FERRELLGAS L P
10-Q, 1997-12-12
MISCELLANEOUS RETAIL
Previous: PP&L RESOURCES INC, 8-K, 1997-12-12
Next: HEFTEL BROADCASTING CORP, 10-Q/A, 1997-12-12



                                 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, 1997

                                       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: 33-53379
                         33-53379-01


                                Ferrellgas, L.P.
                            Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

           (Exact name of registrants as specified in their charters)



        Delaware                                         43-1698481
        Delaware                                         43-1677595
 ----------------------------                 -------------------------------
(States or other jurisdictions of          (I.R.S. Employer Identification Nos.)
incorporation or organization)



                   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 17, 1997,  Ferrellgas  Finance  Corp.  had 1,000 shares of $1.00 par
value common stock outstanding.


<PAGE>



                                FERRELLGAS, L.P.
                            FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.

                                Table of Contents
                                                                           Page
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.        FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

               Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries

               Consolidated Balance Sheets - October 31, 1997
                    and July 31, 1997                                         1

               Consolidated Statements of Earnings -
                    Three months ended October 31, 1997 and 1996              2

               Consolidated Statement of Partners' Capital -
                     Three months ended October 31, 1997                      3

               Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -
                    Three months ended October 31, 1997 and 1996              4

               Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                     5


               Ferrellgas Finance Corp.

               Balance Sheets - October 31, 1997 and July 31, 1997            6

               Statements of Earnings - Three months ended
                     October 31, 1997 and 1996                                6

               Note to Financial Statements                                   6

ITEM 2.        MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
               CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS                            7


                           PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.        LEGAL PROCEEDINGS                                              9

ITEM 2.        CHANGES IN SECURITIES                                          9

ITEM 3.        DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES                                9

ITEM 4.        SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS            9

ITEM 5.        OTHER INFORMATION                                              9

ITEM 6.        EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K                              10


<PAGE>
                         PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                        FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                 (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


ASSETS                                                                  October 31,       July 31, 
                                                                            1997           1997
- -------------------------------------------------------------        ---------------    --------------
                                                                      (unaudited)
Current Assets:
<S>                                                                       <C>               <C>      
  Cash and cash equivalents                                               $  9,335          $  14,787
  Accounts and notes receivable                                             77,266             61,835
  Inventories                                                               42,912             43,112
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets                                 16,718             10,102
                                                                     --------------     --------------
    Total Current Assets                                                   146,231            129,836

  Property, plant and equipment, net                                       404,935            405,736
  Intangible assets, net                                                   111,257            112,058
  Other assets, net                                                          5,917              6,147
                                                                     --------------     --------------
    Total Assets                                                          $668,340           $653,777
                                                                     ==============     ==============
</TABLE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' CAPITAL
- -------------------------------------------------------------
Current Liabilities:
<S>                                                                      <C>                <C>      
  Accounts payable                                                       $  63,596          $  39,322
  Other current liabilities                                                 33,638             47,546
  Short-term borrowings                                                     44,546             21,786
                                                                     --------------     --------------
    Total Current Liabilities                                              141,780            108,654

  Long-term debt                                                           332,022            327,334
  Other liabilities                                                         12,511             12,354
  Contingencies and commitments

Partners' Capital
  Limited partner                                                          180,188            203,360
  General partner                                                            1,839              2,075
                                                                     --------------     --------------
    Total Partners' Capital                                                182,027            205,435
                                                                     --------------     --------------
    Total Liabilities and Partners' Capital                               $668,340           $653,777
                                                                     ==============     ==============
</TABLE>

                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                        1

<PAGE>





                       FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                                 (in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                     For the three months ended
                                                              ------------------------------------------
                                                               October 31, 1997        October 31, 1996
                                                              --------------------  --------------------

Revenues:
<S>                                                                      <C>                   <C>     
  Gas liquids and related product sales                                  $143,051              $156,764
  Other                                                                    10,154                11,096
                                                              --------------------  --------------------
    Total revenues                                                        153,205               167,860

Cost of product sold (exclusive of
  depreciation, shown separately below)                                    86,616               101,075
                                                              --------------------  --------------------

Gross profit                                                               66,589                66,785

Operating expense                                                          50,063                48,967
Depreciation and amortization expense                                      11,537                10,831
General and administrative expense                                          4,421                 3,767
Vehicle and tank lease expense                                              2,312                 1,480
                                                              --------------------  --------------------

Operating income (loss)                                                    (1,744)                1,740

Interest expense                                                           (8,246)               (7,642)
Interest income                                                               397                   379
Gain (loss) on disposal of assets                                              66                  (880)
                                                              --------------------  --------------------

Net loss                                                                $  (9,527)            $  (6,403)
                                                              ====================  ====================

</TABLE>













                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                        2

<PAGE>



                       FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                   Limited          General       Total partners'
                                                   partner          partner           capital
                                               ----------------  --------------- -------------------

<S>                                                      <C>                <C>               <C>       
July 31, 1997                                       $  203,360         $  2,075          $  205,435

Additions to capital in connection                       2,020               21               2,041
 with acquisitions

Quarterly distributions                                (15,761)            (161)            (15,922)

Net loss                                                (9,431)             (96)             (9,527)
                                               ----------------  --------------- -------------------

October 31, 1997                                    $  180,188         $  1,839          $  182,027
                                               ================  =============== ===================
</TABLE>
































                 See notes to consolidated financial statements.

                                        3
<PAGE>



                       FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              For the three months ended
                                                           ---------------------------------
                                                                 October 31,       October 31,
                                                                    1997              1996
                                                           ----------------  ---------------

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
<S>                                                              <C>              <C>       
 Net loss                                                        $  (9,527)       $  (6,403)
 Reconciliation of net loss to net cash from
  operating activities:
  Depreciation and amortization                                     11,537           10,831
  Other                                                                920            1,669
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of
  effects from business acquisitions:
    Accounts and notes receivable                                  (15,869)         (25,032)
    Inventories                                                       (422)         (13,864)
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets                       (6,614)          (3,080)
    Accounts payable                                                23,726           40,237
    Other current liabilities                                      (13,590)           2,331
    Other                                                              157             (134)
                                                           ----------------  ---------------
      Net cash provided (used) by operating activities              (9,682)           6,555
                                                           ----------------  ---------------

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
 Business acquisitions                                              (2,744)          (8,247)
 Capital expenditures                                               (4,480)          (3,832)
 Other                                                                 958            1,219
                                                           ----------------  ---------------
      Net cash used by investing activities                         (6,266)         (10,860)
                                                           ----------------  ---------------

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
 Net additions to short-term borrowings                             22,760           15,253
 Additions to long-term debt                                         3,853           12,747
 Reductions of long-term debt                                         (234)            (337)
 Distributions                                                     (15,922)         (15,922)
 Other                                                                  39             (397)
                                                           ----------------  ---------------
      Net cash provided by financing activities                     10,496           11,344
                                                           ----------------  ---------------

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents                    (5,452)           7,039
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period                     14,787           13,769
                                                           ----------------  ---------------
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period                           $9,335          $20,808
                                                           ================  ===============

Cash paid for interest                                           $  12,923        $  10,795
                                                           ================  ===============

</TABLE>








                 See notes to consolidated financial statements

                                        4
<PAGE>

                        FERRELLGAS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES

                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                OCTOBER 31, 1997
                                   (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, 1997 and October 31, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the
     results to be expected for a full year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

D.   Inventories consist of:
                                                                                      October 31,       July 31,
      (in thousands)                                                                     1997             1997
                                                                                    ----------------  --------------
<S>                                                                                         <C>             <C>    
      Liquefied propane gas and related products                                            $35,231         $35,351
      Appliances, parts and supplies                                                          7,681           7,761
                                                                                    ----------------  --------------
                                                                                            $42,912         $43,112
                                                                                    ================  ==============
</TABLE>
   
      In addition to inventories on hand, the Partnership  enters into contracts
      to buy product for supply  purposes.  Nearly all such contracts have terms
      of less than one year and most call for payment  based on market prices at
      date of delivery.  All fixed price  contracts  have terms of less than one
      year.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Property, plant and equipment, net consist of:
                                                                                     October 31,        July 31,
      (in thousands)                                                                     1997             1997
                                                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>              <C>     
      Property, plant and equipment                                                       $620,013         $614,974
      Less:  accumulated depreciation                                                      215,078          209,238
                                                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                          $404,935         $405,736
                                                                                    ===============  ===============
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

     Intangible assets, net  consist of:
                                                                                     October 31,        July 31,
      (in thousands)                                                                     1997             1997
                                                                                    ---------------  ---------------
<S>                                                                                       <C>              <C>     
      Intangible assets                                                                         $224,008         $221,269
      Less:  accumulated amortization                                                      112,751          109,211
                                                                                    ---------------  ---------------
                                                                                          $111,257         $112,058
                                                                                    ===============  ===============
</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>

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

                                 BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                                October 31,             July 31,
ASSETS                                                                              1997                  1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------         -------------------   -------------------
                                                                                (unaudited)

<S>                                                                                     <C>                   <C>   
Cash                                                                                    $1,000                $1,000
                                                                             -------------------   -------------------
Total Assets                                                                            $1,000                $1,000
                                                                             ===================   ===================
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

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

<S>                                                                                        <C>                   <C>
Additional paid in capital                                                                 759                   759

Accumulated deficit                                                                       (759)                 (759)
                                                                             -------------------   -------------------
Total Stockholder's Equity                                                              $1,000                $1,000
                                                                             ===================   ===================

</TABLE>



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                             STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                                   (unaudited)
                                                                                Three Months Ended
                                                                      ---------------------------------------
                                                                         October 31,          October 31,
                                                                             1997                 1996
                                                                      -------------------   -----------------

<S>                                                                              <C>                   <C>
General and administrative expense                                               $ -                   $ -

                                                                      -------------------   -----------------
Net loss                                                                        $  -                  $  -
                                                                      ===================   =================

</TABLE>



                          NOTE TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                OCTOBER 31, 1997
                                   (unaudited)

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.

                                       6
<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 the  Ferrellgas,  L.P. (the  "Partnership"  or "OLP").
Ferrellgas 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.

     Statements included in this report that are not historical facts, including
a statement concerning the Partnership's belief that the it will have sufficient
funds to meet its obligations to enable it to distribute to Ferrellgas Partners,
L.P. ("the MLP") sufficient funds to permit the MLP to meet its obligations with
respect  to the MLP  Senior  Notes  issued  in April  1996,  and to enable it to
distribute  the Minimum  Quarterly  Distribution  ($0.50 per Unit) on all Common
Units and Subordinated Units, are forward-looking statements.

     Such  statements  are subject to risks and  uncertainties  that could cause
actual results to differ  materially  from those  expressed in or implied by the
statements.  The risks and  uncertainties  include  but are not  limited  to the
following  and their effect on the  Partnership's  operations:  a) the effect of
weather  conditions on demand for propane,  b) price and availability of propane
supplies,  c) the availability of capacity to transport propane to market areas,
d)  competition  from other energy sources and within the propane  industry,  e)
operating risks incidental to transporting,  storing, and distributing  propane,
f) changes in interest rates, g)  governmental  legislation and  regulations, h)
energy efficiency and technology trends and (i) other factors that are discussed
in the Partnership's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


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, 1997 and 1996, 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.

Three Months Ended October 31, 1997 vs. October 31, 1996

     Total Revenues.  Total revenues  decreased 8.7% to $153,205,000 as compared
to $167,860,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1997,  primarily due to decreased
retail  propane  volumes  and sales  price per gallon and a decrease in revenues
from other operations (wholesale marketing,  chemical feedstocks and net trading
operations),  partially  offset by  increased  sales volume due to the effect of
acquisitions.

     Retail  volumes  decreased  4.8% to  154,495,000  gallons  as  compared  to
162,281,000  gallons for the first  quarter of fiscal 1997,  primarily  due to a
delay in deliveries of retail gallons caused by a lack of sustained cold weather
and due to a reduction  in demand for crop drying  gallons  compared to the same
quarter  last  year.  Revenue  from other  operations  decreased  by  $6,102,000
primarily  due to  decreased  wholesale  marketing  sales  price per  gallon and
volumes related to a weaker demand for  agricultural  gallons as compared to the
same quarter last year.

     Gross Profit.  Gross profit  decreased  0.3% to  $66,589,000 as compared to
$66,785,000 in the first quarter of fiscal 1997,  primarily due to the effect of
decreased retail propane volumes and a decrease in wholesale marketing,  trading
and chemical feedstocks  marketing  operations offset by the effect of increased
retail margins and the effect of acquisitions.

     Operating  Expenses.  Operating  expenses  increased 2.2% to $50,063,000 as
compared to  $48,967,000  in the first  quarter of fiscal 1997  primarily due to
acquisition related increases in personnel costs, plant and office expenses, and
vehicle and other expenses.
                                       7
<PAGE>

     Depreciation  and  Amortization.   Depreciation  and  amortization  expense
increased 6.5% to  $11,537,000 as compared to $10,831,000  for the first quarter
of fiscal 1997 primarily due to acquisitions of propane businesses.

     Interest expense. Interest expense increased 7.9% to $8,246,000 as compared
to $7,642,000  from the year ago quarter.  This increase is primarily the result
of  increased  borrowings,  offset by a small  decrease in the  overall  average
interest rate paid by the Partnership on its borrowings.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The ability of the OLP 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, 1998, 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 OLP 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 1,800,322  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 used by operating  activities was $(9,682,000)
for the three  months  ended  October 31,  1997,  compared  to cash  provided by
operating  activities  of  $6,555,000  for the prior  period.  This  decrease is
primarily due to a decrease in volumes from other operations  during the quarter
as  compared  to the  first  quarter  of last year and its  affect  on  accounts
receivable and accounts payable, and due to the timing of payments for purchases
of inventory.

     Investing  Activities.  During the three months ended October 31, 1997, the
Partnership  made total  acquisition  capital  expenditures of $5,270,000.  This
amount was funded by $2,744,000 cash payments (including $619,000 for transition
costs previously  accrued for fiscal 1997  acquisitions) and $3,145,000 in other
costs and consideration.

     During the three months ended October 31, 1997, the Partnership made growth
and maintenance capital  expenditures of $4,480,000  consisting primarily of the
following:  1) relocating and upgrading district plant facilities,  2) additions
to Partnership-owned customer tanks and cylinders, 3) vehicle lease buyouts, and
4) 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 meets its vehicle and transportation  equipment fleet needs
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  1998,  the  Partnership  expects  growth  and
maintenance capital expenditures to increase slightly over fiscal 1997 levels.

                                       8
<PAGE>

     Financing  Activities.  During the three months ended October 31, 1997, the
Partnership  borrowed  $26,613,000  from its  Credit  Facility  to fund  working
capital,  business  acquisitions and capital  expenditures needs. At October 31,
1997, $113,150,000 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  $24,791,000.  At
October 31, 1997,  the  Partnership  had  $67,059,000  available  for
general  corporate,  acquisition and working  capital  purposes under the Credit
Facility.

     On  November  17,  1997,   the  Partnership   declared  a  cash
distribution  of  $23,542,550  to  partners,  payable  December  12,  1997.  The
distribution  will  fund  Ferrellgas  Partners,   L.P.'s  cash  distribution  of
$15,804,747  to its partners and the $7,500,000  interest  payment on its Senior
Subordinated Notes.

     Adoption of New Accounting  Standards:  The Financial  Accounting Standards
Board  recently  issued the following  new  accounting  standards:  Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130 "Reporting Comprehensive Income"
and SFAS No. 131  "Disclosures  About  Segments  of an  Enterprise  and  Related
Information."  SFAS  Nos.  130  and  131  are  required  to be  adopted  by  the
Partnership  for the fiscal  year  ended July 31,  1999.  The  adoption  of both
standards  is not  expected  to  have a  material  effect  on the  Partnership's
financial position or results of operations.



                           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.

                                       9
<PAGE>



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

          (a)  Exhibits
           3.1       Amended and Restated  Agreement of Limited  Partnership  of
                     Ferrellgas,  L.P., dated as of April 23, 1996 (Incorporated
                     by  reference to Exhibit 3 to the  Partnership's  Quarterly
                     Report on Form 10-Q filed June 12, 1996.)

           3.2       Articles of Incorporation for Ferrellgas Finance Corp.
                     Incorporated by reference to same numbered exhibit to the
                     Partnership's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed
                     December 13, 1996.)

          10.1       First Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit Agreement
                     dated as of November 7,1997, among Ferrellgas, L.P.,
                     Stratton Insurance Company, Inc., Ferrellgas,  Inc.
                     Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association,
                     as agent, and the other financial institutions party
                     thereto.

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

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


          (b)  Reports on Form 8-K

          None.



                                       10
<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, L.P.

                                      By Ferrellgas, Inc. (General Partner)


Date: December 12, 1997                By     /s/ Danley K. Sheldon
                                             -----------------------
                                             Danley K. Sheldon
                                             Senior Vice President and
                                             Chief Financial Officer (Principal
                                             Financial and Accounting Officer)





                                        FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.



Date: December 12, 1997                 By   /s/ Danley K. Sheldon
                                             ------------------------
                                             Danley K. Sheldon
                                             Senior Vice President and
                                             Chief Financial Officer (Principal
                                             Financial and Accounting Officer)



                                 FIRST AMENDMENT
                    TO AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT AGREEMENT


                  This FIRST AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED CREDIT  AGREEMENT
(this  "Amendment"),  dated as of November 7, 1997, is entered into by and among
FERRELLGAS,  L.P., a Delaware  limited  partnership (the  "Borrower"),  STRATTON
INSURANCE COMPANY, INC., a Vermont corporation and a wholly-owned  subsidiary of
Borrower  ("Stratton"),  FERRELLGAS,  INC., a Delaware  corporation and the sole
general  partner of Borrower  (the  "General  Partner"),  each of the  financial
institutions that is a signatory to this Amendment  (collectively,  the "Banks")
and BANK OF AMERICA  NATIONAL  TRUST AND SAVINGS  ASSOCIATION,  as agent for the
Banks (in such  capacity,  the  "Agent"),  and amends that  certain  Amended and
Restated  Credit  Agreement  dated as of July 31, 1996 (as the same is in effect
immediately prior to the  effectiveness of this Amendment,  the "Existing Credit
Agreement"  and as the same may be  amended,  supplemented  or  modified  and in
effect from time to time,  the "Credit  Agreement"),  by and among the Borrower,
Stratton,  the General Partner,  the Agent and the Banks from time to time party
to the Credit  Agreement.  Capitalized  terms used and not otherwise  defined in
this  Amendment  shall have the same meanings in this  Amendment as set forth in
the Credit Agreement,  and the rules of interpretation set forth in Section 1.02
of the Credit Agreement shall be applicable to this Amendment.

                                     RECITAL

                  The  Borrower  has  requested  that the  Banks  amend  Section
8.12(d) under the Existing Credit Agreement,  and the Banks are willing to agree
to so amend the  Existing  Credit  Agreement  on the terms  and  subject  to the
conditions set forth below.

                                    AGREEMENT

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing,  the mutual
covenants  and   agreements   set  forth  below  and  other  good  and  valuable
consideration,  the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby  acknowledged,  the
parties agree as follows:

                  SECTION  1.  Amendment.  On the  terms of this  Amendment  and
subject to the  satisfaction  of the  conditions  precedent  set forth  below in
Section 2, Section  8.12(d) of the Existing  Credit  Agreement is amended in its
entirety as follows:

     "(d) such Restricted Payment (other than (x) Restricted  Payments described
in clause (i) of the first paragraph of this Section 8.12 made during the fiscal
quarter ending January 31, 1997 that do not exceed  $26,000,000 in the aggregate
or (y) any Restricted  Payments  described in clauses (iii) or (iv) of the first
paragraph of this Section  8.12),  the amount of which,  if made other than with
cash, to be determined in accordance with clause (c) of this Section 8.12, shall
not exceed an amount  equal to the excess of (A)  Consolidated  Cash Flow of the
Borrower  and its  Subsidiaries  for the period from and after  October 31, 1996
through and  including  the last day of the fiscal  quarter  ending  immediately
preceding  the  date of the  proposed  Restricted  Payment  (the  "Determination
Period") over (B) the sum of Consolidated  Interest  Expense of the Borrower and
its  Subsidiaries  for the  Determination  Period plus all capital  expenditures
(other than  Growth-Related  Capital  Expenditures) made by the Borrower and its
Subsidiaries  during the  Determination  Period plus the  aggregate of all other
Restricted  Payments (other than (x) Restricted Payments described in clause (i)
of the first  paragraph  of this  Section  8.12 made  during the fiscal  quarter
ending  January 31, 1997 that do not exceed  $26,000,000 in the aggregate or (y)
any  Restricted  Payments  described  in  clauses  (iii)  or (iv)  of the  first
paragraph of this Section 8.12) made by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries during
the period from and after October 31, 1996 through and including the date of the
proposed Restricted Payment plus (C) $30,000,000; and"

                  SECTION 2.  Conditions  to  Effectiveness.  The  amendment set
forth in  Section  1 of this  Amendment  shall  become  effective  only upon the
satisfaction  of  all of the  following  conditions  precedent  on or  prior  to
November 7, 1997 (the date of satisfaction of all such conditions being referred
to as the "Amendment Effective Date"):

     (a) On or before the Amendment  Effective  Date, the Borrower shall deliver
to the  Agent,  on  behalf of the  Banks,  this  Amendment,  duly  executed  and
delivered by the Borrower,  the General Partner,  Stratton,  Ferrellgas  Finance
Corp. ("Finance Corp."), the Banks and the Agent.

     (b) On or before the Amendment  Effective Date, all corporate,  partnership
and other  proceedings  taken or to be taken in connection with the transactions
contemplated by this Amendment,  and all documents incidental thereto,  shall be
reasonably  satisfactory in form and substance to the Agent and its counsel, and
the Agent and such counsel shall have received all such counterpart originals or
certified copies of such documents as they may reasonably request.

     (c) All  governmental  actions  or  filings  necessary  for the  execution,
delivery  and  performance  of this  Amendment  shall have been  made,  taken or
obtained,  and no order,  statutory rule,  regulation,  executive order, decree,
judgment or minjunction shall have been enacted, e ntered,  issued,  promulgated
or  enforced  by any  court or other  governmental  entity  which  prohibits  or
restricts the  transactions  contemplated  by thi Amendment nor shall any action
have been commenced or threatened  seeking any injunction or any  restraining or
other order to  prohibit,  restrain,  invalidate  or set aside the  transactions
contemplated by this Amendment.

     (d) The representations and warranties set forth in this Amendment shall be
true and correct as of the Amendment Effective Date.

                  SECTION 3. Representations and Warranties.  In order to induce
the  Banks  to enter  into  this  Amendment  and to amend  the  Existing  Credit
Agreement in the manner  provided in this Amendment,  the Borrower,  the General
Partner, Finance Corp. and Stratton represent and warrant to each Bank as of the
Amendment Effective Date as follows:

     (a) Power and Authority.  The Borrower,  the General Partner,  Stratton and
Finance Corp. have all requisite corporate or partnership power and authority to
enter into this Amendment and to carry out the transactions contemplated by, and
perform their  respective  obligations  under,  the Existing Credit Agreement as
amended  by  this  Amendment  (hereafter  referred  to as  the  "Amended  Credit
Agreement").

     (b)  Authorization  of  Agreements.  The  execution  and  delivery  of this
Amendment by the Borrower,  the General Partner,  Stratton and Finance Corp. and
the  performance  of the Amended Credit  Agreement by the Borrower,  the General
Partner,  Stratton and Finance Corp.  have been duly authorized by all necessary
action, and this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower,
the General Partner, Stratton
and Finance Corp.

     (c)  Enforceability.  The Amended Credit  Agreement  constitutes the legal,
valid and binding obligation of the Borrower, the General Partner,  Stratton and
Finance Corp.  enforceable against the Borrower,  the General Partner,  Stratton
and Finance  Corp.  in  accordance  with its terms,  except as may be limited by
bankruptcy,  insolvency  or other  similar laws  affecting  the  enforcement  of
creditors'  rights in general.  The  enforceability  of the  obligations  of the
Borrower,  the General Partner,  Stratton and Finance Corp. hereunder is subject
to general  principles of equity  (regardless of whether such  enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law).

     (d) No Conflict.  The execution  and delivery by the Borrower,  the General
Partner, Stratton and Finance Corp. of this Amendment and the performance by the
Borrower, the General Partner,  Stratton and Finance Corp. of the Amended Credit
Agreement  do not and will not (i)  contravene,  in any  material  respect,  any
provision  of any law,  regulation,  decree,  ruling,  judgment or order that is
applicable to the Borrower,  the General Partner,  Stratton or Finance Corp., as
the case may be, or their respective  properties or other assets, (ii) result in
a  breach  of or  constitute  a  default  under  the  charter,  bylaws  or other
organizational  documents of the Borrower,  the General  Partner,  Stratton,  or
Finance Corp., as the case may be, or any material agreement,  indenture,  lease
or  instrument  binding upon the Borrower,  the General  Partner,  Stratton,  or
Finance Corp., or their respective properties or other assets or (iii) result in
the creation or imposition  of any Liens on their  respective  properties  other
than as permitted under the Credit Agreement.

     (e) Governmental Consents. No authorization or approval or other action by,
and no notice to or filing with, any  governmental  authority or regulatory body
is required for the due execution, delivery and performance by the Borrower, the
General Partner, Stratton or Finance Corp. of this Amendment.

     (f) Representations  and Warranties in the Credit Agreement.  The Borrower,
the General Partner and Stratton confirm that as of the Amendment Effective Date
the  representations  and  warranties  contained  in  Article  VI of the  Credit
Agreement  are  (before  and after  giving  effect to this  Amendment)  true and
correct in all material  respects (except to the extent any such  representation
and warranty is  expressly  stated to have been made as of a specific  date,  in
which case it shall be true and  correct as of such  specific  date) and that no
Default has occurred and is continuing.

     (g) Subsidiaries.  As of the Amendment  Effective Date, the Borrower has no
Subsidiaries other than Finance Corp and Stratton.

                  SECTION 4.  Miscellaneous.

     (a) Reference to and Effect on the Existing Credit  Agreement and the Other
Basic Documents.

     (i) Except as  specifically  amended by this  Amendment  and the  documents
executed and delivered in connection herewith, the Existing Credit Agreement and
the other Loan  Documents  shall  remain in full force and effect and are hereby
ratified and confirmed.

     (ii) The execution and delivery of this  Amendment and  performance  of the
Amended  Credit  Agreement  shall  not,  except as  expressly  provided  herein,
constitute  a waiver of any  provision  of, or operate as a waiver of any right,
power or remedy of the Banks under,  the Existing Credit Agreement or any of the
other Loan Documents.

     (iii) Upon the conditions precedent set forth herein being satisfied,  this
Amendment shall be construed as one with the Existing Credit Agreement,  and the
Existing  Credit  Agreement  shall,  where  the  context  requires,  be read and
construed throughout so as to incorporate this Amendment.

     (b) Fees and  Expenses.  The  Borrower,  the General  Partner and  Stratton
acknowledge that all costs,  fees and expenses  incurred in connection with this
Amendment will be paid in accordance  with Section 11.04 of the Existing  Credit
Agreement.

     (c)  Headings.  Section  and  subsection  headings  in this  Amendment  are
included for  convenience  of reference  only and shall not constitute a part of
this Amendment for any other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

     (d)   Counterparts.   This  Amendment  may  be  executed  in  one  or  more
counterparts,  each of  which  shall  be  deemed  an  original  but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     (e)  Governing  Law.  This  Amendment  shall be governed  by and  construed
according to the laws of the State of New York.


                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Amendment as of the date first above written.


                             FERRELLGAS, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership

                              By:      FERRELLGAS, INC.
                              Its:     General Partner


                              By:
                              Name:
                              Title:

                              FERRELLGAS, INC.


                              By:
                              Name:
                              Title:

                              STRATTON INSURANCE COMPANY, INC.


                               By:
                               Name:
                               Title:

                               AGENT

                     BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION, as
                               Agent


                               By:
                               Name:
                               Title:

                               BANKS

                     BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL TRUST AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION


                                By:
                                Name:
                                Title:

                                NATIONSBANK OF TEXAS, N.A.


                                By:
                                Name:
                                Title:

                                WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.


                                By:
                                Name:
                                Title:

                                THE BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA


                                By:
                                Name:
                                Title:

                                BANKBOSTON, N.A. (FORMERLY KNOWN AS
                                THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON)


                                 By:
                                 Name:
                                 Title:

                                 BANQUE PARIBAS


                                 By:
                                 Name:
                                 Title:
                                 UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.


                                 By:
                                 Name:
                                 Title:

                                 THE BANK OF NEW YORK


                                 By:
                                 Name:
                                 Title:

                                 CAISSE NATIONALE DE CREDIT AGRICOLE


                                 By:
                                 Name:
                                 Title:



The  undersigned  hereby  acknowledges  and  consents  to  the  foregoing  First
Amendment to Amended and Restated Credit  Agreement,  makes the  representations
and  warranties  set forth in the  foregoing  First  Amendment  to  Amended  and
Restated  Credit  Agreement,  reaffirms  the terms of its Amended  and  Restated
Continuing Guaranty with Bank of America National Trust and Savings Association,
as Agent and  acknowledges  that such Amended and Restated  Continuing  Guaranty
remains in full force and effect in accordance with its terms.

                                  FERRELLGAS FINANCE CORP.


                                  By:
                                  Name:
                                  Title:



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FERRELLGAS, L.P.
AND SUBSIDIARIES BALANCE SHEET ON OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND THE STATEMENT OF
EARNINGS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0000922359
<NAME>                        FERRELLGAS,L.P.
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1000
<CURRENCY>                                     US Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              JUL-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                                 AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                   OCT-31-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                1
<CASH>                                         9335
<SECURITIES>                                   0
<RECEIVABLES>                                  78500
<ALLOWANCES>                                   1234
<INVENTORY>                                    42912
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               146231
<PP&E>                                         620013
<DEPRECIATION>                                 215078
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 668340
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          141780
<BONDS>                                        332022
<COMMON>                                       0
                          0
                                    0
<OTHER-SE>                                     182027
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   668340
<SALES>                                        143051
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               153205
<CGS>                                          86616
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  150528
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             8246
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (9527)
<INCOME-TAX>                                   0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (9527)
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (9527)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<LEGEND>
     THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FERRELLGAS
FINANCE CORP. BALANCE SHEET ON OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND THE STATEMENT OF
EARNINGS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE
TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
</LEGEND>
<CIK>                         0000922360
<NAME>                        FERRELLGAS FINANCE COPR.
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1
<CURRENCY>                                     US Dollars
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-mos
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              JUL-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                                 AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                   OCT-31-1997
<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>                               0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                               0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                0
<INCOME-TAX>                                   0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            0
<DISCONTINUED>                                 0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                0
<CHANGES>                                      0
<NET-INCOME>                                   0
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  0
        


</TABLE>


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