Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2024 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. reported a decrease in gross profit for the second fiscal quarter, driven by lower revenue and cost of sales due to propane price reductions. Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 6%, with a $9.0 million drop compared to the prior year period. The company acquired Eastern Sierra Propane, focused on technology enhancements, and celebrated Blue Rhino's 30th anniversary.

Positive

• Gross profit decreased by $3.9 million, or 1%, due to lower revenue and cost of sales.
• Adjusted EBITDA dropped by 6% to $146.9 million in the second fiscal quarter.
• The acquisition of Eastern Sierra Propane and technology advancements were highlighted as key company developments.
• Blue Rhino, the tank exchange brand, marked its 30th anniversary with various celebratory events.

Negative

• Gallons sold decreased by 5%, attributed to customer attrition and warmer weather.
• Net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. decreased by 2% compared to the prior year period.
• Operating expense as a percentage of total revenue increased by 13%.

• Financial Highlights
  • Gross Profit for the second fiscal quarter decreased $3.9 million, or 1%, compared to the prior year period, driven by decreases of $74.1 million and $70.2 million in revenue and cost of sales, respectively. The revenue and cost of sales changes were primarily due to wholesale propane prices that were 10.1% lower from Mt. Belvieu, Texas and 15.0% lower from Conway, Kansas compared to the prior year period.
  • Margin per gallon for the second fiscal quarter increased $0.05, or 4%, compared to the prior year period. Likewise, operating income per gallon also increased $0.02, or 5%, compared to the prior year period.
  • Net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. decreased $2.3 million, or 2%, compared to the prior year period.
  • Adjusted EBITDA for the second fiscal quarter decreased by $9.0 million, or 6%, compared to the prior year period.
• Company Highlights
  • The Company acquired Eastern Sierra Propane, based in California, during the second fiscal quarter.
  • Ferrellgas’ focus on technology continues with a digital welcome package for its customers, installation of tank monitoring equipment and its ongoing Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system implementation.
  • Blue Rhino, the Company’s tank exchange brand, celebrated its 30^th birthday. Blue Rhino is working with leading influencers in backyard grilling reaching over 17 million people through the second fiscal quarter.
    
    

LIBERTY, Mo., March 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (OTC: FGPR) (“Ferrellgas” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for its second fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2024.

“Ferrellgas account managers are one of many high performing teams within Ferrellgas. In the second fiscal quarter, our account managers provided millions of gallons of new business,” said Tamria Zertuche, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ferrellgas. “We believe our General Managers are the best in the industry. Teamed up with the account managers they have grown retail EBITDA, all the while navigating one of the warmest winters on record.”

Gross profit decreased by $3.9 million, or 1%, for the second fiscal quarter compared to the prior year period. The $74.1 million decrease in revenue was partially offset by a decrease of $70.2 million in cost of product as compared to the prior year period. Our wholesale sales price per gallon partially correlates to the change in the wholesale market price of propane. The wholesale market price at our two major supply points averaged 10.1% and 15.0% less in the second fiscal quarter of 2024 compared to the prior year period. These decreases impacted both the revenue and cost of product changes for the period. As expected, propane market cost reduction and stabilization impacted our current period gross profit. Margin per gallon was $1.26 per gallon and $1.21 per gallon for the second fiscal quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. Operating income per gallon was $0.46 per gallon and $0.44 per gallon for the second fiscal quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Gallons sold for the second fiscal quarter of 2024 decreased 13.6 million, or 5%, primarily due to customer attrition related to the impact of continued inflationary conditions across the nation and warmer weather during the quarter as compared to the prior year period.

We recognized net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. of $95.8 million and $98.1 million in the second fiscal quarter of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively. Operating expense as a percentage of total revenue increased 13% for the second fiscal quarter compared to the prior year period. Operating expense – personnel, vehicle, plant and office increased $2.3 million, or 1%. Lower legal costs compared to the prior year period drove the majority of the $5.9 million decrease in General and administrative expense, partially offset by costs related to the technology investments described above.

Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, decreased by $9.0 million, or 6%, to $146.9 million in the second fiscal quarter compared to $155.9 million in the prior year quarter. The change was primarily due to a $3.9 million decrease in gross profit and, after adjusting for a $9.0 million decrease in Legal fees and settlements related to non-core businesses, a $5.4 million increase in Operating, general and administrative expense.

In conjunction with our focus on growth, we acquired Eastern Sierra Propane in January 2024 with seller advising support from Matrix Capital Markets Group, Inc. This additional 150-mile service area in the Eastern Sierra mountains was cultivated by owner Tom Sigler over 30 years and complements our existing California service units. The strategic propane gas storage acquired through the sale will benefit our distribution network.

Technology remains a strategic priority as we advance various business initiatives such as the design and implementation of the ERP system noted above. Our digital welcome package and tank monitoring installations are other customer service enhancements. As a nationwide logistics company, we will benefit from having better data, miles and minutes management and pricing tools which in turn will allow us to deliver product to our customers timely and efficiently.

Blue Rhino celebrated its 30^th birthday this year. A special edition tank sleeve is rolling out nationally to commemorate the occasion. Blue Rhino fans have the opportunity to enter a nationwide sweepstakes to become an honorary Chief Grilling Officer and receive a BBQ master class for up to 30 friends. Grilling enthusiasts can also view favorite grilling recipes on our 30^th anniversary e-cookbook in addition to participating in other events.

On Friday, March 8, 2024, the Company will conduct a teleconference at https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/5po8ehpw to discuss the results of operations for the second fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2024. The webcast of the teleconference will begin at 8:30 a.m. Central Time (9:30 a.m. Eastern Time). Questions may be submitted via the investor relations e-mail box at InvestorRelations@ferrellgas.com.

About Ferrellgas

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., through its operating partnership, Ferrellgas, L.P., and subsidiaries, serves propane customers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Its Blue Rhino propane exchange brand is sold at 65,000 locations nationwide. Blue Rhino is proudly celebrating its 30^th birthday this year with an exclusive sweepstakes, prizes, and more. Ferrellgas employees indirectly own 1.1 million Class A Units of the partnership, through an employee stock ownership plan. Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. filed an Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023 with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 29, 2023. Investors can request a hard copy of this filing free of charge and obtain more information about the partnership online at www.ferrellgas.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this release concerning expectations for the future are forward-looking statements. A variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause results, performance, and expectations to differ materially from anticipated results, performance, and expectations. These risks, uncertainties, and other factors include those discussed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., Ferrellgas, L.P., Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp., and Ferrellgas Finance Corp. for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2023, and in other documents filed from time to time by these entities with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Contacts

Investor Relations – InvestorRelations@ferrellgas.com

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except unit data)
(unaudited)
ASSETS		January 31, 2024				July 31, 2023
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents (including $10,789 and $11,126 of restricted cash at January 31, 2024 and July 31, 2023, respectively)		$	139,154			$	137,347
Accounts and notes receivable, net			226,920				159,379
Inventories			100,253				98,104
Price risk management asset			15,276				11,966
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			33,729				29,135
Total current assets			515,332				435,931
Property, plant and equipment, net			622,935				615,174
Goodwill, net			257,006				257,006
Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $354,139 and $349,614 at January 31, 2024 and July 31, 2023, respectively)			116,911				106,615
Operating lease right-of-use assets			54,034				57,839
Other assets, net			54,735				58,838
Total assets		$	1,620,953			$	1,531,403
LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE AND EQUITY (DEFICIT)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	67,912			$	35,115
Current portion of long-term debt			2,977				2,597
Current operating lease liabilities			24,983				24,600
Other current liabilities			203,785				197,030
Total current liabilities			299,657				259,342
Long-term debt			1,458,693				1,456,184
Operating lease liabilities			30,345				34,235
Other liabilities			25,563				29,084
Contingencies and commitments
Mezzanine equity:
Senior preferred units, net of issue discount and offering costs (700,000 units outstanding at January 31, 2024 and July 31, 2023)			651,349				651,349
Equity (Deficit):
Limited partner unitholders
Class A (4,857,605 Units outstanding at January 31, 2024 and July 31, 2023)			(1,158,241	)			(1,205,103	)
Class B (1,300,000 Units outstanding at January 31, 2024 and July 31,2023)			383,012				383,012
General partner Unitholder (49,496 Units outstanding at January 31, 2024 and July 31, 2023)			(70,092	)			(70,566	)
Accumulated other comprehensive income			7,313				1,059
Total Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. deficit			(838,008	)			(891,598	)
Noncontrolling interest			(6,646	)			(7,193	)
Total deficit			(844,654	)			(898,791	)
Total liabilities, mezzanine and deficit		$	1,620,953			$	1,531,403

FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per unit data) (unaudited)
		Three months ended								Six months ended								Twelve months ended
		January 31,								January 31,								January 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023					2024				2023
Revenues:
Propane and other gas liquids sales		$	584,209			$	651,886			$	923,143			$	1,037,730			$	1,802,305			$	2,025,401
Other			25,668				32,057				57,747				59,502				107,818				106,927
Total revenues			609,877				683,943				980,890				1,097,232				1,910,123				2,132,328
Cost of sales:
Propane and other gas liquids sales			277,838				347,492				450,018				560,573				892,802				1,130,826
Other			3,730				4,243				8,171				9,019				15,065				14,361
Gross profit			328,309				332,208				522,701				527,640				1,002,256				987,141
Operating expense - personnel, vehicle, plant & other			159,638				157,355				304,284				287,095				594,709				562,573
Operating expense - equipment lease expense			5,343				5,586				10,719				11,610				22,361				22,992
Depreciation and amortization expense			24,435				23,069				48,839				45,700				96,509				93,358
General and administrative expense			17,191				23,115				30,016				37,948				62,806				62,369
Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge			900				722				1,620				1,445				3,110				2,955
Loss on asset sales and disposals			382				290				1,717				1,970				5,438				3,217
Operating income			120,420				122,071				125,506				141,872				217,323				239,677
Interest expense			(24,359	)			(23,177	)			(48,520	)			(48,186	)			(98,046	)			(97,745	)
Other income, net			849				544				2,185				1,013				3,797				1,539
Earnings before income tax expense			96,910				99,438				79,171				94,699				123,074				143,471
Income tax expense			309				503				471				521				931				925
Net earnings			96,601				98,935				78,700				94,178				122,143				142,546
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest (1)			812				835				467				623				584				797
Net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.		$	95,789			$	98,100			$	78,233			$	93,555			$	121,559			$	141,749
Class A unitholders' interest in net earnings (loss)		$	11,226			$	11,557			$	6,421			$	8,592			$	8,000			$	(19,532	)
Net loss per unitholders' interest
Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per Class A Unit		$	2.31			$	2.38			$	1.32			$	1.77			$	1.65			$	(4.02	)
Weighted average Class A Units outstanding - basic and diluted			4,858				4,858				4,858				4,858				4,858				4,858

(1)	Amounts allocated to the general partner for its 1.0101% interest (excluding the economic interest attributable to the preferred unitholders) in the operating partnership, Ferrellgas, L.P.

Supplemental Data and Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Items:
		Three months ended								Six months ended								Twelve months ended
		January 31,								January 31,								January 31,
		2024				2023				2024				2023					2024				2023
Net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.		$	95,789			$	98,100			$	78,233			$	93,555			$	121,559			$	141,749
Income tax expense			309				503				471				521				931				925
Interest expense			24,359				23,177				48,520				48,186				98,046				97,745
Depreciation and amortization expense			24,435				23,069				48,839				45,700				96,509				93,358
EBITDA			144,892				144,849				176,063				187,962				317,045				333,777
Non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge			900				722				1,620				1,445				3,110				2,955
Loss on asset sales and disposal			382				290				1,717				1,970				5,438				3,217
Other income, net			(849	)			(544	)			(2,185	)			(1,013	)			(3,797	)			(1,539	)
Severance costs			—				634				—				644				-				725
Legal fees and settlements related to non-core businesses			103				9,107				1,157				13,979				8,929				16,979
Business transformation costs (1)			691				—				965				—				3,053				-
Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest (2)			812				835				467				623				584				797
Adjusted EBITDA (3)			146,931				155,893				179,804				205,610				334,362				356,911
Net cash interest expense (4)			(21,424	)			(20,265	)			(42,171	)			(42,871	)			(85,995	)			(95,498	)
Maintenance capital expenditures (5)			(4,039	)			(4,375	)			(8,569	)			(10,207	)			(18,531	)			(19,587	)
Cash paid for income taxes			(256	)			(447	)			(359	)			(496	)			(955	)			(1,107	)
Proceeds from certain asset sales			900				736				1,380				1,488				2,044				2,875
Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors (6)			122,112				131,542				130,085				153,524				230,925				243,594
Less: Distributions accrued or paid to preferred unitholders			16,250				16,222				32,501				32,473				64,342				64,438
Distributable cash flow attributable to general partner and non-controlling interest			(2,443	)			(2,631	)			(2,602	)			(3,070	)			(4,619	)			(4,872	)
Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders (7)			103,419				112,689				94,982				117,981				161,964				174,284
Less: Distributions paid to Class A and B Unitholders (8)			—				—				—				—				49,998				49,998
Distributable cash flow excess (9)		$	103,419			$	112,689			$	94,982			$	117,981			$	111,966			$	124,286
Propane gallons sales
Retail - Sales to End Users			203,054				213,662				317,494				332,058				587,579				625,273
Wholesale - Sales to Resellers			57,978				60,945				105,743				104,814				206,819				205,318
Total propane gallons sales			261,032				274,607				423,237				436,872				794,398				830,591

(1)	Non-recurring costs included in “Operating, general and administrative expense” primarily related to the implementation of an ERP system as part of our business transformation initiatives.
(2)	Amounts allocated to the general partner for its 1.0101% interest (excluding the economic interest attributable to the preferred unitholders) in the operating partnership, Ferrellgas, L.P.
(3)	Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as net earnings attributable to Ferrellgas Partners, L.P., plus the sum of the following: income tax expense, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, non-cash employee stock ownership plan compensation charge, loss on asset sales and disposals, other income, net, severance costs, legal fees and settlements related to non-core businesses, business transformation costs, and net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interest. Management believes the presentation of this measure is relevant and useful because it allows investors to view the partnership's performance in a manner similar to the method management uses, adjusted for items management believes make it easier to compare its results with other companies that have different financing and capital structures. Adjusted EBITDA, as management defines it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements used by other companies. Items added into our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. Adjusted EBITDA should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.
(4)	Net cash interest expense is the sum of interest expense less non-cash interest expense and other income, net.
(5)	Maintenance capital expenditures include capitalized expenditures for betterment and replacement of property, plant and equipment, and may from time to time include the purchase of assets that are typically leased.
(6)	Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors is calculated as Adjusted EBITDA minus net cash interest expense, maintenance capital expenditures and cash paid for income taxes plus proceeds from certain asset sales. Management considers distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors a meaningful measure of the partnership’s ability to declare and pay quarterly distributions to equity investors, including holders of the operating partnership’s Preferred Units. Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors, as management defines it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements used by other companies. Items added into our calculation of distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.
(7)	Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders is calculated as Distributable cash flow attributable to equity investors minus distributions accrued or paid on the Preferred Units and distributable cash flow attributable to general partner and noncontrolling interest. Management considers distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders a meaningful measure of the partnership’s ability to declare and pay quarterly distributions to Class A and B Unitholders. Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders, as management defines it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements used by other companies. Items added to our calculation of distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.
(8)	The Company did not pay any distributions to Class A Unitholders during any of the periods in fiscal 2024 or fiscal 2023.
(9)	Distributable cash flow excess is calculated as Distributable cash flow attributable to Class A and B Unitholders minus Distributions paid to Class A and B Unitholders. Distributable cash flow excess, if any, is retained to establish reserves, to reduce debt, to fund capital expenditures and for other partnership purposes, and any shortage is funded from previously established reserves, cash on hand or borrowings under our Credit Facility. Management considers Distributable cash flow excess a meaningful measure of the partnership’s ability to effectuate those purposes. Distributable cash flow excess, as management defines it, may not be comparable to similarly titled measurements used by other companies. Items added into our calculation of distributable cash flow excess that will not occur on a continuing basis may have associated cash payments. Distributable cash flow excess should be viewed in conjunction with measurements that are computed in accordance with GAAP.

FAQ

What caused the decrease in gross profit for Ferrellgas in the second fiscal quarter?

The decrease in gross profit was primarily due to lower revenue and cost of sales, driven by reductions in propane prices.

How much did Adjusted EBITDA decrease by in the second fiscal quarter for Ferrellgas?

Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 6% to $146.9 million compared to the prior year period.

What key acquisition did Ferrellgas make during the second fiscal quarter?

Ferrellgas acquired Eastern Sierra Propane in California.

What technology enhancements did Ferrellgas focus on in the second fiscal quarter?

The company implemented a digital welcome package for customers, tank monitoring equipment, and an Enterprise Resource Planning system.

How did Blue Rhino celebrate its 30th birthday?

Blue Rhino celebrated its 30th anniversary with various events, including a nationwide sweepstakes and a special edition tank sleeve.