FERRELLGAS PARTNERS L P
10-Q, 1996-12-16
MISCELLANEOUS RETAIL
Previous: REGI U S INC, 10-Q, 1996-12-16
Next: FERRELLGAS L P, 10-Q, 1996-12-16








                                  UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 10-Q


[X] Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
    Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended October 31, 1996

                                       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: 1-11331
                        333-06693


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

           (Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)



                 Delaware                                        43-1698480
                 Delaware                                        43-1742520
       ----------------------------                       ---------------------
    (States or other jurisdictions of                       (I.R.S. Employer 
      incorporation or organization)                      Identification Nos.)
            

                   One Liberty Plaza, Liberty, Missouri 64068

               (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


Registrants' telephone number, including area code: (816) 792-1600

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has 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  registrant  was
required  to file  such  reports),  and  (2) has  been  subject  to such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes    [ X ]  No    [   ]

At  November  15,  1996,  the  registrants  had units or shares  outstanding  as
follows:

      Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. -    14,612,580         Common Units
                                     16,593,721         Subordinated Units
      Ferrellgas Partners Finance
      Corp.                               1,000         Common Stock

<PAGE>


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

                                Table of Contents
                                                                            Page
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries
==========================================
Consolidated Balance Sheets - October 31, 1996 and July 31, 1996              1

Consolidated Statements of Earnings -
      Three months ended October 31, 1996 and 1995                            2

Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital -
      Three months ended October 31, 1996                                     3

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
      Three months ended October 31, 1996 and 1995                            4

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                    5


Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.
=================================
Balance Sheets - October 31, 1996 and July 31, 1996                           7

Statement of Earnings - Three months ended October 31, 1996                   7

Statement of Cash Flows - Three months ended October 31, 1996                 8

Notes to Financial Statements                                                 8

ITEM 2.        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
               AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                                      9

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS                                             11

ITEM 2.        CHANGES IN SECURITIES                                         11

ITEM 3.        DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES                               11

ITEM 4.        SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS           11

ITEM 5.        OTHER INFORMATION                                             11

ITEM 6.        EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K                              11


<PAGE>



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                                     CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                  (in thousands, except unit data)


                                                                   October 31,           July 31,
<S>                                                                   <C>                  <C>
ASSETS                                                                1996                 1996
- ----------------------------------------------------------       ----------------    -----------------
                                                                   (unaudited)
Current Assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                                             $ 20,809             $ 13,770
  Accounts and notes receivable                                           94,848               70,118
  Inventories                                                             55,280               41,395
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                8,816                5,685
                                                                 ----------------    -----------------
    Total Current Assets                                                 179,753              130,968

Property, plant and equipment, net                                       401,079              403,732
Intangible assets, net                                                   109,032              107,960
Other assets, net                                                         11,669               11,635
                                                                 ----------------    -----------------
    Total Assets                                                        $701,533             $654,295
                                                                 ================    =================


LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
- ----------------------------------------------------------
Current Liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                                     $  88,637            $  48,400
  Other current liabilities                                               47,123               41,754
  Short-term borrowings                                                   40,773               25,520
                                                                 ----------------    -----------------
    Total Current Liabilities                                            176,533              115,674

Long-term debt                                                           451,910              439,112
Other liabilities                                                         12,268               12,402
Contingencies and commitments
Minority interest                                                          2,272                2,498

Partners' Capital:
  Common unitholders (14,612,580 units outstanding
    in both October 1996 and July 1996)                                   59,244               71,324
  Subordinated unitholders (16,593,721 units outstanding
    in both October 1996 and July 1996)                                   57,584               71,302
  General partner                                                        (58,278)             (58,017)
                                                                 ----------------    -----------------
    Total Partners' Capital                                               58,550               84,609
                                                                 ----------------    -----------------
    Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital                             $701,533             $654,295
                                                                 ================    =================
</TABLE>

                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                        1



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                        (in thousands, except unit data)
                                   (unaudited)


                                                                    For the three months ended
                                                                ------------------------------------
                                                                    October 31,         October 31,
                                                                       1996               1995
                                                                ---------------      ---------------

Revenues:
<S>                                                                   <C>                  <C>
  Gas liquids and related product sales                               $156,764             $114,529
  Other                                                                 11,096               10,059
                                                                ---------------      ---------------
    Total revenues                                                     167,860              124,588

Cost of product sold (exclusive of
  depreciation, shown separately below)                                101,075               69,109
                                                                ---------------      ---------------

Gross profit                                                            66,785               55,479

Operating expense                                                       48,967               40,870
Depreciation and amortization expense                                   10,831                8,326
General and administrative expense                                       3,767                3,435
Vehicle lease and tank expense                                           1,480                1,086
                                                                ---------------      ---------------

Operating income                                                         1,740                1,762

Interest expense                                                       (11,602)              (9,012)
Interest income                                                            379                  256
Loss on disposal of assets                                                (880)                (384)
                                                                ---------------      ---------------

Loss before minority interest                                          (10,363)              (7,378)

Minority interest                                                          (65)                 (75)
                                                                ---------------      ---------------

Net loss                                                               (10,298)              (7,303)

General partner's interest in net loss                                    (103)                 (73)
                                                                ---------------      ---------------
Limited partners' interest in net loss                                $(10,195)             $(7,230)
                                                                ===============      ===============

Net loss per limited partner unit                                       $(0.33)              $(0.23)
                                                                ===============      ===============

Weighted average number of units outstanding                          31,206.3             31,036.1
                                                                ===============      ===============


</TABLE>

                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                        2




<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PARTNERS' CAPITAL
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)


                                 Number of units
                            ---------------------------                                             Total
                                              Sub-                       Sub-        General      partners'
                              Common       ordinated       Common      ordinated     partner       capital
                            ------------  -------------  ------------ ------------ ------------- -------------

<S>                             <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>            <C>
July 31, 1996                   14,612.6       16,593.7      $71,324      $71,302      ($58,017)      $84,609

  Quarterly distributions                                     (7,306)      (8,297)         (158)      (15,761)

  Net loss                                                    (4,774)      (5,421)         (103)      (10,298)

                            ------------  -------------  ------------ ------------ ------------- -------------
October 31, 1996                14,612.6       16,593.7      $59,244      $57,584      $(58,278)      $58,550
                            ============  =============  ============ ============ ============= =============

</TABLE>








































                 See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                        3



<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)



                                                                For the three months ended
                                                             ---------------------------------
                                                             October 31, 1996  October 31, 1995
                                                             ----------------  ------------------

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
<S>                                                                <C>                <C>
 Net loss                                                          $(10,298)          $(7,303)
 Reconciliation of net loss to net cash from
  operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                                      10,831             8,326
  Other                                                               1,730               891
  Changes in  operating  assets and  liabilities
    net of effects  from  business acquisitions:
    Accounts and notes receivable                                   (25,032)          (16,900)
    Inventories                                                     (13,864)           (9,130)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                        (3,080)           (4,699)
    Accounts payable                                                 40,237            16,196
    Other current liabilities                                         6,164            (1,434)
    Other liabilities                                                  (134)             (339)
                                                             ---------------   ---------------
      Net cash provided (used) by operating activities                6,554           (14,392)
                                                             ---------------   ---------------

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 Business acquisitions                                               (8,247)           (1,650)
 Capital expenditures                                                (3,832)           (3,649)
 Other                                                                  933               464
                                                             ---------------   ---------------
      Net cash used by investing activities                         (11,146)           (4,835)
                                                             ---------------   ---------------

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 Net additions to short-term borrowings                              15,253            11,600
 Additions to long-term debt                                         12,747             8,153
 Reductions of long-term debt                                          (337)              (87)
 Distributions                                                      (15,761)          (15,813)
 Other                                                                 (271)               67
                                                             ---------------    --------------
      Net cash provided by financing activities                      11,631             3,920
                                                             ---------------   ---------------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                      7,039           (15,307)
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period                      13,770            29,877
                                                             ---------------   ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period                           $20,809           $14,570
                                                             ===============   ===============

Cash paid for interest                                              $10,795           $13,117
                                                             ===============   ===============

</TABLE>





                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                        4



<PAGE>
                   FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                OCTOBER 31, 1996
                                   (unaudited)

A.   The financial  statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion
     of  management,  necessary  for a fair  statement  of the  interim  periods
     presented.  All  adjustments to the financial  statements were of a normal,
     recurring nature.

B.   The  preparation  of financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
     accepted  accounting   principles  ("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.

C.   The propane  industry is seasonal in nature with peak  activity  during the
     winter months.  Therefore,  the results of operations for the periods ended
     October 31, 1996 and October 31, 1995 are not necessarily indicative of the
     results to be expected for a full year.

D.   Inventories consist of:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      October 31,       July 31,
<S>                                                                                      <C>              <C> 
     (in thousands)                                                                     1996             1996
                                                                                    ----------------  --------------
      Liquefied propane gas and related products                                            $47,523         $33,366
      Appliances, parts and supplies                                                          7,757           8,029
                                                                                    ---------------   ---------------
                                                                                            $55,280         $41,395
                                                                                    ================  ==============
</TABLE>

      In addition to inventories on hand, the Partnership  enters into contracts
      to buy product for supply purposes.  All such contracts have terms of less
      than  one year and call for  payment  based on  market  prices  at date of
      delivery.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     Property, plant and equipment, net consist of:
                                                                                     October 31,        July 31,
<S>                                                                                      <C>              <C> 
      (in thousands)                                                                     1996             1996
                                                                                    ---------------  ---------------
      Property, plant and equipment                                                       $598,380         $596,107
      Less:  accumulated depreciation                                                      197,301          192,375
                                                                                    ---------------   ---------------
                                                                                          $401,079         $403,732
                                                                                    ===============  ===============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Intangibles, net  consist of:
                                                                                     October 31,        July 31,
<S>                                                                                      <C>              <C> 
      (in thousands)                                                                     1996             1996
                                                                                    ---------------  ---------------
      Intangibles                                                                         $208,180         $203,761
      Less:  accumulated amortization                                                       99,148           95,801
                                                                                    ---------------   ---------------
                                                                                          $109,032         $107,960
                                                                                    ===============  ===============
</TABLE>

E.   The  Partnership  is  threatened  with or named as a  defendant  in various
     lawsuits which, among other items, claim damages for product liability.  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 likely to have a material adverse effect on the
     results of operations or financial condition of the Partnership.

                                       5
<PAGE>



F.   On September 14, 1996, the  Partnership  paid a cash  distribution of $0.50
     per unit for the quarter  ended July 31, 1996.  On November  18, 1996,  the
     Partnership declared its first-quarter cash distribution of $0.50 per unit,
     payable December 13, 1996.

G.   On April 30, 1996,  Ferrellgas,  Inc. (the "General Partner")  consummated
     the purchase of all of the stock of Skelgas  Propane,  Inc.  ("Skelgas"),
     a subsidiary of Superior  Propane,  Inc. of Toronto,  Canada.  The cash
     purchase price, after working capital adjustments, was $86,400,000.

     As of May 1, 1996,  the General  Partner (i) caused Skelgas and each of its
     subsidiaries to be merged into the General Partner and (ii) transferred all
     of the assets of Skelgas and its subsidiaries to the Ferrellgas,  L.P. (the
     "Operating  Partnership").  In exchange,  the Operating Partnership assumed
     substantially all of the liabilities,  whether known or unknown, associated
     with Skelgas and its  subsidiaries  and their propane  business  (excluding
     income tax  liabilities).  In consideration of the retention by the General
     Partner of certain income tax liabilities,  Ferrellgas Partners,  L.P. (the
     "Partnership")  issued  41,203  Common  Units to the General  Partner.  The
     liabilities  assumed  by  the  Operating   Partnership  included  the  loan
     agreement  under  which  the  General  Partner  borrowed  funds  to pay the
     purchase  price for Skelgas.  Immediately  following the transfer of assets
     and related transactions  described above, the Operating Partnership repaid
     the loan  with  cash  and  borrowings  under  the  Operating  Partnership's
     existing  acquisition bank credit line. The total assets contributed to the
     Operating  Partnership  (at the  General  Partner's  cost  basis) have been
     preliminarily  allocated as follows:  (i) working  capital of  $17,972,000,
     (ii) property,  plant and equipment of $63,068,000 and (iii) the balance to
     intangible  assets.  The  transaction  has been accounted for as a purchase
     and,  accordingly,  the results of operations of Skelgas have been included
     in the consolidated financial statements from the date of contribution.

     The following pro forma financial  information assumes that the acquisition
     of Skelgas and the issuance of the 9 3/8% $160,000,000 Senior Secured Notes
     occurred as of August 1, 1995.

                                                     Three months ended
                                                --------------------------------
                                                                  Pro Forma
                                                  October 31,    October 31,
      (in thousands)                                 1996            1995
                                               ---------------  ---------------
      Total revenues                               $167,860         $138,634
      Net loss                                      (10,298)         (10,778)











                                       6

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                        FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
            (a wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.)

                                 BALANCE SHEETS


                                                                                October 31,             July 31,

<S>                                                                                 <C>                   <C>
ASSETS                                                                              1996                  1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------         -------------------   -------------------
                                                                                (unaudited)

Cash                                                                                    $1,000                $1,000
                                                                             -------------------   -------------------
Total Assets                                                                            $1,000                $1,000
                                                                             ===================   ===================


STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------

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

Additional paid in capital                                                                  93                    42

Accumulated deficit                                                                        (93)                  (42)
                                                                             -------------------   -------------------
Total Stockholder's Equity                                                              $1,000                $1,000
                                                                             ===================   ===================

</TABLE>






                              STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
                                   (unaudited)

                                                      Three Months
                                                         Ended
                                                      October 31,
                                                         1996
                                                    ------------------
General and administrative expense                        $ 51
                                                    ------------------
Net loss                                                  $(51)
                                                    ==================




                       See notes to financial statements.


                                       7

<PAGE>


                        FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
            (A wholly owned subsidiary of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.)

                             STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (unaudited)

                                                    Three Months Ended
                                                       October 31,
                                                         1996
                                                  --------------------
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
  Net loss                                              $(51)
                                                  --------------------
      Cash used by operating activities                  (51)
                                                  --------------------

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
  Capital contribution                                    51
                                                  --------------------
      Cash provided by financing activities               51
                                                  --------------------

Increase (decrease) in cash                                -
Cash - beginning of period                             1,000
                                                  --------------------
Cash - end of period                                  $1,000
                                                  ====================

                       See notes to financial statements.






                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                OCTOBER 31, 1996
                                   (unaudited)

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

B.   The financial  statements reflect all adjustments which are, in the opinion
     of  management,  necessary  for a fair  statement  of the  interim  periods
     presented.  All  adjustments to the financial  statements were of a normal,
     recurring nature.

                                       8

<PAGE>
ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
           RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following is a discussion  of the results of  operations  and liquidity
and capital resources of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (the "Partnership" or "MLP").
Except for the  $160,000,000 of 9 3/8% Senior Secured Notes issued in April 1996
by  the  MLP  (the  "MLP  Senior  Notes")  and  the  related  interest  expense,
Ferrellgas,  L.P. (the "Operating Partnership" or "OLP") accounts for nearly all
of the consolidated assets, liabilities, sales and earnings of the MLP. When the
discussion refers to the consolidated MLP, the term Partnership will be used.

     Ferrellgas  Partners  Finance Corp. has nominal  assets and does not 
conduct any  operations.  Accordingly,  a discussion of the results of 
operations and liquidity and capital resources is not presented.

Results of Operations
- ---------------------
     The propane  industry is seasonal in nature with peak  activity  during the
winter months. Due to the seasonality of the business, results of operations for
the three months ended October 31, 1996 and 1995, are not necessarily indicative
of the results to be  expected  for a full year.  Other  factors  affecting  the
results of  operations  include  competitive  conditions,  demand  for  product,
variations in weather and fluctuations in propane prices. As the Partnership has
grown through  acquisitions,  fixed costs such as personnel costs,  depreciation
and interest expense have increased.  Over time, these fixed cost increases have
caused losses in the first and fourth  quarters and net income in the second and
third quarters to be more pronounced.

Three Months Ended October 31, 1996 vs. October 31, 1995
- --------------------------------------------------------
     Total Revenues.  Total revenues increased 34.7% to $167,860,000 as compared
to $124,588,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1996,  primarily due to increased
retail propane volumes,  increased sales price per retail gallon and an increase
in revenues from other operations (wholesale marketing,  chemical feedstocks and
net trading operations).

     Retail  volumes  increased  23.5% to  162,281,000  gallons as  compared  to
131,368,000 gallons for the year ago quarter, primarily due to acquisitions, and
to a lesser extent a strong crop drying season and slightly colder  temperatures
than the prior year.  A volatile  propane  market  during the quarter  caused an
increase to the cost of product  which in turn caused an increase in sales price
per gallon. Revenues from other operations increased by $6,281,000 primarily due
to increased wholesale marketing volumes and an increased price per gallon.

     Gross Profit.  Gross profit  increased  20.4% to $66,785,000 as compared to
$55,479,000  in the first  quarter of fiscal  1996,  primarily  due to increased
retail propane volumes attributed to acquisition  related growth.  Management is
unable to assess  whether the  increases in product costs  described  above will
continue or the potential impact of such cost increases on gross profit.

     Operating  Expenses.  Operating  expenses increased 19.8% to $48,967,000 as
compared to  $40,870,000  in the first  quarter of fiscal 1996  primarily due to
acquisition related increases in personnel costs, plant and office expenses, and
vehicle and other expenses.

     Depreciation  and  Amortization.   Depreciation  and  amortization  expense
increased 30.1% to $10,831,000 as compared to $8,326,000 for the year ago period
primarily due to acquisitions of propane businesses.

     Interest  expense.  Interest  expense  increased  28.7% to  $11,602,000  as
compared to  $9,012,000  in the first  quarter of fiscal 1996.  This increase is
primarily  the  result  of  increased  borrowings,  partially  offset by a small
decrease in the overall  average  interest rate paid by the  Partnership  on its
borrowings.
                                       9
<PAGE>

Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------
     The ability of the MLP to satisfy its  obligations is dependent upon future
performance,  which will be subject to prevailing economic,  financial, business
and weather conditions and other factors,  many of which are beyond its control.
For the fiscal year ending July 31, 1997, the General Partner  believes that the
OLP will  have  sufficient  funds  to meet  its  obligations  and  enable  it to
distribute to the MLP sufficient funds to permit the MLP to meet its obligations
with  respect to the MLP Senior  Notes  issued in April  1996,  and enable it to
distribute  the Minimum  Quarterly  Distribution  ($0.50 per Unit) on all Common
Units and Subordinated  Units.  Future  maintenance and working capital needs of
the MLP are expected to be provided by cash  generated  from future  operations,
existing cash balances and the working capital borrowing  facility.  In order to
fund expansive capital projects and future  acquisitions,  the OLP may borrow on
existing bank lines or the MLP may issue  additional  Common Units.  Toward this
purpose the MLP maintains a shelf registration statement with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission for 1,887,420  Common Units  representing  limited  partner
interests  in the MLP.  The Common  Units may be issued from time to time by the
MLP in connection with the OLP's acquisition of other businesses,  properties or
securities in business combination transactions.

     Operating Activities.  Cash provided by operating activities was $6,554,000
for the three months ended October 31, 1996,  compared to $(14,392,000)  for the
prior  period.  This  increase  is  primarily  due to the timing of  payments on
increased purchases of inventory.

     Investing  Activities.  During the three months ended October 31, 1996, the
Partnership made total acquisition capital expenditures of $7,724,000 (including
working capital acquired of $21,000).  This amount was funded by $8,247,000 cash
payments  (including  $1,115,000 for  transition  costs  previously  accrued for
fiscal 1996 acquisitions) and $592,000 in other costs and consideration.

     During the three months ended October 31, 1996, the Partnership made growth
and maintenance capital  expenditures of $3,832,000  consisting primarily of the
following:  1) additions to Partnership-owned  customer tanks and cylinders,  2)
vehicle lease buyouts,  3) relocating and upgrading  district plant  facilities,
and 4)  development  and upgrading  computer  equipment  and  software.  Capital
requirements  for repair and  maintenance  of property,  plant and equipment are
relatively  low since  technological  change is limited and the useful  lives of
propane tanks and cylinders,  the Partnership's  principal  physical assets, are
generally  long.  The  Partnership  maintains  its  vehicle  and  transportation
equipment  fleet by leasing  light and medium  duty  trucks  and  tractors.  The
General Partner  believes vehicle leasing is a cost effective method for meeting
the  Partnership's  transportation  equipment needs.  The Partnership  continues
seeking to expand  its  operations  through  strategic  acquisitions  of smaller
retail  propane  operations   located   throughout  the  United  States.   These
acquisitions will be funded through internal cash flow,  external  borrowings or
the issuance of additional Partnership interests.  The Partnership does not have
any material commitments of funds for capital expenditures other than to support
the current level of operations.  In fiscal 1997, the Partnership expects growth
and  maintenance  capital  expenditures  to increase  slightly  over fiscal 1996
levels.

     Financing  Activities.  During the three months ended October 31, 1996, the
Partnership  borrowed  $28,000,000  from its  Credit  Facility  to fund  working
capital,  business  acquisitions,  and capital expenditure needs. At October 31,
1996,  $72,500,000 of borrowings were outstanding under the revolving portion of
the Credit  Facility.  Letters of credit  outstanding,  used primarily to secure
obligations  under  certain  insurance  arrangements,  totaled  $26,430,000.  At
October 31, 1996,  the  Operating  Partnership  had  $106,070,000  available for
general  corporate,  acquisition and working  capital  purposes under the Credit
Facility.  On November 18, 1996, the Partnership declared a cash distribution of
$0.50 per unit, payable December 13, 1996. 


                                       10

<PAGE>



                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
           None.

ITEM 2.    CHANGES IN SECURITIES.
           None.

ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES.
           None.

ITEM 4.    SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS.
           None.

ITEM 5.    OTHER INFORMATION.
           None.

ITEM 6.    EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

          (a)  Exhibits

     3.1       Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
               (Incorporated by reference to the same numbered Exhibit to the
               Partnership's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 15, 1994.)

     3.2       Articles of Incorporation for Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.

    27.1       Financial Data Schedule - Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.
                    (filed in electronic format only)

    27.2       Financial Data Schedule - Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp.
                    (filed in electronic format only)

          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

          None.
                                       11

<PAGE>



                                   SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
         the registrants have duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
         by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.


                                                       FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P.

                                           By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)


Date: December 13, 1996                             By     /s/ Danley K. Sheldon
                                                           ---------------------
                                                               Danley K. Sheldon
                                                       Senior Vice President and
                                              Chief Financial Officer (Principal
                                               Financial and Accounting Officer)





                                               FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.



Date: December 13, 1996                             By     /s/ Danley K. Sheldon
                                                           ---------------------
                                                               Danley K. Sheldon
                                                       Senior Vice President and
                                              Chief Financial Officer (Principal
                                               Financial and Accounting Officer)




                                       12










                          CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

                                       OF

                        FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.


                           The undersigned, for the purpose of incorporating and
         organizing a corporation under the General Corporation Law of the State
         of Delaware, hereby adopts the following Articles of Incorporation:

                           FIRST:   The name of the corporation is

                        FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.

                           SECOND:  The  address  of the  corporation's  initial
         registered  office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange  Street,  in
         the City of Wilmington,  County of New Castle, Delaware 19801. The name
         of the  corporation's  initial  registered agent at such address is The
         Corporation Trust Company.

                           THIRD:   The  purpose  of the  corporation  is to
         engage in any  lawful  act or activity for which  corporations may be
         organized under the General  Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

                           FOURTH:  The  corporation  shall have  authority to 
         issue 2000 shares of Common Stock having a par value of $1.00 per 
         share.

                           FIFTH:   The name and mailing address of the
         incorporator are Michael J. Beal,1200 Main Street, Suite 3500, Kansas
         City, Missouri 64105.

                           SIXTH:  The name of the person who is to serve as the
         sole director until the first annual meeting of stockholders,  or until
         his successor is elected and shall qualify, is James E. Ferrell,  whose
         mailing address is One Liberty Plaza, Liberty, Missouri 64068.

                         SEVENTH: The duration of the corporation is perpetual.

         Elimination  of  Certain Liability  of  Directors.

         A director of the  corporation  shall not be
         personally  liable to the corporation or its  stockholders for monetary
         damages  for  breach  of  fiduciary  duty  as a  director,  except  for
         liability (i) for any breach of the  director's  duty of loyalty to the
         corporation or its stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good
         faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of
         law,  (iii) under  Section 174 of the  General  Corporation  Law of the
         State of Delaware,  or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
         derived an improper personal benefit. If the General Corporation Law of
         the State of  Delaware  is  amended  subsequent  to the date  hereof to
         authorize corporate action further limiting or eliminating the personal
         liability  of  directors,  then  the  liability  of a  director  of the
         corporation  shall be  limited  or  eliminated  to the  fullest  extent
         permitted by the General  Corporation Law of the State of Delaware,  as
         so amended.  Any repeal or modification  of the foregoing  paragraph by
         the  stockholders  of the  corporation  shall not adversely  affect any
         right or  protection of a director of the  corporation  existing at the
         time of such repeal or modification.



<PAGE>
                         Indemnification and Insurance.


         Right to Indemnification.
        
         Each person who was or is made a
         party  or is  threatened  to be made a party to or is  involved  in any
         action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal,  administrative or
         investigative (hereinafter a "proceeding"),  by reason of the fact that
         he or she,  or a person of whom he or she is the legal  representative,
         is or  was a  director  or  officer,  of the  corporation  or is or was
         serving  at the  request of the  corporation  as a  director,  officer,
         employee or agent of another  corporation  or of a  partnership,  joint
         venture,  trust or other enterprise,  including service with respect to
         employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged
         action in an  official  capacity as a  director,  officer,  employee or
         agent or in any other  capacity  while serving as a director,  officer,
         employee  or  agent,  shall be  indemnified  and held  harmless  by the
         corporation to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation
         Law of the State of  Delaware,  as the same exists or may  hereafter be
         amended  (but,  in the case of any such  amendment,  only to the extent
         that  such  amendment   permits  the  corporation  to  provide  broader
         indemnification  rights  than said law  permitted  the  corporation  to
         provide prior to such  amendment),  against all expense,  liability and
         loss (including attorneys' fees,  judgments,  fines, ERISA excise taxes
         or penalties and amounts paid or to be paid in  settlement)  reasonably
         incurred or suffered by such person in  connection  therewith  and such
         indemnification  shall  continue  as to a person who has ceased to be a
         director,  officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of
         his or her heirs,  executors  and  administrators:  provided,  however,
         that, except as provided in paragraph (b) hereof, the corporation shall
         indemnify any such person seeking  indemnification in connection with a
         proceeding  (or part  thereof)  initiated  by such  person only if such
         proceeding  (or part thereof) was  authorized by the board of directors
         of the  corporation.  The right to  indemnification  conferred  in this
         Section  shall be a contract  right and shall  include  the right to be
         paid by the  corporation  the expenses  incurred in defending  any such
         proceeding  in advance  of its final  disposition:  provided,  however,
         that, if the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware required,
         the payment of such  expenses  incurred by a director or officer in his
         or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity
         in which  service was or is rendered by such person while a director or
         officer, including, without limitation,  service to an employee benefit
         plan) in advance of the final  disposition  of a  proceeding,  shall be
         made only upon delivery to the corporation of an undertaking,  by or on
         behalf of such director or officer, to repay all amounts so advanced if
         it shall  ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not
         entitled  to be  indemnified  under  this  Section  or  otherwise.  The
         corporation  may,  by  action  of  its  Board  of  Directors,   provide
         indemnification  to employees  and agents of the  corporation  with the
         same scope and effect as the foregoing indemnification of directors and
         officers.

         Right of Claimant to Bring Suit.

         If a claim under
         paragraph  (a) of this  Section is not paid in full by the  corporation
         within  thirty  days  after a written  claim has been  received  by the
         corporation, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against
         the  corporation  to  recover  the unpaid  amount of the claim and,  if
         successful  in whole or in part,  the claimant  shall be entitled to be
         paid also the expense of prosecuting  such claim. It shall be a defense
         to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for
         expenses  incurred in defending any  proceeding in advance of its final
         disposition  where the required  undertaking,  if any is required,  has
         been  tendered to the  corporation)  that the  claimant has not met the
         standards  of  conduct  which  make it  permissible  under the  General
         Corporation  Law of the State of Delaware to indemnify the claimant for
         the amount claimed,  but the burden of proving such defense shall be on
         the corporation.  Neither the failure of the corporation (including its
         Board of Directors,  independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to
         have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that
         indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances  because
         he or she has met the  applicable  standard of conduct set forth in the
         General  Corporation  Law of  the  State  of  Delaware,  nor an  actual
         determination  by the  corporation  (including  its Board of Directors,
         independent legal counsel,  or its stockholders)  that the claimant has
         not met such applicable standard or conduct,  shall be a defense to the
         action  or  create  a  presumption  that the  claimant  has not met the
         applicable standard of conduct.

         Non-Exclusivity of Rights. 

         The right to indemnification
         and the payment of  expenses  incurred in  defending  a  proceeding  in
         advance of its final disposition conferred in this Section shall not be
         exclusive  of any other  right  which any person may have or  hereafter
         acquire   under  any   statute,   provision  of  the   Certificate   of
         Incorporation, by-law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested
         directors or otherwise.

         Insurance.

         The corporation may at its option maintain
         insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer,
         employee  or  agent  of  the   corporation   or  another   corporation,
         partnership,  joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any such
         expense,  liability or loss,  whether or not the corporation would have
         the power to indemnify such person  against such expense,  liability or
         loss under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

                           NINTH:  The Board of Directors of the  corporation is
         authorized and empowered to make, alter,  amend or repeal any or all of
         the Bylaws of the corporation, subject to the power of the stockholders
         of the  corporation to make,  alter,  amend or repeal any or all of the
         Bylaws of the corporation.

                           TENTH: The Corporation reserves the right to any time
         and from time to time to amend, alter,  change, or repeal any provision
         contained  in these  Articles  of  Incorporation,  in the manner now or
         hereafter   prescribed   by  law;   and  all  rights   conferred   upon
         stockholders,  directors,  or  any  other  persons  whomsoever  by  and
         pursuant to these Articles of Incorporation in their present form or as
         hereafter amended are granted subject to this reservation.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 
         28th day of March, 1996.




                                                   Michael J. Beal, Incorporator


<TABLE> <S> <C>

        <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FERRELLGAS
PARTNERS, L.P.SUBSIDIARIES BALANCE SHEET ON OCTOBER 31, 1996 AND THE STATEMENT
OF EARNINGS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0000922358
<NAME>                        FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1,000
<CURRENCY>                                     US Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                 AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                   OCT-31-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1
<CASH>                                         20809
<SECURITIES>                                      0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  96180
<ALLOWANCES>                                      0
<INVENTORY>                                    55280
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               179753
<PP&E>                                         598380
<DEPRECIATION>                                 197301
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 701533
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          176533
<BONDS>                                        451910
<COMMON>                                       116828
                            0
                                      0
<OTHER-SE>                                     (58278)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   701533
<SALES>                                        156764
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               167860
<CGS>                                          101075
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  162353
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                      0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             11602
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (10298)
<INCOME-TAX>                                      0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (10298)
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (10298)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (0.33)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (0.33)
        


        

</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

        <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FERRELLGAS
PARTNERS FINANCE CORP. BALANCE SHEET ON OCTOBER 31, 1996 AND THE STATEMENT
OF EARNINGS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0001012493
<NAME>                        FERRELLGAS PARTNERS FINANCE CORP.
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1
<CURRENCY>                                     US Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              JUL-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                 AUG-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                                   OCT-31-1996
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1
<CASH>                                         1000
<SECURITIES>                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  0
<ALLOWANCES>                                   0
<INVENTORY>                                    0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               1000
<PP&E>                                         0
<DEPRECIATION>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 1000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          0
<BONDS>                                        0
<COMMON>                                       1000
                          0
                                    0
<OTHER-SE>                                     0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   1000
<SALES>                                        0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               0
<CGS>                                          0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               51
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (51)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (51)
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (51)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  0 
        


        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission