s

    

Shares

    

Dollars

    

capital

    

deficit

    

equity (deficit)

July 31, 2020

1,000

$

1,000

$

38,846

$

(36,996)

$

2,850

Capital contribution

 

 

 

640

 

 

640

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(2,490)

 

(2,490)

July 31, 2021

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

39,486

 

(39,486)

 

1,000

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(2,706)

 

(2,706)

July 31, 2022

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

39,486

 

(42,192)

 

(1,706)

Capital contribution

 

 

 

2,721

 

 

2,721

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(1,015)

 

(1,015)

July 31, 2023

 

1,000

$

1,000

$

42,207

$

(43,207)

$

See notes to financial statements.

F-52

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

2021

Cash flows from operating activities:

  

  

    

  

Net loss

$

(1,015)

$

(2,706)

$

(2,490)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Other current liabilities

(1,706)

1,706

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

1,850

Cash used in operating activities

 

(2,721)

 

(1,000)

 

(640)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

  

 

  

 

  

Capital contribution

 

2,721

 

 

640

Cash provided by financing activities

 

2,721

 

640

Net change in cash

 

 

(1,000)

 

Cash - beginning of period

 

 

1,000

 

1,000

Cash - end of period

$

$

$

1,000

See notes to financial statements.

F-53

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

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

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A.     Formation

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

Ferrellgas Partners contributed $1,000 to the Partners Finance Corp. on April 8, 1996 in exchange for 1,000 shares of common stock.

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

B.     Contingencies and commitments

Partners Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of Ferrellgas Partners. As of July 31, 2023 and 2022, Ferrellgas Partners had no debt securities outstanding, and Partners Finance Corp. therefore was not liable as co-issuer for any such debt securities.

C.      Income taxes

Income taxes have been computed separately as the Partners Finance Corp. files its own income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided as a result of temporary differences between financial and tax reporting using the asset/liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities.

Due to the inability of the Partners Finance Corp. to utilize the deferred tax benefit of $8,556 associated with the net operating loss carryforward of $40,743 generated during and prior to fiscal 2023, a valuation allowance has been provided on the full amount of the deferred tax asset. Accordingly, there is no net deferred tax benefit for fiscal 2023 or 2022, and there is no net deferred tax asset as of July 31, 2023 and 2022. The net operating loss carryforwards generated after July 31, 2018 are carried forward indefinitely, but are limited to 80% of the taxable income in any one period. The net operating losses generated as of or prior to July 31, 2018 are still subject to prior tax law and will expire at various dates through July 31, 2038.

D.      Subsequent events

Partners Finance Corp. has evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through the date the Partners Finance Corp.’s consolidated financial statements were issued, and concluded that there were no events or transactions occurring during this period that required recognition or disclosure in its financial statements.

F-54

Table of Contents

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

Opinion on the financial statements

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (a Delaware corporation) (the “Company”) as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, the related statements of operations, stockholder’s equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of July 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical audit matters

Critical audit matters are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. We determined that there are no critical audit matters.

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.

Kansas City, Missouri

September 29, 2023

F-55

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

BALANCE SHEETS

July 31, 2023

July 31, 2022

ASSETS

 

  

 

  

Cash

$

$

Total assets

$

$

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

Current liabilities:

Other current liabilities

$

$

Total current liabilities

$

$

Contingencies and commitments (Note B)

Equity:

 

  

 

  

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

$

1,000

$

1,000

Additional paid in capital

 

104,564

 

103,928

Accumulated deficit

 

(105,564)

 

(104,928)

Total stockholder’s equity

$

$

Total liabilities and equity

$

$

See notes to financial statements.

F-56

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

General and administrative expense

$

636

$

2,400

$

19,941

Net loss

$

(636)

$

(2,400)

$

(19,941)

See notes to financial statements.

F-57

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY

Additional

Total

Common stock

paid in

Accumulated

stockholder’s

    

Shares

    

Dollars

    

capital

    

deficit

    

equity

July 31, 2020

 

1,000

$

1,000

$

84,187

$

(82,587)

$

2,600

Capital contribution

 

 

 

18,441

 

 

18,441

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(19,941)

 

(19,941)

July 31, 2021

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

102,628

 

(102,528)

 

1,100

Capital contribution

 

 

 

1,300

 

 

1,300

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(2,400)

 

(2,400)

July 31, 2022

 

1,000

 

1,000

 

103,928

 

(104,928)

 

Capital contribution

 

 

 

636

 

 

636

Net loss

 

 

 

 

(636)

 

(636)

July 31, 2023

 

1,000

$

1,000

$

104,564

$

(105,564)

$

See notes to financial statements.

F-58

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net loss

$

(636)

$

(2,400)

$

(19,941)

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

 

 

1,500

Cash used in operating activities

 

(636)

 

(2,400)

 

(18,441)

Cash flows from financing activities:

Capital contribution

 

636

 

1,300

 

18,441

Cash provided by financing activities

 

636

 

1,300

 

18,441

Net change in cash

 

 

(1,100)

 

Cash - beginning of period

 

 

1,100

 

1,100

Cash - end of period

$

$

$

1,100

See notes to financial statements.

F-59

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

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

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A.     Formation

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

The Partnership contributed $1,000 to Finance Corp. on January 24, 2003 in exchange for 1,000 shares of common stock.

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

B.     Contingencies and commitments

Finance Corp. serves as co-issuer and co-obligor for debt securities of the operating partnership. As of July 31, 2023 and 2022, Finance Corp. was liable as co-issuer and co-obligor for the operating partnership’s (i) $650 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due 2026 and (ii) $825 million aggregate principal amount of unsecured senior notes due 2029, each of which were issued on March 30, 2021.

C.     Income taxes

Income taxes have been computed separately as the Finance Corp. files its own income tax return. Deferred income taxes are provided as a result of temporary differences between financial and tax reporting using the asset/liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized for the tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and tax basis of existing assets and liabilities.

Due to the inability of the Finance Corp. to utilize the deferred tax benefit of $22,071 associated with the net operating loss carryforward of $105,099 generated during and prior to fiscal 2023, a valuation allowance has been provided on the full amount of the deferred tax asset. Accordingly, there is no net deferred tax benefit for fiscal 2023 or 2022, and there is no net deferred tax asset as of July 31, 2023 and 2022. The net operating loss carryforwards generated after July 31, 2018 are carried forward indefinitely, but are limited to 80% of the taxable income in any one period. The net operating losses generated as of or prior to July 31, 2018 are still subject to prior tax law and will expire at various dates through July 31, 2038.

D.     Subsequent events

Finance Corp. has evaluated events and transactions occurring after the balance sheet date through the date the Finance Corp.’s consolidated financial statements were issued, and concluded that there were no events or transactions occurring during this period that required recognition or disclosure in its financial statements.

F-60

Table of Contents

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

    

Page

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries

Schedule I 

Parent Only Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2023, and 2022 and Statements of Operations and Cash Flows for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

S-2

Schedule II 

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

S-5

Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries

Schedule II

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended July 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021

S-6

S-1

Table of Contents

Schedule I

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.
PARENT ONLY
BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except unit data)

July 31, 

July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

ASSETS

 

  

 

  

Cash and cash equivalents

$

102

$

271

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

 

22

 

21

Total assets

$

124

$

292

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS’ DEFICIT

 

  

 

  

Other current liabilities

$

64

$

277

Investment in Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

891,658

 

880,239

Partners’ deficit

 

  

 

  

Class A (4,857,605 units outstanding at 2023 and 2022)

 

(1,205,103)

 

(1,229,823)

Class B (1,300,000 units outstanding at 2023 and 2022)

383,012

383,012

General partner unitholder (49,496 units outstanding at 2023 and 2022)

 

(70,566)

 

(71,320)

Accumulated other comprehensive income

 

1,059

 

37,907

Total Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. partners’ deficit

 

(891,598)

 

(880,224)

Total liabilities and partners’ deficit

$

124

$

292

S-2

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

PARENT ONLY

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(in thousands)

For the year ended July 31,

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Equity in earnings (loss) of Ferrellgas, L.P.

$

136,838

$

150,262

$

(44,740)

Operating, general and administrative expense

 

(89)

 

(13)

 

(389)

Operating income (loss)

 

136,749

 

150,249

 

(45,129)

Interest expense

 

 

(13,771)

Gain on extinguishment of debt

3,137

Other income (expense), net

137

(2,251)

(2,191)

Reorganization expense - professional fees

(10,443)

Income tax expense

(5)

(5)

(14)

Net earnings (loss)

136,881

147,993

(68,411)

Less: Distribution to Class B Unitholders

49,998

99,996

Net earnings (loss) attributable to Ferrellgas, L.P.

$

86,883

$

47,997

$

(68,411)

S-3

Table of Contents

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

PARENT ONLY

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

For the year ended July 31, 

    

2023

    

2022

    

2021

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net earnings (loss)

$

136,881

$

147,993

$

(68,411)

Reconciliation of net earnings (loss) to net cash used in operating activities:

Other

 

(214)

 

(16,944)

 

16,208

Gain on extinguishment of debt

(3,137)

Equity in (earnings) loss of Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

(136,838)

 

(150,262)

 

44,740

Net cash used in operating activities

(171)

 

(19,213)

 

(10,600)

Cash flows from investing activities:

Distributions received from Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

50,000

 

119,216

 

Loan from Ferrellgas, L.P.

 

 

 

14,810

Net cash provided by investing activities

 

50,000

 

119,216

 

14,810

Cash flows from financing activities:

Distributions paid to Class B unitholders

(49,998)

(99,996)

Fees in connection with Class B unit exchange

 

 

 

(1,988)

Make-whole payments

 

 

 

(1,964)

Net cash used in financing activities

 

(49,998)

 

(99,996)

 

(3,952)

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

(169)

 

7

 

258

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year

 

271

 

264

 

6

Cash and cash equivalents - end of year

$

102

$

271

$

264

S-4

Table of Contents

Schedule II

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

Balance at

    

Charged to

    

    

    

Balance

beginning

cost and

at end

Description

    

of period

    

expenses

    

Other

    

    

of period

Year ended July 31, 2023

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

6,692

$

1,228

$

(1,262)

(1)

$

6,658

Year ended July 31, 2022

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

17,256

$

1,847

$

(12,411)

(1)

$

6,692

Year ended July 31, 2021

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

14,124

$

2,323

$

809

(1)

$

17,256

(1)Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

S-5

Table of Contents

Schedule II

FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

(in thousands)

Balance at

    

Charged to

    

    

    

Balance

beginning

cost and

at end

Description

    

of period

    

expenses

    

Other

    

    

of period

Year ended July 31, 2023

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

6,692

$

1,228

$

(1,262)

(1)

$

6,658

Year ended July 31, 2022

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

17,256

$

1,847

$

(12,411)

(1)

$

6,692

Year ended July 31, 2021

 

  

 

  

 

  

  

 

  

Allowance for doubtful accounts

$

14,124

$

2,323

$

809

(1)

$

17,256

(1)Uncollectible accounts written off, net of recoveries.

.

S-6

Exhibit 10.17

EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN AGREEMENT (this “Chairman Agreement” or “Agreement”) is made as of August 1, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), between Ferrellgas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and James E. Ferrell (“Executive”).  The Executive and the Company are each referred to as a “Party” and collectively the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and Executive desires to accept employment with the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

1.Employment Term.  The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Chairman Agreement for the period commencing as of August 1, 2023 (the “Commencement Date”) and continuing for one (1) year (the “Term”), unless earlier terminated by the Company or Executive pursuant to the provisions set forth in Section 4 hereof.  
2.Position and Duties.
(a)Position.  During the Term, the Executive shall serve as Executive Chairman of the Company.
(b)Duties.  Executive shall have the normal duties, responsibilities, functions, and authority of the Executive Chairman, subject to the power and authority of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), and Executive shall report to the Board.  Executive’s duties shall include assisting with the transition of the new Chief Executive Officer, advising Company management and its Board of Directors concerning matters relating to the operations, management, and organization of the company, its business affairs, corporate and product development and other projects as agreed by the Board of Directors and as may be required by the Company’s governing instruments, including its certificate of incorporation, bylaws and its corporate governance charters, each as amended or modified from time to time, and by applicable law, rule or regulation. Executive shall perform all duties in a professional, ethical, and businesslike manner. Executive shall be required to devote such time to the affairs of the Company as shall be necessary to manage such affairs. The Executive Chairman will perform such duties described herein in accordance with the general fiduciary duty of executive officers and directors.
3.Compensation and Benefits.

In exchange for services rendered by Executive hereunder, the Company shall provide the following:

(a)Base Salary.  During the Term, Executive’s base salary shall be $825,000.00 per annum, or such higher amount as determined by the Board in its discretion, (the “Base Salary”), less required withholdings and taxes, which salary shall be payable by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices (in effect from time to time).

1

Graphic


(b)Incentive Plans.  Executive shall be eligible to participate in any Company incentive plan as such plans are implemented by the Board, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, and as such terms and conditions may be established or changed from time to time by the Company in its sole discretion.
(c)Benefits.  Executive shall be included, to the extent eligible under the terms and conditions, as such terms and conditions may be established or changed from time to time by the Board in its sole discretion, in any and all of the Company plans providing benefits for its employees.  Except as otherwise provided herein, nothing contained herein shall obligate the Company to adopt or maintain any benefit plan and nothing herein shall restrict the Company’s right in its sole discretion to adopt, modify or otherwise alter, in whole or in part, any and/or all of its benefit plans, provided that such adoption, abolition, modification or alteration is of general effect and applicable to all of the Company’s employees and/or officers under such plans.
(d)Business Expenses.  During the Term, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the course of performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Chairman Agreement, which business expenses are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses.
4.Termination of Term.
(a)Termination.  During the Term, Executive’s employment and this Chairman Agreement may be terminated by:
(i)Executive’s resignation without Good Reason, which resignation must be accompanied by at least ninety (90) days’ prior written notice;
(ii)Executive’s resignation for Good Reason (as defined below);
(iii)termination by the Company due to Executive’s Disability (as defined below);
(iv)the Company’s termination of Executive’s employment with Cause (as defined below);
(v) the Company’s termination of Executive’s employment without Cause upon at least ninety (90) days’ prior written notice; or
(vi)Executive’s death.  
(b)Notice Period.  During the period following delivery of notice of the Executive’s termination, whether voluntarily by the Executive or by the Company with or without Cause, the Company may, in its sole discretion: (i) require the Executive to perform only such duties as it may allocate to the Executive; (ii) require the Executive not to perform any of the Executive’s duties; (iii) require the Executive not to have any contact with employees, clients or vendors of the Company and its Affiliates as the Company shall reasonably determine (except for those employees, clients and vendors of the Company that the Executive had a business relationship with prior to the entry of this Chairman Agreement); and (iv) exclude the Executive from the Company and its Affiliate’s premises.

2

Graphic


(c)Payment in Lieu of Notice. The Company may, at its absolute discretion, when terminating the Executive’s employment with or without Cause, elect to notify the Executive in writing that it is exercising its right to dismiss the Executive with immediate effect and that it will be making a payment to the Executive in lieu of notice. The Company’s payment in lieu of notice shall be equivalent to the Base Salary which would have been payable or have accrued during the Executive’s notice period.    
(d)Resignation of All Positions. In the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason and regardless of the circumstance, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all positions as an officer and as a member of the Board of the Company or any Affiliate immediately upon such termination, and shall promptly execute all documents reasonably requested by the Company in order to effect such resignation(s).  
(e)Termination Payments.
(i)Termination for Cause, upon Executive’s Resignation, upon Death or Disability.  If Executive’s employment hereunder and the Term are terminated pursuant to Sections 4(a)(i), (iii), (iv), or (vi), Executive, or his estate if applicable, shall be entitled to payment of:
(A)Executive’s accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination;
(B)any properly documented reimbursable expenses owed to Executive (clauses (A) and (B) of this Section 4(e)(i), collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”).
(ii)Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason.  If Executive’s employment hereunder and the Term are terminated pursuant to Sections 4(a)(ii) or (v), Executive shall be entitled to the following:
(A)payment of Accrued Obligations;
(B)a lump sum payment of any amounts remaining under this Chairman Agreement; and
(C)subject to Executive’s election of and qualification for continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months following termination of employment, premium costs for COBRA insurance benefits in the monthly amount the Company was paying toward Executive’s Company-provided group health plan insurance coverage immediately prior to Executive’s cessation of employment.

3

Graphic


The amounts described in clauses (B) and (C) of this Section 4(e)(ii) will commence to be paid to Executive within sixty (60) days following the date of termination, provided that Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) has executed and delivered to the Company not later than forty-five (45) days following the date of termination an irrevocable general waiver and release of claims in the form provided by the Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) after Executive’s termination (the “General Release”) and the latest date on which the General Release is subject to revocation has expired.  The Accrued Obligations shall be paid no later than as required by law or within twenty (20) days following the date of termination, whichever occurs earlier.  As to any amount described in clause (B) of this Section 4(e)(ii) that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”), if the sixty (60) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in a second (2nd) calendar year, payment shall always be paid in the second (2nd) calendar year.  All payments of amounts described in clauses (B) and (C) of this Section 4(e)(ii) are subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 5 or 21 hereof.

(f)Mitigation.  Executive is under no obligation to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for hereunder by seeking other employment or otherwise, and the Company shall have no right of offset for any amounts received by Executive from other employment.
(g)Offsets.  The Company may offset any amounts Executive owes to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries against any amounts the Company owes Executive hereunder, to the extent permitted by law.
5.Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenants.  Employee shall comply with all obligations outlined in the Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenants Agreement (attached hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment A).
6.Enforcement.  Because Executive’s services are unique and because Executive has access to Confidential Information and Work Product, the parties agree that the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates will suffer irreparable harm from a breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 21 by Executive and that money damages would not be an adequate remedy for any such breach or threatened breach of this Chairman Agreement.  In the event of any breach or threatened breach of this Chairman Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, shall be entitled to specific performance and/or injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security).  
7.Executive’s Representations. Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is not subject to any pending, or to his knowledge any threatened, lawsuit, action, investigation, or proceeding involving Executive’s prior employment or consulting work or the use of any information or techniques of any former employer or contracting party.  Executive hereby acknowledges and represents that he has consulted with independent legal counsel regarding Executive’s rights and obligations under this Chairman Agreement and that Executive fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.
8.Survival. Sections 5 through 23 shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding the termination of the Term.

4

Graphic


9.Notices.  Any notice provided for in this Chairman Agreement shall be in writing and shall be (1) personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service, or sent by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address below, and (2) sent by email to the recipient at the address below indicated:

Notices to Executive:

James E. Ferrell

Address and email of file with the Company.

Notices to the Company:

VP of Human Resources (presently, Brent Banwart)

One Liberty Plaza

Liberty, MO 64068

brentbanwart@ferrellgas.com

and

Chairman, Compensation Committee (presently, Edward Newberry)

[edward.newberry@squirepb.com]

or such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party.  Any notice under this Chairman Agreement shall be deemed to have been given when so delivered or sent.

10.Severability.  Whenever possible, each provision of this Chairman Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Chairman Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Chairman Agreement or any action in any other jurisdiction, but this Chairman Agreement shall be reformed, construed, and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
11.Complete Chairman Agreement. This Chairman Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the Parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.
12.No Strict Construction.  The language used in this Chairman Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Party.

5

Graphic


13.Counterparts.  This Chairman Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts (including by means of pdf signature page), each of which is deemed to be an original, and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.
14.Successors and Assigns.  This Chairman Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the Company and its successors and assigns, by merger or otherwise, and (b) Executive and the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.  This Chairman Agreement is not assignable by Executive.  The Company may unilaterally assign its rights and obligations under this Chairman Agreement to any successor to Company’s rights and obligations hereunder as a result of any Change in Control, merger, consolidation, restructuring or reorganization or to any other successor to all or substantially all of the securities, business and/or assets of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and Executive shall continue to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Chairman Agreement.  In connection with any such assignment by Company, following such assignment, references to “Company” in this Chairman Agreement, shall mean the successor to all or substantially all of the securities, business and/or assets of Company or any of its Affiliates to whom this Chairman Agreement is assigned.
15.Choice of Law.  All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement, and interpretation of this Chairman Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Missouri, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Missouri.  
16.Amendment and Waiver.  The provisions of this Chairman Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company (as approved by the Board) and Executive, and no course of conduct or course of dealing or failure or delay by any party hereto in enforcing or exercising any of the provisions of this Chairman Agreement (including, without limitation, the Company’s right to terminate the Term with or without Cause) shall affect the validity, binding effect, or enforceability of this Chairman Agreement or be deemed to be an implied waiver of any provision of this Chairman Agreement.
17.Tax Matters; Code Section 409A.  
(a)The Company and its respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall be entitled to report such income and deduct or withhold from any amounts owing from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates to Executive any federal, state, local, or foreign withholding taxes, excise tax, or employment taxes (“Taxes”) imposed with respect to Executive’s compensation or other payments and benefits from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (including, without limitation, wages and bonuses).  In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates does not make such deductions or withholdings, Executive shall indemnify the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates for any amounts paid with respect to any such Taxes, together (if such failure to withhold was at the written direction of Executive) with any interest, penalties, and related expenses thereto.
(b)The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Chairman Agreement either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A, to the extent subject thereto; and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Chairman Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith.  In no event whatsoever shall the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A with respect to this Chairman Agreement or otherwise.

6

Graphic


(c)Notwithstanding the foregoing, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Chairman Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Chairman Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Chairman Agreement, if Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (B) the date of Executive’s death, to the extent required under Section 409A.  Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 17(c) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum, without interest, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Chairman Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(d)To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits under this Chairman Agreement constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A, (i) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive; (ii) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit; and (iii) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
(e)For purposes of Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Chairman Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.  Whenever a payment under this Chairman Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company, to the extent permitted under Section 409A.
(f)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chairman Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Chairman Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.  
(g)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chairman Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Chairman Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be accelerated or delayed in contravention of the regulations under Section 409A.
18.Waiver of Jury Trial. As a specifically bargained for inducement for each of the parties hereto to enter into this Chairman Agreement (after having the opportunity to consult with counsel), each party hereto expressly waives the right to trial by jury in any lawsuit or proceeding relating to or arising in any way from this Chairman Agreement or the matters contemplated hereby.

7

Graphic


19.Corporate Opportunity.   Executive shall submit to the Board all material business, commercial, and investment opportunities or offers presented to Executive, or of which Executive becomes aware, at any time during the Term, which opportunities relate to the Company’s business (“Corporate Opportunities”).  Unless approved by the Board, during the Term Executive shall not accept or pursue, directly or indirectly, any Corporate Opportunities on Executive’s own behalf or for Executive’s personal benefit or for the benefit of any Person other than the Company.  
20.Executive’s Cooperation.  During the Term and thereafter, Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates in any internal investigation or administrative, regulatory, or judicial proceeding as reasonably requested by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate (including, without limitation, Executive’s being available to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual investigations, appearing at the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s or Affiliate’s request to give truthful and accurate testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process, and providing to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates all pertinent information and turning over to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates all relevant documents which are or may come into Executive’s possession, all at times and on schedules that are reasonably consistent with Executive’s other permitted activities and commitments).  In the event the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate requires Executive’s cooperation in accordance with this section following the Term, to the extent permitted by law, the Company shall pay Executive a per diem reasonably determined by the Board and reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith (including reasonable transportation, lodging and meals, upon submission of receipts).  
21.Arbitration.   Any controversy, claim, cause of action, in law or equity, or dispute involving the Parties (or their affiliated persons or entities) directly or indirectly concerning Executive’s employment or this Chairman Agreement including its enforcement, performance, breach, or interpretation, shall be resolved solely and exclusively by final and binding arbitration held in Missouri by one (1) arbitrator in accordance with the rules of employment arbitration then followed by JAMS or any successor to the functions thereof.  The arbitrator shall apply Missouri law in the resolution of all controversies, claims and disputes and shall have the right and authority to determine how his decision or determination as to each issue or matter in dispute may be implemented or enforced.  Any decision or award of the arbitrator shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Parties to this Chairman Agreement, and there shall be no appeal therefrom other than from gross negligence or willful misconduct.  The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with any such proceedings or related litigation.
22.Definitions.  For purposes of this Chairman Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) Affiliate” means any employer with which the Company would be considered a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code (as defined below), applied using fifty percent (50%) as the percentage of ownership required under such Code sections, including (i) any Person (as defined below), any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with, such specified Person and (ii) any Person that is a natural Person, the spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants of such Person, any limited partnership or limited liability company controlled by such Person or such Person’s spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants or in which such Person or such Person’s spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants hold a majority interest, any trust established for the benefit of any of them and such Person’s estate or legal representative.

8

Graphic


(b)Cause” means, with respect to Executive, one or more of the following:  (i) commission of, or indictment for, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) commission of an act or omission to act with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries or any of their customers or suppliers involving dishonesty, disloyalty, or fraud; (iii) conduct that brings or is reasonably likely to bring the Company or its Affiliates or Subsidiaries into public disgrace or disrepute; (iv) repeated failure to perform duties as reasonably directed by the Board; (v) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries; (vi) material breach of the Company’s Code of Conduct as amended from time to time; or (vii) any breach by Executive of Sections 5 or 21 of this Chairman Agreement.  With respect to subsection (iv) herein, “Cause” shall only exist if Executive fails to cure the alleged infraction within ten (10) days of receiving written notice from the Company.
(c)Change in Control” means the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date: (i) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation or other entity regardless of which entity is the survivor, other than (A) a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such surviving entity or any parent thereof, calculated immediately after such merger or consolidation or (B) a merger or consolidation that would result in one or more related parties owning more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof; (ii) the stockholder(s) of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, and provided, further, that, no sale of all or substantially all the Company’s assets shall constitute a Change in Control if the sale is to a related party; (iii) the majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board (or similar governing body) of the Company (or its direct or indirect parent holding company) ceases to be occupied by persons who either (A) were members of the Board of the Company (or its direct or indirect parent holding company) as of the Effective Date; (B) subsequently became a director of the Company and whose initial election or initial nomination for election by the Company’s stockholder(s) was approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors then on the Board.  For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term “Continuing Director” shall mean any person who is a member of the Board, while such person is a member of the Board, and who (A) was a member of the Board on the Effective Date; or (B) subsequently becomes a member of the Board, if such person’s nomination for election or initial election to the Board is recommended or approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors; (iv) Ferrell Companies, Inc. ceases to beneficially own and control, directly or indirectly, at least 51% on a fully diluted basis of the aggregate economic interests in the capital stock of the Company; (v) the Company ceases to be the general partner with power to manage and control either or both of Ferrellgas Partners, LP and Ferrellgas LP; (vi) Ferrellgas Partners, LP shall cease to beneficially own and control, directly or indirectly, 100% on a fully diluted basis of the aggregate limited partnership interests in Ferrellgas, LP; or (vii) any “change of control” or similar event shall occur under, and as defined in or set forth in, the documents evidencing or governing any indebtedness of the Company, Ferrellgas Partners, LP or Ferrellgas, LP.
(d)Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(e)Disability.” means (1) Executive’s inability, by virtue of ill health or other physical or mental illness, to perform substantially and continuously the duties assigned to Executive with or without reasonable accommodation for more than 180 consecutive or non-consecutive days out of any consecutive 12-month period or (2) if Executive is considered disabled under the Company’s long-term disability insurance plan.

9

Graphic


(f)Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive’s resignation from employment, one or more of the following occurring: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary; (ii) a material diminution in Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authority; or (iii) a material breach of this Chairman Agreement by the Company. “Good Reason” shall only exist if the Executive provided written notice to the Company within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the condition, describing the existence of such condition, and the Company shall thereafter have the right to remedy the condition with thirty (30) days of the date the Company received the written notice from the Executive.  If the Company remedies the condition within such thirty (30) day cure period, then no Good Reason shall be deemed to exist with respect to such condition.  If the Company fails to cure the alleged infraction within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice from Executive, then the Executive may deliver a notice of termination for Good Reason at any time within sixty (60) days following the expiration of such cure period.
(g)Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership (whether general or limited), limited liability company, association, custodian, nominee, trust, estate, joint venture, governmental authority, or other individual or entity.
(h) Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, or other business entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of shares of stock or other ownership interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Person (or, in the case of a partnership, limited liability company, or other similar entity, control of the general partnership, managing member, or similar interests) or Persons (whether directors, managers, trustees, or other Persons performing similar functions) having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies thereof 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.

* * *

[Signature page to follow]

10

Graphic


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Chairman Agreement effective as of the date first written above but signed on the date(s) indicated below.

COMPANY:

Ferrellgas, Inc.

By: /s/ Brent Banwart _

Name:Brent Banwart​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​

Title: ​ ​VP, Human Resources ​ ​​ ​

Date: July 25, 2023​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​

EXECUTIVE:

/s/ James E. Ferrell _

James E. Ferrell

Date: July 28, 2023​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​

[Signature Page to Executive Employment Agreement]


Attachment A

EXECUTIVE CONFIDENTIALITY & RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE CONFIDENTIALITY & RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS AGREEMENT (this “Restrictive Covenants Agreement”) is made as of August 1, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), between Ferrellgas, Inc., and its predecessors, divisions, affiliates, successors, and assigns, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and James E. Ferrell (“Executive”).  The Executive and the Company are each referred to as a “Party” and collectively the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to obtain reasonable protection of its confidential business, trade secret, and technical information which it has developed, acquired and/or is or may be developed or acquired by the Company at substantial expenses; and

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to obtain reasonable protection against unfair competition and solicitation during the Executive’s employment by the Company and following termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company and to further protect against unfair use of its confidential business and technical information the Company desires to have Executive execute this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to execute this Restrictive Covenants Agreement and grant the Company the benefits of the restrictive covenants contained herein.

For and in consideration of the continued employment of Executive as Executive Chairman, and for the promises outlined herein and in Executive’s Executive Chairman Agreement, Executive agrees as follows:

12

Graphic


1.Confidential Information.  

(a)Confidential Information.  Executive acknowledges that the continued success of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates (as those terms are defined in Executive’s Employment Agreement) depends upon the use and protection of a large body of confidential, trade secret, and proprietary information.  All of such confidential, trade secret, and proprietary information now existing or to be developed in the future will be referred to in this Restrictive Covenants Agreement as “Confidential Information.”  Confidential Information means all information that is (i) related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or Affiliates’ current or potential business and (ii) is not generally or publicly known.  Confidential Information includes, without specific limitation, the information, observations, and data obtained by Executive from the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company and Subsidiaries and its Affiliates concerning the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates; information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or Affiliates’ business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during employment; the development, transition and transformation plans of doing business, strategic, marketing and expansion plans, including plans regarding planned and potential sales, financial and business plans, employee lists and telephone numbers, locations of sales representatives, new and existing programs and services, prices and terms, customer service, integration processes, requirements and costs of providing service, support, and equipment.  Accordingly, Executive agrees that, either during or after employment with the Company, Executive shall not disclose to any unauthorized Person or use for Executive’s or any Person’s own account any Confidential Information without the Board’s prior written consent, unless and to the extent that any Confidential Information (i) is or becomes generally available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions to act in breach of this Restrictive Covenants Agreement or the Employment Agreement; (ii) is or becomes known or available to Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates) that, to the Executive’s knowledge, is not prohibited from disclosing such Confidential Information by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation, (iii) is or was independently developed by Executive without violation of any obligation under this Restrictive Covenants Agreement or the Employment Agreement, or (iv) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law or court order (in which case Executive shall give prior written notice to the Company of such required disclosure and shall cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates in any reasonable efforts to limit such disclosure or preserve the confidentiality of any Confidential Information).  Executive agrees to deliver to the Company at the end of his employment, or at any other time the Company may request in writing, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, and other property or documents (and copies thereof) relating to the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information) that Executive may then possess or have under Executive’s control.

(b)Permitted Governmental Disclosures.  The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes Executives against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws – under certain circumstances – if Executive discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law.  Pursuant to such Act, immunity is available if Executive discloses a trade secret in either of these two circumstances: (1) Executive discloses the trade secret (a) in confidence, (b) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, (c) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) in a legal proceeding, Executive discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public). Further, nothing in this Employment Agreement prohibits Executive from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, and any federal Inspector General, or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation.  Executive does not need prior authorization to make any such reports or disclosures and is not required to notify the Company or the Board that he has made such reports or disclosures.

13

Graphic


(c)Third Party Information.  Executive understands that the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ and Affiliates’ part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes.  During employment and thereafter, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 1(a) above, Executive shall hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel of the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company or such Subsidiaries and Affiliates) or use, except in connection with Executive’s work for the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by a member of the Board in writing.

(d)Return of Company Property.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, voluntarily or involuntarily, and at any time as the Company requests, Executive will deliver to the person designated by the Company all originals and copies of all documents or materials relating to the business of the Company or its Affiliates and other Company property in Executive’s possession or control, including but not limited to drawings, specifications, documents (including electronic documents), notes, memoranda, records, devices, models or any other material and copies or reproductions thereof, and any computers, equipment, keys or similar property of the Company.  Further, upon request, Executive will certify that Executive has not retained or transferred outside the Company any Confidential Information and/or that Executive has deleted any electronic information belonging to the Company from Executive’s personal computers, hard drives, cloud accounts, servers and/or accounts.

2.Intellectual Property, Inventions, and Patents.  

Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patent applications, copyrightable work,  all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) which relate to the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ and Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research, and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed, or made by Executive (whether alone or jointly with others) while employed by the Company and its Subsidiaries, (“Work Product”), belong to the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliate.  Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Board and, at the Company’s expense, perform all actions reasonably requested by the Board (whether during or after employment) to establish and confirm such ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, and other instruments).  For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that Executive’s expertise in business and the field of propane distribution and sales for over fifty (50) years is not encompassed by this Section 2.  

14

Graphic


3.Non-Compete; Non-Solicitation.

(a)Non-Competition.  In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive acknowledges that during the course of his employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates he has and shall continue to become familiar with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ and Affiliates’ corporate strategy, pricing, and other market and financial information, know-how, trade secrets, and valuable customer, supplier, and Executive relationships, and with other Confidential Information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and that his services have been and shall be of special, unique, and extraordinary value to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.  Accordingly, during his employment and for five (5) years thereafter (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not directly or indirectly (whether as Executive, director, owner, stockholder, consultant, partner (limited or general), or otherwise) own any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, advertise on behalf of, render services for or in any manner engage in any Competing Business (as defined below) that conducts operations or sales in the United States of America, or have taken active steps towards conducting sales or operations as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from being a passive owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.  For purpose of this Employment Agreement, “Competing Business” shall mean any business or enterprise, which is (i) involved primarily in the sale and distribution of propane gas and component parts, and/or propane cylinders, or (ii) provides any products or services described by the Company on the Company’s website at any time during Executive’s employment.

(b)Non-Solicitation.  During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly through another Person (i) induce or attempt to induce any member of senior leadership (a “Senior Leader” or collectively “Senior Leadership”), which shall include the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resource Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Operations Officer, or General Counsel, of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to leave the employ of the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate and any Senior Leadership thereof; (ii) knowingly hire any Person who was a Senior Leader of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate at any time during the five (5) years prior to the termination of Executive’s employment; or (iii) induce or encourage any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, or other business relation of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to cease doing business with or materially reduce its business with the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, or business relation and the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate (including, without limitation, making any negative or disparaging statements or communications regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates).  

15

Graphic


4.Enforcement of Covenants.

(a)Executive acknowledges that a breach by Executive of any of the terms of this Agreement will result in material, irreparable injury to the Company for which any remedy at law will not be adequate. Moreover, it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and, in the event of such a breach or threat of breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary or permanent injunction restraining Executive from engaging in activities prohibited by this Agreement, together with such other relief as may be required to enforce specifically any of the terms of this Agreement. Executive consents to such temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive relief. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other available remedies for breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including recovery of damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
(b)If the Company is required to enforce any of its rights hereunder through legal proceedings, Executive shall reimburse the Company for all reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred by the Company in connection with the enforcement of its rights hereunder.

(c)Executive understands and agrees that nothing in this Restrictive Covenants Agreement creates an additional contract, express or implied, of employment for any specified period. Executive’s employment may be terminated by Executive or the Company pursuant to Executive’s Employment Agreement.

(d)If one or more provisions of this Restrictive Covenants Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, Executive agrees the validity, legality, and enforcement of the remaining provisions of the Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. Executive also agrees that the language contained in Section 3 of this Restrictive Covenants Agreement is reasonable in scope and that Executive will not raise any issue regarding the reasonableness of the Agreement as a defense in any proceeding to enforce the Agreement. If a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the Parties agree that the maximum duration, scope, or area reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope, or area and that the court shall be allowed to revise the restrictions contained herein to cover the maximum period, scope, and area permitted by law.  

5.Waiver of Breach.  

The waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by Executive shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Executive, and the failure of the Company to take action against any other Executive(s) for similar breach(es) on their part, shall not be construed as a waiver of a breach by Executive.

6.Agreement Binding.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company, and the heirs, executors, and administrators of Executive. The Company shall have the right to transfer and assign all or any portion of its rights and obligations hereunder to any third party.

16

Graphic


7.Applicable Law and Choice of Forum.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. The parties, being desirous of having any disputes resolved in a forum having a substantial body of law and experience with matters contained herein, and the parties having a substantial connection with the State of Missouri, agree that any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement shall be brought in a state or federal court located within the State of Missouri. The parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Missouri should a legal action to enforce this Restrictive Covenants Agreement be necessary.

8.Modification.

This Agreement may only be modified by the express written consent of both parties.

9.Entire Agreement.

This Restrictive Covenants Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all prior contracts, agreements and understandings related to the same subject matter between the parties.

10.Section Headings.

The section headings appearing in this Agreement are inserted only as a matter of convenience and in no way define, limit, construe or describe the scope or extent of such section or in any way affect such section.

I have read and understand this Agreement and I agree to abide by its terms.

Dated: July 28, 2023                                                             _

/s/ James E. Ferrell​ ​

James E. Ferrell (Signature)

James E. Ferrell​ ​

(Printed Name)

17

Graphic


Exhibit 10.18

EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this “Employment Agreement”) is made as of August 1, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), between Ferrellgas, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Tamria Zertuche (“Executive”).  The Executive and the Company are each referred to as a “Party” and collectively, the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, the Company desires to employ Executive upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, and Executive desires to accept employment with the Company.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereto agree as follows:

1.Employment Term.  The Company shall employ Executive, and Executive hereby accepts employment with the Company, upon the terms and conditions set forth in this Employment Agreement for the period commencing as of August 1, 2023 (the “Commencement Date”) and continuing for three (3) years (the “Term”), unless earlier terminated by the Company or Executive pursuant to the provisions set forth in Section 4 hereof.  The Employment Agreement shall automatically terminate on July 31, 2026, unless either Party provides not less than ninety (90) days’ advance written notice prior to the expiration of the Term of this Agreement.  
2.Position and Duties.
(a)Position.  During the Term, the Executive shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.
(b)Duties.  Executive shall have the normal duties, responsibilities, functions, and authority of the Chief Executive Officer, subject to the power and authority of the Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”), and Executive shall report to the Board.  Executive shall render to the Company administrative, financial, and other executive and managerial services that are consistent with Executive’s position as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, as the Board may from time to time direct. Executive shall perform all duties in a professional, ethical, and businesslike manner. Executive shall be required to devote such time to the affairs of the Company as shall be necessary to manage such affairs. The Executive will perform such duties described herein in accordance with the general fiduciary duty of executive officers.
3.Compensation and Benefits.

In exchange for services rendered by Executive hereunder, the Company shall provide the following:

(a)Base Salary.  During the Term, Executive’s base salary shall be $825,000.00 per annum, or such higher amount as determined by the Board in its discretion, to be reviewed annually (the “Base Salary”), less required withholdings and taxes, which salary shall be payable by the Company in regular installments in accordance with the Company’s general payroll practices (in effect from time to time).

1

Graphic


(b)Incentive Plans.  Executive shall be eligible to participate in any Company incentive plan as such plans are implemented by the Board, subject to the terms and conditions thereof, and as such terms and conditions may be established or changed from time to time by the Company in its sole discretion.
(c)Benefits.  Executive shall be included, to the extent eligible under the terms and conditions, as such terms and conditions may be established or changed from time to time by the Board in its sole discretion, in any and all of the Company plans providing benefits for its employees.  Except as otherwise provided herein, nothing contained herein shall obligate the Company to adopt or maintain any benefit plan and nothing herein shall restrict the Company’s right in its sole discretion to adopt, modify or otherwise alter, in whole or in part, any and/or all of its benefit plans, provided that such adoption, abolition, modification or alteration is of general effect and applicable to all of the Company’s employees and/or officers under such plans.
(d)Business Expenses.  During the Term, the Company shall reimburse Executive for all reasonable business expenses incurred by Executive in the course of performing Executive’s duties and responsibilities under this Employment Agreement, which business expenses are consistent with the Company’s policies in effect from time to time with respect to travel, entertainment and other business expenses, subject to the Company’s requirements with respect to reporting and documentation of such expenses.
4.Termination of Term.
(a)Termination.  During the Term, Executive’s employment and this Employment Agreement may be terminated by:
(i)Executive’s resignation without Good Reason, which resignation must be accompanied by at least ninety (90) days’ prior written notice;
(ii)Executive’s resignation for Good Reason (as defined below);
(iii)termination by the Company due to Executive’s Disability (as defined below);
(iv)the Company’s termination of Executive’s employment with Cause (as defined below);
(v) the Company’s termination of Executive’s employment without Cause upon at least ninety (90) days’ prior written notice; or
(vi)Executive’s death.  
(b)Notice Period.  During the period following delivery of notice of the Executive’s termination, whether voluntarily by the Executive or by the Company with or without Cause, the Company may, in its sole discretion: (i) require the Executive to perform only such duties as it may allocate to the Executive; (ii) require the Executive not to perform any of the Executive’s duties; (iii) require the Executive not to have any contact with employees, clients or vendors of the Company and its Affiliates as the Company shall reasonably determine (except for those employees, clients and vendors of the Company that the Executive had a business relationship with prior to the entry of this Employment Agreement); and (iv) exclude the Executive from the Company and Affiliate’s premises.

2

Graphic


(c)Payment in Lieu of Notice. The Company may, at its absolute discretion, when terminating the Executive’s employment with or without Cause, elect to notify the Executive in writing that it is exercising its right to dismiss the Executive with immediate effect and that it will be making a payment to the Executive in lieu of notice. The Company’s payment in lieu of notice shall be equivalent to the Base Salary which would have been payable or have accrued during the Executive’s notice period.    
(d)Resignation of All Positions. In the event of the termination of Executive’s employment for any reason and regardless of the circumstance, Executive shall be deemed to have resigned from all positions as an officer and as a member of the Board of the Company or any Affiliate immediately upon such termination, and shall promptly execute all documents reasonably requested by the Company in order to effect such resignation(s).  
(e)Termination Payments.
(i)Termination for Cause, upon Executive’s Resignation, upon Death or Disability.  If Executive’s employment hereunder and the Term are terminated pursuant to Sections 4(a)(i), (iii), (iv), or (vi), Executive, or her estate if applicable, shall be entitled to payment of:
(A)Executive’s accrued but unpaid Base Salary through the date of termination;
(B)any properly documented reimbursable expenses owed to Executive (clauses (A) and (B) of this Section 4(e)(i), collectively, the “Accrued Obligations”).
(ii)Termination by the Company without Cause or by Executive for Good Reason.  If Executive’s employment hereunder and the Term are terminated pursuant to Sections 4(a)(ii) or (v), Executive shall be entitled to the following:
(A)payment of Accrued Obligations;
(B)a lump sum payment of any amounts remaining under this Employment Agreement; and
(C)subject to Executive’s election of and qualification for continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“COBRA”), for a period of twelve (12) consecutive months following termination of employment, premium costs for COBRA insurance benefits in the monthly amount the Company was paying toward Executive’s Company-provided group health plan insurance coverage immediately prior to Executive’s cessation of employment.

3

Graphic


The amounts described in clauses (B) and (C) of this Section 4(e)(ii) will commence to be paid to Executive within sixty (60) days following the date of termination, provided that Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) has executed and delivered to the Company not later than forty-five (45) days following the date of termination an irrevocable general waiver and release of claims in the form provided by the Company to Executive (or, in the event of Executive’s death, Executive’s estate) after Executive’s termination (the “General Release”) and the latest date on which the General Release is subject to revocation has expired.  The Accrued Obligations shall be paid no later than as required by law or within twenty (20) days following the date of termination, whichever occurs earlier.  As to any amount described in clause (B) of this Section 4(e)(ii) that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Section 409A”), if the sixty (60) day period begins in one calendar year and ends in a second (2nd) calendar year, payment shall always be paid in the second (2nd) calendar year.  All payments of amounts described in clauses (B) and (C) of this Section 4(e)(ii) are subject to Executive’s continued compliance with the provisions of Sections 5 or 21 hereof.

(f)Mitigation.  Executive is under no obligation to mitigate damages or the amount of any payment provided for hereunder by seeking other employment or otherwise, and the Company shall have no right of offset for any amounts received by Executive from other employment.
(g)Offsets.  The Company may offset any amounts Executive owes to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries against any amounts the Company owes Executive hereunder, to the extent permitted by law.
5.Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenants.  Employee shall comply with all obligations outlined in the Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenants Agreement (attached hereto and incorporated herein as Attachment A).
6.Enforcement.  Because Executive’s services are unique and because Executive has access to Confidential Information and Work Product, the parties agree that the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates will suffer irreparable harm from a breach or threatened breach of Sections 5 or 21 by Executive and that money damages would not be an adequate remedy for any such breach or threatened breach of this Employment Agreement.  In the event of any breach or threatened breach of this Employment Agreement, the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, in addition to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, shall be entitled to specific performance and/or injunctive or other equitable relief from a court of competent jurisdiction in order to enforce, or prevent any violations of, the provisions hereof (without posting a bond or other security).  
7.Executive’s Representations. Executive hereby represents and warrants to the Company that Executive is not subject to any pending, or to her knowledge any threatened, lawsuit, action, investigation, or proceeding involving Executive’s prior employment or consulting work or the use of any information or techniques of any former employer or contracting party.  Executive hereby acknowledges and represents that she has consulted with independent legal counsel regarding Executive’s rights and obligations under this Employment Agreement and that Executive fully understands the terms and conditions contained herein.
8.Survival. Sections 5 through 23 shall survive and continue in full force in accordance with their terms notwithstanding the termination of the Term.

4

Graphic


9.Notices.  Any notice provided for in this Employment Agreement shall be in writing and shall be (1) personally delivered, sent by reputable overnight courier service, or sent by first class mail, return receipt requested, to the recipient at the address below, and (2) sent by email to the recipient at the address below indicated:

Notices to Executive:

Tamria Zertuche

Address and email of file with the Company.

Notices to the Company:

VP of Human Resources (presently, Brent Banwart)

One Liberty Plaza

Liberty, MO 64068

brentbanwart@ferrellgas.com

and

Chairman, Compensation Committee (presently, Edward Newberry)

[edward.newberry@squirepb.com]

or such other address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party shall have specified by prior written notice to the sending party.  Any notice under this Employment Agreement shall be deemed to have been given when so delivered or sent.

10.Severability.  Whenever possible, each provision of this Employment Agreement shall be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of this Employment Agreement is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law or rule in any jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Employment Agreement or any action in any other jurisdiction, but this Employment Agreement shall be reformed, construed, and enforced in such jurisdiction as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
11.Complete Employment Agreement. This Employment Agreement embodies the complete agreement and understanding among the Parties and supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements, or representations by or among the Parties, written or oral, which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.
12.No Strict Construction.  The language used in this Employment Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties hereto to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction shall be applied against any Party.
13.Counterparts.  This Employment Agreement may be executed in separate counterparts (including by means of pdf signature page), each of which is deemed to be an original, and all of which taken together constitute one and the same agreement.

5

Graphic


14.Successors and Assigns.  This Employment Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of (a) the Company and its successors and assigns, by merger or otherwise, and (b) Executive and the Executive’s heirs and personal representatives.  This Employment Agreement is not assignable by Executive.  The Company may unilaterally assign its rights and obligations under this Employment Agreement to any successor to Company’s rights and obligations hereunder as a result of any Change in Control, merger, consolidation, restructuring or reorganization or to any other successor to all or substantially all of the securities, business and/or assets of the Company or any of its Affiliates, and Executive shall continue to be bound by the terms and conditions of this Employment Agreement.  In connection with any such assignment by Company, following such assignment, references to “Company” in this Employment Agreement, shall mean the successor to all or substantially all of the securities, business and/or assets of Company or any of its Affiliates to whom this Employment Agreement is assigned.
15.Choice of Law.  All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, enforcement, and interpretation of this Employment Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Missouri, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Missouri.  
16.Amendment and Waiver.  The provisions of this Employment Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Company (as approved by the Board) and Executive, and no course of conduct or course of dealing or failure or delay by any party hereto in enforcing or exercising any of the provisions of this Employment Agreement (including, without limitation, the Company’s right to terminate the Term with or without Cause) shall affect the validity, binding effect, or enforceability of this Employment Agreement or be deemed to be an implied waiver of any provision of this Employment Agreement.
17.Tax Matters; Code Section 409A.  
(a)The Company and its respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates shall be entitled to report such income and deduct or withhold from any amounts owing from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates to Executive any federal, state, local, or foreign withholding taxes, excise tax, or employment taxes (“Taxes”) imposed with respect to Executive’s compensation or other payments and benefits from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (including, without limitation, wages and bonuses).  In the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates does not make such deductions or withholdings, Executive shall indemnify the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates for any amounts paid with respect to any such Taxes, together (if such failure to withhold was at the written direction of Executive) with any interest, penalties, and related expenses thereto.
(b)The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Employment Agreement either be exempt from or comply with Section 409A, to the extent subject thereto; and, accordingly, to the maximum extent permitted, this Employment Agreement shall be interpreted to be in compliance therewith.  In no event whatsoever shall the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates be liable for any additional tax, interest, or penalty that may be imposed on the Executive by Section 409A or damages for failing to comply with Section 409A with respect to this Employment Agreement or otherwise.

6

Graphic


(c)Notwithstanding the foregoing, a termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of any provision of this Employment Agreement providing for the payment of any amounts or benefits upon or following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision of this Employment Agreement, references to a “termination,” “termination of employment” or like terms shall mean “separation from service.”  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Employment Agreement, if Executive is deemed on the date of termination to be a “specified employee” within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B), then with regard to any payment or the provision of any benefit that is considered “nonqualified deferred compensation” under Section 409A payable on account of a “separation from service,” such payment or benefit shall not be made or provided until the date which is the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six (6)-month period measured from the date of such “separation from service” of Executive, and (B) the date of Executive’s death, to the extent required under Section 409A.  Upon the expiration of the foregoing delay period, all payments and benefits delayed pursuant to this Section 17(c) (whether they would have otherwise been payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be paid or reimbursed to Executive in a lump sum, without interest, and any remaining payments and benefits due under this Employment Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the normal payment dates specified for them herein.
(d)To the extent that reimbursements or other in-kind benefits under this Employment Agreement constitute “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A, (i) all such expenses or other reimbursements hereunder shall be made on or prior to the last day of the taxable year following the taxable year in which such expenses were incurred by Executive; (ii) any right to such reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit; and (iii) no such reimbursement, expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits provided in any taxable year shall in any way affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year.
(e)For purposes of Section 409A, Executive’s right to receive any installment payments pursuant to this Employment Agreement shall be treated as a right to receive a series of separate and distinct payments.  Whenever a payment under this Employment Agreement specifies a payment period with reference to a number of days, the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be within the sole discretion of the Company, to the extent permitted under Section 409A.
(f)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Employment Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Employment Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be subject to offset by any other amount unless otherwise permitted by Section 409A.  
(g)Notwithstanding any other provision of this Employment Agreement to the contrary, in no event shall any payment under this Employment Agreement that constitutes “nonqualified deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A be accelerated or delayed in contravention of the regulations under Section 409A.
18.Waiver of Jury Trial. As a specifically bargained for inducement for each of the parties hereto to enter into this Employment Agreement (after having the opportunity to consult with counsel), each party hereto expressly waives the right to trial by jury in any lawsuit or proceeding relating to or arising in any way from this Employment Agreement or the matters contemplated hereby.

7

Graphic


19.Corporate Opportunity.   Executive shall submit to the Board all material business, commercial, and investment opportunities or offers presented to Executive, or of which Executive becomes aware, at any time during the Term, which opportunities relate to the Company’s business (“Corporate Opportunities”).  Unless approved by the Board, during the Term Executive shall not accept or pursue, directly or indirectly, any Corporate Opportunities on Executive’s own behalf or for Executive’s personal benefit or for the benefit of any Person other than the Company.  
20.Executive’s Cooperation.  During the Term and thereafter, Executive shall reasonably cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates in any internal investigation or administrative, regulatory, or judicial proceeding as reasonably requested by the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate (including, without limitation, Executive’s being available to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates upon reasonable notice for interviews and factual investigations, appearing at the Company’s or any Subsidiary’s or Affiliate’s request to give truthful and accurate testimony without requiring service of a subpoena or other legal process, and providing to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates all pertinent information and turning over to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates all relevant documents which are or may come into Executive’s possession, all at times and on schedules that are reasonably consistent with Executive’s other permitted activities and commitments).  In the event the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate requires Executive’s cooperation in accordance with this section following the Term, to the extent permitted by law, the Company shall pay Executive a per diem reasonably determined by the Board and reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred in connection therewith (including reasonable transportation, lodging and meals, upon submission of receipts).  
21.Arbitration.   Any controversy, claim, cause of action, in law or equity, or dispute involving the Parties (or their affiliated persons or entities) directly or indirectly concerning Executive’s employment or this Employment Agreement including its enforcement, performance, breach, or interpretation, shall be resolved solely and exclusively by final and binding arbitration held in Missouri by one (1) arbitrator in accordance with the rules of employment arbitration then followed by JAMS or any successor to the functions thereof.  The arbitrator shall apply Missouri law in the resolution of all controversies, claims and disputes and shall have the right and authority to determine how his/her decision or determination as to each issue or matter in dispute may be implemented or enforced.  Any decision or award of the arbitrator shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Parties to this Employment Agreement, and there shall be no appeal therefrom other than from gross negligence or willful misconduct.  The prevailing party shall be entitled to recover its costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with any such proceedings or related litigation.
22.Definitions.  For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) Affiliate” means any employer with which the Company would be considered a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code (as defined below), applied using fifty percent (50%) as the percentage of ownership required under such Code sections, including (i) any Person (as defined below), any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control with, such specified Person and (ii) any Person that is a natural Person, the spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants of such Person, any limited partnership or limited liability company controlled by such Person or such Person’s spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants or in which such Person or such Person’s spouse, ancestors, or lineal descendants hold a majority interest, any trust established for the benefit of any of them and such Person’s estate or legal representative.

8

Graphic


(b)Cause” means, with respect to Executive, one or more of the following:  (i) commission of, or indictment for, a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude; (ii) commission of an act or omission to act with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries or any of their customers or suppliers involving dishonesty, disloyalty, or fraud; (iii) conduct that brings or is reasonably likely to bring the Company or its Affiliates or Subsidiaries into public disgrace or disrepute; (iv) repeated failure to perform duties as reasonably directed by the Board; (v) gross negligence or willful misconduct with respect to the Company or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries; (vi) material breach of the Company’s Code of Conduct as amended from time to time; or (vii) any breach by Executive of Sections 5 or 21 of this Employment Agreement.  With respect to subsection (iv) herein, “Cause” shall only exist if Executive fails to cure the alleged infraction within ten (10) days of receiving written notice from the Company.
(c)Change in Control” means the first of the following events to occur after the Effective Date: (i) the consummation of a merger or consolidation of the Company or any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company with any other corporation or other entity regardless of which entity is the survivor, other than (A) a merger or consolidation that would result in the voting securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior thereto continuing to represent (either by remaining outstanding or being converted into voting securities of the surviving entity) more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such surviving entity or any parent thereof, calculated immediately after such merger or consolidation or (B) a merger or consolidation that would result in one or more related parties owning more than 50% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the surviving entity or any parent thereof; (ii) the stockholder(s) of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or winding-up of the Company or there is consummated an agreement for the sale or disposition by the Company of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets, and provided, further, that, no sale of all or substantially all the Company’s assets shall constitute a Change in Control if the sale is to a related party; (iii) the majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the Board (or similar governing body) of the Company (or its direct or indirect parent holding company) ceases to be occupied by persons who either (A) were members of the Board of the Company (or its direct or indirect parent holding company) as of the Effective Date; (B) subsequently became a director of the Company and whose initial election or initial nomination for election by the Company’s stockholder(s) was approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors then on the Board.  For purposes of this Employment Agreement, the term “Continuing Director” shall mean any person who is a member of the Board, while such person is a member of the Board, and who (A) was a member of the Board on the Effective Date; or (B) subsequently becomes a member of the Board, if such person’s nomination for election or initial election to the Board is recommended or approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors; (iv) Ferrell Companies, Inc. ceases to beneficially own and control, directly or indirectly, at least 51% on a fully diluted basis of the aggregate economic interests in the capital stock of the Company; (v) the Company ceases to be the general partner with power to manage and control either or both of Ferrellgas Partners, LP and Ferrellgas LP; (vi) Ferrellgas Partners, LP shall cease to beneficially own and control, directly or indirectly, 100% on a fully diluted basis of the aggregate limited partnership interests in Ferrellgas, LP; or (vii) any “change of control” or similar event shall occur under, and as defined in or set forth in, the documents evidencing or governing any indebtedness of the Company, Ferrellgas Partners, LP or Ferrellgas, LP.
(d)Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
(e)Disability.” means (1) Executive’s inability, by virtue of ill health or other physical or mental illness, to perform substantially and continuously the duties assigned to Executive with or without reasonable accommodation for more than 180 consecutive or non-consecutive days out of any consecutive 12-month period or (2) if Executive is considered disabled under the Company’s long-term disability insurance plan.

9

Graphic


(f)Good Reason” means, with respect to Executive’s resignation from employment, one or more of the following occurring: (i) a material reduction in Executive’s Base Salary; (ii) a material diminution in Executive’s duties, responsibilities or authority; or (iii) a material breach of this Employment Agreement by the Company. “Good Reason” shall only exist if the Executive provided written notice to the Company within ninety (90) days of the initial existence of the condition, describing the existence of such condition, and the Company shall thereafter have the right to remedy the condition with thirty (30) days of the date the Company received the written notice from the Executive.  If the Company remedies the condition within such thirty (30) day cure period, then no Good Reason shall be deemed to exist with respect to such condition.  If the Company fails to cure the alleged infraction within thirty (30) days of receiving written notice from Executive, then the Executive may deliver a notice of termination for Good Reason at any time within sixty (60) days following the expiration of such cure period.
(g)Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership (whether general or limited), limited liability company, association, custodian, nominee, trust, estate, joint venture, governmental authority, or other individual or entity.
(h) Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, or other business entity of which more than fifty percent (50%) of the total voting power of shares of stock or other ownership interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of the Person (or, in the case of a partnership, limited liability company, or other similar entity, control of the general partnership, managing member, or similar interests) or Persons (whether directors, managers, trustees, or other Persons performing similar functions) having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies thereof 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.

* * *

[Signature page to follow]

10

Graphic


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment Agreement effective as of the date first written above but signed on the date(s) indicated below.

COMPANY:

Ferrellgas, Inc.

By: /s/ Brent Banwart

Name:Brent Banwart​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​

Title: VP, Human Resources

Date: July 25, 2023

EXECUTIVE:

/s/ Tamria Zertuche _

Tamria Zertuche

Date: July 25, 2023

[Signature Page to Executive Employment Agreement]


Attachment A

EXECUTIVE CONFIDENTIALITY & RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS AGREEMENT

THIS EXECUTIVE CONFIDENTIALITY & RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS AGREEMENT (this “Restrictive Covenants Agreement”) is made as of August 1, 2023 (the “Effective Date”), between Ferrellgas, Inc., and its predecessors, divisions, affiliates, successors, and assigns, a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Tamria Zertuche (“Executive”).  The Executive and the Company are each referred to as a “Party” and collectively the “Parties.”

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to obtain reasonable protection of its confidential business, trade secret, and technical information which it has developed, acquired and/or is or may be developed or acquired by the Company at substantial expenses; and

WHEREAS, the Company wishes to obtain reasonable protection against unfair competition and solicitation during the Executive’s employment by the Company and following termination of the Executive’s employment by the Company and to further protect against unfair use of its confidential business and technical information the Company desires to have Executive execute this Agreement; and

WHEREAS, the Executive is willing to execute this Restrictive Covenants Agreement and grant the Company the benefits of the restrictive covenants contained herein.

For and in consideration of the continued employment of Executive as President and Chief Executive Officer, and for the promises outlined herein and in Executive’s Employment Agreement, Executive agrees as follows:

12

Graphic


1.Confidential Information.  

(a)Confidential Information.  Executive acknowledges that the continued success of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates (as those terms are defined in Executive’s Employment Agreement) depends upon the use and protection of a large body of confidential, trade secret, and proprietary information.  All of such confidential, trade secret, and proprietary information now existing or to be developed in the future will be referred to in this Restrictive Covenants Agreement as “Confidential Information.”  Confidential Information means all information that is (i) related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or Affiliates’ current or potential business and (ii) is not generally or publicly known.  Confidential Information includes, without specific limitation, the information, observations, and data obtained by Executive from the performance of Executive’s duties to the Company and Subsidiaries and its Affiliates concerning the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates; information concerning acquisition opportunities in or reasonably related to the Company’s or its Subsidiaries’ or Affiliates’ business or industry of which Executive becomes aware during employment; the development, transition and transformation plans of doing business, strategic, marketing and expansion plans, including plans regarding planned and potential sales, financial and business plans, employee lists and telephone numbers, locations of sales representatives, new and existing programs and services, prices and terms, customer service, integration processes, requirements and costs of providing service, support, and equipment.  Accordingly, Executive agrees that, either during or after employment with the Company, Executive shall not disclose to any unauthorized Person or use for Executive’s or any Person’s own account any Confidential Information without the Board’s prior written consent, unless and to the extent that any Confidential Information (i) is or becomes generally available for use by the public other than as a result of Executive’s acts or omissions to act in breach of this Restrictive Covenants Agreement or the Employment Agreement; (ii) is or becomes known or available to Executive on a non-confidential basis from a source (other than the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates) that, to the Executive’s knowledge, is not prohibited from disclosing such Confidential Information by a contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation, (iii) is or was independently developed by Executive without violation of any obligation under this Restrictive Covenants Agreement or the Employment Agreement, or (iv) is required to be disclosed pursuant to any applicable law or court order (in which case Executive shall give prior written notice to the Company of such required disclosure and shall cooperate with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates in any reasonable efforts to limit such disclosure or preserve the confidentiality of any Confidential Information).  Executive agrees to deliver to the Company at the end of her employment, or at any other time the Company may request in writing, all memoranda, notes, plans, records, reports, and other property or documents (and copies thereof) relating to the business of the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates (including, without limitation, all Confidential Information) that Executive may then possess or have under Executive’s control.

(b)Permitted Governmental Disclosures.  The federal Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 immunizes Executives against criminal and civil liability under federal or state trade secret laws – under certain circumstances – if Executive discloses a trade secret for the purpose of reporting a suspected violation of law.  Pursuant to such Act, immunity is available if Executive discloses a trade secret in either of these two circumstances: (1) Executive discloses the trade secret (a) in confidence, (b) directly or indirectly to a government official (federal, state or local) or to a lawyer, (c) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (2) in a legal proceeding, Executive discloses the trade secret in the complaint or other documents filed in the case, so long as the document is filed “under seal” (meaning that it is not accessible to the public). Further, nothing in this Employment Agreement prohibits Executive from reporting possible violations of federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, Congress, and any federal Inspector General, or from making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal law or regulation.  Executive does not need prior authorization to make any such reports or disclosures and is not required to notify the Company or the Board that she has made such reports or disclosures.

13

Graphic


(c)Third Party Information.  Executive understands that the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates will receive from third parties confidential or proprietary information (“Third Party Information”) subject to a duty on the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ and Affiliates’ part to maintain the confidentiality of such information and to use it only for certain limited purposes.  During employment and thereafter, and without in any way limiting the provisions of Section 1(a) above, Executive shall hold Third Party Information in the strictest confidence and will not disclose to anyone (other than personnel of the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates who need to know such information in connection with their work for the Company or such Subsidiaries and Affiliates) or use, except in connection with Executive’s work for the Company or its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, Third Party Information unless expressly authorized by a member of the Board in writing.

(d)Return of Company Property.  Upon termination of the Executive’s employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, voluntarily or involuntarily, and at any time as the Company requests, Executive will deliver to the person designated by the Company all originals and copies of all documents or materials relating to the business of the Company or its Affiliates and other Company property in Executive’s possession or control, including but not limited to drawings, specifications, documents (including electronic documents), notes, memoranda, records, devices, models or any other material and copies or reproductions thereof, and any computers, equipment, keys or similar property of the Company.  Further, upon request, Executive will certify that Executive has not retained or transferred outside the Company any Confidential Information and/or that Executive has deleted any electronic information belonging to the Company from Executive’s personal computers, hard drives, cloud accounts, servers and/or accounts.

2.Intellectual Property, Inventions, and Patents.  

Executive acknowledges that all discoveries, concepts, ideas, inventions, innovations, improvements, developments, methods, designs, analyses, drawings, reports, patent applications, copyrightable work,  all registrations or applications related thereto, all other proprietary information and all similar or related information (whether or not patentable) which relate to the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ and Affiliates’ actual or anticipated business, research, and development or existing or future products or services and which are conceived, developed, or made by Executive (whether alone or jointly with others) while employed by the Company and its Subsidiaries, (“Work Product”), belong to the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliate.  Executive shall promptly disclose such Work Product to the Board and, at the Company’s expense, perform all actions reasonably requested by the Board (whether during or after employment) to establish and confirm such ownership (including, without limitation, assignments, consents, powers of attorney, and other instruments).  For the avoidance of doubt, the parties acknowledge that Executive’s expertise in business and the field of propane distribution and sales for over five (5) years is not encompassed by this Section 2.  

14

Graphic


3.Non-Compete; Non-Solicitation.

(a)Non-Competition.  In further consideration of the compensation to be paid to Executive hereunder, Executive acknowledges that during the course of her employment with the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates she has and shall continue to become familiar with the Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ and Affiliates’ corporate strategy, pricing, and other market and financial information, know-how, trade secrets, and valuable customer, supplier, and Executive relationships, and with other Confidential Information concerning the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and that her services have been and shall be of special, unique, and extraordinary value to the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates.  Accordingly, during her employment and for five (5) years thereafter (the “Restricted Period”), Executive shall not directly or indirectly (whether as Executive, director, owner, stockholder, consultant, partner (limited or general), or otherwise) own any interest in, manage, control, participate in, consult with, advertise on behalf of, render services for or in any manner engage in any Competing Business (as defined below) that conducts operations or sales in the United States of America, or have taken active steps towards conducting sales or operations as of the date of Executive’s termination of employment.  Nothing herein shall prohibit Executive from being a passive owner of not more than two percent (2%) of the outstanding stock of any class of a corporation which is publicly traded, so long as Executive has no active participation in the business of such corporation.  For purpose of this Employment Agreement, “Competing Business” shall mean any business or enterprise, which is (i) involved primarily in the sale and distribution of propane gas and component parts, and/or propane cylinders, or (ii) provides any products or services described by the Company on the Company’s website at any time during Executive’s employment.

(b)Non-Solicitation.  During the Restricted Period, Executive shall not directly or indirectly through another Person (i) induce or attempt to induce any member of senior leadership (a “Senior Leader” or collectively “Senior Leadership”), which shall include the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Human Resource Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Operations Officer, or General Counsel, of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to leave the employ of the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate and any Senior Leadership thereof; (ii) knowingly hire any Person who was a Senior Leader of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate at any time during the five (5) years prior to the termination of Executive’s employment; or (iii) induce or encourage any customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, or other business relation of the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate to cease doing business with or materially reduce its business with the Company or such Subsidiary or Affiliate, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such customer, supplier, licensee, licensor, or business relation and the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate (including, without limitation, making any negative or disparaging statements or communications regarding the Company or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates).  

15

Graphic


4.Enforcement of Covenants.

(a)Executive acknowledges that a breach by Executive of any of the terms of this Agreement will result in material, irreparable injury to the Company for which any remedy at law will not be adequate. Moreover, it will not be possible to measure damages for such injuries precisely and, in the event of such a breach or threat of breach, the Company shall be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary or permanent injunction restraining Executive from engaging in activities prohibited by this Agreement, together with such other relief as may be required to enforce specifically any of the terms of this Agreement. Executive consents to such temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive relief. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as prohibiting the Company from pursuing any other available remedies for breach or threatened breach of this Agreement, including recovery of damages, court costs, and attorneys’ fees.
(b)If the Company is required to enforce any of its rights hereunder through legal proceedings, Executive shall reimburse the Company for all reasonable costs, expenses, and attorneys’ fees incurred by the Company in connection with the enforcement of its rights hereunder.

(c)Executive understands and agrees that nothing in this Restrictive Covenants Agreement creates an additional contract, express or implied, of employment for any specified period. Executive’s employment may be terminated by Executive or the Company pursuant to Executive’s Employment Agreement.

(d)If one or more provisions of this Restrictive Covenants Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, Executive agrees the validity, legality, and enforcement of the remaining provisions of the Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. Executive also agrees that the language contained in Section 3 of this Restrictive Covenants Agreement is reasonable in scope and that Executive will not raise any issue regarding the reasonableness of the Agreement as a defense in any proceeding to enforce the Agreement. If a court shall hold that the duration, scope, or area restrictions stated herein are unreasonable under circumstances then existing, the Parties agree that the maximum duration, scope, or area reasonable under such circumstances shall be substituted for the stated duration, scope, or area and that the court shall be allowed to revise the restrictions contained herein to cover the maximum period, scope, and area permitted by law.  

5.Waiver of Breach.  

The waiver by the Company of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by Executive shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by Executive, and the failure of the Company to take action against any other Executive(s) for similar breach(es) on their part, shall not be construed as a waiver of a breach by Executive.

6.Agreement Binding.

This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the successors and assigns of the Company, and the heirs, executors, and administrators of Executive. The Company shall have the right to transfer and assign all or any portion of its rights and obligations hereunder to any third party.

16

Graphic


7.Applicable Law and Choice of Forum.

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri. The parties, being desirous of having any disputes resolved in a forum having a substantial body of law and experience with matters contained herein, and the parties having a substantial connection with the State of Missouri, agree that any action or proceeding with respect to this Agreement shall be brought in a state or federal court located within the State of Missouri. The parties consent to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Missouri should a legal action to enforce this Restrictive Covenants Agreement be necessary.

8.Modification.

This Agreement may only be modified by the express written consent of both parties.

9.Entire Agreement.

This Restrictive Covenants Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between Company and Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes and replaces all prior contracts, agreements and understandings related to the same subject matter between the parties.

10.Section Headings.

The section headings appearing in this Agreement are inserted only as a matter of convenience and in no way define, limit, construe or describe the scope or extent of such section or in any way affect such section.

I have read and understand this Agreement and I agree to abide by its terms.

Dated: July 25, 2023                                                             _

/s/ Tamria Zertuche​ ​

Tamria Zertuche (Signature)

Tamria Zertuche​ ​

(Printed Name)

17

Graphic


EXHIBIT 21.1

SUBSIDIARIES OF

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

Ferrellgas, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership

Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., a Delaware Corporation

  SUBSIDIARIES OF

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

Ferrellgas Receivables, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Ferrellgas Finance Corp., a Delaware Corporation

FNA Canada, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

Blue Rhino Global Sourcing, Inc., a Delaware Corporation

Bridger Logistics, LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company

Bridger Transportation, LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company

Bridger Leasing, LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company

Bridger Storage, LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company

Bridger Marine, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Bridger Admin Services II, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Bridger Rail Shipping, LLC, a Louisiana limited liability company

South C&C Trucking, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

Bridger Terminals, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

Bridger Real Property, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

J.J. Addison Partners, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

J.J. Karnack Partners, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

J.J. Liberty, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

Bridger Lake, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company


EXHIBIT 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We have issued our report dated September 29, 2023, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules included in the Annual Report of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023. We consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. on Forms S-8 (File No. 333-84344 and File No. 333-87633).

/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP

Kansas City, Missouri

September 29, 2023


EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

I, Tamria A. Zertuche, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (the “Registrant”);

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29, 2023

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President of Ferrellgas, Inc., general partner of the Registrant


CERTIFICATIONS

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

I, Michael E. Cole, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (the “Registrant”);

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29, 2023

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Ferrellgas, Inc., general partner of the Registrant


EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

I, Tamria A. Zertuche, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Registrant”);

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29. 2023

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President


CERTIFICATIONS

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

I, Michael E. Cole, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Registrant”);

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29. 2023

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


EXHIBIT 31.3

CERTIFICATIONS

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

I, Tamria A. Zertuche, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “Registrant”);

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29, 2023

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President of Ferrellgas, Inc., the Registrant’s general partner


CERTIFICATIONS

FERRELLGAS, L.P.

I, Michael E. Cole, certify that:

1.I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “Registrant”);

2.Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d.Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b.Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29, 2023

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Ferrellgas, Inc., the Registrant’s general partner


EXHIBIT 31.4

CERTIFICATIONS

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

I, Tamria A. Zertuche, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (the “Registrant”);

2.    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.    The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a.    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.    Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.    Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.    The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29, 2023

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President


CERTIFICATIONS

FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

I, Michael E. Cole, certify that:

1.    I have reviewed this report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2023 of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (the “Registrant”);

2.    Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.    Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.    The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the Registrant and have:

a.    Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b.    Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c.    Evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d.    Disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.    The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a.    All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b.    Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: September 29, 2023

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906

OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (the “Registrant”) for the year ended July 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, in the capacity and on the date indicated below, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.    The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); and

2.   The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

The foregoing certification is made solely for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and is subject to the “knowledge” and “willfulness” qualifications contained in 18 U.S.C. Section 1350(c).

This certification is being furnished to the SEC and is not to be deemed “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of Section 18. In addition, this certification is not to be deemed incorporated by reference into any registration statement of the Registrant or other filing of the Registrant made pursuant to the Exchange Act or Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified as being incorporated therein by reference.

Dated: September 29, 2023

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President of Ferrellgas, Inc., general partner of the Registrant

Dated: September 29, 2023

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Ferrellgas, Inc., general partner of the Registrant


EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906

OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (the “Registrant”) for the year ended July 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, in the capacity and on the date indicated below, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.    The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); and

2.    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

The foregoing certification is made solely for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and is subject to the “knowledge” and “willfulness” qualifications contained in 18 U.S.C. Section 1350(c).

This certification is being furnished to the SEC and is not to be deemed “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of Section 18. In addition, this certification is not to be deemed incorporated by reference into any registration statement of the Registrant or other filing of the Registrant made pursuant to the Exchange Act or Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified as being incorporated therein by reference.

Dated:  September 29, 2023

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

Dated:  September 29, 2023

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)


EXHIBIT 32.3

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906

OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “Registrant”) for the year ended July 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, in the capacity and on the date indicated below, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.    The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); and

2.    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

The foregoing certification is made solely for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and is subject to the “knowledge” and “willfulness” qualifications contained in 18 U.S.C. Section 1350(c).

This certification is being furnished to the SEC and is not to be deemed “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of Section 18. In addition, this certification is not to be deemed incorporated by reference into any registration statement of the Registrant or other filing of the Registrant made pursuant to the Exchange Act or Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified as being incorporated therein by reference.

Dated: September 29, 2023

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Dated: September 29, 2023

Chief Executive Officer and President of Ferrellgas, Inc., the Registrant’s general partner

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) of Ferrellgas, Inc., the Registrant’s general partner


EXHIBIT 32.4

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. Section 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906

OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the accompanying Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (the “Registrant”) for the year ended July 31, 2023, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned, in the capacity and on the date indicated below, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1.    The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”); and

2.    The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

The foregoing certification is made solely for purposes of 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and is subject to the “knowledge” and “willfulness” qualifications contained in 18 U.S.C. Section 1350(c).

This certification is being furnished to the SEC and is not to be deemed “filed” with the SEC for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liability of Section 18. In addition, this certification is not to be deemed incorporated by reference into any registration statement of the Registrant or other filing of the Registrant made pursuant to the Exchange Act or Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified as being incorporated therein by reference.

Dated: September 29, 2023

/s/ Tamria A. Zertuche

Tamria A. Zertuche

Chief Executive Officer and President

Dated: September 29, 2023

/s/ Michael E. Cole

Michael E. Cole

Chief Financial Officer and Sole Director

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)