Preferred units	3 Months Ended
Oct. 31, 2023
Preferred units
Preferred units	F. Preferred units On March 30, 2021, pursuant to an Investment Agreement, the operating partnership issued an aggregate of 700,000 Preferred Units (the “Preferred Units”), having an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $700.0 million. Redemption of the Preferred Units in the near term is not probable because of the high redemption price in the first three to four years. As described in greater detail under “Issuer Redemption Right” below, the Redemption Price for the Preferred Units is based upon the greater of the amount that would result in a 1.47x MOIC (defined below) and the amount that would result in a 12.25% internal rate of return. If the Preferred Units were redeemed during the first three to four years after issuance, the 1.47x MOIC would require a large premium payment and that large premium payment would result in an internal rate of return far in excess of the minimum 12.25%. Consequently, it is unlikely that Ferrellgas would be able to achieve any savings in its cost of capital by redeeming the Preferred Units during the first three to four years after issuance. “MOIC” means, with respect to a Preferred Unit, a multiple on invested capital equal to the quotient determined by dividing (A) the sum of (x) the aggregate amount of all distributions made in cash with respect to such Preferred Unit prior to the applicable date of determination, with certain exclusions, plus (y) each Redemption Price paid in cash in respect of such Preferred Unit, on or prior to the applicable date of determination, by (B) the Purchase Price (defined below) of such Preferred Unit. The preferences, rights, privileges and other terms of the Preferred Units are set forth in the First Amendment to the Amended OpCo LPA (the “OpCo LPA Amendment”) entered into by the general partner on March 30, 2021 (along with the Fifth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas, L.P. (the “Amended OpCo LPA”)) and are described below. Issuer Redemption Right The operating partnership has the right to redeem all or a portion of the Preferred Units for cash, pro rata and at any time and from time to time, including in connection with a Change of Control (as defined in the OpCo LPA Amendment), at an amount per Preferred Unit (the “Redemption Price”) equal to, without duplication, the sum of (a) the greater of (i) the amount necessary to result in a MOIC of 1.47x in respect of the purchase price, before discount, of such Preferred Unit, which is $1,000 per Preferred Unit (the “Purchase Price”), and (ii) the amount necessary to result in the applicable internal rate of return equal to 12.25%, which is increased by 150 basis points if the operating partnership has elected to pay more than four Quarterly Distributions (as defined below) in PIK Units (as defined below) and (b) the accumulated but unpaid Quarterly Distributions to the date of redemption, if any. A partial redemption of the Preferred Units is permitted only in the event the aggregate amount to be paid in respect of all Preferred Units included in such partial redemption is at least $25.0 million. Investor Redemption Right In the event that (i) any Class B Units are outstanding, or (ii) (x) no Class B Units are outstanding and (y) no more than 233,300 Preferred Units are outstanding, at any time on and after March 30, 2031, the Required Holders may elect, by delivery of written notice, to have the operating partnership fully redeem each remaining outstanding Preferred Unit for an amount in cash equal to the Redemption Price. “Required Holders” refers to both (i) holders owning at least 33.3% of the total Preferred Units outstanding at any time and (ii) certain initial affiliated purchasers, for so long as such initial affiliated purchasers collectively own at least 25% of the Preferred Units outstanding at such time. In the event that (i) no Class B Units are outstanding and (ii) more than 233,300 Preferred Units are outstanding, the Required Holders will have the right to trigger a sale of the operating partnership after March 30, 2031. If the operating partnership fails to consummate a sale that would pay the Redemption Price in full within 180 days of written notice requiring such sale, the Required Holders will have the right to appoint a majority of the members of the Board of Directors of the general partner and initiate a sale of the operating partnership. Change of Control Upon a Change of Control (as defined in the OpCo LPA Amendment), the Required Holders will have the option to require the redemption of all or a portion of the Preferred Units in cash in an amount equal to the Redemption Price; provided, that such Redemption Price shall not be payable unless the operating partnership shall have first made any required change of control offer pursuant to the indentures governing the 2026 Notes and the 2029 Notes and purchased all such 2026 Notes and 2029 Notes tendered pursuant to such offer (unless otherwise waived by such noteholders); provided, further that the Redemption Price shall be paid immediately following the purchase of such tendered Notes (if any). Fair Value of Embedded Derivatives Ferrellgas identified the investor redemption right and the change in control option as embedded derivatives that require bifurcation as they are not clearly and closely related to the debt host contract and has concluded that the fair values at issuance and at October 31, 2023 and July 31, 2023, are immaterial to the financial statements. Distributions Pursuant to the OpCo LPA Amendment, the operating partnership is required to pay to the holders of each Preferred Unit a cumulative, quarterly distribution (the “Quarterly Distribution”) at the Distribution Rate (as defined below) on the Purchase Price. “Distribution Rate” means, for the first five years after March 30, 2021, a rate per annum equal to 8.956%, with certain increases in the Distribution Rate on each of the 5^th, 6^th and 7^th anniversaries of March 30, 2021, subject to a maximum rate of 11.125% and certain other adjustments and exceptions. The Quarterly Distribution may be paid in cash or, at the election of the operating partnership, “in kind” through the issuance of additional Preferred Units (“PIK Units”) at the quarterly Distribution Rate plus an applicable premium that escalates each year from 75 bps to 300 bps so long as the Preferred Units remain outstanding. In the event the operating partnership fails to make any Quarterly Distribution in cash, such Quarterly Distribution will automatically be paid in PIK Units. The Distribution Rate on the Preferred Units will increase upon violation of certain protective provisions for the benefit of Preferred Unit holders notwithstanding the cap mentioned above. On November 15, 2023, $15.4 million of the Quarterly Distribution was paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units. As of October 31, 2023, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $18.0 million. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrual of $2.6 million represents Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to the side letters outlined in the OpCo LPA Amendment. On November 15, 2022, $15.3 million of the Quarterly Distribution was paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units. As of October 31, 2022, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $18.0 million. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrued of $2.7 million represented Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to the side letters. Tax Distributions For any quarter in which the operating partnership makes a Quarterly Distribution in PIK Units in lieu of cash, it will be required to make a subsequent cash tax distribution for such quarter in an amount equal to the (i) the lesser of (x) 25% and (y) the highest combined federal, state and local tax rate applicable for corporations organized in New York, multiplied by (ii) the excess (if any) of (A) one-fourth (1/4th) of the estimated taxable income to be allocated to the holders of Preferred Units for the year in which the Quarterly Tax Payment Date (which refers to certain specified dates that next follow a Quarterly Distribution date on which PIK Units were issued) occurs, over (B) any cash paid on the Quarterly Distribution date immediately preceding the Quarterly Tax Payment Date on which a quarterly tax amount would otherwise be paid (such amount, the “Tax Distribution”). Tax Distributions are treated as advances against, and reduce, future cash distributions for any reason, including payments in redemption of Preferred Units or PIK Units, or payments to the holders in their capacity as such pursuant to any side letter or other agreement. Additional Amounts for Certain Purchasers The operating partnership is required to pay certain additional amounts of cash (the “Additional Amounts”) as necessary to certain holders of Preferred Units that hold their interests through a “blocker,” which is a U.S. entity that is owned and organized by certain original purchasers of Preferred Units who are non-U.S. persons or tax exempt for U.S. tax purposes and is treated as a corporation for U.S. tax purposes. Only certain original purchasers of Preferred Units who hold their Preferred Units through such blockers are, and none of their transferees is, entitled to Additional Amounts. Additional Amounts are capped at the lesser of: (a) the product of 20% multiplied by taxable income allocated to a “blocker” (as defined) divided by 0.8, and (b) the actual taxes payable by the “blocker” as a result of holding Senior Preferred Units. Board Rights For so long as at least 140,000 Preferred Units remain outstanding, holders of the Preferred Units have the right to designate one director to the Board of the general partner, subject to approval by the general partner. Protective Provisions The OpCo LPA Amendment and the Sixth Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (the “Amended Ferrellgas Partners LPA”) include, among other things, certain covenants for the benefit of holders of Preferred Units applicable to the operating partnership and, in certain instances, Ferrellgas Partners, for so long as at least $35,000,000 of Preferred Units and PIK Units remain outstanding. These covenants include, among other things, limitations on (i) effecting a Change of Control, (ii) amending organizational documents, (iii) issuing certain equity securities, (iv) issuing Preferred Units, (v) filing for bankruptcy, (vi) non-ordinary course investments, and (vii) incurring certain levels of indebtedness. Ranking and Liquidation Preference The Preferred Units rank senior to any other class or series of equity interests of the operating partnership (including the partnership interests held by Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner). Upon a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the operating partnership, each holder of Preferred Units will be entitled to receive, prior and in preference to any distribution of any assets of the operating partnership to the holders of any other class or series of equity interests in the operating partnership (including Ferrellgas Partners and the general partner), an amount per Preferred Unit equal to the Redemption Price. Restrictions on Cash Distributions to Ferrellgas Partners and the General Partner The operating partnership is permitted to make distributions of Available Cash (as defined in the Amended OpCo LPA) to Ferrellgas Partners only if (i) the operating partnership has made all required Quarterly Distributions (in cash or PIK Units), Tax Distributions and payments of Additional Amounts, (ii) the operating partnership has redeemed all PIK Units issued, (iii) the operating partnership’s consolidated net leverage (defined generally to mean the ratio of the operating partnership’s consolidated total net debt (including the total redemption price of all outstanding Preferred Units and PIK Units but excluding certain letters of credit and capital lease obligations) as of each Quarterly Distribution Date to trailing four quarters consolidated EBITDA, both as adjusted for certain, specified items) is below 7.00x, net of cash, immediately before and after giving effect to such distribution, (iv) the operating partnership has at least $100 million of liquidity, consisting of unrestricted cash on hand and available capacity under the Credit Agreement or any replacement thereof, and (v) the operating partnership is in compliance with the other protective provisions in the OpCo LPA Amendment.

Preferred units

3 Months Ended

Oct. 31, 2023

F. Preferred units

On March 30, 2021, pursuant to an Investment Agreement, the operating partnership issued an aggregate of 700,000 Preferred Units (the “Preferred Units”), having an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $700.0 million.

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

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

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

Issuer Redemption Right

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

Investor Redemption Right

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

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

Change of Control

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

Fair Value of Embedded Derivatives

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

Distributions

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

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

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

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

On November 15, 2023, $15.4 million of the Quarterly Distribution was paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units. As of October 31, 2023, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $18.0 million. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrual of $2.6 million represents Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to the side letters outlined in the OpCo LPA Amendment.

On November 15, 2022, $15.3 million of the Quarterly Distribution was paid in cash to holders of Preferred Units. As of October 31, 2022, the Quarterly Distribution accrued was $18.0 million. The remaining Quarterly Distribution accrued of $2.7 million represented Additional Amounts payable to certain holders of Preferred Units pursuant to the side letters.

Tax Distributions

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

Additional Amounts for Certain Purchasers

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

Board Rights

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

Protective Provisions

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

Ranking and Liquidation Preference

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

Restrictions on Cash Distributions to Ferrellgas Partners and the General Partner

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