Green Plains Inc. - Quarter Report: 2013 March (Form 10-Q)

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                             

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

______________________

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2013

 

Commission File Number 001-32924

 

Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

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.

 

S Yes   £ 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).

S Yes   £ 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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer             £      Accelerated filer T      Non-accelerated filer £     Smaller reporting company £

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). 

 

£ Yes   S No

 

The number of shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share, outstanding as of April 30, 2013 was 30,115,628 shares.

 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

(in thousands, except share amounts)

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

(unaudited and in thousands, except per share amounts)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

(unaudited and in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(unaudited and in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

(unaudited and in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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GREEN PLAINS RENEWABLE ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(unaudited)

 

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION, DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

References to the Company

 

References to “Green Plains” or the “Company” in the consolidated financial statements and in these notes to the consolidated financial statements refer to Green Plains Renewable Energy, Inc., an Iowa corporation, and its subsidiaries.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries and entities which it controls. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated on a consolidated basis for reporting purposes. Unconsolidated entities are included in the financial statements on an equity basis. Results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the entire year.

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

The unaudited financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations, financial position and cash flows for the periods presented. The adjustments are of a normal recurring nature, except as otherwise noted.

 

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements

 

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Description of Business

 

Green Plains is North America’s fourth largest ethanol producer. The Company operates its business within four segments: (1) production of ethanol and distillers grains, collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2) corn oil production, (3) grain handling and storage, collectively referred to as agribusiness, and (4) marketing and logistics services for Company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and the operation of blending and terminaling facilities, collectively referred to as marketing and distribution. Additionally, the Company is a partner in a joint venture that was formed to commercialize advanced photo-bioreactor technologies for the growing and harvesting of algal biomass.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes revenue when all of the following criteria are satisfied: persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; risk of loss and title transfer to the customer; the price is fixed and determinable; and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

For sales of ethanol, distillers grains and other commodities by the Company’s marketing business, revenue is recognized when title to the product and risk of loss transfer to an external customer. Revenues related to marketing operations for third parties are recorded on a gross basis as the Company takes title to the product and assumes risk of loss. Unearned revenue is reflected on the consolidated balance sheets for goods in transit for which the Company has received payment and title has not been transferred to the customer. Revenues from the Company’s biofuel terminal operations, which include ethanol transload and splash blending services, are recognized as these services are rendered.

 

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The Company routinely enters into fixed-price, physical-delivery ethanol sales agreements. In certain instances, the Company intends to settle the transaction by open market purchases of ethanol rather than by delivery from its own production. These transactions are reported net as a component of revenues. Revenues also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges, and reclassifications of realized gains and losses on effective cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).

 

Sales of agricultural commodities are recognized when title to the product and risk of loss transfer to the customer, which is dependent on the agreed upon sales terms with the customer. These sales terms provide for passage of title either at the time shipment is made or at the time the commodity has been delivered to its destination and final weights, grades and settlement prices have been agreed upon with the customer. Revenues related to grain merchandising are presented gross in the statements of operations with amounts billed for shipping and handling included in revenues and also as a component of cost of goods sold. Revenues from grain storage are recognized as services are rendered.

 

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold includes costs for direct labor, materials and certain plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of the Company’s ethanol plants. Grain purchasing and receiving costs, other than labor costs for grain buyers and scale operators, are also included in cost of goods sold. Direct materials consist of the costs of corn feedstock, denaturant, and process chemicals. Corn feedstock costs include unrealized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments not designated as cash flow hedges, inbound freight charges, inspection costs and transfer costs. Corn feedstock costs also include realized gains and losses on related derivative financial instruments, ineffectiveness on cash flow hedges, and reclassifications of realized gains and losses on effective cash flow hedges from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Plant overhead costs primarily consist of plant utilities, plant depreciation and outbound freight charges. Shipping costs incurred directly by the Company, including railcar lease costs, are also reflected in cost of goods sold.

 

The Company uses exchange-traded futures and options contracts to minimize the effects of changes in the prices of agricultural commodities on its agribusiness segment’s grain inventories and forward purchase and sales contracts. Exchange-traded futures and options contracts are valued at quoted market prices. Grain inventories held for sale, forward purchase contracts and forward sale contracts in the agribusiness segment are valued at market prices, where available, or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily transportation, between the exchange-traded market and the local markets on which the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the fair value of grain inventories held for sale, forward purchase and sale contracts, and exchange-traded futures and options contracts in the agribusiness segment, are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold. These contracts are predominantly settled in cash. The Company is exposed to loss in the event of non-performance by the counter-party to forward purchase and forward sales contracts.

 

Derivative Financial Instruments

 

To minimize the risk and the effects of the volatility of commodity price changes primarily related to corn, ethanol and natural gas, the Company uses various derivative financial instruments, including exchange-traded futures, and exchange-traded and over-the-counter options contracts. The Company monitors and manages this exposure as part of its overall risk management policy. As such, the Company seeks to reduce the potentially adverse effects that the volatility of these markets may have on its operating results. The Company may take hedging positions in these commodities as one way to mitigate risk. While the Company attempts to link its hedging activities to purchase and sales activities, there are situations in which these hedging activities can themselves result in losses.

 

By using derivatives to hedge exposures to changes in commodity prices, the Company has exposures on these derivatives to credit and market risk. The Company is exposed to credit risk that the counterparty might fail to fulfill its performance obligations under the terms of the derivative contract. The Company minimizes its credit risk by entering into transactions with high quality counterparties, limiting the amount of financial exposure it has with each counterparty and monitoring the financial condition of its counterparties. Market risk is the risk that the value of the financial instrument might be adversely affected by a change in commodity prices or interest rates. The Company manages market risk by incorporating monitoring parameters within its risk management strategy that limit the types of derivative instruments and derivative strategies the Company uses, and the degree of market risk that may be undertaken by the use of derivative instruments.

 

The Company evaluates its contracts that involve physical delivery to determine whether they may qualify for the normal purchases or normal sales exemption and are expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business. Any contracts that do not meet the normal purchase or sales criteria are recorded at fair value with the change in fair value recorded in operating income unless the contracts qualify for, and the Company elects, hedge accounting treatment.

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Certain qualifying derivatives within the ethanol production segment are designated as cash flow hedges. Prior to entering into cash flow hedges, the Company evaluates the derivative instrument to ascertain its effectiveness. For cash flow hedges, any ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results, while other unrealized gains and losses are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income until gains and losses from the underlying hedged transaction are realized. In the event that it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, the Company would discontinue cash flow hedge treatment, which would affect earnings. These derivative financial instruments are recognized in current assets or other current liabilities at fair value.

 

At times, the Company hedges its exposures to changes in the value of inventories and designates certain qualifying derivatives as fair value hedges. The carrying amount of the hedged inventory is adjusted through current period results for changes in the fair value arising from changes in underlying prices. Any ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results to the extent that the change in the fair value of the inventory is not offset by the change in the fair value of the derivative.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 210, Balance Sheet. The amended guidance addresses disclosure of offsetting financial assets and liabilities. It requires entities to add disclosures showing both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The updated disclosures have been implemented retrospectively and do not impact the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

 

Effective January 1, 2013, the Company adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. The amended guidance requires entities to disclose additional information about reclassification adjustments, including (1) changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and (2) significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by presenting the amount reclassified and the individual income statement line items affected. The updated disclosures have been implemented prospectively and do not impact our financial position or results of operations. See Note 10, Stockholders’ Equity, for expanded disclosures.

 

2.  FAIR VALUE DISCLOSURES

 

The following methods, assumptions and valuation techniques were used in estimating the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments:

 

Level 1 – unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access at the measurement date. Level 1 unrealized gains and losses on commodity derivatives relate to exchange-traded open trade equity and option values in the Company’s brokerage accounts.

 

Level 2 – directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets other than quoted prices included within Level 1; quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active; and other inputs that are observable or can be substantially corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means. Grain inventories held for sale in the agribusiness segment are valued at nearby futures values, plus or minus nearby basis levels.

 

Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are a significant component of the fair value of the assets or liabilities. The Company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial instruments.

 

There have been no changes in valuation techniques and inputs used in measuring fair value. Consistent with past practice, on March 31, 2013, exchange-traded futures for corn were classified as Level 2 measurements to reflect the price limit set by the exchange for that day.

 

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The following tables set forth the Company’s assets and liabilities by level that were accounted for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Company believes the fair values of its debt, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate book value, which were  $639.1 million, $78.9 million and $70.7 million, respectively, at March 31, 2013 and $663.3 million,  $80.5 million and $95.6 million, respectively, at December 31, 2012. The Company estimates the fair value of its outstanding debt using Level 2 inputs.

 

Although the Company currently does not have any recurring Level 3 financial measurements, the fair values of the tangible assets and goodwill acquired represent Level 3 measurements and were derived using a combination of the income approach, the market approach and the cost approach as considered appropriate for the specific assets being valued.

 

 

 

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3.  SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

Company management reviews financial and operating performance in the following four separate operating segments: (1) production of ethanol and distillers grains, collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2) corn oil production, (3) grain handling and storage, collectively referred to as agribusiness, and (4) marketing and logistics services for Company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and the operation of blending and terminaling facilities, collectively referred to as marketing and distribution. Selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily consisting of compensation of corporate employees, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment, are reflected in the table below as corporate activities.

 

During the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions between segments. Examples of these intersegment transactions include, but are not limited to, the ethanol production segment selling ethanol to the marketing and distribution segment and the agribusiness segment selling grain to the ethanol production segment. These intersegment activities are recorded by each segment at prices approximating market and treated as if they are third-party transactions. Consequently, these transactions impact segment performance. However, revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated in consolidation and do not impact the Company’s consolidated results.

 

In December 2012, the Company sold twelve grain elevators located in northwestern Iowa and western Tennessee. The transaction involved approximately 32.6 million bushels, or 83%, of the Company’s reported agribusiness grain storage capacity and all of its agronomy and retail petroleum operations. The divested assets were reported within the Company’s agribusiness segment.

 

The following are certain financial data for the Company’s operating segments for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

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The following table sets forth revenues by product line for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

The following are total assets for our operating segments for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

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4.  INVENTORIES

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or market, except grain held for sale, which is valued at market value. The components of inventories are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

5.  GOODWILL

 

The Company did not have any changes in the total carrying amount of goodwill, which was $40.9 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2013. Goodwill of $30.3 million is attributable to the ethanol production segment and $10.6 million is attributable to the marketing and distribution segment.

 

 

6.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

 

At March 31, 2013, the Company’s consolidated balance sheet reflects unrealized losses, net of tax, of $2.4 million in accumulated other comprehensive loss. The Company expects that all of the unrealized losses at March 31, 2013 will be reclassified into operating income over the next 12 months as a result of hedged transactions that are forecasted to occur. The amount ultimately realized in operating income, however, will differ as commodity prices change. 

 

Fair Values of Derivative Instruments

 

The following table provides information about the fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the line items on the consolidated balance sheets in which the fair values are reflected (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

(1)  Derivative financial instruments as reflected on the consolidated balance sheets include margin deposit assets of $17.0 million and $12.8 million at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

(2)  Balance at March 31, 2013 includes $6.4 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

(3)  Balance at December 31, 2012 includes $2.1 million of net unrealized gains on derivative financial instruments designated as cash flow hedging instruments.

 

 

Refer to Note 2 - Fair Value Disclosures, which also contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.

 

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Effect of Derivative Instruments on Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

 

The following tables provide information about the gain or loss recognized in income and other comprehensive income on the Company’s derivative financial instruments and the line items in the financial statements in which such gains and losses are reflected (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were no gains or losses due to the discontinuance of cash flow hedge treatment or fair value hedge exposure during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

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The following table summarizes the volumes of open commodity derivative positions as of March 31, 2013 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Energy trading contracts that do not involve physical delivery are presented net in revenues on the consolidated statements of operations. Revenues and cost of goods sold under such contracts are summarized in the table below for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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7.  DEBT

 

The principal balances of the components of long-term debt are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

            Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at March 31, 2013 included working capital revolvers at Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $110.5 million and $48.0 million, respectively. Short-term notes payable and other borrowings at December 31, 2012 included working capital revolvers at Green Plains Grain and Green Plains Trade with outstanding balances of $105.0 million and $39.1 million, respectively, and a $27.2 million short-term note payable issued in conjunction with the March 2012 repurchase of common stock.

 

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Ethanol Production Segment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            

 

 

 

 

Green Plains Bluffton also received $22.0 million in Subordinate Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bond funds from the City of Bluffton, Indiana. The revenue bond requires: (1) semi-annual principal and interest payments of approximately $1.5 million through March 1, 2019, and (2) a final principal and interest payment of $3.745 million on September 1, 2019. At March 31, 2013, Green Plains Bluffton had $2.5 million of cash that was restricted as to use for payment towards the current maturity and interest of the revenue bond. Such cash is presented as restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheet.

 

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Green Plains Otter Tail also issued $19.2 million in senior notes under New Market Tax Credits financing. The notes bear interest at 4.75% per annum, payable monthly, and require monthly principal payments of approximately $0.3 million beginning in October 2014. The notes mature on September 1, 2018 with an expected outstanding balance of $4.7 million upon maturity.

 

Subsidiaries within the ethanol production segment were in compliance with their debt covenants as of March 31, 2013.

 

Agribusiness Segment

 

Green Plains Grain has a $195.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility with various lenders. The revolving credit facility matures on October 28, 2013.

 

The revolving credit facility includes total revolving credit commitments of $195.0 million and an accordion feature whereby amounts available under the facility may be increased by up to $55.0 million of new lender commitments upon agent approval. As security for the revolving credit facility, the lender received a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable and other assets owned by subsidiaries of the agribusiness segment. Advances are subject to interest charges at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate for the outstanding period plus the applicable margin or a rate per annum equal to the base rate plus the applicable margin.

 

Subsidiaries within the agribusiness segment were in compliance with their debt covenants as of March 31, 2013.

 

Marketing and Distribution Segment

 

Green Plains Trade has a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility pursuant to which the lender will loan up to $130.0 million on eligible collateral. This credit facility was increased from $70.0 million in April 2013. The amount of eligible collateral is determined by a calculated borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables and eligible inventories, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. The outstanding balance, if any, is subject to interest charges at the lender’s floating base rate plus 2.5% or LIBOR plus 3.5%. At March 31, 2013, Green Plains Trade had $11.6 million in cash that was restricted for repayment of the then outstanding loan balance. Such cash is presented in restricted cash on the consolidated balance sheets. The revolving credit facility expires on April 26, 2016. 

 

Green Plains Trade was in compliance with its debt covenants as of March 31, 2013.

 

Corporate Activities

 

In November 2010, the Company issued $90.0 million of 5.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015. The Notes represent senior, unsecured obligations of the Company, with interest payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The Notes may be converted into shares of the Company’s common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares of the common stock based on a conversion rate initially equal to 69.7788 shares of the common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which is equal to an initial conversion price of $14.33 per share. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. The Company may redeem for cash all, but not less than all, of the Notes at any time on and after November 1, 2013, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s common stock equals or exceeds 140% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

 

A $27.2 million note payable to a subsidiary of NTR plc, which previously was the Company’s largest shareholder, was paid in full during the first quarter of 2013.

 

Capitalized Interest

 

The Company had no capitalized interest during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

 

Restricted Net Assets

 

At March 31, 2013, there were approximately $424.1 million of net assets at the Company’s subsidiaries that were not available to be transferred to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in the credit facilities of these subsidiaries.

 

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In April 2013, the Green Plains Bluffton loan and the Green Plains Trade revolving credit facility were both amended. The discussion above has been updated to reflect these amendments.

 

8.  STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

 

The Company has equity incentive plans which reserve a combined total of 3.5 million shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to their terms. The plans provide for the granting of shares of stock, including options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights tied to the value of common stock, restricted stock, and restricted and deferred stock unit awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. The Company measures share-based compensation grants at fair value on the grant date, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company records noncash compensation expense related to equity awards in its financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. All of the Company’s existing share-based compensation awards have been determined to be equity awards.

 

A summary of stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

The Company’s option awards allow employees to exercise options through cash payment to the Company for the shares of common stock or through a simultaneous broker-assisted cashless exercise of a share option, through which the employee authorizes the exercise of an option and the immediate sale of the option shares in the open market. The Company uses newly-issued shares of common stock to satisfy its share-based payment obligations. 

 

The following table summarizes non-vested stock award and deferred stock unit activity for the three months ended March 31, 2013:

 

 

 

Compensation costs expensed for share-based payment plans described above during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $2.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively. At March 31, 2013, there were $6.4 million of unrecognized compensation costs from share-based compensation arrangements, which are related to non-vested awards. This compensation is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years. The potential tax benefit realizable for the anticipated tax deductions of the exercise of share-based payment arrangements generally would approximate 38% of these expense amounts.

 

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9.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per common shares, or EPS, is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income on an as-if-converted basis available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, adjusted for the dilutive effect of any outstanding dilutive securities. The reconciliations of net income to net income on an as-if-converted basis and basic and diluted earnings per share are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Excluded from the computations of diluted EPS for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012 were stock-based compensation awards totaling 0.4 million and 0.8 million shares, respectively, because the exercise prices or the grant-date fair value, as applicable, of the corresponding awards were greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the respective periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012,  6.3 million and 6.6 million shares, respectively, related to stock-based compensation awards and the effect of the convertible debt were also excluded from the computation of diluted EPS as the inclusion of these shares would have been antidilutive. As consideration for the acquisition of the Lakota and Riga ethanol plants in October 2010, the Company issued warrants for 700,000 shares of its stock at a price of $14.00 per share exercisable for a period of three years from the closing date. The warrants are excluded from the computations of diluted EPS as the exercise price is greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012.

 

 

 

 

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10.  STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

Components of stockholders’ equity are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 2013, net of tax, which related primarily to gains and losses on derivative financial instruments, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.  INCOME TAXES

 

The Company records income tax expense or benefit during interim periods based on its best estimate of the annual effective tax rate. Certain items are given discrete period treatment and, as a result, the tax effects of such items are reported in full in the relevant interim period.

 

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Income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $1.6 million compared to an income tax benefit of $8.0 million for the same period in 2012. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 39% for both periods.

 

The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were immaterial. There was no change in the Company’s liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits during the first three months of 2013.  

 

The 2013 annual effective tax rate can be affected as a result of variances among the estimates and amounts of full-year sources of taxable income (among the various states), the realization of tax credits, adjustments that may arise from the resolution of tax matters under review, variances in the release of valuation allowances and the Company’s assessment of its liability for uncertain tax positions.

 

12.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Operating Leases

 

The Company leases certain facilities and parcels of land under agreements that expire at various dates. For accounting purposes, rent expense is based on a straight-line amortization of the total payments required over the lease term. The Company incurred lease expenses of $5.0 million and $4.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Aggregate minimum lease payments under these agreements for the remainder of 2013 and in future fiscal years are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

Commodities

 

As of March 31, 2013 the Company had contracted for future purchases of grain, natural gas, ethanol and distillers grains valued at approximately $317.7 million, $4.6 million, $9.1 million and $5.9 million, respectively.    

 

Legal

 

The Company is currently involved in litigation that has arisen in the ordinary course of business, but it does not believe that any other pending litigation will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

13.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Commercial Contracts

 

Two subsidiaries of the Company have executed separate financing agreements for equipment with AXIS Capital Inc. Gordon F. Glade, President and Chief Executive Officer of AXIS Capital, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. Totals of $0.2 million and $0.2 million were included in debt at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, under these financing arrangements. Payments, including principal and interest, totaled $37 thousand and $0.2 million during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and the weighted average interest rate for all financing agreements with AXIS Capital was 6.1%.

 

The Company has entered into ethanol purchase, sale and throughput agreements with Center Oil Company. Gary R. Parker, President and Chief Executive Officer of Center Oil, is a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 cash receipts from Center Oil totaled $0.6 million and cash payments to Center Oil totaled $1.0 million on these contracts. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, cash receipts from Center Oil totaled $2.2 million and cash payments to Center Oil totaled $1.0 million on these contracts. In October 2011, the Company also 

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entered into an operating lease agreement with Center Oil in which the Company will pay $42 thousand per month for the lease of 35 railcars. The agreement is effective through October 14, 2013. The Company had $37 thousand and $14 thousand included in accounts receivable, net of any outstanding payables, from Center Oil at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

Aircraft Lease

 

The Company has entered into an agreement with Hoovestol Inc. for the lease of an aircraft. Wayne B. Hoovestol, President of Hoovestol Inc., is Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company has agreed to pay $6,667 per month for use of up to 100 hours per year of the aircraft. Any flight time in excess of 100 hours per year will incur additional hourly-based charges. During the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, payments related to this lease totaled $35 thousand and $33 thousand, respectively. The Company had $4 thousand and $0 in accounts payable to Hoovestol Inc. at March 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

 

 

Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

General

 

The following discussion and analysis provides information which management believes is relevant to an assessment and understanding of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements included herewith and notes to the consolidated financial statements thereto and our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 including the consolidated financial statements, accompanying notes and the risk factors contained therein.

 

Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements generally do not relate strictly to historical or current facts, but rather to plans and objectives for future operations based upon management’s reasonable estimates of future results or trends, and include statements preceded by, followed by, or that include words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “continue,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “outlook,” “plans,” “predicts,” “may,” “could,” “should,” “will,” and words and phrases of similar impact, and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future operating or financial performance, business strategy, business environment, key trends, and benefits of actual or planned acquisitions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are made pursuant to safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Although we believe that our expectations regarding future events are based on reasonable assumptions, any or all forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be incorrect. They may be based on inaccurate assumptions or may not account for known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Consequently, no forward-looking statement is guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially from the results expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. The cautionary statements in this report expressly qualify all of our forward-looking statements. In addition, we are not obligated, and do not intend, to update any of our forward-looking statements at any time unless an update is required by applicable securities laws. Factors that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those discussed in Part I, Item 1A – Risk Factors of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in Item 1A of Part II of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Specifically, we may experience significant fluctuations in future operating results due to a number of economic conditions, including, but not limited to, competition in the ethanol and other industries in which we compete, commodity market risks, financial market risks, counter-party risks, risks associated with changes to federal policy or regulation, risks related to closing and achieving anticipated results from acquisitions, and other risk factors detailed in our reports filed with the SEC. Actual results may differ from projected results due, but not limited, to unforeseen developments.

 

In light of these assumptions, risks and uncertainties, the results and events discussed in the forward-looking statements contained in this report or in any document incorporated by reference might not occur. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report or the date of the document incorporated by reference in this report. We are not under any obligation, and we expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

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Overview

 

We are a leading, vertically-integrated producer, marketer and distributor of ethanol. We focus on generating stable operating margins through our diversified business segments and our risk management strategy. We believe that owning and operating assets throughout the ethanol value chain enables us to mitigate changes in commodity prices and differentiates us from companies focused only on ethanol production. Today, we have operations throughout the ethanol value chain, beginning upstream with our grain handling and storage operations, continuing through our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil production operations and ending downstream with our ethanol marketing, distribution and blending facilities.

 

Management reviews our operations within the following four separate operating segments:

 

 

 

 

We intend to continue to take a disciplined approach in evaluating new opportunities related to potential acquisition of additional ethanol plants by considering whether the plants fit within the design, engineering and geographic criteria we have developed. In our marketing and distribution segment, our strategy is to expand our marketing efforts by entering into new or renewal contracts with other ethanol producers and realize additional profit margins by optimizing our commodity logistics.  During 2013 and 2014, we plan to add between five and ten million bushels per year of grain storage capacity around our ethanol plants to take advantage of our current grain handling infrastructure and processing demand. We also intend to pursue opportunities to develop or acquire additional grain elevators, specifically those located near our ethanol plants. We believe that owning additional grain handling and storage operations in close proximity to our ethanol plants enables us to strengthen relationships with local corn producers, allowing us to source corn more effectively and at a lower average cost. We also own approximately 52% of BioProcess Algae LLC, which was formed to commercialize advanced photo-bioreactor technologies for growing and harvesting algal biomass. We continue our support of the BioProcess Algae joint venture.

 

To optimize the value of our assets, we began utilizing a portion of our railcar fleet to transport crude oil for third parties. At March 31, 2013, we had 632 railcars deployed for crude oil transportation.

 

Industry Factors Affecting our Results of Operations

 

Variability of Commodity Prices.  Our operations and our industry are highly dependent on commodity prices, especially prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains and natural gas. Because the market prices of these commodities are not always correlated, at times ethanol production may be unprofitable. As commodity price volatility poses a significant threat to our margin structure, we have developed a risk management strategy focused on locking in favorable operating margins when available. We continually monitor market prices of corn, natural gas and other input costs relative to the prices for ethanol and distillers grains at each of our production facilities. We create offsetting positions by using a combination of derivative instruments, fixed-price purchases and sales contracts, or a combination of strategies within strict limits. Our primary focus is not to manage general price movements of individual commodities, for example to minimize the cost of corn consumed, but rather to lock in favorable profit margins whenever possible. By using a variety of risk management tools and hedging

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strategies, including our internally-developed real-time margin management system, we believe we are able to maintain a disciplined approach to price risks.

 

A combination of factors resulted in compressed ethanol margins in 2012. The ethanol industry increased production in the fourth quarter of 2011 to meet demand from ethanol blenders seeking to take advantage of the volumetric ethanol excise tax credit prior to its expiration on December 31, 2011. As a result, ethanol stocks at the end of 2011 exceeded normal market levels which caused ethanol margins to compress to near break-even levels in the first half of 2012. Additionally, corn prices traded to all-time highs during 2012 due to drought conditions in the midwestern region of the United States. According to the Energy Information Administration, or EIA, as an industry, ethanol producers have responded to these factors by reducing production by approximately 4.9% in 2012 compared to 2011. EIA data also show ethanol imports increased from 174 million gallons in 2011 to 533 million gallons in 2012. Under the Renewable Fuels Standard II, or RFS II, certain parties are obligated to blend, in the aggregate, 2.0 billion gallons of advanced biofuels in 2012. During 2012, sugarcane ethanol imported from Brazil, which totaled approximately 530 million gallons, has been one of the most economical means for obligated parties to meet this standard. We believe the Brazilian government will increase the required percentage of ethanol in vehicle fuel sold in Brazil to 25 percent (from 20 percent) as sugarcane production rises, which would likely limit ethanol exports from Brazil into the U.S.  

 

U.S. ethanol production reached its lowest level since 2010 in the first quarter of 2013, averaging an annualized rate of 12.2 billion gallons compared with a 14.0 billion gallon annualized rate in the first quarter of 2012 and the 13.8 billion gallon RFS II mandate for 2013. As a result of the U.S. ethanol industry rationalizing production, inventory stocks reached a low of 734 million gallons at the end of March 2013, the lowest level since December 2011. Lower production and lower stocks has had a positive effect on ethanol margins in the first quarter of 2013, which are significantly better than during the first quarter of 2012. We believe that U.S. ethanol production levels will continue to adjust to supply and demand factors for ethanol and corn.  

 

There may be periods of time that, due to the variability of commodity prices and compressed margins, we reduce or cease ethanol production operations at certain of our ethanol plants. In 2012, we reduced production volumes at several of our ethanol plants in direct response to unfavorable operating margins, and have continued our production during the first quarter of 2013 at approximately 92% of our total capacity. 

 

Reduced Availability of Capital.  Some ethanol producers have faced financial distress over the past few years, culminating with bankruptcy filings by several companies. This, in combination with continued volatility in the capital markets, has resulted in reduced availability of capital for the ethanol industry in general. In this market environment, we may experience limited access to incremental financing.

 

Legislation.  Federal and state governments have enacted numerous policies, incentives and subsidies to encourage the usage of domestically-produced alternative fuel solutions. Passed in 2007 as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act, RFS II has been, and we expect will continue to be, a driving factor in the growth of ethanol usage. On April 10, 2013 the Renewable Fuel Standard Elimination Act was introduced as H.R. 1461. The bill is targeted to repeal the renewable fuel program of the Environmental Protection Agency. This bill was assigned to a congressional committee, which will consider it before possibly sending it on to the House or Senate as a whole.

 

Under the provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act, the EPA has the authority to waive the mandated RFS II requirements in whole or in part. To grant the waiver, the EPA administrator must determine, in consultation with the Secretaries of Agriculture and Energy, that one of two conditions has been met: (1) there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply or (2) implementation of the requirement would severely harm the economy or environment of a state, region or the United States. In the third quarter of 2012, several waiver requests were filed with the EPA based on drought conditions, which were subsequently denied by the EPA.

 

To further drive the increased adoption of ethanol, Growth Energy, an ethanol industry trade association, and a number of ethanol producers requested a waiver from the EPA to increase the allowable amount of ethanol blended into gasoline from the current 10% level, or E10, to a 15% level, or E15. Through a series of decisions beginning in October 2010, the EPA has granted a waiver for the use of E15 in model year 2001 and newer passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light pickup trucks. In June 2012, the EPA gave final approval for the sale and use of E15 ethanol blends. The nation’s first retail E15 ethanol blends were sold in July 2012. According to the EPA, as of December 31, 2012, 79 fuel manufacturers were registered to sell E15. Approximately 72% of the passenger vehicles in service are eligible to use E15. The Domestic Alternative Fuels Act of 2012 was introduced on January 18, 2012 in the U.S. House of Representatives and was re-introduced March 15, 2013 as H.R. 1214 to provide liability protection for claims based on the sale or use of certain fuels and fuel additives. Passage of this bill would provide liability protection to consumers in the event they unintentionally put any

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transportation fuel into their motor vehicle for which such fuel has not been approved.

 

Industry Fundamentals.  The ethanol industry is supported by a number of market fundamentals that drive its long-term outlook and extend beyond the short-term margin environment. Following the EPA’s approval, the industry is working to broadly introduce E15 into the retail fuel market. The RFS II mandate increased to 13.8 billion gallons for 2013, 600 million gallons over the mandated volume in 2012, and continues to increase each year through 2015. The domestic gasoline market continues to evolve as refiners are producing more CBOB, a sub-grade (84 octane) gasoline, which requires ethanol or other octane sources to meet the minimum octane rating requirements for the U.S. gasoline market. The demand for ethanol is also affected by the overall demand for transportation fuel, which peaked in 2007 and has been declining steadily since then. Demand for transportation fuel is affected by the number of miles traveled by consumers and the fuel economy of vehicles. Market acceptance of E15 may partially offset the effects of this decrease. Consumer acceptance of E15 and E85 fuels is needed before ethanol can achieve any significant growth in market share. In addition, ethanol export markets, although affected by competition from other ethanol exporters, mainly from Brazil, are expected to remain active in 2013. Overall, the industry is operating at the mandated levels and ethanol prices have continued to remain at a large discount to gasoline, providing blenders and refiners with a strong economic incentive to blend.

 

BioProcess Algae Joint Venture

 

The BioProcess Algae joint venture is focused on developing technology to grow and harvest algae, which consume carbon dioxide, in commercially viable quantities. Construction of Phase II next to our Shenandoah ethanol plant was completed and the Grower Harvesters™ bioreactors were successfully started up in January 2011. Phase II allowed for verification of growth rates, energy balances and operating expenses, which are considered to be some of the key steps to commercialization. We increased our ownership of BioProcess Algae to approximately 52% during the first quarter of 2013. However, we do not possess the requisite control of this investment to consolidate it.

 

BioProcess Algae initiated Phase III and broke ground on a five-acre algae farm at the Shenandoah ethanol plant in the first quarter of 2012. Construction is complete on approximately three acres of the algae farm and the facilities were inoculated with algae in October 2012. Construction of Phase IV, involving the addition of 900-foot Grower Harvester reactors and a new processing facility, has begun with completion expected in early 2014.  BioProcess Algae announced on April 22, 2013, that it had been selected to receive a grant of up to $6.4 million from the U.S. Department of Energy as part of a pilot-scale biorefinery project related to production of hydrocarbon fuels meeting military specification. The project will use renewable carbon dioxide, lignocellulosic sugars and waste heat through BioProcess Algae’s Grower Harvester technology platform. The objective of the project is to demonstrate technologies to cost-effectively convert biomass into advanced drop-in biofuels. BioProcess Algae is required to contribute a minimum of 50% matching funds for the project.

 

If we and the other BioProcess Algae members determine that the venture can achieve the desired economic performance from Phases III and IV, a larger build-out, possibly as large as 200 to 400 acres, of Grower Harvester reactors at the Shenandoah ethanol plant will be considered. Such a build-out may be completed in stages and could take up to two years to complete. Funding for BioProcess Algae for such a project would come from a variety of sources including current partners, new equity investors, debt financing or a combination thereof.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

This disclosure is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires that we make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and other assumptions that we believe are proper and reasonable under the circumstances. We continually evaluate the appropriateness of estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Key accounting policies, including but not limited to those relating to revenue recognition, depreciation of property and equipment, impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill, derivative financial instruments, and accounting for income taxes, are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements. See further discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates, as well as significant accounting policies, in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 210, Balance Sheet. The amended guidance addresses disclosure of offsetting financial assets and liabilities. It requires entities to add disclosures showing both gross and net information about instruments and transactions eligible for offset in the balance sheet and instruments and transactions subject to an agreement similar to a master netting arrangement. The updated disclosures have been implemented retrospectively and do not impact our financial position or results of operations.

 

Effective January 1, 2013, we adopted the amended guidance in ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income. The amended guidance requires entities to disclose additional information about reclassification adjustments, including (1) changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component and (2) significant items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by presenting the amount reclassified and the individual income statement line items affected. The updated disclosures have been implemented prospectively and do not impact our financial position or results of operations.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

 

Components of Revenues and Expenses 

 

Revenues.  In our ethanol production segment, our revenues are derived primarily from the sale of ethanol and distillers grains, which is a co-product of the ethanol production process. In our corn oil production segment, our revenues are derived from the sale of corn oil, which is extracted from the whole stillage process immediately prior to the production of distillers grains. In our agribusiness segment, the sale of grain is our primary source of revenue. In our marketing and distribution segment, the sale of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil that we market for our nine ethanol plants, the sale of ethanol we market for third-party ethanol plants and the sale of other commodities purchased in the open market represent our primary sources of revenue. Revenues also include net gains or losses from derivatives.

 

Cost of Goods Sold.    Cost of goods sold in our ethanol production and corn oil production segments includes costs for direct labor, materials and certain plant overhead costs. Direct labor includes all compensation and related benefits of non-management personnel involved in the operation of our ethanol plants. Plant overhead costs primarily consist of plant utilities, plant depreciation and outbound freight charges. Our cost of goods sold in these segments is mainly affected by the cost of corn, natural gas, purchased distillers grains and transportation. Within our corn oil segment, we compensate the ethanol plants for the value of distillers grains displaced during the production process. In the ethanol production segment, corn is our most significant raw material cost. We purchase natural gas to power steam generation in our ethanol production process and to dry our distillers grains. Natural gas represents our second largest cost in this business segment. Cost of goods sold also includes net gains or losses from derivatives.

 

Grain acquisition costs represent the primary components of cost of goods sold in our agribusiness segment. Grain inventories held for sale, forward purchase contracts and forward sale contracts are valued at market prices, where available, or other market quotes adjusted for differences, primarily transportation, between the exchange-traded market and the local markets on which the terms of the contracts are based. Changes in the market value of grain inventories, forward purchase and sale contracts, and exchange-traded futures and options contracts are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of goods sold.

 

In our marketing and distribution segment, purchases of ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil represent the largest components of cost of goods sold. Transportation expense represents an additional major component of our cost of goods sold in this segment. Transportation expense includes rail car leases, freight and shipping of our ethanol and co-products, as well as costs incurred in storing ethanol at destination terminals.

 

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.  Selling, general and administrative expenses are recognized at the operating segment level, as well as at the corporate level. These expenses consist of employee salaries, incentives and benefits; office expenses; board fees; and professional fees for accounting, legal, consulting, and investor relations activities. Personnel costs, which include employee salaries, incentives and benefits, are the largest single category of expenditures in selling, general and administrative expenses. We refer to selling, general and administrative expenses that are not allocable to a segment as corporate activities.

 

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Other Income (Expense).    Other income (expense) includes interest earned, interest expense and other non-operating items.

 

Results of Operations 

 

Segment Results

 

Our operations fall within the following four segments: (1) production of ethanol and related distillers grains, collectively referred to as ethanol production, (2) corn oil production, (3) grain handling and storage, collectively referred to as agribusiness, and (4) marketing and logistics services for Company-produced and third-party ethanol, distillers grains, corn oil and other commodities, and the operation of blending and terminaling facilities, collectively referred to as marketing and distribution. Selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily consisting of compensation of corporate employees, professional fees and overhead costs not directly related to a specific operating segment, are reflected in the table below as corporate activities. When the Company’s management evaluates segment performance, they review the information provided below, as well as segment earnings before interest, income taxes, noncontrolling interest, depreciation and amortization.

 

During the normal course of business, our operating segments enter into transactions with one another. For example, our ethanol production and corn oil production segments sell ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil to our marketing and distribution segment and our agribusiness segment sells grain to our ethanol production segment. These intersegment activities are recorded by each segment at prices approximating market and treated as if they are third-party transactions. Consequently, these transactions impact segment performance. However, intersegment revenues and corresponding costs are eliminated in consolidation, and do not impact our consolidated results.

 

In December 2012, we sold 12 grain elevators located in northwestern Iowa and western Tennessee consisting of approximately 32.6 million bushels, or approximately 85%, of our grain storage capacity and all of our agronomy and retail petroleum operations, which will affect the comparability of our operating results. The table below reflects selected operating segment financial information for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

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Three Months Ended March 31, 2013 Compared to the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012

 

Consolidated Results

 

Revenues decreased $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 as a result of lower grain and agronomy sales due to the sale of certain grain elevators during the fourth quarter of 2012 partially offset by higher average prices for ethanol and distillers grains.  Gross profit increased $18.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 primarily as a result of improved margins for ethanol production and for marketing and distribution activities. Operating income (loss) increased by $23.8 million to $12.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 as a result of the factors discussed above. Selling, general and administrative expenses were $5.4 million lower for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 due most significantly to the sale of certain grain elevators during the fourth quarter of 2012. Interest expense decreased by $1.0 million for the first three months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 due to lower average debt balances. Income tax expense was $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to an income tax benefit of $8.0 million for the same period in 2012.

 

The following discussion of segment results provides greater detail on period-to-period results.

 

Ethanol Production Segment

 

The table below presents key operating data within our ethanol production segment for the periods indicated:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Revenues in the ethanol production segment increased by $50.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The increase in revenues was due to higher average ethanol and distillers grains prices. The ethanol production segment produced 170.4 million gallons of ethanol, which represents approximately 92% of production capacity, during the first three months of 2013.

 

Cost of goods sold in the ethanol production segment increased by $39.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Consumption of corn decreased by 2.1 million bushels but the average cost per bushel increased by 14% during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. Average ethanol yield increased to 2.85 gallons per bushel for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to 2.84 gallons per bushel in the same period of 2012. Reduced production rates at certain of our plants, along with process improvements that we have implemented, have resulted in this yield improvement. Cost of goods sold also included a one-time charge related to the settlement of a legal claim in the first quarter of 2012. As a result of the factors identified above, gross profit for the ethanol production segment increased by $11.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

 

Operating income in the ethanol production segment increased by $11.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012, to a loss of $2.3 million, due in large part to the factors discussed above. Depreciation and amortization expense for the ethanol production segment was $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $11.0 million during the same period in 2012.

 

Corn Oil Production Segment

 

Revenues in the corn oil production segment increased by $2.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, we sold 38.1 million pounds of corn oil compared to 33.5 million pounds in the same period of 2012. The average price for corn oil was 2% higher for the first three months of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

 

Gross profit and operating income in the corn oil production segment were comparable for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012. The increases in revenues were offset by $2.2 million of additional expense related to higher input costs due to the increased prices for distillers grains during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

 

Agribusiness Segment

 

Our agribusiness segment had decreases of $31.2 million in revenues, $5.0 million in gross profit, and $0.3 million in operating income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. We sold 11.0 million bushels of grain and had no fertilizer sales during the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to sales of 14.4 million bushels of grain and 2.4 thousand tons of fertilizer during the same period in 2012. Revenues, gross profit and operating income decreased primarily due to the sale of certain agribusiness assets in the fourth quarter of 2012. 

 

Marketing and Distribution Segment

 

Revenues in our marketing and distribution segment increased by $43.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012. The increase in revenues was primarily due to higher average prices of ethanol and distillers grains partially offset by lower ethanol volumes sold, as well as higher revenues from railcars used for crude oil transportation and expanding trading and logistics operations. Ethanol and distillers grains revenues increased by $17.7 million and $12.6 million, respectively. We sold 239.2 million and 251.4 million gallons of ethanol during the three months ended March 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, within the marketing and distribution segment.

 

Gross profit and operating income for the marketing and distribution segment increased $12.9 million and $12.5 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012, primarily due to profits realized from commodity trading and logistics, the deployment of railcars for crude oil transportation and the Birmingham unit-train terminal. 

 

Intersegment Eliminations

 

Intersegment eliminations of revenues increased $75.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 due to increases of $37.8 million and $15.1 million in ethanol and distillers grains, respectively, related to sales from our ethanol production segment to our marketing and distribution segment. In addition, corn sales from our agribusiness segment to our ethanol segment increased $19.8 million between the periods. 

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Corporate Activities

 

Operating income was impacted by a decrease in operating expenses for corporate activities of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 primarily due to a decrease in personnel, consulting and promotional costs.

 

Income Taxes

 

We record income tax expense or benefit during interim periods based on our best estimate of the annual effective tax rate. Certain items are given discrete period treatment and, as a result, the tax effects of such items are reported in full in the relevant interim period. We recorded income tax expense of $1.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to an income tax benefit of $8.0 million for the same period in 2012. The effective tax rate (calculated as the ratio of income tax expense to income before income taxes) was approximately 39% for both periods. The annual effective tax rate can be affected as a result of variances among the estimates and amounts of full-year sources of taxable income (among the various states), the realization of tax credits, adjustments that may arise from the resolution of tax matters under review, variances in the release of valuation allowances and an assessment of our liability for uncertain tax positions. 

 

EBITDA

 

Management uses earnings before interest, income taxes, noncontrolling interests, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, to measure our financial performance and to internally manage our businesses. Management believes that EBITDA provides useful information to investors as a measure of comparison with peer and other companies. EBITDA should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or cash flow as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. EBITDA calculations may vary from company to company. Accordingly, our computation of EBITDA may not be comparable with a similarly titled measure of another company. The following sets forth the reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

On March 31, 2013, we had $229.8 million in cash and equivalents, excluding restricted cash, comprised of $73.2 million held at our parent company and the remainder at our subsidiaries. We also had up to an additional $107.0 million available under revolving credit agreements at our subsidiaries, some of which was subject to borrowing base restrictions or other specified lending conditions at March 31, 2013. Funds held at our subsidiaries are generally required for their ongoing operational needs and distributions from our subsidiaries are restricted pursuant to these loan agreements. At March 31, 2013, there were approximately $424.1 million of net assets at our subsidiaries that were not available to be transferred to the parent company in the form of dividends, loans or advances due to restrictions contained in the credit facilities of these subsidiaries.

 

We incurred capital expenditures of $1.9 million in the first three months of 2013 for various projects. Capital spending for the remainder of 2013 is expected to be approximately $18.1 million which includes expansion of the grain storage facilities at some of our ethanol plants. The remainder of our capital spending is expected to be financed with available borrowings under our credit facilities and cash provided by operating activities.

 

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Net cash used by operating activities was $11.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 compared to $92.9 million for the same period in 2012.  The largest operating cash outlays for the three months ended March 31, 2013 related to payments for deferred grain contract payables, accrued expenses and derivative financial instruments.  Cash used by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2012 included significant cash outflows for deferred grain contract payables and inventory purchases.  Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2012, we incurred a net loss of $12.7 million. Net cash used by investing activities was $2.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013, due primarily to $1.9 million in capital expenditures. Net cash used  by financing activities was $10.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 due primarily to net payments of long-term debt totaling $11.4 million and payment of a short-term note payable of $27.2 million related to a  2012 common stock repurchase, offset partially by a  $13.6 million net increase in short-term debt and inventory financing arrangements used to finance grain contract settlements and inventory purchases and a $14.0 million decrease in restricted cash related to a revolving credit agreement in the first three months of 2013. Green Plains Trade and Green Plains Grain utilize revolving credit facilities to finance working capital requirements. These facilities are frequently drawn upon and repaid resulting in significant cash movements that are reflected on a gross basis within financing activities as proceeds from and payments on short-term borrowings. 

 

Our business is highly impacted by commodity prices, including prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains and natural gas. We attempt to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in commodity prices through the use of derivative financial instruments. Sudden changes in commodity prices may require cash deposits with brokers, or margin calls. Depending on our open derivative positions, we may require significant liquidity with little advanced notice to meet margin calls. We continuously monitor our exposure to margin calls and believe that we will continue to maintain adequate liquidity to cover such margin calls from operating results and borrowings. Increases in grain prices and hedging activity have led to more frequent and larger margin calls.

 

We were in compliance with our debt covenants at March 31, 2013. Based upon our forecasts and the current margin environment, we believe certain ethanol production subsidiaries may require capital injections from the parent company at times to maintain compliance with certain covenants during 2013. We believe we will maintain compliance with our debt covenants at each of our subsidiaries for the upcoming twelve months, or if necessary have sufficient liquidity available at the parent company to resolve a subsidiary’s noncompliance; however, no obligation exists to provide such liquidity for a subsidiary’s compliance. No assurance can be provided that actual operating results will approximate our forecasts or that we will inject the necessary capital into a subsidiary to maintain compliance with its respective covenants. In the event actual results differ significantly from our forecasts and a subsidiary is unable to comply with its respective debt covenants, the subsidiary’s lenders may determine that an event of default has occurred. Upon the occurrence of an event of default, and following notice, the lenders may terminate any commitment and declare the entire unpaid balance due and payable.

 

We believe that we have sufficient working capital for our existing operations. However, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to secure additional funding for our future operations. A sustained period of unprofitable operations may strain our liquidity and make it difficult to maintain compliance with our financing arrangements. While we may seek additional sources of working capital in response, we can provide no assurance that we will be able to secure this funding if necessary. We may sell additional equity or borrow additional amounts to improve or preserve our liquidity; expand our existing businesses; or build additional or acquire existing businesses. We can provide no assurance that we will be able to secure the funding necessary for these additional projects or for additional working capital needs at reasonable terms, if at all.

 

Debt

 

For additional information related to our debt, see Note 7 – Debt included herein as part of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Note 10 – Debt included as part of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. In April 2013, we amended the Green Plains Bluffton loan and the Green Plains Trade revolving credit facility. The discussion below has been updated to reflect these amendments.

 

Ethanol Production Segment

 

Each of our ethanol production segment subsidiaries have credit facilities with lender groups that provide for term and revolving term loans to finance construction and operation of the production facilities.

 

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The Green Plains Bluffton loan is comprised of a $70.0 million amortizing term loan and a $20.0 million revolving term loan. At March 31, 2013, $39.3 million related to the amortizing term loan was outstanding, along with the entire revolving term loan. The amortizing term loan requires monthly principal payments of approximately $0.6 million, reducing to approximately $0.3 million beginning in May 2013. The loans mature on January 31, 2015 with expected outstanding balances upon maturity of $23.3 million and $20.0 million on the amortizing term loan and revolving term loan, respectively.

 

The Green Plains Central City loan is comprised of a $55.0 million amortizing term loan and a $30.5 million revolving term loan as well as a revolving line of credit of up to $11.0 million. At March 31, 2013, $37.3 million related to the amortizing term loan was outstanding, along with $28.6 million on the revolving term loan and $10.6 million on the revolving line of credit. The amortizing term loan requires monthly principal payments of $0.5 million. The amortizing term loan and the revolving term loan mature on July 1, 2016 with expected outstanding balances upon maturity of $17.9 million and $24.3 million, respectively, and the revolving line of credit matures on June 27, 2013. We expect to extend or refinance the revolving credit facility prior to its maturity date.

 

The Green Plains Holdings II loan is comprised of a $26.4 million amortizing term loan and a $51.1 million revolving term loan. At March 31, 2013, $20.4 million was outstanding on the amortizing term loan, along with $45.3 million on the revolving term loan. The amortizing term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $1.5 million. The revolving term loan requires semi-annual principal payments of approximately $2.7 million. The maturity dates of the amortizing term loan and revolving term loan are July 1, 2016 and October 1, 2018, respectively, with no outstanding balance expected upon maturity on the amortizing term loan and an expected outstanding balance upon maturity of $3.8 million on the revolving term loan.

 

The Green Plains Obion loan is comprised of a $60.0 million amortizing term loan and a revolving term loan of $37.4 million. At March 31, 2013, $11.1 million related to the amortizing term loan was outstanding along with the entire revolving term loan. The amortizing term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $2.4 million. The amortizing term loan matures on May 20, 2014 and the revolving term loan matures on June 1, 2018 with no expected outstanding balances upon maturity on the amortizing term loan or the revolving term loan.

 

The Green Plains Ord loan is comprised of a $25.0 million amortizing term loan and a $13.0 million revolving term loan as well as a revolving line of credit of up to $5.0 million. At March 31, 2013, $17.1 million related to the amortizing term loan was outstanding, $12.2 million on the revolving term loan, along with $4.7 million on the revolving line of credit. The amortizing term loan requires monthly principal payments of approximately $0.2 million. The amortizing term loan and the revolving term loan mature on July 1, 2016 with expected outstanding balances upon maturity of $8.2 million and $12.2 million, respectively, and the revolving line of credit matures on June 27, 2013. We expect to extend or refinance the revolving credit facility prior to maturity.

 

The Green Plains Otter Tail loan is comprised of a $30.3 million amortizing term loan and a $4.7 million revolver. At March 31, 2013, $21.6 million related to the term loan and the entire revolver were outstanding. The amortizing term loan requires monthly principal payments of approximately $0.4 million. The amortizing term loan matures on September 1, 2018 with an expected outstanding balance of $4.8 million and the revolver matures on June 19, 2013. We expect to extend or refinance the revolver prior to maturity.    

 

The Green Plains Shenandoah loan is comprised of a $17.0 million revolving term loan. At March 31, 2013, the entire $17.0 million on the revolving term loan was outstanding. The revolving term loan matures on March 1, 2018 with an expected outstanding balance upon maturity of $7.0 million.

 

The Green Plains Superior loan is comprised of a $40.0 million amortizing term loan and a $10.0 million revolving term loan. At March 31, 2013, $13.9 million related to the amortizing term loan was outstanding, along with the entire revolving term loan. The amortizing term loan requires quarterly principal payments of $1.4 million. The amortizing term loan matures on July 20, 2015 and the revolving term loan matures on July 1, 2017 with an expected outstanding balance upon maturity of $1.5 million on the amortizing term loan and no expected outstanding balance upon maturity on the revolving term loan.

 

Each term loan, except for the Green Plains Holdings II and Green Plains Otter Tail agreements, has a provision that requires us to make annual special payments equal to a percentage ranging from 65% to 75% of the available free cash flow from the related entity’s operations (as defined in the respective loan agreements), subject to certain limitations. With certain exceptions, the revolving term loans within this segment are generally available for advances throughout the life of the commitment with interest-only payments due each month until the final maturity date.

 

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The term loans and revolving term loans bear interest at LIBOR plus 3.00% to 4.50% or lender-established prime rates. Some have established a floor on the underlying LIBOR index. In some cases, the lender may allow us to elect to pay interest at a fixed interest rate to be determined. As security for the loans, the lenders received a first-position lien on all personal property and real estate owned by the respective entity borrowing the funds, including an assignment of all contracts and rights pertinent to construction and on-going operations of the plant. Additionally, debt facilities of Green Plains Central City and Green Plains Ord are cross-collateralized. These borrowing entities are also required to maintain certain combined financial and non-financial covenants during the terms of the loans.

 

Green Plains Bluffton also received $22.0 million in Subordinate Solid Waste Disposal Facility Revenue Bond funds from the city of Bluffton, Indiana, of which $16.7 million remained outstanding at March 31, 2013. The revenue bond requires: semi-annual principal and interest payments of approximately $1.5 million through March 1, 2019; and a final principal and interest payment of $3.745 million on September 1, 2019. The revenue bond bears interest at 7.50% per annum.

 

Green Plains Otter Tail also issued $19.2 million in senior notes under New Market Tax Credits financing of which $19.0 million remained outstanding at March 31, 2013. The notes bear interest at 4.75% per annum, payable monthly, and require monthly principal payments of approximately $0.3 million beginning in October 2014. The notes mature on September 1, 2018 with an expected outstanding balance of $4.7 million upon maturity.

 

Agribusiness Segment

 

Green Plains Grain loan has a $195.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility with various lenders to provide the agribusiness segment with working capital funding. The revolving credit facility matures on October 28, 2013. Advances of the revolving credit facility are subject to interest charges at a rate per annum equal to the LIBOR rate for the outstanding period, or the base rate, plus the respective applicable margin. At March 31, 2013, $110.5 million on the revolving credit facility was outstanding. As security for the revolving credit facility, the lender receives a first priority lien on certain cash, inventory, accounts receivable and other assets owned by subsidiaries of the agribusiness segment. We expect to extend or refinance the revolving credit facility prior to its maturity date.

 

Marketing and Distribution Segment

 

Green Plains Trade loan has a senior secured asset-based revolving credit facility of up to $130.0 million, subject to a borrowing base value equal to the sum of percentages of eligible receivables and eligible inventories, less certain miscellaneous adjustments. At March 31, 2013, $48.0 million was outstanding on the revolving credit facility. The revolving credit facility expires on April 26, 2016 and bears interest at the lender’s commercial floating rate plus 2.5% or LIBOR plus 3.5%. As security for the loan, the lender received a first-position lien on accounts receivable, inventory and other collateral owned by Green Plains Trade. 

 

Corporate Activities

 

We have $90.0 million of 5.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2015. The Notes represent senior, unsecured obligations, with interest payable on May 1 and November 1 of each year. The Notes may be converted into shares of common stock and cash in lieu of fractional shares of the common stock based on a conversion rate initially equal to 69.7788 shares of the common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes, which is equal to an initial conversion price of $14.33 per share. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. We may redeem for cash all, but not less than all, of the Notes at any time on and after November 1, 2013, if the last reported sale price of our common stock equals or exceeds 140% of the applicable conversion price for a specified time period, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. Default with respect to any loan in excess of $10.0 million constitutes an event of default under the convertible senior notes, which could result in the convertible senior notes being declared due and payable.

 

A $27.2 million note payable to a subsidiary of NTR plc, which previously was our largest shareholder, was paid in full during the first quarter of 2013.

 

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Contractual Obligations

 

Our contractual obligations as of March 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in commodity prices and interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. In the ordinary course of business, we enter into various types of transactions involving financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of changes in commodity prices and interest rates. At this time, we do not expect to have exposure to foreign currency risk as we expect to conduct all of our business in U.S. dollars.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk results primarily from holding term and revolving loans that bear variable interest rates. Specifically, we had $639.1 million outstanding in debt as of March 31, 2013, $513.5 million of which is variable-rate in nature. Interest rates on our variable-rate debt are determined based upon the market interest rate of either the lender’s prime rate or LIBOR, as applicable. A 10% change in interest rates would affect our interest cost on such debt by approximately $1.8 million per year in the aggregate. Other details of our outstanding debt are discussed in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included as a part of this report.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

We produce ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil from corn and our business is sensitive to changes in the prices of each of these commodities. The price of corn is subject to fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather; corn planted and harvested acreage; changes in national and global supply and demand; and government programs and policies. We use natural gas in the ethanol production process and, as a result, our business is also sensitive to changes in the price of natural gas. The price of natural gas is influenced by such weather factors as extreme heat or cold in the summer and winter, or other natural events like hurricanes in the spring, summer and fall. Other natural gas price factors include North American exploration and production, and the amount of natural gas in underground storage during both the injection and withdrawal seasons. Ethanol prices are sensitive to world crude-oil supply and demand; crude-oil refining capacity and utilization; government regulation; and consumer demand for alternative fuels. Distillers grains prices are sensitive to various demand factors such as numbers of livestock on feed, prices for feed alternatives, and supply factors, primarily production by ethanol plants and other sources.

 

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We attempt to reduce the market risk associated with fluctuations in the price of corn, natural gas, ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil by employing a variety of risk management and economic hedging strategies. Strategies include the use of forward fixed-price physical contracts and derivative financial instruments, such as futures and options executed on the Chicago Board of Trade and the New York Mercantile Exchange.

 

We focus on locking in operating margins based on a model that continually monitors market prices of corn, natural gas and other input costs against prices for ethanol and distillers grains at each of our production facilities. We create offsetting positions by using a combination of forward fixed-price physical purchases and sales contracts and derivative financial instruments. As a result of this approach, we frequently have gains on derivative financial instruments that are conversely offset by losses on forward fixed-price physical contracts or inventories and vice versa. In our ethanol production segment, gains and losses on derivative financial instruments are recognized each period in operating results while corresponding gains and losses on physical contracts are generally designated as normal purchases or normal sales contracts and are not recognized until quantities are delivered or utilized in production. For cash flow hedges, any ineffectiveness is recognized in current period results, while other unrealized gains and losses are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income until gains and losses from the underlying hedged transaction are realized. In the event that it becomes probable that a forecasted transaction will not occur, we would discontinue cash flow hedge treatment, which would affect earnings. During the three months ended March 31, 2013, revenues included net losses of $22.1 million and cost of goods sold included net gains of  $10.2 million from derivative financial instruments. To the extent net gains or losses from settled derivative instruments are related to hedging current period production, they are generally offset by physical commodity purchases or sales resulting in the realization of the intended operating margins. However, our results of operations are impacted when there is a mismatch of gains or losses associated with the change in fair value of derivative instruments at the reporting period when the physical commodity purchase or sales has not yet occurred since they are designated as a normal purchase or normal sale.

 

In our agribusiness segment, inventory positions, physical purchase and sale contracts, and financial derivatives are marked to market with gains and losses included in results of operations.  The market value of derivative financial instruments such as exchange-traded futures and options has a high, but not perfect, correlation to the underlying market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts.

 

Ethanol Production Segment

 

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our ethanol production segment exposure to ethanol, corn, distillers grains and natural gas price risk. Market risk related to these factors is estimated as the potential change in net income resulting from hypothetical 10% changes in prices of our expected corn and natural gas requirements, and ethanol and distillers grains output for a one-year period from March 31, 2013. This analysis includes the impact of risk management activities that result from our use of fixed-price purchase and sale contracts and derivatives. The results of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, are as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Corn Oil Production Segment

 

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our corn oil production segment exposure to corn oil price risk. Market risk related to these factors is estimated as the potential change in net income resulting from hypothetical 10% changes in prices of our expected corn oil output for a one-year period from March 31, 2013. This analysis includes the impact of risk management activities that result from our use of fixed-price sale contracts. Market risk at March 31, 2013,  based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in such prices, was approximately $1.6 million.

 

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Agribusiness Segment

 

The availability and price of agricultural commodities are subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather, plantings, foreign and domestic government farm programs and policies, changes in global demand created by population changes and changes in standards of living, and global production of similar and competitive crops. To reduce price risk caused by market fluctuations in purchase and sale commitments for grain and grain held in inventory, we enter into exchange-traded futures and options contracts that function as economic hedges. The market value of exchange-traded futures and options used for economic hedging has a high, but not perfect correlation, to the underlying market value of grain inventories and related purchase and sale contracts. The less correlated portion of inventory and purchase and sale contract market value, known as basis, is much less volatile than the overall market value of exchange-traded futures and tends to follow historical patterns. We manage this less volatile risk by constantly monitoring our position relative to the price changes in the market. In addition, inventory values are affected by the month-to-month spread relationships in the regulated futures markets, as we carry inventories over time. These spread relationships are also less volatile than the overall market value and tend to follow historical patterns, but also represent a risk that cannot be directly mitigated. Our accounting policy for our futures and options, as well as the underlying inventory held for sale and purchase and sale contracts, is to mark them to the market and include gains and losses in the consolidated statement of operations in sales and merchandising revenues.

 

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate agribusiness segment exposure to market risk of our commodity position (exclusive of basis risk). Our daily net commodity position consists of inventories related to purchase and sale contracts and exchange-traded contracts. The fair value of our position, which is a summation of the fair values calculated for each commodity by valuing each net position at quoted futures market prices, is approximately $0.7 million at March 31, 2013. Market risk at that date, based on the estimated net income effect resulting from a hypothetical 10% change in such prices, was approximately $42 thousand.

 

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure.

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required financial disclosure. Based upon that evaluation, our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. There were no material changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this quarterly report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Legal Proceedings.

 

We are currently involved in litigation that has arisen in the ordinary course of business; however, we do not believe that any of this litigation will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A.  Risk Factors.

 

Our investors should consider the risks that could affect us and our business as set forth in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. Although we have attempted to discuss key factors, our investors need to be aware that other risks may prove to be important in the future. New risks may emerge at any time and we cannot predict such risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance. Investors should carefully consider the discussion of risks and the other information included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 and in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, including Cautionary Information Regarding Forward-Looking Information, which is included in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

 

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

 

Employees surrender shares upon the vesting of restricted stock grants to satisfy payroll tax withholding obligations. The following table sets forth the shares that were surrendered by month during the first quarter of 2013.

 

 

 

 

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None.

 

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.  Other Information.

 

None. 

 

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Item 6.  Exhibits.

Exhibit Index 

 

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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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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