8-KRegulation FD

Energy Transfer LP 8-K Report, Regulation FD Disclosure (Dec 31, 2008)

Filed December 31, 2008For Securities:ETET-PI

Summary

This Form 8-K filing by Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (ET) on December 31, 2008, primarily serves to fulfill its annual written affirmation requirement with the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) regarding corporate governance standards. A key point for investors is the confirmation that the company's fiscal year has been changed from ending August 31 to December 31, aligning with calendar years. This change necessitated the filing of a transition report for the four-month period ending December 31, 2007, and dictates future filings will be based on calendar quarters and years. The report also details the company's corporate governance structure, including its Code of Business Conduct, Corporate Governance Guidelines, and the composition and responsibilities of its Audit Committee, which meets NYSE independence and financial expertise requirements. Information typically found in Item 10 of a Form 10-K, such as details on directors, executive officers, and committees, is being provided in this 8-K to support the NYSE affirmation.

Key Highlights

  • 1Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. (ET) filed this 8-K to comply with its annual NYSE written affirmation requirement.
  • 2The company's fiscal year end has been officially changed from August 31 to December 31, aligning with the calendar year.
  • 3This fiscal year change impacts reporting periods, with future filings to follow calendar quarters and years.
  • 4The report outlines the company's commitment to corporate governance, including a Code of Business Conduct and Governance Guidelines.
  • 5The Audit Committee is structured to meet NYSE independence and financial expert requirements.
  • 6Details regarding the Audit Committee's composition, including John D. Harkey, Jr. as Chair, are provided.
  • 7The company confirms that a Compensation Committee or Nominating/Corporate Governance Committee is not required for a limited partnership under NYSE rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary purpose of this 8-K filing is for Energy Transfer Equity, L.P. to submit its annual written affirmation to the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) regarding compliance with the NYSE's corporate governance listing standards. It also includes information typically found in the 'Directors and Executive Officers' section of an annual report (Form 10-K) to support this affirmation.

Yes, the company's fiscal year end was changed from August 31 to December 31, effective November 9, 2007. This means their financial reporting will now align with the calendar year.

The change means that Energy Transfer will now file reports based on calendar quarters and calendar years. For 2007, they filed a transition report for the four-month period ending December 31, 2007. Going forward, all filings like Form 10-Q and Form 10-K will adhere to the calendar year and quarter schedule.

The filing details the adoption of a Code of Business Conduct and Corporate Governance Guidelines. It also confirms the establishment of an Audit Committee, its composition, and that it meets NYSE requirements for independence and financial expertise. Information regarding how unitholders can communicate with the Board of Directors is also included.