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REX AMERICAN RESOURCES Corp - Quarter Report: 2022 April (Form 10-Q)

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

 

  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the quarterly period ended April 30, 2022
    OR
  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
     
    For the transition period from _________ to _________

 

Commission File Number 001-09097

 

 

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

  Delaware 31-1095548  
  (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer  
  incorporation or organization) Identification Number)  

 

  7720 Paragon Road, Dayton, Ohio 45459  
  (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)  

 

(937) 276-3931

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, $0.01 par value REX New York Stock Exchange

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.          Yes  No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).          Yes  No 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer  Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer    (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company
  Emerging growth company

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).        Yes  No 

 

At the close of business on May 26, 2022 the registrant had 5,920,351 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding.

 

 
 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

    Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Financial Statements  
     
  Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets 3
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations 4
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity 5
  Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows 6
  Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements 8
     
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 23
     
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 33
     
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 33
     
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. Legal Proceedings 34
     
Item 1A. Risk Factors 34
     
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 34
     
Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities 34
     
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures 34
     
Item 5. Other Information 34
     
Item 6. Exhibits 34
2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets

Unaudited      
       
(In Thousands)  April 30,  January 31,
   2022  2022
Assets:      
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $66,685   $229,846 
Short-term investments   167,347    25,877 
Restricted cash   4,920    2,222 
Accounts receivable   25,440    25,821 
Inventory   56,388    42,225 
Refundable income taxes   6,096    6,677 
Prepaid expenses and other   16,006    12,499 
Total current assets   342,882    345,167 
Property and equipment, net   134,575    137,554 
Operating lease right-of-use assets   13,250    11,221 
Deferred taxes and other assets   24,817    25,853 
Equity method investment   32,517    30,566 
Total assets   $548,041   $550,361 
           
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities:
          
Accounts payable, trade (includes $0.5 million with related parties at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022)  $19,160   $32,266 
Current operating lease liabilities   4,515    4,600 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   15,184    13,617 
Total current liabilities   38,859    50,483 
Long-term liabilities:          
Deferred taxes   3,132    3,132 
Long-term operating lease liabilities   8,539    6,390 
Other long-term liabilities   2,920    2,794 
Total long-term liabilities   14,591    12,316 
Equity:          
REX shareholders’ equity:          
Common stock   299    299 
Paid-in capital   149,370    149,334 
Retained earnings   647,532    642,350 
Treasury stock   (361,183)    (361,191) 
Total REX shareholders’ equity   436,018    430,792 
Noncontrolling interests   58,573    56,770 
Total equity   494,591    487,562 
Total liabilities and equity  $548,041   $550,361 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

3

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)  Three Months Ended
   April 30,
   2022  2021
       
Net sales and revenue  $194,228   $164,042 
Cost of sales (includes $30,765 and $16,733 with related parties for the three months ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.)   182,316    144,565 
           
Gross profit   11,912    19,477 
           
Selling, general and administrative expenses   (5,203)   (9,903)
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates   1,951    570 
Interest and other income, net   174    43 
           
Income before income taxes   8,834    10,187 
Provision for income taxes   (1,848)   (2,224)
           
Net income from continuing operations   6,986    7,963 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (continuing operations)   (1,804)   (694)
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders (continuing operations)   5,182    7,269 
           
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax   -    435 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (discontinued operations)   -    80 
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders (discontinued operations)   -    515 
           
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders  $5,182   $7,784 
           
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic and diluted   5,945    6,010 
           
Basic and diluted net income per share from continuing operations attributable to REX common shareholders  $0.87   $1.21 
Basic and diluted net income per share from discontinued operations attributable to REX common shareholders   -    0.09 
Basic and diluted net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders  $0.87   $1.30 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

4

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity

For the Three Months Ended April 30, 2022 and 2021

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands)

   REX Shareholders        
                
   Common Shares                            
   Issued  TreasuryPaid-in  Retained  Noncontrolling  Total  
   Shares  Amount    Shares  Amount  Capital  Earnings  Interests  Equity  
                                         
Balance at January 31, 2022   29,853         $299    23,933   $(361,191)  $149,334   $642,350               $56,770   $487,562 
                                         
Net income                            5,182    1,804    6,986 
                                         
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other                                 (1)   (1)
                                         
Issuance of equity awards and stock based compensation expense   -    -    -    8    36    -    -    44 
                                         
Balance at April 30, 2022   29,853   $299    23,933   $(361,183)  $149,370   $647,532   $58,573   $494,591 
                                         
Balance at January 31, 2021   29,853   $299    23,861   $(354,612)  $149,110   $589,986   $52,400   $437,183 
                                         
Net income                            7,784    614    8,398 
                                         
Noncontrolling interests distribution and other                                 (75)   (75)
                                         
Capital contributions                                 68    68 
                                         
Issuance of equity awards and stock based compensation expense   -    -    -    8    34    -    -    42 
                                         
Balance at April 30, 2021   29,853   $299    23,861   $(354,604)  $149,144   $597,770   $53,007   $445,616 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

5

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands)  Three Months Ended
   April 30,
   2022  2021
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net income including noncontrolling interests  $6,986   $8,398 
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax   -    435 
Net income from continuing operations   6,986    7,963 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation   4,459    4,551 
Amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets   1,430    1,389 
Income from equity method investments   (1,951)   (570)
Interest income from investments   (148)   (15)
Deferred income tax   1,161    2,303 
Stock based compensation expense   218    291 
Loss (gain) on sale of property and equipment – net   5    (3)
Changes in assets and liabilities:          
Accounts receivable   381    (7,844)
Inventories   (14,163)   11,206 
Refundable income taxes   581    (88)
Other assets   (3,529)   (2,169)
Accounts payable, trade   (13,233)   (654)
Other liabilities   124    (1,264)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities from continuing operations   (17,679)   15,096 
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations   -    (1,533)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities   (17,679)   13,563 
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Capital expenditures   (1,462)   (1,267)
Purchase of short-term investments   (161,599)   (25,930)
Sale of short-term investments   20,278    26,275 
Other   -    30 
Net cash used in investing activities   (142,783)   (892)
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Payments to noncontrolling interests holders   (1)   (75)
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations   (1)   (75)
Net cash provided by financing activities from discontinued operations   -    68 
Net cash used in financing activities   (1)   (7)
           
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash   (160,463)   12,664 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period   232,068    146,158 
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period  $71,605   $158,822 

 

Continued on the following page

6

REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows

Unaudited

 

(In Thousands)

 

Continued from the previous page

Non cash investing activities – Accrued capital expenditures  $205   $280 
Non cash financing activities – Stock awards accrued  $174   $348 
Right-of-use assets acquired and liabilities incurred upon lease execution  $3,460   $- 
Reconciliation of total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $66,685   $157,105 
Restricted cash   4,920    1,717 
Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash  $71,605   $158,822 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements.

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REX AMERICAN RESOURCES CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
April 30, 2022

 

Note 1. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

 

References to the Company – References to “REX” or the “Company” in the consolidated condensed financial statements and in these notes to the consolidated condensed financial statements refer to REX American Resources Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and its majority and wholly owned subsidiaries.

 

The consolidated condensed financial statements included in this report have been prepared by the Company, without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to state fairly the information set forth therein. Any such adjustments were of a normal recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations, although the Company believes that the disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. Financial information as of January 31, 2022 included in these financial statements has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2022 (fiscal year 2021). It is suggested that these unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2022. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year.

 

Basis of Consolidation – The consolidated condensed financial statements in this report include the operating results and financial position of the Company. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. The Company consolidates the results of its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. The Company includes the results of operations of One Earth Energy, LLC (“One Earth”) in its Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations on a delayed basis of one month as One Earth has a fiscal year end of December 31. On November 18, 2021, the Company ceased operation of its refined coal business as tax credits could no longer be earned on its operations. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the results of the operation of the refined coal business were recognized in discontinued operations. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with discontinued operations reporting.

 

Nature of Operations – Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company now has one reportable segment, ethanol and by-products. Within the ethanol and by-products segment, the Company has equity investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, two of which are majority ownership interests. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current segment reporting.

 

Note 2. Accounting Policies

 

The interim consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the

8

Company’s fiscal year 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K. While management believes that the procedures followed in the preparation of interim financial information are reasonable, the accuracy of some estimated amounts is dependent upon facts that will exist or calculations that will be accomplished at fiscal year-end. Examples of such estimates include accrued liabilities, such as management bonuses, and the provision for income taxes. Any adjustments pursuant to such estimates during the quarter were of a normal recurring nature. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents includes bank deposits as well as short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company recognizes sales of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil when obligations under the terms of the respective contracts with customers are satisfied; this occurs with the transfer of control of products, generally upon shipment from the ethanol plant or upon loading of the rail car used to transport the products.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Cost of sales includes depreciation, costs of raw materials, inbound freight charges, purchasing and receiving costs, inspection costs, other distribution expenses, warehousing costs, plant repair and maintenance costs, plant management, certain compensation costs and general facility overhead charges.

 

Selling, General and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses

 

The Company includes non-production related costs such as professional fees, outbound freight charges, selling charges and certain payroll in SG&A expenses. Outbound freight charges were approximately $273,000 and $5,596,000 in the first quarter of fiscal years 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Financial Instruments

 

Certain of the forward grain purchase and ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil sale contracts are accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) because these arrangements are for purchases of grain that will be delivered in quantities expected to be used by the Company and sales of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil quantities expected to be produced by the Company over a reasonable period of time in the normal course of business.

 

The Company uses derivative financial instruments (exchange-traded futures contracts) to manage a portion of the risk associated with changes in commodity prices, primarily related to corn. 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

9

which these hedging activities can themselves result in losses. The Company does not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The changes in fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recognized in current period earnings as the Company does not use hedge accounting.

 

Income Taxes

 

Prior to the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company determined that small changes in estimated “ordinary” income could result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate. Thus, the Company used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months ended April 30, 2021. Beginning on November 18, 2021, we were unable to earn additional tax credits related to the refined coal facility, and therefore, ceased operation of that facility. As earning these credits is what had caused the significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate from small changes in estimated “ordinary” income and we have now classified the refined coal segment as discontinued operations, we have returned to using the annual effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes from continuing operations beginning in the three and nine month periods ended October 31, 2021.

 

The Company provides for deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The Company provides for a valuation allowance if, based on the weight of available positive and negative evidence, it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company paid no income taxes and received no refunds of income taxes during the three months ended April 30, 2022 and 2021.

 

As of April 30, 2022, and January 31, 2022, total unrecognized tax benefits were approximately $16,827,000 and $16,741,000, respectively. Accrued penalties and interest were approximately $42,000 and approximately $40,000 at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022, respectively. If the Company were to prevail on all unrecognized tax benefits recorded, the provision for income taxes would be reduced by approximately $16.7 million. In addition, the impact of penalties and interest would also benefit the effective tax rate. Interest and penalties associated with unrecognized tax benefits are recorded within income tax expense. On a quarterly basis, the Company accrues for the effects of open uncertain tax positions and the related potential penalties and interest.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value on a first-in, first-out basis. Inventory includes direct production costs and certain overhead costs such as depreciation, property taxes and utilities associated with producing ethanol and related by-products. Inventory is written down for instances when cost exceeds estimated net realizable value; such write-downs are based primarily upon commodity prices as the market value of inventory is often dependent upon changes in commodity prices. The Company recorded approximately $0.5 million of inventory write-downs in cost of sales at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022. Fluctuations in the write-down of inventory generally relate to the levels and composition of such inventory and changes in commodity prices at a given point in time.

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The components of inventory are as follows as of the dates presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   April 30,
2022
   January 31,
2022
 
             
Ethanol and other finished goods        $ 22,241         $13,158 
Work in process     6,846      5,473 
Grain and other raw materials     27,301      23,594 
Total    $56,388     $42,225 

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment is recorded at cost or the fair value on the date of acquisition (for property and equipment acquired in a business combination). Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives are 15 to 40 years for buildings and improvements, and 3 to 20 years for fixtures and equipment.

 

In accordance with ASC 360-10 “Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets”, the carrying value of long-lived assets is assessed for recoverability by management when changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company did not identify any indicators of impairment during the first three months of fiscal year 2022 or 2021, thus there were no impairment charges in the first three months of fiscal year 2022 or 2021.

 

The Company tests for recoverability of an asset group by comparing its carrying amount to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows. If the carrying amount exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, the Company recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the asset group’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value, if any.

 

Investments

 

The method of accounting applied to long-term investments, whether consolidated, equity or cost, involves an evaluation of the significant terms of each investment that explicitly grant or suggest evidence of control or influence over the operations of the investee and also includes the identification of any variable interests in which the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company accounts for investments in a limited liability company in which it has a less than 20% ownership interest using the equity method of accounting when the factors discussed in ASC 323, “Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures” are met. The excess of the carrying value over the underlying equity in the net assets of equity method investees is allocated to specific assets and liabilities. Investments in businesses that the Company does not control but for which it has the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial matters are accounted for using the equity method. The Company accounts for its investment in Big River Resources, LLC (“Big River”) using the equity method of accounting and includes the results on a delayed basis of one month as Big River has a fiscal year end of December 31.

 

The Company periodically evaluates its investments for impairment due to declines in market value considered to be other than temporary. Such impairment evaluations include general economic and company-specific evaluations. If the Company determines that a decline in market value is other than

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temporary, then a charge to earnings is recorded in the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and a new cost basis in the investment is established.

 

Short-term investments are considered held to maturity, and therefore are carried at amortized historical cost.

 

Discontinued Operations

 

On November 18, 2021, the Company ceased operation of its refined coal business as tax credits could no longer be earned on its operation. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the results of the operation of the refined coal business have been recognized in discontinued operations. Prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with discontinued operations reporting.

 

Comprehensive Income

 

The Company has no components of other comprehensive income, and therefore, comprehensive income equals net income.

 

Accounting Changes and Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In November 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance”, which increases the transparency of government assistance received by businesses by expanding the disclosure requirements for annual reporting periods. The Company will be required to adopt this update for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2023. The Company will provide necessary disclosures required related to government assistance received in the annual reporting for the year ending January 31, 2023.

 

Note 3. Net Sales and Revenue

 

The Company recognizes sales of products when obligations under the terms of the respective contracts with customers are satisfied. This occurs with the transfer of control of products, generally upon shipment from the ethanol plant or upon loading of the rail car used to transport the products. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for transferring goods. Sales, value added and other taxes the Company collects concurrent with revenue producing activities are excluded from net sales and revenue.

 

The majority of the Company’s sales have payment terms ranging from 5 to 10 days after transfer of control. The Company has determined that sales contracts do not generally include a significant financing component. The Company has not historically, and does not intend to, enter sales contracts in which payment is due from a customer prior to transferring product to the customer. Thus, the Company does not record unearned revenue.

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The following tables shows disaggregated revenue by product (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
   2022   2021 
Sales of products, continuing operations        
Ethanol  $146,462   $126,069 
Dried distillers grains   31,897    31,119 
Non-food grade corn oil   11,102    5,594 
Modified distillers grains   4,355    2,293 
Derivative financial instruments gains (losses)   322    (1,126) 
Other   90    93 
Total  $194,228   $164,042 
           
Sales of products, discontinued operations:          
Refined coal1  $-   $62 

 

1 Refined coal sales were recorded net of the cost of coal as the Company purchased the coal feedstock from the customer to which the processed refined coal was sold.

 

Note 4. Leases

 

At April 30, 2022, the Company has lease agreements, as lessee, for railcars. All of the leases are accounted for as operating leases. The lease agreements do not contain a specified implicit interest rate; therefore, the Company’s estimated incremental borrowing rate was used to determine the present value of future minimum lease payments. The exercise of any lease renewal is at the Company’s sole discretion. The lease term for all of the Company’s leases includes the noncancelable period of the lease and any periods covered by renewal options that the Company is reasonably certain to exercise. Certain leases include rent escalations pre-set in the agreements, which are factored into the lease payment stream. The components of lease expense, classified as SG&A expenses on the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
        2022        2021 
             
Operating lease expense    $1,610     $1,550 
Variable lease expense     394      44 
Total lease expense    $2,004     $1,594 
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The following table is a summary of future minimum rentals on such leases at April 30, 2022 (amounts in thousands):

 

Years Ended January 31,  Minimum
Rentals
 
     
Remainder of 2023       $3,839 
2024     4,636 
2025     3,188 
2026     1,015 
2027     951 
Thereafter     510 
Total     14,139 
Less: present value discount     1,085 
Operating lease liabilities    $13,054 

 

At April 30, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term is 2.9 years, and the weighted average discount rate is 5.05% for the above leases.

 

The following table is a summary of future minimum rentals on such leases at January 31, 2022 (amounts in thousands):

 

Years Ended January 31,  Minimum
Rentals
 
     
2023       $5,015 
2024     3,856 
2025     2,408 
2026     235 
2027     171 
Total     11,685 
Less: present value discount     695 
Operating lease liabilities    $10,990 

 

At January 31, 2022, the weighted average remaining lease term was 2.5 years, and the weighted average discount rate was 4.85% for the above leases.

 

Note 5. Fair Value

 

The Company applies ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”), which provides a framework for measuring fair value under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. This accounting standard defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date.

14

The Company determines the fair market values of its financial instruments based on the fair value hierarchy established by ASC 820 which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair values which are provided below. The Company carries certain cash equivalents, investments and derivative instruments at fair value.

 

The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities traded in the over-the-counter market are determined using quantitative models that require the use of multiple market inputs including interest rates, prices and indices to generate pricing and volatility factors, which are used to value the position. The predominance of market inputs are actively quoted and can be validated through external sources, including brokers, market transactions and third-party pricing services. Estimation risk is greater for derivative asset and liability positions that are either option-based or have longer maturity dates where observable market inputs are less readily available or are unobservable, in which case interest rate, price or index scenarios are extrapolated in order to determine the fair value. The fair values of derivative assets and liabilities include adjustments for market liquidity, counterparty credit quality, the Company’s own credit standing and other specific factors, where appropriate.

 

To ensure the prudent application of estimates and management judgment in determining the fair value of derivative assets and liabilities, investments and property and equipment, various processes and controls have been adopted, which include: (i) model validation that requires a review and approval for pricing, financial statement fair value determination and risk quantification; and (ii) periodic review and substantiation of profit and loss reporting for all derivative instruments. Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at April 30, 2022 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Fair Value 
                 
Investment in cooperative (1)       $
-
     $
-
     $354        $354 
Forward purchase contracts (2)     
-
      4,432      
-
      4,432 
Total assets    $-     $4,432     $354     $4,786 
                             
Commodity futures liability (3)    $
-
     $4,066     $
-
     $4,066 

 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at January 31, 2022 are summarized below (amounts in thousands):

 

   Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Fair Value 
                 
Investment in cooperative (1)       $
-
     $
-
     $354        $354 
Forward purchase contracts (2)     
-
      993      
-
      993 
Total assets    $-     $993     $354     $1,347 
                             
Commodity futures liability (3)    $
-
     $933     $
-
     $933 

 

(1) The investment in cooperative is included in “Other assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

15

(2) The forward purchase contracts and commodity futures assets are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

(3) The commodity futures liability is included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

The Company determined the fair value of the investment in cooperative by using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows. Inputs used in the analysis include the face value of the allocated equity amount, the projected term for repayment based upon a historical trend and a risk adjusted discount rate based on the expected compensation participants would demand because of the uncertainty of the future cash flows. The inherent risk and uncertainty associated with unobservable inputs could have a significant effect on the actual fair value of the investment.

 

There were no assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at April 30, 2022 or January 31, 2022.

 

Note 6. Property and Equipment

 

The components of property and equipment are as follows for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   April 30,
2022
         January 31,
2022
 
             
Land and improvements    $27,329     $27,329 
Buildings and improvements     23,617      23,617 
Machinery, equipment and fixtures     297,210      296,243 
Construction in progress     1,973      1,515 
      350,129      348,704 
Less: Accumulated depreciation      (215,554)      (211,150) 
Total    $134,575     $137,554 

 

Note 7. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

 

The components of accrued expenses and other current liabilities are as follows for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   April 30,
2022
         January 31,
2022
 
             
Accrued payroll and related items        $2,770         $5,407 
Accrued utility charges     4,242      4,297 
Accrued transportation related items     973      593 
Accrued real estate taxes     2,031      1,857 
Commodity futures     4,066      933 
Accrued income taxes     108      95 
Other     994      435 
Total    $ 15,184     $13,617 
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Note 8. Derivative Financial Instruments

 

The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in commodity prices (raw materials and finished goods). To manage risks associated with the volatility of these natural business exposures, the Company enters into commodity agreements and forward purchase (corn and natural gas) and sale (ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil) contracts. The Company does not purchase or sell derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company does not purchase or sell derivative financial instruments for which a lack of marketplace quotations would require the use of fair value estimation techniques. The changes in fair value of these derivative financial instruments are recognized in current period earnings as the Company does not use hedge accounting.

 

The following table provides information about the fair values of the Company’s derivative financial instruments (that are not accounted for under the “normal purchases and normal sales” scope exemption of ASC 815) and the line items on the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets in which the fair values are reflected (in thousands):

 

   Asset Derivatives
Fair Value
   Liability Derivatives
Fair Value
 
   April 30,
2022
   January 31,
2022
   April 30,
2022
   January 31,
2022
 
                     
Commodity futures (1)  $
-
   $
-
   $4,066   $933 
Forward purchase contracts (2)   4,432    993    
-
    
-
 
Total  $4,432   $993   $4,066   $933 

 

(1) Commodity futures liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities. These contracts include short/sell positions for approximately 11.8 million bushels and 7.4 million bushels of corn at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022, respectively. Commodity futures assets, had there been any at either April 30, 2022 or January 31, 2022, would be included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

(2) Forward purchase contracts assets are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets. These contracts are for purchases of approximately 20.3 million bushels and 19.2 million bushels of corn at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022, respectively. Forward contract liabilities, had there been any at either April 30, 2022 or January 31, 2022, would be included in “Accrued expenses and other current liabilities” on the accompanying Consolidate Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

As of April 30, 2022, and January 31, 2022, all of the derivative financial instruments held by the Company were subject to enforceable master netting arrangements with the counterparty. The Company’s accounting policy is to offset positions and amounts owed or owing with the same counterparty. As of April 30, 2022, and January 31, 2022, the gross positions of the enforceable master netting agreements are not significantly different from the net positions presented in the table above. Depending on the amount of an unrealized loss on a derivative contract held by the Company, the counterparty may require collateral to secure the Company’s derivative contract position. The Company was required to maintain collateral in the amount of approximately $4,920,000 and approximately $2,222,000 to secure the Company’s

17

derivative liability position at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022, respectively, which is recorded as “Restricted cash” on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

 

See Note 5 which contains fair value information related to derivative financial instruments.

 

The Company recognized gains (losses), which are included in “Net sales and revenue” in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations, on derivative financial instruments of approximately $322,000 and $(1,126,000) for the first quarter of fiscal years 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

The Company recognized losses, which are included in “ Cost of sales” in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations, on derivative financial instruments of approximately $11,776,000 and approximately $1,894,000 for the first quarter of fiscal years 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

Note 9. Investments

 

Equity Method Investment in Big River

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s equity method investment at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands):

 

       Carrying Amount 
Entity  Ownership Percentage   April 30, 2022   January 31, 2022 
                
Big River   10.3%    $32,517    $30,566 

 

Undistributed earnings of the Company’s equity method investee totaled approximately $12.5 million and approximately $10.5 million at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022, respectively. The Company did not receive any dividends from its equity method investee in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 and 2021.

 

Summarized financial information for the Company’s equity method investee is presented in the following table for the periods presented (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
   2022   2021 
           
Net sales and revenue  $351,746   $256,416 
Gross profit  $22,024   $1,544 
Income from continuing operations  $18,925   $5,535 
Net income  $18,925   $5,535 

 

Short-term Investments

 

At April 30, 2022, the Company owned certificates of deposit and United States Treasury Bills that had an amortized cost, or carrying value, of approximately $167.3 million. The contractual maturity of

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these investments was less than one year. The yield to maturity rate was approximately 0.7%. Unrealized gains or losses were insignificant.

 

At January 31, 2022, the Company owned certificates of deposit that had an amortized cost, or carrying value, of approximately $25,877,000. The contractual maturity of these investments was less than one year. The yield to maturity rate was approximately 0.1%. Unrealized gains or losses were insignificant.

 

Note 10. Employee Benefits

 

The Company maintains the REX 2015 Incentive Plan, approved by its shareholders, which reserves a total of 550,000 shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to its terms. The plan provides 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 stock unit awards to eligible employees, non-employee directors and consultants. Since plan inception, the Company has only granted restricted stock awards. 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 liability and equity awards in its consolidated financial statements over the requisite service period on a straight-line basis. At April 30, 2022, 471,027 shares remain available for issuance under the Plan. As a component of their compensation, restricted stock has been granted to directors at the closing market price of REX common stock on the grant date. In addition, one third of executives’ incentive compensation is payable by an award of restricted stock based on the then closing market price of REX common stock on the grant date. The Company’s board of directors has determined that the grant date will be June 15th, or the next business day if June 15th is not a business day, for all grants of restricted stock.

 

At April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022, unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested restricted stock was approximately $190,000 and $97,000 respectively. The following tables summarize non-vested restricted stock award activity for the periods presented:

 

   Three Months Ended April 30, 2022
    
   Non-Vested
Shares
  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
(000’s)
  Weighted
Average Remaining
Vesting Term
(in years)
                
Non-Vested at January 31, 2022   10,061   $773    1 
Granted   -    -      
Forfeited   -    -      
Vested   -    -      
                
Non-Vested at April 30, 2022   10,061   $773    1 
19
   Three Months Ended April 30, 2021
    
   Non-Vested
Shares
  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
(000’s)
  Weighted
Average Remaining
Vesting Term
(in years)
                
Non-Vested at January 31, 2021   19,705   $1,398    1 
Granted   -    -      
Forfeited   -    -      
Vested   -    -      
                
Non-Vested at April 30, 2021   19,705   $1,398    1 

 

The above tables include 5,714 and 14,777 non-vested shares at April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which are included in the number of weighted average shares outstanding used to determine basic and diluted earnings per share attributable to REX common shareholders. Such shares are treated, for accounting purposes, as being fully vested at the grant date as they were granted to recipients who were retirement eligible at the time of grant.

 

Note 11. Income Taxes

 

The Company’s income tax provision from continuing operations was approximately $1.8 million and approximately $2.2 million for the three months ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

The Company did not have any activity classified as discontinued operations in the current fiscal year and therefore, did not have an income tax provision or benefit. The Company’s income tax benefit from discontinued operations was approximately $2.2 million for the three months ended April 30, 2021. The benefit is derived from the level of tax credits generated from the refined coal business and the tax benefit of the loss from operations. Through its refined coal business, the Company earned production tax credits pursuant to IRC Section 45. The credits can be used to reduce future income tax liabilities for up to 20 years.

 

The Company assessed all available positive and negative evidence to determine whether it expects sufficient future taxable income will be generated to allow for the realization of existing federal deferred tax assets. The Company ceased operation of its refined coal business on November 18, 2021. There is sufficient objectively verifiable income for management to conclude that it is more likely than not that the Company will utilize available federal deferred tax assets prior to their expiration.

 

The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return and various state income tax returns. In general, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local income tax examinations by tax authorities for years ended January 31, 2014 and prior. The Company is currently undergoing a federal income tax examination for the years ended January 31, 2015 through January 31, 2020.

20

On a quarterly and annual basis, the Company accrues for the effects of open uncertain tax positions and the related potential penalties and interest. It is reasonably possible that the amount of the unrecognized tax benefit with respect to certain unrecognized tax positions will increase or decrease during the next 12 months; however, the Company does not expect the change to have a material effect on results of operations or financial position. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, is as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended
April 30,
 
   2022   2021 
           
Unrecognized tax benefits, beginning of period  $16,781   $8,400 
Changes for prior years’ tax positions   88    5 
Changes for current year tax positions   -    138 
Unrecognized tax benefits, end of period  $16,869   $8,543 

 

Note 12. Discontinued Operations

 

On November 18, 2021, the Company ceased operation of its refined coal business as tax credits could no longer be earned on its operation. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the results of the operation of the refined coal business have been recognized as discontinued operations. Below is a table reflecting certain items of the Consolidated Condensed Statement of Operations that were reclassified as discontinued operations for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months
Ended  April 30,
 
   2021 
                   
Net sales and revenue1    $62 
Cost of Sales     1,737 
Gross loss     (1,675) 
Selling, general and administrative     (85) 
Loss before income taxes     (1,760) 
Benefit for income taxes     2,195 
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax     435 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests     80 
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders    $515 

 

1 Refined coal sales were recorded net of the cost of coal as the Company purchased the coal feedstock from the customer to which the processed refined coal was sold.

21

Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies

 

The Company may be involved in various legal actions arising in the normal course of business, from time to time. After taking into consideration legal counsels’ evaluations of any such action(s), management is of the opinion that their outcome will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.

 

One Earth and NuGen have combined forward purchase contracts for approximately 20.3 million bushels of corn, the principal raw material for their ethanol plants, and they have combined forward purchase contracts for approximately 732,000 MmBtu (million British thermal unit) of natural gas.

 

One Earth and NuGen have combined sales commitments for approximately 15.8 million gallons of ethanol, approximately 86,000 tons of distillers grains and approximately 14.5 million pounds of non-food grade corn oil.

 

The refined coal entity had various agreements (site license, operating agreements, etc.) containing payment terms based upon production of refined coal under which the Company was required to pay various fees. As production ceased in November 2021, there were no fees paid in fiscal year 2022. These fees totaled approximately $0.9 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

Note 14. Related-Party Transactions

 

During the first quarter of fiscal years 2022 and 2021, One Earth and NuGen purchased approximately $30.7 million and approximately $16.7 million, respectively, of corn (and other supplies) from minority equity investors and board members of those subsidiaries. The Company had amounts payable to related parties of approximately $0.5 million at April 30, 2022 and January 31, 2022.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company recognized commission expense of approximately $36,000, payable to the minority investor in the refined coal entity. The commission expense is associated with the refined coal business which is classified within discontinued operations.

 

Note 15. Subsequent Event

 

On May 23, 2022, the Company’s consolidated plants received $7.8 million as part of a COVID relief bill passed by Congress in December 2020. The bill specifically included biofuels producers as eligible for aid, and in June of 2021, USDA announced a $700.0 million Biofuel Producer Program to distribute these funds to impacted producers of ethanol, biodiesel and other renewable fuels. Applications were due in February 2022. The USDA communicated its approval and the amount awarded subsequent to April 30, 2022.

22

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

 

Ethanol and By-Products

 

At April 30, 2022, we had investments in three ethanol limited liability companies, in two of which we have a majority ownership interest. The following table is a summary of ethanol entity ownership interests at April 30, 2022:

 

Entity REX’s
Current
Ownership
Interest
One Earth Energy, LLC 75.8%
NuGen Energy, LLC 99.7%
Big River Resources, LLC:  
Big River Resources W Burlington, LLC 10.3%
Big River Resources Galva, LLC 10.3%
Big River United Energy, LLC 5.7%
Big River Resources Boyceville, LLC 10.3%

 

Our ethanol operations and the results thereof are highly dependent on commodity prices, especially prices for corn, ethanol, distillers grains, non-food grade corn oil and natural gas, and availability of corn. As a result of price volatility for these commodities, our operating results can fluctuate substantially. The price and availability of corn is subject to significant fluctuations depending upon several factors that affect commodity prices in general, including crop conditions, the amount of corn stored on farms, weather, federal policy and foreign trade. Because the market prices of ethanol and distillers grains are not always directly related to corn prices (for example, demand for crude and other energy and related prices, the export market demand for ethanol and distillers grains, soybean meal prices, and the results of federal policy decisions and trade negotiations can impact ethanol and distillers grains prices), at times ethanol and distillers grains prices may not follow movements in corn prices and, in an environment of higher corn prices or lower ethanol or distillers grains prices, reduce the overall margin structure at the plants. As a result, at times, we may operate our plants at negative or minimally positive operating margins.

 

We expect our ethanol plants to produce at least 2.8 gallons of denatured ethanol for each bushel of grain processed in the production cycle. We refer to the actual gallons of denatured ethanol produced per bushel of grain processed as the realized yield. We refer to the difference between the price per gallon of ethanol and the price per bushel of grain (divided by the realized yield) as the “crush spread”. Should the crush spread decline, it is possible that our ethanol plants will generate operating results that do not provide adequate cash flows for sustained periods of time. In such cases, production at the ethanol plants may be reduced or stopped altogether in order to minimize variable costs at individual plants.

 

We attempt to manage the risk related to the volatility of commodity prices by utilizing forward grain purchase, forward ethanol, distillers grains and corn oil sale contracts and commodity futures agreements, as management deems appropriate. We attempt to match quantities of these sale contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given period of time when we can obtain an adequate gross margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts generally lags the spot market with respect to ethanol price. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price ethanol contracts for no more than four

23

months into the future at any given time and we may lock in our corn or ethanol price without having a corresponding locked in ethanol or corn price for short durations of time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our fixed price contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in our realized crush spread for more than four months; thus, we are unable to predict the likelihood or amounts of future income or loss from the operations of our ethanol facilities. We utilize derivative financial instruments, primarily exchange traded commodity future contracts and swap contracts, in conjunction with certain of our grain procurement activities and commodity marketing activities.

 

Refined Coal

 

On August 10, 2017, we purchased, through a 95.35% owned subsidiary, for approximately $12.0 million, the entire ownership interest of an entity that owned a refined coal facility. We began operating the refined coal facility immediately after the acquisition. As the plant was no longer eligible to receive federal production tax credits beginning on November 18, 2021, we ceased operations on that date. We began classifying this operation as discontinued operations in the third quarter of fiscal 2021.

 

Future Energy

 

During fiscal year 2013, we entered into a joint venture to file and defend patents for eSteam technology. The patented technology is an enhanced method of heavy oil recovery involving zero emissions downhole steam generation. To date, we have not successfully had a field operation nor demonstrated that the technology is commercially feasible. We own 60% and our partner owns 40% of the entity named Future Energy, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company. We have no current plans to operate this technology and are maintaining patents in limited countries.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

During the three months ended April 30, 2022, we did not change any of our critical accounting policies as disclosed in our 2021 Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 6, 2022.

 

Fiscal Year

 

All references in this report to a particular fiscal year are to REX’s fiscal year ended January 31. For example, “fiscal year 2022” means the period February 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023.

 

Results of Operations

 

Trends and Uncertainties

 

Renewable Fuel Standard II (“RFS II”), established in October 2010, has been an important factor in the growth of ethanol usage in the United States. In recent years, there has been much uncertainty on the enforcement of RFS II. When it was originally established, RFS II required the volume of “conventional” or corn derived ethanol to be blended with gasoline to increase each year until it reached 15.0 billion gallons in 2015 and required that it remain at that level through 2022. There are no established congressional target volumes beginning in 2023. The EPA has the authority to waive the biofuel mandate,

24

in whole or in part, if there is inadequate domestic renewable fuel supply or the requirement severely harms the domestic economy or environment. In addition, under RFS II, a small refiner that processes less than 75,000 barrels of oil per day can petition the EPA for a waiver of their requirement to submit renewable identification numbers (“RINs”). The EPA, through consultation with the Department of Energy and the Department of Agriculture, can grant the refiner a full or partial waiver, or deny the waiver. The EPA issued 85 refinery exemptions for 2016-2018 compliance years, undercutting the statutory renewable fuel volumes by a total of 4.0 billion gallons.

 

On December 7, 2021, the EPA issued proposed volumes for 2021 and 2022 and reduced the previously finalized volumes for 2020 to account for challenges for that year including the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposed volumes for conventional biofuels were 13.32 billion gallons and 15.0 billion gallons for 2021 and 2022, respectively. The 2020 volumes were proposed at 12.5 billion gallons, down from the previously finalized 15.0 billion gallons. In addition, the EPA proposed denying 65 pending applications for Small Refinery Exemptions in response to the 2020 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit. The EPA also proposed adding 250 million gallons of “supplemental obligation” to the 2022 proposed volumes and stated its intent to add another 250 million gallons to 2023 to address the remand of the 2016 waiver by the D.C Circuit. The EPA implemented a public notice and comment process on this announcement.

 

Due to the Russian-Ukraine conflict, there is a concern that the corn and natural gas supplies worldwide will be adversely affected, with a potential impact on price and corn availability in the United States.

 

Should these trends and uncertainties continue, our future operating results are likely to be negatively impacted.

25

Comparison of Three Months Ended April 30, 2022 and 2021

 

The following table summarizes our results from operations (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2022   2021 
         
Net sales and revenue  $194,228   $164,042 
Cost of sales   182,316    144,565 
Gross profit  $11,912   $19,477 
           
Income before income taxes  $8,834   $10,187 
           
Provision for income taxes  $(1,848)   $(2,224) 
           
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders (continuing operations)  $5,182   $7,269 
           
Net income attributable to REX common shareholders (discontinued operations)  $-   $515 

 

The following table summarizes net sales and revenue by product group (amounts in thousands):

 

   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2022   2021 
         
Ethanol  $146,462   $126,069 
Dried distillers grains   31,897    31,119 
Non-food grade corn oil   11,102    5,594 
Modified distillers grains   4,355    2,293 
Derivative financial instruments gains (losses)   322    (1,126) 
Other   90    93 
Total, continuing operations  $194,228   $164,042 
           
Refined coal (discontinued operations) 1  $-   $62 

 

1 Refined coal sales were recorded net of the cost of coal as the Company purchased the coal feedstock from the customer to which the processed refined coal was sold.

26

The following table summarizes selected operating data:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   April 30, 
   2022   2021 
         
Average selling price per gallon of ethanol (net of hedging)  $2.28   $1.79 
Gallons of ethanol sold (in millions)   64.5    70.0 
Average selling price per ton of dried distillers grains  $218.90   $208.92 
Tons of dried distillers grains sold   145,714    148,951 
Average selling price per pound of non-food grade corn oil  $0.63   $0.33 
Pounds of non-food grade corn oil sold (in millions)   17.7    17.1 
Average selling price per ton of modified distillers grains  $118.09   $71.54 
Tons of modified distillers grains sold   36,879    32,060 
Average cost per bushel of grain  $6.55   $5.16 
Average cost of natural gas (per MmBtu)  $5.93   $3.18 

 

Net sales and revenue in the quarter ended April 30, 2022 increased approximately 18% compared to the prior year’s first quarter. A decrease in quantity sold at our consolidated plants during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 was more than offset by stronger commodity pricing in the first quarter of 2022.

 

Ethanol sales increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 as the average price per gallon sold increased 27%, offset slightly by an 8% decrease in gallons sold. The increase in the ethanol selling price resulted primarily from an increase in commodity prices.

 

Dried distillers grains sales increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 as the average price per ton sold increased 5%, offset slightly by a 2% decrease in tons sold. The increase in the dried distillers grains selling price resulted primarily from an increase in corn prices as dried distillers grains prices often correlate with corn pricing.

 

Non-food grade corn oil sales increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 as the number of pounds sold increased 4% and the average selling price per pound increased 91% over the prior year first quarter. The increase in the non-food grade corn oil selling price resulted primarily from an increase in demand from the biodiesel industry.

 

Modified distillers grains sales increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 as the number of tons sold increased 15% and the average selling price per ton increased 65% over the prior year first quarter. The increase in the modified distillers grains selling price resulted primarily from an increase in corn prices and increased local demand.

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Gains on derivative financial instruments, included in net sales and revenue, of approximately $0.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 related to our risk management activities and were impacted by the increase in corn prices during that quarter. There were losses on derivative financial instruments of approximately $1.1 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

Gross profit for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 decreased approximately $7.6 million compared to the prior year’s first quarter. This was primarily caused by significantly increased corn prices during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, as well as more ethanol contracts sold net of freight according to contract terms in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to fiscal year 2021, which reduced revenue in fiscal year 2022. The selling price per gallon of ethanol sold increased 27% for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. There was a 27% increase in the cost per bushel of corn during the same periods.

 

Grain accounted for approximately 84% ($152.7 million) of our cost of sales during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to approximately 84% ($121.8 million) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. Natural gas accounted for approximately 6% ($10.8 million) of our cost of sales during the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to approximately 3% ($3.6 million) during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. The grain and natural gas expenditure increases were primarily attributable to the higher costs of both corn and natural gas with stable production levels in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

We attempt to match quantities of ethanol, distillers grains and non-food grade corn oil sales contracts with an appropriate quantity of grain purchase contracts over a given time period when we can obtain a satisfactory margin resulting from the crush spread inherent in the contracts we have executed. However, the market for future ethanol sales contracts generally lags the spot market with respect to ethanol price. Consequently, we generally execute fixed price sales contracts for no more than four months into the future at any given time and we may lock in our corn or ethanol price without having a corresponding locked in ethanol or corn price for short durations of time. As a result of the relatively short period of time our contracts cover, we generally cannot predict the future movements in our realized crush spread for more than four months.

 

SG&A expenses were approximately $5.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, significantly lower than the approximately $9.9 million of expenses for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. A majority of the decrease results from higher shipping costs in the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 as more sales contracts provided for shipping to be paid by us compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2022.

 

During the first quarter of fiscal year 2022, we recognized income of approximately $2.0 million compared to income of approximately $0.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, from our equity investment in Big River. Big River has interests in four ethanol production plants that shipped approximately 428 million gallons in the trailing twelve months ended April 30, 2022 and has an effective ownership of ethanol gallons shipped for the same period of approximately 371 million gallons. Big River’s operations also include agricultural elevators. Due to the inherent volatility of commodity prices within the ethanol industry, we cannot predict the likelihood of future operating results from Big River being similar to historical results.

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Interest and other income was approximately $174,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 versus approximately $43,000 for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. Interest income increased as yields on our excess cash increased in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

As a result of the foregoing, income before income taxes was approximately $8.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 versus approximately $10.2 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

Prior to the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the Company determined that small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate. Thus, the Company used a discrete effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes for the three months ended April 30, 2021. Beginning on November 18, 2021, we are unable to earn tax credit related to the refined coal business, and as such, have ceased operation of that business. As earning these credits is what had caused the significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate from small changes in estimated “ordinary” income and we have now classified the refined coal business as discontinued operations, we have returned to using the annual effective tax rate method to calculate the provision or benefit for income taxes from continuing operations beginning in the three and nine month periods ending October 31, 2021. Our income tax provision from continuing operations was approximately $1.8 million and approximately $2.2 million for the three months ended April 30, 2022 and 2021, respectively.

 

As a result of the foregoing, net income from continuing operations was approximately $7.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to approximately $8.0 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

Income from continuing operations related to noncontrolling interests was approximately $1.8 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 compared to $0.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. These amounts represent the other owners’ share of the income or loss of NuGen and One Earth. Noncontrolling interests related to the refined coal entity is included in discontinued operations.

 

As a result of the foregoing, net income attributable to REX common shareholders from continuing operations for the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 was approximately $5.2 million, a decrease of approximately $2.1 million from net income attributable to REX common shareholders from continuing operations of approximately $7.3 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021.

 

The Company ceased operation of its refined coal business as tax credits could no longer be earned on its operation beginning November 18, 2021. Beginning in the third quarter of fiscal year 2021, the results of the operation of the refined coal business have been recognized as discontinued operations. The refined coal business operated at a pre-tax loss but generated tax credits that normally exceeded the operating loss. There was no activity related to discontinued operations in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022. Net income attributable to REX common shareholders from discontinued operations, net of tax, for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021 was approximately $0.5 million.

 

Through its refined coal operation, the Company earned production tax credits pursuant to IRC Section 45. The credits can be used to reduce future income tax liabilities for up to 20 years. The income

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tax benefit generated from discontinued operations was $2.2 million for the three months ended April 30, 2021.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $17.7 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2022, compared to cash provided by operating activities of approximately $13.6 million for the first three months of fiscal year 2021. For the first three months of fiscal year 2022, cash was provided by net income from continuing operations of approximately $7.0 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $5.2 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, income from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision and stock based compensation expense. A decrease in the balance of accounts receivable provided cash of approximately $0.4 million, primarily a result of the timing of products shipped and the receipt of customer payments at One Earth and NuGen. Inventories increased by approximately $14.2 million, primarily a result of the timing of receipt of raw materials and the shipment of finished goods, as well as an increase in commodity prices. An increase in the balance of other assets of approximately $3.6 million primarily relates to changes in the carrying value of forward purchase contracts recorded at fair value. A decrease in the balance of refundable income taxes of approximately $0.6 million primarily relates to amount currently payable on income from the first three months of the fiscal year. A decrease in the balance of accounts payable used cash of approximately $13.2 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. An increase in the balance of other liabilities provided cash of approximately $0.1 million.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $13.6 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. For the first quarter of fiscal year 2021, cash was provided by net income from continuing operations of approximately $8.0 million, adjusted for non-cash items of approximately $7.9 million, which consisted of depreciation, amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets, income from equity method investments, interest income from short-term investments, the deferred income tax provision and stock based compensation expense. An increase in the balance of accounts receivable used cash of approximately $7.8 million, primarily a result of the timing of products shipped and the receipt of customer payments at One Earth and NuGen in addition to higher sales. Inventories decreased by approximately $11.2 million, primarily a result of the timing of receipt of raw materials and the shipment of finished goods. An increase in the balance of other assets of approximately $2.2 million primarily relates to increases in the carrying value of forward purchase contracts recorded at fair value as commodity price increased significantly during the first quarter of fiscal year 2021. A decrease in the balance of accounts payable used cash of approximately $0.7 million, which was primarily a result of the timing of inventory receipts and vendor payments. A decrease in the balance of other liabilities used cash of approximately $1.3 million, which was primarily a result of operating lease payments. Discontinued operations used cash of $1.5 million during the first quarter of 2021.

 

At April 30, 2022, working capital was approximately $304.0 million, compared to approximately $294.7 million at January 31, 2022. The ratio of current assets to current liabilities was 8.8 to 1 at April 30, 2022 and 6.8 to 1 at January 31, 2022.

 

Cash of approximately $142.8 million was used in investing activities for the first three months of fiscal year 2022, compared to approximately $0.9 million used during the first three months of fiscal year

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2021. During the first three months of fiscal year 2022, we had capital expenditures of approximately $1.5 million, primarily for improvements at the One Earth and NuGen facilities. We expect capital expenditures to be in the range of approximately $15.0 million to $20.0 million for the remainder of fiscal year 2022. During the first three months of fiscal year 2022, we purchased U.S. Treasury bonds short-term of approximately $161.6 million and certificates of deposit of approximately $20.3 million matured. The certificates of deposit and U.S Treasury bonds had maturities of less than one year and we classified as short-term investments. Depending on investment options available, we may elect to retain the funds, or a portion thereof, in cash investments, short-term investments or long-term investments.

 

Cash of approximately $0.9 million was used in investing activities for the first three months of fiscal year 2021. During the first three months of fiscal year 2021, we had capital expenditures of approximately $1.3 million, primarily for improvements at the One Earth and NuGen facilities. During the first three months of fiscal year 2021, we purchased certificates of deposit (classified as short-term investments) of approximately $25.9 million. During the first three months of fiscal year 2021, certificates of deposit (classified as short-term investments) of approximately $26.3 million matured.

 

Cash from financing activities was insignificant in both the first three months of fiscal year 2022 and 2021 from shares repurchased from noncontrolling interests holders. In addition, $68,000 was provided from discontinued operations in the first three months of 2021 from capital contributions from the minority investor.

 

We are investigating various uses for our excess cash and short-term investments. We have a stock buyback program, and given our current authorization level, can repurchase a total of approximately 449,000 shares at April 30, 2022. We typically repurchase our common stock when our stock price is trading at a price we deem to be a discount to the underlying value of our net assets. We plan to seek and evaluate various investment opportunities including ethanol and/or energy related, carbon sequestration related, agricultural or other ventures we believe fit our investment criteria.

 

The Company is working with the University of Illinois and is in the exploratory stage of a carbon sequestration project near the One Earth Energy ethanol plant. A test well has been drilled and three-dimensional seismic testing has been performed. We are working on simulation models to predict the movement of carbon dioxide injection into the subsurface, additional testing and completion of a class VI permit application. A front-end engineering design study has been completed for a carbon dioxide liquification facility for the One Earth Energy plant, and we plan to begin seeking bids once we have completed additional engineering work. At this time we do not know total cost to complete or the feasibility of the project.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

This Form 10-Q contains or may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements can be identified by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “expect,” “believe,” “estimate,” “anticipate” or “continue” or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Readers are cautioned that there are risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those referred to in such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth from time to

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time in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and include among other things: the effect of pandemics such as COVID-19 on the Company’s business operations, including impacts on supplies, demand, personnel and other factors, the impact of legislative and regulatory changes, the price volatility and availability of corn, distillers grains, ethanol, non-food grade corn oil, gasoline and natural gas, commodity market risk, ethanol plants operating efficiently and according to forecasts and projections, logistical interruptions, changes in the international, national or regional economies, the impact of inflation, the ability to attract employees, weather, results of income tax audits, changes in income tax laws or regulations, the impact of U.S. foreign trade policy, changes in foreign currency exchange rates and the effects of terrorism or acts of war. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements except as required by law. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements are set forth in Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2022 (File No. 001-09097).

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

We are exposed to the impact of market fluctuations associated with commodity prices as discussed below.

 

We manage a portion of our risk with respect to the volatility of commodity prices inherent in the ethanol industry by using forward purchase and sale contracts and exchange traded commodity futures contracts. Our exposure to market risk, which includes the impact of our risk management activities, is based on the estimated effect on pre-tax income starting on April 30, 2022 is as follows, assuming normal operating capacity (amounts in thousands):

 

Commodity  Estimated Total
Volume for
12 Months
   Unit of Measure  Decrease in Pre-tax
Income From a 10%
Adverse Change in Price
 
                
Ethanol   280,000   Gallons    $68,735   
Corn   100,000   Bushels    $69,667   
Distillers Grains   790   Tons    $16,360   
Non-food grade Corn Oil   79,000   Pounds    $4,566   
Natural Gas   7,400   MmBtu    $4,014   

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter 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 not party to any legal proceedings that we believe would, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes to the risk factors discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2022.

 

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

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits

 

The following exhibits are filed with this report:

 

  31 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications
     
  32 Section 1350 Certifications
     
101The following information from REX American Resources Corporation Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2022, formatted in iXBRL: (i) Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Equity, (iv) Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements.
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SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

REX American Resources Corporation

Registrant

 

Signature   Title   Date
         

/s/ Zafar A. Rizvi

(Zafar A. Rizvi)

  Chief Executive Officer and President
  (Chief Executive Officer)
  May 27, 2022
         

/s/ Douglas L. Bruggeman

(Douglas L. Bruggeman)

 

Vice President, Finance and Treasurer

  (Chief Financial Officer)

  May 27, 2022
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