Ferrellgas Narrows Loss to $27M, Driven by Cost Cuts

Ferrellgas L P 10-Q Filing Summary
FieldDetail
CompanyFerrellgas L P
Form Type10-Q
Filed DateDec 12, 2025
Risk Levelmedium
Pages15
Reading Time18 min
Sentimentmixed

Sentiment: mixed

Topics: Propane Distribution, Cost Reduction, Debt Refinancing, Operating Income, Net Loss Improvement, Energy Sector, Financial Performance

TL;DR

**Ferrellgas is cutting costs hard and refinancing debt, but the revenue dip and increased long-term leverage are red flags for future growth.**

AI Summary

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. reported a net loss of $27.364 million for the three months ended October 31, 2025, a significant improvement from the $148.330 million net loss in the same period of 2024. Total revenues decreased by 2.45% to $355.189 million from $364.085 million year-over-year, primarily due to a decline in propane and other gas liquids sales from $336.798 million to $329.314 million. Operating income saw a dramatic turnaround, reaching $1.873 million in Q1 2025 compared to an operating loss of $122.926 million in Q1 2024, largely driven by a substantial reduction in general and administrative expense from $137.926 million to $12.014 million. The company incurred a $3.003 million loss on extinguishment of debt in 2025, which was not present in 2024. Cash and cash equivalents decreased significantly to $28.382 million at October 31, 2025, from $96.883 million at July 31, 2025, with net cash used in operating activities totaling $8.498 million. Long-term debt increased to $1,452.813 million from $815.462 million, while the current portion of long-term debt decreased from $652.178 million to $1.828 million, indicating a significant refinancing activity.

Why It Matters

This filing reveals a critical shift in Ferrellgas's financial health, with a substantial reduction in net loss and a return to operating income. The dramatic decrease in general and administrative expenses suggests aggressive cost-cutting measures, which could improve profitability and investor confidence. However, the significant increase in long-term debt, despite a reduction in current debt, indicates a refinancing strategy that could impact future interest expenses and overall financial flexibility. For investors, this mixed bag of improved operational efficiency and increased leverage requires careful consideration, especially in a competitive energy market where pricing and demand for propane are crucial. Employees and customers might see stability if the cost reductions are sustainable and don't impact service quality.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: medium — The risk level is medium due to the significant increase in long-term debt to $1,452.813 million from $815.462 million, which could increase interest expense and financial burden. While the net loss improved from $148.330 million to $27.364 million, total revenues declined by 2.45% to $355.189 million, indicating ongoing top-line challenges in the propane and gas liquids sales segment.

Analyst Insight

Investors should closely monitor Ferrellgas's revenue trends and the sustainability of its cost-cutting measures. Evaluate the impact of the increased long-term debt on future interest payments and cash flow, and assess if the company's operational improvements can translate into consistent profitability and debt reduction in the coming quarters.

Financial Highlights

debt To Equity
N/A
revenue
$355.189M
operating Margin
0.53%
total Assets
$1,378.533M
total Debt
$1,454.641M
net Income
-$27.364M
eps
($8.88)
gross Margin
N/A
cash Position
$28.382M
revenue Growth
-2.45%

Revenue Breakdown

SegmentRevenueGrowth
Propane and other gas liquids sales$329,314,000-2.21%
Other$25,875,000-5.17%

Key Numbers

  • $27.364M — Net Loss (Improved from $148.330M in Q1 2024, a 81.56% reduction.)
  • $355.189M — Total Revenues (Decreased by 2.45% from $364.085M in Q1 2024.)
  • $1.873M — Operating Income (Turnaround from an operating loss of $122.926M in Q1 2024.)
  • $12.014M — General & Administrative Expense (Significantly reduced from $137.926M in Q1 2024.)
  • $1,452.813M — Long-Term Debt (Increased from $815.462M at July 31, 2025, indicating refinancing.)
  • $1.828M — Current Portion of Long-Term Debt (Decreased from $652.178M at July 31, 2025, due to refinancing.)
  • $28.382M — Cash and Cash Equivalents (Decreased from $96.883M at July 31, 2025.)
  • $3.003M — Loss on Extinguishment of Debt (Incurred in Q1 2025, not present in Q1 2024.)
  • ($8.88) — Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Class A Unit (Improved from ($33.23) in Q1 2024.)
  • ($8.498M) — Net Cash Used in Operating Activities (Improved from ($34.277M) in Q1 2024.)

Key Players & Entities

  • Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. (company) — registrant and primary entity
  • Ferrellgas, L.P. (company) — operating partnership and consolidated subsidiary
  • Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. (company) — consolidated subsidiary
  • Ferrellgas Finance Corp. (company) — consolidated subsidiary
  • $27.364 million (dollar_amount) — net loss for Q1 2025
  • $148.330 million (dollar_amount) — net loss for Q1 2024
  • $355.189 million (dollar_amount) — total revenues for Q1 2025
  • $364.085 million (dollar_amount) — total revenues for Q1 2024
  • $12.014 million (dollar_amount) — general and administrative expense for Q1 2025
  • $137.926 million (dollar_amount) — general and administrative expense for Q1 2024

FAQ

What were Ferrellgas Partners' revenues for the quarter ended October 31, 2025?

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. reported total revenues of $355.189 million for the three months ended October 31, 2025, a decrease from $364.085 million in the same period of 2024.

How did Ferrellgas Partners' net loss change year-over-year for the first quarter?

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P.'s net loss significantly improved to $27.364 million for the three months ended October 31, 2025, compared to a net loss of $148.330 million for the same period in 2024.

What was the primary driver for the improvement in Ferrellgas Partners' operating income?

The primary driver for the improvement in operating income was a substantial reduction in general and administrative expense, which decreased from $137.926 million in Q1 2024 to $12.014 million in Q1 2025.

Did Ferrellgas Partners engage in any significant debt activities during the quarter?

Yes, Ferrellgas Partners engaged in significant debt activities, with long-term debt increasing to $1,452.813 million from $815.462 million, and the current portion of long-term debt decreasing from $652.178 million to $1.828 million, indicating a major refinancing.

What was Ferrellgas Partners' cash and cash equivalents balance at October 31, 2025?

At October 31, 2025, Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. had cash and cash equivalents of $28.382 million, down from $96.883 million at July 31, 2025.

What was the basic and diluted net loss per Class A Unit for Ferrellgas Partners?

The basic and diluted net loss per Class A Unit for Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. was ($8.88) for the three months ended October 31, 2025, a notable improvement from ($33.23) in the prior year period.

How much cash did Ferrellgas Partners use in operating activities?

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. used $8.498 million in net cash from operating activities for the three months ended October 31, 2025, an improvement from $34.277 million used in the same period of 2024.

What was the impact of risk management derivatives on Ferrellgas Partners' comprehensive loss?

The change in value of risk management derivatives resulted in an $11.841 million loss for the three months ended October 31, 2025, contributing to an other comprehensive loss of $9.978 million.

What is Ferrellgas Partners' primary business?

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. is primarily engaged in the retail distribution of propane and related equipment sales, operating through its subsidiary Ferrellgas, L.P.

What was the loss on extinguishment of debt for Ferrellgas Partners in Q1 2025?

Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. reported a loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.003 million for the three months ended October 31, 2025, which was not present in the comparable period of 2024.

Risk Factors

  • Debt Load and Refinancing [high — financial]: The company's long-term debt significantly increased to $1,452.813 million from $815.462 million, while the current portion decreased drastically to $1.828 million from $652.178 million. This indicates substantial refinancing activity, which carries inherent risks related to interest rate fluctuations and the ability to secure favorable terms.
  • Fluctuations in Commodity Prices [medium — operational]: Revenues are heavily reliant on propane and other gas liquids sales, which decreased by 2.45% year-over-year. Volatility in the prices of these commodities can significantly impact revenue and profitability.
  • Cash Position Decline [medium — financial]: Cash and cash equivalents decreased substantially from $96.883 million at July 31, 2025, to $28.382 million at October 31, 2025. This reduction, coupled with net cash used in operating activities of $8.498 million, raises concerns about liquidity.
  • Loss on Extinguishment of Debt [low — financial]: The company incurred a $3.003 million loss on extinguishment of debt in the current period. While not present in the prior year, such losses can negatively impact net income and indicate potentially costly debt restructuring.
  • General and Administrative Expense Reduction [medium — operational]: A significant reduction in general and administrative expenses from $137.926 million to $12.014 million was a key driver for the turnaround in operating income. However, sustaining such a drastic cut may pose operational challenges or indicate a one-time adjustment.

Industry Context

The propane and gas liquids industry is characterized by its sensitivity to commodity prices and seasonal demand. Ferrellgas operates in a competitive landscape with other major distributors and energy companies. Trends include a growing demand for propane as a cleaner-burning fuel and ongoing efforts to optimize logistics and distribution networks.

Regulatory Implications

As a distributor of energy products, Ferrellgas is subject to various federal, state, and local regulations concerning safety, environmental protection, and transportation. Changes in environmental policies or safety standards could lead to increased compliance costs or operational disruptions.

What Investors Should Do

  1. Monitor debt refinancing activities and associated costs.
  2. Analyze the sustainability of G&A expense reductions.
  3. Evaluate the impact of commodity price volatility on revenue and margins.
  4. Assess the company's liquidity and cash flow generation.

Key Dates

  • 2025-10-31: End of First Quarter 2025 — Reported a net loss of $27.364 million, a significant improvement from the prior year, driven by reduced G&A expenses and a turnaround in operating income.
  • 2025-07-31: End of Fiscal Year 2025 — Company had $96.883 million in cash and cash equivalents and $815.462 million in long-term debt prior to significant refinancing.
  • 2024-10-31: End of First Quarter 2024 — Reported a net loss of $148.330 million and an operating loss of $122.926 million, with significantly higher general and administrative expenses.

Glossary

Mezzanine Equity
A hybrid form of financing that blends debt and equity features, often subordinate to senior debt but senior to common equity. (Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. has $651.349 million in Senior preferred units classified under mezzanine equity, impacting its capital structure.)
Deficit
Represents a negative equity position, meaning the company's liabilities exceed its assets. (Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. has a total deficit of $1,082.035 million, indicating a substantial accumulated loss over time.)
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
A loss recognized when a company repays or redeems its debt before its scheduled maturity date, often due to unfavorable market conditions or refinancing at a higher cost. (Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. incurred a $3.003 million loss in this category during the quarter, impacting net income.)
Operating lease right-of-use assets
An asset recognized under accounting standards for leases, representing the right to use an underlying asset for the lease term. (The company has $37.333 million in these assets, reflecting its obligations for leased properties and equipment.)
Noncontrolling interest
The portion of equity in a subsidiary that is not attributable to the parent company. (Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. reports a noncontrolling interest of $(9.025) million, indicating ownership stakes held by others in its consolidated entities.)

Year-Over-Year Comparison

Compared to the prior year's first quarter, Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. has shown a remarkable improvement in its financial performance. Total revenues saw a slight decrease of 2.45%, but the net loss was drastically reduced by 81.56% from $148.330 million to $27.364 million. This turnaround was primarily driven by a substantial reduction in general and administrative expenses, which swung operating income from a significant loss to a modest gain. However, the company's balance sheet reflects a major shift in its debt structure, with long-term debt increasing substantially due to refinancing activities, while cash reserves have diminished.

Filing Stats: 4,439 words · 18 min read · ~15 pages · Grade level 12.9 · Accepted 2025-12-12 06:36:14

Filing Documents

- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 5 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 6 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Deficit – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 7 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 8 Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets – October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025 9 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 10 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 11 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Partners' Deficit – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 12 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 13 Ferrellgas Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries and Ferrellgas, L.P. and Subsidiaries Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 14 Ferrellgas Partners Finance Corp. Condensed Balance Sheets – October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025 36 Condensed Statements of Operations – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 37 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 38 Notes to Condensed Financial Statements 39 Ferrellgas Finance Corp. Condensed Balance Sheets – October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025 40 Condensed Statements of Operations – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 41 Condensed Statements of Cash Flows – Three months ended October 31, 2025 and 2024 42 Notes to Condensed Financial Statements 43 ITEM 2.

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

MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS 44 ITEM 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK 60 ITEM 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 61

- OTHER INFORMATION

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS 62 ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

RISK FACTORS 62 ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 62 ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 62 ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES 62 ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION 62 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS 63 3 Table of Contents

- FINANCIAL INFORMATION

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited) FERRELLGAS PARTNERS, L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (in thousands, except unit data) (unaudited) October 31, 2025 July 31, 2025 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 28,382 $ 96,883 Accounts receivable (net of allowance for expected credit losses of $ 4,009 and $ 4,330 at October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025, respectively) 133,565 127,510 Inventories 91,868 87,807 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 45,477 30,471 Total current assets 299,292 342,671 Property, plant and equipment, net 602,113 602,692 Goodwill, net 257,155 257,155 Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $ 368,661 and $ 366,817 at October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025, respectively) 104,606 106,451 Operating lease right-of-use assets 37,333 39,045 Other assets, net 78,034 68,702 Total assets $ 1,378,533 $ 1,416,716 LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE AND EQUITY (DEFICIT) Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 55,313 $ 31,083 Current portion of long-term debt 1,828 652,178 Current operating lease liabilities 15,850 16,082 Other current liabilities 216,052 215,154 Total current liabilities 289,043 914,497 Long-term debt 1,452,813 815,462 Operating lease liabilities 22,673 24,079 Other liabilities 44,690 40,457 Contingencies and commitments (Note K) Mezzanine equity: Senior preferred units, net of issue discount and offering costs ( 700,000 units outstanding at October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025) 651,349 651,349 Deficit: Limited partner unitholders Class A ( 4,857,605 units outstanding at October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025) ( 1,374,780 ) ( 1,332,704 ) Class B ( 1,300,000 units outstanding at October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025) 383,012 383,012 General partner unitholder ( 49,496 units outstanding at October 31, 2025 and July 31, 2025) ( 71,270 ) ( 70,845 ) Accumulated other com

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