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Andersons, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2017 September (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 September 30, 2017
¨
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.)
1947 Briarfield Boulevard, 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,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 
Large accelerated filer
ý
Accelerated Filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨

Smaller reporting company
¨
Emerging growth company
¨

 
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ¨
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 October 27, 2017.


Table of Contents

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


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Part I. Financial Information


Item 1. Financial Statements

The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
24,478

 
$
62,630

 
$
78,158

Restricted cash

 
471

 
190

Accounts receivable, net
196,192

 
194,698

 
173,593

Inventories (Note 2)
475,602

 
682,747

 
427,754

Commodity derivative assets – current (Note 5)
45,202

 
45,447

 
59,837

Other current assets
53,958

 
72,133

 
43,761

Assets held for sale (Note 16)
8,383

 

 

Total current assets
803,815

 
1,058,126

 
783,293

Other assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Commodity derivative assets – noncurrent (Note 5)
245

 
100

 
1,346

Goodwill (Note 17)
23,105

 
63,934

 
63,934

Other intangible assets, net
113,371

 
106,100

 
110,155

Other assets, net
11,852

 
10,411

 
5,921

Equity method investments
215,031

 
216,931

 
225,114

 
363,604

 
397,476

 
406,470

Rail Group assets leased to others, net (Note 3)
377,393

 
327,195

 
334,401

Property, plant and equipment, net (Note 3)
419,348

 
450,052

 
460,247

Total assets
$
1,964,160

 
$
2,232,849

 
$
1,984,411


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The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
Liabilities and equity
 
 
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt (Note 4)
$
19,000

 
$
29,000

 
$

Trade and other payables
381,359

 
581,826

 
356,931

Customer prepayments and deferred revenue
29,520

 
48,590

 
15,725

Commodity derivative liabilities – current (Note 5)
38,578

 
23,167

 
59,770

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
67,064

 
69,648

 
68,465

Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 4)
53,972

 
47,545

 
51,520

Total current liabilities
589,493

 
799,776

 
552,411

Other long-term liabilities
34,407

 
27,833

 
30,525

Commodity derivative liabilities – noncurrent (Note 5)
902

 
339

 
1,954

Employee benefit plan obligations
36,356

 
35,026

 
45,260

Long-term debt, less current maturities (Note 4)
371,315

 
397,065

 
395,559

Deferred income taxes
181,876

 
182,113

 
178,535

Total liabilities
1,214,349

 
1,442,152

 
1,204,244

Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:
 
 
 
 
 
Common shares, without par value (63,000 shares authorized; 29,430 shares issued at 9/30/2017, 12/31/16 and 9/30/2016)
96

 
96

 
96

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

 

 

Additional paid-in-capital
223,814

 
222,910

 
221,326

Treasury shares, at cost (1,079, 1,201 and 1,195 shares at 9/30/2017, 12/31/16 and 9/30/2016, respectively)
(40,905
)
 
(45,383
)
 
(45,130
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(9,682
)
 
(12,468
)
 
(17,305
)
Retained earnings
568,438

 
609,206

 
603,556

Total shareholders’ equity of The Andersons, Inc.
741,761

 
774,361

 
762,543

Noncontrolling interests
8,050

 
16,336

 
17,624

Total equity
749,811

 
790,697

 
780,167

Total liabilities and equity
$
1,964,160

 
$
2,232,849

 
$
1,984,411

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)(In thousands, except per share data)
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
836,595

 
$
859,612

 
$
2,682,273

 
$
2,811,735

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
766,924

 
782,597

 
2,448,310

 
2,569,923

Gross profit
69,671

 
77,015

 
233,963

 
241,812

Operating, administrative and general expenses
68,456

 
78,767

 
220,331

 
234,053

Goodwill impairment

 

 
42,000

 

Interest expense
5,384

 
4,441

 
17,472

 
18,046

Other income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Equity in earnings of affiliates, net
3,586

 
8,422

 
8,093

 
3,789

Other income, net
5,588

 
2,216

 
18,117

 
11,144

Income (loss) before income taxes
5,005

 
4,445

 
(19,630
)
 
4,646

Income tax provision
2,389

 
1,104

 
7,505

 
1,486

Net income (loss)
2,616

 
3,341

 
(27,135
)
 
3,160

Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests
83

 
1,619

 
73

 
1,711

Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
2,533

 
$
1,722

 
$
(27,208
)
 
$
1,449

Per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders
$
0.09

 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.96
)
 
$
0.05

Diluted earnings (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc. common shareholders
$
0.09

 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.96
)
 
$
0.05

Dividends declared
$
0.160

 
$
0.155

 
$
0.480

 
$
0.465

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net income (loss)
$
2,616

 
$
3,341

 
$
(27,135
)
 
$
3,160

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in fair value of convertible preferred securities (net of income tax of $134, $0, $134 and $74)
211

 

 
211

 
(126
)
Change in unrecognized actuarial loss and prior service cost (net of income tax (benefit) of $(64), $53, $(699) and $716 - Note 8)
(101
)
 
87

 
(1,099
)
 
1,381

Foreign currency translation adjustments (net of income tax of $0, $0, $0 and $0)
2,201

 
(298
)
 
3,674

 
2,259

Cash flow hedge activity (net of income tax of $0, $0, $0, and $72)

 

 

 
120

Other comprehensive income (loss)
2,311

 
(211
)
 
2,786

 
3,634

Comprehensive income (loss)
4,927

 
3,130

 
(24,349
)
 
6,794

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the noncontrolling interests
83

 
1,619

 
73

 
1,711

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
4,844

 
$
1,511

 
$
(24,422
)
 
$
5,083

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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The Andersons, Inc.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)(In thousands)
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
Operating Activities
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(27,135
)
 
$
3,160

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to cash used in operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
64,546

 
62,244

Bad debt expense
1,076

 
789

Equity in (earnings) losses of affiliates, net of dividends
(2,168
)
 
12,804

Gains on sale of Rail Group assets and related leases
(7,642
)
 
(6,366
)
Gains on sale of assets
(11,443
)
 
(826
)
Stock-based compensation expense
4,550

 
5,542

Goodwill impairment
42,000

 

Other
(610
)
 
(7
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(334
)
 
(5,425
)
Inventories
200,667

 
283,158

Commodity derivatives
16,073

 
12,592

Other assets
10,422

 
36,536

Payables and other accrued expenses
(229,268
)
 
(362,855
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
60,734

 
41,346

Investing Activities
 
 
 
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired
(3,507
)
 

Purchases of Rail Group assets
(77,513
)
 
(57,979
)
Proceeds from sale of Rail Group assets
18,368

 
44,061

Purchases of property, plant and equipment and capitalized software
(26,705
)
 
(56,138
)
Proceeds from sale of assets
26,601

 
69,673

Proceeds from returns of investments in affiliates
1,339

 
7,443

Purchase of investments
(4,929
)
 
(2,523
)
Other
1,470

 
260

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
(64,876
)
 
4,797

Financing Activities
 
 
 
Net change in short-term borrowings
(11,059
)
 
(15,000
)
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
35,175

 
78,199

Proceeds from long-term financing arrangement
12,195

 
14,027

Payments of long-term debt
(54,326
)
 
(91,393
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest owner

 
(3,400
)
Proceeds from sale of treasury shares to employees and directors
450

 
1,159

Payments of debt issuance costs
(2,024
)
 
(309
)
Dividends paid
(13,485
)
 
(13,020
)
Other
(936
)
 
(1,998
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
(34,010
)
 
(31,735
)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(38,152
)
 
14,408

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
62,630

 
63,750

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
24,478

 
$
78,158

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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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, 2015
$
96

 
$
222,848

 
$
(52,902
)
 
$
(20,939
)
 
$
615,151

 
$
19,485

 
$
783,739

Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1,449

 
1,711

 
3,160

Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
3,634

 
 
 
 
 
3,634

Cash distribution to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(3,400
)
 
(3,400
)
Other change in noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(172
)
 
(172
)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $471 (202 shares)
 
 
(1,542
)
 
7,772

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
6,230

Dividends declared ($0.465 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13,024
)
 
 
 
(13,024
)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents
 
 
20

 
 
 
 
 
(20
)
 
 
 

Balance at September 30, 2016
$
96

 
$
221,326

 
$
(45,130
)
 
$
(17,305
)
 
$
603,556

 
$
17,624

 
$
780,167

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2016
$
96

 
$
222,910

 
$
(45,383
)
 
$
(12,468
)
 
$
609,206

 
$
16,336

 
$
790,697

Net income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(27,208
)
 
73

 
(27,135
)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
2,786

 
 
 
 
 
2,786

Other change in noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(8,359
)
 
(8,359
)
Stock awards, stock option exercises and other shares issued to employees and directors, net of income tax of $(323) (122 shares)
 
 
899

 
4,426

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
5,325

Dividends declared ($0.48 per common share)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(13,503
)
 
 
 
(13,503
)
Restricted share award dividend equivalents
 
 
5

 
52

 
 
 
(57
)
 
 
 

Balance at September 30, 2017
$
96

 
$
223,814

 
$
(40,905
)
 
$
(9,682
)
 
$
568,438

 
$
8,050

 
$
749,811

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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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 the 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, 2017. An unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2016 has been included as the Company operates in several seasonal industries. Certain prior year amounts within the operating and investing activities sections of the statements of cash flows have been reclassified to conform with current year presentation.
The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet data at December 31, 2016 was derived from the audited Consolidated Financial Statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. 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, 2016 (the “2016 Form 10-K”).
New Accounting Standards
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606). The FASB issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance in August 2015, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016 within ASU 2015-14, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10 ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively.  The core principle of the new revenue standard 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 new revenue standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017 and early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt the standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of this new guidance will require expanded disclosures in the Company’s consolidated financial statements including separate quantitative disclosure of revenues within the scope of Topic 606 and revenues excluded from the scope of Topic 606.
Our evaluation of these standards, which includes reviewing representative samples of customer contracts, considers the amount and timing of revenues recognized, financial statement presentation, and required disclosures.
While we are still continuing to evaluate the potential future impact of these standards on our financial statements, we believe the following items will be impacted upon adoption:
- Many of the Company's Grain and Ethanol sales contracts are considered derivatives under ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging, and therefore are outside the scope of Topic 606;
- Certain fee-based arrangements within our Grain and Ethanol segments will be classified as reductions to our cost of sales rather than revenue. However, we do not expect a material change to the timing of when these fees are recognized in our financial statements.
In addition, we are still evaluating the following areas to determine the potential changes, if any, upon adoption:
- Determination of whether we are the principal or agent for certain revenue streams within several of our segments;
- Methodology for recognizing gains on certain sale transactions within our Rail segment.
Leasing
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 supersedes the current accounting for leases. The new standard, while retaining two distinct types of leases, finance and operating, (i) requires lessees to record a

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right of use asset and a related liability for the rights and obligations associated with a lease, regardless of lease classification, and recognize lease expense in a manner similar to current accounting, (ii) eliminates current real estate specific lease provisions, (iii) modifies the lease classification criteria and (iv) aligns many of the underlying lessor model principles with those in the new revenue standard. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company does not plan to early adopt. Entities are required to use a modified retrospective approach when transitioning to ASU 2016-02 for leases that exist as of or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements.
The Company expects this standard to have the effect of bringing certain off balance-sheet rail assets noted in Item 2 of Form 10-Q onto the balance sheet along with a corresponding liability for the associated obligations. Additionally, we have other arrangements currently classified as operating leases which will be recorded as a right of use asset and corresponding liability on the balance sheet. We are currently evaluating the impact these changes will have on the consolidated financial statements.
Other applicable standards
In August 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-12 Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. This standard simplifies the recognition and presentation of changes in the fair value of hedging instruments. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material to its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

In May 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-09 Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting. This standard states that if the vesting conditions, fair value, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification an entity would not apply modification accounting. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company has not chosen to do so at this time. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material.

In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07 Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost. This standard requires that the service cost component be reported in the same line item as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the employees during the period. The other components of net benefit costs should be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material to its Consolidated Financial Statements and disclosures.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This update removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. The ASU is effective prospectively for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted, and the Company elected to implement this standard in the second quarter of 2017.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This standard clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. At adoption, the Company will elect to continue classifying distributions from equity method investments using the cumulative earnings approach which is consistent with current practice.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This update changes the accounting for credit losses on loans and held-to-maturity debt securities and requires a current expected credit loss (CECL) approach to determine the allowance for credit losses. This includes allowances for trade receivables. The Company has not historically incurred significant credit losses and does not currently anticipate circumstances that would lead to a CECL approach differing from the Company's existing allowance estimates in a material way. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted, however the Company does not plan to do so.

In January, 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This standard provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. This guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is not permitted. The Company does not expect the impact from adoption of this standard to be material to currently held financial assets and liabilities.


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2. Inventories
Major classes of inventories are as follows:
(in thousands)
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
Grain
$
342,837

 
$
495,139

 
$
262,165

Ethanol and co-products
12,502

 
10,887

 
7,734

Plant nutrients and cob products
114,131

 
150,259

 
126,922

Retail merchandise
718

 
20,678

 
24,985

Railcar repair parts
5,414

 
5,784

 
5,948

 
$
475,602

 
$
682,747

 
$
427,754


Inventories on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 do not include 1.0 million, 0.9 million and 1.0 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, net are as follows:
(in thousands)
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
Land
$
23,342

 
$
30,672

 
$
28,473

Land improvements and leasehold improvements
71,559

 
79,631

 
82,908

Buildings and storage facilities
298,951

 
322,856

 
319,950

Machinery and equipment
384,422

 
392,418

 
393,178

Construction in progress
7,703

 
12,784

 
21,284

 
785,977

 
838,361

 
845,793

Less: accumulated depreciation
366,629

 
388,309

 
385,546

 
$
419,348

 
$
450,052

 
$
460,247

Depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $36.0 million and $35.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense on property, plant and equipment was $11.9 million and $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.
In December 2016, the Company recorded charges totaling $6.0 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Retail business. This does not include $0.5 million of impairment charges related to software. The Company wrote down the value of these assets to the extent their carrying amounts exceeded fair value. The Company classified the significant assumptions used to determine fair value of the impaired assets as Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy.
In December 2016, the Company also recorded charges totaling $2.3 million for impairment of property, plant and equipment in the Plant Nutrient segment due to the closing of a cob facility.
Rail Group Assets
The components of Rail Group assets leased to others are as follows:
(in thousands)
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
Rail Group assets leased to others
$
484,214

 
$
431,571

 
$
438,211

Less: accumulated depreciation
106,821

 
104,376

 
103,810

 
$
377,393

 
$
327,195

 
$
334,401


11

Table of Contents

Depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $14.9 million and $14.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Additionally, depreciation expense on Rail Group assets leased to others amounted to $5.2 million and $4.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

4. Debt
On April 13, 2017, the Company amended its line of credit agreement with a syndicate of banks. The amended agreement provides for a credit facility in the amount of $800 million. Total borrowing capacity for the Company under all lines of credit is currently at $820.0 million, including $20.0 million of debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC ("TADE"), which is non-recourse to the Company. At September 30, 2017, the Company had a total of $718.5 million available for borrowing under its lines of credit. The Company's 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 September 30, 2017.
The Company’s short-term and long-term debt at September 30, 2017December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 consisted of the following:
(in thousands)
September 30,
2017
 
December 31,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
Short-term Debt – Non-Recourse
$

 
$

 
$

Short-term Debt – Recourse
19,000

 
29,000

 

Total Short-term Debt
$
19,000

 
$
29,000

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Non-Recourse
$

 
$

 
$

Current Maturities of Long-term Debt – Recourse
53,972

 
47,545

 
51,520

Total Current Maturities of Long-term Debt
$
53,972

 
$
47,545

 
$
51,520

 
 
 
 
 
 
Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Non-Recourse
$

 
$

 
$

Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities – Recourse
371,315

 
397,065

 
395,559

Total Long-term Debt, Less: Current Maturities
$
371,315

 
$
397,065

 
$
395,559


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. These contracts are primarily traded 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 cost of sales and merchandising revenues.


12

Table of Contents

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 futures, 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 futures, 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.
The following table presents at September 30, 2017December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, 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:
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
September 30, 2016
(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)
$
27,737

 
$

 
$
28,273

 
$

 
$
13,358

 
$

Fair value of derivatives
(999
)
 

 
1,599

 

 
16,258

 

Balance at end of period
$
26,738

 
$

 
$
29,872

 
$

 
$
29,616

 
$


The following table presents, on a gross basis, current and noncurrent commodity derivative assets and liabilities:
 
September 30, 2017
(in thousands)
Commodity Derivative Assets - Current
 
Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent
 
Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current
 
Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
33,804

 
$
288

 
$
676

 
$
74

 
$
34,842

Commodity derivative liabilities
(16,339
)
 
(43
)
 
(39,254
)
 
(976
)
 
(56,612
)
Cash collateral
27,737

 

 

 

 
27,737

Balance sheet line item totals
$
45,202

 
$
245

 
$
(38,578
)
 
$
(902
)
 
$
5,967

 
December 31, 2016
(in thousands)
Commodity Derivative Assets - Current
 
Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent
 
Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current
 
Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
36,146

 
$
140

 
$
1,447

 
$
6

 
$
37,739

Commodity derivative liabilities
(18,972
)
 
(40
)
 
(24,614
)
 
(345
)
 
(43,971
)
Cash collateral
28,273

 

 

 

 
28,273

Balance sheet line item totals
$
45,447

 
$
100

 
$
(23,167
)
 
$
(339
)
 
$
22,041

 
September 30, 2016
(in thousands)
Commodity Derivative Assets - Current
 
Commodity Derivative Assets - Noncurrent
 
Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Current
 
Commodity Derivative Liabilities - Noncurrent
 
Total
Commodity derivative assets
$
60,372

 
$
1,356

 
$
3,318

 
$
58

 
$
65,104

Commodity derivative liabilities
(13,893
)
 
(10
)
 
(63,088
)
 
(2,012
)
 
(79,003
)
Cash collateral
13,358

 

 

 

 
13,358

Balance sheet line item totals
$
59,837

 
$
1,346

 
$
(59,770
)
 
$
(1,954
)
 
$
(541
)


13

Table of Contents

The gains and losses included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line items in which they are located are as follows:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Gains (losses) on commodity derivatives included in cost of sales and merchandising revenues
$
(690
)
 
$
(48,620
)
 
$
(15,538
)
 
$
(22,679
)
The Company had the following volume of commodity derivative contracts outstanding (on a gross basis) at September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016:
 
September 30, 2017
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels
 
Number of Gallons
 
Number of Pounds
 
Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
222,287

 

 

 

Soybeans
44,463

 

 

 

Wheat
8,598

 

 

 

Oats
36,451

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
201,521

 


 

Corn oil

 

 
5,782

 

Other
51

 

 


 
110

Subtotal
311,850

 
201,521

 
5,782

 
110

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
113,990

 

 

 

Soybeans
45,220

 

 

 

Wheat
61,795

 

 

 

Oats
895

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
22,890

 

 

Other

 
840

 

 

Subtotal
221,900

 
23,730

 

 

Total
533,750

 
225,251

 
5,782

 
110


14

Table of Contents

 
December 31, 2016
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels
 
Number of Gallons
 
Number of Pounds
 
Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
175,549

 

 

 

Soybeans
20,592

 

 

 

Wheat
7,177

 

 

 

Oats
36,025

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
215,081

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
9,358

 

Other
108

 
1,144

 

 
110

Subtotal
239,451

 
216,225

 
9,358

 
110

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
63,225

 

 

 

Soybeans
39,005

 

 

 

Wheat
45,360

 

 

 

Oats
4,120

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
78,120

 

 

Subtotal
151,710

 
78,120

 

 

Total
391,161

 
294,345

 
9,358

 
110

 
September 30, 2016
Commodity (in thousands)
Number of Bushels
 
Number of Gallons
 
Number of Pounds
 
Number of Tons
Non-exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
226,492

 

 

 

Soybeans
60,614

 

 

 

Wheat
7,933

 

 

 

Oats
28,939

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
191,906

 

 

Corn oil

 

 
7,153

 

Other
129

 

 

 
251

Subtotal
324,107

 
191,906

 
7,153

 
251

Exchange traded:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corn
105,395

 

 

 

Soybeans
35,245

 

 

 

Wheat
39,715

 

 

 

Oats
2,800

 

 

 

Ethanol

 
74,046

 

 

Subtotal
183,155

 
74,046

 

 

Total
507,262

 
265,952

 
7,153

 
251


15

Table of Contents

At September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016, the Company had recorded the following amounts for the fair value of the Company's other derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
September 30, 2016
(in thousands)
 
 
Interest rate contracts included in Other long-term liabilities
$
(1,929
)
 
$
(2,530
)
 
$
(4,774
)
Foreign currency contracts included in Other current assets (Accrued expenses and other current liabilities)
1,605

 
(112
)
 
1,130

The gains and losses included in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations and the line item in which they are located for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Interest rate derivative gains (losses) included in Interest income (expense)
$
229

 
$
652

 
$
601

 
$
(1,642
)
Foreign currency derivative gains (losses) included in Other income, net
950

 
(261
)
 
1,717

 
(1,130
)

6. Employee Benefit Plans

The following are components of the net periodic benefit cost for the pension and postretirement benefit plans maintained by the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 
Pension Benefits
(in thousands)
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Interest cost
38

 
49

 
116

 
145

Recognized net actuarial loss
63

 
36

 
189

 
109

Benefit cost
$
101

 
$
85

 
$
305

 
$
254


 
Postretirement Benefits
(in thousands)
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Service cost
$
81

 
$
190

 
$
310

 
$
570

Interest cost
202

 
387

 
784

 
1,162

Amortization of prior service cost
(228
)
 
(88
)
 
(228
)
 
(266
)
Recognized net actuarial loss

 
192

 

 
576

Benefit cost
$
55

 
$
681

 
$
866

 
$
2,042


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, impact of foreign equity earnings and to benefits or costs related to various permanent book versus tax differences and tax credits.

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded income tax expense of $2.4 million at an effective tax rate of 47.7%, which varied from the U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to a 6.7% increase in the rate related to the reversal of previously recorded railroad track maintenance tax credit benefits and tax charges related to non-deductible

16

Table of Contents

expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded an income tax expense of $1.1 million at an effective tax rate of 24.8%.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded income tax expense of $7.5 million at an effective tax rate of (38.2)%, which varied from the U.S. Federal tax rate of 35% primarily due to the recording of the $42.0 million goodwill impairment charge which did not provide a corresponding tax benefit. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recorded income tax expense of $1.5 million at an effective tax rate of 32.0%.

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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
(in thousands)
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Investment in Convertible Preferred Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance
$
(9,529
)
 
$

 
$
(2,464
)
 
$
(11,993
)
 
$
(11,002
)
 
$

 
$
(1,466
)
 
$
(12,468
)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications
2,201

 
211

 
41

 
$
2,453

 
3,674

 
211

 
(957
)
 
2,928

 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss

 

 
(142
)
 
$
(142
)
 

 

 
(142
)
 
(142
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
2,201

 
211

 
(101
)
 
2,311

 
3,674

 
211

 
(1,099
)
 
2,786

Ending balance
$
(7,328
)
 
$
211

 
$
(2,565
)
 
$
(9,682
)
 
$
(7,328
)
 
$
211

 
$
(2,565
)
 
$
(9,682
)
 
 
 
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component (a)
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
(in thousands)
 
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
 
Losses on Cash Flow Hedges
 
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Investment in Debt Securities
 
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
Total
Beginning Balance
 
$
9

 
$
(9,484
)
 
$
(7,619
)
 
$
(17,094
)
 
$
(111
)
 
$
(12,041
)
 
$
126

 
$
(8,913
)
 
$
(20,939
)
 
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications

 

 
(298
)
 
143

 
(155
)
 
120

 
2,259

 

 
1,547

 
3,926

 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 

 
(56
)
 
(56
)
 

 

 
(126
)
 
(166
)
 
(292
)
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)
 

 
(298
)
 
87

 
(211
)
 
120

 
2,259

 
(126
)
 
1,381

 
3,634

Ending balance
 
$
9

 
$
(9,782
)
 
$
(7,532
)
 
$
(17,305
)
 
$
9

 
$
(9,782
)
 
$

 
$
(7,532
)
 
$
(17,305
)
(a) All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits

17

Table of Contents

The following table shows the reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive loss to net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
 
 
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)
Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Amortization of prior-service cost
 
(227
)
 
(b)
 
(227
)
 
(b)
 
 
(227
)
 
Total before tax
 
(227
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
85

 
Income tax provision
 
85

 
Income tax provision
 
 
$
(142
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(142
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(142
)
 
Net of tax
 
(142
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (a)
(in thousands)
Three months ended September 30, 2016
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Components
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
 
Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
 
Affected Line Item in the Statement Where Net Income Is Presented
Defined Benefit Plan Items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Amortization of prior-service cost
 
$
(89
)
 
(b)
 
$
(266
)
 
(b)
 
 
(89
)
 
Total before tax
 
(266
)
 
Total before tax
 
 
33

 
Income tax provision
 
100

 
Income tax provision
 
 
$
(56
)
 
Net of tax
 
$
(166
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other items
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
     Recognition of gain on sale of investment
 

 
 
 
(200
)
 
 
 
 

 
Total before tax
 
(200
)
 
Total before tax
 
 

 
Income tax provision
 
74

 
Income tax provision
 
 

 
Net of tax
 
(126
)
 
Net of tax
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total reclassifications for the period
 
$
(56
)
 
Net of tax
 
(292
)
 
Net of tax
(a) Amounts in parentheses indicate credits to profit/loss
(b) This accumulated other comprehensive loss component is included in the computation of net periodic benefit cost (see Note 6).


18

Table of Contents

9. Earnings Per Share
The Company’s non-vested 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. 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.
(in thousands, except per common share data)
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Net income (loss) attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
2,533

 
$
1,722

 
$
(27,208
)
 
$
1,449

Less: Distributed and undistributed earnings allocated to nonvested restricted stock

 
2

 

 
7

Earnings (losses) available to common shareholders
$
2,533

 
$
1,720

 
$
(27,208
)
 
$
1,442

Earnings per share – basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
28,350

 
28,222

 
28,327

 
28,184

Earnings (losses) per common share – basic
$
0.09

 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.96
)
 
$
0.05

Earnings per share – diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
28,350

 
28,222

 
28,327

 
28,184

Effect of dilutive awards
134

 
140

 

 
196

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
28,484

 
28,362

 
28,327

 
28,380

Earnings (losses) per common share – diluted
$
0.09

 
$
0.06

 
$
(0.96
)
 
$
0.05

There were 43 thousand antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding for the three months ended September 30, 2017. All outstanding share awards were antidilutive for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as the Company experienced a net loss. There were no antidilutive stock-based awards outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

19

Table of Contents

10. Fair Value Measurements
The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016:
(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Commodity derivatives, net (a)
$
26,738

 
$
(20,771
)
 
$

 
$
5,967

Provisionally priced contracts (b)
(85,546
)
 
(33,944
)
 

 
(119,490
)
Convertible preferred securities (c)

 

 
6,638

 
6,638

Other assets and liabilities (d)
10,996

 
(1,929
)
 

 
9,067

Total
$
(47,812
)
 
$
(56,644
)
 
$
6,638

 
$
(97,818
)
(in thousands)
December 31, 2016
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Restricted cash
$
471

 
$

 
$

 
$
471

Commodity derivatives, net (a)
29,872

 
(7,831
)
 

 
22,041

Provisionally priced contracts (b)
(105,321
)
 
(64,876
)
 

 
(170,197
)
Convertible preferred securities (c)

 

 
3,294

 
3,294

Other assets and liabilities (d)
9,391

 
(2,530
)
 

 
6,861

Total
$
(65,587
)
 
$
(75,237
)
 
$
3,294

 
$
(137,530
)
(in thousands)
September 30, 2016
Assets (liabilities)
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
 
Total
Restricted cash
$
190

 
$

 
$

 
$
190

Commodity derivatives, net (a)
34,620

 
(35,161
)
 

 
(541
)
Provisionally priced contracts (b)
(79,022
)
 
(20,500
)
 


 
(99,522
)
Convertible preferred securities (c)

 

 
3,294

 
3,294

Other assets and liabilities (d)
11,015

 
(4,774
)
 

 
6,241

Total
$
(33,197
)
 
$
(60,435
)
 
$
3,294

 
$
(90,338
)
 
(a)
Includes associated cash posted/received as collateral
(b)
Included in "Provisionally priced contracts" are those instruments based only on underlying futures values (Level 1) and delayed price contracts (Level 2)
(c)
Recorded in “Other noncurrent assets” on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(d)
Included in other assets and liabilities are deferred compensation assets, ethanol risk management contracts, and foreign exchange derivative contracts (Level 1), and interest rate derivatives (Level 2).

Level 1 commodity derivatives reflect the fair value of the exchange-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.

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These fair value disclosures exclude physical grain inventories measured at net realizable value. The net realizable value used to measure the Company’s agricultural commodity inventories is the fair value (spot price of the commodity in an exchange), less cost of disposal and transportation based on the local market. This valuation would generally be considered Level 2. The amount is disclosed in Note 2. Changes in the net realizable value of commodity inventories are recognized as a component of cost of sales and merchandising revenues.

Provisionally priced contract liabilities are those for which the Company has taken ownership and possession of grain but the final purchase price has not been established. In the case of payables where the unpriced portion of the contract is limited to the futures price of the underlying commodity or the Company has delivered provisionally priced grain and a subsequent payable or receivable is set up for any future changes in the grain price, quoted CBOT prices are used and the liability is deemed to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. For all other unpriced contracts which include variable futures and basis components, the amounts recorded for delayed price contracts are determined on the basis of local grain market prices at the balance sheet date and, as such, are deemed to be Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

The risk management contract liability allows related ethanol customers to effectively unprice the futures component of their inventory for a period of time, subjecting the bushels to market fluctuations. The Company records an asset or liability for the market value changes of the commodities over the life of the contracts based on quoted CBOT prices and as such, the balance is deemed to be Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

The Company’s stake in the Iowa Northern Railway Company ("IANR") was redeemed in the first quarter of 2016. The remaining convertible preferred securities are interests in several early-stage enterprises in the form of convertible debt and preferred equity securities.
A reconciliation of beginning and ending balances for the Company’s fair value measurements using Level 3 inputs is as follows:
 
Contingent Consideration
 
Convertible Preferred Securities
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Asset (liability) at January 1,
$

 
$
(350
)
 
$
3,294

 
$
13,550

Gains (losses) included in earnings

 
190

 

 
710

Sales proceeds

 

 

 
(13,485
)
Asset (liability) at March 31,
$

 
$
(160
)
 
$
3,294

 
$
775

Gains (losses) included in earnings

 
160

 

 
19

New investments

 

 

 
2,500

Asset (liability) at June 30,
$


$


$
3,294


$
3,294

Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income

 

 
344

 

New investments

 

 
3,000

 

Asset (liability) at September 30,
$

 
$

 
$
6,638

 
$
3,294


The following tables summarize quantitative information about the Company's Level 3 fair value measurements as of September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016:
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
(in thousands)
Fair Value as of September 30, 2017
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Weighted Average
Convertible preferred securities (a)
$
6,638

 
Implied based on market prices
 
N/A
 
N/A
(in thousands)
Fair Value as of December 31, 2016
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Weighted Average
Convertible preferred securities (a)
$
3,294

 
Cost Basis, Plus Interest
 
N/A
 
N/A
Real Property
$
11,210

 
Third-Party Appraisal
 
N/A
 
N/A

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(in thousands)
Fair Value as of September 30, 2016
 
Valuation Method
 
Unobservable Input
 
Weighted Average
Convertible preferred securities (a)
$
3,294

 
Cost Basis, Plus Interest
 
N/A
 
N/A
(a) Due to early stages of business and timing of investments, cost basis, plus interest was deemed to approximate fair value in prior periods. As the underlying enterprises have evolved additional market data is available to consider in order to estimate fair value.

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)
September 30,
2017

December 31,
2016
 
September 30,
2016
Fair value of long-term debt, including current maturities
$
431,542

 
$
450,940

 
$
458,268

Fair value in excess of carrying value (a)
2,389

 
3,116

 
7,714

(a) Carrying value used for this purpose excludes unamortized prepaid debt issuance costs
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.
The following table presents the Company’s investment balance in each of its equity method investees by entity:
(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
September 30, 2016
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
$
42,302

 
$
38,972

 
$
36,661

The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
17,837

 
19,739

 
21,340

The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
12,390

 
22,069

 
23,812

Lansing Trade Group, LLC
89,541

 
89,050

 
91,573

Thompsons Limited (a)
50,399

 
46,184

 
47,494

Other
2,562

 
917

 
4,234

Total
$
215,031

 
$
216,931

 
$
225,114

 (a) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures
On January 1, 2017, The Andersons Ethanol Investment LLC (“TAEI”) was merged with and into The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC (“TAME”). The Company had owned (66%) of TAEI, which, in turn, had owned 50% of TAME. Pursuant to the merger, the Company’s ownership units in TAEI were canceled and converted into ownership units in TAME. As a result, the Company now directly owns 33% of the outstanding ownership units of TAME.
Prior to this transaction, the noncontrolling interest in TAEI was attributed 33% of the gains and losses of TAME recorded by the Company in its equity in earnings of affiliates.

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The following table summarizes income (loss) earned from the Company’s equity method investments by entity:
 
 
 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
% Ownership at September 30, 2017
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC
55%
 
$
1,473

 
$
2,528

 
$
3,331

 
$
3,857

The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC
39%
 
1,822

 
2,706

 
2,597

 
3,516

The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC
33%
 
985

 
2,655

 
1,301

 
2,557

Lansing Trade Group, LLC
33% (a)
 
305

 
689

 
491

 
(7,412
)
Thompsons Limited (b)
50%
 
(940
)
 
(156
)
 
546

 
1,271

Other
5% - 50%
 
(59
)
 

 
(173
)
 

Total
 
 
$
3,586

 
$
8,422

 
$
8,093

 
$
3,789

 (a) This does not consider restricted management units which once vested will reduce the ownership percentage by approximately 0.6%
 (b) Thompsons Limited and related U.S. operating company held by joint ventures

Total distributions received from unconsolidated affiliates were $7.1 million and $24.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, respectively.

In the third quarter of 2016, The Andersons Albion Ethanol LLC, The Andersons Clymers Ethanol LLC, The Andersons Marathon Ethanol LLC, Lansing Trade Group, and Thompsons Limited 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 and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016:
(in thousands)
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues
$
1,601,778

 
$
1,646,697

 
$
4,603,808

 
$
4,676,583

Gross profit
58,826

 
50,141

 
155,568

 
127,963

Income from continuing operations
9,501

 
18,965

 
15,507

 
1,428

Net income (loss)
7,918

 
17,217

 
14,878

 
(2,924
)
Net income (loss) attributable to companies
9,545

 
17,752

 
15,781

 
(1,347
)

Investment in Debt Securities
The Company previously owned 100% of the cumulative convertible preferred shares of Iowa Northern Railway Company (“IANR”), which operates a short-line railroad in Iowa. In the first quarter of 2016, these shares were redeemed and the Company no longer has an ownership stake in this entity. See Footnote 10 for additional information on the effects of this transaction.


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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 September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Sales revenues
$
225,367

 
$
177,724

 
$
665,331

 
$
549,426

Service fee revenues (a)
14,397

 
3,800

 
28,433

 
13,290

Purchases of product
165,084

 
128,081

 
467,495

 
346,590

Lease income (b)
1,850

 
1,300

 
4,559

 
4,662

Labor and benefits reimbursement (c)
3,208

 
2,862

 
10,071

 
9,702

Other expenses (d)

 

 

 
149

 
(a)
Service fee revenues include management fees, corn origination fees, ethanol and distillers dried grains (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)
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
September 30, 2016
Accounts receivable (e)
$
18,694

 
$
26,254

 
$
18,028

Accounts payable (f)
27,413

 
23,961

 
15,352

(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 three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol and other co-products that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $160.8 million and $109.3 million, respectively. Additionally, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, revenues recognized for the sale of ethanol and other co-products that the Company purchased from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $445.4 million and $220.6 million, respectively.

For the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $119.1 million and $90.4 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, revenues recognized for the sale of corn to the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs were $362.2 million and $314.5 million, respectively.

From time to time, the Company enters into derivative contracts with certain of its related parties, including the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs, LTG, and the Thompsons Limited joint ventures, for the purchase and sale of grain 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 as of September 30, 2017December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 was $1.9 million, $4.1 million and $5.0 million, respectively. The fair value of derivative contract liabilities with related parties as of September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016 and September 30, 2016 was $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.2 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 Thompsons Limited. 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. The Company performs services under various contracts for these investments. Rail operations 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 turf care and corncob-based products. The Retail business operates large retail stores, a distribution center, and a lawn and garden equipment sales and service facility. The Retail business closed during the second quarter of 2017, and liquidation efforts are substantially complete. Included in “Other” are the corporate level costs not attributed to an operating segment.

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Table of Contents

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 September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Revenues from external customers
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
497,613

 
$
550,189

 
$
1,464,588

 
$
1,611,992

Ethanol
191,531

 
139,413

 
533,515

 
396,626

Plant Nutrient
103,620

 
101,770

 
514,943

 
588,797

Rail
43,093

 
38,201

 
121,632

 
118,152

Retail
738

 
30,039

 
47,595

 
96,168

Total
$
836,595

 
$
859,612

 
$
2,682,273

 
$
2,811,735

 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Inter-segment sales
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
72

 
$
7

 
$
279

 
$
1,632

Plant Nutrient

 
61

 
241

 
422

Rail
327

 
328

 
893

 
1,062

Total
$
399

 
$
396

 
$
1,413

 
$
3,116

 
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Income (loss) before income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
2,641

 
$
1,879

 
$
4,497

 
$
(28,563
)
Ethanol
6,098

 
9,541

 
12,474

 
13,048

Plant Nutrient
(7,920
)
 
(7,231
)
 
(27,074
)
 
18,008

Rail
6,127

 
6,754

 
18,065

 
22,698

Retail
4,424

 
(1,578
)
 
(9,140
)
 
(2,644
)
Other
(6,448
)
 
(6,539
)
 
(18,525
)
 
(19,612
)
Noncontrolling interests
83

 
1,619

 
73

 
1,711

Total
$
5,005

 
$
4,445

 
$
(19,630
)
 
$
4,646

(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
 
December 31, 2016
 
September 30, 2016
Identifiable assets
 
 
 
 
 
Grain
$
799,655

 
$
961,114

 
$
721,412

Ethanol
173,545

 
171,115

 
174,822

Plant Nutrient
389,396

 
484,455

 
462,328

Rail
446,884

 
398,446

 
383,631

Retail
9,138

 
31,257

 
42,880

Other
145,542

 
186,462

 
199,338

Total
$
1,964,160

 
$
2,232,849

 
$
1,984,411


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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.
In the third quarter of 2017, the Company’s Plant Nutrient business recorded a $2.2 million reserve for settlement of a 2015 legal claim. The case regarded allegations that the Plant Nutrient business had improperly acquired another company’s confidential and proprietary intellectual property in connection with hiring a former employee of the plaintiff. Information obtained through the course of discovery, and completed during the third quarter, and anticipated legal costs, in conjunction with the preparation for the planned mediation scheduled for October, 2017, led management to conclude that a loss was probable and reasonably estimable. In October, settlement was finalized at the reserve amount.
Prior to the settlement, substantially all the Company’s legal expenses were paid by a liability insurance carrier.
The estimated range of loss for all other outstanding claims that are considered reasonably possible is not material.
Build-to-Suit Lease
In August, 2015, the Company entered into a lease agreement with an initial term of 15 years for a build-to-suit facility to be used as the new corporate headquarters which was completed in the third quarter of 2016. Since the Company is deemed to be the owner of this facility for accounting purposes during the construction period, it has recognized an asset and a corresponding financing obligation.
The Company has recorded a build-to-suit financing obligation in other long-term liabilities of $24.7 million, $14.0 million, and $13.7 million at September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and September 30, 2016, respectively. The Company has recorded a build-to-suit financing obligation in other current liabilities of $1.4 million, $0.9 million, and $1.3 million at September 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and September 30, 2016, respectively.

14. Supplemental Cash Flow Information

Certain supplemental cash flow information, including noncash investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
20,356

 
$
18,008

Noncash investing and financing activity
 
 
 
Capital projects incurred but not yet paid
6,319

 
13,104

Investment merger (decreasing equity method investments and non-controlling interest)
8,360

 

Dividends declared not yet paid
4,501

 
4,342


15. Sale of Assets

During the third quarter of 2017 the Company sold two of its retail properties for $7.6 million and recorded a $5.7 million gain in Other income, net.

On March 31, 2017 the Company sold four farm center locations in Florida for $17.4 million and recorded a $4.7 million gain, net of transaction costs in Other income, net. The sale price included a working capital adjustment of $3.6 million.

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On May 2, 2016 the Company sold eight grain and agronomy locations in Iowa for $54.3 million and recorded a nominal gain.

16. Exit Costs and Assets Held for Sale

The Retail business closed during the second quarter of 2017, and inventory and fixtures liquidation efforts are complete. The Company incurred minimal additional exit charges during the third quarter of 2017 and a total of $11.5 million through the first three quarters of 2017, consisting primarily of employee severance and related benefits. As a result of the closure, the Company also classified $8.4 million of Property, plant and equipment, net as Assets held for sale on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2017.

17. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are as follows:
(in thousands)
Grain
 
Plant Nutrient
 
Rail
 
Total
Balance as of January 1, 2017
$

 
$
59,767

 
$
4,167

 
$
63,934

Acquisitions
1,171

 

 

 
1,171

Impairments

 
(42,000
)
 

 
(42,000
)
Balance as of September 30, 2017
$
1,171

 
$
17,767

 
$
4,167

 
$
23,105

The Company recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million associated with the Wholesale reporting unit in the second quarter of 2017. With the estimated fair value of the reporting unit now equaling its carrying value as of June 30, 2017, the Wholesale reporting unit has a greater risk of future impairment to the remaining goodwill balance of $17.1 million. The Company will be completing its annual goodwill assessment as of October 1.
Any negative change in assumptions, including decreased current performance and/or forecasted performance, as well as increased interest rates and/or cost of capital will negatively impact the fair value of the reporting unit. Increases in the book value of the reporting unit, such as additional capital investments or working capital increases will also negatively impact the goodwill assessment. Finally relative performance shortfalls, when compared to peer results, could also negatively impact the goodwill assessment. The magnitude of each of these changes may result in additional goodwill impairment in the fourth quarter of 2017.


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Table of Contents

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. The reader is 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, 2016 (“2016 Form 10-K”). In some cases, the reader 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 2016 Form 10-K, have not materially changed through the third quarter of 2017.

Executive Overview

Our operations are organized, managed and classified into five reportable business segments: Grain, Ethanol, Plant Nutrient, Rail, and Retail. Each of these segments is based on the nature of products and services offered.

The 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 between periods may not necessarily be indicative of the overall performance of the business and more focus should be placed on changes in gross profit.

Grain Group

The Grain Group's performance in the third quarter reflects continued recovery from the prior year. Holding wheat has led to higher space income. Our risk management services and trading income has also improved.

Grain inventories on hand at September 30, 2017 were 75.1 million bushels, of which 1.0 million bushels were stored for others. These amounts compare to 67.0 million bushels on hand at September 30, 2016, of which 1.0 million bushels were stored for others. Total grain storage capacity of approximately 153 million bushels at September 30, 2017 was unchanged from September 30, 2016.

After a late start, harvest is underway in our core markets and wet weather has caused it to be drawn out. We expect varying drying and mixing opportunities, depending on commodity and location.
















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Table of Contents

Ethanol Group

The Ethanol Group's third quarter results reflect continued lower ethanol margins as supply exceeded demand during the quarter. DDG margins have continued to be negatively impacted by the elevated levels of vomitoxin in eastern draw areas. The weak ethanol and DDG margins were partially offset by high ethanol export demand and strong E-85 and corn oil sales. Looking forward, we expect margins to continue to be impacted by high industry production and inventory levels.
Ethanol and related coproducts volumes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Ethanol (gallons shipped)
108,452

 
73,990

 
307,379

 
223,236

E-85 (gallons shipped)
12,482

 
11,309

 
32,385

 
26,722

Corn Oil (pounds shipped)
4,504

 
3,639

 
12,842

 
10,921

DDG (tons shipped) *
42

 
42

 
121

 
122

* DDG tons shipped converts wet tons to a dry ton equivalent amount

The above table shows only shipped volumes that flow through the Company's sales revenues. Total ethanol, corn oil and DDG production by the unconsolidated LLCs is higher. However, the portion of that volume that is sold directly to its customers is excluded here.

Plant Nutrient Group

The Plant Nutrient Group's third quarter results reflect a continued depressed nutrient market. Quarterly wholesale nutrient volumes increased over the prior year, but the oversupply of base nutrients in the market has continued to put pressure on prices, which has compressed overall margins. The quarterly results were also negatively impacted by a settlement reserve for a 2015 legal claim, which was settled in October, 2017. As we moved into 2018, we expect low prices and oversupply conditions to persist, putting further pressure on margins into next year.

Storage capacity at our wholesale nutrient and farm center facilities, including leased storage, was approximately 478 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 525 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at September 30, 2017 and approximately 488 thousand tons for dry nutrients and approximately 547 thousand tons for liquid nutrients at September 30, 2016. The decrease in our storage capacity is a result of the sales of Florida farm center assets in the first quarter of 2017.

Tons of product shipped (including sales and service tons) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:
(in thousands)
Three months ended September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
 
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Wholesale Nutrients - Base nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium
236

 
219

 
971

 
980

Wholesale Nutrients - Value added products
84

 
78

 
387

 
404

Other (includes Farm Centers, Turf, and Cob)
58

 
73

 
334

 
398

Total tons
378

 
370

 
1,692

 
1,782


Rail Group

The Rail Group performed well in the third quarter despite soft market conditions. Utilization rates are recovering at a very modest pace, however, lease rates are still under pressure from an over-supplied car market and we expect lease rates to continue to be pressured into next year.

The Group's average utilization rates declined from 86.2 percent in the third quarter of 2016 to 85.8 percent in the third quarter of 2017. Average lease rates also declined compared to the prior year. Rail Group assets under management (owned, leased or managed for financial institutions in non-recourse arrangements) at September 30, 2017 were 22,986 compared to 23,203 at September 30, 2016.


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The Group has purchased over 1,500 railcars with leases attached through the third quarter of 2017 and continues to focus on strategically purchasing railcars and managing the average age of the fleet, as well as looking for opportunities to open new repair facilities.

Retail Group

The Retail Group has completed its liquidation efforts and is focused on selling its remaining real estate assets. We have closed on the sale of two of the four properties in the third quarter of 2017, recording a $5.7 million gain.

Other
Our “Other” activities include corporate costs and functions that provide support and services to the operating segments. The results include expenses and benefits not allocated 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 Operations 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 September 30,
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
 
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
836,595

 
$
859,612

 
$
2,682,273

 
$
2,811,735

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
766,924

 
782,597

 
2,448,310

 
2,569,923

Gross profit
69,671

 
77,015

 
233,963

 
241,812

Operating, administrative and general expenses
68,456

 
78,767

 
220,331

 
234,053

Goodwill impairment

 

 
42,000

 

Interest expense (income)
5,384

 
4,441

 
17,472

 
18,046

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net
3,586

 
8,422

 
8,093

 
3,789

Other income (expense), net
5,588

 
2,216

 
18,117

 
11,144

Income (loss) before income taxes
5,005

 
4,445

 
(19,630
)
 
4,646

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
83

 
1,619

 
73

 
1,711

Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
4,922

 
$
2,826

 
$
(19,703
)
 
$
2,935

Comparison of the three months ended September 30, 2017 with the three months ended September 30, 2016:
Grain Group
 
Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
497,613

 
$
550,189

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
465,297

 
519,724

Gross profit
32,316

 
30,465

Operating, administrative and general expenses
27,622

 
27,743

Interest expense (income)
1,898

 
1,737

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net
(694
)
 
533

Other income (expense), net
539

 
361

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
2,641

 
$
1,879


Operating results for the Grain Group improved by $0.8 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $52.6 million due to a 43% decrease in bushels sold as more bushels are being strategically stored due to strong space income opportunities in the market and an intentional reduction in bushels sold directly from supplier to customer as the group continues to focus only on the most profitable markets to increase margins. Additionally, bushels received are down 13% compared to the same period in 2016 due to a later start to harvest, which is also a partial driver in the decline in sales. The decrease in volume was more than offset by a decrease in cost of sales and merchandising revenues

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of $54.4 million for a net favorable gross profit impact of $1.9 million. The gross profit increase was driven by $2.8 million increase in space income relating primarily to wheat as the value of storage capacity has significantly improved, as well as a $3.0 million increase from risk management fees, trading income and other items compared to the same period in 2016. These increases were partially offset by a $3.9 million decrease in drying and mixing income. The decrease is due to unusually high drying and mixing income in the prior year that did not recur in the current year.

Equity in earnings of affiliates declined $1.2 million primarily due to lower operating results from our Canadian affiliate during the quarter.
Ethanol Group
 
Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
191,531

 
$
139,413

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
185,143

 
133,112

Gross profit
6,388

 
6,301

Operating, administrative and general expenses
4,526

 
3,025

Interest expense (income)
(27
)
 
11

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net
4,280

 
7,889

Other income (expense), net
12

 
6

Income (loss) before income taxes
6,181

 
11,160

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
83

 
1,619

Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
6,098

 
$
9,541


Operating results for the Ethanol Group decreased $3.4 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $52.1 million compared to the results of the same period last year. This was driven by a 47% increase in ethanol gallons sold, a portion of which is attributable to the Albion plant expansion. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased at a higher rate than revenues as the cost of corn increased 4% and the natural gas cost per gallon increased 5%. Despite higher volumes, higher input costs caused gross profit to remain flat between periods.

Operating, administrative and general expenses increased $1.5 million compared to the same period in 2016, primarily as a result of the write-off of a capital project. Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $3.6 million due to declining results from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. These results were primarily driven by low ethanol and DDG margins. The decrease is also driven by our merging TAEI with and into TAME in the first quarter. Prior to this transaction, the noncontrolling interest in TAEI was attributed 33% of the gains and losses of TAME recorded by the Company in its equity in earnings of affiliates. With a 33% direct ownership in TAME now, our share of gains and losses recorded in equity in earnings of affiliates will decrease, with a corresponding decrease in income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Plant Nutrient Group
 
Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
103,620

 
$
101,770

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
86,271

 
82,383

Gross profit
17,349

 
19,387

Operating, administrative and general expenses
22,086

 
25,746

Interest expense (income)
1,561

 
1,583

Other income (expense), net
(1,622
)
 
711

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(7,920
)
 
$
(7,231
)

Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group declined $0.7 million over the same period in the prior year. Sales and merchandising revenues were relatively unchanged, as the 7% increase in wholesale nutrient tons sold was mostly offset by a 21% decrease in other tons sold. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased $3.9 million, primarily due to a 2%

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increase in overall tons sold, as well as higher cost of certain wholesale nutrient inventory carried over from the spring. As such, gross profit for the Plant Nutrient Group decreased $2.0 million from the same period last year. Margins remain tight due to competitive pressures and margin compression in the wholesale and farm center businesses resulting from lower base nutrient prices and lower crop prices.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $3.7 million due to $1.8 million of labor and benefit reductions relating to the sale of farm center locations in Florida and lower incentive compensation expense. Smaller reductions were also realized in a number of other categories as part of our overall cost control efforts. Other income (expense), net decreased $2.3 million, primarily as a result of a $2.2 million legal settlement reserve recorded during the quarter.
Rail Group
 
Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
43,093

 
$
38,201

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
29,671

 
25,674

Gross profit
13,422

 
12,527

Operating, administrative and general expenses
6,246

 
4,528

Interest expense (income)
1,742

 
1,696

Other income (expense), net
693

 
451

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
6,127

 
$
6,754


Operating results declined $0.6 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $4.9 million. Revenue from car sales increased by $5.2 million due to higher car sales while repair and other revenues increased by $0.6 million. These were partially offset by a $0.9 million decrease in leasing revenues due to lower average utilization and lease rates compared to the prior year. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased $4.0 million compared to the prior year almost entirely due to increased car sales. As a result, gross profit increased $0.9 million compared to last year. This increase was driven by $1.2 million from car sale margins and slight decreases in leasing, repair and other businesses.

Operating, administrative and general expenses increased $1.7 million primarily due to higher labor and benefit costs from opening new repair shops and reserves related to a fatality at a repair shop.
Retail Group
 
Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
738

 
$
30,039

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
542

 
21,704

Gross profit
196

 
8,335

Operating, administrative and general expenses
1,542

 
9,858

Interest expense (income)
99

 
138

Other income (expense), net
5,869

 
83

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
4,424

 
$
(1,578
)

Operating results for the Retail Group improved $6.0 million primarily due to the gains recognized in other income on the sale of two store properties during the quarter. The decreases in the remaining captions above reflect the impact of the closure of the retail business and additional liquidation efforts.

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Other
 
Three months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$

 
$

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues

 

Gross profit

 

Operating, administrative and general expenses
6,434

 
7,867

Interest expense (income)
111

 
(724
)
Other income (expense), net
97

 
604

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(6,448
)
 
$
(6,539
)

The other operating loss not allocated to business segments decreased $0.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $1.4 million due to lower incentive compensation expense and a reduction in health care claims.

Income Taxes
In the third quarter of 2017, income tax expense of $2.4 million was provided at an effective rate of 47.7%. In the third quarter of 2016, income tax expense of $1.1 million was provided at 24.8%. The higher 2017 effective tax rate is primarily due to decreased benefit related to federal railroad track maintenance tax credits and the absence of tax benefit recorded in 2016 related to a previous business acquisition.

The Company anticipates that its 2017 annual effective tax rate will be 227.8%. The Company’s actual 2016 effective tax rate was 32.3%. The higher tax rate in 2017 is primarily due to a $42 million goodwill impairment charge which did not provide a corresponding tax benefit and the lack of current year benefit related to federal railroad track maintenance tax credits
Comparison of the nine months ended September 30, 2017 with the nine months ended September 30, 2016:
Grain Group
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
1,464,588

 
$
1,611,992

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
1,378,176

 
1,547,776

Gross profit
86,412

 
64,216

Operating, administrative and general expenses
78,904

 
83,127

Interest expense (income)
6,921

 
7,185

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net
864

 
(6,141
)
Other income (expense), net
3,046

 
3,671

Income (loss) before income taxes
4,497

 
(28,566
)
Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

 
(3
)
Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
4,497

 
$
(28,563
)

Operating results for the Grain Group improved by $33.1 million compared to the results of the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $147.4 million due to a 28% decrease in bushels sold as more bushels are being strategically stored due to strong space income opportunities in the market and an intentional reduction in bushels sold directly from supplier to customer as the group continues to focus only on the most profitable markets to increase margins. Additionally, bushels received are down 18% compared to the same period in 2016 due to a later start to harvest, which is also a partial driver in the decline in sales. This decrease was more than offset by a decrease of cost of sales and merchandising revenues for a net favorable gross profit impact of $22.2 million. The gross profit increase was driven by a $27.5 million increase in space income relating to corn, beans, and wheat as the value of storage capacity has significantly improved, as well as a $4.0 million increase from risk management fees, trading income and other items compared to the prior year. This increase was partially offset by decreases in drying and mixing income and the 2016 Iowa divestiture totaling $9.3 million. Of this

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decrease, drying and mixing income accounted for $7.9 million due to unusually high drying and mixing income in the prior year that did not recur in the current year.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased by $4.2 million compared to the same period in 2016 due to a $3.5 million decrease in expenses relating to the Iowa divestiture and a $2.8 million decrease in labor and benefit costs primarily due to productivity efforts. These decreases were partially offset by minor increases in depreciation, utilities and maintenance expenses.

Equity in earnings of affiliates improved $7.0 million due to the improved operating results of LTG, which also continues to recover from under performance in its core markets in 2016.
Ethanol Group
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
533,515

 
$
396,626

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
518,267

 
383,419

Gross profit
15,248

 
13,207

Operating, administrative and general expenses
10,016

 
8,380

Interest expense (income)
(52
)
 
34

Equity in earnings (losses) of affiliates, net
7,229

 
9,930

Other income (expense), net
34

 
39

Income (loss) before income taxes
12,547

 
14,762

Income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests
73

 
1,714

Income (loss) before income taxes attributable to The Andersons, Inc.
$
12,474

 
$
13,048


Operating results for the Ethanol Group decreased $0.6 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $136.9 million compared to the results of the same period last year. This was driven by a 38% increase in ethanol gallons sold, a portion of which is attributable to the Albion plant expansion, and a 3% increase in ethanol prices. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased due to these higher volumes and a 21% increase in natural gas costs. These factors led to a $2.0 million increase in gross profit, much of which was from the first quarter.

Operating, administrative and general expenses increased $1.6 million compared to the same period in 2016, primarily as a result of the write-off of a potential capital project. Equity in earnings of affiliates decreased $2.7 million due to declining results from the unconsolidated ethanol LLCs. These results were primarily driven by low ethanol and DDG margins. The decrease is also driven by our merging TAEI with and into TAME in the first quarter. Prior to this transaction, the noncontrolling interest in TAEI was attributed 33% of the gains and losses of TAME recorded by the Company in its equity in earnings of affiliates. With a 33% direct ownership in TAME now, our share of gains and losses recorded in equity in earnings of affiliates will decrease, with a correlated decrease in income attributable to noncontrolling interests.
Plant Nutrient Group
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
514,943

 
$
588,797

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
431,852

 
493,144

Gross profit
83,091

 
95,653

Operating, administrative and general expenses
67,727

 
74,814

Goodwill impairment
42,000

 

Interest expense (income)
5,016

 
5,559

Other income (expense), net
4,578

 
2,728

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(27,074
)
 
$
18,008



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Operating results for the Plant Nutrient Group declined $45.1 million from the same period in the prior year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $73.9 million. Approximately half of the decrease is due to a 2% decrease in wholesale tons sold and 8% decrease in average wholesale prices. The primary driver for the remaining decrease is a 16% decrease in other tons sold and a 7% decrease in average prices in our farm center business. The decrease in other tons sold is as a result of the sales of our farm center locations in Florida in the first quarter of 2017 and Iowa in the first quarter of 2016. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $61.3 million as a result of the same factors. As such, gross profit decreased $12.6 million from the same period last year. Margins remain tight due to competitive pressures and margin compression in the wholesale and farm center businesses resulting from lower base nutrient prices and lower crop prices.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $7.1 million. The largest driver was a $4.1 million decrease in labor and benefits, much of it relating to the sale of farm center locations in Florida in the first quarter of 2017 and the sale of the farm center locations in Iowa in the first quarter of 2016. Smaller reductions were also realized in a number of other categories as part of our overall cost control efforts. The Group also recognized a second quarter goodwill impairment charge of $42.0 million after experiencing several periods of compressed margins and lower sales volumes, as well as anticipated unfavorable operating conditions in the nutrient market for some time.

Other income increased $1.9 million primarily as a result of a $4.7 million gain on the sale of farm center locations in Florida, offset by a $2.2 million legal settlement reserve.
Rail Group
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
121,632

 
$
118,152

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
83,203

 
77,463

Gross profit
38,429

 
40,689

Operating, administrative and general expenses
17,141

 
14,396

Interest expense (income)
5,487

 
5,608

Other income (expense), net
2,264

 
2,013

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
18,065

 
$
22,698


Operating results for the Rail Group declined $4.6 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues increased $3.5 million. Revenue from car sales increased by $4.6 million due to a higher volume of car sales while repair and other revenues increased by $2.9 million. These increases were partially offset by a $4.0 million decrease in leasing revenues due to average utilization of 84.6% in the current year and 88.8% in the prior year, as well as a 2% decrease in lease rates compared to the prior year. Cost of sales and merchandising revenues increased $5.7 million compared to the prior year due to increased car sales and higher storage costs because fewer cars were in service. Gross profit decreased $2.3 million compared to last year. This decrease was driven by a $5.6 million reduction in our leasing gross profit, offset by a $2.1 million increase in our repair and other business and slight increases in car sale margins.

Operating, administrative and general expenses increased $2.7 million primarily due to higher labor and benefit costs from opening new repair shops and reserves related to a fatality at a repair shop.
Retail Group
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$
47,595

 
$
96,168

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues
36,812

 
68,121

Gross profit
10,783

 
28,047

Operating, administrative and general expenses
26,956

 
30,513

Interest expense (income)
269

 
441

Other income (expense), net
7,302

 
263

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(9,140
)
 
$
(2,644
)

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Operating results for the Retail Group declined $6.5 million from the same period last year. Sales and merchandising revenues decreased $48.6 million while cost of sales and merchandising revenues decreased $31.3 million. These decreases were due to lower volumes as a result of the closure of the retail business during the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, inventory marked down for liquidation caused a significant decrease in margins leading to a $17.3 million decrease in gross profit.

Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased by $3.6 million as a result of lower operating costs related to the group be operational for only a portion of the year. This decrease was partially offset by one time exit charges of $11.5 million, most of which was for severance costs. Other income increased primarily due to $5.7 million gains on the sale of two store properties and a $1.2 million gain on the sale of fixtures.
Other
 
Nine months ended September 30,
(in thousands)
2017
 
2016
Sales and merchandising revenues
$

 
$

Cost of sales and merchandising revenues

 

Gross profit

 

Operating, administrative and general expenses
19,587

 
22,823

Interest expense (income)
(169
)
 
(781
)
Other income (expense), net
893

 
2,430

Income (loss) before income taxes
$
(18,525
)
 
$
(19,612
)

The other operating loss not allocated to business segments decreased $1.1 million compared to the same period in the prior year. Operating, administrative and general expenses decreased $3.2 million, which was due to higher severance costs in the prior year and a reduction in health care claims. This lower expense was partially offset by a $1.3 million gain on final settlement of our pension plan in other income in 2016.

Income Taxes

In 2017, income tax expense of $7.5 million was provided at an effective tax rate of (38.2)%. In 2016, income tax expense of $1.5 million was provided at 32.0%. The lower 2017 effective tax rate relative to the loss before income taxes is primarily due to a $42 million goodwill impairment charge which did not provide a corresponding tax benefit.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
Working Capital
At September 30, 2017, the Company had working capital of $214.3 million. The following table presents changes in the components of current assets and current liabilities:
(in thousands)
September 30, 2017
 
September 30, 2016
 
Variance
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
24,478

 
$
78,158

 
$
(53,680
)
Restricted cash

 
190

 
(190
)
Accounts receivable, net
196,192

 
173,593

 
22,599

Inventories
475,602

 
427,754

 
47,848

Commodity derivative assets – current
45,202

 
59,837

 
(14,635
)
Other current assets
53,958

 
43,761

 
10,197

Assets held for sale
8,383

 

 
8,383

Total current assets
803,815

 
783,293

 
20,522

Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Short-term debt
19,000

 

 
19,000

Trade and other payables
381,359

 
356,931

 
24,428

Customer prepayments and deferred revenue
29,520

 
15,725

 
13,795

Commodity derivative liabilities – current
38,578

 
59,770

 
(21,192
)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
67,064

 
68,465

 
(1,401
)
Current maturities of long-term debt
53,972

 
51,520

 
2,452

Total current liabilities
589,493

 
552,411

 
37,082

Working Capital
$
214,322

 
$
230,882

 
$
(16,560
)
September 30, 2017 current assets increased $20.5 million in comparison to those of September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to increases in inventories and accounts receivable. The increase in inventory relates to higher grain inventories from higher wheat and bean prices and more bushels owned. This increase was partially offset by the liquidation of retail inventory in the current year. Accounts receivable increased due to the amount and timing of sales in the Grain and Ethanol businesses. Current commodity derivative assets and liabilities, which reflects the customer net asset or liability based on the value of forward contracts as compared to market prices at the end of the period, have decreased. See the discussion below on additional sources and uses of cash for an understanding of the decrease in cash from prior year.
Current liabilities increased $37.1 million compared to the prior year due to an increase in short-term debt, trade and other payables, and customer prepayments and deferred revenue. Short-term debt increased as a result of higher borrowings on the short-term line of credit in the current year. Trade and other payables increased due to timing of activity and processing payments within the Grain and Ethanol businesses. The increase in customer prepayments and deferred revenues related to an increase in wholesale nutrient tons that have been prepaid. Changes in the commodity derivative liabilities balance partially offset this increase, which is mentioned above.
Sources and Uses of Cash
Operating Activities
Our operating activities provided cash of $60.7 million and $41.3 million in the first nine months of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase in cash provided was due to several factors. Net income excluding the non-cash impact of impairments increased by $11.6 million compared to the prior year and the impact of operating asset and liability fluctuations resulted in a $33.6 million increase in operating cash flows. This was partially offset by a $15.0 million decrease due to improved operating results at our equity affiliates which were not fully distributed in the form of cash, as well as other individually small fluctuations in operating activities.
Investing Activities
Investing activities used cash of $64.9 million through the first nine months of 2017 compared to cash provided of $4.8 million in the prior year. This change was due to three main factors. Proceeds from sale of assets decreased by $43.1 million. Proceeds

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in 2016 were higher as a result of a $54.3 million sale of underperforming assets in Iowa as well as the redemption of our investment in the Iowa Northern Railway Corporation for $13.5 million. Additionally, 2017 net spending on railcar acquisitions increased by $45.2 million. The variability in railcar purchases and sales is driven by timing of opportunities in the Rail Group's asset market. Property, plant, and equipment and capitalized software spending partially offset these uses of cash, decreasing $29.4 million compared to the same period in 2016.
In 2017, we expect to spend a total of $175 million for the purchase of railcars and related leases and capitalized modifications of railcars. We also expect these purchases to be funded from sales and dispositions or non-recourse debt of approximately $150 million during the year.
Additionally, total capital spending for 2017 on property, plant and equipment in our base business excluding rail leasing activity, but inclusive of information technology spending is expected to be approximately $56 million.
Financing Activities
Financing activities used cash of $34.0 million and $31.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. While proceeds from long-term debt issuance decreased $43.0 million, this was largely offset by a reduction in long-term debt payments.
We are party to borrowing arrangements with a syndicate of banks that provide a total of $820.0 million in borrowings. This amount includes $20.0 million of debt of The Andersons Denison Ethanol LLC that is non-recourse to the Company. Of that total, we had $718.5 million available for borrowing at September 30, 2017. Peak short-term borrowings to date were $367.0 million on February 15, 2017. Typically, our highest borrowing occurs in the late winter and early spring due to seasonal inventory requirements in our fertilizer and grain businesses.

We paid $13.5 million in dividends in the first nine months of 2017 compared to $13.0 million in the prior year. We paid $0.16 per common share for the dividends paid in January, April and July, 2017 and $0.155 per common share for the dividends paid in January, April and July, 2016. On August 25, 2017, we declared a cash dividend of $0.16 per common share payable on October 23, 2017 to shareholders of record on October 2, 2017.
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 September 30, 2017. 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 September 30, 2017: 
Method of Control
Financial Statement
 
Units
Owned - railcars available for sale
On balance sheet – current
 
290

Owned - railcar assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
 
16,650

Railcars leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
 
3,448

Railcars in non-recourse arrangements
Off balance sheet
 
2,497

Total Railcars
 
 
22,885

Locomotive assets leased to others
On balance sheet – non-current
 
32

Locomotives leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
 
4

Total Locomotives
 
 
36

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

Barge assets leased from financial intermediaries
Off balance sheet
 
65

Total Barges
 
 
65

In addition, we manage 515 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, 2016. There were no material changes in market risk, specifically commodity and interest rate risk during the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

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 September 30, 2017, 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, 2016.  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 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 are 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 most significant factors known to us that could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results are described in our 2016 Form 10-K (Item 1A).

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

No sales or repurchases of shares have occurred in 2017.

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Item 6. Exhibits
(a) Exhibits
 
 
 
 
No.
  
Description
 
 
 
12
  
 
 
31.1
  
 
 
31.2
  
 
 
32.1
  
 
 
 
101
 
Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended September 30, 2017, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (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: November 7, 2017
 
By /s/ Patrick E. Bowe
 
 
Patrick E. Bowe
 
 
Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date: November 7, 2017
 
By /s/ John Granato
 
 
John Granato
 
 
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
 
 


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Exhibit Index
The Andersons, Inc.
 
 
 
 
No.
  
Description
 
 
 
12
  
 
 
31.1
  
 
 
31.2
  
 
 
32.1
  
 
 
 
101
 
Financial Statements from the interim report on Form 10-Q of The Andersons, Inc. for the period ended September 30, 2017, formatted in XBRL: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (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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