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    FERRELLGAS PARTNERS L P (FGPR)

    FGPR Q3 2025: refinancing plan to strengthen capital amid tariff risk

    Reported on Jun 6, 2025
    Pre-Earnings Price$8.75Last close (Jun 5, 2025)
    Post-Earnings Price$9.71Last close (Jun 6, 2025)
    Price Change
    $0.96(+10.97%)
    • Continued Strong Leadership and Operational Continuity: Despite the departure of the CFO, management has reallocated responsibilities to experienced executives, ensuring stability and clear communication with investors.
    • Proactive Cost Management and Tariff Mitigation: Management emphasized its strategy of continuous improvement and targeted investments to counteract cost pressures from tariffs and market uncertainties.
    • Strategic Financial Positioning: The company is actively exploring refinancing opportunities with a global investment bank to strengthen its capital structure and support future growth.
    • Tariff Risk: Questions on how tariffs on steel tanks and cylinders and changing trade policies may affect the company's cost structure and supply chain were raised, suggesting potential margin pressure if these issues worsen.
    • Leadership Transition Risk: The recent retirement of the CFO and the interim assignment of expanded responsibilities may introduce temporary leadership challenges and possible execution delays.
    • Refinancing Uncertainty: Ongoing efforts with Moelis & Company LLC to execute a refinancing introduce uncertainty, particularly if market conditions deteriorate or the refinancing does not proceed as planned.
    MetricYoY ChangeReason

    Total Revenue

    +8.7%

    **The increase to $560.85 million from $515.77 million reflects a continuation of improved volume sales and higher wholesale propane prices seen in prior periods (e.g., Q2 2025’s revenue gains from increased gallons sold and pricing improvements). These initiatives and favorable market conditions have cumulatively driven revenue upward. **

    Propane and Other Gas Liquids Sales

    +8.9%

    **Sales climbed to $533.55 million from $490.10 million, driven by increased volumes and higher wholesale prices—a trend previously observed when improvements in wholesale pricing and customer demand in earlier quarters (e.g., Q2 2025) boosted propane sales. This reflects persistent market recovery and effective pricing strategies. **

    Other Revenues

    +6.3%

    **The modest gain from $25.70 million to $27.30 million is likely due to enhanced performance in ancillary revenue streams (such as appliance sales, rental fees, and customer charges), building on incremental improvements noted in earlier periods where operational adjustments helped stabilize this segment. **

    Operating Income

    +13.8%

    **Operating Income rose to $87.29 million from $76.74 million as better gross profit margins—stemming from increased total revenue and controlled cost increases—more than offset higher operating expenses. This improvement continues the efficiency and cost management trends seen in prior periods (e.g., Q2 2025), underscoring effective operational initiatives. **

    Net Earnings

    +12.1%

    **Net Earnings increased to $59.55 million from $53.14 million as a result of the stronger gross profit and improved operating efficiencies that were evident in previous periods. Enhanced sales volumes and pricing strategies, along with efficient cost controls, have driven better profitability. These trends are a continuation of positive changes observed in earlier quarters such as Q2 2025. **

    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Refinancing and Capital Structure Management

    In Q2 2025 the company discussed refinancing alternatives for the 2026 senior notes, debt maturities, and the retention of Moelis & Company to evaluate its capital structure. In Q1 2025, an investment bank was engaged to analyze refinancing options and adjustments to the credit structure. In Q4 2024, discussions revolved around the revolving credit facility extension and addressing complex capital structure factors.

    In Q3 2025, Ferrellgas is working with Moelis & Company to complete a refinancing process and evaluate capital structure opportunities.

    Consistent focus on managing debt and capital structure; Q3 continues the previously established strategy with a clear refinancing process in progress.

    Strategic Acquisitions and Growth

    Q1 2025 emphasized acquisition strategy with key tuck-in acquisitions (Eastern Sierra Propane, Kilhoffer) and organic retail growth. Q2 2025 detailed the acquisition of Kilhoffer and notable growth in the Blue Rhino tank exchange business. Q4 2024 highlighted acquisitions outside the Midwest, including Eastern Sierra Propane, and regional expansion in the Southwest.

    Q3 2025 focused on retail growth with multiyear national account deals, investments in infrastructure and telematics, and highlighted responsiveness during severe weather, along with an evolving consumer demand profile.

    A consistently positive outlook on growth, with Q3 reinforcing strategic acquisitions and operational investments while adapting to market conditions.

    Operational Performance and Resilience

    Q1 2025 showcased strong retail operations, effective storm response, Blue Rhino free cash flow milestones, and strategic logistics upgrades. Q2 2025 emphasized employee performance during severe weather, disaster relief efforts, and operational improvements driven by telematics and supply chain efficiency. Q4 2024 stressed employee leadership, weather-agnostic approaches, and supply chain efficiencies.

    In Q3 2025, the discussion highlighted continued operational excellence with technology investments, robust storm response, revenue and profit growth, and sustained efficiency improvements.

    The focus on operations remains robust across periods with Q3 reiterating resilience and efficiency, reflecting steady improvement and consistent operational strength.

    Legal and Litigation Uncertainty

    Q1 2025 mentioned a significant litigation accrual for the Eddystone case and emphasized caution in commenting on pending litigation. Q2 2025 provided details on the Eddystone settlement payment, including structured cash flows and letters of credit. Q4 2024 discussed the Eddystone appeal and the impact of the case on credit and redemption issues, along with Moody’s downgrade concerns.

    In Q3 2025, the company mentioned an increase in legal costs without delving into specific litigation uncertainties or detailed updates on ongoing cases.

    While legal issues have been a major focus in previous periods, the current period offers less detail on litigation risk, suggesting a shift from in-depth discussion to simpler cost reporting.

    Tariff Risk and Cost Management

    Previous periods (Q1 and Q2) did not mention tariff risk specifically. In Q4 2024, there were references to cost management in the context of supply chain efficiencies, though not tied to tariffs.

    Q3 2025 explicitly addresses tariff risk, with the company monitoring tariffs on steel tanks and cylinders and outlining actions to mitigate these risks, alongside a renewed emphasis on cost management amid global trade changes.

    A new emphasis emerges in Q3 with explicit commentary on tariff risk, showing increased focus on external trade factors impacting cost management strategies.

    Leadership Transition and Succession Challenges

    There were no mentions of leadership transition or succession challenges in Q1 2025, Q2 2025, or Q4 2024 earnings calls.

    In Q3 2025, leadership transition is addressed with the recent CFO retirement and the appointment of Michelle Maggi to take on expanded responsibilities in the interim.

    A new topic in Q3 indicating emerging executive-level changes; this could have a substantive impact on future management stability and investor confidence.

    Credit Rating and Liquidity Concerns

    Q1 2025 covered liquidity through an extension of the revolving credit facility and measures to address going concern issues. Q2 2025 discussed liquidity impacts from the Eddystone settlement and refinancing challenges with upcoming debt maturities. Q4 2024 detailed Moody's downgrade and outlined liquidity concerns tied to complex capital structure issues.

    There is no mention of credit rating or liquidity concerns in the Q3 2025 earnings call.

    A de-emergence of the topic in Q3, suggesting either improved conditions that have eased concerns or a strategic decision to shift focus away from credit ratings and liquidity issues.

    1. Capital Structure
      Q: What is the status of refinancing and capital strategy?
      A: Management is actively evaluating refinancing opportunities with Molus and remains focused on maintaining a strong capital structure to support growth.

    2. Tariff Impact
      Q: How are tariffs affecting operational costs?
      A: They are mitigating tariff impacts through continuous investments and operational improvements, ensuring cost pressures are managed effectively.

    3. CFO Transition
      Q: What is the plan for the CFO replacement?
      A: Following the CFO’s retirement, a search is underway while Michelle Magguy has assumed expanded responsibilities in investor relations and earnings communications.

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