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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS LLC - Quarter Report: 2016 June (Form 10-Q)

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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
                    
FORM 10-Q
                    
x
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
For the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2016
 
o
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
 
Commission file number 000-50254
LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
South Dakota
 
46-0460790
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
46269 SD Highway 34
P.O. Box 100
Wentworth, South Dakota
 
57075
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 
(605) 483-2676
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Membership Units

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.        x Yes o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, 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).
x Yes    o 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 o
 
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer x
 
Smaller Reporting Company o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). o Yes x No
 
As of August 12, 2016, there are 29,620,000 membership units of the registrant outstanding.





Table of Contents

INDEX
 
Page No.
 
 
       Item 6. Exhibits
 
 

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PART I.        FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015*
 ASSETS
(unaudited)
 
 
 
 
 
 
CURRENT ASSETS
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
6,819,567

 
$
8,329,166

Accounts receivable
2,785,630

 
1,503,956

Other receivables
25,105

 
1,462,207

Inventory
7,848,033

 
7,565,490

Derivative financial instruments
1,406,893

 
676,991

Prepaid expenses
176,846

 
281,555

Total current assets
19,062,074

 
19,819,365

 
 
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
 
 
Land
874,473

 
874,473

Land improvements
4,113,834

 
4,099,149

Buildings
8,955,206

 
8,955,206

Equipment
52,432,954

 
52,041,058

Construction in progress
4,279,391

 
1,979,945

 
70,655,858

 
67,949,831

Less accumulated depreciation
(35,553,622
)
 
(33,765,772
)
Net property and equipment
35,102,236

 
34,184,059

 
 
 
 
OTHER ASSETS
 
 
 
Goodwill
10,395,766

 
10,395,766

Investments
12,864,090

 
15,224,992

Other
88,568

 
122,332

Total other assets
23,348,424

 
25,743,090

 
 
 
 
TOTAL ASSETS
$
77,512,734

 
$
79,746,514

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

* Derived from audited financial statements.

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.








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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
Consolidated Balance Sheets


 
 
 

June 30, 2016

December 31, 2015*
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS’ EQUITY
(unaudited)
 
 

 
 
 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
 
 
 
Outstanding checks in excess of bank balance
$
3,861,970

 
$
477,166

Accounts payable
3,075,856

 
9,671,856

Accrued liabilities
453,138

 
498,735

Derivative financial instruments
1,455,045

 
607,571

Other
118,465

 
120,465

Total current liabilities
8,964,474

 
11,375,793



 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

Notes payable, net of current maturities
1,000

 
1,000

Other
55,475

 
105,475

Total long-term liabilities
56,475

 
106,475



 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 



 

MEMBERS' EQUITY (29,620,000 units issued and outstanding)
68,491,785

 
68,264,246



 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS' EQUITY
$
77,512,734

 
$
79,746,514



 

 

 


* Derived from audited financial statements.

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
REVENUES
$
21,944,230

 
$
23,680,338

 
$
43,568,026

 
$
44,395,483

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
COSTS OF REVENUES
19,104,586

 
19,980,671

 
39,473,770

 
39,999,813

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
GROSS PROFIT
2,839,644

 
3,699,667

 
4,094,256

 
4,395,670

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OPERATING EXPENSES
860,379

 
883,462

 
1,795,613

 
1,947,267

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
1,979,265

 
2,816,205

 
2,298,643

 
2,448,403

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest and other income
19,667

 
17,057

 
25,571

 
82,270

Business interruption claims recovery

 
500,000

 

 
500,000

Equity in net income of investments
532,247

 
1,241,092

 
867,848

 
1,784,800

Interest expense
(1,261
)
 
(1,965
)
 
(2,523
)
 
(4,135
)
Total other income
550,653

 
1,756,184

 
890,896

 
2,362,935

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NET INCOME
$
2,529,918

 
$
4,572,389

 
$
3,189,539

 
$
4,811,338

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC AND DILUTED EARNINGS PER UNIT
$
0.09

 
$
0.15

 
$
0.11

 
$
0.16

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF UNITS OUTSTANDING FOR THE CALCULATION OF BASIC & DILUTED EARNINGS PER UNIT
29,620,000

 
29,620,000

 
29,620,000

 
29,620,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DISTRIBUTIONS DECLARED PER UNIT
$
0.10

 
$

 
$
0.10

 
$
0.10

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

Six Months Ended June 30, 2016
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2015


 

OPERATING ACTIVITIES

 

Net income
$
3,189,539

 
$
4,811,338

Changes to net income affecting cash and cash equivalents

 

Depreciation and amortization
1,821,614

 
1,608,239

Distributions in excess of earnings from investments
2,360,902

 
5,220,285

Gain on involuntary conversion property and equipment

 
(825,709
)
(Increase) decrease in

 

Receivables
155,428

 
(1,115,796
)
Inventory
(282,543
)
 
616,906

Prepaid expenses
104,709

 
125,911

Derivative financial instruments
117,572

 
(380,346
)
Increase (decrease) in


 

Accounts payable
(6,557,696
)
 
(3,524,018
)
Accrued and other liabilities
(97,597
)
 
(83,919
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES
811,928

 
6,452,891



 

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
Insurance proceeds

 
1,500,000

Purchase of property and equipment
(2,744,331
)
 
(3,365,760
)
Purchase of investments

 
(15,000
)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
(2,744,331
)
 
(1,880,760
)


 

FINANCING ACTIVITIES

 

Increase in outstanding checks in excess of bank balance
3,384,804

 
1,376,790

Principal payments on long-term notes payable

 
(13,708
)
Distributions paid to members
(2,962,000
)
 
(3,065,512
)
NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED FOR) FINANCING ACTIVITIES
422,804

 
(1,702,430
)



 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
(1,509,599
)
 
2,869,701



 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
8,329,166

 
6,104,383




 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD
$
6,819,567

 
$
8,974,084



 

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION

 

Cash paid during the period for interest
$
2,522

 
$
4,836

Capital expenditures in accounts payable
14,685

 
79,084


See Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015





NOTE 1    .    NATURE OF OPERATIONS

Principal Business Activity

Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC and subsidiary (the Company) is a South Dakota limited liability company.

The Company owns and manages Dakota Ethanol, LLC (Dakota Ethanol), a 40 million-gallon (annual nameplate capacity) ethanol plant, located near Wentworth, South Dakota. Dakota Ethanol sells ethanol and related products to customers located in North America.

In addition, the Company has investment interests in five companies in ethanol-related industries. See note 4 for further details.

NOTE 2.    SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The unaudited financial statements contained herein have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information not misleading.

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included in the accompanying financial statements. The results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for a full year.

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company’s audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, contained in the annual report on Form 10-K for 2015.

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of its wholly owned subsidiary, Dakota Ethanol. All significant inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the production of ethanol and related products is recorded when title transfers to customers. Generally, ethanol and related products are shipped FOB shipping point, based on written contract terms between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Collectability of revenue is reasonably assured based on historical evidence of collectability between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Interest income is recognized as earned.

Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol, dried distiller's grains and corn oil are not specifically identifiable and as a result, revenue from the sale of those products is recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer.

Cost of Revenues

The primary components of cost of revenues from the production of ethanol and related co-product are corn expense, energy expense (natural gas and electricity), raw materials expense (chemicals and denaturant), and direct labor costs.

Shipping costs on modified and wet distiller’s grains are included in cost of revenues.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are generally valued using methods which approximate the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is based on estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.


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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015





Investment in commodities contracts, derivative instruments and hedging activities

The Company is exposed to certain risks related to our ongoing business operations.  The primary risks that the Company manages by using forward or derivative instruments are price risk on anticipated purchases of corn and natural gas and the sale of ethanol, distillers grains and distillers corn oil.
 
The Company is subject to market risk with respect to the price and availability of corn, the principal raw material the Company uses to produce ethanol and ethanol by-products.  In general, rising corn prices result in lower profit margins and, therefore, represent unfavorable market conditions.  This is especially true when market conditions do not allow us to pass along increased corn costs to our customers.  The availability and price of corn is subject to wide fluctuations due to unpredictable factors such as weather conditions, farmer planting decisions, governmental policies with respect to agriculture and international trade and global demand and supply.

Certain contracts that literally meet the definition of a derivative may be exempted from derivative accounting as normal purchases or normal sales.  Normal purchases and normal sales are contracts that provide for the purchase or sale of something other than a financial instrument or derivative instrument that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used or sold over a reasonable period in the normal course of business.  Contracts that meet the requirements of normal purchases or sales are documented as normal and exempted from the accounting and reporting requirements of derivative accounting.

The Company does not apply the normal purchase and sales exemption for forward corn purchase contracts. As of June 30, 2016, the Company is committed to purchasing approximately 4.6 million bushels of corn on a forward contract basis with an average price of $3.55 per bushel. The total corn purchase contracts represent 24% of the annual plant corn usage.

The Company enters into firm-price purchase commitments with natural gas suppliers under which the Company agrees to buy natural gas at a price set in advance of the actual delivery of that natural gas.  Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price decrease in the market price of natural gas between the time this price is fixed and the time the natural gas is delivered.  At June 30, 2016, the Company does not have any firm-price purchase commitments for natural gas. The Company accounts for these transactions as normal purchases, and accordingly, does not mark these transactions to market.

The Company enters into firm-price sales commitments with distillers grains customers under which the Company agrees to sell distillers grains at a price set in advance of the actual delivery of the distillers grains.  Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price increase in the market price of distillers grain between the time this price is fixed and the time the distillers grains are delivered.  At June 30, 2016, the Company is committed to selling approximately 23,000 dry equivalent tons of distillers grains with an average price of $122 per ton.  The Company accounts for these transactions as normal sales, and accordingly, does not mark these commitments to market. The distillers grains sales represent approximately 15% of the projected annual plant production.

The Company enters into firm-price sales commitments with distillers corn oil customers under which the Company agrees to sell distillers corn oil at a price set in advance of the actual delivery of the distillers corn oil.  Under these arrangements, the Company assumes the risk of a price increase in the market price of distillers corn oil between the time this price is fixed and the time the distillers corn oil is delivered.  At June 30, 2016, the Company is committed to selling approximately 2,544,000 pounds of distillers corn oil with an average price of $0.30 per pound.  The Company accounts for these transactions as normal sales, and accordingly, does not mark these commitments to market. The distillers corn oil sales represent approximately 22% of the projected annual plant production.

The Company does not have any firm-priced sales commitments for ethanol as of June 30, 2016.
 

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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015




The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for corn and natural gas as a means of managing exposure to changes in commodity and energy prices. The Company enters into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for sales of ethanol to manage exposure to changes in energy prices. All of the Company's derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives, and accordingly are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Although the contracts are considered economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as and accounted for as hedging instruments.

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 were as follows:
 
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward contracts in gain position
 
 
 
$

 
$
300

Futures contracts in gain position
 
 
 
1,272,938

 
189,244

Total forward and futures contracts
 
 
 
1,272,938

 
189,544

Cash held by broker
 
 
 
133,955

 
487,447

 
 
Current Assets
 
$
1,406,893

 
$
676,991

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Forward contracts in loss position
 
(Current Liabilities)
 
$
(1,455,045
)
 
$
(607,571
)
*Derived from audited financial statements.

Futures contracts and cash held by broker are all with one party and the right of offset exists. Therefore, on the balance sheet, these items are netted in one balance regardless of position.

Forward contracts are with multiple parties and the right of offset does not exist. Therefore, these contracts are reported at the gross amounts on the balance sheet.

Realized and unrealized gains and losses related to derivative contracts related to corn and natural gas purchases are included as a component of cost of revenues and derivative contracts related to ethanol sales are included as a component of revenues in the accompanying financial statements.
 
 
 Statement of Operations
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
Classification
 
2016
 
2015
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures contracts
 
Cost of Revenues
 
$
474,970

 
$
(613,955
)
Forward contracts
 
Cost of Revenues
 
(653,789
)
 
412,239


 
 
 Statement of Operations
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
Classification
 
2016
 
2015
Net realized and unrealized gains (losses) related to purchase contracts:
 
 
 
 
 
 
Futures contracts
 
Cost of Revenues
 
$
730,322

 
$
65,797

Forward contracts
 
Cost of Revenues
 
(1,166,915
)
 
302,101




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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015




Investments

The Company has investment interests in five companies in related industries. All of these interests are at ownership shares less than 20%. These investments are flow-through entities and are being accounted for by the equity method of accounting under which the Company’s share of net income is recognized as income in the Company’s statements of income and added to the investment account.  Distributions or dividends received from the investments are treated as a reduction of the investment account. The Company consistently follows the practice of recognizing the net income from investments based on the most recent reliable data.
 
Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates include the fair value of derivative financial instruments, lower of cost or net realizable value accounting for inventory and forward purchase contracts and goodwill impairment evaluation.

NOTE 3.     INVENTORY

Inventory consisted of the following as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015:

 
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015*
Raw materials
 
$
5,156,276

 
$
4,257,537

Finished goods
 
828,084

 
1,642,684

Work in process
 
557,607

 
570,510

Parts inventory
 
1,306,066

 
1,094,759

 
 
$
7,848,033

 
$
7,565,490


*Derived from audited financial statements.

NOTE 4.    INVESTMENTS

Dakota Ethanol has a 7% investment interest in the company’s ethanol marketer, Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC (RPMG).  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for RPMG is based on RPMG’s March 31, 2016 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $1,562,000 and $2,141,000 as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Dakota Ethanol has a 6% investment interest in Prairie Gold Venture Partnership, LLC (PGVP), a venture capital fund investing in cellulosic ethanol production.  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for PGVP is based on PGVP’s March 31, 2016 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $867,000 as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Dakota Ethanol has a 10% investment interest in Lawrenceville Tanks, LLC (LT), a partnership which owns and operates an ethanol storage terminal in Georgia.  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for LT is based on LT’s June 30, 2016 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $666,000 and $577,000 as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Lake Area Corn Processors has a 10% investment interest in Guardian Hankinson, LLC (GH), a partnership to operate an ethanol plant in North Dakota.  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for GH is based on GH’s June 30, 2016 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $9,732,000 and $11,597,000 as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015





Lake Area Corn Processors has a 17% investment interest in Guardian Energy Management, LLC (GEM), a partnership to provide management services to ethanol plants.  The net income which is reported in the Company’s income statement for GEM is based on GEM’s June 30, 2016 unaudited interim results. The carrying amount of the Company’s investment was approximately $36,000 and $41,000 as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

Condensed, combined unaudited financial information of the Company’s investments in RPMG, PGVP, LT, GH and GEM is as follows:
Balance Sheet
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Current Assets
 
$
177,611,605

 
$
160,690,612

Other Assets
 
160,094,646

 
163,293,989

Current Liabilities
 
145,620,951

 
117,783,636

Long-term Liabilities
 
45,278,724

 
37,674,031

Members' Equity
 
146,806,576

 
168,526,934

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
Income Statement
 
June 30, 2016
 
June 30, 2015
Revenue
 
$
62,275,767

 
$
70,327,448

Gross Profit
 
13,438,168

 
18,430,572

Net Income
 
5,557,514

 
12,957,863

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
Income Statement
 
June 30, 2016
 
June 30, 2015
Revenue
 
$
119,767,917

 
$
134,181,321

Gross Profit
 
23,742,714

 
30,443,936

Net Income
 
9,273,822

 
18,871,284


The following table shows the condensed financial information of GH, which represents greater than 10% of the Company's net income as of June 30, 2016:


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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015




Balance Sheet
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015
Current Assets
 
$
22,358,862

 
$
30,957,066

Other Assets
 
141,792,354

 
144,336,737

Current Liabilities
 
21,549,983

 
21,819,143

Long-term Liabilities
 
45,278,724

 
37,502,031

Members' Equity
 
97,322,509

 
115,972,629

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
Income Statement
 
June 30, 2016
 
June 30, 2015
Revenue
 
$
58,245,962

 
$
66,329,663

Gross Profit
 
10,931,948

 
15,525,193

Net Income
 
4,428,858

 
11,251,033

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Six Months Ended
Income Statement
 
June 30, 2016
 
June 30, 2015
Revenue
 
$
111,813,735

 
$
126,056,767

Gross Profit
 
18,710,088

 
24,563,939

Net Income
 
6,849,880

 
15,346,925


The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $443,000 and $685,000 from GH for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $1,125,000 and $1,535,000 from GH for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively. The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $89,000 and $183,000 from its other investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, respectively. The Company recorded equity in net income of approximately $116,000 and $250,000 from its other investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015, respectively.

NOTE 5.    REVOLVING OPERATING NOTE

On November 11, 2014, Dakota Ethanol executed a revolving promissory note from Farm Credit Services of America (FCSA) in on amount up to $10,000,000 or the amount available in accordance with the borrowing base calculation. Interest on the outstanding principal balances will accrue at 300 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate and is not subject to a floor. The rate was 3.45% at June 30, 2016. There is a non-use fee of 0.25% on the unused portion of the $10,000,000 availability. The note is collateralized by the ethanol plant and equipment, its accounts receivable and inventory. The note expires on November 1, 2016. On June 30, 2016, Dakota Ethanol had $0 outstanding and $5,574,000 available to be drawn on the revolving promissory note under the borrowing base.

NOTE 6.    LONG-TERM NOTES PAYABLE

Dakota Ethanol has a long-term note payable with FCSA. As part of the note payable agreement, Dakota Ethanol is subject to certain restrictive covenants establishing financial reporting requirements, distribution and capital expenditure limits, debt service coverage ratios and minimum working capital requirements. The note is collateralized by the ethanol plant and equipment, its accounts receivable and inventory.

On November 11, 2014, Dakota Ethanol executed a revolving promissory note from FCSA in the amount of $15,000,000. The amount Dakota Ethanol can borrow on the note decreases by $750,000 semi-annually starting on April 1, 2015 until the maximum balance reaches $7.5 million on October 1, 2019. The note matures on October 1, 2024. Interest on the outstanding principal balance will accrue at 325 basis points above the 1 month LIBOR rate and is not subject to a floor. The rate was 3.70% at June 30, 2016. The note contains a non-use fee of 0.5% on the unused portion of the note. On June 30, 2016, Dakota Ethanol had $1,000 outstanding and $12,749,000 available to be drawn on the note.


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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015




NOTE 7.    FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The Company complies with the fair value measurements and disclosures standard which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure for those assets and liabilities carried on the balance sheet on a fair value basis.

The Company’s balance sheet contains derivative financial instruments that are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. Fair value measurements and disclosures require that assets and liabilities carried at fair value be classified and disclosed according to the process for determining fair value. There are three levels of determining fair value.

Level 1 uses quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

Level 2 uses observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.

Level 3 uses unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

A description of the valuation methodologies used for instruments measured at fair value, as well as the general classification of such instruments pursuant to the valuation hierarchy, is set forth below.

Derivative financial instruments. Commodity futures and options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 1 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the CBOT and NYMEX markets. Over-the-counter commodity options contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from an independent pricing service. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include dealer quotes and live trading levels from the over-the-counter markets. Forward purchase contracts are reported at fair value utilizing Level 2 inputs. For these contracts, the Company obtains fair value measurements from local grain terminal bid values. The fair value measurements consider observable data that may include live trading bids from local elevators and processing plants which are based off the CBOT markets.

The following table summarizes financial assets and financial liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 segregated by the level of the valuation inputs within the fair value hierarchy utilized to measure fair value:

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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015




 
 
 Total
 
 Level 1
 
 Level 2
 
 Level 3
June 30, 2016
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  futures contracts
 
$
1,272,938

 
$
1,272,938

 
$

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  forward contracts
 
$
(1,455,045
)
 
$

 
$
(1,455,045
)
 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2015*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  futures contracts
 
$
189,244

 
$
189,244

 
$

 
$

  forward contracts
 
300

 

 
300

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Derivative financial instruments,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  forward contracts
 
$
(607,571
)
 
$

 
$
(607,571
)
 
$

*Derived from audited financial statements.

During the three and six months ended June 30, 2016, the Company did not make any changes between Level 1 and Level 2 assets and liabilities. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company did not have any Level 3 assets or liabilities.

NOTE 8.    RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Dakota Ethanol has a 7% interest in RPMG, and Dakota Ethanol has entered into marketing agreements with RPMG for the exclusive rights to market, sell and distribute the entire ethanol, dried distiller's grains and corn oil inventories produced by Dakota Ethanol.  The marketing fees are included in net revenues.

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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
June 30, 2016 and 2015




Sales and marketing fees related to the agreements are as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30
 
Six Months Ended June 30
 
2016
 
2015
 
2016
 
2015
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Revenues ethanol
$
17,247,151

 
$
18,083,461

 
$
33,465,320

 
$
33,619,109

Revenues distiller's dried grains
1,023,376

 
1,793,609

 
2,156,303

 
2,707,266

Revenues corn oil
673,807

 
726,194

 
1,297,717

 
1,518,166

Marketing fees ethanol
42,057

 
42,246

 
84,114

 
84,493

Marketing fees distiller's dried grains
6,410

 
9,601

 
13,165

 
16,787

Marketing fees corn oil
6,226

 
7,505

 
12,868

 
15,419

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2016
 
December 31, 2015*
 
 
 
 
Amounts due included in accounts receivable
$
2,323,173

 
$
939,705

 
 
 
 
*Derived from audited financial statements.
The Company purchased corn and services from members of its Board of Directors that farm and operate local businesses. The Company also purchased ingredients from RPMG. Purchases during the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2016 and 2015 totaled approximately $1,390,000 and $730,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 the amount we owed to related parties was approximately $17,000 and $20,000, respectively.
NOTE 9.    COMMITMENTS

Dakota Ethanol has started a project to expand the railroad track siding. The estimated cost of the total project is approximately $7.0 million. The total cost of the project to date is approximately $4.7 million. The project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2016. Dakota Ethanol will pay for the upgrades with cash flows from operations and the long-term revolving debt currently in place.

NOTE 10.    INSURANCE CLAIMS

Dakota Ethanol experienced property damage to grain handling equipment in June 2014. The damages were covered by property and business interruption insurance policies. The Company continued to use the equipment through May 2015, at which time the equipment was disposed of resulting in a loss of approximately $674,000. Insurance proceeds of $2,000,000, consisting of $1,500,000 from the property insurance claim and $500,000 from the business interruption claim, were received in the second quarter of 2015. The loss on disposal of damaged assets and property insurance proceeds are both recorded in cost of revenues in the statements of income.

NOTE 11.            SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

During July 2016, the Company declared and paid a distribution to its members of $2,962,000, or $0.10 per capital unit, to unit holders of record as of July 1, 2016.




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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
We prepared the following discussion and analysis to help you better understand our financial condition, changes in our financial condition, and results of operations for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2016, compared to the same periods of the prior year. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the Management's Discussion and Analysis section for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2015.

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This report contains historical information, as well as forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and relate to future events, our future financial performance, or our expected future operations and actions. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "plan," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "future," "intend," "could," "hope," "predict," "target," "potential," "continue" or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are only our predictions based on current information and involve numerous assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Our actual results or actions may differ materially from these forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the reasons described in this report and our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

The cautionary statements referred to in this section also should be considered in connection with any subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements that may be issued by us or persons acting on our behalf. We undertake no duty to update these forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future. Furthermore, we cannot guarantee future results, events, levels of activity, performance, or achievements. We caution you not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report.  You should read this report and the documents that we reference in this report and have filed as exhibits completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we currently expect.  We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.
 
Overview
 
Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC is a South Dakota limited liability company that owns and manages its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dakota Ethanol, LLC. Dakota Ethanol, LLC owns and operates an ethanol plant located near Wentworth, South Dakota that has a nameplate production capacity of 40 million gallons of ethanol per year. Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC is referred to in this report as "LACP," the "company," "we," or "us." Dakota Ethanol, LLC is referred to in this report as "Dakota Ethanol" "we" "us" or the "ethanol plant."

Our revenue is derived from the sale and distribution of our ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil.  The ethanol plant currently operates in excess of its nameplate capacity, producing approximately 50 million gallons of ethanol per year.  Corn is supplied to us primarily from our members who are local agricultural producers and from purchases of corn on the open market. We have engaged Renewable Products Marketing Group, Inc. ("RPMG, Inc.") to market all of the ethanol and corn oil that we produce at the ethanol plant. Further, RPMG, Inc. markets all of the distillers grains that we produce that we do not market internally to local customers.

We are in the process of expanding our railroad siding to accommodate shipping unit trains. We anticipate this project will be completed during our third quarter of 2016. We are using cash from our continuing operations and amounts we have available to borrow on our long-term revolving debt to finance this capital project which is expected to cost approximately $7 million.

Results of Operations

Comparison of the Fiscal Quarters Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015

The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentage of revenues, cost of revenues, operating expenses and other items to total revenues in our consolidated statements of income for the fiscal quarters ended June 30, 2016 and 2015:

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2016
 
2015
Income Statement Data
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Revenues
 
$
21,944,230

 
100.0

 
$
23,680,338

 
100.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of Revenues
 
19,104,586

 
87.1

 
19,980,671

 
84.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Profit
 
2,839,644

 
12.9

 
3,699,667

 
15.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expense
 
860,379

 
3.9

 
883,462

 
3.7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Operations
 
1,979,265

 
9.0

 
2,816,205

 
11.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income
 
550,653

 
2.5

 
1,756,184

 
7.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
2,529,918

 
11.5

 
$
4,572,389

 
19.3


Revenues

Revenue from ethanol sales decreased by approximately 5% during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015. Revenue from distillers grains sales decreased by approximately 17% during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015. Revenue from corn oil sales decreased by approximately 7% during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015.

Ethanol

Our ethanol revenue was approximately $836,000 less during our second quarter of 2016 compared to our second quarter of 2015, a decrease of approximately 5%. This decrease in ethanol revenue was due to a decrease in the total gallons of ethanol we sold during our second quarter of 2016 compared to our second quarter of 2015, along with a lower average ethanol price we received per gallon of ethanol sold during the 2016 period. We sold approximately 3% fewer gallons of ethanol during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, a decrease of approximately 409,000 gallons, due to decreased throughput at the ethanol plant. Management anticipates improved production for the rest of our 2016 fiscal year provided operating margins in the ethanol industry remain positive.
 
The average price we received for our ethanol was approximately $0.02 less per gallon during our second quarter of 2016 compared to our second quarter of 2015, a decrease of approximately 1%. Management attributes this decrease in ethanol prices with excess ethanol supply in the market and lower gasoline prices which both impacted ethanol demand and prices during our second quarter of 2016. In addition, management believes the price of ethanol was negatively impacted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) renewable volume obligations under the Federal Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS) which were finalized in November 2015 along with the proposed reduction in the renewable volume obligations for 2017 which were released in May 2016. These renewable volume obligations were set by the EPA lower than the statutory requirements in the RFS.

Distillers Grains

Our total distillers grains revenue was approximately 17% less during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to decreased total tons of distillers grains we sold. For our second quarter of 2016, we sold approximately 28% of our total distillers grains in the dried form and approximately 72% of our total distillers grains in the modified/wet form. By comparison, for our second quarter of 2015, we sold approximately 35% of our total distillers grains in the dried form and approximately 65% of our total distillers grains in the modified/wet form. We determine the mix between dried distillers grains and modified/wet distillers grains we sell based on market conditions and the relative profitability of selling the different forms of distillers grains. We consume additional natural gas when we produce dried distillers grains as compared to modified/wet distillers grains which can impact the profit we generate from sales of dried distillers grains. Management anticipates that we will maintain the current mix between dried distillers grains and modified/wet distillers grains going forward unless market conditions change in a way that favors one product over the other.

The average price we received for our dried distillers grains was approximately 23% less during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, a decrease of approximately $34 per ton. Management attributes the decrease in dried distillers grains prices during the 2016 period with uncertainty in the export market for distillers grains due to the Chinese

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antidumping and countervailing duty investigation. The average price we received for our modified/wet distillers grains, on a dry-equivalent basis, was approximately 8% less for our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, a decrease of approximately $11 per ton. Management attributes this decrease in modified/wet distillers grains prices with ample corn supplies in our local market along with additional distillers grains supply due to the Chinese antidumping and countervailing duty investigation. However, the local market prices did not decrease as much as the export market which resulted in a smaller decrease in our modified/wet distillers grains prices. China instituted an antisubsidy and countervailing duty investigation in January 2016 which essentially closed the Chinese market to United States produced distillers grains. Since that time, the Chinese have sporadically taken distillers grains exports but at a lower level than in the past. Management believes this has resulted in decreased worldwide demand for distillers grains which has negatively impacted domestic distillers grains prices. While we do not export a significant amount of distillers grains, the Chinese investigation has increased the domestic supply of distillers grains which has impacted local prices. In addition, there are ample corn supplies in the United States which has also impacted demand for distillers grains. Management expects distillers grains prices to continue to trade relative to the value of corn.
    
Corn Oil

Our total pounds of corn oil sold decreased by approximately 11% during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, a decrease of approximately 286,000 pounds, primarily due to increased downtime for our corn oil extraction equipment and less total production at the ethanol plant. Management anticipates that corn oil production will return to more normal levels in the future and will continue to be variable based on the total production of ethanol at our plant and by operating efficiencies we achieve at the ethanol plant. The average price we received for our corn oil was approximately 4% greater for our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, an increase of approximately $0.01 per pound. Management believes this increase in market corn oil prices was primarily due to increased biodiesel demand which positively impacts corn oil prices. Corn oil can be used as a feedstock to produce biodiesel. The biodiesel blenders' tax credit was renewed at the end of December 2015 which management believes will positively impact corn oil demand during 2016. However, the tax credit is scheduled to expire again at the end of December 2016. As a result, this increase in corn oil demand may not continue past our 2016 fiscal year.

Cost of Revenues

Our cost of revenues for our second quarter of 2016 was slightly lower compared to the same period of 2015 due primarily to decreased corn and natural gas consumption along with lower natural gas prices. The decrease in our corn consumption was due in part to decreased total production during the 2016 period along with greater efficiency in converting corn into ethanol during the 2016 period.

Our cost of revenues relating to corn was approximately 6% less for our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to lower corn consumption, partially offset by increased average corn prices during the 2016 period. Our average cost per bushel of corn increased slightly for our second quarter of 2016 compared to our second quarter of 2015. Management attributes the increase in corn prices with increased market corn prices. Management anticipates that corn prices will remain relatively lower into the foreseeable future as corn is plentiful with relatively stable corn demand.

We consumed approximately 7% fewer bushels of corn during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to decreased total production at the plant during 2016 and increased efficiency at the plant which increased the number of gallons of ethanol we produced per bushel of corn ground. Management anticipates that our corn consumption will be slightly higher during our 2016 fiscal year compared to our 2015 fiscal year due to increased plant production capacity.

Our cost of revenues related to natural gas decreased by approximately $283,000, a decrease of approximately 27%, for our second quarter of 2016 compared to our second quarter of 2015. This decrease was due to a decrease in market natural gas prices during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 along with a decrease in our natural gas usage during the 2016 period. Our average cost per MMBtu of natural gas during our second quarter of 2016 was approximately 26% lower compared to the price for our second quarter of 2015. Management attributes this decrease in our average natural gas costs with generally lower energy prices and ample supplies of natural gas in the market. Management anticipates that natural gas prices will remain relatively stable. However, if natural gas production problems occur during 2016, it could result in higher natural gas prices which could negatively impact our profitability.

We used approximately 1% fewer MMBtus of natural gas during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due primarily to decreased total production. Management anticipates that our natural gas consumption will remain at current levels due to the energy efficiency projects we completed during our 2015 fiscal year.

Operating Expenses

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Our operating expenses were less for our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to the net effect of increased environmental costs and decreased rail car demurrage, public relations, professional fees and insurance costs.

Other Income and Expense

Our interest income was greater for our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to having more cash on hand during the 2016 period. We received a business interruption insurance payment during the 2015 period which we included in our other income related to storm damage at the plant. Our income related to our investments was less during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to reduced profitability in the ethanol industry which impacts our portion of the net income generated by our investments, including Guardian Hankinson, LLC and RPMG, because both are involved in the ethanol industry. Our interest expense was lower during our second quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to having less borrowings outstanding on our loans during the 2016 period.

Comparison of the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016 and 2015

The following table shows the results of our operations and the percentage of revenues, cost of revenues, operating expenses and other items to total revenues in our consolidated statements of income for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
2016
 
2015
Income Statement Data
 
Amount
 
%
 
Amount
 
%
Revenues
 
$
43,568,026

 
100.0

 
$
44,395,483

 
100.0

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cost of Revenues
 
39,473,770

 
90.6

 
39,999,813

 
90.1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Profit
 
4,094,256

 
9.4

 
4,395,670

 
9.9

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expense
 
1,795,613

 
4.1

 
1,947,267

 
4.4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from Operations
 
2,298,643

 
5.3

 
2,448,403

 
5.5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Other Income
 
890,896

 
2.0

 
2,362,935

 
5.3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Income
 
$
3,189,539

 
7.3

 
$
4,811,338

 
10.8


Revenues

Revenue from ethanol sales was comparable during our six months ended June 30, 2016 and the same period of 2015 due to the net effect of increased production and decreased average ethanol prices. Revenue from distillers grains sales decreased by approximately 5% during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015. Revenue from corn oil sales decreased by approximately 14% during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015.

Ethanol

Our ethanol revenue was approximately $153,000 less during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to our six months ended June 30, 2015, a decrease of less than 1%. This decrease in ethanol revenue was due to the net effect of an increase in the total gallons of ethanol we sold during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to our six months ended June 30, 2015, offset by a decrease in the average price we received per gallon of ethanol sold during the 2016 period. We sold approximately 3% more gallons of ethanol during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, an increase of approximately 864,000 gallons, due to increased production capacity at the ethanol plant due to various plant improvement projects which were completed during our 2015 fiscal year. Management anticipates consistent production for the rest of our 2016 fiscal year provided operating margins in the ethanol industry remain positive.
 
The average price we received for our ethanol was approximately $0.05 less per gallon during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to our six months ended June 30, 2015, a decrease of approximately 4%. Management attributes this decrease in ethanol prices with excess ethanol supply in the market and lower gasoline prices which both impacted ethanol demand and prices during our six months ended June 30, 2016. In addition, management believes the price of ethanol was negatively impacted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) renewable volume obligations under the Federal Renewable Fuels

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Standard (RFS) which were finalized in November 2015 along with the proposed 2017 renewable volume obligation released in May 2016. These renewable volume obligations were set by the EPA lower than the statutory requirements in the RFS.

Distillers Grains

Our total distillers grains revenue was approximately 5% less during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to decreased average distillers grains prices, partially offset by an increase in the total tons of distillers grains we sold. For our six months ended June 30, 2016, we sold approximately 27% of our total distillers grains in the dried form and approximately 73% of our total distillers grains in the modified/wet form. By comparison, for our six months ended June 30, 2015, we sold approximately 31% of our total distillers grains in the dried form and approximately 69% of our total distillers grains in the modified/wet form.

The average price we received for our dried distillers grains was approximately 10% less during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, a decrease of approximately $12 per ton. Management attributes the decrease in dried distillers grains prices during the 2016 period with decreased export demand for distillers grains. The average price we received for our modified/wet distillers grains, on a dry-equivalent basis, was approximately 7% less for our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, a decrease of approximately $9 per ton.
    
Corn Oil

Our total pounds of corn oil sold decreased by approximately 10% during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, a decrease of approximately 557,000 pounds, primarily due to increased downtime for our corn oil extraction equipment. The average price we received for our corn oil was approximately 4% less for our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, a decrease of approximately $0.01 per pound. Management believes this decrease in market corn oil prices was primarily due to lower commodity and energy prices during the six month period.

Cost of Revenues

Our cost of revenues for our six months ended June 30, 2016 was slightly lower compared to the same period of 2015 due to decreased corn consumption, along with lower average corn and natural gas prices. This decrease in corn consumption was primarily due to improved yields during the 2016 period.

Our cost of revenues relating to corn was approximately 3% less for our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to decreased corn consumption and average corn prices per bushel during the 2016 period. Our average cost per bushel of corn decreased by approximately 1% for our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to our six months ended June 30, 2015. Management attributes the decrease in corn prices with a strong corn harvest in the fall of 2015 along with increased corn carryover and relatively stable corn demand. Management anticipates that corn prices will remain lower into the foreseeable future as corn is plentiful with relatively stable corn demand. We consumed approximately 2% less bushels of corn during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to decreased production and improved corn to ethanol yields during the 2016 period.

Our cost of revenues related to natural gas decreased by approximately $866,000, a decrease of approximately 33%, for our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015. This decrease was due to a decrease in market natural gas prices during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 along with a decrease in our natural gas usage during the 2016 period. Our average cost per MMBtu of natural gas during our six months ended June 30, 2016 was approximately 32% lower compared to the price for our six months ended June 30, 2015. Management attributes this decrease in our average natural gas costs with generally lower energy prices and ample supplies of natural gas in the market. We used approximately 1% fewer MMBtus of natural gas during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to energy efficiency improvements in the plant along with decreased production.

Operating Expenses

Our operating expenses were less for our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to the net effect of increased environmental costs and decreased rail car demurrage, public relations, professional fees and insurance costs.

Other Income and Expense


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Our interest income was less for our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to having less cash on hand during the 2016 period. We received a business interruption insurance payment during the 2015 period which we included in our other income related to storm damage at the plant. Our income related to our investments was less during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to reduced profitability in the ethanol industry which impacts our portion of the net income generated by our investments, including Guardian Hankinson, LLC and RPMG, because both are involved in the ethanol industry. Our interest expense was lower during our six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to having less borrowings outstanding on our loans during the 2016 period.

Changes in Financial Condition for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2016

Current Assets

We had less cash on hand at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. We used cash during our second quarter of 2016 to pay a distribution to our members. At the end of the year, many of our corn suppliers defer corn payments until the next year which results in additional cash we have available. We had more accounts receivable at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 due to the timing of our payments from our marketer. We had less other receivables at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 due to payment of insurance claim receivables received in the first quarter of 2016. The value of our inventory was comparable at June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 with a similar quantity and market price for our raw material and finished goods inventory. Due to volatility in the corn market, we had a larger unrealized gain on our derivative instruments at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 which increased our current assets.

Property and Equipment

The value of our property and equipment was greater at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 as a result of capital improvements we made during our 2016 fiscal year, partially offset by regular depreciation of our equipment. We are in the process of completing railroad track improvements which are included in our construction in progress.

Other Assets

The value of our investments were lower at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 primarily due to the reduction in the value of our investment in Guardian Hankinson, LLC, Renewable Products Marketing Group, LLC and Lawrenceville Tank, LLC as a result of distributions we received from them during our 2016 fiscal year, offset by income generated by our investments since that time.

Current Liabilities

We had more outstanding checks in excess of bank balances at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 due to the timing of transfers between our accounts and increased corn payments following the end of our 2015 fiscal year. We use our revolving loan to pay any checks which are presented for payment which exceed the cash we have available in our accounts. Our accounts payable was significantly lower at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 because our corn suppliers typically seek to defer payments for corn that is delivered at the end of the year for tax purposes, which increases our accounts payable at that time. These deferred payments were made early in our first quarter of 2016. We had a greater liability associated with our derivative financial instruments at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 due to having more unrealized losses on our forward corn purchase contracts at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 due to market volatility.

Long-Term Liabilities

Our long-term liabilities were less at June 30, 2016 compared to December 31, 2015 due to the other liability related to our TIF guarantee.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our main sources of liquidity are cash generated from our continuing operations and amounts we have available to draw on our revolving lines of credit. Management does not anticipate that we will need to raise additional debt or equity financing in the next twelve months and management believes that our current sources of liquidity will be sufficient to continue our operations during that time period.

Currently, we have two revolving loans which allow us to borrow funds for working capital. These two revolving loans are described in greater detail below in the section entitled "Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial

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Condition and Results of Operations - Indebtedness." As of June 30, 2016, we had $1,000 outstanding and $18,323,000 available to be drawn on these revolving loans, after taking into account the borrowing base calculation. Management anticipates that this is sufficient to maintain our liquidity and continue our operations.

The following table shows cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015:
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2016
 
2015
Net cash provided by operating activities
 
$
811,928

 
$
6,452,891

Net cash (used in) investing activities
 
(2,744,331
)
 
(1,880,760
)
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities
 
422,804

 
(1,702,430
)

Cash Flow From Operations. Our operating activities provided less cash during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015, primarily due to decreased net income, a decrease in the distributions we received from our investments and using more cash for our accounts payable during the 2016 period.

Cash Flow From Investing Activities. Our investing activities used more cash during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to the net effect of an insurance settlement we received in 2015 partially offset by increased capital expenditures during the 2015 period.

Cash Flow From Financing Activities. Our financing activities used less cash during the six months ended June 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 because of a greater increase in our checks issued in excess of bank balances and a smaller distribution during the 2016 period.

Indebtedness
 
Effective May 15, 2013, we entered into a comprehensive credit facility with Farm Credit Services of America, PCA and Farm Credit Services of America, FLCA (collectively "FCSA"). Our FCSA credit facility replaced our prior loans with First National Bank of Omaha. Our FCSA credit facility was originally comprised of a $10 million revolving operating line of credit (the "Operating Line") and a $5 million revolving term commitment (the "Term Revolver"). Our FCSA credit facility was amended in December 2013 to add an additional $10 million term loan (the "Term Loan"). We amended our FCSA loans on November 11, 2014, the primary purpose of which was to replace our $5 million Term Revolver and our $10 million Term Loan with a new $15 million reducing revolving loan (the "Reducing Revolving Loan"). All of our assets, including the ethanol plant and equipment, its accounts receivable and inventory, serve as collateral for our loans with FCSA.

Operating Line

The Operating Line's term was extended in our November 11, 2014 amendment to November 1, 2016. The total amount that we can draw on the Operating Line is restricted by a formula based on the amount of inventory, receivables and equity we have in certain CBOT futures positions. Interest on the Operating Line accrued at the one month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 300 basis points. There is a fee of 0.25% on the portion of the Operating Line that we are not using, which is billed quarterly. The interest rate for this loan at June 30, 2016 was 3.45%. As of June 30, 2016, we had $0 outstanding on the Operating Line and $5,574,000 available to be drawn, taking into account the borrowing base calculation.

Reducing Revolving Loan

On November 11, 2014, we executed a loan amendment with FCSA which eliminated our prior Term Loan and Term Revolver and replaced them with a new $15 million Reducing Revolving Loan. Interest accrues on the Reducing Revolving Loan at a rate of 325 basis points in excess of the one-month LIBOR and we agreed to pay a fee of 0.50% for any unused amount of the Reducing Revolving Loan. The amount we can borrow on the Reducing Revolving Loan decreases by $750,000 semi-annually starting on April 1, 2015 until the maximum balance reaches $7.5 million on October 1, 2019. The Reducing Revolving Loan matures on October 1, 2024. The interest rate for this loan at June 30, 2016 was 3.70%. As of June 30, 2016, we had $1,000 outstanding on the Reducing Revolving Loan and $12,749,000 available to be drawn.

Covenants

Our credit facilities with FCSA are subject to various loan covenants. If we fail to comply with these loan covenants, FCSA can declare us to be in default of our loans. The material loan covenants applicable to our credit facilities are our working

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capital covenant, local net worth covenant and our debt service coverage ratio. We are required to maintain working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) of at least $6 million. We are required to maintain local net worth (total assets minus total liabilities minus the value of certain investments) of at least $18 million. We are required to maintain a debt service coverage ratio of at least 1.25:1.00.

As of June 30, 2016, we were in compliance with all of our loan covenants. Management's current financial projections indicate that we will be in compliance with our financial covenants for the next 12 months and we expect to remain in compliance thereafter. Management does not believe that it is reasonably likely that we will fall out of compliance with our material loan covenants in the next 12 months. If we fail to comply with the terms of our credit agreements with FCSA, and FCSA refuses to waive the non-compliance, FCSA may require us to immediately repay all amounts outstanding on our loans.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Management uses estimates and assumptions in preparing our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the reported revenues and expenses. Of the significant accounting policies described in the notes to our consolidated financial statements, we believe that the following are the most critical:

Derivative Instruments

We enter into short-term forward grain, option and futures contracts as a means of securing corn and natural gas for the ethanol plant and managing exposure to changes in commodity and energy prices. We enter into short-term forward, option and futures contracts for sales of ethanol to manage exposure to changes in energy prices. All of our derivatives are designated as non-hedge derivatives, and accordingly are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. Although the contracts are considered economic hedges of specified risks, they are not designated as and accounted for as hedging instruments.

As part of our trading activity, we use futures and option contracts offered through regulated commodity exchanges to reduce our risk and we are exposed to risk of loss in the market value of inventories. To reduce that risk, we generally take positions using cash and futures contracts and options.

Unrealized gains and losses related to derivative contracts for corn and natural gas purchases are included as a component of cost of revenues and derivative contracts related to ethanol sales are included as a component of revenues in the accompanying financial statements. The fair values of derivative contracts are presented on the accompanying balance sheet as derivative financial instruments.

Goodwill

We record as goodwill the excess of purchase price over the fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. Annually, as well as when an event triggering impairment may have occurred, the Company performs an impairment test on goodwill. The first step tests for impairment, while the second step, if necessary, measures the impairment. We perform our annual analysis on December 31 of each fiscal year.

Inventory Valuation

Inventories are generally valued using methods which approximate the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. In the valuation of inventories and purchase commitments, net realizable value is based on estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal and transportation.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue from the production of ethanol and related products is recorded when title transfers to customers. Generally, ethanol and related products are shipped FOB shipping point, based on written contract terms between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Collectability of revenue is reasonably assured based on historical evidence of collectability between Dakota Ethanol and its customers. Interest income is recognized as earned.

Shipping costs incurred by the Company in the sale of ethanol, dried distiller's grains and corn oil are not specifically identifiable and as a result, revenue from the sale of those products is recorded based on the net selling price reported to the Company from the marketer.


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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with commodity prices and interest rates as discussed below.  We have no exposure to foreign currency risk as all of our business is conducted in U.S. Dollars. We have loans that are subject to variable interest rates. We use derivative financial instruments as part of an overall strategy to manage market risk. We use cash, futures and option contracts to hedge changes to the commodity prices of corn and natural gas. We do not enter into these derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor do we designate these contracts as hedges for accounting purposes.

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates. Exposure to interest rate risk results primarily from holding loans which bear variable interest rates. As of June 30, 2016, we had $1,000 outstanding on our variable interest rate loans with interest accruing at a rate of 3.70%. Our variable interest rates are calculated by adding a set basis to LIBOR. If we were to experience a 10% increase in LIBOR, the annual effect such change would have on our income statement, based on the amount we had outstanding on our variable interest rate loans as of June 30, 2016, would be less than $1.

Commodity Price Risk
 
We are exposed to market risk from changes in commodity prices.  Exposure to commodity price risk results from our dependence on corn and natural gas in the ethanol production process.  We seek to minimize the risks from fluctuations in the prices of corn and natural gas through the use of hedging instruments.  In practice, as markets move, we actively manage our risk and adjust hedging strategies as appropriate.  Although we believe our hedge positions accomplish an economic hedge against our future purchases, they are not designated as such for hedge accounting purposes, which would match the gain or loss on our hedge positions to the specific commodity purchase being hedged.  We are marking to market our hedge positions, which means as the current market price of our hedge positions changes, the gains and losses are immediately recognized in our cost of revenues.

The immediate recognition of hedging gains and losses can cause net income to be volatile from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the change in value of the derivative instruments relative to the cost and use of the commodity being hedged.  We recorded a combined increase to our cost of revenues of approximately $179,000 related to derivative instruments for the quarter ended June 30, 2016. We recorded a combined increase to our cost of revenues of approximately $202,000 related to derivative instruments for the quarter ended June 30, 2015. There are several variables that could affect the extent to which our derivative instruments are impacted by price fluctuations in the cost of corn or natural gas.  However, it is likely that commodity cash prices will have the greatest impact on the derivatives instruments with delivery dates nearest the current cash price.
  
As of June 30, 2016, we were committed to purchasing approximately 4.6 million bushels of corn with an average price of $3.55 per bushel. These corn purchases represent approximately 24% of our expected corn usage for the next 12 months. As of June 30, 2016, we had no purchase commitments related to natural gas. As corn and natural gas prices move in reaction to market trends and information, our income statement will be affected depending on the impact such market movements have on the value of our derivative instruments. Depending on market movements, crop prospects and weather, these price protection positions may cause immediate adverse effects to our financial results, but are designed to produce long-term positive growth for us.

A sensitivity analysis has been prepared to estimate our exposure to corn, natural gas and ethanol price risk. Market risk related to these factors is estimated as the potential change in income resulting from a hypothetical 10% adverse change in the average cost of our corn and natural gas prices and average ethanol price as of June 30, 2016, net of the forward and future contracts used to hedge our market risk for corn and natural gas usage requirements. The volumes are based on our expected use and sale of these commodities for a one year period from June 30, 2016. The results of this analysis, which may differ from actual results, are as follows:
 

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Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)
 
Unit of Measure
 
Hypothetical Adverse Change in Price
 
Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Ethanol
55,000,000

 
Gallons
 
10
%
 
$
7,865,000

Corn
19,642,857

 
Bushels
 
10
%
 
$
5,924,397

Natural Gas
1,237,500

 
MMBTU
 
10
%
 
$
292,050


For comparison purposes, our sensitivity analysis for our second quarter of 2015 is set forth below.
 
Estimated Volume Requirements for the next 12 months (net of forward and futures contracts)
 
Unit of Measure
 
Hypothetical Adverse Change in Price
 
Approximate Adverse Change to Income
Ethanol
58,800,000

 
Gallons
 
10
%
 
$
8,173,200

Corn
19,660,377

 
Bushels
 
10
%
 
$
7,274,339

Natural Gas
1,083,000

 
MMBTU
 
10
%
 
$
284,829


ITEM 4. 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 (the "Exchange Act") is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (the principal executive officer), Scott Mundt, along with our Chief Financial Officer (the principal financial officer), Rob Buchholtz, have reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of June 30, 2016. Based on this review and evaluation, these officers believe that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in ensuring that material information related to us is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods required by the forms and rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2016, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II.    OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, Dakota Ethanol or Lake Area Corn Processors may be named as a defendant in legal proceedings related to various issues, including, worker's compensation claims, tort claims, or contractual disputes. We are not currently involved in any material legal proceedings, directly or indirectly, and we are not aware of any claims pending or threatened against us or any of the managers that could result in the commencement of material legal proceedings.


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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS.

There have not been any material changes to the risk factors that were previously disclosed on our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015.

ITEM 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.     MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5.     OTHER INFORMATION.

None.

ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.
Exhibit No.
Exhibit
31.1

Certificate Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)*
31.2

Certificate Pursuant to 17 CFR 240.13a-14(a)*
32.1

Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*
32.2

Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*
101

The following financial information from Lake Area Corn Processors, LLC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and 2015, and (iv) the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.**
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


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LAKE AREA CORN PROCESSORS, LLC
 
 
Date:
August 12, 2016
 /s/ Scott Mundt
 
Scott Mundt
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
Date:
August 12, 2016
 /s/ Rob Buchholtz
 
Rob Buchholtz
 
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)



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