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Andersons, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 March (Form 10-Q)

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015
 
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from              to             
Commission file number 000-20557
 
 
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Exact name of the registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 
OHIO
 
34-1562374
(State of incorporation
or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
480 W. Dussel Drive, Maumee, Ohio
 
43537
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(419) 893-5050
(Telephone Number)
 
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report.)
 
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated Filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
The registrant had approximately 28.4 million common shares outstanding, no par value, at April 30, 2015.


Table of Contents

THE ANDERSONS, INC.
INDEX
 
 
Page No.
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
 
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 


2

Table of Contents


Part I. Financial Information


Item 1. Financial Statements

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
54,461

 
$
114,704

 
$
43,693

Restricted cash
685

 
429

 
652

Accounts receivable, net
209,928

 
183,059

 
191,972

Inventories (Note 2)
743,957

 
795,655

 
725,584

Commodity derivative assets – current
86,824

 
92,771

 
119,330

Deferred income taxes
12,878

 
7,337

 
9,104

Other current assets
65,017

 
60,492

 
48,214

Total current assets
1,173,750

 
1,254,447

 
1,138,549

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivative assets – noncurrent
243

 
507

 
1,365

Goodwill
72,365

 
72,365

 
58,554

Other assets, net
54,454

 
59,162

 
55,974

Pension asset

 

 
15,079

Equity method investments
222,082

 
226,857

 
232,396

 
349,144

 
358,891

 
363,368

Rail Group assets leased to others, net (Note 3)
313,095

 
297,747

 
237,534

Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 3)
451,638

 
453,607

 
386,132

Total assets
$
2,287,627

 
$
2,364,692

 
$
2,125,583


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Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
$
311,660

 
$
2,166

 
$
226,100

Accounts payable for grain
206,153

 
535,974

 
183,998

Other accounts payable
164,224

 
170,849

 
177,623

Customer prepayments and deferred revenue
130,254

 
99,617

 
124,981

Commodity derivative liabilities – current
55,401

 
64,075

 
32,153

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
64,065

 
78,610

 
56,290

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4)
19,037

 
76,415

 
90,760

Total current liabilities
950,794

 
1,027,706

 
891,905

Other long-term liabilities
14,871

 
15,507

 
14,749

Commodity derivative liabilities – noncurrent
2,084

 
3,318

 
734

Employee benefit plan obligations
59,557

 
59,308

 
39,989

Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 4)
323,258

 
298,638

 
306,161

Deferred income taxes
139,145

 
136,166

 
128,716

Total liabilities
1,489,709

 
1,540,643

 
1,382,254

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common shares, without par value (42,000 shares authorized; 29,430, 29,353 and 28,797 shares issued at 3/31/15, 12/31/14 and 3/31/14, respectively)
96

 
96

 
96

Preferred shares, without par value (1,000 shares authorized; none issued)

 

 

Additional paid-in-capital
223,179

 
222,789

 
184,474

Treasury shares, at cost (859, 390 and 378 shares at 3/31/15, 12/31/14 and 3/31/14, respectively)
(32,551
)
 
(9,743
)
 
(8,750
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(58,130
)
 
(54,595
)
 
(24,157
)
Retained earnings
644,530

 
644,556

 
567,849

Total shareholders’ equity of The Andersons, Inc.
777,124

 
803,103

 
719,512

Noncontrolling interests
20,794

 
20,946

 
23,817

Total equity
797,918

 
824,049

 
743,329

Total liabilities and equity
$
2,287,627

 
$
2,364,692

 
$
2,125,583

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
950,090

 
$
1,003,294

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
866,777

 
926,519

Gross profit
83,313

 
76,775

Operating, administrative and general expenses
78,604

 
70,985

Interest expense
6,039

 
6,002

Other income:
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
3,261

 
20,501

Other income, net
3,107

 
19,612

Income before income taxes
5,038

 
39,901

Income tax provision
1,093

 
13,872

Net income
3,945

 
26,029

Net (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(152
)
 
3,321

Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
4,097

 
$
22,708

Per common share:
 
 
 
Basic earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders
$
0.14

 
$
0.80

Diluted earnings attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders
$
0.14

 
$
0.80

Dividends declared
$
0.14

 
$
0.11

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Net income
$
3,945

 
$
26,029

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
Decrease in estimated fair value of investment in debt securities (net of income tax of $0 and $1,958)

 
(3,232
)
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax of $(236) and $(113) - Note 8)
390

 
187

Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax of $(613) and $0)
(3,983
)
 

Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $(35) and $(42))
58

 
69

Other comprehensive loss
(3,535
)
 
(2,976
)
Comprehensive income
410

 
23,053

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
(152
)
 
3,321

Comprehensive income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
562

 
$
19,732

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


6

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income
$
3,945

 
$
26,029

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
17,523

 
13,856

Bad debt expense
188

 
377

Cash distributions in excess of (less than) income of unconsolidated affiliates
1,404

 
45,061

Gain on sale of investments in affiliates

 
(17,055
)
Gains on sales of Rail Group assets and related leases
(4,522
)
 
(10,769
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement
(224
)
 
(1,608
)
Deferred income taxes
(3,446
)
 
6,264

Stock-based compensation expense
736

 
1,462

Other
890

 
(2,504
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(28,366
)
 
(19,390
)
Inventories
51,698

 
(110,661
)
Commodity derivatives
(3,696
)
 
(86,842
)
Other assets
(4,042
)
 
(1,730
)
Accounts payable for grain
(329,821
)
 
(408,185
)
Other accounts payable and accrued expenses
11,074

 
67,082

Net cash used in operating activities
(286,659
)
 
(498,613
)
Investing Activities
 
 
 
Purchases of Rail Group assets
(23,455
)
 
(14,005
)
Proceeds from sale of Rail Group assets
12,851

 
25,465

Purchases of property, plant and equipment
(6,742
)
 
(5,523
)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
80

 
108

Proceeds from returns of investments in affiliates

 
31,457

Change in restricted cash
(256
)
 
(244
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(17,522
)
 
37,258

Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings
308,500

 
226,100

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
30,799

 
3,598

Payments of long-term debt
(63,466
)
 
(30,560
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(27,783
)
 

Proceeds from sale of treasury shares to employees and directors
403

 
1,499

Payments of debt issuance costs
(107
)
 
(3,175
)
Dividends paid
(4,059
)
 
(3,107
)
Excess tax benefit from share-based payment arrangement
224

 
1,608

Other
(573
)
 

Net cash provided by financing activities
243,938

 
195,963

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(60,243
)
 
(265,392
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
114,704

 
309,085

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
54,461

 
$
43,693


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
Common
Shares
 
Additional
Paid-in
Capital
 
Treasury
Shares
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Noncontrolling
Interests
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2013
$
96

 
$
184,380

 
$
(10,222
)
 
$
(21,181
)
 
$
548,401

 
$
22,947

 
$
724,421

Net income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
22,708

 
3,321

 
26,029

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,976
)
 
 
 
 
 
(2,976
)
Cash distributions to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,451
)
 
(2,451
)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $1,530 (214 shares)
 
 
18

 
1,472

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,490

Payment of cash in lieu for stock split (187 shares)
 
 
(58
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(58
)
Dividends declared ($0.11 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,126
)
 
 
 
(3,126
)
Performance share unit dividend equivalents
 
 
134

 
 
 
 
 
(134
)
 
 
 

Balance at March 31, 2014
$
96

 
$
184,474

 
$
(8,750
)
 
$
(24,157
)
 
$
567,849

 
$
23,817

 
$
743,329

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2014
$
96

 
$
222,789

 
$
(9,743
)
 
$
(54,595
)
 
$
644,556

 
$
20,946

 
$
824,049

Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,097

 
(152
)
 
3,945

Other comprehensive loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,535
)
 
 
 
 
 
(3,535
)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $216 (162 shares)
 
 
(4,051
)
 
4,975

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
924

Purchase of treasury shares (631 shares)
 
 
 
 
(27,783
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(27,783
)
Dividends declared ($0.14 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,985
)
 
 
 
(3,985
)
Shares issued for acquisitions (77 shares)
 
 
4,303

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
4,303

Performance share unit dividend equivalents
 
 
138

 
 
 
 
 
(138
)
 
 
 

Balance at March 31, 2015
$
96

 
$
223,179

 
$
(32,551
)
 
$
(58,130
)
 
$
644,530

 
$
20,794

 
$
797,918

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


8

Table of Contents

The Andersons, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)


1. Basis of Presentation and Consolidation
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of The Andersons, Inc. and its wholly owned and controlled subsidiaries (the “Company”). All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in unconsolidated entities in which the Company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
In the opinion of management, all adjustments consisting of normal and recurring items, considered necessary for fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position, and cash flows for the periods indicated, have been made. The results in these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2015.
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data at December 31, 2014 was derived from audited Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. An unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of March 31, 2014 has been included as the Company operates in several seasonal industries.
The accompanying unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in The Andersons, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (the “2014 Form 10-K”).
New Accounting Standards
In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. This standard requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the associated debt liability. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810) - Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. This standard provides amendments to the manner in which companies assess the characteristics of variable interest entities. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company is currently assessing the impact this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers. The core principle of the new revenue model is that an entity recognizes revenue from the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is currently effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, however, the FASB has tentatively extended the effective date for one year, pending final approval. The Company is currently assessing the method of adoption and the impact this standard will have on its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

2. Inventories
Major classes of inventories are as follows:
(in thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
Grain
$
470,216

 
$
570,916

 
$
488,492

Ethanol and by-products
9,940

 
13,154

 
17,658

Plant nutrients and cob products
229,551

 
181,136

 
188,362

Retail merchandise
27,311

 
23,810

 
26,205

Railcar repair parts
6,739

 
6,431

 
4,661

Other
200

 
208

 
206

 
$
743,957

 
$
795,655

 
$
725,584


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Table of Contents


Inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 do not include 1.8 million, 3.1 million and 5.6 million bushels of grain, respectively, held in storage for others. The Company does not have title to the grain and is only liable for any deficiencies in grade or shortage of quantity that may arise during the storage period. Management has not experienced historical losses on any deficiencies and does not anticipate material losses in the future.

3. Property, Plant and Equipment
The components of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
(in thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
Land
$
23,380

 
$
23,380

 
$
21,906

Land improvements and leasehold improvements
73,651

 
71,817

 
67,876

Buildings and storage facilities
274,877

 
275,059

 
234,109

Machinery and equipment
340,109

 
333,559

 
309,283

Software
68,193

 
55,436

 
13,403

Construction in progress
18,354

 
29,620

 
52,200

 
798,564

 
788,871

 
698,777

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization
346,926

 
335,264

 
312,645

 
$
451,638

 
$
453,607

 
$
386,132

Depreciation and amortization expense on property, plant and equipment amounted to $12.4 million and $9.9 million for the year-to-date periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
Rail Group Assets
The components of Rail Group assets leased to others are as follows:
(in thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
Rail Group assets leased to others
$
402,509

 
$
384,958

 
$
316,520

Less: accumulated depreciation
89,414

 
87,211

 
78,986

 
$
313,095

 
$
297,747

 
$
237,534

Depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $4.0 million and $3.4 million for the year-to-date periods ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

4. Debt
The Company is party to borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of banks. See Note 10 in the Company’s 2014 Form 10-K for a description of these arrangements. Total borrowing capacity for the Company under all lines of credit is currently at $878.1 million, including $28.1 million of non-recourse debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC ("TADE"). At March 31, 2015, the Company had a total of $538.6 million available for borrowing under its lines of credit. Our borrowing capacity is reduced by a combination of outstanding borrowings and letters of credit. The Company was in compliance with all financial covenants as of March 31, 2015.

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Table of Contents

The Company’s short-term and long-term debt at March 31, 2015December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 consisted of the following: 
(in thousands)
March 31,
2015
 
December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
Short-term debt – recourse
311,660

 
2,166

 
226,100

Total short-term debt
$
311,660

 
$
2,166

 
$
226,100

Current maturities of long-term debt – non-recourse
$

 
$

 
$
6,012

Current maturities of long-term debt – recourse
19,037

 
76,415

 
84,748

Total current maturities of long-term debt
$
19,037

 
$
76,415

 
$
90,760

Long-term debt, less current maturities – non-recourse
$

 
$

 
$
3,288

Long-term debt, less current maturities – recourse
323,258

 
298,638

 
302,873

Total long-term debt, less current maturities
$
323,258

 
$
298,638

 
$
306,161


In the first quarter of 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to obtain $30.0 million in senior notes payable. The notes payable include $14.0 million with an interest rate of 5.0% due 2040 and $16.0 million with an interest rate of 4.5% due 2030, subject to debt covenants similar to the Company's other borrowing arrangements. These notes payable partially replaced the $61.5 million note payable that matured in March 2015.

5. Derivatives
The Company’s operating results are affected by changes to commodity prices. The Grain and Ethanol businesses have established “unhedged” position limits (the amount of a commodity, either owned or contracted for, that does not have an offsetting derivative contract to lock in the price). To reduce the exposure to market price risk on commodities owned and forward grain and ethanol purchase and sale contracts, the Company enters into exchange traded commodity futures and options contracts and over the counter forward and option contracts with various counterparties. The exchange traded contracts are primarily via the regulated Chicago Mercantile Exchange ("CME"). The Company’s forward purchase and sales contracts are for physical delivery of the commodity in a future period. Contracts to purchase commodities from producers generally relate to the current or future crop years for delivery periods quoted by regulated commodity exchanges. Contracts for the sale of commodities to processors or other commercial consumers generally do not extend beyond one year.

All of these contracts meet the definition of derivatives. While the Company considers its commodity contracts to be effective economic hedges, the Company does not designate or account for its commodity contracts as hedges as defined under current accounting standards. The Company accounts for its commodity derivatives at estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the commodity derivative contracts that require the receipt or posting of cash collateral is recorded on a net basis (offset against cash collateral posted or received, also known as margin deposits) within commodity derivative assets or liabilities. Management determines fair value based on exchange-quoted prices and in the case of its forward purchase and sale contracts, estimated fair value is adjusted for differences in local markets and non-performance risk. For contracts for which physical delivery occurs, balance sheet classification is based on estimated delivery date. For futures, options and over-the-counter contracts in which physical delivery is not expected to occur but, rather, the contract is expected to be net settled, the Company classifies these contracts as current or noncurrent assets or liabilities, as appropriate, based on the Company’s expectations as to when such contracts will be settled.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses in the value of commodity contracts (whether due to changes in commodity prices, changes in performance or credit risk, or due to sale, maturity or extinguishment of the commodity contract) and grain inventories are included in sales and merchandising revenues.

Generally accepted accounting principles permit a party to a master netting arrangement to offset fair value amounts recognized for derivative instruments against the right to reclaim cash collateral or obligation to return cash collateral under the same master netting arrangement. The Company has master netting arrangements for its exchange traded futures and options contracts and certain over-the-counter contracts. When the Company enters into a future, option or an over-the-counter contract, an initial margin deposit may be required by the counterparty. The amount of the margin deposit varies by commodity. If the market price of a future, option or an over-the-counter contract moves in a direction that is adverse to the Company’s position, an additional margin deposit, called a maintenance margin, is required. The margin deposit assets and liabilities are included in short-term commodity derivative assets or liabilities, as appropriate, in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

11

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The following table presents at March 31, 2015December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014, a summary of the estimated fair value of the Company’s commodity derivative instruments that require cash collateral and the associated cash posted/received as collateral. The net asset or liability positions of these derivatives (net of their cash collateral) are determined on a counterparty-by-counterparty basis and are included within current or noncurrent commodity derivative assets (or liabilities) on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets:
 
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
 
Net
derivative
asset
position
 
Net
derivative
liability
position
Collateral paid (received)
$
39,521

 
$

 
$
79,646

 
$

 
$
142,791

 
$

Fair value of derivatives
21,327

 

 
(10,981
)
 

 
(88,498
)
 

Balance at end of period
$
60,848

 
$

 
$
68,665

 
$

 
$
54,293

 
$


The following table presents, on a gross basis, current and noncurrent commodity derivative assets and liabilities:
 
March 31, 2015
(in thousands)
Commodity derivative assets - current
 
Commodity derivative assets - noncurrent
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - current
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
60,071

 
$
254

 
$
1,615

 
$
29

 
$
61,969

Commodity derivative liabilities
(12,768
)
 
(11
)
 
(57,016
)
 
(2,113
)
 
(71,908
)
Cash collateral
39,521

 

 

 

 
39,521

Balance sheet line item totals
$
86,824

 
$
243

 
$
(55,401
)
 
$
(2,084
)
 
$
29,582

 
December 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Commodity derivative assets - current
 
Commodity derivative assets - noncurrent
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - current
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
49,847

 
$
545

 
$
6,123

 
$
118

 
$
56,633

Commodity derivative liabilities
(36,722
)
 
(38
)
 
(70,198
)
 
(3,436
)
 
(110,394
)
Cash collateral
79,646

 

 

 

 
79,646

Balance sheet line item totals
$
92,771

 
$
507

 
$
(64,075
)
 
$
(3,318
)
 
$
25,885

 
March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
Commodity derivative assets - current
 
Commodity derivative assets - noncurrent
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - current
 
Commodity derivative liabilities - noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
86,512

 
$
1,543

 
$
4,552

 
$
308

 
$
92,915

Commodity derivative liabilities
(109,973
)
 
(178
)
 
(36,705
)
 
(1,042
)
 
(147,898
)
Cash collateral
142,791

 

 

 

 
142,791

Balance sheet line item totals
$
119,330

 
$
1,365

 
$
(32,153
)
 
$
(734
)
 
$
87,808


The gains included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and the line items in which they are located for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Gains (losses) on commodity derivatives included in sales and merchandising revenues
$
67,811

 
$
(53,686
)


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Table of Contents

The Company had the following volume of commodity derivative contracts outstanding (on a gross basis) at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:
 
March 31, 2015
Commodity
Number of bushels
(in thousands)
 
Number of gallons
(in thousands)
 
Number of pounds
(in thousands)
 
Number of tons
(in thousands)
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
276,158

 

 

 

Soybeans
29,646

 

 

 

Wheat
13,232

 

 

 

Oats
29,883

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
197,961

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
5,651

 

Other
339

 

 

 
116

Subtotal
349,258

 
197,961

 
5,651

 
116

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
143,320

 

 

 

Soybeans
38,555

 

 

 

Wheat
26,675

 

 

 

Oats
6,390

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
26,334

 

 

Bean Oil

 

 
60,240

 

Other

 

 

 
10

Subtotal
214,940

 
26,334

 
60,240

 
10

Total
564,198

 
224,295

 
65,891

 
126

 
December 31, 2014
Commodity
Number of bushels
(in thousands)
 
Number of gallons
(in thousands)
 
Number of pounds
(in thousands)
 
Number of tons
(in thousands)
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
265,574

 

 

 

Soybeans
23,820

 

 

 

Wheat
14,967

 

 

 

Oats
23,440

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
233,637

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
18,076

 

Other
28

 

 

 
139

Subtotal
327,829

 
233,637

 
18,076

 
139

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
159,575

 

 

 

Soybeans
31,265

 

 

 

Wheat
30,360

 

 

 

Oats
7,545

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
41,832

 

 

Bean oil

 

 
2,700

 

Other

 

 

 
5

Subtotal
228,745

 
41,832

 
2,700

 
5

Total
556,574

 
275,469

 
20,776

 
144


13

Table of Contents

 
March 31, 2014
Commodity
Number of bushels
(in thousands)
 
Number of gallons
(in thousands)
 
Number of pounds
(in thousands)
 
Number of tons
(in thousands)
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
274,762

 

 

 

Soybeans
29,332

 

 

 

Wheat
12,753

 

 

 

Oats
31,691

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
278,697

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
20,790

 

Other
207

 

 

 
110

Subtotal
348,745

 
278,697

 
20,790

 
110

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
197,405

 

 

 

Soybeans
20,810

 

 

 

Wheat
26,750

 

 

 

Oats
8,335

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
82,194

 

 

Subtotal
253,300

 
82,194

 

 

Total
602,045

 
360,891

 
20,790

 
110


6. Employee Benefit Plans

In the fourth quarter of 2014, we began the process of terminating the funded defined benefit plan (the "Plan"), which will include settling the Plan liabilities by offering lump sum distributions to plan participants or purchasing annuity contracts for those who do not elect lump sums. While we expect to complete the termination in the near future, the timing is subject to regulatory approvals and other market factors. As part of the planned termination, in 2014 we adjusted our asset portfolio to a target asset allocation of 100% fixed income investments (up from 49%), which will provide a better matching of Plan assets to the characteristics of the liabilities. In the fourth quarter of 2014, we provided notice to plan participants of our intent to terminate the Plan and we applied for a determination with the Internal Revenue Service with regards to the termination. We will take further actions to minimize the volatility of the value of our pension assets relative to pension liabilities and to settle remaining Plan liabilities, including making such contributions to the Plan as may be necessary to make the Plan sufficient to settle all Plan liabilities.

As of December 31, 2014, we have valued the projected benefit obligations of the Plan based on the present value of estimated costs to settle the liabilities through a combination of lump sum payments to participants and purchasing annuities from an insurance company.  This reflects an estimate of how many participants we expect will accept a lump sum offering, and an estimate of lump sum payouts for those participants based on the current lump sum rates approved by the IRS.  Liabilities expected to be settled through annuity contracts have been estimated based on future benefit payments, discounted based on current interest rates that correspond to the liability payouts, adjusted to reflect a premium that would be assessed by the insurer. As the liabilities are settled, unamortized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income will be recognized based on the projected benefit obligations and assets measured as of the dates the settlements occur. Based on rates as of December 31, 2014, the amount of unamortized losses in other comprehensive income that would result in a one-time noncash pre-tax charge was estimated at $64.6 million. Prior to settling the liabilities, we will contribute such additional amounts (estimated to be approximately $10.3 million at as of December 31, 2014) as may be necessary to fully fund the Plan. Such contributions are expected to be made concurrent with settling the liabilities but may be made earlier at our discretion. The impact of termination is subject to rate changes at the time of settlement. This termination does not yet constitute a settlement of liability under applicable accounting guidance for pension plans. The Company anticipates the conversion to individual annuity policies along with the liability discharge to occur in the near future. The defined benefit plan is included in the accompanying table for all periods presented.




14

Table of Contents

The following are components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans maintained by the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Pension Benefits
(in thousands)
Three months ended
March 31,
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$
55

 
$
43

Interest cost
1,209

 
1,162

Expected return on plan assets
(1,561
)
 
(1,905
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
370

 
207

Benefit cost (income)
$
73

 
$
(493
)
 
Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)
Three months ended
March 31,
2015
 
2014
Service cost
$
240

 
$
187

Interest cost
406

 
393

Amortization of prior service cost
(136
)
 
(136
)
Recognized net actuarial loss
392

 
229

Benefit cost
$
902

 
$
673


7. Income Taxes

On a quarterly basis, the Company estimates the effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full year and makes changes if necessary based on new information or events. The estimated annual effective tax rate is forecast based on actual historical information and forward-looking estimates and is used to provide for income taxes in interim reporting periods. The Company also recognizes the tax impact of certain unusual or infrequently occurring items, such as the effects of changes in tax laws or rates and impacts from settlements with tax authorities, discretely in the quarter in which they occur. Additionally, the annual effective tax rate differs from the statutory U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to the impact of state income taxes and income or losses attributable to non-controlling interests that do not impact the Company’s income tax provision.
For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.1 million at an effective tax rate of 21.7%, which varied from the U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to a 12.2% non-recurring tax benefit attributable to the accounting for the investment in a foreign affiliate. For the quarter ended March 31, 2014, the Company recorded income tax expense of $13.9 million at an effective tax rate of 34.8%.

There have been no material changes to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits reported at December 31, 2014. The Company’s consolidated Federal income tax returns for 2011 and 2012 are currently being audited by the IRS, and it is anticipated that the IRS will substantially complete its examination in 2015. The Company does not expect that the resolution of the examination will have a material effect on its effective tax rate.
















15

Table of Contents

8. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following tables summarize the after-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2015
(in thousands)
 
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Investment in Debt Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
(364
)
 
$
(4,709
)
 
$
126

 
$
(49,648
)
 
$
(54,595
)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
58

 
(3,983
)
 

 
475

 
(3,450
)
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 

 

 
(85
)
 
(85
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
58

 
(3,983
)
 

 
390

 
(3,535
)
Ending balance
 
$
(306
)
 
$
(8,692
)
 
$
126

 
$
(49,258
)
 
$
(58,130
)
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)
 
 
 
For the three months ended March 31, 2014
(in thousands)
 
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
 
Investment in Debt Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
(637
)
 
$

 
$
7,861

 
$
(28,405
)
 
$
(21,181
)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
 
69

 

 
(3,232
)
 
272

 
(2,891
)
 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 

 

 
(85
)
 
(85
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 
69

 

 
(3,232
)
 
187

 
(2,976
)
Ending balance
 
$
(568
)
 
$

 
$
4,629

 
$
(28,218
)
 
$
(24,157
)
(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits
The following tables show the reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)
For the three months ended March 31, 2015
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
 
 
 
     Amortization of prior-service cost
 
$
(136
)
 
(b)
 
 
(136
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
51

 
Tax expense
 
 
$
(85
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(85
)
 
Net of tax

16

Table of Contents

Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)
For the three months ended March 31, 2014
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
 
 
 
     Amortization of prior-service cost
 
$
(136
)
 
(b)
 
 
(136
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
51

 
Tax expense
 
 
$
(85
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(85
)
 
Net of tax
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to profit/loss
(b) This accumulated other comprehensive income component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6).

9. Earnings Per Share
Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share for common stock and any participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistributed earnings. The Company’s nonvested restricted stock that was granted prior to March 2015 is considered a participating security since the share-based awards contain a non-forfeitable right to dividends irrespective of whether the awards ultimately vest.
(in thousands, except per common share data)
Three months ended
March 31,
2015
 
2014
Net income attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
4,097

 
$
22,708

Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock
8

 
104

Earnings available to common shareholders
$
4,089

 
$
22,604

Earnings per share – basic:
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
28,742

 
28,155

Earnings per common share – basic
$
0.14

 
$
0.80

Earnings per share – diluted:
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
28,742

 
28,155

Effect of dilutive awards
59

 
69

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
28,801

 
28,224

Earnings per common share – diluted
$
0.14

 
$
0.80

There were no antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding at March 31, 2015 or 2014.

10. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:
(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
1,491

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,491

Restricted cash
685

 

 

 
685

Commodity derivatives, net (a)
60,796

 
(31,214
)
 

 
29,582

Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
13,300

 
13,300

Other assets and liabilities (c)
11,583

 
(3,517
)
 

 
8,066

Total
$
74,555

 
$
(34,731
)
 
$
13,300

 
$
53,124


17

Table of Contents

(in thousands)
December 31, 2014
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
269

 
$

 
$

 
$
269

Restricted cash
429

 

 

 
429

Commodity derivatives, net (a)
72,868

 
(46,983
)
 

 
25,885

Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
13,300

 
13,300

Other assets and liabilities (c)
10,869

 
(2,666
)
 

 
8,203

Total
$
84,435

 
$
(49,649
)
 
$
13,300

 
$
48,086

(in thousands)
March 31, 2014
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Cash equivalents
$
25,821

 
$

 
$

 
$
25,821

Restricted cash
652

 

 

 
652

Commodity derivatives, net (a)
82,626

 
5,182

 

 
87,808

Convertible preferred securities (b)

 

 
20,530

 
20,530

Other assets and liabilities (c)
10,960

 
(951
)
 

 
10,009

Total
$
120,059

 
$
4,231

 
$
20,530

 
$
144,820

 
(a)
Includes associated cash posted/received as collateral
(b)
Recorded in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(c)
Included in other assets and liabilities are deferred compensation assets (Level 1) and interest rate derivatives (Level 2)

Level 1 commodity derivatives reflect the fair value of the exchanged-traded futures and options contracts that the Company holds, net of the cash collateral that the Company has in its margin account.

The majority of the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value are based on the market approach valuation technique. With the market approach, fair value is derived using prices and other relevant information generated by market transactions involving identical or comparable assets or liabilities.

The Company’s net commodity derivatives primarily consist of futures or options contracts via regulated exchanges and contracts with producers or customers under which the future settlement date and bushels (or gallons in the case of ethanol contracts) of commodities to be delivered (primarily wheat, corn, soybeans and ethanol) are fixed and under which the price may or may not be fixed. Depending on the specifics of the individual contracts, the fair value is derived from the futures or options prices on the CME or the New York Mercantile Exchange for similar commodities and delivery dates as well as observable quotes for local basis adjustments (the difference, which is attributable to local market conditions, between the quoted futures price and the local cash price). Because basis for a particular commodity and location typically has multiple quoted prices from other agribusinesses in the same geographical vicinity and is used as a common pricing mechanism in the Agribusiness industry, we have concluded that basis is a Level 2 fair value input for purposes of the fair value disclosure requirements related to our commodity derivatives. Although nonperformance risk, both of the Company and the counterparty, is present in each of these commodity contracts and is a component of the estimated fair values, based on the Company’s historical experience with its producers and customers and the Company’s knowledge of their businesses, the Company does not view nonperformance risk to be a material input to fair value for these commodity contracts.

The Company’s convertible preferred securities are measured at fair value using a combination of the income and market approaches on a quarterly basis. Specifically, the income approach incorporates the use of the Discounted Cash Flow method, whereas the Market Approach incorporates the use of the Guideline Public Company method. Application of the Discounted Cash Flow method requires estimating the annual cash flows that the business enterprise is expected to generate in the future. The assumptions input into this method are estimated annual cash flows for a specified estimation period, the discount rate, and the terminal value at the end of the estimation period. In the Guideline Public Company method, valuation multiples, including total invested capital, are calculated based on financial statements and stock price data from selected guideline publicly traded companies. A comparative analysis is then performed for factors including, but not limited to size, profitability and growth to determine fair value.



18

Table of Contents

A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows:
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
 
Convertible Preferred Securities
 
Convertible Preferred Securities
Asset at January 1,
$
13,300

 
$
25,720

Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income

 
(5,190
)
Asset at March 31,
13,300

 
20,530


The following tables summarize quantitative information about the Company's Level 3 fair value measurements as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(in thousands)
Fair Value as of March 31, 2015
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Weighted Average
Convertible Preferred Securities
$
13,300

 
Market Approach
 
EBITDA Multiples
 
6.61

 
 
 
Income Approach
 
Discount Rate
 
14.5
%
(in thousands)
Fair Value as of December 31, 2014
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Weighted Average
Convertible Preferred Securities
$
13,300

 
Market Approach
 
EBITDA Multiples
 
7.00

 
 
 
Income Approach
 
Discount Rate
 
14.5
%
(in thousands)
Fair Value as of March 31, 2014
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Weighted Average
Convertible Preferred Securities
$
20,530

 
Market Approach
 
EBITDA Multiples
 
7.75

 
 
 
Income Approach
 
Discount Rate
 
14.5
%

Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value of the Company’s long-term debt is estimated using quoted market prices or discounted future cash flows based on the Company’s current incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements. As such, the Company has concluded that the fair value of long-term debt is considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
(in thousands)
March 31,
2015

December 31,
2014
 
March 31,
2014
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities
$
350,684

 
$
382,139

 
$
400,495

Fair value in excess of carrying value
8,390

 
7,086

 
3,574

The fair value of the Company’s cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their carrying value as they are close to maturity.

11. Related Party Transactions
Equity Method Investments
The Company, directly or indirectly, holds investments in companies that are accounted for under the equity method. The Company’s equity in these entities is presented at cost plus its accumulated proportional share of income or loss, less any distributions it has received.
On January 22, 2014, the Company entered into an agreement with Lansing Trade Group, LLC ("LTG") for a partial redemption of the Company's investment in LTG for $60 million. At the time of redemption, the Company's interest in LTG reduced from approximately 47.5 percent to approximately 39.2 percent on a fully diluted basis. A portion of the proceeds ($28.5 million) was considered a distribution of earnings and reduced the Company's cost basis in LTG. The difference between the remaining proceeds of $31.5 million and the new cost basis of the shares sold, net of deal costs, resulted in a book gain of $17.1 million ($10.7 million after tax). This gain was recorded in Other income.

19

Table of Contents

The following table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity:
(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
$
28,726

 
$
27,824

 
$
31,867

The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
36,063

 
37,624

 
40,412

The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
31,869

 
31,537

 
45,946

Lansing Trade Group, LLC
78,594

 
78,696

 
60,837

Thompsons Limited (a)
44,224

 
48,455

 
49,520

Other
2,606

 
2,721

 
3,814

Total
$
222,082

 
$
226,857

 
$
232,396

 (a) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures
The Company holds a majority interest (66%) in The Andersons Ethanol Investment LLC (“TAEI”). This consolidated entity holds a 50% interest in The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (“TAME”). The noncontrolling interest in TAEI is attributed 34% of the gains and losses of TAME recorded by the Company in its equity in earnings of affiliates.
The following table summarizes income earned from the Company’s equity method investments by entity:
 
% ownership at
March 31, 2015
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
 
2015
 
2014
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
53%
 
$
1,091

 
$
4,943

The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
38%
 
288

 
5,539

The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
50%
 
333

 
8,135

Lansing Trade Group, LLC
40% (a)
 
2,410

 
2,221

Thompsons Limited (b)
50%
 
(861
)
 
(313
)
Other
5%-34%
 

 
(24
)
Total
 
 
$
3,261

 
$
20,501

 (a) This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 1.5%
 (b) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

Total distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates were $4.6 million and $65.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

In the first quarter of 2015, LTG and The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC qualified as significant equity investees of the Company under the income test. The following table presents combined summarized unaudited financial information of these investments for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014:
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales
$
1,699,063

 
$
1,944,106

Gross Profit
47,659

 
41,124

Income before income taxes
10,586

 
17,314

Net income
9,345

 
14,885

Net income attributable to the entities
8,343

 
14,632

Investment in Debt Securities
The Company owns 100% of the cumulative convertible preferred shares of Iowa Northern Railway Corporation (“IANR”), which operates a short-line railroad in Iowa. As a result of this investment, the Company has a 49.9% voting interest in IANR, with the remaining 50.1% voting interest held by the common shareholders. The preferred shares have certain rights associated with them, including voting, dividends, liquidation preference, redemption and conversion rights. Dividends accrue to the Company at a rate of 14% annually whether or not declared by IANR and are cumulative in nature. The Company can convert its preferred shares into common shares of IANR at any time, but the shares cannot be redeemed until May 2015. This

20

Table of Contents

investment is accounted for as “available-for-sale” debt securities in accordance with ASC 320 and is carried at estimated fair value in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. The estimated fair value of the Company’s investment in IANR as of March 31, 2015 was $13.3 million. See Footnote 10 for additional discussion on the change in the investment value.
The Company’s current maximum exposure to loss related to IANR is $21.6 million, which represents the Company’s investment at fair value plus unpaid accrued dividends of $8.3 million as of March 31, 2015. The Company does not have any obligations or commitments to provide additional financial support to IANR.
Related Party Transactions
In the ordinary course of business, the Company will enter into related party transactions with each of the investments described above, along with other related parties. The following table sets forth the related party transactions entered into for the time periods presented:
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales revenues
$
149,472

 
$
221,994

Service fee revenues (a)
4,925

 
5,638

Purchases of product
102,795

 
155,015

Lease income (b)
1,663

 
1,664

Labor and benefits reimbursement (c)
3,032

 
2,868

Other expenses (d)
338

 
486

 
(a)
Service fee revenues include management fees, corn origination fees, ethanol and DDG marketing fees, and other commissions.
(b)
Lease income includes the lease of the Company’s Albion, Michigan and Clymers, Indiana grain facilities as well as certain railcars to the various ethanol LLCs and IANR.
(c)
The Company provides all operational labor to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs and charges them an amount equal to the Company’s costs of the related services.
(d)
Other expenses include payments to IANR for repair facility rent and use of their railroad reporting mark, payment to LTG for the lease of railcars and other various expenses.
(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
Accounts receivable (e)
$
13,507

 
$
25,049

 
$
30,609

Accounts payable (f)
12,911

 
17,687

 
24,454

(e)
Accounts receivable represents amounts due from related parties for sales of corn, leasing revenue and service fees.
(f)
Accounts payable represents amounts due to related parties for purchases of ethanol and other various items.

For the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $101.8 million and $144.3 million, respectively. For the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs under these agreements were $96.7 million and $117.2 million, respectively.

From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts with certain of its related parties for the purchase and sale of corn and ethanol, for similar price risk mitigation purposes and on similar terms as the purchase and sale of derivative contracts it enters into with unrelated parties. The fair value of derivative contract assets with related parties for as of March 31, 2015December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 was $2.4 million, $1.4 million and $24.0 million, respectively. The fair value of derivative contract liabilities with related parties as of March 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and March 31, 2014 was $0.3 million, $3.8 million and $10.3 million, respectively.

12. Segment Information
The Company’s operations include five reportable business segments that are distinguished primarily on the basis of products and services offered. The Grain business includes grain merchandising, the operation of terminal grain elevator facilities and the investments in LTG and the Thompsons Limited joint ventures. The Ethanol business purchases and sells ethanol and also manages the ethanol production facilities organized as limited liability companies, one is consolidated and three are investments accounted for under the equity method. There are various service contracts for these investments. Rail operations

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include the leasing, marketing and fleet management of railcars and other assets, railcar repair and metal fabrication. The Plant Nutrient business manufactures and distributes agricultural inputs, primarily fertilizer, to dealers and farmers, along with other turf care and corncob-based products. The Retail business operates large retail stores, a specialty food market, a distribution center and a lawn and garden equipment sales and service facility. Included in “Other” are the corporate level amounts not attributed to an operating segment.
In the first quarter of 2015, the Plant Nutrient Group merged with the Turf & Specialty Group, as announced in the fourth quarter of 2014. Management has adjusted its internal reporting structure to reflect this organizational change and the result of this merger is one reportable business segment, referred to as the Plant Nutrient Group. All prior periods have been restated to reflect this change.
The segment information below includes the allocation of expenses shared by one or more operating segments. Although management believes such allocations are reasonable, the operating information does not necessarily reflect how such data might appear if the segments were operated as separate businesses. Inter-segment sales are made at prices comparable to normal, unaffiliated customer sales. The Company does not have any customers who represent 10 percent or more of total revenues.
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Revenues from external customers
 
 
 
Grain
$
585,162

 
$
583,159

Ethanol
138,180

 
188,820

Plant Nutrient
153,951

 
151,355

Rail
44,216

 
52,302

Retail
28,581

 
27,658

Total
$
950,090

 
$
1,003,294

 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Inter-segment sales
 
 
 
Grain
$
1,689

 
$

Plant Nutrient
317

 
289

Rail
181

 
109

Total
$
2,187

 
$
398

 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
Grain
$
743

 
$
11,306

Ethanol
5,280

 
19,824

Plant Nutrient
424

 
(36
)
Rail
10,313

 
15,045

Retail
(2,183
)
 
(2,335
)
Other
(9,387
)
 
(7,224
)
Noncontrolling interests
(152
)
 
3,321

Total
$
5,038

 
$
39,901


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(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
 
December 31, 2014
 
March 31, 2014
Identifiable assets
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
1,022,753

 
$
1,137,437

 
$
979,608

Ethanol
200,095

 
197,888

 
224,931

Plant Nutrient
496,906

 
433,013

 
421,757

Rail
381,909

 
365,531

 
303,532

Retail
47,413

 
44,536

 
47,710

Other
138,551

 
186,287

 
148,045

Total
$
2,287,627

 
$
2,364,692

 
$
2,125,583


13. Commitments and Contingencies
The Company is party to litigation, or threats thereof, both as defendant and plaintiff with some regularity, although individual cases that are material in size occur infrequently. As a defendant, the Company establishes reserves for claimed amounts that are considered probable, and capable of estimation. If those cases are resolved for lesser amounts, the excess reserves are taken into income and, conversely, if those cases are resolved for larger than the amount the Company has accrued, the Company records additional expense. The Company believes it is unlikely that the results of its current legal proceedings for which it is the defendant, even if unfavorable, will be material. As a plaintiff, amounts that are collected can also result in sudden, non-recurring income. Litigation results depend upon a variety of factors, including the availability of evidence, the credibility of witnesses, the performance of counsel, the state of the law, and the impressions of judges and jurors, any of which can be critical in importance, yet difficult, if not impossible, to predict. Consequently, cases currently pending, or future matters, may result in unexpected, and non-recurring losses, or income, from time to time. Finally, litigation results are often subject to judicial reconsideration, appeal and further negotiation by the parties, and as a result, the final impact of a particular judicial decision may be unknown for some time, or may result in continued reserves to account for the potential of such post-verdict actions.
The estimated range of loss for all outstanding claims that are considered reasonably possible of occurring is not material. The Company has received and is cooperating fully with a request for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regarding the history of the grain and fertilizer facility along the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. The U.S. EPA is investigating the possible introduction into the Maumee River of hazardous materials potentially leaching from rouge piles deposited along the riverfront by glass manufacturing operations that existed in the area prior to the initial acquisition of the land in 1960. The Company has on several prior occasions cooperated with local, state and federal regulators to install or improve drainage systems to contain storm water runoff and sewer discharges along the riverfront property to minimize the potential for such leaching. Other area land owners and the successor to the original glass making operations have also been contacted by the U.S. EPA for information. No claim or finding has been asserted thus far.

14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Certain supplemental cash flow information, including noncash investing and financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows:
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Noncash investing and financing activity
 
 
 
Capital projects incurred but not yet paid
$
3,710

 
$
4,020

Purchase of a productive asset through seller-financing
1,010

 
2,562

Shares issued for acquisition of business
4,303

 

Dividends declared not yet paid
3,985

 
3,126









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15. Business Acquisitions

There were no business acquisitions completed through the first quarter of 2015.

Prior Years Business Acquisitions

On October 7, 2014, the Company purchased Auburn Bean and Grain, which included six grain and four agronomy assets. The Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Auburn Bean and Grain, in related transactions valued at an aggregate purchase price of $60.9 million. The purchase occurred in two transactions. For the shares of Auburn Bean and Grain, the Company paid $5.0 million in cash and approximately 637 thousand unregistered shares of the Company's common stock, valued at $35.5 million. Included in these amounts are approximately 80 thousand shares, valued at $4.5 million for an adjustment to working capital paid in 2015. The Company also paid $20.4 million in cash for certain facilities previously leased by Auburn Bean and Grain. The purchase provides combined grain storage capacity of approximately: 18.1 million bushels, 16.0 thousand tons of dry and 3.7 million gallons of liquid nutrient capacity. The purchase price allocation was finalized in the first quarter of 2015 with no changes noted from December 31, 2014.

The Company also completed various individually insignificant acquisitions in 2014 for a combined purchase price of $7.2 million. The purchase price allocations were finalized in the first quarter of 2015 with no changes noted from December 31, 2014.


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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Forward Looking Statements
The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains forward-looking statements which relate to future events or future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully consider these risks and others, including those risk factors listed under Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 (“2014 Form 10-K”). In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation, other than any imposed by law, to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our critical accounting policies and critical accounting estimates, as described in our 2014 Form 10-K, have not materially changed through the first quarter of 2015.
Executive Overview
Our agricultural commodity-based business is one in which changes in selling prices generally move in relationship to changes in purchase prices. Therefore, increases or decreases in prices of the agricultural commodities that the business deals in will have a relatively equal impact on sales and cost of sales and a much less significant impact on gross profit. As a result, changes in sales for the period may not necessarily be indicative of the overall performance of the business and more focus should be placed on changes to merchandising revenues and service income.
In the first quarter of 2015, the Plant Nutrient Group merged with the Turf & Specialty Group, as announced in the fourth quarter of 2014. Management has adjusted its internal reporting structure to reflect this organizational change and the result of this merger is one reportable business segment, referred to as the Plant Nutrient Group. All prior periods have been restated to reflect this change. We believe this merger will allow the groups to operate under a common strategy to better service our customers, boost growth opportunities and improve profitability.
Grain Group
The Grain Group's performance in the first quarter reflects improved performance in its core grain assets, offset by slightly lower results from affiliates. The improved results are attributable to space income from primarily corn and soybeans, while the space income from wheat decreased from the prior year and fell short of our expectations in the first quarter. Further, much of the improvement was delivered from our western region assets, which underperformed in the prior year. Corn planting progress is on track with the prior year, however corn acres to be planted are expected to be down approximately two percent from the prior year.
Grain inventories on hand at March 31, 2015 were 101.6 million bushels, of which 1.8 million bushels were stored for others. This compares to 89.4 million bushels on hand at March 31, 2014, of which 5.6 million bushels were stored for others. With the acquisition of Auburn Bean and Grain in the fourth quarter of 2014, total grain storage capacity was approximately 162 million bushels at March 31, 2015 compared to 139 million bushels at March 31, 2014.
The outlook for the Grain Group remains conservative, as it is expected to take some time to fully address our performance in the western region and as the industry builds back from lower storage utilization rates which we have seen in the past few years.
Ethanol Group
As expected, the Ethanol Group's first quarter results reflect low margins, driven primarily by a decline in oil prices. Despite lower margins, we were able to hedge some of our sales at margins higher than the average spot rate during the period and saw improving margins as we moved into the second quarter. While overall demand declined during the quarter, as is typical with this time of year, lower oil prices led to unseasonably higher driving patterns. Low corn prices, higher gasoline demand and improving export demand are supporting an optimistic second quarter, though not at the same record levels experienced in 2014.

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Ethanol volumes shipped for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Ethanol (gallons shipped)
75,524

 
72,315

E-85 (gallons shipped)
5,559

 
5,568

Corn Oil (pounds shipped)
3,368

 
20,363

DDG (tons shipped)
41

 
40


The above table shows only shipped volumes that flow through the Company's sales revenues. Total ethanol and DDG production by the unconsolidated LLCs are higher, however, the portion of this volume that is sold directly to their customers is excluded here. Starting in the first quarter of 2015, the unconsolidated LLCs began selling corn oil directly to their customers and this portion of the volume is excluded here.
Plant Nutrient Group
The Plant Nutrient Group's results reflect lower volumes from a slow start to the planting season due to weather conditions, despite margins holding at levels consistent with the prior year. While we believe substantial sales could shift into the second quarter, lower corn acres planted, potential logistical issues and uncertain weather conditions could negatively impact results.

Storage capacity at our wholesale nutrient and farm center facilities, including leased storage, was approximately 508 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 444 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at March 31, 2015 and approximately 485 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 414 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at March 31, 2014. The increase in our storage capacity is a result of the four additional agronomy locations acquired with the purchase of Auburn Bean and Grain in the fourth quarter of 2014.
Fertilizer tons shipped (including sales and service tons) for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Three months ended
March 31,
 
2015
 
2014
Sales tons
334

 
341

Service tons
41

 
44

Total tons
375

 
385

Rail Group
The Rail Group continued experiencing improved results from its leasing business in the first quarter of 2015. Strong utilization rates and improved average lease rates are driving these results. Railcars and locomotives under management (owned, leased or managed for financial institutions in non-recourse arrangements) at March 31, 2015 were 22,879 compared to 22,192 at March 31, 2014. The average utilization rate (railcars and locomotives under management that are in lease services, exclusive of railcars managed for third party investors) has increased to 91.8% from 88.4% for the quarters ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.
The full Rail Group results, however, were lower in the first quarter of 2015 due to fewer railcar sales. The Group had quarterly gains on sales of railcars and related leases in the amount of $4.5 million in 2015 compared to $10.8 million in the prior year.
On May 1, 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced its final rules for safe transportation of flammable liquids by rail, which effects a portion of tank cars. We have approximately 1,700 tank cars in our fleet of this type which are deployed in oil and ethanol service and could be subject to these new standards. We currently evaluating the potential impact on the assets and our customers.
The Rail Group is focused on sustaining high levels of asset utilization, and providing value to its customers in lease offerings as well as repair and fabrication services.



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Retail Group
The retail business is highly competitive. Our stores compete with a variety of retail merchandisers, including home centers, department and hardware stores, as well as local and national grocers. The Retail Group continues to optimize departments and products and implement cost reduction initiatives to maximize its profitability.
Other
Our “Other” represents corporate functions that provide support and services to the operating segments. The results contained within this segment include expenses and benefits not allocated back to the operating segments, including a portion of our ERP project.

Operating Results
The following discussion focuses on the operating results as shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income with a separate discussion by segment. Additional segment information is included in the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements herein in Note 12. Segment Information.
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
950,090

 
$
1,003,294

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
866,777

 
926,519

Gross profit
83,313

 
76,775

Operating, administrative and general expenses
78,604

 
70,985

Interest expense
6,039

 
6,002

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
3,261

 
20,501

Other income, net
3,107

 
19,612

Income before income taxes
5,038

 
39,901

Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(152
)
 
3,321

Income before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
5,190

 
$
36,580

Comparison of the three months ended March 31, 2015 with the three months ended March 31, 2014:
Grain Group
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
585,162

 
$
583,159

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
555,437

 
566,151

Gross profit
29,725

 
17,008

Operating, administrative and general expenses
28,961

 
23,160

Interest expense
2,406

 
2,775

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
1,549

 
1,884

Other income, net
833

 
18,346

Income before income taxes
740

 
11,303

Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
(3
)
 
(3
)
Income before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
743


$
11,306


Operating results for the Grain Group have decreased $10.6 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $2.0 million. Merchandising revenues increased $13.3 million, a majority of which relates to increased space income from corn and soy beans. A majority of the offset to this increase was a decrease in grain sales, which were $11.2 million lower than the prior year. The decrease is due to a 22 percent lower average sales price, despite a 25 percent increase in bushels sold. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $10.7 million compared to the prior

27

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year, following the decrease in grain sales discussed above. Gross profit increased $12.7 million over the prior year with most of the increase a result of higher space income, specifically $10.8 million in corn and soybeans.

Operating, administrative and general expenses increased $5.8 million compared to the same period in 2014. The increase was driven by a $2.4 million increase in labor and benefit costs, including additional headcount from recent acquisitions and more overtime pay in the first quarter of 2015, as well as a $1.4 million increase from on-going support costs for the ERP project that were allocated to the group in the current year. Depreciation expense also increased almost $1.0 million due to capital growth, primarily from acquisitions. Other income decreased $17.5 million as the prior year income includes the $17.1 million gain from the partial share redemption in our investment of LTG.
Ethanol Group
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues
$
138,180

 
$
188,820

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
131,894

 
181,455

Gross profit
6,286

 
7,365

Operating, administrative and general expenses
2,892

 
2,508

Interest expense
17

 
100

Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
1,712

 
18,617

Other income (expense), net
42

 
(226
)
Income before income taxes
5,131

 
23,148

(Loss) Income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(149
)
 
3,324

Income before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
5,280

 
$
19,824


Operating results for the Ethanol Group decreased $14.5 million over the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising and service fee revenues decreased $50.6 million, almost entirely related to ethanol sales. While ethanol gallons sold increased four percent, the average price of ethanol decreased 28 percent. The $49.6 million decrease in cost of sales is due to lower corn and ethanol prices.

Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $16.9 million due to significantly lower earnings from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. The ethanol plants' performance was unfavorably impacted by significantly lower ethanol margins. Weighted average margins per gallons sold by the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs decreased $0.47 compared to the prior year.
Plant Nutrient Group
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
153,951

 
$
151,355

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
131,985

 
128,805

Gross profit
21,966

 
22,550

Operating, administrative and general expenses
21,217

 
21,889

Interest expense
1,360

 
1,189

Other income, net
1,035

 
492

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
424

 
$
(36
)

Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group improved slightly from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $2.6 million due to a four percent increase in average price per ton, which followed the price of nutrients in the market, offset by a two percent decrease in fertilizer tons sold. The increase in cost of sales and merchandising revenues follows that of revenues, which is a result of higher costs per ton sold and lower volumes. Gross profit decreased slightly, with 64 percent of the decrease from lower volumes and 36 percent from lower margins.

Other income increased $0.6 million and was driven by the settlement of a legal claim during the quarter.

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Rail Group
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
44,216

 
$
52,302

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
26,894

 
30,437

Gross profit
17,322

 
21,865

Operating, administrative and general expenses
6,319

 
5,874

Interest expense
1,529

 
1,656

Other income, net
839

 
710

Income before income taxes
$
10,313

 
$
15,045


Operating results for the Rail Group decreased by $4.7 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $8.1 million. Car sales decreased $12.5 million, while a $3.9 million increase in leasing revenues and a $0.5 million increase in repair and other revenues offset the lower sales. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $3.6 million compared to the same period last year primarily as a result of a lower volume of car sales. Gross profit decreased by $4.5 million compared to last year. The gross profit on car sales decreased by $5.6 million as the number of cars sold decreased, along with lower gross profit from scrapped and destroyed cars due to lower scrap prices. Leasing gross profit increased $0.7 million but the margin percent decreased due to depreciation and freight expenses experienced in the first quarter of 2015.
Retail Group
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
28,581

 
$
27,658

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
20,567

 
19,671

Gross profit
8,014

 
7,987

Operating, administrative and general expenses
10,169

 
10,264

Interest expense
125

 
170

Other income, net
97

 
112

Loss before income taxes
$
(2,183
)
 
$
(2,335
)

Operating results for the Retail Group improved slightly from the same period last year, with a three percent increase in customer count during the quarter and a continued focus on cost reduction.
Other
 
Three months ended
March 31,
(in thousands)
2015
 
2014
Sales and merchandising revenues
$

 
$

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues

 

Gross profit

 

Operating, administrative and general expenses
9,046

 
7,290

Interest expense
602

 
112

Other income, net
261

 
178

Loss before income taxes
$
(9,387
)
 
$
(7,224
)

The other operating loss not allocated to business segments increased $2.2 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating expenses increased $1.8 million due to additional unallocated ERP project expenses, as the project was not yet

29

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implemented in the first quarter of 2014 and most of the prior year spend was capital in nature. Interest expense increased slightly over prior year primarily due to mark-to-market adjustments on interest rate derivative contracts.
Income Taxes
Income tax expense of $1.1 million was provided at 21.7%. In the first quarter of 2014, income tax expense of $13.9 million was provided at a rate of 34.8%. The lower 2015 effective tax rate is primarily due to a $0.6 million non-recurring tax benefit attributable to the accounting for the investment in a foreign affiliate.

The Company anticipates that its 2015 effective annual rate will be 35.1%. The Company’s actual 2014 effective tax rate was 33.4%. The higher effective rate for 2015 is primarily due to lower income attributable to non-controlling interests.


30

Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
At March 31, 2015, we had working capital of $223.0 million. The following table presents changes in the components of current assets and current liabilities:
(in thousands)
March 31, 2015
 
March 31, 2014
 
Variance
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
54,461

 
$
43,693

 
$
10,768

Restricted cash
685

 
652

 
33

Accounts receivable, net
209,928

 
191,972

 
17,956

Inventories
743,957

 
725,584

 
18,373

Commodity derivative assets – current
86,824

 
119,330

 
(32,506
)
Deferred income taxes
12,878

 
9,104

 
3,774

Other current assets
65,017

 
48,214

 
16,803

Total current assets
1,173,750

 
1,138,549

 
35,201

Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
311,660

 
226,100

 
85,560

Accounts payable for grain
206,153

 
183,998

 
22,155

Other accounts payable
164,224

 
177,623

 
(13,399
)
Customer prepayments and deferred revenue
130,254

 
124,981

 
5,273

Commodity derivative liabilities – current
55,401

 
32,153

 
23,248

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
64,065

 
56,290

 
7,775

Current maturities of long-term debt
19,037

 
90,760

 
(71,723
)
Total current liabilities
950,794

 
891,905

 
58,889

Working Capital
$
222,956

 
$
246,644

 
$
(23,688
)
In comparison to March 31, 2014, current assets increased due to changes in cash, accounts receivable, inventories and other assets. This increase is partially offset by a significant decrease in commodity derivative assets. Much of the increase in cash was driven by the timing of margin calls between periods. See the discussion below on additional sources and uses of cash for an understanding of the change in cash from prior year. Accounts receivable is higher in the current year due to a $24 million increase in the Grain group, which includes impact of the Auburn Bean and Grain acquisition in current year balances and higher grain sales to customers who experienced logistical issues and delays in the prior year. Ethanol accounts receivable decreased $11 million due to timing of shipments and lower ethanol prices. Inventory increased in the Plant Nutrient Group by $41 million, primarily due to higher levels of wholesale tons on hand and the inclusion of the Auburn Bean and Grain acquisition in the current year balance. Offsetting these increases were decreases of $18 million in Grain and $8 million in Ethanol inventories due to lower corn and ethanol prices. Other current assets increased in 2015 and almost entirely relates to an increase in payments to vendors before product was received in the Plant Nutrient Group. Commodity derivative assets decreased and liabilities increased and reflect the customer net asset or liability based on the value of forward contracts as compared to market prices at the end of the period.
Current liabilities increased primarily due to increases in short-term debt, accounts payable for grain and commodity derivative liabilities. Short-term debt increased due to the timing of margin calls and working capital needs of the business. Accounts payable for grain increased as a result of corn basis appreciation, as delayed price payables follow the value of the inventory. Current maturities of long-term debt decreased due to the pay down of $61.5 million private placement bonds that matured in March 2015.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Our operating activities used cash of $286.7 million and $498.6 million in the first three months of 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in cash used during the quarter is primarily a result of changes within working capital accounts. We also note that the prior year activity included significant cash distributions from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs that did not recur in the current year.

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While we have only made income tax payments, net of refunds, of $0.8 million through the first quarter of 2015, we expect to make payments totaling approximately $35.7 million for the remainder of 2015.
Investing Activities
Investing activities used cash of $17.5 million through the first three months of 2015, compared to $37.3 million of cash provided in the prior year. The significant increase in cash used is due to an increase of $9.5 million of Rail Group asset purchases and a decrease of $12.6 million of Rail Group asset sales. The variability is driven by timing of opportunities in the Rail Group asset market. In 2015, we expect to spend a total of $125 million for the purchase of railcars, barges and related leases and capitalized modifications of railcars. We also expect to offset this amount by proceeds from the sales and dispositions between $79 million and $100 million during the year. Through March 31, 2015, we invested $23.5 million in the purchase of additional railcars, which is partially offset by proceeds from sales of railcars of $12.9 million. Through March 31, 2014, we invested $14.0 million in the purchase of additional railcars, which was more than offset by proceeds from sales of $25.5 million. Additionally, total capital spending for 2015 on property, plant and equipment in our base business, inclusive of information technology spending and the beginning of construction on a new corporate headquarters building is expected to be approximately $117 million. The prior year also included $31.5 million of proceeds received from LTG as part of the partial share redemption as proceeds from sale of investments.
Financing Activities
Financing activities provided cash of $243.9 million and $196.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Most of the increase is from additional borrowings on the short-term line of credit, which increased due to the timing of margin calls and working capital needs of the business. We are party to borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of banks that provides a total of $878.1 million in borrowings, which includes $28.1 million non-recourse debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC. Of that total, we had $538.6 million remaining available for borrowing at March 31, 2015. Peak short-term borrowings to date were $308.5 million on March 31, 2015. Typically, our highest borrowing occurs in the Spring due to seasonal inventory requirements in our fertilizer and grain businesses. Offsetting the increased short-term borrowings was a net decrease to long-term debt of $32.7 million. $61.5 million of notes payable matured and were paid down and an additional $30.0 million of notes payable were issued in the first quarter of 2015.

In the first quarter of 2015, we also made payments $27.8 million to repurchase approximately 631 thousand shares, which covers the shares issued as part of the acquisition of Auburn Bean and Grain. We have $21.3 million of authorization left for share buy backs under the current repurchase program.

We paid $4.1 million in dividends in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $3.1 million in the prior year. We paid $0.14 per common share for the dividends paid in January 2015, and $0.11 per common share for the dividends paid in January, April, July and October 2014. On February 27, 2015, we declared a cash dividend of $0.14 per common share payable on April 22, 2015 to shareholders of record on April 1, 2015.
Certain of our long-term borrowings include covenants that, among other things, impose minimum levels of equity and limitations on additional debt. We are in compliance with all such covenants as of March 31, 2015. In addition, certain of our long-term borrowings are collateralized by first mortgages on various facilities or are collateralized by railcar assets. Our non-recourse long-term debt is collateralized by ethanol plant assets.
Because we are a significant consumer of short-term debt in peak seasons and the majority of this is variable rate debt, increases in interest rates could have a significant impact on our profitability. In addition, periods of high grain prices and/or unfavorable market conditions could require us to make additional margin deposits on our exchange traded futures contracts. Conversely, in periods of declining prices, we receive a return of cash.
We believe our sources of liquidity will be adequate to fund our operations, capital expenditures and payments of dividends in the foreseeable future.

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Off-Balance Sheet Transactions

Our Rail Group utilizes leasing arrangements that provide off-balance sheet financing for its activities. We lease assets from financial intermediaries through sale-leaseback transactions, the majority of which involve operating leasebacks. Rail Group assets we own or lease from a financial intermediary are generally leased to a customer under an operating lease. We also arrange non-recourse lease transactions under which we sell assets to a financial intermediary, and assign the related operating lease to the financial intermediary on a non-recourse basis. In such arrangements, we generally provide ongoing maintenance and management services for the financial intermediary, and receive a fee for such services. On most of the assets, we hold an option to purchase the assets at the end of the lease.

The following table describes our Rail Group asset positions at March 31, 2015: 
Method of Control
Financial Statement
 
Units
Owned-railcars available for sale
On balance sheet – current
 
20

Owned-railcar assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
 
15,485

Railcars leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
 
3,653

Railcars – non-recourse arrangements
Off balance sheet
 
3,656

Total Railcars
 
 
22,814

Locomotive assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
 
41

Locomotives leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
 
4

Total Locomotives
 
 
45

Barge assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
 
5

Barge assets leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
 
15

Total Barges
 
 
20

In addition, we manage 425 railcars for third-party customers or owners for which we receive a fee.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
For further information, refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014. There were no material changes in market risk, specifically commodity and interest rate risk during the quarter ended March 31, 2015.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer ("Certifying Officers"), as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
As required by Rule 13a-15(b) of the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report. Based on the results of this evaluation, management concluded that, as of March 31, 2015, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management concluded that the Company’s system of internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2014.  As required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of any change in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting. The Company is undertaking the phased implementation of an ERP software system.  The phased implementation continued with several new Grain locations during the first quarter of 2015.  The Company believes it is maintaining and monitoring appropriate internal controls during the implementation period and further believes that its internal control environment will be enhanced as a result of this implementation.  There have been no other changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.




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Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings
We have received, and are cooperating fully with, a request for information from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (“U.S. EPA”) regarding the history of our grain and fertilizer facility along the Maumee River in Toledo, Ohio. The U.S. EPA is investigating the possible introduction into the Maumee River of hazardous materials potentially leaching from rouge piles deposited along the riverfront by glass manufacturing operations that existed in the area prior to our initial acquisition of the land in 1960. We have on several prior occasions cooperated with local, state and federal regulators to install or improve drainage systems to contain storm water runoff and sewer discharges along our riverfront property to minimize the potential for such leaching. Other area land owners and the successor to the original glass making operations have also been contacted by the U.S. EPA for information. No claim or finding has been asserted thus far.
We are also currently subject to various claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business, which include environmental issues, employment claims, contractual disputes, and defensive counter claims. We accrue liabilities where litigation losses are deemed probable and estimable. We believe it is unlikely that the results of our current legal proceedings, even if unfavorable, will be materially different from what we currently have accrued. There can be no assurance, however, that any claims or suits arising in the future, whether taken individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors
Our operations are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in this Form 10-Q and could have a material adverse impact on our financial results. These risks can be impacted by factors beyond our control as well as by errors and omissions on our part. The significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results are described in our 2014 Form 10-K (Item 1A).

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In October 2014, the Company's Board of Directors approved a resolution authorizing the repurchase of shares at a value not to exceed $50.0 million, expiring on October 31, 2016. The following table gives information regarding the repurchases for the period ended March 31, 2015:
(in thousands, except per share data)
Total number of shares purchased
 
Average price paid per share
 
Total number of shares purchased as part of publicly announced programs
 
Maximum dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program
January 1 through January 31
128

 
$
49.98

 
128

 
$
42,695

February 1 through February 28
203

 
44.80

 
203

 
33,612

March 1 through March 31
300

 
41.04

 
300

 
21,315

Total
631

 
$
44.07

 
631

 
$
21,315



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Item 5. Other Information

On March 2, 2015, we granted restricted shares (“RSAs”) to our officers, directors and other members of management and performance share units ("PSUs") valued at $44.76 to our officers and other members of management. These grants were made under the 2014 Long-Term Incentive Compensation Plan. These grants were made as follows to the named executive officers, all officers as a group, directors and all other employees.
 
RSAs
 
PSUs
Michael J. Anderson
8,870

 
17,740

John J. Granato
3,379

 
6,758

Harold M. Reed
5,037

 
10,074

Dennis J. Addis
2,306

 
4,612

Neill C. McKinstray
3,136

 
6,272

Executive group
14,425

 
28,850

Non-executive director group
13,144

 

Non-executive officer employee group
29,339

 
58,678


Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
 
 
 
 
No.
  
Description
 
 
10.68
 
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement
 
 
 
10.69
 
Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement
 
 
 
10.70
 
Form of Restricted Share Award - Cliff Vesting Agreement
 
 
 
10.71
 
Form of Restricted Share Award - Non-Employee Directors Agreement
 
 
 
12
  
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
31.1
  
Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
 
31.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
 
32.1
  
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
101
 
Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended March 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE ANDERSONS, INC.
(Registrant)
 
 
Date: May 8, 2015
 
By /s/ Michael J. Anderson
 
 
Michael J. Anderson
 
 
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: May 8, 2015
 
By /s/ John Granato
 
 
John Granato
 
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 


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Exhibit Index
The Andersons, Inc.
 
 
 
 
No.
  
Description
 
 
10.68
 
Form of Performance Share Unit Agreement
 
 
 
10.69
 
Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement
 
 
 
10.70
 
Form of Restricted Share Award - Cliff Vesting Agreement
 
 
 
10.71
 
Form of Restricted Share Award - Non-Employee Directors Agreement
 
 
 
12
  
Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
 
 
31.1
  
Certification of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
 
31.2
  
Certification of the Chief Financial Officer under Rule 13(a)-14(a)/15d-14(a)
 
 
32.1
  
Certifications Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
 
 
 
101
 
Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended March 31, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Equity, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


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